©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.
Creating Multifunctional Landscapes: How Can the Field of Ecology Inform the Design of the Landscape?
Abstract:Here, we propose a process for designing multifunctional landscapes, guided by ecological principles in the following steps: (1) defining the project site and landscape context, (2) analyzing landscape structure and function, (3) master planning using an ecosystem approach, (4) designing sites to highlight ecological functions, and (5) monitoring ecological functions. The development of a framework for ecological design of landscapes demonstrates the importance of a multi-scale approach for connecting sites to their surroundings, the benefits of a multifunctional design for sustainability, and the value of involving ecologists throughout the entire design process.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Demonstration of a New Technology for Restoration of Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) in High-Energy Environments
Abstract:We present here the initial field results from a pilot test of a new technique for the restoration of R. mangle in high-energy environments, using anchored armored concrete cultivator pots to stabilize the juvenile mangrove until it can establish a network of buttress roots. Mangroves were reared in a nursery for 15 months before transplantation to fully and partially exposed field sites. Mangroves transplanted in this way on Grand Cayman Island were able to survive two direct hurricane hits shortly after transplantation during the hurricane season of 2008, with survival rates ranging from 42% to 73% depending on the exposure of the site. We discuss the implications of these results and a proposed revision to our technique, which we hope will eliminate the work-intensive and costly nursery phase while also facilitating higher survival rates by minimizing washout, which was a key source of mortality, accounting for 20%-50% of mortalities, depending on site.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Desert Knowledge: Integrating Knowledge and Development in Arid and Semi-arid Drylands
Abstract:The value of the knowledge that local traditions and science have generated about living sustainably in deserts is being promoted and extended through the ‘desert knowledge’ movement in Australia. The Australian research reported here, together with a contribution from Niger that offers a contrast and some lessons for Australia, is largely underpinned by a neopopulist paradigm of development stressing respect for local knowledge, participatory practice and empowerment. Research in partnership with desert Aboriginal groups is contributing to their engagement with new livelihood opportunities. The local knowledge of livestock graziers is also being engaged to support sustainable management of desert water sources and landscapes for multiple values.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Designing Landscapes for Performance Based on Emerging Principles in Landscape Ecology
Abstract:We have proposed a framework for transforming landscapes to improve performance by integrating ecological principles into landscape design. This effort would focus on the development of multifunctional landscapes, guided by the rapidly growing knowledge base of ecosystem services provided by landscape features. Although the conventional approach to landscape ecology is based on a model that assumes poor ecological quality in the human- dominated matrix, a review of recent literature reveals important opportunities to improve the quality of the landscape matrix by increasing spatial heterogeneity through the addition of seminatural landscape elements designed to provide multiple ecosystem services.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Determinants for Successful Reforestation of Abandoned Pastures in the Andes: Soil Conditions and Vegetation Cover
Abstract:The present study aims at providing basic knowledge on the early height development of native species in comparison to exotics. 12,000 seedlings of exotic and native species were planted in experimental trials at three sites of different successional stages: recently abandoned pastures (Setaria sphacelata), bracken (Pteridium arachnoideum) and shrubs. The results presented in this study refer to the status of the seedlings 3 years after planting. The results indicate that reforestation with native species in Ecuador is possible but requires intensive consideration of interactions with soil properties and accompanying vegetation. Macroscopic soil core analysis can be a suitable instrument for detecting small-scale variation of soil properties. Nevertheless, a characterisation of both small-scale variation as well as variation on higher spatial scales, for instance by aerial photographs, is essential for effective planning of reforestation measures in the Andes.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Developing a Monitoring Program for Riparian Revegetation Projects
Abstract:Private landowners, ecosystem restoration professionals, and resource agency staff can work together to increase native vegetation on the banks of streams and rivers. This publication gives practical advice on how to make this kind of project work.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Development and Testing of a Sustainable Environmental Restoration Policy on Eradicating the Poverty Trap in China’s Changting County
Abstract:Here, we present the results of a study that illustrates how development that combines environmental and economic perspectives and that provides appropriate compensation to affected populations can improve both nature and society, thereby eradicating the ‘‘poverty trap.’’ The results show that if we cannot improve the livelihood of local residents, we will be unable to restore degraded environments when state-owned property is transferred to private ownership to encourage better management by residents. In contrast, measures to eliminate poverty, combined with the development of green enterprises that improve the livelihoods of private land owners in the long term, is the precondition for successful ecological restoration.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Developmental Strategies for Sustainable Ecosystem on Mine Spoil Dumps: A Case of Study
Abstract:An important goal of ecological rehabilitation is to accelerate natural successional processes to increase biological productivity, soil fertility and biotic control over biogeochemical fluxes within the recovering ecosystems. A new approach called Microbe Assisted Green Technology (MAGT) is an integrated biotechnological approach developed at National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) through exhaustive laboratory as well as field studies and serve as a model for land reclamation and development of lush green vegetation on mine overburdens.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Does Invasive Plant Management Aid the Restoration of Natural Ecosystems?
