Evidence-Based Forest News

Ground Truth Weekly Forest News December 7

The internet of trees, Uganda's forest comeback, US investment in Amazon restoration and more.

Weekly news highlights December 7.
Forest background with purple and black highlights and article title.

EU Delays Deforestation Law but Keeps It Strong  🌍 

Continuing our emotional rollercoaster, the EU has postponed its new anti-deforestation law by a year, giving businesses more time to adapt. However, it refused to weaken the rules, which require companies to prove their products like coffee, soy, and cocoa aren’t linked to forest destruction. Environmental groups are disappointed by the delay, stressing that immediate action is key to saving forests and tackling climate change.  Conversely of course, nations such as Brazil and Indonesia have expressed concerns that the law could adversely affect their agricultural exports.

Do the benefits of protecting forests outweigh the potential economic harms?

​​👉👉Read more in Deutsche Wells


$37M DFC Boost for Mombak’s Amazon Reforestation  🌱

The U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is investing $37 million in Mombak’s efforts to reforest degraded Amazonian land. With over 3 million trees planted since 2021, Mombak aims to restore ecosystems, generate carbon credits, and balance economic and environmental goals. We also dive into why transparent data-sharing and collaboration remain key to scaling Brazil's ambitious restoration efforts.  

How do you think investments like this reshape global approaches to climate change?

​​👉👉Read our coverage on Ground Truth


Lessons from Boreal Forest Plantations: Climate Resilience and Innovation 🌲

Boreal forests—spanning a third of the world’s forest area—are under threat from climate change, with fires, pests, and extreme weather making it harder for them to recover. To help, researchers are testing smarter ways to replant trees, like preparing the soil better, choosing tree species that can handle climate shifts, and even using drones and AI to monitor progress. Combining these new ideas with indigenous knowledge could make replanting efforts not just faster but also better for nature and local communities.

What’s your take on blending cutting-edge tech with traditional knowledge for forest restoration?

​​👉👉Read the study in Springer


Are Tree Plantations All Bad? Interview with Gianluca Cerullo🌳

Not all tree-planting projects are created equal, and monoculture plantations may harm biodiversity while contributing little to genuine ecological restoration. Environmental advocate Gianluca Cerullo emphasizes that transparency, data-sharing, and evidence-based approaches are essential to separating impactful reforestation efforts from greenwashing. Public scrutiny and scientific methods can guide us toward solutions that truly benefit the planet.  

Do you think people know enough about the differences between plantations and real forest restoration?

​​👉👉Read our interview on Ground Truth


Uganda’s Forest and Wetland Cover Shows Signs of Recovery 🌿 

New figures show Uganda’s forest cover has grown to 12.2%, and wetlands have increased from 8.9% to 9.3%, signaling progress in environmental restoration efforts. The government has ambitious goals to expand forest cover to 15% and wetlands to 11.5% by 2026 while improving water access and promoting sustainable farming practices. Challenges like funding gaps, land disputes, and climate impacts persist, but enhanced partnerships, research, and public awareness are seen as vital to sustaining this recovery.

What do you think is the best way to balance environmental conservation with community needs?

​​👉👉Read more in Business Focus


Internet of Trees: The Future of Forest Protection 🌲 

Cutting-edge environmental sensors are transforming conservation, from wildfire detectors that spot danger within minutes to drones gathering DNA from forests to monitor biodiversity. These tools help track threats like illegal logging, forest fires, and climate impacts on ecosystems in real-time. With innovations like solar-powered devices and sustainable energy sources, technology is driving a smarter, faster response to environmental challenges.  

What new tech do you think could have the biggest impact on protecting forests?  

​​👉👉Read more in Wired


Edited by Chris Harris