Genesis Thought leadership series welcomes global expert on rainforest restoration

Thursday, 29 January 2026 04:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Prof. Friedhelm Goeltenboth

The Genesis Thought leadership series continues with a timely and highly relevant lecture on sustainable land use in the humid tropics, featuring University of Hohenheim, Germany, Honorary Professor of Tropical Ecology and Scientific Advisor to NatureLife-International Prof. Friedhelm Goeltenboth,

Titled “Rainforestation Farming – an innovative new option for the humid tropics”, the lecture will take place today (29 January) at 5.00 p.m. at GENESIS: Dilmah Centre for Sustainable Future.

Across South and South-east Asia, once-vast tropical rainforests have been steadily reduced due to commercial logging, population pressure, and expanding agriculture. These changes have damaged ecosystems, reduced biodiversity, and weakened rural livelihoods. Prof. Goeltenboth’s lecture addresses this challenge head-on with a practical, proven solution.

At the heart of the discussion is Rainforestation Farming, a land-use system developed in the Philippines through a long-term collaboration between the University of Hohenheim and Visayas State University. Initiated in 1994, this approach combines forest restoration with food security and income generation for rural communities.

Unlike conventional replanting, Rainforestation Farming uses local forest and fruit tree species, planted in a near-natural structure. Fast-growing sun-loving trees are planted first to create quick canopy cover, suppress invasive grasses, and restore soil health. Shade-loving forest species are introduced later, recreating a layered forest system that supports biodiversity while delivering long-term economic value.

The results are striking. Within just four years, endangered wildlife species such as the Philippine flying lemur and tarsiers returned to restored areas. At the same time, farmers benefited from improved soils, reduced erosion, better water retention, and diversified income from fruit, timber, and shade-tolerant crops. The system also contributes to carbon sequestration, making it highly relevant in the context of climate change.

Prof. Goeltenboth brings over 25 years of hands-on experience in tropical ecology, agroforestry, and landscape rehabilitation across Asia, including work in the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Laos. He has advised governments, international agencies, and development organisations, and his Rainforestation Farming model is now adopted by multiple agencies, including government authorities in the Philippines.

This lecture will be of strong interest to policymakers, environmental professionals, academics, conservationists, agricultural practitioners, and anyone concerned with sustainable development in tropical regions.

The Genesis Thought leadership series offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from a pioneer whose work bridges science, community livelihoods, and real-world environmental solutions. Attendance is strongly encouraged.