©Danilo Lima, Agripalm Ambiental
The RRC database contains a wide variety of resources and publications related to ecological restoration, and we are actively working to expand this collection. It is our aim to serve as the principal clearinghouse for information and tools to support the work of researchers, practitioners, land managers, educators, students, and anyone else interested in restoration. Use the filter tool below to search the database by title, author, resource type, keyword, or any combination of these factors.
Although SER does review all entries in the database for relevance and quality, these resources have not been rigorously reviewed or extensively vetted in every case, and SER therefore makes no claim as to their accuracy or accordance with generally accepted principles in the field. The database is provided as a resource for visitors to the SER website, and it is ultimately left to the individual user to make their own determinations about the quality and veracity of a given publication or resource.
If there is a resource we missed, please let us know! We are interested in current books, articles, technical documents, videos, and other resources that are directly relevant to ecological restoration science, practice or policy, as well as resources treating the social, cultural and economic dimensions of restoration.
Ground work: Basic concepts of ecological restoration in British Columbia
Abstract:Ecological restoration attempts to restore parcels of land or water that have been damaged by a range of
past human activities. The scope of ecological restoration ranges from alpine meadows to saltwater
estuaries, and the techniques are as diverse as the many ecosystems to which they are applied. This guide
provides an introduction to ecological restoration for individuals, companies, students, non-profit
groups, and government agencies involved in or contemplating restoration projects. It emphasizes the
underlying concepts common to all restorations—the ecological concepts of succession, disturbance,
and historical range of variability
Publication Date: 2001
Heroic Tales of Wetland Restoration
Abstract:Heroic Tales of Wetland Restoration tells of 12 rural landowners, who changed their farming practices to reclaim wetlands, streams and rivers. Their stories span Oregon from the Columbia River to Cape Blanco, and Bonanza to Bear Valley. They have worked hard to restore oxbows, lush with sedges and cattails, forging partnerships with landowners, state and federal agencies, non-profits and community groups.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2001
Large Mammal Restoration: Ecological and Sociological Challenges In The 21st Century
Abstract:Large Mammal Restoration brings together for the first time detailed case studies of those efforts, from restoring elk in Appalachia to returning bison herds to the Great Plains to the much-publicized effort to bring back the gray wolf to Yellowstone National Park. Together these case studies offer important lessons and new ways of thinking for wildlife managers and conservation biologists involved with restoration programs.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2001
Native Understorey Species Regeneration at NSW Coal Mines
Abstract:Australia has developed some world leading practices in mine site restoration after bauxite mining (Bell 2001; Mulligan et al. 2006). Restoration techniques are underpinned by two key practices: (i) incremental rehabilitation, restoring land progressively to forest after it has been mined out (Fourie & Tibbett 2006; Koch 2007a) and (ii) integrating mining with restoration, a practice that requires joint planning by both ecological and mining engineers (Hinz 1992; Koch 2007a).
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2001
Achieving Restoration Success: Myths in Bottomland Hardwood Forests
Abstract:Enforcing the discipline of explicit objectives, with restoration expectations described in terms of predicted values of functions, causal mechanisms and temporal response trajectories, will hasten the development of meaningful criteria for restoration success. We present our observations about current efforts to restore bottomland hardwoods as nine myths, or statements of dubious origin, and at best partial truth.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
An Evaluation of Direct Seeding for Reforestation of Degraded Lands in Central Sa_o Paulo State, Brazil
Abstract:As part of a larger study evaluating several silvicultural techniques for restoring tropical moist forests on abandoned agricultural lands in southeastern Brazil, direct seeding with five early- successional Atlantic forest species was tested at three degraded sites, characterized by different soil types and land-use histories, within the Environmental Protection Area at Botucatu, SP. Despite the poor performance of the other species tested, we observed that the natural regeneration of native forest species originating from remnant forests in the general vicinity of our study sites was significantly greater within the direct-seeded plots than in unplanted control plots that were protected from fire and other disturbances.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Strategies for the Recovery of Degraded Ecosystems: Experiences from Latin America
Abstract:Physical and biological barriers can delay natural regeneration in degraded ecosystems. Tropical tree plantations can contribute to restore soils and accelerate forest regeneration. In a program on ecosystem rehabilitation in three regions of Latin America, about 50% of a total of 29 tree species tested had positive effects on soils and good growth, making them attractive to farmers for reforestation. In plantations with indigenous tree species in the humid lowlands of Costa Rica, tree regeneration was higher under plantations than in abandoned pastures. Tree regeneration was high under mixed-species plantations. Open pastures had the highest proportion of wind-dispersed seeds, while bird and bat seed dispersal was predominant in the plantations. High litter accumulation on the plantation floor diminished grass growth and encouraged woody invasion.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
