Suitability of large-scale tree plantation models in Africa, Asia and Latin America for forest landscape restoration objectives

Himlal BARAL,Arlene LOPEZ-SAMPSON,Marion CHESNES,Adrien PÉROCHES,Guillaume LESCUYER

doi:10.19182/bft2022.351.a36870

Abstract

Today, tree plantations play a crucial role in supplying wood and wood-based products. They supply almost half of global demand, as well as supporting a diversity of ecosystem services. In tropical and subtropical areas, where tree growth is optimum and large tracts of land are available, forest restoration is presented as one of the most effective strategies for climate change mitigation. For these reasons, large-scale tree plantations are being encouraged in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Based on a review of the literature and of public databases on forest plantations, we drew up a typology of large-scale tree plantations in Latin America, Africa and Asia using four criteria: the management objective (production versus protection), number of species planted (multi-species versus mono-species), origin of species (exotic versus indigenous) and management status (industrial companies, private smallholders, state). Our analysis identified seven main plantation types and reveals that the two most common types represent almost 60% of the total planted area: (1) private mono-species plantations using exotic species; and (2) public production-oriented mono/multi-species plantations of indigenous trees. Numerous experimental studies were conducted in the 1950s and 1960s with a wide range of tree plantation models. However, few were adopted by operators because the production rates and financial returns were considered low. The dominant tree plantation types are failing to meet most of the forest restoration objectives set out in the Bonn Challenge (i.e., productivity, carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, rural livelihoods). Alternative large-scale tree plantation models could be promoted by focusing on the other goods and services that plantations can provide. This could be achieved if more diverse stakeholders were involved in plantation design and management processes, and if appropriate technical, financial, and institutional incentives were developed.

Highlights

A better understanding and characterisation of the planted forests in Africa, Asia and Latin America would allow a more detailed analysis of their functions, advantages and limitations, and of their suitability to support reforestation efforts in tropical countries (Batra and Pirard, 2015; Malkamäki et al, 2018). In this perspective, based on a literature review, this article aims to: (1) draw up and describe a typology of large-scale tree plantations in Africa, Asia and Latin America; (2) explore the regional dynamics of large-scale tree plantations; and (3) discuss their capacity to contribute to forest restoration
After eliminating the non-existent theoretical types, we identified seven groups of large-scale tree plantations in Africa, Asia and Latin America: Type 1 = Private and production-oriented plantations of monospecific exotic species; Type 2 = Private and production-oriented plantations of mono/multi-specific indigenous species; Type 3 = Public and ecosystem services-oriented plantations of monospecific exotic species; Type 4 = Public and production-oriented plantations of monospecific exotic species; Type 5 = Public and production-oriented plantations of mono/multi-specific indigenous species; Type 6 = Public and ecosystem services-oriented plantations of mono/multi-specific indigenous species; Type 7 = Production-oriented plantations of monospecific exotic species managed by smallholders
In Africa, Asia and Latin America, large-scale tree plantations are developed in order to: (i) produce forest products; (ii) preserve ecosystems and biodiversity; (iii) act as carbon sinks; and (iv) play a positive social, economic and cultural role, which includes equitable income distribution between the various stakeholders (Cossalter and Pye-Smith, 2003; Louppe, 2011; Payn et al, 2015; Pryde et al, 2015; HLPE, 2017; Cateau et al, 2018; Malkamäki et al, 2018; Bastin et al, 2019; Lewis et al, 2019)

Summary

Introduction

In 2020, forests covered 31% of the global land area (4.06 billion hectares) and the vast majority (93%) were considered natural (FAO, 2020). There was a net decrease of 3% in the global forest area between 1990 and 2015. The natural forest area worldwide decreased from 3,961 million hectares (M ha) in 1990 to 3,721 M ha in 2015. In absolute terms, planted forests increased from 167.5 to 294 M ha over the period 1990-2015 (Payn et al, 2015; FAO, 2020). Planted forests play a crucial role in roundwood production. They supply 47% of world demand for roundwood (including timber, woodfuel and pulp production) and provide a diversity of ecosystem services (FAO, 2017; Baral et al, 2016)

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion