©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.
Economic Valuation and Policy Priorities for Sustainable Management of Coral Reefs
Abstract:The overall goal of the workshop was to identify future economic and policy research directions relevant to the sustainable management of coral reefs. The directions were to be identified through review and discussion of the effectiveness of policy instruments; analysis of past research findings; and analysis of the interdependency of community livelihood, coral reefs and their resources. For more effective policy instruments to be introduced by any government, we believe that economic valuation and cost benefit analysis are important processes. They will provide information on the various values of coral reefs, which could allow decision-makers to devise policies that optimize the services and functions provided by the reef ecosystems and their capacity to support the livelihood of coastal communities.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Ecosystem and Human Well-being: Synthesis
Abstract:This synthesis is organized around the core questions originally posed to the assessment: How have ecosystems and their services changed? What has caused these changes? How have these changes affected human well-being? How might ecosystems change in the future and what are the implications for human well-being? And what options exist to enhance the conservation of ecosystems and their contribution to human well-being?
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Environmental Restoration of Invaded Ecosystems: How Much Versus How Often?
Abstract:In this paper, a model of environmental restoration is designed that incorporates the risk and resiliency effects associated with environmental restoration. The issue of how much restoration effort to undertake is then looked at in an inter-temporal cost-benefit analysis setting. When risks of failure may be stock dependent, the question of how much restoration versus how often becomes relevant, as the costs of continual but lower restoration must be weighed against the costs of less frequent by larger restorative efforts leading to a higher environmental quality. This also determines under what circumstances a more resilient state is desirable given the higher costs associated with its attainment. Numerical simulations reinforce the analysis.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Evaluating the Management Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas
Abstract:This report examines key issues in relation to the management effectiveness of two types of UK MPAs – Marine Nature Reserves and marine Special Areas of Conservation. It includes: 1) a consideration of potential criteria for evaluating effectiveness; 2) case studies that try to apply these criteria; and 3) a discussion of some of the constraints and barriers to the effective management of MPAs in the UK.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Evaluation Tool for Reforestation and Afforestation-based Carbon Sequestration Projects in the United States
Abstract:Evaluation Tool) is designed to estimate the following for reforestation and afforestation projects: the expected carbon gains (live tree, standing dead tree, understory, down dead wood and forest floor) from the project activities; the present value of potential carbon revenue based on the expected carbon gains; the present value of the expected sampling costs attributable to measuring above ground carbon; the net present value of the potential carbon revenue and expected sampling costs. The Evaluation Tool is designed to provide first-order estimates of expected carbon revenue and expected carbon measurement costs that are unique to reforestation and afforestation based carbon sequestration projects
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Forest Landscape Restoration in Central and Northern Europe
Abstract:The concept of forest landscape restoration is not a new idea. It builds on a number of existing rural development, conservation and natural resource management principles and approaches, bringing them together to restore multiple forest functions to degraded landscapes. Forests are addressed by several international and regional conventions and policy frameworks. In contribution to the global partnership, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, in co- operation with the European Forest Institute and with financial support from the Ministry of the Environment of Finland organised an Expert Workshop on Forest Landscape Restoration in the Central and Northern European Region. The workshop took place in Hameenlinna, Finland on 6-8 October 2004. These proceedings compile the papers and presentations from the workshop.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Forest Landscape Restoration: Broadening the Vision of West African Forests
Abstract:Forest Landscape Restoration is not a new approach in West Africa; a number of initiatives already exist in the region. One example is the flooded forest of Youwarou in the north of Mali. It is the largest wetland in West Africa and an ecosystem with tremendous ecological and socio- economic value. A combination of nature-related changes, such as climate variation and sedimentation, and human activities, such as collecting firewood and building materials, virtually destroyed this unique ecosystem, leaving less than 40 hectares of the forest intact.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Forests in Landscapes: Ecosystem Approaches to Sustainability
Abstract:This leads us to the overall conclusion that it is unhelpful to focus too much on any one formula for forest management. The future of forestry should lie in pluralism. Every forest system is different in its biophysical, economic, social and political attributes. Every situation needs a response tailored to its present needs and these needs will inevitably change over time. The skill of the forest manager is to be able to draw upon the rich literature on the ecology, economics and social values of forests and work with all stakeholders to develop the best management regime for the location at that point in time. The forester then has to stay engaged and be alert to the need to change management when the time comes to do so. We do not believe in management by formula or by any single “cookie-cutter” approach, guideline or criteria and indicator set. However we do conclude that the CBD Ecosystem Approach Principles and their supporting documentation are an excellent resource for forest managers and should be widely consulted and the Principles should be respected. We also conclude that the recent literature on sustainable forest management and the numerous sets of criteria and indicators that have been developed to monitor and evaluate its performance also represent valuable sources of guidance and accumulated knowledge and make valuable contributions to addressing the challenge of better management of forests worldwide.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
