Restoring forest cover through reforestation or afforestation involves planting trees to restore or create forests, helping rebuild ecosystems and fight climate change. Reforestation focuses on areas where forests were lost, while afforestation establishes new forests on previously barren land. Both approaches absorb carbon dioxide, protect soil, regulate water cycles, and support biodiversity. They also offer social benefits such as jobs and sustainable resources. However, success depends on planting native species and avoiding harmful monocultures.
Recommendations for Implementation
- Before planting, soil conditions (soil depth and structure, compaction, drainage, moisture dynamics, contamination, erosion risk, existing vegetation, climatic conditions, etc.) should be assessed, as restoring forest cover should be adapted to the ecological and land-use context of the site(s).
- On compacted soils, targeted decompaction can improve root penetration and infiltration, while contaminated or highly degraded sites may require restoration and regeneration first, possibly with soil replacement or the reconstruction of a suitable rooting layer. In urban and previously sealed areas, de-sealing and removal of compacted subsoil can be combined with soil restoration before planting.
- Species and planting designs should reflect local soil, hydrological and climatic conditions, while favouring native or locally appropriate species and mixtures rather than uniform monocultures: mixed-species and structurally diverse forests can increase ecological resilience, biodiversity and resistance to disturbances (drought, pests, fire and storms). In urban and peri-urban areas, the design can combine trees with shrubs, ground vegetation and other green infrastructure to create connected urban-forest networks.
- On slopes or drought-prone areas, planting should be complemented by water-sensitive practices to retain water and stabilise soil (infiltration structures, swales or other nature-based water-management measures).
- Early maintenance - weed control, protection from grazing and/or browsing, supplemental irrigation, monitoring - continues for the first 3-5 years, with success measured through survival rate, growth, and soil moisture improvements.
Examples enhancing soil health
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Planning examples
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Technical guides and inspiring research
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