Restoration of tropical montane cloud forests: a six-prong strategy

Tropical Montane Cloud Forests (TMCFs) are among the vegetation types facing the greatest threats, both globally and in Mexico. Ecological restoration of TMCFs is a priority in several tropical countries. In this paper, we propose that restoration of TMCFs based on applied nucleation methods should be accompanied by a set of additional mechanisms that form a six-prong strategy. In our experience, the essential set of tools to ensure positive results is composed of (1) a diagnostic-prescriptive stage; (2) species selection and nursery management of native species for restoring the tree strata; (3) the use of a set of biological indicators to monitor its progression; (4) restoration training for local and government stakeholders; (5) active dissemination of information through a network of private landowners; and (6) voluntary land protection. The proposed framework is based on a decade of interdisciplinary work of the Mexican conservation nonprofit organization Pronatura Veracruz. Although nucleation has been proposed and used to accelerate the natural succession of other tropical forests, there is no detailed documentation of concurring elements to achieve its long-term success.