Decision-Making in Forest Landscape Restoration
摘要
Despite recognizing the significance of forests, they are continuously disrupted by anthropogenic activities, though policies globally exist to control deforestation and land degradation stress more on prevention. However, framing of policy for halting deforestation and land degradation is insufficient; mandatory restoration efforts need to be undertaken to expedite the recovery of degraded forests. Forest landscape restoration stands out as the ultimate solution for revitalizing degraded forests. Selecting the right restoration approach is crucial, as missteps in restoration and management, such as incorrect site and species selection, using unhealthy seedlings, planting offseason, inadequate prevention of grazing and forest fires, and unresolved stakeholder conflicts, can hinder restoration success. Engaging all stakeholders in decision-making should be well-planned following preliminary studies. The chosen restoration approach must suit the site conditions, be cost-effective, and be feasibly completed within the allotted timeframe. In severely degraded or destroyed forests, where no hope in natural regeneration, active restoration would be a preferred option. Conversely, natural or passive restoration becomes a viable choice in areas where adequate mother trees for seed production and dispersal mechanisms exist. In areas where financial constraints and time limitations and less canopy gaps exist, partial interference through assisted means would be the ultimate choice and expedite the restoration process.