©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.
Ecosystem Services Guidance: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Guide and Checklists
Abstract:The aim of this guide is threefold. Firstly, it explains the relationship between biodiversity, ecosystem services and the oil and gas industry. Secondly, it provides a set of checklists to help identify the main ecosystem service dependencies and impacts of oil and gas developments. Thirdly, it highlights key associated risks and opportunities for oil and gas companies, and provides guidance on potential measures for managing them.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Governing Marine Protected Areas – Getting the Balance Right
Abstract:Rather than exploring this question and the related debates through the literature, this research project aims to explore it through a range of case studies, employing a specifically developed case study research approach – the marine protected area governance (MPAG) framework – to support getting the balance right between the three governance approaches and, ultimately, between the conservation of marine biodiversity and the sustainable use of marine resources. In examining the relative roles of state, market and people-steered approaches, the different case studies examined in this project will explore the proposition that whilst certain approaches are effective at addressing some challenges in some contexts, other sorts of approaches are generally required to address other challenges in other contexts.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Green Seattle Forest Steward Field Guide
Abstract:The Forest Steward Field Guide in your hands contains the basic yet essential information you will need to develop and implement site restoration plans and a system for tracking progress. As a forest steward, you will have opportunities to expand your forest restoration knowledge and skills by attending specialized training sessions in restoration practices, volunteer management, monitoring, and more. In addition, Forest Stewards at each park are eligible to receive materials, plants, and crew assistance for your restoration projects through the Green Seattle Partnership.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Guidelines for Aspen Restoration on the National Forests in Utah
Abstract:No guidelines for aspen management can anticipate all situations. The intent here is to promote holistic thinking in management decisions. If we act before understanding either the larger ecological context or agents operating on aspen in specific sites, the probability of irrevocable damage increases. If we are uncertain of management outcomes, pre- and post- decision monitoring is critical. Documentation of restoration failures, as well as successes, is an important component of management.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Guidelines for Protected Areas Legislation
Abstract:These guidelines are the result of a joint effort, led by the IUCN Environmental Law Centre, to update and expand the 1980 guidelines with practical state-of-the-art guidance for those interested in strengthening protected areas legislation, including legal drafters, protected areas professionals, policy makers, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, and members of the academic community.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation: Biodiversity and Land Stewardship
Abstract:The guidelines contain a clear set of recommendations for the development and implementation of a quarry rehabilitation plan. The objectives of the CSI in developing these recommendations are: 1) Support the process of quarry rehabilitation across member companies, and by doing so, improve the standard of rehabilitation projects for existing and new sites and 2) Ensure that CSI members have a common understanding of the CSI KPIs on quarry rehabilitation, and that reporting against these KPIs is consistent across members.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Mangrove Management Handbook
Abstract:This Mangrove Management Handbook is comprised of six chapters packed full of useful information on how to protect and manage mangroves as a natural and productive resource. It is intended to help people anywhere who wish to become stewards of mangrove forest resources. People’s organizations, nongovernment organizations and local government are the primary audience but of course others can benefit from the information presented in this volume.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Plantation d’Essences Forestie_res dans le Contexte de la Restauration Ecologique des Tourbie_res: Un Guide Pratique
Abstract:Le Groupe de recherche en e_cologie des tourbie_res (GRET) a de_veloppe_ une technique de restauration, appele_e « transfert de mousse de sphaignes », qui permet le retour des sphaignes, espe_ces cle_s des tourbie_res ombrotrophes. Cette technique consiste a_ re_introduire des fragments de sphaignes et puis a_ bloquer les canaux de drainage. Depuis 1990, l’efficacite_ de cette technique a e_te_ de_montre_e tant au niveau du retour des espe_ces ve_ge_tales typiques de tourbie_re et de la composition de la communaute_ microbienne qu’a_ celui du retour a_ un e_cosyste_me accumulateur de tourbe agissant de nouveau comme un puits de carbone.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Practitioner’s Guide to Shellfish-Based Living Shorelines for Salt March Erosion Control and Environmental Enhancement in the Mid-Atlantic