Abstract:Invasive alien plants of natural ecosystems, commonly referred to as weeds, can reduce the abundance and diversity of native flora and fauna, and alter ecosystem processes. Using Australia’s 20 ‘Weeds of National Significance’ (WoNS), we investigated how natural ecosystems responded following their management. Our results emphasise the need to select sites for weed management that are less degraded and thus have a higher likelihood of natural recovery and/or to incorporate activities that facilitate recovery of native plant communities in conjunction with weed removal.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Ecological Perspectives in Restoring Mine Waste Management Areas
Abstract:Ecological Engineering (EE) in mining waste restoration aims to apply knowledge of natural biological systems known to be present on rocks or minerals, and in sediments to practically and beneficially achieve human and industrial objectives in a natural self-sustaining way. Omitting or discarding ecological processes in the engineering of the mine waste management areas severely prolongs the longevity of current mining practices, when chemical treatment must be provided for hundreds of years. The mining industry needs to adapt to the values and aims of contemporary environmental engineering, to develop systems, structures, methods, tools and infrastructures to protect human and environmental health. The progress made in our EE projects has been brought about through the enhancement of ecosystem function. We will here briefly describe the transformation of an acid mine drainage dump into a productive, biologically-active polishing lake.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Ecological Restoration and Church Forests in Northern Ethiopia
Abstract:For the church forests studied we may conclude that (a) diversity and forest area protected are important, (b) each church forest fragment has its own unique species composition, (c) they harbour good wood stock compared to some of the natural state forests, (d) population structures suggest at least two major types of plants: species able to regenerate in the forest understory and species with difficulties to reproduce, (e) church traditions to conserve forest resources: tree seeds collection, traditional medicine and contemplation are permitted, while collection of fuel wood, construction wood and fodder are forbidden for the community, and (f) there is a high respect and trust of the local community with respect to the church organisation and their activities and rules. These results can be used as points of departure for restoration of the church forests themselves as well as for restoration of areas surrounding these forests.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Ecological Restoration in Eutrophic Lake Wuli: A Large Enclosure Experiment
Abstract:A large-scale enclosure experiment for lake restoration was carried out in Lake Wuli, a northern bay of shallow and eutrophic Lake Taihu in China. The large enclosure with an area of 10 ha was set up in the littoral zone and was bordered by waterproof fabric which did not cover the sediments. Multiple approaches were used and included fish removal, piscivorous fish stocking, shoreline reconstruction, aquatic macrophyte planting, benthic macro-animal stocking, and silver carp cultivation in pens for reduction of cyanobacteria.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Ecological Restoration in the Light of Ecological History
Abstract:Ecological history plays many roles in ecological restoration, most notably as a tool to identify and characterize appropriate targets for restoration efforts. However, ecological history also reveals deep human imprints on many ecological systems and indicates that secular climate change has kept many targets moving at centennial to millennial time scales. Past and ongoing environmental changes ensure that many historical restoration targets will be unsustainable in the coming decades. Ecological restoration efforts should aim to conserve and restore historical ecosystems where viable, while simultaneously preparing to design or steer emerging novel ecosystems to ensure maintenance of ecological goods and services.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Ecosystem and Restoration Consequences of Invasive Woody Species Removal in Hawaiian Lowland Wet Forest
Abstract:A removal experiment was used to examine the restoration potential of a lowland wet forest in Hawaii, a remnant forest type that has been heavily invaded by non-native species and in which there is very little native species regeneration. Our results are consistent with the expectation that native species are conservative in regards to resource use and may not strongly respond to canopy removal, at least at the adult stage. Management strategies will have to incorporate the slow growth rate of Hawaiian species and the fact that weeding may be required to suppress expansion and nutrient inputs of introduced species.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Effectiveness of Repeated Autumn and Spring Fires for Understorey Restoration in Weed- invaded Temperate Eucalypt Woodlands
Abstract:Can strategic burning, targeting differing ecological characteristics of native and exotic species, facilitate restoration of native understorey in weed-invaded temperate grassy eucalypt woodlands? While fire is often considered to increase ecosystem invasibility, our study showed that strategic use of fire, informed by the relative responses of available native and exotic taxa, is potentially an effective step towards restoration of weed-invaded temperate eucalypt woodlands.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Effects of Hay Management and Native Species Sowing on Grassland Community Structure, Biomass, and Restoration
Abstract:Prairie hay meadows are important reservoirs of grassland biodiversity in the tallgrass prairie regions of the central United States and are the object of increasing attention for conservation and restoration. In addition, there is growing interest in the potential use of such low-input, high-diversity (LIHD) native grasslands for biofuel production. The uplands of eastern Kansas, USA, which prior to European settlement were dominated by tallgrass prairie, are currently utilized for intensive agriculture or exist in a state of abandonment from agriculture. The dominant grasslands in the region are currently high-input, low-diversity (HILD) hay fields seeded to introduced C3 hay grasses. Our results support the shifting limitations hypothesis of community organization and highlight the importance of species pools and seed limitations in constraining successional turnover, community structure, and ecosystem productivity under conditions of low fertility. Our findings also indicate that several biological and functional aspects of LIHD hay meadows can be restored from abandoned HILD hay fields by ceasing fertilization and reintroducing native species through sowing. Declines in primary production and hay yield that result from the cessation of fertilization may be at least partially compensated for by restoration.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Engineering Novel Habitats on Urban Infrastructure to Increase Intertidal Biodiversity
