Dance is a metaphor for the challenges and opportunities for the restoration of tropical forests, where science acts as a bridge between the rhythms of companies and nature
The waltz, with its pretty rhythms and elegance, is a timeless dance marked by three distinct beats: one strong and two soft (one, two, three). The curves and steps intertwined on each beat are an impressive metaphor for the faceted challenges and the opportunities for the restoration of tropical forests. In this intricate dance, two forces often move in divergent times: the accelerated world of corporations and slow and spontaneous processes of nature.
These different rhythms may seem antagonists, each guided by distinct objectives and programs. Like the second beat of a waltz, scientific is placed in these contrasting times, harmonizing their movements. When comparing these three beats with the restoration initiatives of the forest, we get intuitions Deeper on the restoration of tropical forests effectively, reflective and sustainable way.
The strong beat of the companies
Companies and companies and sometimes local governments play an increasingly significant role in restoring tropical forests, led by the recognition of the value of ecosystem services provided by these rehabilitated forests, especially in adverse weather contexts. The main function is to start these projects, providing the necessary loan and political support to leave the field of ideas.
This first step is the first half, the “one” of waltz, strong, intense and fast, since many institutions are motivated by the urgent need to achieve ambitious environmental objectives, such as the achievement of zero net emissions by 2030. This urgency leads them to take times of nature.
Although restoration projects require weighty actions, such as the construction of partnerships with local communities, obtaining licenses and planning field operations, companies are fed by pressure to demonstrate a quick and measurable impact. The breed to keep the promises of “Zero Carbon” and show progress in reducing carbon footprints leads them to move faster. The companies seek quick results, usually more focused on the capture of carbon, which requires a significantly faster rhythm than gradual and more complex processes of nature.
This accelerated approach, however, is not without challenges. Companies must ensure that their restoration initiatives are aligned with ecological realities and support long -term ecosystem health. The key is to find a balance between speed and the need to guarantee a significant and lasting impact. Like the rhythm of our waltz, corporate efforts provide the initial impulse, but this momentum must be carefully guided by the following rhythms to avoid interrupting the entire dance.
The fluid beat of science
The research on the restoration of tropical forests provides the connection phase between the other two beats – the company and the natural – whose rhythms are generally in conflict. Science plays a crucial role in harmonizing these different times, ensuring that the restoration efforts are effective and compatible with the needs of each part.
The progress in environmental genomics, for example, have an immense potential to identify the most suitable trees species to the specific conditions of a restoration site. However, these results require investments to support the collection and analysis of field data, as well as patience to observe their long -term impact on ecosystems. Currently, the goal is no longer to return to ecosystems just as they were before the degradation of the earth, but to anticipate, in particular climate change, and determine the right balance of the species to create a resilient and diversified ecosystem for the 22nd century.
The practical application of scientific knowledge, however, can only be performed when researchers and field professionals collaborate up close, sharing intuitions To ensure effective restoration. In our waltz metaphor, if the company rhythm increases the initial action, the rhythm of the research is perfected and directs, guiding how to accelerate or wait.
Field data should be collected and analyzed in the laboratory to effectively inform restoration projects. Invasive species, for example, are one of the major challenges that prevent the growth of native plants. Control of these species has ecological and economic difficulties.
THE BrachiariaAn invasive herb used for pasture is a vivid example of this riddle. He has aroused the interest of many scientists, who are working to integrate laboratory results and on the field in order to achieve sustainable control, while guaranteeing a successful restoration.
Science also has the challenge of developing restoration models resilient to the effects of climate change, such as extreme weather events and the risk of fires that can affect the restored areas and the restoration process of the forests itself. In addition, science can be the link that contributes to the integration of traditional knowledge and local actors with restoration projects, expanding its ecological and social benefits and opening the way to a better understanding of the natural rhythm.
The science, in the role of the second time, provides the clarity and guide necessary to harmonize the company urgency with our third time, the rhythm of nature, ensuring that the interventions are timely, effective and respectful for ecological processes.
The climax of nature
The third beat of our waltz is the nature itself: the slow but constant process of ecological succession that ends the step with softness and beauty. After disorders such as fire or selective wood extraction, the first species to colonize the affected area is generally pioneering, such as herbs and shrubs. These species prepare the ground for another group of pioneering trees, which in turn facilitate the establishment of subsequent trees species, finally forming a mature ecosystem.
This transformation from a degraded area to a fully trained ecosystem, however, can require decades or even centuries. The achievement of the Forestry Climax phase can request between 80 and 150 years, depending on the conditions of the site, with the forest at at least four distinct stadiums: pioneer, secondary young man, half supreme and mature. Steps also present in the assisted restoration systems.
Our third rhythm, therefore, requires patience and precision. A skilled restorer of forest ecosystems, like an expert dancer, knows that the rhythm of nature cannot be hurry. The time of nature is slow, deliberated, complex and stimulating. It requires a level of patience that is often in conflict with company programs and government objectives, but it is also the basis on which the real restoration is built.
Patience, however, should not be confused with the inaction. It is widely recognized today that natural regeneration is the most effective restoration strategy, less expensive and relatively simple. In 2018, a meta-analysis conducted by four researchers from the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) analyzed the effectiveness of various restoration techniques assisted in local biodiversity, selecting 69 articles from 25 countries on five continents. The conclusion was clear: regardless of the analyzed area, natural regeneration was the most effective strategy to provide ecosystem services, in particular for biodiversity, carbon storage and soil health.
Natural regeneration, however, is not always passive: the active form is already used and known as assisted restoration. This technique provides for a variety of methods, ranging from minimal intervention to more serious actions. Study conducted by Eth Zurich The involvement of 166 forest professionals in 14 Latin America countries shows that today a growing number of projects uses assisted interventions rather than passive approaches so called. To get an idea, 92.6% of the plans incorporate a certain level of trees plantation into their restoration programs.
The role of nature in this waltz is to provide long -term stability and resilience that only time and natural processes can bring. It is the final rhythm, completing the measure and preparing the return to the strong rhythm of corporate efforts. Just respect this slow and natural rhythm can we guarantee that restoration efforts lead to prosperous and resistant ecosystems.
The importance of harmony
One, two, three or strong. The restoration of tropical forests is much more than an action: it is a coordinated movement to three laughter. Today, the restoration efforts in tropical areas have entered a new era, led by these three beats.
The music that governs the restoration compass should never be played by a soloist, as it would reduce the complexity of the sounds that printed beauty and fluidity at the disposal. In a waltz, each tool plays a distinct role. Together they create a constant three -time rhythm and improve general harmony. The same goes for the restoration of the forest. The challenge is now ensuring that all these tools touch harmony, work together like one and complete each other, creating the music that guides the movements of the restoration of the forest.
Emira Cherif is the scientific director of Morfo (CSO), a large -scale ecological restoration company.
Nathália Nettone does not consult, works, has actions or receives funding from any company or organization that can benefit from the publication of this article and has not revealed any relevant bond beyond its academic position.
Source: Terra
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