©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.
Process-based ecological river restoration: Visualizing three-dimensional connectivity and dynamic vectors to recover lostlLinkages
Abstract: Drawing upon examples in the literature and from our experience, we developed conceptual models and used simple bivariate plots to visualize human impacts and restoration efforts in terms of connectivity and flow
dynamics. Human-induced changes in longitudinal, lateral, and vertical connectivity are often accompanied by changes in flow dynamics, but in our experience restoration efforts to date have more often restored connectivity than flow dynamics.
Publication Date: 2006
Rapid Genetic Identification of Local Provenance Seed Collection Zones for Ecological Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation
Abstract:The ecological restoration of native plant communities requires the collection of large amounts of seed. Use of non-local provenance seed can have detrimental consequences for the success of restoration if there is a home-site advantage, and for nature conservation through the erosion of natural patterns of population genetic structuring and/or genetic swamping (and extirpation) of locally significant genotypes. As part of an ongoing project to genetically delineate local provenance seed collection zones for species within a large urban bushland remnant of high conservation value, we assessed population genetic differentiation in two widespread coastal leguminous species, Acacia rostellifera and A. cochlearis (Fabaceae), commonly used in restoration programmes in SW Australia.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Rate of Carbon Sequestration at Two Thicket Restoration Sites in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Abstract:Restoration of thicket using cuttings of the dominant succulent shrub Portulacaria afra could return biodiversity to the transformed landscape, earn carbon credits on international markets, reduce soil erosion, increase wildlife carrying capacity, improve water infiltration and retention, and provide employment to rural communities. Carbon storage in two thicket restoration sites was investigated to determine potential rates of carbon sequestration. Potential earnings through carbon credits are likely to rival forest planting schemes, but costs are likely to be less due to the ease of planting cuttings, as opposed to propagating forest saplings.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Recent Advances in Research into Seagrass Restoration
Abstract:The most significant advances in seagrass restoration have arguably been the development of mechanical seagrass transplanters in Western Australia, and the development of non-destructive methods of seagrass restoration that facilitate the natural recruitment of seagrass ramets or seedlings.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Regeneration of Native Plant Species in Restored Forests on Degraded Lands in Singapore
Abstract:The results showed that reforestation has been successful in promoting native forest development, but it also illustrated the need for management intervention in restoring the floristic diversity and structural complexity of a primary forest especially where the natural successional processes are hampered by soil degradation, habitat fragmentation and the loss of native fauna.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Rehabilitating Degraded Forest Land in Central Vietnam with Mixed Native Species Plantings
Abstract:This paper examines the use of Acacia as a nurse crop to overcome some of the ecological and economic impediments to reforestation of degraded areas dominated by grasses including Imperata cylindrica. The study site at Hai Van Pass in central Vietnam was initially reforested using Acacia auriculiformis. After 8 years these stands were thinned and under-planted with Hopea odorata, Dipterocarpus alatus, Parashorea chinensis, Tarrietia javanica, Parashorea stellata, Scaphium lychnophorum, Peltophorum dasyrhachis var. tonkinensis and other high- value native species.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Rehabilitation of Degraded Forests in Thailand: Policy and Practice
Abstract:This paper focuses on the significant issues affecting both the policy and practice of forest rehabilitation. Given that the large number of people whose livelihood depends on the forests for subsistence and other purposes normally has been excluded from the decision-making process in forest management, most important among these issues are the integration of the socio-economic and environmental needs into rehabilitation initiatives together with the active participation of local communities in the rehabilitation program. Case studies of reforestation and rehabilitation initiatives are also discussed.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Restoration and Management of the Inner Mongolia Grassland Require a Sustainable Strategy
Abstract:Inner Mongolia covers an area of 1.1 million km2 and has a population of 20.3 million. Recent surveys have shown that nearly 90% of the grasslands now are degraded to varying degrees, which is more than twice as much as was estimated 10 years ago (3). On average, current grassland primary productivity is only about 50% of that of the undegraded steppe. The land degradation in this region is generally believed to be a major reason for the increasing frequency of severe sandstorms and dust storms in northern China (particularly in Beijing and adjacent regions) in recent decades (4, 5). Because the environmental and economic future of the Inner Mongolia grassland is at stake, scientifically sound ecosystem management strategies are urgently needed for the sustainability of this region.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Restoration of a Restinga Sandy Coastal Plain in Brazil: Survival and Growth of Planted Woody Species
