Restoration Science

Restoration science is a rapidly evolving field with new information on restoration approaches, experiences, outcomes and impacts – all helping to inform best practice and maximise positive results from restoration efforts.

Restoration Science research projects

Pontal, Brazil

2019-2024

In collaboration with: 

A large-scale initiative led by the University of São Paulo (USP) and Wageningen University (WUR) focused on:

  • Assessing the multi-functionality of different types of forests in the state of São Paulo.
  • Predicting the contribution of new forests to biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, watershed services and agricultural production.
  • Determining the attributes of new forests and their drivers of regeneration and deforestation.
  • Developing novel policies and market instruments to foster and stimulate new forests.

NewFor fieldwork is being carried out at WeForest’s Pontal project during 2021, gathering ground data on forest structure and composition, biomass, soil properties and water infiltration capacity.  Carbon stocks are being mapped using airborne LiDAR data.

As part of NewFor we will gain key information on the biophysical attributes of our restoration areas and the wider landscape where we work.  This will help us to assess the impact of our restoration efforts on the status and recovery of ecosystem functions.

Disentangling the role of resilience and management strategies in restoration success of tropical dry forests

Zambia

2021-2024

In collaboration with: 

Postdoctoral research led by KU Leuven focused on investigating the relationship between tropical dry forest restoration strategies and success, and how forest resilience influences this relationship.

Fieldwork for this research is being carried out in WeForest’s Katanino, Copperbelt and Chintumukulu projects in Zambia to assess 1) recovery trajectories of miombo woodland after historical disturbances and 2) the factors which influence miombo seedling growth and survival.

This research will help to guide restoration strategies for WeForest’s Miombo Belt Regeneration Programme, providing important information on which factors drive planting success and helping us to understand how different aspects of the miombo ecosystem recover over time.

If you have data on the growth and survival of planted tree seedlings from a restoration initiative which you would like to contribute to a ‘Global Synthesis of Planted Seedling Performance’ then please contact Dr. Sybryn Maes at KU Leuven for more information on how to participate.

© Sybryn Maes
© Sybryn Maes
© Sybryn Maes
© Sybryn Maes