Description

As part of afforestation and reforestation programmes, trees are planted and seeds are sown, helping to restore forests that have disappeared due to forest clearance, fire or storm damage. If the area being planted or sown was previously covered with woodland, this is known as reforestation, otherwise it is referred to as initial afforestation.

Standard forest systems with a high degree of credibility create incentives to promulgate sustainable forest management. A mechanism for providing financial compensation for the proven avoidance of emissions from deforestation and degradation has been developed as part of international climate protection negotiations (REDD+).

Requirements

• Property / land register / formal land rights
• Sanction mechanisms
• Clear responsibilities in public authorities
• Acceptance / Recognition of the local population
• Country-wide monitoring of natural resources and their quality (e. g. water, soil, forests, air, grassland)
• Regulatory framework
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with research institutions

Possible Negative Effects

• Without effective sanctions or monitoring, new or restored forests could be cleared again in the future
• Afforestation could take place without respecting traditional land use, thereby undermining the existence of local farmers