The Role of Indigenous Burning in Land Management
Abstract:This article highlights the findings of the literature on aboriginal fire from the human- and the land-centered disciplines, and suggests that the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples be incorporated into plans for reintroducing fire to the nation’s forests. Traditional knowledge represents the outcome of long experimentation with application of fire by indigenous people, which can inform contemporary policy discussions.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
The Role of Spontaneous Vegetation Succession in Ecosystem Restoration: A Perspective
Abstract:The paper summarizes ideas which were discussed during the ‘Spontaneous Succession in Ecosystem Restoration’ conference and elaborated through further discussion among the authors. It seeks to promote the integration of scientific knowledge on spontaneous vegetation succession into restoration programs. A scheme illustrating how knowledge of spontaneous succession may be applied to restoration is presented, and perspectives and possible future research on using spontaneous vegetation succession in ecosystem restoration are proposed.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
The Role of Vegetation Succession in Ecosystem Restoration
Abstract:The papers presented in this Special Feature result from an international workshop ‘Spontaneous succession in ecosystem restoration’ which was held from 7 to 10 September 1___ in _es__ __d__ovice, _zech _ep__lic and organized _y the _niversity of _es__ __d__ovice, and the Institute of Botany, Academy of Sciences of the _zech _ep__lic, _r_honice.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Tidal Wetland Restoration: Physical and Ecological Processes
Abstract:The need for tidal wetland restoration is examined in relation to the causes of wetland loss, the impacts of wetland loss, and the impetus behind wetland restoration efforts. For restoration to be strategic, knowledge of the relevant physical and ecological processes must be improved. Research on ecosystem development under alternative restoration approaches is needed to increase the predictability of outcomes (both structural and functional attributes), as well as the time-frame required for ecosystem recovery. Increased predictability is more likely to be achieved under adaptive management strategies for wetland restoration, enhancement and preservation.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Transforming Traditional Institutions for Sustainable Natural Resource Management: History, Narratives and Evidence from Zimbabwe’s Communal Areas
Abstract:This paper traces the emergence of traditional institutions from the pre-colonial times to the present, and draws a comparison with one fundamental principle of common property management: exclusivity of resource use. Evidence from Zimbabwe shows that traditional rules governing natural resources contradict this principle. The study suggests that the gap between traditional institutions and design principles for sustainable common property resource management can be bridged by making small continuous institutional changes over an extended period of time. It also recommends that longitudinal studies – based on historical precedent rather than contemporary narratives – and cross-sectional studies are required for informed policy decision-making in order to transform traditional institutions.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Understanding natural patterns and processes in river corridors as the basis for effective river restoration
Abstract:The thesis of this paper is that established research and management concepts may fail to fully recognize the crucial roles of habitat heterogeneity and fluvial dynamics owing to a lack of fundamental knowledge of the structural and functional features of morphologically intact river corridors. The objective of this paper is to promulgate a broader and more integrative understanding of natural processes in river corridors as a necessary prelude to effective river conservation and management.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Viewing Invasive Species Removal in a Whole-Ecosystem Context
Abstract:Eradications of invasive species often have striking positive effects on native biota. However, recent research has shown that species removal in isolation can also result in unexpected changes to other ecosystem components. These secondary effects will become more likely as numbers of interacting invaders increase in ecosystems, and as exotics in late stages of invasion eliminate native species and replace their functional roles. Food web and functional role frameworks can be used to identify ecological conditions that forecast the potential for unwanted secondary impacts. Integration of eradication into a holistic process of assessment and restoration will help safeguard against accidental, adverse effects on native ecosystems.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Forest Landscape Restoration – Uganda Country Report
Abstract:The aim of the study was to document the past and current forest regeneration initiatives with a view of identifying opportunities for a FLR approach. The study also assessed the extent to which FLR would be supportive of other development programmes like PEAP and PMA. It also evaluated the relevance of existing policies in promoting FLR. The study has found that FLR would complement the PEAP and PMA for example because they all shore the same principles. These are continued processes for consensus – building among stakeholders on priorities, long – term commitment or perspective and multi – stakeholder involvement.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2001
