Abstract

(Introduction):  Ecological restoration is a global priority for recovering biodiversity and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Since its creation in 2000, the Madre Verde Natural Reserve in Costa Rica has been a model in this regard. In 2005, a characterization of the present vegetation communities was conducted, including grassland, shrubland, abandoned crop, area dominated by burío, dense secondary forest, sparse secondary forest, and two remnants of mature forest.

(Objective):  In 2020, the study was repeated, excluding the remnants of mature forest, to evaluate changes in vegetation after 15 years of restoration.

(Methodology):  Tree species were identified, richness and diversity indices were calculated, and vegetation profiles were developed for each community type.

(Results):  The greatest changes in vegetation richness and diversity indices, composition, and vertical structure were observed in grassland areas that underwent active reforestation. Additionally, significant changes were recorded in shrubland, and the area dominated by burío. The least changes were observed where some type of relatively mature secondary forest already existed due to the shade created by the trees.

(Conclusions):  Pioneering native species from this life zone predominate in all sites, ensuring the natural regeneration process. These results allow us to know the advances in restoration and which species are most suitable for reforesting other similar areas and ensuring the recovery of secondary forest more quickly and effectively.

Keywords: Costa Rica; reforestation; regeneration; succession; vegetation