©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.
Ecological restoration and global climate change
Abstract:The usefulness of historical ecosystem conditions as targets and references must be set against the likelihood that restoring these historic ecosystems is unlikely to be easy, or even possible, in the changed biophysical conditions of the future. We suggest that more consideration and debate needs to be directed at the implications of climate change for restoration practice.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Ecological Restoration and Global Climate Change
Abstract:There is an increasing consensus that global climate change occurs and that potential changes in climate are likely to have important regional consequences for biota and ecosystems. Ecological restoration, including (re)-afforestation and rehabilitation of degraded land, is included in the array of potential human responses to climate change. However, the implications of climate change for the broader practice of ecological restoration must be considered. In particular, the usefulness of historical ecosystem conditions as targets and references must be set against the likelihood that restoring these historic ecosystems is unlikely to be easy, or even possible, in the changed biophysical conditions of the future.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Ecological restoration in an era of ecological disequilibrium
Abstract:The biospheric life support system is probably approaching a number of ecological tipping points, which means the conditions so favorable to humankind may be impaired or even made unfavorable. Measures could be taken at local, regional, and global levels to reduce these risks, but the time for implementing them is shortened every year.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Ecological Restoration of Coastal Sand Dunes in South Korea
Abstract:Shinduri is considered as representative Korean natural sand dune ecosystem because of undisturbed status composed of primary dune including foredune and slack, and secondary dune and higher species richness than the other sand dunes. Therefore, other disturbed sand dunes should be restored following Shinduri sand dune structure and vegetation composition. The restoration options for sand dune areas in South Korea are as follows: the restoration of other sand dune areas toward the condition of Shinduri sand dune, introduction plant species of Shinduri sand dune into other sand dune areas, prohibition of artificial building and exotic soils, and conservation of sand dune surrounding areas.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Ecological Restoration of Mineland with Particular Reference to the Metalliferous Mine Wasteland in China: A Review of Research and Practice
Abstract:Metal-mined derelict land is often more metal toxic and deficient of macronutrients and is tougher for revegetation. Many substrate amelioration techniques were proposed and tolerant plant species were tested for use of reclamation of the metal-mined tailings. Five hyperaccumulator species have been reported in China for the potential use in phytoremediation. However, these accomplishments were all at laboratory or small-scale field demonstration stage and still far from the practical use in reality. To accelerate the restoration and utilization of mine wasteland, several recommendations are put forward in this review. Above these suggestions, the commitment and efficiency of the government at all levels are vital.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Ecological Restoration of Rainforest through Aided Natural Regeneration in the Denuded Hills of Sitakunda, Chittagong, Bangladesh
Abstract:Bangladesh Forest Department attempted ecological restoration of its denuded natural forests by establishing the first eco-park at Sitakunda in the South-eastern Chittagong hills in 2000. The semi-evergreen sub-tropical forest has been lying denuded of trees for years. The present study was conducted in December 2003 by taking a systematic sample of 50 circular plots each of 5.05 m in radius from a 20 ha patch of the eco-park, where non-woody vegetation has been routinely removed since 2000 in order to favor natural regeneration. The objective was to examine coppices and sprouts coming from stumps and root-suckers, respectively. In each plot regeneration were identified to species and their height measured. A total of 1401 individuals were found that represented 63 species. Most of the individuals were in the height classes 1 – 2 m (617) and < 1 m (529). It appeared that native forest ecosystem could be restored in denuded areas even when seed-bearing trees are almost absent.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Ecological Restoration, Carbon Sequestration and Biodiversity Conservation: The Experience of the Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education (SPVS) in the Atlantic Rain Forest of Southern Brazil
Abstract:Since 1999, SPVS has been involved in three projects that combine two fundamental goals over the course of 40 years: the conservation of one of Brazil’s most important remnants of Atlantic Forest and the implementation of projects for carbon sequestration. In addition, there is an interest in replicating these projects in order to restore other degraded areas, protect the Brazilian biomes, and help to diminish deforestation and forest fire, therefore reducing carbon emissions. The acquisition of 19,000 ha of degraded areas of high biological importance in southern Brazil was the first step towards the implementation of the projects. These areas are owned by SPVS, a Brazilian NGO, and are being restored, conserved and transformed into Private Natural Reserves, in partnership with the NGO – The Nature Conservancy, and financed by the companies – American Electric Power, General Motors and Chevron Texaco.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Restoration Success: Are They Related?
