Native tree species for tropical reforestation with culture, climate and conservation in mind

If done right, global efforts such as the Bonn Challenge pledging to reforest millions of ha of degraded land have the potential to positively impact many millions of poor people and hence help fight global poverty.

However, despite recognition that the biocultural diversity of native ecosystems is central for ensuring equitable access to earth’s resources, these values are seldom included in species selection for reforestation.

Hence, 4 out of 5 trees planted is an exotic tree that, although they grow well, partly because the genetic potential have been maximized and hence are suitable for the global carbon market, bring few benefit for rebuilding biocultural diversity.

With the aim to challenge the dogma that exotics are the only option for reforestation in the tropics we will conduct a holistic screening of 34 native tree species across three sites representing large fraction of the biocultural diverse Maritime SE Asia (Timor-Leste, Borneo and West Papua). We will assess trade-offs among production and C-sequestration, cultural values, and ecological functions.

We will then use our 8000 tree genetic experiment to test the hypothesis that plant genetics can modulate important functions and enhance synergies.

By demonstrating the genetic and biocultural potential of native trees, the goal of this project is to foster a change in policy and in reforestation practice and hence positively impact the many millions of people depending on degraded ecosystems for their livelihood.