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The importance of distinguishing between natural and managed tree cover gains in the moist tropics

Author

Listed:
  • Xueyuan Gao

    (Princeton University
    Princeton University
    University of Maryland)

  • Peter B. Reich

    (University of Michigan
    University of Minnesota
    Western Sydney University)

  • Jeffrey R. Vincent

    (Duke University)

  • Matthew E. Fagan

    (University of Maryland Baltimore County)

  • Robin L. Chazdon

    (University of the Sunshine Coast)

  • Steffen Fritz

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA))

  • Dmitry Schepaschenko

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
    International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA))

  • Matthew D. Potts

    (University of California
    Carbon Direct Inc)

  • Matthew C. Hansen

    (University of Maryland)

  • Martin Jung

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA))

  • Pedro H. S. Brancalion

    (University of São Paulo
    Re.green)

  • María Uriarte

    (Columbia University)

  • Trevor F. Keenan

    (University of California
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    Earthshot Labs)

  • Thomas W. Crowther

    (ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology))

  • Ralph O. Dubayah

    (University of Maryland)

  • Myroslava Lesiv

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA))

  • Shunlin Liang

    (University of Hong Kong)

  • Dongdong Wang

    (University of Maryland
    Peking University)

Abstract

Naturally regenerated forests and managed tree systems provide different levels of carbon, biodiversity, and livelihood benefits. Here, we show that tree cover gains in the moist tropics during 1982–2015 were 56% ± 3% naturally regenerated forests and 27% ± 2.6% managed tree systems, with these differences in forest type, not only natural conditions (climate, soil, and topography), driving observed carbon recovery rates. The remaining 17% ± 3% likely represents small, unmanaged tree patches within non-forest cover types. Achieving global forest restoration goals requires robust monitoring, reporting, and verification of forest types established by restoration initiatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Xueyuan Gao & Peter B. Reich & Jeffrey R. Vincent & Matthew E. Fagan & Robin L. Chazdon & Steffen Fritz & Dmitry Schepaschenko & Matthew D. Potts & Matthew C. Hansen & Martin Jung & Pedro H. S. Branca, 2025. "The importance of distinguishing between natural and managed tree cover gains in the moist tropics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-6, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59196-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59196-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Martin Jung & Myroslava Lesiv & Eleanor Warren-Thomas & Dmitry Shchepashchenko & Linda See & Steffen Fritz, 2023. "Author Correction: The importance of capturing management in forest restoration targets," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(12), pages 1717-1717, December.
    2. Martin Jung & Myroslava Lesiv & Eleanor Warren-Thomas & Dmitry Shchepashchenko & Linda See & Steffen Fritz, 2023. "The importance of capturing management in forest restoration targets," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 6(11), pages 1321-1325, November.
    3. Brooke A. Williams & Hawthorne L. Beyer & Matthew E. Fagan & Robin L. Chazdon & Marina Schmoeller & Starry Sprenkle-Hyppolite & Bronson W. Griscom & James E. M. Watson & Anazélia M. Tedesco & Mariano , 2024. "Global potential for natural regeneration in deforested tropical regions," Nature, Nature, vol. 636(8041), pages 131-137, December.
    4. Simon L. Lewis & Charlotte E. Wheeler & Edward T. A. Mitchard & Alexander Koch, 2019. "Restoring natural forests is the best way to remove atmospheric carbon," Nature, Nature, vol. 568(7750), pages 25-28, April.
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