Tree planting as a climate solution can be counterproductive if implemented in the wrong ecosystems. Global restoration targets often misidentify drylands, such as grasslands and savannas, as degraded and suitable for forestation.
This approach can disrupt native ecosystems, reduce water availability, and negatively impact livelihoods. For instance, large-scale forestation in water-limited drylands can lead to a significant decrease in water flow and a reduction in the area’s albedo, potentially offsetting carbon storage benefits. Restoration efforts should prioritize ecosystem function and utilize context-specific methods.
Effective restoration in drylands includes farmer-managed natural regeneration, which allows native trees and shrubs to resprout, and practices like zaï pits that enhance soil and water conservation. These methods focus on recovering soil function, vegetation, and livelihoods rather than solely increasing tree cover.
Source: Down To Earth