Low technology tree propagation and the restoration of natural forest ecosystems

ABSTRACT: Loss of forests, and their associated biodiversity, is a serious issue in many developing tropical countries. Throughout northern Thailand for example, large areas within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are deforested and require reforestation. In such protected areas, where the primary objectives are conservation of biodiversity and watershed protection, reforestation should aim to recreate the original forest ecosystems. Recently, many community groups have organized tree planting events to restore forests on degraded land, to mark the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. However, such tree planting projects are constrained by lack of knowledge of the propagation and production of the many hundreds of native tree species. Furthermore, there is no identification manual for tree fruits, seeds or seedlings. Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU-CMU), was established in November 1994, in collaboration with the Royal Forest Department, to determine the most effective methods to complement and accelerate natural forest regeneration in deforested areas, to increase biodiversity and to protect watersheds. The unit is sponsored by Riche Monde (Bangkok) Ltd. Two of FORRU-CMU’s major tasks are to illustrate and describe seedlings at all stages of development for a seedling identification guide, and to develop appropriate nursery methods to propagate such tree species.