©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.
Temperate Woodland Conservation and Management
Abstract:This book summarises the main discoveries, management insights and policy initiatives in the science, management and policy arenas associated with temperate woodlands in Australia. It features new perspectives on the integration of woodland management and agricultural production, including the latest thinking about whole of paddock restoration and carbon farming, as well as financial and social incentive schemes to promote woodland conservation and management. Temperate Woodland Conservation and Management will be a key supporting aid for farmers, natural resource managers, policy makers, and people involved in NGO landscape restoration and management.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2010
The Restoration of Nature in Japan: A Challenge to Ecological Engineering
Abstract:The book describes in great detail a multitude of community-based projects run by engineers and biologists. These projects, carried out mostly on public lands, in general seem more concerned with ecological engineering than with ecological restoration. Conservation of biological diversity in the context of a social movement seeking development of a new relation between society and nature is the driver of these projects, which is also the case for the restoration movement in North America. The primary motivation of several of the case studies presented is the engineered creation of habitat for particular species (e.g., giant salamanders [Andrias japonicas] and Japanese Golden Eagles [Aquila chrysaetos japonica]) or the reconnection and enhancement of habitat for wild animals. Maintaining particular types of cultural landscapes, such as managed woodlands or traditional rice fields, in close proximity to cities is also discussed as is the challenge of restoring areas of “primeval nature” in national parks and controlling nonnative organisms.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2010
Trophic Cascades: Predators, Prey, and the Changing Dynamics of Nature
Abstract:Trophic Cascades is the first comprehensive presentation of the science on this subject. It brings together some of the world’s leading scientists and researchers to explain the importance of large animals in regulating ecosystems, and to relate that scientific knowledge to practical conservation. It provides a scientific basis and justification for the idea that large predators and top-down forcing must be considered in conservation strategies, alongside factors such as habitat preservation and invasive species. It is a groundbreaking work for scientists and managers involved with biodiversity conservation and protection.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2010
Wetland Habitats: A Practical Guide to Restoration and Management
Abstract:Wetland Habitats is a practical and easy to use manual for wetland restoration and conservation of diverse animal species. Covering all the recent work in this field, among other significant issues it discusses making the most of dams and created wetlands; reversing the effects of drainage, grazing, weirs, deteriorating water quality, and associated algal problems; captive breeding and reintroduction; and controlling weeds and vermin. The book describes a range of potential problems encountered during restoration efforts and approaches to dealing with them, so that readers will be able to make informed decisions about wetlands on their own properties. It also explains how to set realistic targets for wetland restoration as well as longer-term goals for management, and includes colour photographs of diverse wetland habitats and the animals that rely on them. The examples draw on a wide range of wetland animals including some which aren’t often found in wetlands on private properties, but the primary emphasis is on the ecology, interactions and management of species and other aspects of management that will be of most use to landholders with wetlands in need of rejuvenation.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2010
Wetland Restoration: A Handbook for New Zealand Freshwater Systems
Abstract:This handbook brings together expertise from specialists and groups actively engaged in restoring wetlands throughout the country. The handbook builds on regionally based restoration guides and provides a detailed, comprehensive ecosystem approach toward understanding, protecting and enhancing our remaining wetlands. It is targeted at those who plan to, and those who already are making a difference to improving wetlands, and is written in a way that can easily be understood and importantly, acted on.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2010
A Comprehensive Overview of Elements in Bioremediation
Abstract:In this review, we discuss the various in situ and ex situ bioremediation techniques and elaborate on the anaerobic digestion technology, phytoremediation, hyperaccumulation, composting and biosorption for their effectiveness in the biotreatment, stabilization and eventually overall remediation of contaminated strata and environments. The review ends with a note on the recent advances genetic engineering and nanotechnology have had in improving bioremediation. Case studies have also been extensively revisited to support the discussions on biosorption of heavy metals, gene probes used in molecular diagnostics, bioremediation studies of contaminants in vadose soils, bioremediation of oil contaminated soils, bioremediation of contaminants from mining sites, air sparging, slurry phase bioremediation, phytoremediation studies for pollutants and heavy metal hyperaccumulators, and vermicomposting.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
A Conditional Trophic Cascade: Birds Benefit Faster Growing Trees with Strong Links between Predators and Plants
Abstract:Our results suggest that this trophic system is predominately bottom-up driven, but under certain conditions the influence of top predators can stimulate whole tree growth. When the most limiting factor for tree growth switched from water availability to herbivory, the avian predators gained the potential to reduce herbivory. This potential could be realized when strong links between the birds and plant, i.e., species that were both abundant herbivores and preferred prey, were present.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
