Authors:
Markwith, S.H.
Publication Date:
2011
Abstract/Summary:
Environmental restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. This is a broadly defined endeavor, where directed manipulation of the environment, the effects of anthropogenic disturbance, and processes interconnecting communities, species, and populations with each other and their physical environment fall within the conceptual boundaries. Restoration requires a broad perspective and range of expertise, and biogeographers provide the interdisciplinary background inherent to geographic training that squarely situates us to make significant contributions. The avenues for involvement include pre- and post-restoration monitoring, reference-site selection, data collection and analysis for sound project planning, development and testing of foundational theory, social perceptions and public involvement, and others. This article illustrates the areas where biogeographers from the ecological biogeography, historical biogeography, and cultural biogeography sub-fields can apply their expertise for the benefit of restoration science, student training, and research application and funding.
Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article
Source:
Geography Compass
Link:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1749-8198.2011.00438.x/abstract