How Restorative Forestry is Helping to Save Ecosystems

By Jack Shaw

When the topics of combating climate change and restoring the planet’s health arise, most people turn to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and minimizing waste. You may not initially consider that one of the most powerful tools for these efforts is something as old as Earth itself—forests.

Forests are essential in regulating the climate, providing habitats for countless species, and purifying the air and water on which people, animals, and plants depend. However, deforestation and degradation continue to destroy these vital ecosystems at an alarming rate.

This is where restorative forestry — an approach that focuses on planting trees and nurturing entire ecosystems back to health — comes into play.

What is Restorative Forestry?

Unlike traditional forestry, which often involves planting trees in bulk, restorative forestry goes the extra mile by concentrating on the entire ecosystem’s health. Rather than focusing on growing as many trees as possible, it aims to rebuild forest cover that can support complex webs of life, improve air quality, stabilize soils, and capture carbon.

Imagine a forest damaged by overlogging, wildfire, or disease. Restorative forestry would assess its original condition and implement strategies that promote the forest’s natural recovery and create optimal conditions for diverse species to thrive.

The sole purpose of restoration is to repair green landscapes in ways that support long-term stability for both the planet and the organisms relying on these ecosystems.

Why Restorative Forestry Matters

Forests cover nearly a third of the Earth’s surface, but deforestation and forest degradation are shrinking this essential resource. When forests are removed or damaged, the effects ripple outward, impacting carbon cycles, water supplies, weather patterns, and the habitats of nearly half of the earth’s land-based animals.

Climate change, wildfires, and unsustainable logging practices have degraded forests worldwide, leaving vulnerable ecosystems in critical need of support. In 2023 alone, the planet lost 3.7 million hectares of forests.

Without trees, these regions lose their ability to absorb precipitation. When it rains, they experience flooding and erosion, causing further environmental degradation.

Thanks to restorative forestry, these biosystems are rebuilt in a way that makes them more resilient to the challenges they face.

Restorative Forestry: A Pathway to Healing Landscapes and Ecosystems

A key benefit of restorative forestry is its holistic approach. When executed correctly, this strategy benefits individual forest patches and positively impacts biodiversity and local communities.

Moreover, rehabilitated forestlands are often more resilient to the effects of climate change, making them an indispensable weapon in the fight against rising temperatures and extreme weather.

Restorative forestry relies on several science-backed techniques to rehabilitate degraded forests and promote ecosystem resilience. These include the following.

Native Species Reintroduction

One of the fundamental practices in restorative forestry is replanting multiple native species instead of monocultures. Planting a diverse range of indigenous trees and plants helps rebuild the area’s natural biodiversity, create habitats for wildlife, and strengthen the ecosystem’s resilience to diseases, pests, and climate change.

This approach mimics the forest’s natural makeup. A well-restored forest becomes a haven for birds, mammals, and countless other species, all contributing to a balanced and thriving ecosystem.

Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR)

Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) encourages regrowth by protecting young, naturally occurring seedlings and saplings from disturbances. This method involves removing invasive species, controlling weeds, and protecting young plants from grazing, fire, or human interference.

ANR helps forests recover faster than active planting-based methods, as it leverages the land’s natural regeneration capacity.

Controlled Burns

While it may seem counterintuitive, controlled or prescribed burning can be essential in restorative forestry. By carefully managing low-intensity fires, forest managers reduce underbrush and invasive plants, replenish soil nutrients, and stimulate the germination of certain native species that depend on fire for reproduction.

Controlled burning helps create a balanced ecosystem and reduces the risk of more destructive, uncontrolled wildfires.

Soil Rehabilitation

Healthy soil is essential for successful forest restoration. Most degraded land soil lacks the nutrients and structure necessary to support new growth.

Restorative forestry techniques include adding organic matter, like compost or mulch, to improve soil quality. In some cases, biochar — charcoal used as a soil amendment — is introduced to boost carbon storage and microbial activity in the soil, further aiding tree growth.

Water and Erosion Management

Water is a critical component of forest health, so techniques to manage water flow and curb soil erosion are necessary. Strategies may include constructing terraces, building small check dams, and planting ground cover to stabilize soil. Properly managing water resources ensures that young trees receive adequate moisture and nutrients, helping them establish roots more effectively.

Case Studies: Success Stories in Restorative Forestry

Across the globe, there are inspiring examples of restorative forestry in action:

Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

After decades of deforestation that reduced the 142 million hectares (ha) of forest cover by 90%, Brazil’s Atlantic Forest is being brought back to life.

Organizations have implemented restorative forestry by planting native species and creating wildlife corridors. As stipulated by the Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact, Brazil aims to restore up to 15 million hectares by 2050. These efforts are gradually restoring a vibrant, biodiverse landscape even as research bodies continue to propose sustainable adjustments to existing restorative processes, such as minimizing meat consumption, that would better support local wildlife and community activities.

The Great Green Wall in Africa

The Great Green Wall is a collaborative project spanning several countries. The goal is to reclaim over 100 million hectares of land and cover 8,000 km across the Sahel region by 2030.

By focusing on drought-resistant species and land management, the project has turned almost 18 million ha of barren land into productive ecosystems, offering a lifeline for communities affected by desertification.

Forests in the United States

In the U.S., organizations like The Nature Conservancy are applying restorative forestry techniques to rebuild ecosystems affected by logging, wildfire, and climate change. By focusing on long-term forest health rather than short-term gains, these efforts are creating resilient forests that can adapt to future environmental stresses.

How You Can Support Restorative Forestry

Supporting restorative forestry doesn’t require you to be out planting trees every weekend. Here are ways anyone interested in sustainability can contribute:

> Advocate for policy changes: Policies that promote sustainable forest management and protect old-growth forests are essential. Support environmental organizations lobbying for stronger forest protection laws.

> Support reputable conservation organizations: Many groups dedicate themselves to restorative forestry projects worldwide. Donating to these organizations or volunteering your time can support their efforts in resuscitating degraded forests.

> Be a conscious consumer: Many everyday products, from paper to furniture, are sourced from forests. Opt for products certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This ensures that wood and paper products come from responsibly managed forests.

> Spread awareness: Share information about restoring forest landscapes with others. The more people understand its importance, the more likely it is to gain support and funding on a larger scale.

Restorative forestry isn’t a quick fix but a long-term investment in the planet’s health. It’s paving the way for a future where forests are restored but thrive in balance with human and ecological needs.

Jack Shaw is the senior editor of the men’s lifestyle magazine Modded and has written extensively about electric vehicles, sustainable practices, and maintaining a green lifestyle through your everyday actions. His writing can be found in Green Living Journal, Packaging Digest, EcoHotels, and more. Connect with him via his LinkedIn.