New Scientific Study: Seven Affordable Ways to Regenerate Our Forests

High costs often stand in the way of large-scale forest restoration. That's why finding cost-effective methods that are ecologically and socially sound is crucial. A recent study conducted by scientists at ETH Zurich, alongside restoration practitioners from across the tropics, explored seven innovative restoration techniques that have shown to be successful at a local scale. When scaled up, these techniques have the potential to regenerate forests, woodlands, and mangroves rapidly. These techniques could be a game changer for the restoration community on Restor, helping drive large-scale ecological recovery. It is important to note that the promise of each of the seven approaches comes with specific benefits and trade-offs, and all must be tailored to local ecological and social conditions to ensure their success.

Seven Innovative Restoration Techniques

1. Mixed Plantings: Planting a high diversity of native tree species to improve productivity and function.

2. Economic Species: Integrating commercially valuable species, also known as cash crops, as a way to promote regeneration and provide income to local landholders – improving both biodiversity and economic outcomes.

3. Spatially Patterned Planting: Planting trees in clusters or selected strips across the landscape can reduce costs and enhance the diversity of habitat.

4. Alternative Revegetation: Using direct seeding, or in appropriate cases planting cuttings instead of seedlings, can cut costs and increase effectiveness.

5. Soil Microbiome: Adding live soil or live spores to planted tree seeds or seedlings has shown to accelerate the growth of plant biomass.

6. Biowaste: Integrating nutrient-rich agricultural waste, effluent/sewage, or compost has shown to catalyze restoration outcomes, repurposing otherwise unused waste.

7. Biochar: Integrating biochar (i.e., charcoal) into the soil has shown to promote soil health, even in very nutrient-poor soils, in turn increasing crop yields.

Featured Sites on Restor Using Cost-Effective Approaches

We bring to you real-world examples from our Restor community to showcase how cost-effective techniques can drive successful restoration efforts in diverse environments.

1. Black Jaguar Foundation, Brazil

   Black Jaguar Foundation utilizes direct seeding method for large-scale restoration of the Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado savanna. They have also established a seed network in collaboration with local farmers. Link to their site.

   
   

2. Forests By Heartfulness, India

   Kanha Farms use alternate revegetation and direct seeding, helping the soil remain fertile, and recycling nutrients to support crops for generations. Link to their site.

   
   

3. Diwo Ambiental, Costa Rica

   The Boruca community is restoring a culturally and ecologically significant site using nucleation, a method where tree clusters are planted to encourage natural regeneration. Link to their site.

Importantly, these methods have the potential to not only restore ecosystems but also benefit local communities. Integrating practices that boost local biodiversity have shown to improve soil health and increase crop yields, providing income for local farmers. We'd love to hear how they're helping in your restoration journey—share your experience with us at community@restor.eco.