Policy Coherence in Sustainable Development: Aligning Forest Restoration Goals with Indigenous Rights in Mexico's Governance Framework

Forest landscape restoration (FLR) has emerged as a critical global sustainability challenge, addressing climate change and biodiversity loss while intersecting with indigenous peoples and local communities' (IPLCs) rights. This study examines how existing IPLC land rights policies in Mexico align with FLR frameworks, offering insights into the complexities of implementing global sustainability initiatives at the national level.

We analysed 24 key policies spanning 1988-2024, developing novel indices for IPLC inclusion and FLR alignment. Our findings reveal significant governance gaps: while 22 policies mention IPLCs, only 3 grant them substantial decision-making autonomy. FLR alignment scores averaged 19.5 out of 24, indicating strong incorporation of FLR principles but exposing weaknesses in adaptive management (1.93/3) and local adaptation strategies (2.14/3).

Key governance challenges include limited inter-governmental coordination (20 policies) and over-reliance on institutional capacity (18 policies). These issues contribute to fragmented implementation of FLR initiatives and inconsistent approaches to IPLC engagement. Additionally, 12 policies struggle to balance economic development with conservation goals, particularly in IPLC areas where livelihoods are forest-dependant.

We propose establishing a cross-sectoral FLR coordination body within the National Forestry Program and revising the Agrarian Law to include specific provisions for protecting IPLC land rights in restoration efforts. We also recommend developing mechanisms for integrating traditional ecological knowledge into restoration strategies and creating flexible funding mechanisms to support long-term, community-led restoration efforts.

This research highlights the intricate relationship between global sustainability goals, national policy frameworks, and local rights. It demonstrates the need for adaptive governance mechanisms that can bridge policy aspirations and practical implementation, adding evidence that support that global initiatives like FLR are effectively localized while respecting IPLC rights. Our findings contribute to broader discussions on multi-level governance of sustainability challenges, offering lessons that may inform policy alignment and implementation strategies for FLR and other global environmental initiatives beyond Mexico.