Trees outside of forests form an important part of the landscape, as well as being part of farms and grazing lands. These trees provide key environmental benefits including carbon sequestration which has led to an increase in tree planting projects outside of forestry. However, we have a limited understanding of the multidimensional human wellbeing outcomes of these figures in the landscape, especially in regions like South Asia, which is the focus of a systematic review by Choksi et al. The research team reviewed various tree programs and practices research across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
In the past decade tree planting schemes in these regions have had mixed outcomes including the negative impact of shifting cultivation lands. While these projects have been found to provide jobs, they may also displace people from their homes. With an increasing number of tree-based restoration projects taking place, it is important to understand the range of impacts that trees outside of forests have on people’s lives and livelihood. This systematic review examined 325 articles to identify the common themes, challenges and opportunities of tree planting and human wellbeing in South Asia.
There is a “need for more thoughtfully designed interventions to achieve both ecological and human wellbeing outcomes”.
The review identified the role of trees outside of forests as a source of fuel, to diversify diets and incomes, and provide medicinal materials. Additionally they provide vocational and educational training opportunities. The predominant areas of research on the role of these trees looked at economic security related outcomes (77% of publications), and material and living standards outcomes (62% of publications). Overall trees outside of forests were found to provide benefits for mental health, enhanced biodiversity, better soil quality, and increased carbon sequestration. Their role in the landscape was often found to be multipurpose but the research which has occurred over the past decades has been disproportionately focused on trees in orchards and mixed plantation crops.
In conclusion, the systematic review by Choksi et al. underscores the significant contributions of trees outside forests to human wellbeing in South Asia. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive research to fully understand and optimise these benefits, advocating for policies that promote the integration of trees into agricultural and urban landscapes to enhance both environmental sustainability and human health.
Read the full article: Choksi, Pooja, et al. “How do trees outside forests contribute to human wellbeing? A systematic review from South Asia.” Environmental Research Letters (2025).