Abstract:Although trees and shrubs predominantly compose natural restinga vegetation, local vegetation after impact was replaced by an exotic grass cover, which meant a drastic reduction in species richness. Thus, in this experiment we removed the grass cover, introduced shrub and tree species, and monitored survival and growth of 20 plants per species for 2 years. Despite the adversities imposed by the nutrient-poor sandy soil, 70% of the species showed high survival percentage and considerable growth. This report on restoration initiatives in the restingas points out the viability of shrub and tree plantation following exotic grass removal as a strategy to restore Brazilian coastal vegetation.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Restoration of Degraded Boreal Peatlands
Abstract:This chapter will mostly discuss the restoration of Sphagnum-dominated peatlands (bogs) that have been affected by peat mining (Chap. 16), but the overall approach can easily be adapted to the restoration of ombrotrophic peatlands that have been damaged by agriculture, fires, or certain types of erosion. The restoration of peatlands after forestry practices and drainage is discussed in depth by Laine et al. (Chap. 15). For the particular case of peatlands with serious erosion problems, the report on blanket mire degradation (Tallis et al. 1997) should be consulted.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Restoration of Wetland Vegetation Using Soil Seed Banks: Lessons from a Project in Lake Kasumigaura, Japan
Abstract:A promising revegetation technique is one in which soil seed banks are utilized as the source of plant recolonization. Using such a technique, a pilot project to restore lakeshore vegetation was launched at Lake Kasumigaura, Japan, in 2002. Here, we report lessons learned from the Lake Kasumigaura restoration project as a contribution to the establishment of ecologically sound revegetation techniques.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Restoring Dry Afromontane Forest Using Bird and Nurse Plant Effects: Direct Sowing of Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata Seeds
Abstract:To identify the perspectives of seed sowing for reforestation of degraded dryAfromontane savanna in exclosures in northern Ethiopia, seeds of a fleshy-fruited, secondary climax tree, Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata, were placed under two pioneer shrub species (Euclea racemosa and Acacia etbaica) and in open microhabitats. Seed removal and germination rates were examined. The effects of bird ingestion, manual pulp removal and mechanical endocarp treatments on germination rates were also studied.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Restoring Prairie Pothole Wetlands: Does the Species Pool Concept Offer Decision-Making Guidance for Re-Vegetation?
Abstract:Do regional species pools, landscape isolation or on-site constraints cause plants from different guilds to vary in their ability to colonize restored wetlands? Abiotic constraints seem to limit the colonization of floating/submersed aquatics into natural or restored wetlands, whereas all other guilds are potentially constrained by dispersal or biotic factors (i.e. competition from invasive species). Using species pools to evaluate restoration progress revealed that immigration potential varies considerably among guilds, that local species richness does not necessarily correspond to immigration limitations, and that some guilds (e.g. sedge-meadow perennials) will likely benefit more than others from being planted at restoration sites.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Restoring Quercus pyrenaica Forests Using Pioneer Shrubs as Nurse Plants
Abstract:How to improve reforestation success of Quercus pyrenaica. The use of shrubs as nurse plants for Q. pyrenaica reforestation is a viable technique to increase establishment success. The technique could be similarly useful in other environments with a dry period and for other Quercus species. In addition, this technique offers the advantage of following natural succession, thus minimizing the impact in the community.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Restoring Riverine Landscapes
Abstract:This special issue of Ecology and Society on restoring riverine landscapes draws together nine presentations from the Second International Symposium on Riverine Landscapes, convened in August 2004 in Storforsen, Sweden. We summarize three themes related to river restoration: (1) setting priorities, (2) identifying relevant reference conditions, and (3) choosing appropriate techniques. We discuss ways of developing river restoration and provide examples of future needs in sustaining functioning river ecosystems that can support human societies.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Restoring the Garden of Eden: An Ecological Assessment of the Marshes of Iraq
Abstract:The Mesopotamian marshes of southern Iraq had been all but destroyed by Saddam Hussein’s regime by the year 2000. Earlier assessments suggested that poor water quality, the presence of toxic materials, and high saline soil conditions in the drained marshes would prevent their ecological restoration and doom the reestablishment of the Marsh Arab culture of fishing and agriculture. However, the high volume of good-quality water entering the marshes from the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, a result of two record years of snowpack melt in Turkey and Iran, allowed 39% of the former marshes to be reflooded by September 2005. Although reflooding does not guarantee restoration success, our recent field surveys have found a remarkable rate of reestablishment of native macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, fish, and birds in reflooded marshes. However, the future availability of water for restoration is in question, which suggests that only a portion of the former marshes may be restored. Also, landscape connectivity between marshes is greatly reduced, causing concern about local species extinctions and lower diversity in isolated wetlands.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
River and Wetland Restoration: Lessons from Japan
