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Reforestation projects are booming, but transparency is rare

Global interest in reforestation as a climate solution is growing, but with it comes a proliferation of inexperienced organizations and opaque strategies, often resulting in failures and unintended consequences. This trend has led to calls for greater transparency in reporting outcomes and best practices. A recent study led by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, provides insights into these challenges.

The study, published in Conservation Letters, reviewed 99 international organizations involved in reforestation and forest landscape restoration. While many organizations acknowledge best practices, detailed reporting remains limited.

Specifically:
🌴 70% of organizations had monitoring plans
🌴 41% reported tree survival rates
🌴 25% had time-bound objectives
🌴 38% reported on benefits to local communities
🌴 34% provided selection criteria for project partnerships

The study highlighted the discrepancy between acknowledging best practices and transparently reporting outcomes. Non-profits generally scored higher on adherence to best practices compared to for-profit organizations. This is noteworthy given the growing influx of investment in reforestation as part of the carbon market.

According to Spencer Schubert, lead author of the study, organizations with experience in large-scale reforestation tend to have more robust reporting mechanisms. However, few organizations are obligated to publicly disclose project results, making it difficult to evaluate their effectiveness and whether funding is being allocated efficiently.

In the next phase of their research, the team plans to directly engage with organizations to gather further insights and link reported practices to actual outcomes, such as increases in tree cover. The ultimate goal is to identify scalable reforestation models and drive greater transparency in the sector.

The researchers are inviting readers to nominate reforestation organizations for inclusion in the next round of research by filling out a brief form.

Suggestions should meet the following criteria:
🌳 Ambitious goals to plant trees or increase forest cover
🌳 An online presence with international outreach
🌳 A network of cooperating partners managing local projects
🌳 Support for projects across multiple regions

Mongabay, committed to promoting transparency in reforestation, will collaborate with the UC Santa Cruz team and make the findings accessible through Reforestation.app, a global directory of tree-planting initiatives. Users can explore the database and contribute by submitting information on new projects to foster a more transparent reforestation sector.

Related story: Across reforestation organizations, best practices claims abound, but details are scarce by Marina Martinez.

By Rhett Ayers Butler

Rhett Ayers Butler is the Founder and CEO of Mongabay, a non-profit conservation and environmental science platform that delivers news and inspiration from Nature's frontline via a global network of local reporters. He started Mongabay in 1999 with the mission of raising interest in and appreciation of wild lands and wildlife.