A Distance-based Framework for Measuring Functional Diversity from Multiple Traits
Abstract:A new framework for measuring functional diversity (FD) from multiple traits has recently been proposed. This framework was mostly limited to quantitative traits without missing values and to situations in which there are more species than traits, although the authors had suggested a way to extend their framework to other trait types. The main purpose of this note is to further develop this suggestion. We describe a highly flexible distance-based framework to measure different facets of FD in multidimensional trait space from any distance or dissimilarity measure, any number of traits, and from different trait types (i.e., quantitative, semi- quantitative, and qualitative). This new approach allows for missing trait values and the weighting of individual traits.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Alien Plant Invasions in Tropical and Sub-tropical Savannas: Patterns, Processes and Prospects
Abstract:We reviewed the literature, contrasting the African situation with that of Neotropical and Australian savannas. A number of drivers and explanatory factors of plant invasions in savannas have been described, mostly from the Neotropics and Australia. These include herbivore presence, residence time, intentional introductions for pasture improvements, fire regimes, the physiology of the introduced species, and anthropogenic disturbance. After comparing these drivers across the three regions, we suggest that the lower extent of alien plant invasions in African savannas is largely attributable to: (1) significantly lower rates of intentional plant introductions and widespread plantings (until recently); (2) the role of large mammalian herbivores in these ecosystems; (3) historical and biogeographical issues relating to the regions of origin of introduced species; and (4) the adaptation of African systems to fire. We discuss how changing conditions in the three regions are likely to affect plant invasions in the future.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Altering Light Availability to Restore Invaded Forest: The Predictive Role of Plant Traits
Abstract:Many studies have demonstrated that reduced light availability, which can be manipulated at local scales by planting or seeding canopy species, can curtail the growth of invasive species and promote the growth of native species. Species differences in functional traits, such as light use and stress tolerance, may be used to determine how native and invasive species will respond to these resource manipulations. Our data suggest that differences in light use among native and invasive species can help to determine the utility of resource manipulation as a restoration tool and, more specifically, to predict which native species will be optimal for restoration efforts that manipulate light availability.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Analysis of the Carbon Sequestration Costs of Afforestation and Reforestation Agroforestry Practices and the Use of Cost Curves to Evaluate their Potential for Implementation of Climate Change Mitigation
Abstract:The objective of this paper is to analyze the sequestration costs of agroforestry afforestation and reforestation projects (ARPs) following a partial market equilibrium using average cost curves and economic break even analysis to identify the supply costs. The modelling done in this work contrasts the voluntary and clean development mechanism transaction costs. Data is based on the voluntary project, Scolel Te_, being implemented in Mexico. Cost curves are developed for seven different sequestration options considering transaction and implementation costs; information from agricultural production in Chiapas Mexico is used to integrate opportunity costs of two agroforestry practices suggesting that sequestration costs may follow a “U” shape, with an initial reduction due to economies of scale and a subsequent increase caused by high opportunity costs.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Applying Indigenous Knowledge to the Restoration of Degraded Tropical Rain Forest Clearings Dominated by Bracken Fern
Abstract:The Lacandon Maya of Chiapas, southern Mexico, have traditionally used a long fallow rotational slash-and-burn system for maize production in small clearings within tropical forest. Although successional processes usually lead to rapid restoration of abandoned fields, the invasive fern, Pteridium aquilinium (commonly known as Bracken), can block natural succession. The Lacandon are aware of this and use the fast-growing tree Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) to accelerate succession toward mature forest. We carried out a 12-month-long experiment in a Bracken-infested area to test the effectiveness of the Lacandon’s low-input restoration techniques.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Applying the Ecosystem Approach to Select Priority Areas for Forest Landscape Restoration in the Yungas, Northwestern Argentina
Abstract:This paper proposes a method to select forest restoration priority areas consistently with the key principles of the Ecosystem Approach (EA) and the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) framework. The methodology is based on the principles shared by the two approaches: acting at ecosystem scale, involving stakeholders, and evaluating alternatives. It proposes the involvement of social actors which have a stake in forest management through multicriteria analysis sessions aimed at identifying the most suitable forest restoration intervention. The method was applied to a study area in the native forests of Northern Argentina (the Yungas). Stakeholders were asked to identify alternative restoration actions, i.e. potential areas implementing FLR.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Arable Reversion to Species-Rich Grassland
