1. Introduction Ecosystem-Specific Tools and Technologies Coastal/Marine

Restoration of Natural Broad-leaved Woodland in Central Europe on Sites with Coniferous Forest Plantations

In conclusion, decisions regarding extensive or intensive management, aiming at the conversion of coniferous plantations into natural broad-leaved forests, can be made following observation of the natural regeneration processes in the present-day stands. By utilising the natural regeneration processes and by applying only a few controlling silvicultural measures, a low-energy and cost-effective conversion of the forests can be accomplished.

Implementing agencies, practitioners

Zerbe, S. (2002) Restoration of Natural Broad-leaved Woodland in Central Europe on Sites with Coniferous Forest Plantations. Forest Ecology and Management 167(1-3): 27-42.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112701006867

Forests/Woodlands>Ethiopia
Restoration of Degraded Secondary Forest with Native Species: A Case Study in the Highland of Ethiopia

Ethiopia is losing a significant cover of natural forest every day owing to deforestation, yet surprisingly little field-based information exists on the ecological requirements and silvicultural strategies for the majority of the native species, which could be translated into plans for conservation and restoration. A study was conducted in Munessa Dry afromontane forest to evaluate the contribution of silvicultural options for sustainable management and conservation of forest resources in the highlands of Ethiopia. Therefore, by strategically planting native tree species on suitable target areas with desired spatial configuration, the maximum potential of natural conditions could be captured and secondary forests could be restored.

Implementing agencies, practitioners, indigenous and local communities

Girma, A., R. Mosandl, H. El Kateb and F. Masresha (2010) Restoration of Degraded Secondary Forest with Native Species: A Case Study in the Highland of Ethiopia. Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research 25(8): 86-91.

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02827581.2010.485769

Ecological Restoration and Church Forests in Northern Ethiopia

For the church forests studied we may conclude that (a) diversity and forest area protected are important, (b) each church forest fragment has its own unique species composition, (c) they harbour good wood stock compared to some of the natural state forests, (d) population structures suggest at least two major types of plants: species able to regenerate in the forest understory and species with difficulties to reproduce, (e) church traditions to conserve forest resources: tree seeds collection, traditional medicine and contemplation are permitted, while collection of fuel wood, construction wood and fodder are forbidden for the community, and (f) there is a high respect and trust of the local community with respect to the church organisation and their activities and rules. These results can be used as points of departure for restoration of the church forests themselves as well as for restoration of areas surrounding these forests.

Implementing agencies, indigenous and local communities

Bongers, F., A. Wassie, F.J. Sterck, T. Bekele and D. Teketay (2006): Ecological restoration and church forests in northern Ethiopia. Journal of the Drylands 1(1): 35-44.

http://www.metafro.be/Members/rafaerts/JDrylands/Vol1(1)-2006/JD11_35-44.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Ghana
Assessment of Forest Degradation by Local Communities: The Case Study of Ghana

The rate of forest degradation is continuously increasing throughout Ghana. To mitigate the effect of degradation, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) funded a project to rehabilitate some degraded forests with the collaboration of local communities. Due to resource constraints, three sites were to be selected from five potential sites Asukese, Bonsam Bepo, Southern Scarp, Afrensu Brohuma and Pamu Berekum within three forest ecological zones on the basis of perceived rates of degradation. Thus to select the final three areas for the project, assessment was done using indicators developed collaboratively with the local communities based on their experience on what had been the state of the forest before degradation as well as how their livelihoods have been impacted because of degradation.

