Introducing the REPAIR framework for sustainable environmental restoration: Lessons from lake urmia, Iran

Abstract

Achieving long-term sustainability in environmental restoration requires integrating behavioral science into policy design, yet cognitive biases that shape agricultural decisions remain overlooked. This study introduces the REPAIR framework, a novel interdisciplinary approach that addresses these biases to improve water management strategies. Using a qualitative case study of 148 farmers in Mahabad, Iran, we apply a grounded theory approach to identify key biases—such as confirmation bias, status quo bias, and the bandwagon effect—that reinforce unsustainable irrigation practices and limit farmers' responsiveness to ecological risks. The REPAIR framework (Revenue, Experience, Participation, Availability, Insight, and Relationship) provides structured interventions, incorporating incentive structures, experiential learning, and collective action mechanisms. By integrating insights from Ostrom's Design Principles and behavioral decision-making theories, REPAIR enhances policy effectiveness in common-pool resource governance. This study underscores the necessity of embedding behavioral science into environmental restoration, offering a scalable, evidence-based tool for policymakers and conservation practitioners. To conclude, addressing cognitive biases is not just complementary to ecological restoration—it is fundamental to ensuring lasting environmental and socio-economic resilience.