The 10 Golden Rules for Protecting and Restoring Forests

The 10 Golden Rules for Protecting and Restoring Forests

The 10 Golden Rules for Forest Restoration and Protection, according to the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew and published in Global Change Biology, are guidelines to ensure effective and sustainable forest restoration, capable of promoting biodiversity and addressing climate change.

The Foreste per Sempre ODV Association works in crucial regions such as Costa Rica, the Amazon and Madagascar, considered true biodiversity hot spots, always following the principles of forest restoration and protection. These areas are home to incredible biodiversity and play a fundamental role in the fight against climate change. Our commitment to conservation, in line with the 10 golden rules of the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew , contributes significantly to the protection of these vital ecosystems.

Here’s what the 10 rules consist of:

ot have the same ecological richness and resilience to climate change.

1 – Protect existing forests 

Conserving intact forests is often more effective than restoring degraded areas. Protecting mature forests is essential to maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem benefits.

  • 2 – Working with nature 

Rather than planting trees indiscriminately, it is important to allow natural regeneration to occur where possible. Local species and natural dynamics must be respected.

  • 3 – Prioritize biodiversity 

Planting a diverse range of native species is crucial to creating resilient ecosystems. Monoculture forests, while they can capture carbon, do n

4 – Including the local community 

Involving local communities in forest restoration ensures greater long-term sustainability, as these communities directly depend on forests for resources such as wood, food and medicine.

  • 5 – Ensure economic and social benefits 

Forest restoration should create livelihood opportunities, improve human well-being and address issues such as poverty and food security.

6 – Plan for the long term 

Forest restoration is a process that takes decades or even centuries to achieve full success. Initiatives should be designed to have a long-term positive impact.

  • 7 – Adapting to climate change 

Because the climate is constantly changing, it is important to choose species and restoration strategies that can withstand future climate conditions.

  • 8 – Avoid additional damage 

Restoration activities should not make the situation worse. This includes avoiding the use of invasive species or techniques that could damage existing soils or ecosystems.

  • 9 – Monitor and learn 

It is important to measure the progress and impacts of restoration initiatives and adapt strategies based on this data. Continuous monitoring is crucial to correct any errors.

  • 10 – Invest in the rights of indigenous and local populations 

Indigenous and local communities often possess extensive ecological knowledge and are the best stewards of forests. Recognizing and respecting their land rights is critical to the success of restoration projects.

These rules emphasize a balanced approach that combines science, conservation and social dynamics to ensure the long-term protection of forest ecosystems.

See also the Kew Declaration on reforestation for biodiversity, carbon sequestration and livelihoods

The Kew Declaration on Reforestation highlights the importance of science-based and sustainable approaches to reforestation, with the aim of enhancing biodiversity, capturing atmospheric carbon and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Here are the key points of the declaration:

  1. Evidence-based reforestation : The Kew Declaration highlights the need to use a sound scientific basis to plan and implement reforestation projects, taking into account factors such as local biodiversity, climatic conditions and ecological needs.
  2. Protecting Biodiversity : Reforestation should not only focus on planting trees, but also on preserving biodiversity. Planting a variety of native species helps create more resilient and stable ecosystems.
  3. Carbon Capture : Forests are among nature’s most effective carbon sequestration tools in the atmosphere, but not all forests have the same potential. Restoring diverse, well-managed forests increases carbon storage capacity and contributes to climate change mitigation.
  4. Sustainable Livelihoods : The Kew Declaration recognises that local communities depend on forests for their livelihoods. For this reason, reforestation projects must include strategies that create economic opportunities for these people, while respecting their land and cultural rights.
  5. Reforestation on a global scale : The importance of global collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, local communities and the private sector is recognized. Only a coordinated global effort can ensure the success of large-scale reforestation for the good of the planet.
  6. Avoid simplistic approaches : The statement warns against the temptation of quick or simple solutions, such as monoculture plantations, which can have negative impacts on ecosystems and cannot provide the same benefits in the long term.
  7. Protect and restore existing forests : In many cases, protecting existing mature forests is more effective than planting new forests. Intact forests provide critical wildlife habitat and sequester large amounts of carbon.

These principles reflect a balanced approach that aims to maximize the ecological, climatic and social benefits of reforestation, integrating the conservation needs of nature and local populations.