What is Reforestation?
Reforestation is the intentional planting of trees to restore forest cover on deforested land. Costa Rica is a global leader in reforestation, having reversed decades of deforestation.
Costa Rica's Reforestation Success
Historical Context
- 1940s-1980s: Forest cover declined from 75% to 21%
- 1996: Payment for Environmental Services (PSA) program launched
- Today: Forest cover recovered to ~60% of territory
- Result: One of the few countries to reverse deforestation
Types of Reforestation
Native Species Reforestation
Goal: Restore natural ecosystems and biodiversity
Costa Rican Natives Used:
- Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum): Nitrogen-fixing canopy tree
- Pochote (Pachira quinata): Fast-growing native
- Roble Sabana (Tabebuia rosea): Beautiful flowering tree
- Espavel (Anacardium excelsum): Wildlife food source
Advantages:
- Supports native wildlife
- Requires no irrigation once established
- Resistant to local pests/diseases
- Permanent ecological restoration
Timber Plantation Reforestation
Goal: Produce commercial timber while providing environmental services
Common Plantation Species:
- Melina (Gmelina arborea): Fast-growing (harvest 8-10 years)
- Teca/Teak (Tectona grandis): Premium hardwood (20-25 years)
- Pochote (Bombacopsis quinata): Valuable native timber
Advantages:
- Economic returns for landowners
- Reduces pressure on natural forests
- Provides ecosystem services during growth
- Can transition to natural forest if left unharvested
Mixed Reforestation
Goal: Balance ecology and economics
Combines fast-growing timber species with slower-growing natives. Timber harvest provides income while native species gradually dominate.
Reforestation Methods
Direct Seeding
- Scatter or plant seeds directly in soil
- Low cost but lower success rate
- Best for pioneer species in good conditions
Seedling Planting
- Grow seedlings in nursery 6-12 months
- Plant during rainy season (May-November)
- Higher success rate, more expensive
- Standard method in Costa Rica
Assisted Natural Regeneration
- Protect existing natural regeneration
- Remove competing vegetation
- Allow forest to regrow naturally
- Lowest cost, works on recently cleared land
Challenges
Ecological
- Site degradation: Compacted soil, erosion
- Invasive grasses: Compete with tree seedlings
- Climate change: Altered rainfall patterns
- Wildlife pressure: Cattle, deer browse seedlings
Economic
- High initial costs: $1,000-3,000 per hectare
- Long return period: 8-25 years until harvest
- Maintenance required: 3-5 years of weeding, protection
- Market risks: Timber price fluctuations
Social
- Land tenure: Unclear ownership prevents investment
- Cultural shifts: From ranching to forestry mindset
- Technical knowledge: Training needed in silviculture
Why It Matters
Reforestation provides critical benefits:
- Climate: Carbon sequestration, cooling
- Water: Watershed protection, aquifer recharge
- Biodiversity: Habitat for endangered species
- Economy: Timber, ecotourism, ecosystem payments
- Soil: Erosion control, fertility restoration
- Social: Employment, cultural heritage preservation
Costa Rican Programs
PSA (Payment for Environmental Services)
Government pays landowners for forest conservation and reforestation. Approximately $60-120/hectare/year.
FONAFIFO
National Forestry Financing Fund administers PSA program and provides technical assistance.
NGO Partnerships
Organizations like Rainforest Alliance, Conservation International support community reforestation projects.