Year of publication 2006

Destruction of tropical forests is probably the greatest threat to the enormous variety of plant and animal species, with which we share our planet. Although tropical forests cover only 7% of Earth’s land surface, they are home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species. In addition, they provide local people with a wealth of forest products; reduce damage caused by floods and droughts and generate revenue as tourist attractions. Yet these forests are fast disappearing. In response to the global biodiversity crisis, the British government established the Darwin Initiative in 1992 to promote the use of U.K. expertise to work in partnership with countries rich in biodiversity but lacking all the resources needed to conserve it. Through workshops and other educational activities, this project has enabled more people to become involved in restoring Thailand’s once magnificent forests and has helped to improve the efficiency of existing reforestation projects. In addition to passing on technical expertise, the project has also developed innovative ways to encourage local communities to become involved in forest restoration. This manual is one of the outputs from this project. It provides a simple, accessible and practical guide so that others may apply the findings of the FORRU’s research and become actively involved in restoring Thailand’s forests.