Abstract:The first objective of this report is to summarize climate adaptation tactics that are environmentally friendly approaches to help stabilize seaward edge erosion, thereby encouraging vertical accretion of tidal marshes. The second objective of this report is to provide a “how-to guide” for a new living shoreline approach developed jointly by PDE and Rutgers and which is tailored to salt marshes of the Delaware Estuary. This tactic is best suited for low energy areas and would need to be paired with more aggressive measures along high energy coastlines.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Restoring British Columbia’s Garry Oak Ecosystems: Principles and Practices
Abstract:The purpose of this book is to provide the best available information about approaches, strategies, and methods for restoration. To achieve this purpose, this guide summarizes the principles and concepts of restoration, reviews the ecology of Garry Oak and associated ecosystems, and provides a wealth of practical information on restoration techniques.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Restoring the Great Lakes’ Coastal Future: Technical Guidance for the Design and Implementation of Climate-Smart Restoration Projects
Abstract:The purpose of this guidance is to provide an initial suite of tools and methods to assist in the planning and implementation of climate-smart restoration by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its partners and grantees. The guidance is intended to be a living document that evolves in response to workshops, trainings, on-the-ground projects, and other stakeholder input. The body of this guidance is designed to provide an overall framework; more detailed information on conducting a vulnerability assessment and additional resources on restoration, climate change adaptation and the Great Lakes region are provided in appendices. Throughout this guidance, case examples illustrate how to apply this climate-smart restoration framework to the actual practice of restoration.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Sharing Governance: A Practical Guide for Marine Protected Areas in West Africa
Abstract:Although the guide is specifically designed for the team that should accompany the setting up of an MPA, it can also be useful to practitioners and administrators (the management team) engaged in the on-going operations of an existing MPA. In fact, even though the structure of the guide is a chronological sequence of the steps to be followed to set up a MPA under a shared governance regime, teams working for MPAs that are already operational may also find information and questions that will enable them to refine their approaches and improve their governance systems.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
Shrub-Steppe and Grassland Restoration Manual for the Columbia River Basin
Abstract:This manual was prepared to help shrub-steppe and grassland restoration practitioners capitalize on the experiences of their predecessors and colleagues within the Columbia River Basin. It includes technical information that veteran shrub-steppe and grassland restoration practitioners in the Columbia Basin indicated were necessary for new restoration project managers to properly plan and successfully execute habitat restoration projects. In addition to providing general guidance, this manual provides specific recommendations, tools and templates to help people quickly take advantage of existing resources and contribute to the growing restoration knowledge base. Case studies are provided for a variety of restoration scenarios so that project planners can see what actions are needed, and learn from the experiences of predecessors as to what worked, how successful they were, what obstacles they had to overcome, and how they overcame those obstacles.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
The Fen Management Handbook
Abstract:The Handbook highlights practical techniques but also provides the background science that underpins the different fen management techniques. The handbook is aimed at anyone involved in fen management, creation or restoration from a practical, policy or planning perspective.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
The New Ranch Handbook: A Guide to Restoring Western Rangelands
Abstract:This book addresses the multitude of contemporary issues facing rangeland management as a profession and ranching as a livelihood. The vision is not just for livestock production but blends environmental concerns with social and cultural values as well. These include new principles in defoliation effects, an increased understanding of fire, and continued theoretical examination of succession, stability, and range condition. Less documented and highly controversial subjects that affect ranching are not overlooked. Included are such concerns as biodiversity, biological crusts, and endangered species. Underlying themes include sustainability and the application of science to management.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2011
An Invasive Plant Management Decision Analysis Tool
Abstract:The primary purpose of the Invasive Plant Management Decision Analysis Tool (IPMDAT) is to assist The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and partner agencies and organizations in deciding if an invasive plant management project is likely to be successful: i.e. to achieve desired conservation outcomes with acceptable costs. A successful invasive plant management project should not only remove or reduce an invasive plant – it should also result in long-term maintenance or restoration of the viability/health/resilience of desired species, natural communities, and/or ecosystem processes. The IPMDAT will help ensure that limited resources are used most effectively. Our approach is designed for invasive plants, but a similar method could be used for invasive animals and insects.
