This online webinar, hosted by the Transformative Partnership Platform for Quality Tree Seed and Seedling Delivery Systems [Quality Tree Seed TPP], explores one of the most debated questions in forest landscape restoration and large-scale tree planting initiatives, the choice between native and introduced tree species.

Across Africa and beyond, restoration programmes increasingly recognise that tree species selection is as critical as planting targets. While introduced species such as eucalypts and grevillea can provide rapid economic returns and ecosystem services, global biodiversity loss and growing climate risks have renewed calls for greater inclusion of native species to strengthen ecosystem resilience, cultural values and long-term sustainability.

Bringing together experts from research, policy and practice, the webinar examines how different stakeholders approach tree species selection, the trade-offs involved, and the practical constraints that influence decisions on the ground. Discussions will address ecological, social and economic considerations, including seed availability, quality standards and decision-support tools, with the aim of promoting balanced, evidence-based approaches to choosing the right tree for the right place and purpose.

The session is part of a wider webinar series supporting the goals of the Right Tree in the Right Place for the Right Purpose [RTRP-Seed] initiative, which seeks to strengthen tree seed and seedling delivery systems for resilient restoration at scale.