Hydraulic Design of Stream Restoration Projects
Abstract:The purpose of this document is to provide a systematic hydraulic design methodology to hydraulic engineers involved in stream restoration projects. The objective of the methodology is to fit the stream restoration project into the natural system within the physical constraints imposed by other project objectives and constraints.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2001
Invasive Alien Species: A Toolkit of Best Prevention and Management Practices
Abstract:The toolkit is intended to be global in its applicability, although there is a small island focus, recognizing that the impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity is greater in small island systems. In any case, we anticipate that to be most useful and effective, the toolkit will need to be locally adapted for different countries or regions (Chapter 6). In this regard we would like to note that the case studies represent the particular expertise of the workshop participants, and the people we were subsequently able to work with during the preparation of the toolkit, and are therefore not representative of the full range of experience worldwide.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2001
Managing Agricultural Resources for Biodiversity Conservation: A Guide to Best Practices
Abstract:The guide adopts a structure for looking at agrobiodiversity that has emerged from expert meetings and the CBD’s liaison group on agrobiodiversity: of farm genetic resources, ecosystem services, knowledge systems, and landscape level issues. The case studies touch on measures and experiences to conserve these aspects of agrobiodiversity in Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States region, Yunnan province in China, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, India, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2001
Putting It Back Together: Making Ecosystem Restoration Work
Abstract:This review explores 6 major restoration efforts nationally and distills lessons to guide future initiatives—specifically the effort to restore the San Francisco Bay-Delta ecosystem. In crafting major legislation for the Bay-Delta and elsewhere, we should examine what has gone right, and what has worked less well, in other ecosystem management initiatives around the country. The last few years have seen a flurry of new, often creative solutions to restoration problems; however, the jury is still out on these more recent efforts.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2001
River Water Quality Improvement by Natural and Constructed Wetland systems in the Tropical Semi-arid Region of Northeastern Brazil
Abstract:The efficiencies of a natural Typha spp wetland (Wn) formed on a river bed and its effluent treatment in a constructed wetland (Wc, subsurface horizontal flow) were investigated in northeastern Brazil (Paraiba State). The Wc system (12 tanks with stone gravel, 4.13 m2, 0.22 m3, 20 Typha spp rhizomes. m-2 each, with 38, 29, and 19 mm.d-1 hydraulic loadings, and 5, 7, and 10 days HRT) was fed daily with effluent from a Wn. Wn removal presented the highest values after Typha spp were cut during the 5th week. Removal values were (1st and 2nd periods or before and after cutting): 75% and 81% BOD5; 10-53% total phosphorus; 13%-55% ammonia; 89%-91% FC; 90-96% coliphages and bacteriophages. Wc removals increased with time with best results on 10d HRT. Removals were also higher in the 2nd period: 74%-78% BOD5; 58%-82% ammonia; 90% FC; 94-98% FS; and 92%-96% coliphages and bacteriophages. Despite the high remaining values of FC (1.4 _ 104 CFU/100 ml) and FX (4 _ 103 CFU/100 ml), the removals were satisfactory and HRT dependent, suggesting a gradual optimization of the system with time. The Wc exhibited good efficiency for improving water quality from polluted river.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2001
Potential for Using Facilitation by Grasses to Establish Shrubs on a Semi-Arid Degraded Steppe
Abstract:In this study, we analyzed the effects of S. tenacissima tussocks on the survival, growth, and ecophysiological features of experimentally planted seedlings of Medicagoarborea, Quercuscoccifera, and Pistacialentiscus in three sites in a semiarid region in southeastern Spain. Our main objective was to test whether S. tenacissima was able to facilitate shrub establishment in semiarid degraded steppes. Our results suggest a direct facilitative effect of S. tenacissima on introduced shrubs. This study indicates that positive interactions in semiarid steppes can be of particular importance for effective restoration in degraded semiarid ecosystems.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Prescribed Fire in Oak Savanna: Fire Frequency Effects on Stand Structure and Dynamics
Abstract:Attempts to preserve and maintain savannas as a viable ecosystem type in this region will require a long-term commitment to restoration-based management, with prescribed fire as a central tool. Burn frequency treatments with four or more fires per decade produce similar reductions in stem density and stand basal area but may lead to unsustainable oak tree populations. Within this general range, fire frequencies at a decadal scale should be chosen to address other management objectives, including suppressing shrubs and promoting increased cover of grasses and other herbaceous species. Fire management with a long-term view may also require periodic respites to allow for new cohorts of mature oak trees.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Principles and Practices for Managing Rangeland Invasive Plants
