Study Criticizes Africa Tree-Planting Initiatives for Ecosystem Damage

A recent analysis suggests that major reforestation efforts may harm grasslands and savannas by planting trees in inappropriate areas.

A recent study criticizes major tree-planting initiatives in Africa, including AFR100, for potentially damaging ecosystems by planting trees in inappropriate areas such as grasslands and savannas.
The analysis found that nearly half of the land targeted for restoration by AFR100 is actually grassland or savanna, not forest, raising concerns about the ecological impact.
AFR100 and its supporters, including the Bezos Earth Fund and Meta, dispute the study's findings, arguing that the initiative includes a mix of restoration projects, not just reforestation.
The study calls for a reevaluation of how land is classified for restoration, highlighting the misuse of definitions that could lead to the destruction of non-forest ecosystems.
Scientists warn that misguided tree-planting efforts could threaten wildlife and the integrity of savannas and grasslands, urging for more appropriate restoration methods.