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

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. Brancalion, María Uriarte, Trevor F. Keenan, Thomas W. Crowther, Ralph O. Dubayah, Myroslava Lesiv, Shunlin Liang and Dongdong Wang
Additional contact information
Xueyuan Gao: Princeton University
Peter B. Reich: University of Michigan
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)
Matthew D. Potts: University of California
Matthew C. Hansen: University of Maryland
Martin Jung: International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Pedro H. S. Brancalion: University of São Paulo
María Uriarte: Columbia University
Trevor F. Keenan: University of California
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

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-6

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59196-1

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