©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.
Restoration of Former Grazing Lands in the Highlands of Laos Using Direct Seeding of Four Native Tree Species
Abstract:Direct seeding has recently regained favor as an alternative method to conventional planting for restoration of degraded and/or abandoned sites. This study reports the establishment and growth performance of 2 pioneer (Pinus kesiya and Schima wallichii) and 2 later-successional (Keteleeria evelyniana and Quercus serrata) native trees broadcasted or buried on 14 former grazing lands in Laos. Seedling establishment was assessed 9 months after sowing; height, diameter growth, and mortality were measured 1, 3, and 5 years after direct seeding and subjected to analysis of variance. We conclude that direct seeding seems to be possible for rehabilitation of abandoned sites, provided that the seeds are buried to avoid the risk of seed desiccation and predation; the seeding rate of pioneer species is reduced to avoid a high mortality rate, and species-site matching is well defined to minimize topography-induced changes in a microhabitat.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Restoration of Kelp Beds on an Urchin Barren: Removal of Sea Urchins by Citizen Divers in Southwestern Hokkaido
Abstract:As the fishermen on the coast are aged and depopulated, the authors introduced citizen volunteer divers (CVD) for the removal of the sea urchin. The attempt was practiced on an urchin barren near Kamoenai Fishing Port on the southern coast of Shakotan Peninsula in September 2005. Twenty CVD (including a few instructors and staffs) removed sea urchins from two blocks (50 x 50 m, 4-8m in depth) during two dives (ca. 1 hr/dive) beside the control block; subsequent monthly removal by monitors (i.e., researchers) was done in one of the two blocks. In May 2006, the average standing crops of the seaweed (largely kelp) were 865g/m2 (monthly removed after the CVD activity) and 150g/m2 (removed once by CVD) but 0g/m2 in control, while the density of sea urchin were 0.1, 3.5 and 4.2/m2, respectively. The results show that the introduction of CVD can aid the restoration of kelp beds.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Restoring Natural Capital in the Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests of the Western Ghats of India
Abstract:In an attempt to restore populations of some of the more exploited plant species, and also to preserve the indigenous knowledge and lifestyle, an internationally funded project worked with local indigenous groups between 1996 and 2000 to restore oonjal (Albizia amara), pulivaka (Albizia odoratissima), venga (Pterocarpus marsupium), puli (Tamarindus indica), and neermaruthu (Terminalia arjuna). These five species were selected by forest inhabitants because the plants are heavily exploited, mainly as firewood. With the participation of local indigenous groups, seedlings were planted in three pit types: namely conventional square pits and experimental ring and saucer pits. Seedling survival results showed that the seedlings planted in the non-conventional ring and saucer pits fared better than those planted in conventional square pits. This paper describes the ethnobotanical aspects of the ecosystem and efforts to develop a participatory project to restore the forest’s natural capital, to sustain indigenous knowledge, and to evaluate different pit planting types.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Sargassum as a Natural Solution to Enhance Dune Plant Growth
Abstract:In this study, we used greenhouse studies to test the hypothesis that the addition of sargassum can increase soil nutrients and produce increased growth in dune plants. We also conducted an analysis of the nutrients in the sargassum to determine the mechanisms responsible for any growth enhancement. Panicum amarum showed significant enhancement of growth with the addition of sargassum, and while Helianthus debilis, Ipomoea stolonifera, Sporobolus virginicus, and Uniola paniculata responded slightly differently to the specific treatments, none were impaired by the addition of sargassum. In general, plants seemed to respond well to unwashed sargassum and multiple additions of sargassum, indicating that plants may have adapted to capitalize on the subsidy in its natural state directly from the ocean. For coastal managers, the use of sargassum as a fertilizer could be a positive, natural, and efficient method of dealing with the accumulation of wrack on the beach.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Scaling Up from Gardens: Biodiversity Conservation in Urban Environments
Abstract:As urbanisation increases globally and the natural environment becomes increasingly fragmented, the importance of urban green spaces for biodiversity conservation grows. In many countries, private gardens are a major component of urban green space and can provide considerable biodiversity benefits. Gardens and adjacent habitats form interconnected networks and a landscape ecology framework is necessary to understand the relationship between the spatial configuration of garden patches and their constituent biodiversity. A scale- dependent tension is apparent in garden management, whereby the individual garden is much smaller than the unit of management needed to retain viable populations. To overcome this, here we suggest mechanisms for encouraging ‘wildlife-friendly’ management of collections of gardens across scales from the neighbourhood to the city.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Science-based and Stakeholder-driven Marine Protected Area Network Planning: A Successful Case Study from North Central Californi
Abstract:The planning process for California’s Marine Life Protection Act in north central California represents a case study in the design of a regional component of a statewide network of marine protected areas (MPAs) for improved ecosystem protection. We describe enabling factors, such as a legislative mandate, political will, and adequate capacity and funding that fostered a successful planning process. We identify strategic principles that guided the design of a transparent public planning process that delivered regional MPA network proposals, which both met science guidelines and achieved a high level of support among stakeholders. We also describe key decision support elements (spatial data, planning tools, and scientific evaluation) that were essential for designing, evaluating, and refining alternative MPA network proposals and for informing decision-makers.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Seed Ecology of the Invasive Woody Plant African Olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata): Implications for Management and Restoration
Abstract:In the present study, the key aspects of the seed ecology of African Olive were determined for populations in western Sydney. Extracted seed germinated at a wide range of temperatures, consistent with tolerance of a wide range of climatic conditions. A seed-burial experiment indicated a slow decrease in viability down to 70.3% during the first year, followed by a rapid decline down to 14.7% in the second year. Probit analysis indicated that under field conditions, seed persistence in the soil was ~29 months (2.4 years). In situ germination was low (3.3%) and did not occur until the mechanical constriction of the endocarp was released through decomposition. The woody seed endocarp was found to be permeable to water, indicating that physical dormancy was not imposed by providing a barrier to water uptake. Within its invasive range, African Olive produces abundant seed. However, the rapid loss of viability of soil-stored seed results in a narrow window of opportunity for germination. The short persistence of seed in the soil may provide an opportunity for managers to achieve control of African Olive once mature plants are removed.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Seed Rain under Tree Islands Planted to Restore Degraded Lands in a Tropical Agricultural Landscape
Abstract:Planting native tree seedlings is the predominant restoration strategy for accelerating forest succession on degraded lands. Planting tree ‘islands’ is less costly and labor intensive than establishing larger plantations and simulates the nucleation process of succession. Assessing the role of island size in attracting seed dispersers, the potential of islands to expand through enhanced seed deposition, and the effect of planting arrangements on seed dispersal by birds and bats informs restoration design. Determining the relative importance of local restoration approach vs. landscape-level factors (amount of surrounding forest cover) helps prioritize methods and locations for restoration. We tested how three restoration approaches affect the arrival of forest seeds at 11 experimental sites spread across a gradient of surrounding forest cover in a 100-km2 area of southern Costa Rica.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
Soil Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Land by Revegetation: A Review
Abstract:Mining of mineral resources results in extensive soil damage, altering microbial communities and affecting vegetation leading to destruction of vast amounts of land. Reclamation is the process to restore the ecological integrity of these disturbed mine land areas. It includes the management of all types of physical, chemical and biological disturbances of soils such as soil pH, fertility, microbial community and various soil nutrient cycles that makes the degraded land soil productive. Productivity of soil can be increased by adding various natural amendments such as saw dust, wood residues, sewage sludge, animal manures, as these amendments stimulate the microbial activity which provides the nutrients (N, P) and organic carbon to the soil.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2010
A Guide to Community-Based Mangrove Reforestation and Management in WIO
Abstract:The current Guide targets communities involved in mangrove reforestation and management in the WIO region. The Guide provides background information on the nature of mangrove ecosystem, its attributes as well as the major problems affecting the mangroves – both human and natural pressure. Using long term experience in mangrove reforestation works at Gazi, the Guide analyses challenges facing community based mangrove reforestation projects; and provide possible solutions to these projects.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Best Practice Guide for Watershed Management in Pacific Islands
