As forest restoration initiatives gain popularity around the world, it is important to highlight the opportunities and challenges in advancing these efforts in a socially inclusive manner, ensuring that local communities join in their design and benefits. The 17th international RRI Dialogue on Forests, Governance, and Climate change put forth a number of policy recommendations to advance indigenous and community tenure as a central part of forest restoration and green growth initiatives. The Dialogue, held on June 18 in Washington, DC was co-organized by IUCN in partnership with the Embassy of France.