Good forest conservation and restoration work can deliver positive social and environmental impacts. If conducted improperly, they can have negative impacts.
Given the growing global interest in tree planting, it’s important to know that planting is just one type of forest restoration and is often used when more natural processes are not feasible.
Overall, good forest restoration involves local people, uses the best methods for the location (not necessarily planting), helps address the drivers of forest loss and degradation, and monitors efforts to make sure the restored forest thrives. It’s not only about having more trees in the ground, but a sustainable forest for the future.
It’s also important to remember that protecting existing forests is vital to solving these challenges – and as complex systems no amount of restoration can bring back what is lost forever.
A high total score through the Trillion Trees Guide to Investing in Forest Restoration does not imply or guarantee a higher quality project, but suggests that the project has the potential to deliver positive impacts for people, nature, and the climate system.