Conflation of reforestation with restoration is widespread. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38359128/)

These scientists wanted to understand how planting trees in certain areas of Africa could help the environment. They were concerned that sometimes people were planting the wrong kind of trees in places where they shouldn't be planted. So, they decided to study this by looking at areas that were not forests and seeing how planting trees there could make a difference. They wanted to make sure that when people plant trees, they are helping the environment in the best way possible.

Parr CL., Te Beest M., Stevens N. Conflation of reforestation with restoration is widespread. Science. 2024 Feb 16;383(6684):698-701. doi: 10.1126/science.adj0899. Epub 2024 Feb 15.