Assisted Natural Regeneration
Ecological restoration success is higher for natural regeneration than for active restoration in tropical forestsbackgroundThis meta-analysis of 133 studies challenges the widely-held notion that active restoration methods are more effective at ecosystem restoration and hold higher conservation value than natural regeneration. Given the vast commitments for ecosystem restoration across the globe, and the high cost, effort, and resources needed for these commitments, this study proposes that increasing use of natural regeneration and assisted natural regeneration is necessary to achieve these commitments. Open access copy available |
Natural regeneration as a tool for large‐scale forest restoration in the tropics: prospects and challengesbackgroundThis article is a review of natural regeneration in the context of large-scale forest restoration in the tropics. The article provides case studies of successful natural regeneration, pointing out the side benefits of genetic adaptation, traditionally-used species, and local biodiversity. These features also bring greater ecosystem resilience. Open access copy available |
Restoration of Degraded Tropical Forest LandscapesBackgroundDeforestation and the declining extent of tropical forests has negatively impacted ecosystem functions, services, and goods and has disproportionately harmed the rural poor of tropical countries. In the wake of deforestation, agricultural development and traditional methods of reforestation (plantations) have largely failed to provide sustainable livelihoods. This review article assesses the strengths and weaknesses of different tropical restoration methods to combat forest degredation and address rural poverty. Open access copy available |
The Potential for Species Conservation in Tropical Secondary ForestsBackgroundThe importance of tropical secondary forests for conserving biodiversity increases with the degradation of old-growth forests, yet little is known about the role that these forests play in promoting biodiversity. Geospatial and temporal factors influence the role of secondary forests in species conservation, and this synthesis of case studies evaluates the significance of these factors on regional and landscape scales. Open access copy available |
Secondary Forest Regeneration under Fast-Growing Forest Plantations on Degraded Imperata cylindrica GrasslandsBackgroundThis study compares the regeneration of native tree species under the canopy of tree plantations, riverine areas, and uncultivated grassland areas in the Riam Kiwa plantation area of South Kalimantan, Indonesia. This area has a distinct dry season and deeply weathered, acidic soils, and is considered good for forest plantations. Available with subscription or purchase |
Fiche technique - Comment régénérer naturellement une forêt en Côte d’Ivoire? (Technical Paper: How to naturally regenerate a forest in Ivory Coast?)The authors lists several challenges and barriers of successful natural regeneration in the Ivory Coast. They then present natural regeneration strategies for the region.
Open access copy available |
Stakeholders and Tropical Reforestation: Challenges, Trade-Offs, and Strategies in Dynamic EnvironmentsBackgroundThe authors recognize that reforestation efforts require trade-offs, yet they claim that successful efforts requires stakeholder engagement beyond the planning stages and the acknowledgement that stakeholder dynamics, interests, and roles change over time. To support this claim, the authors first do a relevant literature review and then the examine a single case study of a multi-stakeholder workshop in Mexico. Open access copy available |
Evaluation of Natural Regeneration and Tree species diversity in Miombo woodlands in MalawibackgroundThis study seeks to determine the best management practices for the miombo woodland in Chongoni Forest Reserve, Malawi. Research Goals & MethodsThe authors used plots with four silvicultural practices-complete coppice, coppice with standard, selective thinning, and a control plot-to determine which method would have the best outcome for tree species diversity and natural regeneration of trees. Open access copy available |
Rebuilding Resilience in the Sahel: Regreening in the Maradi and Zinder Regions of NigerbackgroundThroughout the late twentieth century, the societies and ecosystems of the Nigerian Sahel region has experienced increased vulnerability to economic and climatic uncertainty, yet forests have been able to rebound. This study seeks to describe the factors that contributed to the successful reforestation of the Sahel, especially the Maradi and Zinder regions. Open access copy available |
Scaling Up Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration in Africa to Restore Degraded LandscapesBackgroundProtecting and managing natural regeneration of woody species on‐farm can help create new agroforestry parklands as well as promote natural regeneration off‐farm. Increasing the number of trees on farms as well as off‐farm is important in the context of accelerated climate change and ambitious pledges to restore degraded forestland. This study examines large-scale agroforestry parklands in three African countries. Available with subscription or purchase |
