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Reforestation should be about several goals , including guarding against climate change , improving conservation and providing economic and cultural benefits .
4 . Select the right area for reforestation
Plant trees in areas that were historically forested but have become degraded , rather than using other natural habitats such as grasslands or wetlands .
5 . Use natural forest regrowth wherever possible
Letting trees grow back naturally can be cheaper and more efficient than planting trees .
6 . Select the right tree species that can maximise biodiversity
Figure 2 : It takes at least a century to restore damaged forests ( Photo : RBGKEW )
Where tree planting is needed , picking the right trees is crucial . Scientists advise a mixture of tree species naturally found in the local area , including some rare species and trees of economic importance , but avoiding trees that might become invasive .
7 . Make sure the trees are resilient to adapt to a changing climate
Use tree seeds that are suitable for the local climate and how that might change in the future .
8 . Plan ahead
Plan how to source seeds or trees , working with local people .
9 . Learn by doing
Combine scientific knowledge with local knowledge . Ideally , small-scale trials should take place before planting large numbers of trees .
10 . Make it pay
Figure 3 : Undamaged old-growth forests are major long-term carbon sinks ( Photo : RBFKEW )
journal Global Change Biology , found that in some cases , planned tree planting does not increase carbon capture and can have negative effects .
The 10 golden rules are : protecting remaining forests must be a priority ," said Prof Alexandre Antonelli , director of science at RGB Kew .
2 . Put local people at the heart of tree-planting projects
The sustainability of tree re-planting rests on a source of income for all stakeholders , including the poorest .
Watch the video : https :// bbc . in / 3edzykn
1 . Protect existing forests first
Keeping forests in their original state is always preferable ; undamaged old forests soak up carbon better and are more resilient to fire , storm and droughts . " Whenever there ' s a choice , we stress that halting deforestation and
Studies show that getting local communities on board is key to the success of tree-planting projects . It is often local people who have the most to gain from looking after the forest in the future .
3 . Maximise biodiversity recovery to meet multiple goals
17 Grassroots Vol 21 No 1 March 2021