The framework species method relies on planting a minimum number of indigenous forest tree species for maximum ecological benefit. Framework species are selected for their potential to accelerate biodiversity recovery and enhance natural regeneration, creating a self-sustaining forest ecosystem from a single planting event. Originally conceived in northern Queensland to repair damaged tropical rain forest (Goosem and Tucker, 1995), the framework species method has been successfully modified to restore seasonally dry tropical forests to deforested sites in northern Thailand's conservation areas.

Essential ecological characteristics of framework tree species are therefore:

• high survival when planted out in deforested sites;
• rapid growth;
• dense, spreading crowns that shade out herbaceous weeds and
• flowering or fruiting, or provision of other resources, at a young age, to attract seed dispersing wildlife.

For more information on the framework species method click here (direct link to "How to Plant a Forest" - part 5).