Abstract:Our purpose is to describe principles and practices to consider when developing integrated strategies to manage invasive plants on rangeland. Sustainable integrated invasive plant management strategies require assessing their impacts, under-standing and managing the processes influencing invasion, knowledge of invasive plant biology and ecology, and integrating management tactics based on eco-logical principles. Ultimately, for these strategies to be successful, they must be compatible with and contribute to achieving overall rangeland ecosystem management goals and objectives.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Problems, Approaches, and Results in Restoration of Dutch Calcareous Grassland during the Last 30 Years
Abstract:Chalk grassland completely lost its significance for modern agricultural production after the wide application of artificial fertilizer following World War II. This grassland has a high conservation value both for plants and animal species, of which a large number of species are exclusively restricted to this biotope. When conservation activities started at a large scale in the early 1960s, three different types of restoration activities could be distinguished: (1) restoration of fertilized sites; (2) restoration of abandoned grasslands; and (3) recreation of chalk grassland on former arable fields. The main aim of the restoration attempt is to create and/or improve sustainable conditions for both plant and animal species characteristic of the chalk grassland ecosystem.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Reforestation of Mangroves after Severe Impacts of Herbicides during the Viet Nam War: The Case of Can Gio
Abstract:This article begins by describing the detrimental impacts of chemicals used in the Viet Nam war on mangroves, and then focuses on the reforestation efforts of the mangroves of the Can Gio district. Between 1978 and 1989, 29,583 ha of Rhizophora apiriculata were planted; however, due to a lack of technical experience and a very high planting density, by 1990 only 18,125 ha remained. 35,000 ha of mangrove were replanted by 1996 and, in 2001, about 20,000 ha still survived. At the time of writing (2001), the author reported that the mangroves had almost been restored to a condition similar to what existed before the chemical degradation, with 70 mangrove species (of which 30 were true mangrove species) recorded in the restored mangrove. With restoration efforts, the soil substrate has been restored to loam and the pH value has increased. Reforestation of the mangrove has been accompanied by forest policy which allocates land to local households, increases forest personnel, and implements monitoring of forest activities.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Restoration and management of mangrove systems — A lesson for and from the East African Region
Abstract:This paper outlines the activities of mangrove restoration and management around the world with particular emphasis on Eastern Africa. As noted here, extensive research has been carried out on the ecology, structure and functioning of the mangrove ecosystem. However, the findings have not been interpreted in a management framework, thus mangrove forests around the world continue to be over-exploited, converted to aquaculture ponds, and polluted. We strongly argue that links between research and sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems should be established.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Restoration and Management of Mangrove Systems: A Lesson for and from the East African Region
Abstract:This paper outlines the activities of mangrove restoration and management around the world with particular emphasis on Eastern Africa. As noted here, extensive research has been carried out on the ecology, structure and functioning of the mangrove ecosystem. However, the findings have not been interpreted in a management framework, thus mangrove forests around the world continue to be over-exploited, converted to aquaculture ponds, and polluted. We strongly argue that links between research and sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems should be established.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Restoration and Management Strategies of Wetlands in Developing Countries
Abstract:The main objectives of this study were to identify the status of wetlands based on qualitative and quantitative impacts due to urbanization and various anthropogenic activities, and explore suitable restoration, conservation, and management strategies based on pollution level.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Restoration ecology: Repairing the earth’s ecosystems in the new millennium
Abstract:We argue that restoration ecology has to be an integral component of land management in today’s world, and to be broadly applicable, has to have a clearly articulated conceptual basis. This needs to recognize that most ecosystems are dynamic and hence restoration goals cannot be based on static attributes. Setting clear and achievable goals is essential, and these should focus on the desired characteristics for the system in the future, rather than in relation to what these were in the past.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001
Restoration Ecology: Repairing the Earth’s Ecosystems in the New Millennium
Abstract:We argue that restoration ecology has to be an integral component of land management in today’s world, and to be broadly applicable, has to have a clearly articulated conceptual basis. This needs to recognize that most ecosystems are dynamic and hence restoration goals cannot be based on static attributes. Setting clear and achievable goals is essential, and these should focus on the desired characteristics for the system in the future, rather than in relation to what these were in the past. Goal setting requires that there is a clear understanding of the restoration options available (and the relative costs of different options). The concept of restoration thresholds suggests that options are determined by the current state of the system in relation to biotic and abiotic thresholds.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2001