The road to recovery: a synthesis of outcomes from ecosystem restoration in tropical and sub-tropical Asian forests

This synthesis assesses the contribution of tree planting to ecosystem restoration across tropical and sub-tropical Asia, evaluating evidence on mortality and growth of planted trees at 176 sites and assessing structural and biodiversity recovery of co-located actively restored and naturally regenerating forest plots. Current global policy is driving renewed investment in forest restoration to protect species, sequester carbon, and secure livelihoods, and this review provides a rigorous empirical foundation for setting realistic expectations. For carbon market practitioners, the findings are essential context for evaluating the plausibility of restoration-based carbon project claims in the Asian tropics.