Abstract:This Best Practice Guide for community action and revegetation in Pacific Island hill lands applies Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) principles to promote management practices that reduce accelerated soil erosion, sediment loss and deposition in freshwater and nearshore marine waters and coral reefs. It seeks to support sustainable and productive land use, viable freshwater and marine fisheries, traditional cultural values, biodiversity and associated opportunities such as tourism.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Bio-cultural diversity conserved by indigenous peoples & local communities: Examples & analysis (Companion document to Briefing Note No. 10)
Abstract:Indigenous conservation territories and areas conserved by indigenous peoples and local communities– ICCAs for short– are the subject of an IUCN/CEESP Briefing Note launched at CBD SBSTTA in May 2010.1 This larger document provides the examples and analysis underlying the policy advice contained in that Briefing Note. The document can be read in conjunction with the Briefing Note or as a stand-alone, as main concepts are described again here. Although their existence is as old and widespread as human civilisation itself, ICCAs have emerged only recently as a major phenomenon in formal conservation circles. International policies and programmes, notably those of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), encourage today all countries to recognise and support ICCAs as examples of effective governance of bio-cultural diversity. It is clear, however, that such recognition and support need to be carefully tailored, and cannot be improvised. IUCN/CEESP’s Briefing Note no.10 and this document of complementary resources offer advice about that, addressing governments, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples and local communities engaged in collaboration, support and joint learning about ICCAs
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Draft Guidelines for Sustainable Rehabilitation of Small Urban Water Bodies
Abstract:These guidelines are meant to provide for interested individuals, local initiatives, planers, decision makers on a district and town level as well as NGO’s the proper background to start a small scale urban water body rehabilitation project to create an ECO-DISTRICT within a City. This publication provides principles to guide initiatives from the stage of a sparking idea to the process to decide which water body has currently a chance for rehabilitation and where more effort is needed to improve the basis and background for a rehabilitation project. The quality of the water body is essential; therefore decentralized treatment of wastewater which enters the river or lake becomes one of the major starting point to create a ecologically sustainable environment.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Estrategia Nacional De Restauracio_n Ecolo_gica De Parques Nacionales Naturales De Colombia
Abstract:El presente documento de Estrategia elaborado por la Unidad de Parques Nacionales Naturales ofrece los lineamientos para el desarrollo de procesos de Restauracio_n Ecolo_gica en A_reas Protegidas, asi_ como con el Decreto 2372 de 2010 en relacio_n con el Sistema Nacional de A_reas Protegidas, las categori_as de manejo que lo conforman y se dictan otras disposiciones. Igualmente, tiene en cuenta los Principios y Directrices para la Restauracio_n Ecolo_gica en A_reas Protegidas en elaboracio_n por equipo de trabajo conjunto entre la SER, la UICN y Parques Nacionales de Canada_. Para ello presenta en 9 capi_tulos la introduccio_n, justificacio_n, el marco normativo, los antecedentes, el diagno_stico, el marco conceptual, los objetivos, las li_neas estrate_gicas de accio_n, las li_neas de gestio_n y el plan de accio_n. Este documento cuenta con una gui_a te_cnica para la formulacio_n y el abordaje de proyectos de restauracio_n de ecosistemas terrestres y acua_ticos presentes y relacionados con las a_reas protegidas, asi_ como un protocolo de monitoreo que se presentan como anexos.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Gui_as Te_cnicas para la Restauracio_n Ecolo_gica de Ecosistemas
Abstract:El presente documento se divide en cuatro partes, en la primera parte se explican los pasos ma_s comunes que siguen los proyectos de restauracio_n, con explicaciones conceptuales que contribuyen a la comprensio_n de los procesos, procedimientos y te_cnicas. La segunda parte presenta la gui_a te_cnica para la restauracio_n ecolo_gica de ecosistemas terrestres, comenzando con los pa_ramos y ecosistemas boscosos (hu_medos, secos y andinos), posteriormente se presentan las sabanas y finalmente las zonas a_ridas. En la tercera parte se desarrollan los ecosistemas acua_ticos, primero se hace una introduccio_n general dadas las particularidades de estos ecosistemas y posteriormente se desarrollan las gui_as te_cnicas para la restauracio_n de humedales, ri_os y bosques riparios. En la cuarta y u_ltima parte se presentan los ecosistemas costeros con e_nfasis en manglares, corales y praderas de pastos marinos. Esta parte inicia, como la anterior, con una introduccio_n general a la particularidad de los ecosistemas costeros.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Guidelines for Forest Restoration in Ghana
