Standards for Reforestation within Restoration projects

As restoration is in itself an intricate network of interrelated actions, it makes sense that the best option to achieve long-term success is to use a holistic approach towards ecosystem restoration. With this in mind, Plant-for-the-Planet has developed restoration/reforestation guidelines covering biological, social, and economic aspects to ensure high quality projects are supported by our platform.

These standards build on academic literature and the International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration (by SER et al.), the Principles for Ecosystem Restoration to Guide the United Nations Decade 2021–2030 (by UN Environment Program, FAO et al.), and the Road to Restoration (by WRI & FAO).

We would love to receive any comments, feedback, or suggestion.

Please feel free to write to samantha.davalos@plant-for-the-planet.org anytime.

Plant-for-the-Planet supports the
United Nations Environment Programme

Restoration Project Review Board

The Restoration Project Review board advises on restoration project standards and makes the final decision on which projects meet our restoration standards to participate on the Plant-for-the-Planet Platform.

Dr. Pilar Angelica Gómez Ruiz

Professor

Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY)

Ricardo Romero

Former Program Manager

International Tree Foundation

Teresa Muthoni Gitonga

Africa Project Manager

One Tree Planted

Dr. Peter Borchardt

Community-Based Restoration Specialist

CEN Centrum für Erdsystemforschung und Nachhaltigkeit Universität Hamburg

Prof. Stuart Pimm

Doris Duke Professor of Conservation

Duke University

Standards Version 1.1, May 2023

Projects must meet at least 27 of the 31 main standards (including all core standards) to receive donations via the Plant-for-the-Planet platform. To qualify as a top project, you must meet at least 12 of the 19 top standards.

Core Standards

No.	Issue	Criteria	Main Standard	Top Standard	Verification Category & Metric
1	PLANNING A PROJECT Do you have a project plan? / Type of project	1.1 Existence of a project with clear objectives	The project has a written plan with clear goals, objectives and the work is aligned with it.		VERIFIED Copy of the plan or interview with the project leaders
	What is the original problem / is the cause of degradation solved?	1.2 Underlying drivers and root causes of deforestation or degradation	Work in place to address drivers of deforestation or degradation in the project area	Degradation cause eliminated in the project area and work in place to address drivers of deforestation or degradation in the community or surroundings of the project area.	PLAUSIBILITY CHECK Questionnaire
	Who is implementing the project?	1.3 Type of organization	Registered as: Non-profit organization Cooperative Community groups organization Other		VERIFIED Registration certificate / registration number
	Land tenure	1.4 Agreement on land tenure If buying; payment for land	Land tenure clearly defined and without conflicts. No land dispossession to local/indigenous communities. If buying land, fair payment and by will of local owners.		VERIFIED Copy of land tenure contract / Agreement / Letter of Intention
	Does the community support the project?	1.5 Community approval	No current conflict between the community and the project implementation	Involvement/consultation or workshops with the community before and during project implementation.	SELF-REPORTED Questionnaire
	IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT	1.6 Species in the project	Not planting any invasive species to the region. Invasive alien species (IAS) are species introduced into places outside their natural range that have negative impacts on native biodiversity (IUCN, 2018)		VERIFIED List of species planted
	Who is involved in project implementation?	1.7 Community	Working with community, women, and indigenous groups (if applicable).	Working with a diverse selection of community members in the project, for ex. women, youth, etc. At least 1/3 of women working in the project	SELF-REPORTED Questionnaire Agreement / Code of Ethics
	Who is involved in project implementation?	1.8 Community involvement	Community is involved in the implementation of the project.	Community has been involved since the planning phase of the project.	SELF-REPORTED Questionnaire
	MONITORING Reviews	1.9 On-site visits	1.9 Full access on-site to reviewers and observers		VERIFIED Site visits