Abstract:A direct relationship between ecosystem structure and function has been widely accepted by restoration ecologists. According to this paradigm, ecosystem degradation and aggradation represent parallel changes in structure and function, restoration following the same path as spontaneous succession. But the existence of single bidirectional trajectories and endpoints is not supported by empirical evidence. On the contrary, multiple meta-stable states, irreversible changes and hysteresis are common in nature. These situations are better described by state- and transition models. Merging those models into the structure–function framework may help to develop new hypotheses on ecosystem dynamics, and may provide a suitable framework for planning restoration activities.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Ecotourism and Ecological Restoration
Abstract:The fast pace of tourism development around the world is causing untold damage to some of the most endangered ecological systems. From Dubai to Honolulu and from Cancun to Beijing, the environmental impacts of tourism are alarming. Ecological restoration (ER) of disturbed lands should be an important approach to sensitive tourism planning. This paper addresses the need for restoring biodiversity and how ecotourism has shown to be a strong force in the field of ER. Two examples (one each of private and community based ecotourism) incorporating ER will be highlighted in this paper: Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa and the Baboon Sanctuary in Belize. We call for greater dialogue across disciplines, notably ER, conservation science and ecotourism.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Emergy Synthesis of an Agro-forest Restoration System in Lower Subtropical China
Abstract:The low subtropical zone is the most populated and seriously degraded area in China; therefore, highly efficient restoration of degraded lands is the key to sustainable development of this region. An agro-forest restoration mode consisting of an Acacia mangium forest, a Citrus reticulata orchard, a Pennisetum purpureum grassland, and a fishpond has been applied widely in this region. Emergy synthesis was performed at the system and subsystem levels of organization to clarify the structural and functional attributes of this restoration system for further optimization. Emergy indices, including four new indices, the emergy restoration ratio (ERR), the ecological economic product (EEP), the emergy benefit ratio (EBR), and the emergy benefit after exchange (EBE), were formulated to evaluate the ecological and economic benefits of this restoration mode.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Evaluating the Purpose, Extent, and Ecological Restoration Applications of Indigenous Burning Practices in Southwestern Washington
Abstract:In this article, we evaluated paleoecological, archaeological, ethnographic, and ethnobotanical information about the Upper Chehalis River basin prairies of southwestern Washington to better understand the extent to which TEM influenced prairie distribution, composition. and availability of wild plant tool resources. We also surveyed areas that had been burned at differing frequencies to test whether frequent fires increase camas {Camassia quamash) productivity. Preliminary results support the hypothesis that camas productivity increases with fire-return intervals of one to two years.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Evaluation of Herbicides for Restoring Native Grasses in Buffelgrass-Dominated Grasslands
Abstract:Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) is an exotic grass that threatens arid and semiarid ecosystems. The objective of this study was to determine effectiveness of several herbicides at reducing competition from buffelgrass to enhance establishment of planted native grasses.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Experiments on Ecological Restoration of Coal Mine Spoil using Native Trees in a Dry Tropical Environment, India: A Synthesis
Abstract:A series of experiments was conducted on the rehabilitation of mine spoil in a dry tropical region of India for determining the suitability of tree species for plantation, growth performance of selected indigenous species in monoculture and impact of the plantations on the restoration of biological fertility of soil. All of the 17 indigenous species examined could grow in the mine spoil and the growth of a majority of them could be improved by amending the mine spoil with NPK fertilizer.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2006
Community Forest Management as a Carbon Mitigation Option: Case Studies
Abstract:The collection of case studies presented in this document attempts to explore opportunities to promote the participation of local communities in various countries with a range of socio- economic settings and institutional challenges. They fall into two groups. The first considers cases of communities that are already involved in community-based forest management in a variety of settings and have been trained to make assessment of the changes in carbon stock in these forests over time. The second group concerns small-scale AR CDM projects.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Concrete substrates for accelerated coral restoration
Abstract:This project explores the possibilities of human intervention to bypass the inherently slow and passive process of reef restoration by means of natural recolonization to a more dynamic approach involving farming and transplanting of coral fragments to effect rapid rehabilitation. Farming and transplanting plus the utilization of the Acanthasia module leads to compression in time – reducing the time to rehabilitate the reef to within five years instead of decades that natural processes require.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Ecological Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems in Tamil Nadu: Planning and Implementation
Abstract:This document indlcudes the program and abstracts from the Ecological Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems in Tamil Nadu: Planning and Implementation Workshop in Chennai.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Fire-Maintained Ecosystem Restoration in BC’s Rocky Mountain Trench: Principles, Strategy, Progress – Blueprint for Action
Abstract:Over the decades, at least 31 reports, studies and inquiries—including an investigation by the provincial ombudsman – have documented deteriorating East Kootenay rangeland conditions and the attendant economic, social and ecological consequences. Many of these publications focused on resolution of the high-profile agriculture/wildlife conflict. Most recommended various remedies. Some of these were never implemented, others were adopted and then abandoned, a few evolved and remain part of resource management practice today. After four contentious decades, the prospect of a lasting remedy emerged when resource users and managers alike embraced the concept of ecosystem restoration as a means of returning ecological function and structure to Crown rangelands.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Forest Service contracting: A basic guide for restorationpPractitioners
Abstract:Over the past ten years, the array of administrative tools available to the Forest Service for restoration has changed and been enhanced. This guide provides an overview of the contracts, agreements, and permits available to pursue restoration work on national forests, and provides contractors with information on how to find and bid on restoration contracts.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