Abstract:At the National workshop participants reiterated the need for building the capacity of the stakeholders in practical use of the techniques. They also reiterated the need for the production of Ghana specific manual on Restoring Forest Landscapes, which can be used as a guide and a reference material. Thus a Participatory Resource Assessment was used to determine what should be the principles and actions to that can form the guidelines from stakeholders in six degraded forest areas. The results were compiled and three workshops were held at which all stakeholders validated their responses. A final workshop was held to complete the guidelines. Official approval of these guidelines is being sought.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Guidelines for Native Grassland Restoration Projects
Abstract:These guidelines represent basic and fundamental techniques and procedures that should be addressed when attempting to restore or reconstruct range sites to resemble native prairie plant communities in Texas.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Guidelines for Restoration of Pinus nigra Forests Affected by Fires through a Structured Approach
Abstract:The guidelines for describe a five steps approach. The approach proposes the use of a mix of criteria selection and ranking of the burnt areas, the nature of which are summarised as follows: i) Exclusion criteria, such as natural regeneration potential including criteria with threshold values; ii) Criteria (biotic, abiotic and technical) that lead to a hierarchical rating of areas to be restored. Additionally in the guidelines has been included an approach for the planning of the post-fire emergency actions as long a group of actions that increase the readiness of the Forest Service for the planning and implementation of emergency and long term restoration measures
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Hawai`i Watershed Guidance
Abstract:This guidance is intended to help those involved in managing Hawai`i’s watersheds develop and implement watershed plans that have the greatest potential for achieving water quality goals. A watershed plan is merely a road map to guide the implementation of practices and activities to informed by sound information and data, defined through management measures to achieve goals, and implemented to achieve results.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Integrated Constructed Wetlands: Guidance Document for Farmyard Soiled Water and Domestic Wastewater
Abstract:This Guidance Document is prepared for the application of the ‘Integrated Constructed Wetland’ (ICW) concept in the management of point sources of farmyard soiled water and domestic wastewater. The purpose of this Guidance Document is to provide comprehensive guidance for the assessment, design and construction of ICW systems. This document parallels a similar manual for Scotland and Northern Ireland and existing guidelines for Finland. The steps are outlined, ranging from assessing the appropriateness of an ICW in the first instance, to its design, installation and the monitoring process. This involves several decisions at each stage of the assessment and development process. The experience and results, upon which this document is based, indicate that an effective, robust and sustainable ICW can be established in a range of suitable locations. There will, however, be variations in design and construction reflecting the site’s location and its specific characteristics.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Manual para la Restauracio_n de Canteras de Roca Caliza en Clima Mediterra_neo
Abstract:El presente documento reu_ne la experiencia de los autores a lo largo de los u_ltimos 20 an_os de trayectoria en este tema, a trave_s de diferentes proyectos patrocinados por las empresas del sector, por las administraciones autono_micas, por planes nacionales de y por la Unio_n Europea (Ecoquarry LIFE04-ENV00195). El deseo de los autores es que este Manual sea un documento de trabajo u_til para los responsables de la restauracio_n de las explotaciones y que ayude a mejorar los resultados de los proyectos de recuperacio_n de canteras.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Manual para la Restauracio_n Ecolo_gica de los Ecosistemas Disturbados del Distrito Capital
Abstract:Luego de la segunda edicio_n del Protocolo Distrital de Restauracio_n Ecolo_gica en el an_o 2002, la Secretari_a Distrital de Ambiental en asocio con la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana se dio a la tarea de elaborar el presente Manual de Restauracio_n Ecolo_gica de los Ecosistemas Disturbados del Distrito Capital, buscando aportar elementos te_cnicos para la actualizacio_n, el aprendizaje, la reflexio_n y el ana_lisis de las pra_cticas desarrolladas para la restauracio_n de a_reas de intere_s ecolo_gico y ambiental tanto en la zona rural como urbana.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Principles for Strategic Conservation and Restoration
Abstract:The purpose of this document is to summarize principles of landscape ecology and conservation biology that are applicable to the conservation and restoration of nearshore ecosystems in the Puget Sound. The principles are intended to guide the prioritization of conservation and restoration sites and actions by the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP). Potential lists of restoration sites were identified from the Change Analysis data, using a process of Strategic Needs Assessment. PSNERP’s mission and goals center on restoring large-scale ecosystem processes using local actions informed by a landscape-scale perspective. This report should be viewed in conjunction with three other PSNERP products: the conceptual model (Simenstad et al. 2006), guidance document (Fresh et al. 2004), and guiding restoration principles (Goetz et al. 2004). These documents provide the framework for the PSNERP restoration plan.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Rainforest Restoration: A Guide to Principles and Practice
