Mapping the rights‐implementation gap in Forest Landscape Restoration: evidence from Mexico

Introduction The inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) is central to international agendas. Yet, the understanding of how national frameworks operationalize this principle through concrete mechanisms for IPLC participation and rights recognition remains limited. Mexico exemplifies this issue: despite 60% of forests under community management and commitments to restore 8.4 million hectares by 2030, very few restoration projects report meaningful community involvement. Objectives This study determines: (1) the extent to which existing policies align with core FLR principles; (2) how these policies incorporate mechanisms for meaningful IPLC inclusion and rights recognition; and (3) what barriers and opportunities constrain or facilitate policy translation into practice. Methods We assessed 24 Mexican policies (1988–2024) using two complementary indices: an FLR alignment index measuring adherence to eight core restoration principles, and an IPLC inclusion index ranging from exclusion to full autonomy in decision‐making. We followed these with a thematic analysis of policy content to identify barriers and opportunities constraining or facilitating policy‐to‐practice translation. Results Policies demonstrated strong alignment with FLR principles: landscape focus, ecological functionality, multiple benefits, and local adaptation. However, although all policies recognized stakeholder involvement in principle, IPLC inclusion in decision‐making remained severely constrained: only four documents positioned IPLCs as equal collaborators, one granted community leadership, and one provided full autonomy. Conclusions Mexican restoration policy recognizes FLR principles but lacks institutional mechanisms to operationalize meaningful IPLC participation. This gap between international standards and national implementation reflects deeper institutional and governance constraints, underscoring the need for structural changes for equitable and effective restoration.