Published by BBC. Written by Helen Briggs.
Tree planting is a brilliant solution to tackle climate change and protect biodiversity, but the wrong tree in the wrong place can do more harm than good, say experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Image by ALEXANTONELLIRBGKEW and BBC.com
Scientists have proposed 10 golden rules for tree-planting, which they say must be a top priority for all nations this decade.
The rules include protecting existing forests first and involving locals.
Forests are essential to life on Earth. They provide a home to three-quarters of the world's plants and animals, soak up carbon dioxide, and provide food, fuels and medicines. But they're fast disappearing; an area about the size of Denmark of pristine tropical forest is lost every year.
"Planting the right trees in the right place must be a top priority for all nations as we face a crucial decade for ensuring the future of our planet” said Dr Paul Smith, a researcher on the study and secretary general of conservation charity Botanic Gardens International in Kew.
A raft of ambitious tree-planting projects are underway around the world to replace the forests being lost.
Boris Johnson has said he is aiming to plant 30,000 hectares (300 sq km) of new forest a year across the UK by the end of this parliament.
It takes at least a century to restore damaged forests.
Read the full article from BBC.