Abstract:The reversion of arable land to permanent grassland is a major work area funded through Environmental Stewardship. There are a number of reasons why arable land is reverted to grassland. This note focuses on the creation of species-rich grassland, that is, grassland comprising species characteristic of semi-natural grassland communities, in particular wild flowers. Other notes provide guidance on establishing a species-rich sown sward and the early management of a species-rich sward.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Assessing China’s Ecological Restoration Programs – Special Feature
Abstract:This Special Feature represents one of the few publications that can be collectively viewed as an integrative assessment of China’s ERPs, and the overwhelming evidence reported in it leads us to the conclusion that, by and large, these programs have already made significantly positive impacts, both socioeconomically and environmentally. Thus, the government agencies, local farmers, business employees, policy practitioners, and other stakeholders ought to be encouraged by these affirmative findings.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
How Agroforestry is Helping Farmers to Restore the Woodlands in Shinyanga Region
Abstract:The HASHI project helped tens of thousands of smallholders to restore degraded land, and in doing so to significantly improve their incomes. One of the project’s great achievements was to revive a traditional system of land management which increases the supply of livestock fodder for use during the dry season. When the project began, there were just 600 ha of documented ngitili – enclosed fodder reserves – in the region. There are now thought to be over 500,000 ha of such reserves.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2010
Implications of the REDD Negotiations for Forest Restoration
Abstract:This briefing provides an update on negotiations under the climate change convention on REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation), and their relevance to forest restoration. It has been prepared as part of the REFORLAN project, European Community Sixth Framework Programme contract number 032132. REFORLAN has carried out research on dry forest restoration in Mexico, Chile and Argentina.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2010
Making Space for Nature: A Review of England’s Wildlife Sites and Ecological Network
Abstract:Do England’s wildlife sites comprise a coherent and resilient ecological network? If not, what needs to be done? These are the questions that we aim to answer in this report. We first consider why these questions are important in the context of past, current and future pressures on the environment, and describe what ecological networks are and the benefits they bring. We go on to consider the strengths and weaknesses of our current wildlife sites, before setting out a prioritised set of ecological solutions to improve the network. Finally, we make 24 recommendations for practical action to Make Space for Nature and achieve a coherent and resilient ecological network.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2010
Methods for Assessing and Monitoring Change in the Ecosystem-derived Benefits of Afforestation, Reforestation and Forest Restoration
Abstract:This report summarises the steps needed to design a system to assess and monitor change in ecosystem services resulting from afforestation, reforestation and forest restoration projects or programmes. Design of a monitoring scheme involves identifying how the results will be used, selecting appropriate indicators, defining a methodology for obtaining data and calculating indicators, and deciding how frequently monitoring will be undertaken. This report also refers to useful existing guidance on monitoring and indicators that will be of help in deciding what sort of monitoring to undertake and how to do so.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2010
National Mission for a Green India
Abstract:The National Mission for a Green India, as one of the eight Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), recognizes that climate change phenomena will seriously affect and alter the distribution, type and quality of natural biological resources of the country and the associated livelihoods of the people. Mission for a Green India (henceforth referred to as Mission) acknowledges the influences that the forestry sector has on environmental amelioration though climate mitigation, food security, water security, biodiversity conservation and livelihood security of forest-dependent communities. GIM puts “greening” in the context of climate change adaptation and mitigation. Greening is meant to enhance ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and storage (in forests and other ecosystems), hydrological services and biodiversity; as well as other provisioning services such as fuel, fodder, small timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2010
Natural Environment: Adapting to Climate Change
Abstract:In March 2010 all Government Departments published a Departmental Adaptation Plan. Defra’s Climate Change Plan recognises that climate change is the most serious long term threat to the natural environment and human well-being, but at the same time our natural environment is our greatest asset: the basis on which we can build a future in a rapidly changing climate. Ecosystems provide the services that clean our air and water, and give us food, medicines, energy, and raw materials. They regenerate soils and pollinate crops, regulate the climate, cool cities; and help to control floods. Defra recognises the importance of enhancing the resilience of ecosystems, and of working effectively with natural processes to offer protection from climate change to homes, infrastructure, livelihoods, and human life.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2010
Rainforest restoration: A guide to principles and practice
Abstract:This document outlines principles and guidelines for rainforest restoration with particular emphasis on the Western Ghat rainforests of India
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2010
What are the Ecosystem-Derived Benefits of REDD+ and Why Do They Matter?
