https://phys.org/news/2025-07-nature-forests-rethinking-ecological.html
'An international study led by the University of Liège proposes a new map of
the potential for natural vegetation on Earth, far beyond forests. By
incorporating the role of fire and herbivores, researchers are paving the way
for a more realistic and inclusive approach to ecosystem restoration. The study
is published in
Nature Communications.
Is it necessary to plant trees to restore nature? "Not necessarily," says
Professor Jean-François Bastin (University of Liège).
The new study led by ULiège proposes a unique map of Earth's potential natural
vegetation. Taking into account climate, fire regimes and the presence of
herbivores, this study demonstrates that nature is not limited to forests and
that restoring ecosystems requires opening up to a diversity of landscapes.
Traditionally, nature restoration has been equated with reforestation. This
binary approach—forests or nothing—overlooks the richness of open ecosystems
such as savannas, grasslands, scrublands and semi-desert areas.
"We want to move beyond the 'for or against reforestation' debate by showing
that other natural states are possible and just as legitimate," explains
Bastin.'
Via Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
