Ill-judged Tree Planting in Africa Threatens Ecosystems, Scientists Warn
Research reveals area size of France is under threat by restoration projects taking place in unsuitable landscapes
Tree-planting Projects in Africa Putting Ecosystems at Risk
Scientists have issued a warning that misguided tree-planting projects in Africa are posing a threat to crucial ecosystems. Research has shown that forest restoration initiatives are taking place in inappropriate landscapes, with an area the size of France being affected.
One specific project, the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, plans to plant trees across 100 million hectares of land by 2030. However, scientists argue that this scheme involves planting trees in non-forest ecosystems like savannahs and grasslands, which could disrupt or destroy intact ecosystems.
The research also revealed that 52% of tree-planting projects in Africa are happening in savannahs, and almost 60% of these projects are using non-native tree species. This introduces the risk of invasive species being introduced to these ecosystems.
Misclassification of Grasslands as Forests Puts Ecosystems at Risk
The study also highlighted the misclassification of grassy ecosystems, including savannahs, as "forests". According to the current definition used by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, forests are areas of land with trees higher than 5 meters and tree canopy cover of at least 10%.
Under this definition, even open-spaced ecosystems like savannahs would be considered forests and eligible for reforestation. However, this misclassification could lead to misplaced reforestation efforts and the destruction of ancient grasslands.
Increasing the number of trees in savannahs can result in more canopy cover, reducing the amount of light that reaches the ground. This can have implications for wildlife, such as rhinos and wildebeest, as well as local communities who depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods.
Urgent Need for Revised Definitions and Assessments
The authors of the study emphasize the need for urgent action to avoid the irreparable loss of savannahs and grasslands. Kate Parr, a professor of tropical ecology at the University of Liverpool, stresses the importance of restoration efforts being appropriate for each ecosystem. Savannahs and other non-forest systems should not be confused with forests and should not be targeted for tree planting.
Dr. Nicola Stevens, a researcher in African environments at the University of Oxford, adds that the urgency of large-scale tree planting has led to inadequately assessed projects that may have minimal benefits in terms of carbon sequestration and could cause harm to ecosystems and communities.
In light of these findings, revising definitions and assessments to accurately classify ecosystems and prioritize suitable restoration strategies is crucial.