Indigenous and local communities, implementing agencies

Blay, D., F.D. Dwomoh and L. Damnyag (2009) Assessment of Forest Degradation by Local Communities: The Case Study of Ghana. FAO Forest Resources Assessment Working Paper 160.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/k7179e/k7179e00.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>India

Forest Restoration and Armed Conflicts: Challenges and Policy Options for India

Forest restoration need not be an unmixed blessing in practice. Due to both foreseen and unforeseen factors restored forests can turn into hot-beds of armed conflict thus defeating the very purpose for which they were raised. Amongst many developing countries with such bad experience is India which is facing bitter conflicts in its forested areas. The focus of the paper is to understand the impacts of the conflict on forest restoration practices and forest management and to suggest ideas towards bettering participatory forest management. Strengthening of socio-economic position and livelihoods of local communities and their empowerment is a much larger issue and should be a pre-requisite for forest restoration strategies. Neglect of local communities and their livelihoods can only endanger restored forest areas and add to their vulnerability and hence make such areas vulnerable to divisive forces. Timely interventions, continuous assessments, reflection, stock-taking and monitoring are also crucial for reforested areas.

Policymakers

Mukherjee, N. and M. Parihari (2010) Forest restoration and armed conflicts: Challenges and Policy Options for India. Proceedings of the 18th Commonwealth Forestry Conference, Edinburgh.

http://www.cfc2010.org/papers/session13/Mukherjee-s13.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Indonesia

Forest Rehabilitation in Indonesia: Where to after Three Decades?

Rehabilitation activities in Indonesia have a long-history of more than three decades, implemented in more than 400 locations. Successful projects are characterised by the active involvement of local people, and the technical intervention used tailored to address the specific ecological causes of degradation that concern local people. However, sustaining the positive impacts beyond the project time is still the biggest challenge. Rehabilitation efforts have been lagging behind the increasing rates of deforestation and land degradation. This has been largely due to the complexities of the driving factors causing the degradation, which neither projects nor have other government programmes been able to simultaneously address.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

English, Bahasa Indonesia

Nawir, A.A. (2007) Forest rehabilitation in Indonesia: where to after three decades? Bogor, Indonesia: Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR).

http://www.cifor.org/nc/online-library/browse/view-publication/publication/2274.html

Prioritization of Target Areas for Rehabilitation: A Case Study from West Kalimantan, Indonesia

To rehabilitate degraded forestlands and conserve the remaining forests in Kalimantan, effective measures are needed that accommodate various land uses in the landscape. We present a pragmatic model for prioritizing target areas for rehabilitation and discuss a potential approach, combining traditional reforestation and the forest management methods of local Dayak tribes with the operations of a commercial tree plantation venture, to promote the rehabilitation of elements of the tropical lowland rainforest.

Implementing agencies, indigenous and local communities

Marjokorpi, A. and R. Otsamo (2006) Prioritization of Target Areas for Rehabilitation: A Case Study from West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Restoration Ecology 14(4): 662-673.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1526-100X.2006.00178.x/full

Forests/Woodlands>Mexico
Restauración de Ecosistemas Forestales: Guía Básica para Comunicadores

La presente guía para comunicadores sobre Restauración de ecosistemas forestales contiene los conceptos básicos para comprender la complejidad de las acciones que inciden en la recuperación de las funciones ecosistémicas, las estrategias para lograrlo, la operación actual de las tareas de restauración, así como algunos casos que dan ejemplo de los resultados que se pueden alcanzar en esta materia.

Policymakers

Comisión Nacional Forestal (2009) Restauración de Ecosistemas Forestales: Guía Básica para Comunicadores. Zapopan, Jalisco, México.

http://www.conafor.gob.mx:8080/documentos/docs/7/579Restauraci%C3%B3n%20de%20ecosistemas%20forestales.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Mongolia
Forest Resources Degradation Accounting in Mongolia

The results of this study show that forest degradation has increased from year to year during the entire study period. This is due to expansion of economic activity and increased global climate change impact for the forest ecosystem. The changes of forest degradation have been integrated with macroeconomic indicators of socio-economic development of the country. This study shows how degradation of resources can be analyzed in terms of future loss of goods and services in terms of indicators of monetary value. This may link physical degradation with economic indicators for sustainable development.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

