Scientists address myths over large-scale tree planting
Related: Ten golden rules for reforestation to optimize carbon sequestration, biodiversity recovery and livelihood benefits (Global Change Biology)
______________________________________________________________________
Source: BBC
Scientists address myths over large-scale tree planting
By Helen Briggs
BBC Science correspondent
Published
26 January 2021
Scientists have proposed 10 golden rules for tree-planting, which they say must be a top priority for all nations this decade.
Tree planting is a brilliant solution to tackle climate change and protect biodiversity, but the wrong tree in the wrong place can do more harm than good, say experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The rules include protecting existing forests first and involving locals.
-snip-
All too often natural forests teeming with plants, animals and fungi are replaced by commercial plantations with row upon row of timber trees, which will be harvested after a few decades, she told BBC News.
"What we're trying to do is to encourage people, wherever possible, to try and recreate forests which are similar to the natural forests and which provide multiple benefits to people, the environment and to nature as well as capturing carbon."
The review of research, published in the journal Global Change Biology, found that in some cases, planned tree planting does not increase carbon capture and can have negative effects.
-snip-
Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-55795816