Assisted natural regeneration
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Assisted natural regeneration (ANR) (also termed managed regrowth) is the human protection and preservation of natural tree seedlings in forested areas. Seedlings are, in particular, protected from undergrowth and extremely flammable plants such as Imperata grass. Though there is no formal definition or methodology, the overall goal of ANR is to create and improve forest productivity. It typically involves the reduction or removal of barriers to natural regeneration such as soil degradation, competition with weeds, grasses or other vegetation, and protection against disturbances, which can all interfere with growth.[1] In addition to protection efforts, new trees are planted when needed or wanted (enrichment planting). With ANR, forests grow faster than they would naturally, resulting in a significant contribution to carbon sequestration efforts. It also serves as a cheaper alternative to reforestation due to decreased nursery needs.
The most effective way to implement ANR is very site-specific, and many nations provide guidebooks on how to select and maintain an ANR project.[2][3]
ANR is a common practice in many Asian countries. This method of protection has been used on Imperata grasslands in the Philippines for over three decades, as well as in China for more than five decades.[4]
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), China has since 1999 funded extensive ANR in an effort to prevent soil corrosion in particular.[5] Also the FAO reports that ANR is a common practice in Thailand.
ANR is gaining popularity as global climate change becomes a growing concern.
ANR has typically been used most often in tropical forests, however, it is now being used to help restore forested areas across all ecosystem types.[6]
