The current UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) is leading to a plethora or tree planting initiatives around the globe. Who decides where to plant trees, which tree species, with whom, on whose land and who maintains them, are important governance questions in the context of these initiatives. Yet attention to governance remains poorly integrated in practical forest restoration initiatives. Guidelines and practice continue to emphasise ecological and biophysical dimensions over human and political ones. This project aims to improve integration of governance dimensions in forest restoration implementation.