Forest restoration and climate resilience in degraded ecosystems
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63618/omd/revinvlid/v3/n2/3Keywords:
forest restoration, climate resilience, degraded ecosystems, natural regeneration, environmental governanceAbstract
Forest degradation in Latin America increases ecosystem vulnerability to climate change by affecting biodiversity, carbon storage, water regulation, soil fertility, and the socio-environmental stability of territories. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between forest restoration and climate resilience in degraded ecosystems, considering ecological, climatic, socioeconomic, and institutional dimensions. The methodology consisted of an exploratory, documentary, non-experimental, and cross-sectional literature review based on scientific publications, technical reports, and academic documents published between 2014 and 2026, organized through an analytical matrix and synthesized narratively and comparatively. The results show that forest restoration supports the recovery of ecological functions, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, water regulation, and landscape connectivity; furthermore, natural regeneration may be more efficient in contexts with favorable successional conditions. The discussion argues that restoration should not be limited to tree planting, but should be integrated with governance, community participation, monitoring, and territorial justice. It is concluded that forest restoration constitutes a key ecological and social infrastructure for strengthening climate resilience in degraded ecosystems.
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