Forest and landscape restoration severely constrained by a lack of attention to the quantity and quality of tree seed: Insights from a global survey

Meeting the multimillion hectare commitments for forest and landscape restoration
(FLR) will require billions of tree seed and seedlings. However, the adequacy of seed
supply in terms of quantity, genetic diversity and quality has received scant attention
in FLR planning. We surveyed 139 FLR projects worldwide and identified widespread
problems in the availability and diversity of tree seed, with potentially deleterious consequences for the vigor, productivity and long-term persistence of restored tree popu-
lations. Large projects and those focused on climate change mitigation were particu-
larly associated with multiple problems in seed sourcing. To avoid large-scale failure
in FLR, we recommend: (1) national assessments of seed supply and demand for FLR,
(2) reviewing FLR targets and funding cycles, (3) fostering sharing of knowledge and
experiences regarding seed supply and selection, (4) enhancing seed exchange across
landscapes, and (5) introducing regulations for seed quality and strengthening capac-
ities for compliance.