Assisted natural regeneration for tropical forest and landscape restoration in the Philippines: Implementation, motivations, challenges and future directions
Tomiwa V. Oluwajuwon, Robin L. Chazdon, Nestor Gregorio, Liz Ota, Rogelio Tripoli, Arturo Pasa, John Herbohn
Abstract
Forest degradation and deforestation in the rural uplands of the Philippines threaten biodiversity, ecological functions, and local livelihoods. To address these issues, various Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) initiatives have been introduced, including Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR)—a set of low-cost interventions aimed at accelerating natural recovery and enhancing ecological functionality in degraded forest landscapes. However, implementation of ANR remains limited and largely unsustained in FLR projects, undermining its potential impact. Using case studies and a mixed-method qualitative survey approach, we examined ANR implementation across socio-ecological and policy dimensions in the Philippines by interviewing 22 key informants and conducting 5 focus group discussions with multiple stakeholder groups involved in ANR projects across three regions. Seven categories of key drivers influencing stakeholders to adopt ANR were identified, with socioeconomic incentives, particularly income and livelihood opportunities from project participation, being the strongest. These were followed by environmental motivations, including biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, climate change mitigation, and disaster risk reduction. Top-down institutional mandates and intrinsic values related to biodiversity conservation also play a crucial role. Despite its benefits, sustained ANR implementation faces numerous challenges, which we categorized into eight major themes. The most critical obstacles include short-term and insufficient funding, limited livelihood integration, and environmental threats like forest fires and local community pressures. Moreover, weak policy support, governance gaps, lack of sustainable protection and monitoring plans, and rugged terrain substantially hinder ANR's long-term viability. Restrictions on native tree use further constrain opportunities for integrating natural regeneration into FLR strategies. To enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of ANR in FLR initiatives, we recommend extending project timeframes, securing long-term funding, improving site protection and maintenance, integrating sustainable livelihood programs, strengthening policy support and alignment, and promoting evidence-based advocacy. Governments, restoration agencies, and NGOs must foster long-term financing mechanisms and ensure sustained local benefits to scale up ANR’s role in FLR efforts.