Biological Standards

No.	Issue	Criteria	Main Standard	Top Standard	Verification Category & Metric
2	PLANNING A PROJECT Where is the project located? – What are the current conditions? – Have potential unintended negative consequences of reforestation been considered?	2.1 Original ecosystem type	No conversion of non-forest ecosystems to forest	Projects from high endangered ecosystems or working with endangered species	VERIFIED Ecosystem type verification via Global Forest Watch, KBA and satellite analysis images for no conversion
		2.2 Vegetation present in the area: grass/ bare ground some vegetation/ shrubs established vegetation (native or invasive)	No cutting of native forest (Cutting of invasive/ non-native species is allowed to improve ecosystem health)		VERIFIED Evaluation of vegetation present at site before the project starts or during project development (i.e., List of plant species present, indicating if native, non-native or invasive, general description of site and surrounding landscape).
		2.3 Unintended negative consequences	Potential negative consequences of planting considered (e.g., no planting of fast growing non-native species in agroforestry projects in arid systems where they could disrupt the water table,; no planting exclusively evergreen trees where ecosystems are deciduous dominated).	Planting according to the natural original composition.
		2.4 Project context		Project is developing opportunities to contribute to regional conservation goals
3	SOURCING TREES What are you going to plant?	3.1 Number of species planted	For restoration projects: Temperate: 2 species Tropical:8 species Mangroves: 1 species For agroforestry projects: Temperate: 2 species Tropical : 5 species. If the area is smaller than 1ha at least 3 species planted.	For restoration projects: Temperate: 4 species Tropical: 15 species. Mangroves: 2 species For agroforestry projects: Temperate: 2 species Tropical: 8 species. If the area is smaller than 1h at least 5 species planted.	VERIFIED List of species planted, percentages and field visits TreeMapper
		3.2 % of each species	For restoration projects: No species should represent more than 50% of total. * In systems where naturally one species dominates this point doesn’t apply. For agroforestry projects: No species should represent more than 60% of total	For restoration and agroforestry projects: No species represent more than 40%
		3.3 % of non-native species	For restoration projects: Maximum 30% of non-native species with a justification for their use For agroforestry projects: Maximum 70% of non-native species. No planting high densities of evergreen/coniferous species in areas where they naturally persist in low abundances. No planting species that may have negative effects in the ecosystem. In tropical forest: No conversion of deciduous dominated forest into an evergreen dominated forest. In temperate forest: No conversion of broadleaved forest into coniferous forest.	For restoration projects: Only native species (naturalized species are allowed) For agroforestry projects: Maximum 50% of non-native species.	VERIFIED List of species planted Field visits and, where applicable, verify no visual dominance of any species in the field TreeMapper
	Where are plants sourced from?	3.4 Origin of seeds and seed collection sites	For restoration projects: 80% seeds collected within 250km radius For agroforestry projects: Seeds from native species collected following appendix 1 of SER guidelines. Seeds from non-native species bought from a certified/reliable/known source	Seeds origin collection following appendix 1 of SER guidelines and ensuring genetic diversity. TOP: Native seeds collected by, or bought to community members.	SELF-REPORTED TreeMapper Field and nursery visits
4	PLANTING Is it necessary to plant? If yes, how are you going to plant?	4.1 Does the system require tree planting?	No afforestation or planting in areas that have rapid rates of natural regeneration.		SELF-REPORTED TreeMapper – pictures of plants. Site visits
		4.2 Density – number of trees per ha - % of each species	Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) is allowed. Max. 10,000 trees /ha (high density only permissible if survival rates are low)
		4.3 Height / age of plants	~ 30cm height / only planting non-damaged seedlings (lignified stem, good root development, no weeds in the pots, no disease damage, no nutrient deficiency)
	When are you going to plant?	4.4 Months / Season	Clearly defined planting season (according to the ecosystem)		PLAUSIBILITY CHECK Questionnaire
	How do you prepare planting sites?	4.5 Method of clearing	NO fire, only allowed in ecosystems adapted to frequent fires. If fire is used, have a clear protocol.		PLAUSIBILITY CHECK Site visits
	How do you prepare planting sites?	4.6 Removal of trees/ Width of stems removed	No cutting of existing trees (>10cm DBH), unless pruning or invasive/non-native for improving ecosystem health		PLAUSIBILITY CHECK Site visits
5	AFTER PLANTING/MONITORING Do you care for trees after planting? / Maintenance of trees	5.1 What? How long? Clearing / watering (if necessary)	Do Clearing / provide after care or general maintenance of the areas for at least 2 years according to the needs	Do Clearing / provide after care or general maintenance of the areas for at least 3 years according to the needs	PLAUSIBILITY CHECK Questionnaire Site visits
	General ecosystem health questions	5.2 Invasive species (if already present in the ecosystem)	For areas where work has been done for less than 5 years: less than 70% of the area covered by invasive species and projects actively working on depleting it. For areas where work has been done for 5 years or more: Less than 50% OR no clear visual dominance *Planting of invasive species in agroforestry systems is not allowed. If there is an already present invasive species useful for the community, the project can maintain it (but not plant more) if special measures to avoid spreading or damages to the ecosystem are being applied.	For areas where work has been done for less than 5 years: less than 50% or no clear visual dominance. For areas where work has been done for 5 years or more: less than 25%, whenever possible, or present just in small patches/almost eradicated or not representing a threat to the ecosystem.	VERIFIED Site visits random visit of at least 5 points
	Reporting	5.3 Annual reports	Publish annual statistics on: - Area restored, including shapefile (GeoJson or KML of the working area) - Number of trees planted - Species planted and composition - Survival rate (after year 3) Note: this standard can be fulfilled using the free TreeMapper tool, but other tools are accepted	Publish annual statistics, including data collection methodology, on: - Vegetation cover - Community engagement,	TreeMapper or annual reports
	Reporting	5.3 Annual reports	Provide an annual confirmation of the use of funds		VERIFIED Annual confirmation
6	HARVESTING (Applicable only for projects that intend to do so) Harvesting techniques	6.1 Timber products	For restoration projects: Max. 10% of total trees every 30 years (or following documented best forestry practices) and, if for profit, only for community profits or to continue with restoration activities. For agroforestry projects: Max. 30% of total trees after 15 years (or following documented best forestry practices). If for profit, only for community profits, as a sustainable income source or to continue with restoration activities.	For restoration projects: No harvesting of timber products (or following documented best forestry practices). Only maintenance activities For agroforestry projects: Max. 10% of total trees after 20 years (or following documented best forestry practices). If for profit, only for community profits, as a sustainable income source or to continue with restoration activities.	SELF-REPORTED Questionnaire
6		6.2 Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP)	NTFP harvesting following guidelines All uses must follow: sustainable forest management	Top: Certifications on sustainable management	SELF-REPORTED Questionnaire
7	CONSERVATION ASSURANCE How long are planted trees secure?	7.1 Land tenure	Ensure that some action for protection of the trees is in place.	Protection of trees for 30-50y or more (written or communally agreed)	VERIFIED Copy of land tenure contract or Letter of Intent (a template can be provided)
7	Are trees secured (if necessary)?	7.2 Tree protection (animal threats, like cattle)	If the area requires protection from animal threats, 50% of areas are protected.	If the area requires protection from animal threats, 100% of areas are protected.	VERIFIED Site visits

