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Protecting the environment requires resources, which are often limited. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze and weigh the cost-benefit of different strategies to prioritize the most effective approaches. This means considering various factors, including financial resources, time, effort, and overall impact.
In this context, an important discussion emerges: reforestation versus conservation of native forests — which is more important?
Let’s examine some key factors.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability
Sri Lanka is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, with a significant proportion of its flora and fauna being endemic. Notably, approximately 45% of plant species in certain reserves are unique to the island. This high level of endemism underscores the importance of preserving existing native forests to protect these irreplaceable species (Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura).
Native forests act as reservoirs of biodiversity, supporting a wide array of plant, animal, and microbial species. This rich biodiversity ensures ecosystem resilience and stability.
In contrast, monoculture plantations often lead to habitat loss and a decline in species diversity. A recent study in Scotland found that Sitka spruce plantations threaten over 70 moss species and 26 liverwort species, disrupting local ecosystems and contradicting biodiversity enhancement policies (The Times, 2024).
Reforestation is beneficial, but it is most effective when combined with conservation efforts. Protecting existing ecosystems preserves biodiversity and supports the long-term success of reforestation initiatives.
Carbon Sequestration and Climate Mitigation
Old-growth forests store significantly more carbon compared to younger plantations. The Stern Review on the economics of climate change identifies curbing deforestation as one of the most cost-effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Preserving existing forests prevents the release of stored carbon and ensures their role as continuous carbon sinks.
One study found that tropical reforestation may only sequester around 3% of the carbon emissions saved each year by avoiding the loss of the same area of mature, carbon-rich forests (Griscom et al., 2017).
According to Global Forest Watch (accessed 22 Feb 2025, using Harris et al. (2021) forest carbon removals by forest sinks data), the forest surrounding the Forest Healing Foundation’s operations sequestered an average of 6 tonnes CO2e ha-1 year-1 between 2001 and 2023. Studies in the nearby Knuckles Forest Reserve found rates between 5.2 and 6.9 tonnes CO2e ha-1 year-1 (Wahala, 2013). The University of Peradeniya (Kandy) has also conducted carbon stock and removals studies in the region and the Forest Healing Foundation is looking to create opportunities for local students to study the forests of our operations.
For Sri Lanka, the Natural Climate Solutions World Atlas identifies avoided deforestation as the most impactful and cost-effective carbon-saving strategy, with more than double the potential impact of reforestation (Nature4Climate, 2020). The type of reforestation also matters, with natural forests storing more carbon than agroforestry, which in turn stores more carbon than plantations (Lewis et al., 2019).
Communities
Both conservation and reforestation initiatives can provide income for local communities.
Conservation efforts may create forest management, eco-tourism, or ranger jobs.
Reforestation programs can generate income through seed harvesting, sapling planting, and agroforestry products.
However, poorly designed projects can also negatively affect local communities—especially if land rights are ignored or access to vital natural resources is restricted.
The State of the World’s Forests Report 2020 estimated that approximately one-third of humanity relies directly on forests for their livelihoods (FAO and UNEP, 2020). Similarly, a recent study found that 294.5 million people live on tropical forest restoration opportunity land in the Global South, including 12% of the total population in low-income countries (Erbaugh et al., 2020).
However, tracking the real, long-term impact of conservation and reforestation on local communities remains challenging, making case-by-case evaluation essential.
Comparing Conservation vs. Reforestation in Sri Lanka:
Aspect | Conservation | Reforestation |
Primary Focus | Protecting existing forests | Restoring degraded or cleared lands |
Biodiversity | Directly protects endemic species and ecosystems | Can help restore biodiversity, but success depends on approach |
Carbon Sequestration | Already established carbon sink | Carbon sequestration potential in new forests over time |
Cost | Generally more cost-effective | Can be more expensive due to land preparation and maintenance |
Ecosystem Services | Preserves water, soil, and climate regulation | Helps improve soil and water retention in degraded areas |
Challenges | Deforestation, fragmentation, illegal activities | Slow growth, potential for monocultures, land competition |
Conclusion
While reforestation plays a role in environmental management, conserving native forests must remain the priority. Preservation maintains biodiversity, enhances carbon sequestration, and supports crucial ecosystem services.Scientific research consistently shows that conservation efforts provide more immediate and substantial environmental benefits compared to large-scale tree planting.
How the Forest Healing Foundation Acts
As a small grassroots organization, we focus on maximizing impact within our local community. Given the rising deforestation rates—especially due to the economic impacts of COVID-19—we recognize that conservation can also provide sustainable economic opportunities for communities.
Our surrounding forests are high in biodiversity and located between two protected areas, potentially forming an important ecological corridor. We work with local farmers to plant trees on their lands and assess opportunities for larger-scale reforestation projects.
Currently, we prioritize conservation efforts through our Forest Healing Foundation project, where we are urgently fundraising to protect over 30 acres of biodiverse forest in Sri Lanka. As we grow, we hope to expand reforestation initiatives, particularly in abandoned tea plantations that could be restored in collaboration with local communities.
How You Can help
Everyone can contribute to conservation and reforestation efforts, no matter how small. Here are some practical ways to make a difference:
Volunteer with a local conservation initiative.
Plant a tree in your garden or community space.
Support scientific research by helping analyze wildlife data on platforms like Zooniverse.
Fundraise for conservation projects through platforms like GlobalGiving.
Spread awareness via social media to support environmental campaigns.
Making decisions about environmental stewardship is complex—but every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger impact.
Making decisions on how to look after the environment is never straightforward and there are many more factors that we haven’t looked at here. Please let us know your thoughts and how you’re getting on in your world.
If you’d like to support our Conservation efforts, please visit our DONATION page here.
Your help makes all the difference.
References
Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. (n.d.). Forest Research and Conservation Education Center. Retrieved February 27, 2025, from https://science.sjp.ac.lk/fes/forest-research-and-conservation-education-center/
The Times. (2024). Rare plants at risk from Sitka spruce plantation. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/rare-plants-at-risk-from-sitka-spruce-plantation-np3svwnmf
Griscom et al. (2017). Natural climate solutions. PNAS, 114 (44) pp.11645-11650.
Nature4Climate, (2020). Natural Climate Solutions World Atlas: Sri Lanka Country Report. [online] Available at: http://nature4climate.s3.amazonaws.com/ctry-factsheets/Sri%20Lanka_factsheet.pdf [Accessed: 10/01/2021].
Lewis et al. (2019). Restoring natural forests is the best way to remove atmospheric carbon. Nature 568, pp. 25-28.
FAO and UNEP (2020). The State of the World’s Forests 2020. Forests, biodiversity and people. Rome.
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