Reforestation forest restoration – UGC NET Question

Reforestation specifically denotes re establishing forests on lands that were previously under forest cover but have been cleared or degraded. It aims to restore ecological functions, biodiversity and carbon storage. The stem refers to re planting on deforested or degraded forest land,which fits reforestation exactly. Thus reforestation is the correct term.

Option A:
Afforestation deals with planting trees on land that has not been forested for a long time or ever. Although similar in practice,it involves new forest creation on non forest land and therefore does not correspond precisely to the stem.

Option B:
Agroforestry integrates trees with crops and livestock on the same land management unit. Its primary purpose is to enhance productivity and sustainability in agricultural landscapes rather than to restore former forests. Hence it is not the best answer here.

Option C:
Reforestation helps reverse damage from logging,fire or inappropriate land use by bringing back tree cover and associated habitats. Because the question emphasises restoring tree cover on previously forested land,this option aligns perfectly with the intended meaning.

Option D:
Forest fragmentation refers to the breaking up of continuous forest into smaller isolated patches,usually due to human activities. It increases ecological vulnerability and is the opposite of the restorative process described in the stem.