Potential Restoration Approaches for Heavily Logged Tropical Forests in Solomon Islands

Restoring heavily or repeatedly logged forests in the Solomon Islands is a growing priority given that economic pressures are frequently driving forest degradation to extreme levels. In such logged stands, damage can be so intense that natural regeneration is insufficient to allow floristic and functional recovery to pre-cut levels. Poor logging practices in the Solomon Islands will imminently result in a collapse in timber resources, which will significantly affect the country’s economy. This chapter presents potential passive and active restoration alternatives for forest restoration practitioners, focusing on approaches that have been successful in tropical landscapes. We recommend research into integrated approaches whereby different forest restoration techniques are amalgamated to achieve better outcomes to assist restoration and management of these heavily logged forests.