Science Task Force Paper Spotlight: How to effectively integrate tropical restoration and conservation approaches

In the paper "Towards more effective integration of tropical forest restoration and conservation," Dr. Chazdon examines how to more effectively integrate the complementary goals of conservation and restoration of tropical forests and argues for a greater alignment between those two efforts, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach that considers both ecological and social factors to achieve long-term sustainability. Dr. Chazdon also argues that the forest transition model can provide a useful framework for understanding the relative importance of forest conservation and restoration interventions in different regions. The forest transition model describes changes in forest cover as societies undergo industrialisation and urbanisation and postulates a pattern in which, initially, these transition dynamics lead to deforestation, but given various factors (economic, changes in energy sources, state policies, etc.), it is followed by a phase of forest recovery.

Conservation and restoration efforts should not be seen as separate activities, but rather as complementary parts of a larger landscape management strategy that aims to maintain and restore key ecological processes and enhance human well-being, while minimising biodiversity loss. This is especially important for addressing the complex challenges of deforestation and forest degradation in tropical regions. However, harmonising conservation and restoration presents serious challenges for forest policy in tropical countries, particularly regarding the use and management of secondary forests, fallow vegetation, and forests degraded by logging and fire. 

Overall, Dr. Chazdon emphasises the importance of a more nuanced approach to tropical forest restoration, one that considers the ecological, social, and economic factors involved in achieving long-term sustainability.

Chazdon, R. L. 2019. Towards more effective integration of tropical forest restoration and conservation Biotropica 51:463-472

This blog is part of a series developed by UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’s IUCN-led Science Task Force (STF). The blog series aims to highlight papers and resources relevant to the UN Decade and ecosystem restoration practitioners. Opinions expressed in these papers are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IUCN or a consensus of its Member organisations.