Social & Financial Standards

No.	Issue	Criteria	Main Standard	Top Standard	Verification Category & Metric
8	PLANNING THE PROJECT How does the project affect the community?	8.1 Respect of cultural and daily livelihoods	No significant harm to any cultural or subsistence requirements of the community due to project implementation.		PLAUSIBILITY CHECK Questionnaire / site visits Minimum needs for security protection of the area (human threats)
9	IMPLEMENTING THE PROJECT Who is involved in project implementation?	9.1 Community involvement	Community involved in the project and the decision making process.	Local community members have leadership roles in the restoration design and decision making process.	SELF-REPORTED Questionnaire Agreement / Code of Ethics
		9.2 # Jobs created / % of local people working	At least 30% of employees are local (locals defined as people that can travel daily from their homes to work)	At least 60% of employees are local At least 30% of leadership roles are filled by community members	SELF-REPORTED Questionnaire
	Local / Economic benefits	9.3 Salary	Minimum wages above country poverty line		SELF-REPORTED Agreement / Code of Ethics
		9.4 Worker rights / benefits Training / other services	Healthcare, social security provided
		9.5 Funding allocation between groups overseeing/implementing the project	Funds equally allocated between the projects groups	At least 70% of funds for implementing group
10	ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE Economic viability of the project	10. 1 Project funding Government Donations Business model / selling products	Economic plan / Budget needed for 1 year and planned funding sources (more than one) Tree price calculation must be included	Budget needed for 2 years or more, and planned funding sources	VERIFIED Budget plan
10	Project assurance	10.2 Economical assurance/ exit strategy		Clear actions / process in case the NGO runs out of funding / shuts down	SELF-REPORTED Questionnaire
11	REPORTING	11.1 Financial report	Upload preliminary financial reports 12 months and final reports 24 months after fiscal year over		VERIFIED Financial reports
11	What is the long-term funding plan for maintenance and monitoring?	11.2 Maintenance and monitoring funding plan	Upload funding plan or statement securing maintenance and monitoring for at least 3 years	Upload funding plan or statement securing maintenance and monitoring for at least 5 years	VERIFIED Budget plan/Statement

Earlier Version of the Standards

Version 1.0, February 2022

Download

Citations

Brancalion & Hall (2020): Guidance for successful tree planting initiatives. Journal of Applied Ecology. 57(12). 2349-2361. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13725
Jackson et al. (2005): Trading Water for Carbon with Biological Carbon Sequestration. Science. 310(5756). 1944-1947. DOI: 10.1126/science.1119282
Kirschbaum et al. (2011): Implications of albedo changes following afforestation on the benefits of forests as carbon sinks. Biogeosciences. 8. 3687–3696, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-8-3687-2011
Liu et al. (2018): Mixed-species versus monocultures in plantation forestry: Development, benefits, ecosystem services and perspectives for the future. Global Ecology and Conservation 15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2018.e00419
Moonlight PW, Banda-R K, Philips OL, et al. (2021): Expanding tropical forest monitoring into Dry Forests: The DRYFLOR protocol for permanent plots. Plants, People, Planet. 2021;3: 295-300. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10112
FAO (2010): Planted forests in sustainable forest management - a statement of principles. https://www.fao.org/3/al248e/al248e00.pdf
Jalonen et al (2018): Guidelines for Equitable and Sustainable Non-Timber Forest Product Management. Bioversity International, Rome. https://www.bioversityinternational.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Guidelines_Marlene_2018.pdf
Di Sacco et al. (2021): Ten golden rules for reforestation to optimize carbon sequestration, biodiversity recovery and livelihood benefits. Global Change Biology 27(7). 1328-1348. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15498
Global Change Data Lab (2021): National poverty line https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/national-poverty-lines-vs-gdp-per-capita?tab=table

Plant-for-the-Planet Foundation | Standards for Restoration Projects | samantha.davalos@plant-for-the-planet.org

Core Standards

Biological Standards

Social & Financial Standards

Earlier Version of the Standards

Version 1.0, February 2022

Restoration Orgs

Users

Companies & Institutions