Abstract:River and wetland restoration has emerged as a worldwide phenomenon and is becoming a highly profitable business. Although researchers worldwide know a lot about restoration practices in Europe and the United States, we have only scant information about the activities in Japan, where more than 23,000 river restoration projects have been conducted during the past 15 years. In Japan, restoration is a daunting business because of the high human population density, urbanization, and harsh environmental conditions. Here we provide an overview of the various restoration activities in Japan and discuss the lessons that we can draw from them.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Sand Barriers of Straw Checkerboards for Habitat Restoration in Extremely Arid Desert Regions
Abstract:The results indicate that the straw checkerboard enhanced the capacity of dune systems to entrap dust deposition, leading to the accumulation of soil organic matter and nutrients and to the development of soil formation on the dune surface. The straw checkerboard increased the silt and clay content, thereby changing coarse soil texture to fine. This is one of the vital prerequisites for the invasion and establishment of herbaceous plants in desert ecosystems. When a straw checkerboard was used to stabilize the dunes before establishing sand-binding vegetation, significant differences in plant species richness, herbaceous cover, dust deposition, and soil physicochemical properties were found in this study. All of these findings suggest that the use of the straw checkerboard, as one of the key techniques for restoring desert ecosystems, will be an important component of efforts to further extend ecological engineering projects in arid desert regions.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Scattered Trees are Keystone Structures: Implications for Conservation
Abstract:This paper shows that scattered trees are keystone structures in a wide range of landscapes. At the local scale, ecological functions of scattered trees include: provision of a distinct microclimate; increased soil nutrients; increased plant species richness; increased structural complexity; and habitat for animals. At the landscape scale, ecological roles include: increased landscape-scale tree cover; increased connectivity for animals; increased genetic connectivity for tree populations; and provision of genetic material and focal points for future large-scale ecosystem restoration. Furthermore, in disturbed landscapes, scattered trees often are biological legacies that provide ecological continuity through time. In combination, these ecological functions support the argument that scattered trees are keystone structures.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Seed Provenance Matters: Effects on Germination of Four Plant Species Used for Ecological Restoration
Abstract:The use of local seed provenances is often recommended in restoration and habitat creation because they are thought to be better adapted to local habitat conditions. However, spatial scales and the degree of population differentiation are not well known and germination is often not included in comparisons between provenances. We analysed germination as a key trait of plant development in five provenances of four species used for ecological restoration on arable land (wildflower strips). Germination was tested under different conditions in growth chambers (early vs. late spring) and in the field (non-competition vs. competition). We also examined the contribution of non-genetic (maternal) effects to population differentiation.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Soil Bioengineering and the Ecological Restoration of Riverbanks at the Airport Town, Shanghai, China
Abstract:Ecological, soil bioengineering, and traditional techniques were integrated to obtain a structurally sound, ecologically sustainable and socio-economically beneficial method for restoring the riverbanks at the Airport Town, Shanghai, which was the first project applying soil bioengineering to riverbank restoration in China. Soil bioengineering is the use of living plant materials to construct structures that perform some engineering and ecological functions and can provide an effective means for slope stabilization and site restoration of riverbanks. The restoration and management strategy was based on a plan to integrate the natural landscape using live staking, live fascines, brush layer, vegetated geo-grids and geo-gabions, along with native vegetation for riverbank preservation.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Beyond Control: Wider Implications for the Management of Biological Invasions
Abstract:Government departments, environmental managers and conservationists are all facing escalating pressure to address and resolve a diversity of invasive alien species (IAS) problems. Yet much research to date is primarily concerned with quantifying the scale of the problem rather than delivering robust solutions and has not adequately addressed all stages of the invasion process, and only a few studies embrace the ecosystem approach. A comprehensive approach to IAS management should include consideration of the: (i) expected impacts; (ii) technical options available; (iii) ease with which the species can be targeted; (iv) risks associated with management; (v) likelihood of success; and (vi) extent of public concern and stakeholder interest. For each of these issues, in addition to targeting an individual species, the management of biological invasions must also incorporate an appreciation of other environmental pressures, the importance of landscape structure, and the role of existing management activities and restoration efforts.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning: It Is Time for Dispersal Experiments