Abstract:This guide highlights the principles and practices for rainforest restoration that are applicable to the tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It defines rainforest restoration, when it is necessary, and how to prioritize areas for restoration. The guide elaborates on SER’s protocols and guidelines for setting targets and indicators of success as well as the framework species and maximum diversity methods. The guide gives an overview of the rainforest ecosystems of the Western Ghats, India highlighting the practical aspects of restoration such as nursery, site preparation, implementation and monitoring protocols. It includes a number of photographs, with before and after shots, and a glossary of key terms.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Reef Rehabilitation Manual
Abstract:This Reef Rehabilitation Manual is intended to complement the Reef Restoration Concepts & Guidelines and provide more detailed hands-on advice, based on lessons-learnt from previous experience, on how to carry out coral reef rehabilitation in a responsible and cost-effective manner. The two booklets should be used together.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Restoration Field Guide: A User-Friendly Guide for Restoration Techniques in Riparian Habitats
Abstract:The purpose of this field guide is to share the experiences of the Land Conservancy staff and other restoration organizations gained during implementation of restoration projects so fellow project coordinators can better plan construction projects. It is not intended to be a comprehensive restoration manual, but rather a user-friendly guide to specific restoration techniques and trouble-saving tips. The concepts presented here are field tested, and will help users prepare for and solve common problems that may arise during a project.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Restoration of Seagrass Meadows
Abstract:This document describes recent techniques for seagrass restoration that may be divided into two basic groups: 1) activities focused on collecting and transplanting plants, and 2) activities focused on obtaining and planting seeds.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Returning the Tide: Tidal Hydrology Restoration Guidance Manual for the Southeastern US
Abstract:The goal of this manual is to increase and improve habitat restoration in estuarine environments impacted by the creation of barriers to tidal hydrology. It offers guidance to restoration practitioners and coastal resource managers who may not have familiarity with tidal hydrology restoration techniques. Specifically, this manual will help users: 1) Identify restoration projects and partners; 2) Develop appropriate objectives and quality project design; 3) Define and implement construction and maintenance strategies; 4) Navigate and optimize the permitting process; 5) Determine the meaning of “hydrology restoration success”; and 6) Build community support for projects and address typical community concerns. The Toolkit section is a resource for restoration project planning and implementation. It is designed to be easy-to-use by providing checklists, agency contact information, example project documents, and bulleted to-do lists for every stage of project implementation. The Project Portfolios provide details on 13 real-world projects including background, results, and lessons learned.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Road Management in the Context of Watershed Restoration
Abstract:This paper addresses forest road management within the context of forested watershed restoration, highlighting many of the concerns stemming from roads and outlining goal-setting, prioritization, and techniques for road management that can improve watershed condition. While roads can also have impacts in other types of systems (i.e., non-forested) and from other resource extraction practices (e.g., mining), it is beyond the scope of this paper to address all of these.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010
Strengthening What Works: Recognising and supporting the conservation achievements of indigenous and local communities (Briefing Note No. 10)
Abstract:Though their existence is arguably as old and widespread as human civilization itself, territories and areas conserved by indigenous peoples and local communities (ICCA) have only recently gained sustained attention in formal conservation circles. International policies and programmes, notably those under teh Convention on Biological Diversity (CBS), encouraged today all countries to recognize and support ICCAs. This Briefing Note is intended to assist them to do so in a manner that is sensitive to and respectful of many issues involved. It contains basic facts about ICCAs, condenses lessons learned and offeres reccomendations for governments implementing the CBD Programme of Work of Protected Areas.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2010