Using Plantations to Catalyze Tropical Forest Restoration

Background

The article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of tropical forest restoration via monoculture tree plantation, using exotic species. The research references Parratto, Turnbull and Jones (1997) and five other specific articles from different regions that have prescribed different treament methods, with particular interest in the monoculture tree plantation, using exotic species, treatment option. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

The article highlights Colombia, Puerto Rico, China, Malawi and India.  Colombia and Puerto Rico prescribes monoculture tree plantation, using native species; China prescribes monoculture tree plantation, using exotic species; and Malawi and India prescribed mixed species plantations.  All treatments were successful, but the article emphasizes the difference site specifics as the reason for the treatments. The conclusion was that every site is different and as a manager, you must come up with the best strategy for restoration, and sometimes that might be monculture tree plantation, using exotic species, native species or a mix.