A research led by the **University of Göttingen (Germany)** and published in the journal *Science* shows that planting **”tree islands”** in degraded lands could be a powerful tool for **recovering biodiversity** and restoring [ecosystem functions](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/el-organismo-mas-grande-del-mundo-que-sostiene-un-ecosistema-completo-esta-en-peligro-que-lo-amenaza/).
In collaboration with Indonesian universities, the scientific team established **52 islands of native vegetation** in deteriorated agricultural landscapes on the island of **Sumatra (Indonesia)**. Six years later, **many trees were already over 15 meters high and bearing fruit**, attracting local fauna that enhanced the natural regeneration of the environment.
What are tree islands and how do they work
“Tree islands” are **plots of native vegetation strategically planted** within degraded areas, such as oil palm monocultures or impoverished agricultural lands. They can vary in size from **25 m² to several hundred**, and their function is to:
- Act as nuclei for ecological regeneration
- [Attract seed-dispersing fauna](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/las-plantas-y-su-estrategia-para-atraer-animales-que-dispersan-sus-semillas/), such as birds, bats, and mammals
- Facilitate the natural colonization of new plant species
In the study, **58 new native species established spontaneously** on these islands, thanks to the natural seed dispersal dynamics.
Key findings: initial diversity, future success
The team found that **the larger islands with greater initial diversity of native species** showed the best performance. *”The more tree species there are at the beginning, the more functionally diverse the restored ecosystem will be over time,”* said Professor **Holger Kreft**, leader of the Biodiversity and Biogeography group at the University of Göttingen.
An effective tool, but not a replacement for primary forests
The authors clarify that, although the islands show **very promising results**, the **biodiversity levels still do not reach those of intact forests**. This highlights that **protecting the remaining tropical forests** that still stand is still a priority, both in Indonesia and other global biodiversity hotspots.
Global implications: restoring without massive reforestation
This approach could:
- **Reduce costs compared to extensive reforestation**
- **Encourage natural regeneration in agricultural landscapes**
- Be replicated in other tropical regions with **high rates of degradation**
*”Our study demonstrates the potential of tree islands to transform poor agricultural lands into ecosystems full of biodiversity and native plants,”* concludes Kreft.