Abstract:The paper provides an analysis of the ecosystem-derived multiple benefits of REDD+. The range of different ecosystem-derived benefits is surveyed and the most important ones identified. There is the risk of environmental harms as well as benefits from REDD+. Some of the benefits are closely related to each other, and tend to co-occur. Benefits are delivered at different scales; some are primarily local while others may be national or global. Different REDD+ activities may give rise to different benefits and risks.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2010
Spider Communities as Evaluation Tools for Wet Heathland Restoration
Abstract:By using a functional trait-approach, we tested if the time since restoration affects trait distribution of spiders in wet heathlands. Typical wet heathland spider species were less common with increasing vegetation encroachment and lower water content. New patches were inhabited by summer active, eurytopic (non-heathland) spiders, while more typical heathland species were found in middle-aged and old patches. Our results suggest that time- related changes in vegetation structure and moistness of restored wet heathlands are clearly reflected by spider communities. Although mobile spiders quickly recolonize the restored heathlands, it takes time for typical heathland spiders to settle. Restoration measures should prevent the negative effects of a vegetation encroachment and a high density of forested edges and should rehabilitate the hydrological cycle in order to preserve rare heathland spiders. We discuss that accounting for responses of spiders provides additional information to guide wet heathlands restoration.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Spontaneous Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forest in Madagascar: The Social–Ecological Dimension
Abstract:In contrast to other types of forests in Madagascar there are only a few, very small areas formally under protection. Informal institutions, however, play an important role in southern Madagascar in protecting forest ecosystems and maintaining their capacity to generate valuable ecosystem services. Other studies have shown the value of existing institutions and customary authority and values for the success of conservation. Few studies have, however, linked the existence of a social capital related to forest management with spatial analysis of forest dynamics.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Spontaneous Succession in Limestone Quarries as an Effective Restoration Tool for Endangered Arthropods and Plants
Abstract:The view of post-mining sites is rapidly changing among ecologists and conservationists, as sensitive restoration using spontaneous succession may turn such sites into biodiversity refuges in human-exploited regions. However, technical reclamation, consisting of covering the sites by topsoil, sowing fast-growing herb mixtures and planting trees, is still commonly adopted. Until now, no multi-taxa study has compared technically reclaimed sites and sites left with spontaneous succession. Our results show that the high conservation potential of limestone quarries could be realized by allowing succession to progress spontaneously with minimal intervention. Given the threat to semi-natural sparsely vegetated habitats in many regions, active restoration measures at post-mining sites should be limited to maintenance of early successional stages, instead of acceleration of succession.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Successful Eelgrass (Zostera marina) Restoration in a Formerly Eutrophic Estuary (Boston Harbor) Supports the Use of a Multifaceted Watershed Approach to Mitigating Eelgrass Loss
Abstract:From a watershed perspective, Boston Harbor, MA, USA is an ideal site for eelgrass restoration due to major wastewater improvements. Therefore, by focusing on site selection and transplant methods, high survival and expansion rates were recorded at four large eelgrass restoration sites planted in Boston Harbor as partial mitigation for a pipeline construction project. Transplanted sites met and exceeded reference and donor bed habitat function after 2 years. Hand planting and seeding in checkerboard-patterned transplant plots were efficient and effective methods for jump-starting eelgrass growth over large areas. Although restoration through planting can be successful, it is highly site specific.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Termites as Ecosystem Engineers and Potentials for Soil Restoration
Abstract:Increasingly, it is being recognized globally that termites are an important component of agro- ecosystems, particularly in developing economies, where they are an alternative to expensive agro-inputs. Termite-mediated processes are used to improve the soil–water balance. In arid and semi-arid regions of India, predominantly in the Kachchh region, so far termite-mediated processes have not been used in land management, particularly soil rehabilitation. It seems that termite activity can be triggered by application of various mulches to the crusted soil surface.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
The Case for Restoration of Tropical Coastal Ecosystems
Abstract:At no time have humans so altered their natural environment than the present. Marine ecosystems have not been spared, and the degradation of coastal habitats has reached severe proportions in many parts of the world. The mere setting aside of areas for protection may not be enough to ensure adequate production and provision of services for a growing global human population. Hence, the active restoration of habitats, in addition to protection and preservation, is probably the more desirable conservation strategy.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
The Challenges of Rehabilitating Denuded Patches of a Semi-Arid Environment in Kenya
Abstract:The aim of this study was to determine the main factors which contribute to failures in rehabilitating denuded patches in semi-arid lands of Kenya. A questionnaire was administered to capture farmer perceptions on failures on rangeland rehabilitation using grass reseeding technology. Rainfall data was collected during the study period. Moreover, rehabilitation trials using the three grasses were done under natural rainfall. Results from this study show that climatic factors mainly low amounts of rainfall to be the main contributor to rehabilitation failures.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010