Diversity for Restoration (D4R) Tool

Diversity for Restoration (D4R) Tool

News: Researchers have developed a tool called Diversity for Restoration (D4R) to aid in agroforestry and ecosystem restoration efforts.

What is D4R tool?
• The Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool has been developed by Biodiversity International. The tool has been modified to adapt to the Indian context by researchers from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).
• The tool aims to support ecosystem restoration programs in India by improving decision-making and promoting sustainable development.

What services does the tool provide?
• Help the user in identifying species that match their restoration objectives, Identify species that can resist local stresses and adapt to evolving environmental conditions. It Can pinpoint areas and regions to procure the seeds for the required species.
• Informs the user whether the tree species offers timber, fruit, manure, or other commercial benefits.
• It also informs if the tree is resilient to physiological stresses such as extremely high or low temperatures, salinity, or acidity tolerance in the soil among others.
• Identify windbreakers – the trees can act as a barrier against high winds.
• The user can also know if the species offers better nitrogen fixing and whether it serves as a good pollinator for birds and bees.