Resource Type:Web-based ResourcePublication Date: 2011
Global Map of Forest Landscape Restoration Opportunities
Abstract:This restoration opportunity map is a revised and improved version of a previous map (published in 2009 and revised in 2010). The boreal forest landscapes of the north are now included; differences in forest canopy cover are reflected in greater detail; the assessment of potential forest cover has been improved; and the analysis has been updated with more recent and higher resolution data. The new map indicates a restoration opportunity twice as large as the old one. This is mainly because a more precise mapping of potential forest extent has increased the estimate of degraded lands with opportunities for restoration, not because something has changed in the real world.
Resource Type:Web-based ResourcePublication Date: 2011
A Forest of Blue: Canada’s Boreal
Abstract:This report highlights the unique status of the Canadian boreal forest in housing globally significant water resources. Maintaining the integrity and abundance of this “forest of blue” is still possible, and increasingly urgent. The report explores the ever-expanding list of threats to remote and abundant water resources across the Canadian boreal, and identifies opportunities to protect water resources at geographic scales that will maintain freshwater integrity and abundance into the future.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
A REDD+ Manual for Botanic Gardens
Abstract:Traditionally botanic gardens have focused on studying the taxonomy and biosystematics of plants and growing specialist collections for research, teaching and display. In recent decades responsibilities have expanded to include conservation, education and sustainable development and increasingly to link with the livelihood issues of local communities. Botanic gardens working in partnership with organisations such as Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) have had a significant influence on the development and implementation of international biodiversity policy (see Box 6). Considering their strengths, many unique to botanic gardens, this booklet illustrates how botanic gardens may use their skills to contribute to the REDD process and more specifically to REDD+ projects. With reference to a series of ‘capacity gaps’ identified from a selection of REDD+ pilot projects, case studies from botanic gardens around the world expose potential opportunities for botanic gardens to support the future implementation of REDD+ projects.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
An Overview of Public Policies and Research on Ecological Restoration in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
Abstract:The restoration of native vegetation in Brazil started in the 19th century with pioneering and very successful initiatives; however, the rapid increase in native biodiversity restoration occurred in the last three decades in the country has been undeniably driven by environmental legislation and its requirements and public policies, and, most recently, by ecological marketing and certification. As the scenarios and motivations changed over time, so did restoration goals, challenges, stakeholders, biomes, researches and techniques.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
Approaches to Classifying and Restoring Degraded Tropical Forests for the Anticipated REDD+ Climate Change Mitigation Mechanism
Abstract:With negotiations about REDD+ intensifying, an urgent issue now is how to restore degraded forests in socially viable, environmentally acceptable, and economically cost-effective manners. Restoration strategies should be a key element of any REDD+ agreement, and therefore such strategies need to be clarified. Here we focus on the causes of degradation, propose a classification scheme that reflects the severity of degradation, and point to ways to restore degraded forests that are appropriate for the classes proposed.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services
Abstract:This strategy will guide our conservation efforts in England over the next decade, including setting our ambition to halt overall loss of England’s biodiversity by 2020. In the longer term, our ambition is to move progressively from a position of net biodiversity loss to net gain.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
BOGLAND: Sustainable Management of Peatlands in Ireland
Abstract:This collation of physical, environmental, social, economic and institutional information provides a comprehensive guidance for the development of a support framework or protocol for the sustainable management of peatlands, which is presented in Section 5 of the report. The protocol delivers an action plan or set of recommendations that should be used to draft a much-needed National Peatland Policy that should ensure that this natural heritage is not lost in the future, but that it is safeguarded and enhanced during a challenging period of economic transition.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
Does EbA Work? A Review of the Evidence on the Effectiveness of Ecosystem-based Approaches to Adaptation
Abstract:Ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation (EbA) integrate the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services into an overall strategy for helping people adapt to climate change. To date, however, insight into these approaches has often been based on anecdotal case studies of local people’s use of ecosystems. Although they are informative, they can provide rather limited insight in terms of measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of EbA, especially compared with technical or structural adaptation measures. A new, systematic review of EbA evidence has been carried out to interrogate the scientific literature and review studies from around the world, from many different ecosystems and adopting a wide range of adaptation approaches utilising ecosystems. We conclude that EbA approaches are effective and deserve greater policy attention and political support to reach their full potential.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
Ecosystem-based Approaches to Adaptation and Mitigation: Good Practice Examples and Lessons Learned in Europe
Abstract:This report documents and analyses good practice examples of ecosystem-based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation in Europe. Case studies on ecosystem-based approaches to mitigation involved peatland restoration or conservation (11 projects) and forest conservation, restoration and reforestation (2 projects). The main additional benefits from these approaches were nature conservation of important ecosystems, as well as adaptation benefits through the areas providing water regulation. Case studies on ecosystem-based approaches to adaptation were divided into inland waters (28 projects), coastal zone (10 projects), agriculture and forestry (11 projects) and cities (9 projects).
