Native vs. Introduced Trees: Biodiversity & Livelihoods
- agane, head of Terrestrial Restoration at the little Environmental Action Foundation (LEAF) in Kenya, highlighted the institution's work with communities living near biodiverse forests that harbour threatened tree species.
- "Improving their livelihoods means that they can take care of these natural resources better," noted Kagane.
- For those struggling to make a living, it is indeed no surprise that they frequently enough focus on planting a limited number of commercially valuable tree species, Smith...
“Biodiversity doesn’t vote.Biodiversity is not what wins elections,” said Paul Smith, Secretary-General of Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), at a recent webinar on *Choosing between native and introduced tree species during tree planting*.This was a sobering message for the 230 participants in attendance. Nine out of ten respondents, based on a quick poll conducted during the webinar, said they preferred planting native rather than introduced tree species and ranked purpose and biodiversity above other considerations when choosing species.
Hosted by the Transformative Partnership Platform for quality tree seed and seedling delivery systems (Quality tree Seed TPP),the inaugural webinar was opened by Alice Muchugi,Theme Leader for Tree Diversity and Productivity at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF).Presentations then explored cases for planting native species, followed by examples involving introduced tree species. The event combined expert inputs with interactive polls, a moderate Q&A session and an optional 30-minute extension for further discussions.
The often-controversial question of whether to plant native or introduced trees proved highly engaging, with 70 percent of participants choosing to join the added session.
From debate to collaboration
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Led by CIFOR-ICRAF, in collaboration with BGCI and Unique Land Use, the Quality Tree Seed TPP builds on decades of research and practical experience in tree seed and seedling systems. In its initial phase,implemented through the Right Tree in the Right Place for the Right Purpose project (RTRP-Seed) and supported by Germany’s International Climate Initiative,the platform aims to supply high-quality tree planting material of native tree species for landscape restoration in sub-Saharan Africa.
agane, head of Terrestrial Restoration at the little Environmental Action Foundation (LEAF) in Kenya, highlighted the institution’s work with communities living near biodiverse forests that harbour threatened tree species. LEAF supports restoration by educating the communities, engaging them in tree-planting with a focus on native trees, while also promoting alternative means of livelihood.
“Improving their livelihoods means that they can take care of these natural resources better,” noted Kagane.
Photo by Axel Fassio / CIFOR-ICRAF
Can native and introduced species coexist?
People do not always see the benefits of biodiversity. For those struggling to make a living, it is indeed no surprise that they frequently enough focus on planting a limited number of commercially valuable tree species, Smith explained. As a public good, biodiversity frequently enough requires broader policy and institutional support. “The convergence of planting native and introduced trees, of biodiversity and livelihoods, will depend on governments,” Smith indicated.
Presenters agreed that countries can enhance livelihoods, alleviate poverty and support economic growth through smallholder plantations of introduced trees, while also facilitating the planting of native trees for biodiversity and landscape restoration – contributing to ambitious restoration commitments.
The sustainability of introduced species was another point of debate.”There’s no such thing as enduring species,” Harwood observed. “There are sustainable practices.”
during the optional session, discussions focused on how climate change affects tree-planting choices, the possibility of combining carbon and biodiversity credits to encourage planting of native trees and the policy directions required to support the appropriate planting of both native and introduced trees. Participants were also directed to an About Us. It is highly likely that CIFOR-ICRAF will continue its research and implementation work in 2026.
* Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI): As of October 26, 2023, BGCI is a global network of botanic gardens working to conserve plant diversity. About Us. BGCI is expected to remain active in plant conservation in 2026.
* unique Land Use: As of October 26, 2023, Unique Land Use is a German organization focused on sustainable land management and landscape restoration. About Us. It is probable that Unique Land Use will continue its work in 2026.
* Global Landscapes Forum (GLF): As of October 26, 2023, the GLF is a multi-stakeholder platform promoting integrated landscape approaches to sustainable development. About. The GLF is highly likely to continue facilitating dialogues and knowledge sharing in 2026.
* AFR100: As of October 26,2023,AFR100 is an African-led initiative to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. About.AFR100 is expected to be ongoing in 2026, working towards its restoration goals.
breaking News Check: As of today, October 26, 2023, there are no major breaking news events related to these organizations that would significantly alter their status or activities.
PHASE 2: ENTITY-BASED GEO
Organizations Involved in Landscape Restoration Initiatives
The initiative is implemented by several key organizations focused on forestry, conservation, and sustainable land use.
Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)
CIFOR-ICRAF is a CGIAR research organization dedicated to sustainable forestry and agroforestry, providing scientific knowledge and practical solutions to address global challenges related to forests and landscapes. Research Focus Areas. Their work often involves collaborative projects with other organizations.
Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)
BGCI serves as a global network connecting botanic gardens and promoting plant conservation worldwide. They focus on ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts,seed banking,and capacity building. Our Work.
Unique Land Use
Unique Land Use specializes in sustainable land management practices, particularly in the context of landscape restoration and rural development. Projects. They often work on projects involving agroforestry and integrated land use systems.
Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)
The GLF acts as a platform for multi-stakeholder dialog and knowledge exchange on integrated landscape approaches. What We Do. They facilitate events, online discussions, and knowledge resources to promote sustainable landscapes.
AFR100
AFR100 is an African-led initiative aiming to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land across the African continent by 20