by Matteo Cavallito<\/p>\n
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While the world is increasingly aware<\/a> of reforestation<\/strong> benefits, a new threat is complicating soil restoration plans: seed shortage<\/strong>. The alarm is sounding in the US, where 17 environmental scientists have exposed the delays in seedling generation. The study<\/a>, published in Frontiers in Forestry and Global Change<\/strong> journal and reported by Wired<\/a> magazine, highlights in particular a current annual gap of 1.7 bn units. To achieve a reforestation target of 26 million hectares by 2040<\/strong> (with an estimated<\/a> additional carbon capture of 131 million tons), say the researchers, nurseries should increase their production by 2.3 times. Such a change implies a strong public and private financial support<\/strong> and the introduction of specific incentives for landowners.<\/p>\n