LOCATIONS FOR CLIMATE-FIGHTING REFORESTATION

New research from the Future Ecosystems for Africa (FEFA) program at Wits University has created the most accurate maps yet of where reforestation can effectively combat climate change. The study identifies 195 million hectares globally where tree restoration will deliver maximum climate benefits without harming communities, ecosystems, wildlife habitat, food production or water availability.

The study, published in Nature Communications, identifies 195 million ha, a drop in previous estimates of the total land area available globally for reforestation projects. However, it represents a realistic opportunity for reforestation to contribute meaningfully to climate goals.

According to Prof. Sally Archibald, who leads the FEFA program at Wits, the research stresses that negative impacts are more likely when communities lack secure land rights and depend heavily on natural resources.

The drop from previous estimates is due to layers that previous maps haven’t been able to incorporate because the research was still nascent at the time. It accounts for the fact that restoring tree cover can sometimes actively heat the earth rather than cool it by affecting how much sunlight is absorbed or reflected. It also excludes native grasslands and other ecosystems where carpeting the land with trees would harm biodiversity and exacerbate fire regimes. This distinction is especially important for Africa, where natural grasslands and savannas are often inappropriately converted to forests, harming biodiversity and worsening fire regimes.  

The study was co-funded by the Nature Conservancy and Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation as part of the FEFA mission to prioritise African-informed solutions in ecosystem conservation.

www.wits.ac.za/news/research-news/2025-06/new-research-maps