Ykhanbai, H. (2009) Forest Resources Degradation Accounting in Mongolia. FAO Forest Resources Assessment Working Paper 176.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/k8596e/k8596e00.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Nepal
Forest Degradation in Nepal: Review of Data and Methods

This paper aims to review the past forest resource assessments, methodologies and findings on forest degradation. The study observed that differentiation on forest quality was recognized since the first forest resources assessment in the early 1960s. Similarly, all forest resource assessments have identified criteria and indicators for capturing forest degradation. Forest degradation has been understood as reduction in production capacity of commercial timber volume. Change in tree canopy cover was used as a key criterion in assessments. Degradation was assessed through canopy closure, tree density, regeneration capacity, stand maturity, lopping, species dominancy, grazing, and soil surface erosion. The assessment methodologies include field survey, satellite images, aerial photography, ground checks or a combination of these. Finally the paper concludes by offering potential methods for assessing forest degradation in Nepal.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

Acharya, K.P. and R.B. Dangi (2009) Forest degradation in Nepal: review of data and methods. FAO Forest Resources Assessment Working Paper 163.

http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/k7608e/k7608e00.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Philippines
One Century of Forest Rehabilitation in the Philippines: Approaches, Outcomes and Lessons

The main objective of the study and this volume is to enhance the success and sustainability of forest rehabilitation efforts in the Philippines, with enhanced production of forest goods and services and positive outcomes for local communities by: 1) Assessing the characteristics and outcomes of past rehabilitation efforts, 2) Identifying and disseminating the most promising approaches that could sustainably supply the targeted goods and environmental services, while benefiting local communities, and 3) Determining the enabling factors and actions different stakeholders must undertake to move forward.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

Chokkalingam, U., A.P. Carandang, J.M. Pulhin, R.D. Lasco, R.J.J. Peras and T. Toma (eds.) (2006) One century of forest rehabilitation in the Philippines: approaches, outcomes and lessons. Bogor, Indonesia: Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR).

http://www.cifor.org/publications/pdf_files/Books/Bchokkalingam0605.pdf
Forests/Woodlands>Southeast Asia
Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest Ecosystems in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam: An Overview
The ultimate purpose of this work and future IUCN initiatives is to assist stakeholders in the lower Mekong countries to develop and implement ecologically and socio-economically sound forest rehabilitation policies and practices. The intentions of this report are to provide an overview and broad assessment of relevant forest policy and practices, and to encourage discussion among key decision-makers about preferred principles and criteria for guiding future forest rehabilitation programmes.

Policymakers

Gilmour, D.A., N. Van San and X. Tsechalicha (2000) Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest Ecosystems in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam: An Overview. WWF International.
http://assets.panda.org/downloads/lowermekongregionaloverview.pdf
Improving Forest Governance in the Mekong Region, Volume 1

This report identifies opportunities for regional activities to improve forest governance in the Mekong countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar. The major objective of the proposed activities is to combat illegal logging and associated trade and improve forest governance in these countries. Doing so will contribute to improving livelihoods and economic development that rely on the long-term responsible and legal management of the region’s forest resources.

Policymakers

Program on Forests (PROFOR) (2011) Improving Forest Governance in the Mekong Region, Volume 1. Working Paper. The World Bank, Washington DC.

http://www.profor.info/profor/sites/profor.info/files/docs/WorkingPaper-Mekong-Vol1-final.pdf
Forests/Woodlands>Uganda

Intensive Tree Planting Facilitates Tropical Forest Biodiversity and Biomass Accumulation in Kibale National Park, Uganda

