Rooting tree seed production in local knowledge boosts forest restoration outcomes (commentary)

A commentary from researchers, including some at Riau University's Center for Peatland and Disaster Studies, argues that global reforestation campaigns fixate on the number of trees planted while neglecting seed quality and survival, both of which depend heavily on local ecological knowledge.

The piece cites an unpublished CPDS study in which local communities in Sumatra's Riau Islands identified more than 60 peat swamp forest species and, once engaged, produced tens of thousands of seedlings within two years using techniques they devised themselves.

A separate restoration project in Riau's East Tebing Tinggi subdistrict reportedly saw only 15% seedling survival after a year until community feedback led to planting seedlings on private land and boundaries, which improved both survival and local buy-in.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.