Abstract:The experimental study of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function has mainly addressed the effect of species and number of functional groups. In theory, this approach has mainly focused on how extinction affects function, whereas dispersal limitation of ecosystem function has been rarely discussed. A handful of seed introduction experiments, as well as numerous observations of the effects of long-distance dispersal of alien species, indicate that ecosystem function may be strongly determined by dispersal limitation at the local, regional and/or global scales. We suggest that it is time to replace biodiversity manipulation experiments, based on random draw of species, with those addressing realistic scenarios of either extinction or dispersal.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Biodiversity, Ecosystem Function, and Resilience: Ten Guiding Principles for Commodity Production Landscapes
Abstract:We suggest ten guiding principles to help maintain biodiversity, ecosystem function, and resilience in production landscapes. Landscapes should include structurally characteristic patches of native vegetation, corridors and stepping stones between them, a structurally complex matrix, and buffers around sensitive areas. Management should maintain a diversity of species within and across functional groups. Highly focused management actions may be required to maintain keystone species and threatened species, and to control invasive species. These guiding principles provide a scientifically defensible starting point for the integration of conservation and production, which is urgently required from both an ecological and a long- term economic perspective.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Collaborative Ecological Restoration
Abstract:UW-REN offers a model for collaborative education among science and nonscience students. We feel it has been effective in (i) fostering their ability to apply scientific understanding to practical problems in the field, (ii) tackling challenges in a multidisciplinary context and applying their knowledge in a framework with other disciplines, and (iii) developing their abilities to communicate broadly.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Conceiving the science, business and practice of restoring natural capital
Abstract:Restoration of natural capital differs from, yet complements, conservation, which, though essential for preserving the current stock of natural capital, does not take sufficient consideration of human livelihoods, sustainable economic development, and the delicate relationship between man and nature. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment has underscored this fact in no uncertain terms.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Creating a Constructed and Natural Wetland Habitat: Restoration of Jade Lake Wetland, Haidian District, Beijing, China
Abstract:Based on natural environment, the main object of the Jade Lake restoration project was to maintain the integrity and organic coordination, using ecological engineering technologies and the concept of environment art, and made its ecological, social and economic benefit maximization, and promote the harmonious development of man and nature.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Deriving values for the ecological support function of wildlife: An indirect valuation approach
Abstract:We describe a method that combines economic willingness-to-pay estimates for higher trophic-level species with basic information available about ecosystem relationships to derive estimates of partial willingness-to-pay for lower level species that might be of direct policy interest. This method is intended as a quasi-benefit transfer method for use in benefit–cost analysis. Our method makes it possible to establish partial willingness-to-pay estimates for the large number of species of immediate or potential policy interest using only data available in non-market valuation and biology and ecology literature.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Direct Seeding to Restore Rainforest Species: Microsite Effects on the Early Establishment and Growth of Rainforest Tree Seedlings on Degraded Land in the Wet Tropics of Australia
Abstract:This study investigated the effects of various sowing treatments (designed to create different microsite conditions for seed germination) and seed sizes on the early establishment and growth of directly sown rainforest tree species in a variety of experimental plots at three sites in the wet tropical region of north-east Queensland, Australia. The different sowing treatments were found to have significant effects on seedling establishment. Broadcast sowing treatments were ineffective and resulted in very poor seedling establishment and high seed wastage. Higher establishment rates occurred when seeds were buried. Seed size was found to be an important factor affecting establishment in relation to micro-site condition. Overall these results suggest that direct sowing of seed can be used as a tool to accelerate recolonisation of certain rainforest tree species on degraded tropical lands, but initial success will be dependent on the choice of sowing method and its suitability for the seed types selected. The results also indicate that the recruitment of naturally dispersed tree species at degraded sites is likely to be severely limited by the availability of suitable microsites for seed germination. Consequently the natural recovery of degraded sites via seed rain can be expected to be slow and unpredictable, particularly in areas where soil compaction has occurred.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Discounting, Amenity Values, and Marine Ecosystem Restoration
Abstract:We hope to initiate a conversation among marine resource economists on the role of discounting on ecosystem restoration and the long-term, sustainable management of marine resources. We relate the problem of discounting benefits of ecosystem restoration to that of valuing the amenities that restored ecosystems could produce, and suggest how empirical research might contribute to the debate over the proper discount rate to apply in valuing natural and ecosystem resources.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006