The purpose of this study was to determine how intensive replanting affected tropical forest regeneration and biomass accumulation over ten years. We studied reforested sites in Kibale National Park, Uganda, that were degraded in the 1970s and replanted with five native tree species in 1995.We identified and measured the size of planted versus naturally regenerating trees, and felled and weighed matched trees outside the park to calculate region-specific allometric equations for above-ground tree biomass. The role of shrubs and grasses in facilitating or hindering the establishment of trees was evaluated by correlating observed estimates of percent cover to tree biomass.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Omeja, P.A., C.A. Chapman, J. Obua, J.S. Lwanga, A.L. Jacob, F. Wanyama and R. Mugenyi (2011) Intensive Tree Planting Facilitates Tropical Forest Biodiversity and Biomass Accumulation in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Forest Ecology and Management 261: 703-709.

http://chapmanresearch.mcgill.ca/Pdf/271_FORECO12453.pdf

Forest Restoration in Abandoned Agricultural Land: A Case Study from East Africa

Millions of hectares of tropical forests have been converted to agricultural land and abandoned, so it is important that we understand the process of forest recovery and comprehend how pathways are modified by different types of disturbance in different geographic regions. In a 4-year case study, we quantified the pattern of forest recovery following clearing and 3 years of cultivation of a moist-evergreen forest in Uganda.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Chapman, C.A. and L.J. Chapman (1999) Forest Restoration in Abandoned Agricultural Land: A Case Study from East Africa. Conservation Biology 13(6): 1301-1311.

http://chapmanresearch.mcgill.ca/Pdf/106_KibaleRestore.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Ukraine
Afforestation for the Provision of Multiple Ecosystem Services: A Ukrainian Case Study

This paper analyses costs and benefits of planting trees on marginal lands across forestry zones in Ukraine with the purpose of using them for timber production, erosion prevention and climate change mitigation. The research reveals that establishment of new forests to increase timber production and alleviate soil erosion is economically and environmentally justified in some regions. Incorporating the effects of afforestation through on climate change mitigation increases social benefits.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

Nijnik, M., A. Oskam and A. Nijnik (2012) Afforestation for the Provision of Multiple Ecosystem Services: A Ukrainian Case Study. International Journal of Forestry Research Volume 2012.

http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfr/2012/295414/ref/

Forests/Woodlands>USA
The Unknown Trajectory of Forest Restoration: A Call for Ecosystem Monitoring
Restoration of forest ecosystems is a common objective of land managers throughout the western United States. Unfortunately, limited federal funding and a lack of specific enforcement of existing regulations has resulted in a lack of effectiveness monitoring (monitoring that provides information on the successes and impacts of the activity or project) after forest restoration activities on federal lands, thus inhibiting learning about, and improving the success of, restoration efforts. Monitoring could potentially be conducted on limited federal budgets through use of (1) multiparty teams composed of volunteers on a portion of restoration sites, (2) a statistical sampling strategy on a limited set of sites for intensive monitoring by federal monitoring teams, and (3) remote sensing to monitor a select set of variables across a broad portion of the affected landscape.

Implementing agencies, indigenous and local communities

DeLuca, T.H., G. H. Aplet, B. Wilmer and J. Burchfield (2010) The Unknown Trajectory of Forest Restoration: A Call for Ecosystem Monitoring. Journal of Forestry 108(6): 288-295.

http://wilderness.org/files/ecosystem%20monitoring.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Vietnam
Forest Rehabilitation in Vietnam: Histories, Realities and Future

Future efforts will need better knowledge if they are to increase their impact and cost-efficiency. Previous forest rehabilitation experiences can provide important and valuable lessons for the future. For that reason, this report assesses the experiences of forest rehabilitation in Vietnam and draws strategic lessons from these experiences to guide new forest rehabilitation projects. The report highlights lessons from Vietnam’s experiences that will be helpful beyond the country’s border.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

de Jong, W., D. Dinh Sam and T. Van Hung (2006) Forest rehabilitation in Vietnam: histories, realities and future. Bogor, Indonesia: Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR).

http://www.cifor.org/publications/pdf_files/Books/BDeJong0601.pdf

Forest Rehabilitation Policy and Practice in Vietnam

The material presented in this report was used to inform the regional overview study, and has been updated and expanded to form the basis of broadening discussions within Vietnam. It is hoped that the material will assist the many interested groups and individuals in Vietnam to develop a greater understanding of the issues of forest degradation and loss, and the urgent need for the development and implementation of ecologically and socio-economically sound forest related policies and practices.

