Restoration Trajectories in Forest Ecosystems with special reference to Ethiopian Forest

Abstract

This review article is about Restoration Trajectories in Forest Ecosystems with special reference to Ethiopian Forest. Restoration attempts to return an ecosystem to its historic trajectory. It has time scale but interventions can accelerate the process. There is billions of land world-wide which could be dedicated for restoration. Ethiopian landscape has been degraded severely and concerted efforts are being made to reverse the degradation. Ethiopia made commitment to restore 22 million hectares during the UN Summit in September 2014. However, we need to understand the dynamics and factors influencing restoration and its process; otherwise we believe the existing church forests in the northern and central Ethiopia can serve as reference for restoration. Due to climate change, long time degradation and desertification effects achieving the pristine forest stage might not be possible. But at least creating similar forest community as that of the existing forests might be achievable. Experiences of Korea and Costa Rica can be cited as best practices.

Keywords: Restoration, Forest, Ethiopia, church forest