From the Adirondacks to Acadia: A Wildlands Network Design for the Greater Northern Appalachians
Abstract:This report presents a proposed wildlands network design for the Greater Northern Appalachian region of the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This region spans 388,541 km2 (96,010,538 acres) and encompasses two ecoregions, the Northern Appalachian/Acadian and St. Lawrence/Champlain, and all or part of ten states and provinces. A network design is a conservation plan that uses the most recent research and data to identify areas of high biological value for very large regions, integrating core protected areas with wildlife linkages and economically active stewardship lands. The wildlands network design is an effective, science-based model for understanding where land and biodiversity conservation is both needed and possible.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Guidelines for Establishing Monitoring Programs to Assess the Success of Riparian Restoration Efforts in Arid and Semi-arid Landscapes
Abstract:This technical note is a product of the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Research Program (EMRRP) work unit titled “Techniques for Reestablishing Riparian Hardwoods in Arid and Semi-arid Regions.” The objectives of this work are to provide technology to improve capabilities of restoring riparian areas in arid and semiarid regions. The work unit focuses on site evaluation and selection, hardwood species selection, planting techniques, and long-term monitoring protocols. This publication addresses the establishment of a monitoring program to gauge progress toward meeting restoration project objectives.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Guidelines for Veld Restoration
Abstract:These notes give a brief introduction to common veld problems and their treatment.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Habitat Management and Maintenance in a Restored Coastal Wertland: The Maipo Nature Reserve, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
Abstract:This case study demonstrates sustainable coastal aquaculture techniques, and how wetland habitats can be created and maintained to achieve specific conservation goals, with the ecological value of a reserve balanced by the need for public access.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Integrated Wetland Restoration and Aquaculture: Pak Phanang River Region Development Project, Southern Thailand
Abstract:This project shows how numerous goals including economic and community sustainability, flood control, water quality improvement, and habitat rehabilitation can be solved with a thoughtful landscape approach to planning that utilizes hydrologic and biological principles, and modeling tools, through four parts include mangrove forest rehabilitation, sustainable open- water aquaculture, integrated mangrove aquaculture, and wastewater treatment mangrove areas.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Managing Mangroves for Resilience to Climate Change
Abstract:This paper is an attempt to provide some considerations for conservation practitioners as they design conservation strategies for mangroves. This paper provides an overview of mangrove ecosystems, discusses the benefits of mangroves to people, and the human and global threats that compromise mangrove ecosystems. This document describes the impacts of climate change on mangroves and outlines tools and strategies that enhance mangrove resilience.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Mangrove Wetlands Restoration at Luoyang River, Huian Country, Fujian Province, China
Abstract:The restoration of the mangrove wetlands at Luoyang River started in 2001 at the discretion of Huian County Forestry Bureau. In order to recovery mangrove area, mangrove foresting species and site were selected, the method of filling bare areas with new mangrove shoots and then expand the mangrove area outwards was employed.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Monitoring Riparian Restoration
Abstract:This section provides a general overview of the riparian management monitoring programs in Washington, United States.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Rainforest Restoration Activities in Australia’s Tropics and Subtropics
Abstract:This report describes the nature of efforts to restore rainforest cover to the eastern tropics and subtropics, where the largest rainforest areas were found. Since around 1990, a complex array of government-sponsored schemes has provided financial subsidies to encourage and assist restoration. A striking feature has been the high level of community involvement. Most projects targeted the banks of creeks and rivers, and were less than five hectares in area. Total areas reforested regionwide were modest (less than 1% of the area of past clearing). The unit cost of vegetation reinstatement was around AU$20,000 / ha, but costs of projects below 2.0 ha in area often greatly exceeded this. The value of such small-scale projects may be in community engagement, whereas good ecological outcomes are more likely with larger-scale projects.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Study of Lessons Learned from Mangrove/Coastal Ecosystem Restoration Efforts in Aceh since the Tsunami
Abstract:In this study, the causes of failures have been identified and extracted from a variety of stakeholders. It is important that all stakeholders in Aceh be informed of these so that they can avoid the factors that contribute to failure. In this way, past mistakes can be prevented from being repeated in the future. In addition, this study also provides a range of information, experience, strategies and other matters relevant to supporting the rehabilitation activities undertaken by both government and NGOs.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Urban Tree Planting Guide
Abstract:This guide provides detailed guidance on urban tree planting that is applicable at both the development site and the watershed scales. Topics covered include site assessment, planting design, site preparation and other pre-planting considerations, and planting and maintenance techniques. An Urban Tree Selection Guide is included for use in selecting the best tree and shrub species for the planting site.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2006
Community-Based Watershed Management: Lessons from the National Estuary Program
Abstract:Community-Based Watershed Management: Lessons from the National Estuary Program (NEP) is designed for all individuals and organizations involved in watershed management, including states, tribes, local governments, and nongovernmental organizations. This document describes innovative approaches to watershed management implemented by the 28 National Estuary Programs (NEPs). The NEPs are community-based watershed management organizations that restore and protect coastal watersheds. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience, readers will learn how the NEPs organize and maintain effective citizen involvement efforts, collect and analyze data, assess and prioritize problems, develop and implement management plans, and communicate results of program activities. While estuaries and their coastal watersheds are the focus of the NEPs, the estuary program experience can also be adapted to non-coastal watershed initiatives.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005