Forest restoration policies based on Acacia auriculiformis: a systematic review

Abstract

Globally, and particularly in tropical regions, forest restoration is considered a valuable strategy for mitigating the impacts of climate change and improving the livelihoods of local populations through the use of various species. While many international donors have provided substantial financial support for the forest restoration in the tropics, the strategies and effectiveness of these initiatives using Acacia auriculiformis have been poorly documented and never synthesized. To this end, a review of forest restoration policies involving Acacia auriculiformis worldwide is done, using a systematic literature review approach. Thus are identified 45 publications on the restoration of degraded forests with Acacia auriculiformis, primarily employing agroforestry techniques. Scientific research on Acacia auriculiformis-based restoration policies has grown significantly since the 2000s. The findings reveal a diverse range of themes, focusing on soil fertility, productivity, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and community forestry, illustrating the interconnectedness of ecological, political, and social issues in forest restoration. Forest restoration in Africa is largely governed by international frameworks such as the Bonn Challenge and AFR100.The Acacia auriculiformis utilization index indicates that less than half of forest restoration policies incorporate Acacia auriculiformis, highlighting its limited use in practice despite its recognized ecological potential.