Modeling, Goalsetting, and Frameworks
Effectiveness of community participation in Mangrove restoration: the evidence from northern Sri LankaBackgroundSri Lanka's mangroves, vital for protecting coastlines and supporting biodiversity, have been heavily damaged by human activities. After the 2004 tsunami, the government recognized mangroves as natural barriers against ocean surges and initiated restoration efforts involving community participation. Local organizations have mobilized people to help restore mangroves, but the outcomes of these efforts remain unclear. In the war-affected northern region, the government has focused on community-based restoration, but it's uncertain whether these communities have the motivation or resources to participate fully. Open access copy available |
Monitoring of large-scale forest restoration: Evidence of vegetation recovery and reversing chronic ecosystem degradation in the mountain region of PakistanBACKGROUND:Global forest area has decreased by 4.2% over the past three decades, highlighting the urgent need for effective restoration efforts. In response, Pakistan launched the Billion Tree Tsunami Afforestation Program (BTAP) in 2014 to restore depleted forest ecosystems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province through extensive afforestation and community involvement. This study evaluates the success of BTAP in reversing forest degradation by analyzing satellite imagery and vegetation growth trends from 2014 to 2021. Available with subscription or purchase |
20th-Century hurricanes leave long-lasting legacies on tropical forest height and the abundance of a dominant wind-resistant palmBACKGROUND:Open access copy available |
El aumento de la deforestación en la cuenca del río Madre de Dios, Amazonía peruana, incrementaría la escorrentía superficial y la concentración de sedimentoBackgroundEn la Amazonía sudeste del Perú, se encuentra la cuenca del río Madre de Dios, uno de los focos de biodiversidad mundial. Sin embargo, la alta tasa de deforestación en la cuenca del río Madre de Dios genera una gran preocupación pues la cobertura vegetal es de vital importancia en la conservación de los ríos y suelos. En ausencia de la cobertura vegetal, la precipitación impacta directamente en el suelo y la cantidad de agua que no puede ser infiltrada discurre a través de arroyos definidos por la topografía de la cuenca. Open access copy available |
Global restoration opportunities in tropical rainforest landscapeBackground:The identification of restoration opportunities, focusing on areas with both high potential for socioenvironmental benefits and feasibility for restoration, emerges as a crucial tool in meeting the ambitious restoration commitments set for the near future. Recognizing these opportunities can be integrated with other decision-making factors to establish priorities for the implementation and financing of the global restoration agenda. Open access copy available |
Mapping tree species vulnerability to multiple threats as a guide to restoration and conservation of tropical dry forestsBackground:The global biodiversity crisis is exacerbated by anthropogenic threats such as climate change, habitat conversion, and overexploitation. Evaluating the susceptibility of ecosystems and species to these threats is imperative for strategic and cost-effective planning of restoration and conservation efforts. Available with subscription or purchase |
Deforestation-Induced Climate Change Reduces Carbon Storage in Remaining Tropical ForestsBackground:Deforestation of tropical forests alters the biophysical properties of the forest's surface, which contributes to regional warming and drying. These environmental changes, in turn, could impact non-degraded forests, reducing the rates of photosynthesis and increasing the release of carbon through autotrophic respiration, as well as the risk of a wildfire. Consequently, it is important to improve the accuracy of carbon and climate benefits of a land management action (e.g., avoided deforestation) to enable a more effective valuation of the carbon credits issued for a specific project. Open access copy available |
Optimal restoration for pollination services increases forest cover while doubling agricultural profitsBackgroundIn the midst of a global biodiversity crisis and a rapidly expanding food demand, improving agricultural techniques is a high priority. Pollinators are at the forefront of this restoration goal partially due to their rapid decline in population, and also their crucial role in food production. 75% of globally common food depends on pollinators. Though improving agriculture is important, it is also expensive and risky for land owners. A framework is needed to determine best arrangements and practices for sustainable agriculture. Open access copy available |
A standard framework for assessing the costs and benefits of restoration: introducing The Economics of Ecosystem RestorationBackgroundPolicy behind restoration projects and efforts is stronger than ever before, however the funding and financial structure to keep these efforts going is drastically underdeveloped. Ecological restoration finance is not usually in the expertise of restoration practitioners and communities, thus requiring those people to bring in someone with that expertise for aid. The authors emphasize that restoration projects are long-term investments and therefore a better financial understanding is needed to properly plan and execute those projects. Better understanding the costs and benefits of restoration will help gain easier access to financial support. Available with subscription or purchase |
Selecting tree species to restore forest under climate change conditions: Complementing species distribution models with field experimentationBackgroundClimate-based species distribution models are used as a strategy to decide on optimal tree species for forest restoration projects. The criteria in these models is based on species performance in local climates. The limitation of species distribution models is that they do not include recruitment. Including the species successful reproduction, recruitment and growth at an early stage is vital for successful reforestation efforts. In addition, the models are not calibrated to take into account future climatic conditions, making it difficult to plan long-term restoration projects. Available with subscription or purchase |