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
Governing Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods in the Warna River Basin, India: An Analysis of Law, Policy, Institutions and Actors
Abstract:While environmental protection and biodiversity conservation may be more prominently apparent in legislation, it appears that these strengths are undermined by qualitative problems that limit their effective application. Activities at the smaller end of the scale escape much of the regulation imposed on larger projects – for example, small scale mining requires no prior environmental clearance unless it sits within the 10km boundary of a protected area. The evaluation of projects requiring the felling of less than 40ha of trees avoid close scrutiny or the application of the factors that may limit the scope for felling permits. Statistically (Mines 2010), this means that 66% of licensed mines beyond this 10km buffer zone require neither full forest felling permits nor prior environmental clearance. The irrigation of sugar cane plantations, other than those linked directly to the construction of the big dams, are unregulated.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
Green Infrastructure: Sustainable Investments for the Benefit of Both People and Nature
Abstract:Its main aim is to explain the basics of green infrastructure – a relatively new concept with many facets – relevant to Regional Policy. It also presents some approaches to this concept as identified in partner regions and describes the status of protected areas in Europe, the services that healthy ecosystem provide people with and the need to maintain their ecological coherence.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
Have arid land springs restoration projects been effective in restoring hydrology, geomorphology, and invertebrate and plant species composition comparable to natural springs with minimal anthropogenic disturbance?
Abstract:This review examines the state of knowledge of arid land springs ecosystem restoration and monitoring to help springs ecosystem stewards better plan and prioritize management and restoration actions.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2011
Assessing Wetland Ecosystem Services and Poverty Interlinkages: A General Framework and Case Study
Abstract:The wise use of wetlands is expected to contribute to ecological integrity, as well as to secure livelihoods, especially of communities dependent on their ecosystem services for sustenance. This paper provides a conceptual framework capable of examining the goals of wetland management, poverty reduction and sustainable livelihoods. The framework highlights ecological character as a social construct and, with the notion of wetlands as settings for human well-being, builds a concept for assessing the inter-linkages between ecosystem services and livelihoods. The value and broader applicability of our framework is then tested by applying it to a case study from India (Lake Chilika) to evaluate the degree to which the mutual goals of improving both human well-being and the ecological character of wetlands have been achieved. The case study maps changes in human well-being induced in the basin communities due to external vulnerability contexts, institutions and freedoms. It further assesses the response strategies in terms of their impacts on ecological character and poverty status.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2011
Benefits of Ecological Engineering Practices
Abstract:This paper presents the results of the workshop related to three key questions: (1) what are the benefits of ecological engineering practices to human and ecosystem well-being, (2) which concepts are used or useful to identify, reference, and measure the benefits of ecological engineering practices, and (3) how and to whom shall benefits of ecological engineering practices be promoted. While benefits of ecological engineering practices are diverse, general conclusions can be derived to facilitate communication. Identifying benefits requires valuation frameworks reaching beyond the scope of ecology and engineering.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2011