How to Plant a Forest: The Principles and Practice of Restoring Tropical Forests

FORRU-CMU's second practical training manual was published in 2005. It includes generic principles of restoration theory and practice, applicable throughout the tropics, as well as  descriptions of target forest types (N. Thailand and neighbouring regions) and recommended tree species for planting in the region. If you are doing a forest restoration project in Indochina - this is the manual for you. Versions in Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia, Lao, Khmer and Chinese include information on forest types and tree species native to those countries. If you are working in other tropical regions, we recommend our more recent generic manual "Restoring Tropical Forests"

Tropical forests, once destroyed, are lost forever” – NOT TRUE.

It is possible to transform largely deforested landscapes into tropical forest that supports rich biodiversity in just a few years. Based on the work of Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration Research Unit since 1994, this book shows how the “framework species method” of forest restoration has been successfully adapted to re-establish natural forest ecosystems in northern Thailand. It provides background information that enables readers to understand the natural mechanisms of forest regeneration as well as practical techniques to harness and accelerate them. Profusely illustrated with easy-to-follow diagrams, “How to Plant a Forest” presents scientifically tested advice on how to select appropriate tree species, how to grow them in nurseries and how plant and take care of them after planting out in deforested sites. In addition, the logistics of organizing and implementing forest restoration projects are covered and most importantly how to motivate and involve communities in restoring their local environment. This book is not just about northern Thailand. The concepts and methods presented here could be adapted to suite a wide range of different forest types in other countries, so anyone interested in restoring forest ecosystems for environmental protection or biodiversity conservation will find it useful.

CONTENTS

• Part 1 – Forest Restoration – Pipe Dream or Practicality? – Page 1
• Part 2 – Recognizing Forest Types – Page 11
• Part 3 – Understanding Forest Regeneration – Learning from Nature – Page 31
• Part 4 – Helping Forests to Help Themselves – Natural Regeneration – Page 51
• Part 5 – The Framework Species Method of Forest Restoration – Page 63
• Part 6 – Growing Your Own Trees – Page 73
• Part 7 – Planting Trees – Page 103
• Part 8 – Planning – Page 133
• Part 9 – Framework Tree Species for Restoration in Northern Thailand – Page 143