Assisted Natural Regeneration

North Swaka Trust promotes Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) in areas of the forest that have been degraded. ANR promotes the growth of indigenous trees which are well-suited to the local environment. As a result these trees have a greater chance of survival and contribute to the restoration of a diverse and resilient ecosystem.

ANR is an efficient method of reforestation as it relies on the existing seed bank, root systems and natural processes to regenerate forests. Because it utilizes the natural regrowth potential of the land, eliminating the need for purchasing tree saplings, labour-intensive planting and associated maintenance costs, it is a more cost-effective method of reforestation compared with tree planting. In addition, ANR promotes biodiversity by allowing native species to regenerate according to their natural distribution pattern.

North Swaka Trust’s ANR project actively involves local communities in the restoration process and creates local employment.