Identifying effective tree planting schemes to restore forest carbon and biodiversity in Shiretoko National Park, Japan

Tree planting in Shiretoko National Park, Japan, can effectively restore both forest carbon and biodiversity when done with high density (2,500+ trees/ha) and species richness (>4 species), regardless of distance from natural seed sources. Simulation modeling revealed that such planting scenarios achieve over 50% of the restoration success of intact forests within 33 years for both goals. Conversely, low-species planting or reliance on distant natural regeneration significantly delays biodiversity recovery.

Kobayashi, Y., Seidl, R., Rammer, W., Suzuki, K. F., & Mori, A. S. (2022). Identifying effective tree planting schemes to restore forest carbon and biodiversity in Shiretoko National Park, Japan. Restoration Ecology, 31(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13681