Reforestation: Conclusions and Implications

Background

As the final chapter of the Reforesting Landscapes: Linking Pattern and Process (2010), this paper evaluates and reflects on the major research findings of the volume. It utilizes the case studies in preceeding chapters to evaluate commonalities in reforestation and to develop an interdisciplinary framework for future studies on reforestation. 

Goals & Methods

This paper aims to identify processes and drivers of reforestation that are distinct in certain contexts and shared in multiple situations while also connecting disciplines to study these processes and drivers. To do so, the authors utilize case studies in the volume along with FAO data to both evaluate reforestation and develop a typology of forest change. They also use the research findings in the volume to evaluate the effectiveness of differing approaches to reforestation. 

Conclusions & TakeAways

The authors explain that the main drivers of reforestation presented are linked to the Forest Transition Theory: that economic development and food scarcity are pathways for reforestation.  Yet, they assert that this theory does not explain all areas of reforestation, especially plantation and agroforestry versions of reforestation. The paper conclude with a call to increase research in large scale forest change that advises and complement the reforestation components of reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) programs.