Part 4/11:
The breakthrough idea is not to plant new trees but to awaken these underground roots to sprout again—a method that leverages the land’s existing biological legacy. This approach is significantly faster and more cost-effective than conventional reforestation.
The Inspiration from Niger and the Discovery of Natural Regeneration
A pivotal figure in this story is Tony Rinaudo, an agronomist who arrived in Niger in 1980 amidst ecological devastation caused by desertification and drought. Like many, he initially attempted to plant trees, but only a small fraction survived. One day, while delivering seedlings, he noticed an unassuming bush that wasn't a weed but a vital tree sprouting from a hidden stump.