Application of Assisted Natural Regeneration to Restore Degraded Tropical Forestlands

background

Assisted natural regeneration (ANR) has been proposed as an alternative restoration method that reduces the costs and scalability barriers of other restoration alternatives. This article describes the steps to applying ANR to disturbed ecosystems where forest succession processes have been halted by dominant grass or fern monocultures. 

conclusions & takeaways

ANR should be implemented when there are already tree seedlings growing on a site and they can be protected from fire, grazing, and illegal logging. The steps for successful ANR implementation in a grass-dominated ecosystem are: identifying desirable woody regeneration, liberating these seedlings from surrounding weeds or competition, suppressing weedy vegetation throughout the side, protection from disturbance, and possible enrichment planting.