Scientists Debunk Large-Scale Tree Planting Myths

Scientists propose 10 golden rules for large-scale tree planting, which should be the highest priority this decade.

Tree planting is one solution to tackling climate change and protect biodiversity. However, planting the wrong tree in the wrong place can do more harm, say experts from the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The 10 golden rules include prioritizing existing forests and getting locals involved.

State of Global Deforestation

Forests are severely essential to all lives on Earth.

These ecosystems are the habitats for roughly three-quarters of the global plant and animal population, provides food, medicine, and soaks up atmospheric carbon dioxide.

However, despite their indispensability, forests are fast disappearing. Roughly an area the size of Denmark or tropical forests are lost annually.

Dr. Paul Smith, a researcher on the study from the Botanic Gardens Conservation International, says, "Planting the right trees in the right place must be the top priority for all nations as we face a crucial decade in ensuring the future of our planet."

Forests cover roughly 31% of the global land area, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. More than half are found in only five major countries: United States, China, Canada, the Russian Federation, and Brazil.

Experts say that roughly 420 million hectares of forests have been lost since 1990 due to land conversion and the rate of deforestation despite its decline over the past few decades.

Large-Scale Tree Planting Efforts

Boris Johnson, the U.K Prime Minister, says he aims to plant about 30,000 hectares of new forest annually across the U.K by the end of his parliament.

Meanwhile, an African-led initiative to plant 8,048 kilometers of forest walls to combat the climate crisis is slated to be the largest living structure globally, over three times Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

10 Golden Rules of Tree Planting According to Scientists

In a study published in the Global Change Biology on January 25th, scientists laid out 10 golden rules for reforestation efforts to optimize carbon sequestration, livelihood benefits, and overall biodiversity recovery.

According to the study, there are cases where planned tree planting could not increase carbon capture while having adverse effects on local ecosystems.

First, Protect Existing Forests

Undamaged forests tend to soak up more carbon dioxide. That's why it should be a priority to keep existing forests in their original state.

Locals Should Be at the Heart of Tree-Planting

Several studies suggest that to increase the success of tee-planting projects, local communities must be involved especially since they have the most to gain.

Maximize Biodiversity

Reforestation should have several goals, including conservation efforts for local biodiversity.

Select the Right Reforestation Area

Tree-plantings should be in historically forested areas that have degraded.

Natural Forest Regrowth is Best

Letting trees naturally grow back is cheaper and more efficient than re-planting new trees.

Select Trees that Maximise Biodiversity

Experts suggest using a mixture of locally found trees to maximize biodiversity and eliminate invasive species.

Ensure Resilience of Trees to Climate Change

Use seeds and saplings that are suitable for local climate

Think Ahead

Plan to source seeds or trees while working alongside locals for economic and cultural growth.

Learn by Doing

Combine scientific and local knowledge. Small-scale trials should first take place before large-scale planting efforts.

Make it Pay

The sustainability of reforestation efforts rests on income sources for all stakeholders.

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