Policymakers, practitioners, implementing agencies

Van San, N. and D. Gilmour (1999) Forest Rehabilitation Policy and Practice in Vietnam. IUCN Regional Co-ordination Office, S &SE Asia.

http://www.mekonginfo.org/assets/midocs/0001632-environment-forest-rehabilitation-policy-and-practice-in-vietnam.pdf

Rehabilitating Degraded Forest Land in Central Vietnam with Mixed Native Species Plantings

This paper examines the use of Acacia as a nurse crop to overcome some of the ecological and economic impediments to reforestation of degraded areas dominated by grasses including Imperata cylindrica. The study site at Hai Van Pass in central Vietnam was initially reforested using Acacia auriculiformis. After 8 years these stands were thinned and under-planted with Hopea odorata, Dipterocarpus alatus, Parashorea chinensis, Tarrietia javanica, Parashorea stellata, Scaphium lychnophorum, Peltophorum dasyrhachis var. tonkinensis and other high-value native species.

Implementing agencies, practitioners, indigenous and local communities

McNamara, S., D. Viet Tinh, P.D. Erskine, D. Lamb, D. Yates and S. Brown (2006) Rehabilitating degraded forest land in central Vietnam with mixed native species plantings. Forest Ecology and Management 233(2-3): 358-365.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112706003410

Forests/Woodlands>Boreal
Forests/Woodlands>Boreal>Canada
A Forest of Blue: Canada’s Boreal

This report highlights the unique status of the Canadian boreal forest in housing globally significant water resources. Maintaining the integrity and abundance of this “forest of blue” is still possible, and increasingly urgent. The report explores the ever-expanding list of threats to remote and abundant water resources across the Canadian boreal, and identifies opportunities to protect water resources at geographic scales that will maintain freshwater integrity and abundance into the future.

Policymakers

International Boreal Conservation Science Panel (2011) A Forest of Blue: Canada’s Boreal. The Pew Environment Group.

http://www.pewenvironment.org/uploadedFiles/PEG/Publications/Report/PEGBorealWaterReport11March2011.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Boreal>Finland
Forest Restoration in Finland: Monitoring Scheme and First Results

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of forest restoration a monitoring site network has been established. Effects of restoration on two focal species groups – beetles and polypores – are monitored along with the development of stand structure. The very first results obtained from the monitoring network show that increasing volume of dead wood increased the number of beetle species compared to the control plots both in pine-dominated and in spruce-dominated stands. The species communities composed largely of phloem feeders and their related species. These are usually good dispersers and thus well able to locate newly formed resources.

Practitioners

Hyvarinen, E., M. Simila and P. Virnes (2008) Forest Restoration in Finland: Monitoring Scheme and First Results. 6th European Conference on Ecological Restoration Ghent, Belgium.

http://ser.semico.be/ser-pdf/120.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Mediterranean

Forests/Woodlands>Mediterranean>Europe
Post-Fire Management and Restoration of Southern European Forests
The first publication to access in a comprehensive way the post-fire management in fire-prone European forest types. The main questions and recommended approaches can also be useful for other regions of the world with Mediterranean-type climates, such as parts of Australia, South Africa, North and South America. Designed to disseminate scientific knowledge on post-fire management and restoration of forests towards a target audience of professionals (forest managers, landscape planners, and forest agency staff), graduate students and researchers.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Moreira, F., M. Arianoutsou, P. Corona and J. De las Heras (eds.) (2012) Post-Fire Management and Restoration of Southern European Forests. Springer.

http://www.springer.com/life+sciences/forestry/book/978-94-007-2207-1