[Answered] Afforestation is not a bad idea. But the aim should not be to only plant trees; it should be to make tree-planting activities friendly to local biodiversity. Elaborate with examples and suggest remedial measures.

Afforestation is the planting of trees in a previously barren environment. It can ensure balance and survival to all life on earth. The main reason for afforestation is to control carbon footprint and to ensure the sustainability of the natural environment.

However, there are factors that should be considered before starting with the afforestation process, as described below. Otherwise, the process will be harmful, instead of becoming beneficial.

Knowledge of the native vegetation and the biodiversity of the forests is critical for the effective restoration of forests.

Forests are complex ecosystems that are built over years due to abiotic and biotic factors. Unless these factors are part of the afforestation, trees will remain as green cover instead of the natural, complex ecosystems that they should be.

The planting trees help store carbon and reduce pollution but the other benefits depend upon the location of plantation and species type. If the wrong areas are selected for plantation, the natural habitat may get altered, which will cause native species to become extinct. E.g., the conversion of natural grasslands to wooded areas through tree planting caused extinction of The Great Indian Bustard in the Ranibennur Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka. Similarly, other habitats such as woodland savanna, grasslands and wetlands that have evolved to support unique biodiversity have been systematically transformed from ecologically rich habitats into sterile landscapes due to tree planting.

Native tree species misconception: Though neem, peepal and banyan may be native to India but they are non-native to some parts of the country. Planting any kind of these species may probably help in urban settings but not in natural habitats.

Remedial measures:

• Understanding the native vegetation and biodiversity: One should plant the right tree in the right place for the right reason. We should also monitor and examine the outputs of such tree-planting or restoration initiatives.
• Assisted natural regeneration: It means to let forests grow back naturally through protection. This method is cheaper and more effective as studies have shown that natural regeneration absorbs 40 times more carbon than plantations.
• Focus on natural forests: Rather than creating forests, conservation of existing forests from fires, diseases, illegal cutting etc. should be done. e.g. giving benefits to people of Sacred groves agroforestry.
• Shifting cultivation should be discouraged and depended people should be provided with alternative sources of livelihood.
• Adoption of cleaner technologies and regular monitoring of industrial units for environmental compliance.

Trees and forests are essential part of our ecosystem and life. As it is said Prevention is better than cure, in the same aspect we need to lay stress on the protection of our forests. Afforestation should be practiced but with proper knowledge and care to foster the emergence of new forests and increased biodiversity.