Abstract:Seawalls––the most extensive artificial infrastructure––are generally featureless, vertical habitats that support reduced levels of local biodiversity. Here, a mimic of an important habitat on natural rocky shores (rock-pools) was experimentally added to a seawall and its impact on diversity assessed. The mimics created shaded vertical substratum and pools that retained water during low tide. These novel habitats increased diversity of foliose algae and sessile and mobile animals, especially higher on the shore. Many species that are generally confined to lowshore levels, expanded their distribution over a greater tidal range. Success requires melding engineering skills and ecological understanding. This paper demonstrates one cost- effective way of addressing this important issue for urban infrastructure affecting nearshore habitats.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Enhancement of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services by Ecological Restoration: A Meta- Analysis
Abstract:Ecological restoration is widely used to reverse the environmental degradation caused by human activities. However, the effectiveness of restoration actions in increasing provision of both biodiversity and ecosystem services has not been evaluated systematically. A meta- analysis of 89 restoration assessments in a wide range of ecosystem types across the globe indicates that ecological restoration increased provision of biodiversity and ecosystem services by 44 and 25%, respectively. However, values of both remained lower in restored versus intact reference ecosystems. Increases in biodiversity and ecosystem service measures after restoration were positively correlated. Results indicate that restoration actions focused on enhancing biodiversity should support increased provision of ecosystem services, particularly in tropical terrestrial biomes.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Evaluating the Ecological Performance of Wetland Restoration in the Yellow River Delta, China
Abstract:Long-term monitoring is essential to evaluate the effects of wetland restoration projects. A monitoring program before and after restoration has been carried out in the study area located in the Yellow River Delta since 2001. Water quality, soil salinity, soil organic matter, plant community, and bird species were chosen as indicators in this program. During the past seven years, the restored wetland showed increasing efficiency in reducing water pollution levels. Soil quality was constantly improved through salinity reduction and soil organic matter accumulation. The vegetation community quickly re-established after the restoration was initiated in 2002. The restored vegetation communities provide favorable habitat conditions for birds and thirty-seven bird species were observed in October 2007.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Biodiversity, Ecosystem Functioning, and Human Wellbeing
Abstract:n an age of accelerating biodiversity loss, this volume summarizes recent advances in biodiversity-ecosystem functioning research and explores the economics of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The first section summarizes the development of the basic science and provides a meta-analysis that quantitatively tests several biodiversity and ecosystem functioning hypotheses. The second section describes the natural science foundations of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning research, including: quantifying functional diversity, the development of the field into a predictive science, effects of stability and complexity, methods to quantify mechanisms by which diversity affects functioning, the importance of trophic structure, microbial ecology, and spatial dynamics. The third section takes research on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning further than it has ever gone into the human dimension.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009
Coastal Wetlands: An Integrated Ecosystem Approach
Abstract:Coastal wetlands are under a great deal of pressure from the dual forces of rising sea level and the intervention of human populations both along the estuary and in the river catchment. Direct impacts include the destruction or degradation of wetlands from land reclamation and infrastructures. Indirect impacts derive from the discharge of pollutants, changes in river flows and sediment supplies, land clearing, and dam operations. As sea level rises, coastal wetlands in most areas of the world migrate landward to occupy former uplands. The competition of these lands from human development is intensifying, making the landward migration impossible in many cases. This book provides an understanding of the functioning of coastal ecosystems and the ecological services that they provide, and suggestions for their management.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009
Cork Oak Woodlands on the Edge: Ecology, Adaptive Management, and Restoration
Abstract:This book provides a synthesis of the most up-to-date, scientific and practical information on the management of cork oak woodlands and the cultural systems that depend on cork oak. It 1) considers ecological, genetic, economic, and historical perspectives surrounding cork oak trees, cork oak woodlands, and cork-based products, 2) presents scientific information regarding restoration and management, 3) offers a suite of techniques for the practice of restoring cork oak woodlands, 4) presents cost-benefit analyses of cork oak woodlands and the manufacture and trade of cork products, and 5) looks at challenges for the future, including ecoregional planning options, threats posed by climate and land-use changes, and modeling techniques that can help guide decision making.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009
Ecological Restoration in Degraded Drylands: The Need to Improve the Seedling Quality and Site Conditions in the Field
