This study analyzes case studies of assisted natural regeneration projects to pinpoint the key factors that trigger success. With the goal of accelerating ecosystem restoration globally, these insights can improve the planning and implementation of projects that promote biodiversity, climate action, and rural economic development.
This Practice Note is part of Assisted Natural Regeneration Alliance within WRI Brasil and the Global Restoration Initiative. Reach out to Julio Alves for more information.
This Practice Note is part of Assisted Natural Regeneration Alliance within WRI Brasil and the Global Restoration Initiative. Reach out to Julio Alves for more information.
Julio Alves, Mariana Oliveira, Robin Chazdon, Miguel Calmon , Andreia Pinto , Eduardo Darvin and Bruna Pereira
Primary ContactsA middle ground between spontaneous natural regeneration and traditional tree-planting, assisted natural regeneration (ANR) is a set of ecosystem restoration techniques where local people – leaning on their knowledge of the land and on ancestral or local traditions – help trees and native vegetation naturally recover by eliminating threats to their growth and survival.
This study analyzes 24 case studies of ANR projects, 15 in Brazil and 9 elsewhere, to pinpoint the key factors that trigger success.
ANR usually has lower implementation costs than tree-planting campaigns and can be carried out at different scales, ranging from local projects led by small landowners to large-scale payment for environmental services programs.
ANR is a flexible restoration approach, easily adapted to different contexts and objectives. But the potential for natural regeneration varies in each landscape according to various environmental, social, and economic factors. Therefore, analyzing where ANR can work best is critical to its success. The research community must develop simple tools and approaches that help local planning organizations and agencies, along with communities, identify priority areas for ANR.
