Combining ecological, social and technical criteria to select species for forest restoration

Background

This study explores the role of ecological, social and technical criteria in selecting species for restoration in highly diverse ecosystems such as tropical riparian forests. A criteria-based index can help identify target species for restoration.

Research goals & methods

The authors established a ‘species selection index’ (SSI) using five independent criteria related to ecological, social and technical information. SSI targeted species that (1) are important in the reference forest; (2) are less likely to establish following disturbance; (3) are not specific to a particular habitat; (4) are socially accepted; and (5) their propagation requires a reasonable time and financial investment. Per-species SSI ranges from 0-50. Out of a local pool of 97 species, 30 tree species were chosen that together represented >60% of total importance value index in the reference riparian forests. The SSI of these species averaged 28.3 ± 1.0, suggesting that species with high values are not frequent. Nearly half of the identified species showed technical constraints for propagation and seeding, while many of those that establish through natural regeneration had lower social value among local farmers.

Conclusions & takeaways

The proposed procedure is useful for selecting species to initiate forest restoration projects and of other woody ecosystems that harbor high biodiversity, and is suitable for multi-stakeholder restoration scenarios. The criteria and index used should be adapted to local circumstances.