Abstract:In this paper we analyze innovative nursery and field techniques oriented to reduce outplanting stress. In the nursery, the main research lines are directed towards improving seedling quality, especially its resistance to water stress, by means of the use of containers gauged to the different root growth patterns of the species, the use of hydrogel to improve the water holding capacity of the substrate and reduce post-planting stress, the use of drought preconditioning to induce mechanisms for drought resistance, the use of fertilization according to field conditions and target seedlings for restoration projects and the use of growth regulators to control the biomass distribution within the seedlings.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009
Environmental Economics for Watershed Restoration
Abstract:A handbook for advocates and stakeholders, Environmental Economics for Watershed Restoration provides guidance to those who are interested in understanding and incorporating economic valuation in project prioritization and other decision-making aspects of stream or watershed restoration. It provides background on the types of ecological goods and services that are often valued and details the types of questions that must be asked in watershed project analysis. The book allows those who are not economists to be comfortable discussing things like contingent valuation, marginal costs, nonmarket goods, and other terms needed to satisfy the economic analysis requirements often needed to secure funding for projects.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009
Handbook of Ecological Restoration: Volume 1, Principles of Restoration
Abstract:The two volumes of this handbook provide a comprehensive account of the emerging and vibrant science of the ecological restoration of both habitats and species. Ecological restoration aims to achieve complete structural and functional, self-maintaining biological integrity following disturbance. In practice, any theoretical model is modified by a number of economic, social and ecological constraints. Consequently, material that might be considered as rehabilitation, enhancement, re-construction or re-creation is also included. Volume 1 defines the underlying principles of restoration ecology, in relation to manipulations and management of the biological, geophysical and chemical framework.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009
Handbook of Ecological Restoration: Volume 2, Restoration in Practice
Abstract:The two volumes of this handbook provide a comprehensive account of the emerging and vibrant science of the ecological restoration of both habitats and species. Ecological restoration aims to achieve complete structural and functional, self-maintaining biological integrity following disturbance. In practice, any theoretical model is modified by a number of economic, social and ecological constraints. Consequently, material that might be considered as rehabilitation, enhancement, re-construction or re-creation is also included. Volume 2 provides details of state-of- the-art restoration practice in a range of biomes within terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009
Reintroduction of Top-Order Predators
Abstract:Large predators are among the most threatened species on the planet and ways of conserving them in the face of increasing human populations and associated resource requirements are becoming critical. This book draws upon the experiences of some of the world’s foremost large carnivore specialists to discuss the numerous issues associated reintroducing large predators back into their natural habitats. Reviews of internationally renowned reintroduction programs for wolves, European lynx and African wild dog reveal the successes and failures of these actions. Experts on tigers, snow leopards and jaguars contend that there are other conservation options of higher priority that will ensure their security in the long-term. Other experts discuss more theoretical aspects such as whether we know enough about these species to be able to predict their behavioural or ecological response to the reintroduction process. Social, economic, political and genetic considerations are also addressed.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009
Reintroduction of Top-Order Predators
Abstract:Large predators are among the most threatened species on the planet and ways of conserving them in the face of increasing human populations and associated resource requirements are becoming critical. This book draws upon the experiences of some of the world’s foremost large carnivore specialists to discuss the numerous issues associated reintroducing large predators back into their natural habitats. Reviews of internationally renowned reintroduction programs for wolves, European lynx and African wild dog reveal the successes and failures of these actions. Experts on tigers, snow leopards and jaguars contend that there are other conservation options of higher priority that will ensure their security in the long-term. Other experts discuss more theoretical aspects such as whether we know enough about these species to be able to predict their behavioural or ecological response to the reintroduction process. Social, economic, political and genetic considerations are also addressed.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009
Restoration of Wetland Environments: Lessons and Successes
Abstract:Introductory chapters address the scope and significance of wetlands globally for communities, culture and biodiversity. Subsequent sections deal with processes underpinning wetland functioning, how wetlands work, their uses and values for humans and nature, their sensitivity to external impacts, and how they may be restored. The text is illustrated by numerous examples, emphasising functional and holistic approaches to wetland management, including case studies on the wise use and rehabilitation of wetlands in farmed, urban, industrial and other damaged environments, highlighting the long-term benefits of multiple use. The Wetlands Handbook will provide an invaluable reference for researchers, managers, policy- makers and students of wetland sciences.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009
Restoring Natural Areas in Australia
Abstract:A new, practical handbook for managing natural areas covering all aspects of managing natural area restoration projects which includes resilience, mapping, describing and assessing vegetation as well as techniques for managing weeds, fire and responding to climate change.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2009