Rehabilitation of Degraded Forest Mean?

Rehabilitation of degraded forest

Preservation, vaccination, resuscitation of what is required from existing species in degraded or unproductive forest areas, cultivation of naturally growing species in forests in empty areas and planting grafted or ungrafted seedlings of these species.

The rehabilitation of degraded forests refers to the process of restoring the ecological functions, biodiversity, and productivity of a degraded forest to a healthy or sustainable state. This approach focuses on improving the forest's condition for both ecological and socio-economic benefits, often tailored to meet specific goals such as soil stabilization, biodiversity recovery, or community use.

Goals of Forest Rehabilitation:

1. Restore Ecosystem Services:Improve water retention, soil fertility, carbon storage, and habitat quality.
2. Support Biodiversity:Promote the return of native species and rebuild wildlife habitats.
3. Enhance Livelihoods:Provide sustainable resources (e.g., timber, fruits, or medicinal plants) for local communities.
4. Mitigate Climate Change:Increase carbon sequestration to offset greenhouse gas emissions.

Methods of Rehabilitation:

1. Natural Regeneration:Allowing the forest to recover on its own by protecting the area from further disturbance (e.g., fencing off to prevent grazing).
2. Reforestation:Planting native tree species to accelerate forest recovery.
3. Agroforestry:Combining trees with agricultural practices to restore the forest while supporting local economies.
4. Erosion Control:Using techniques like planting grasses, building terraces, or installing barriers to stabilize soil.
5. Removal of Invasive Species:Replacing invasive plants with native species to encourage natural ecosystem recovery.

Example:

An area deforested for agriculture that is later abandoned may be rehabilitated by planting native trees, controlling soil erosion, and reintroducing wildlife.