Researchers conducted a global study on forest restoration and found that it can significantly improve biodiversity and vegetation structure compared to degraded areas. The success of restoration depends on factors like the time since restoration began, the type of disturbance, and the landscape context. Secondary forests benefit most from restoration over time, while selectively logged forests show similarities to old-growth forests. Restoration works best in landscapes with less intense previous disturbance and less fragmentation. Although restoration doesn't fully replicate old-growth forests, it can complement them if given enough time for natural processes to occur.