From Degradation to Restoration: An Assessment of the Enabling Conditions for Community Forestry in Nepal
Abstract:This paper provides an analysis of key factors and enabling conditions for community based forest resource management, which led to the emergence and consolidation of local institutions and organizations devoted to promoting community forestry in Nepal. A collective effort to establish good forest governance systems at local level was eventually able to combat forest degradation effectively, to improve forest conditions and forest agriculture interface successfully, leading to effective forest landscape restoration. It is shown that forest degradation in the past was essentially the outcome of non-consultative ways of policy making, inappropriate policies, wrong institutional arrangements and a controlling legislative framework instead of promoting active participation by local stakeholders. Learning from mistakes and continuous joint efforts of a wide range of actors have brought positive changes in the productive capacity of forests, availability of wood and non-wood forest products, improvement of agricultural productivity and supplementary income to local communities.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Handbook for Evaluating Rehabilitation Projects in Rivers and Streams
Abstract:The handbook presents a tool for assessing if and to what extent the different objectives of a rehabilitation project were achieved. In the present handbook, such an assessment is defined as project evaluation. The presented evaluation method is based on a comparison of selected key elements and processes before and after rehabilitation. With the help of this tool, users can determine tendencies toward improvement and identify persisting deficits and deteriorations. Project evaluation is carried out at the level of project objectives. Indicators serve as tools for project evaluation. Indicators are parameters, which provide important information on a system’s elements and processes. Their assessment can be quantitative, semi-quantitative or qualitative.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
In Search of Excellence: Exemplary Forest Management in Asia and the Pacific
Abstract:The publication highlights a diversity of management approaches that have proven particularly innovative and successful in meeting challenges. Thus, it reaches out to foresters, policy- makers, planners and anyone interested in the future of forestry in Asia and the Pacific. This publication also marks a significant step forward in FAO’s and RECOFTC’s efforts to bring its forestry literature closer to general readers who are less familiar with the technical aspects of forest management, but no less concerned about the fate of the region’s forests, natural resources and rural people.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Innovative Techniques for Promoting Fauna Return to Rehabilitated Sites Following Mining
Abstract:This project stemmed from a recognition that, whilst many companies are attempting to establish native ecosystems following mining, little is documented regarding the best ways to promote fauna recolonisation. To review innovative techniques that companies around Australia are using to promote the return of fauna to native ecosystems established following mining. The findings were synthesized into practical recommendations that can be incorporated into rehabilitation operations and management plans to increase the rate at which faunal communities become re-established, and rare or uncommon species recolonise.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Large-Scale Ecosystem Restoration: Lessons for Existing and Emerging Initiatives
Abstract:Large-scale ecosystem restoration presents a highly complex set of challenges that require unprecedented levels of knowledge, coordination, money, governance, and committed actions over time. This report explores these challenges by examining seven case histories – the Chesapeake Bay, Coastal Louisiana, Columbia River, Great Lakes, San Francisco Bay-Delta, South Florida Everglades, and Upper Mississippi River. The project’s overall goals were to inventory these restoration initiatives, compare and contrast them, and evaluate them for lessons relevant to existing and emerging restorations across the country.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Mine Spoil Restoration: A Strategy Combining Rainwater Harvesting and Adaptation to Random Recurrence of Droughts in Rajasthan
Abstract:Here we propose a strategy for mine spoil restoration aimed at creating a multifunctional ecosystem in mine waste dumps. We suggest that dredging and sediment removal from traditional tanks and ponds can potentially be used to prepare the substratum over the mine wastes for direct seeding. It will also create enhanced decentralized water storage capacity for wildlife and people. Our strategy combines the concomitant revival of traditional water harvesting systems, ground water recharge, enhanced biomass production and an adaptation to random recurrence of droughts in Rajasthan.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Monitoring Stream and Watershed Restoration
Abstract:This book provides a practical resource for designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation programs for restoration activities at various scales–from individual, site-specific actions to multiple projects throughout a watershed. Chapters are organized around the major types of restoration techniques, including road improvements, riparian silviculture, fencing and grazing management, floodplains, estuarine, instream, nutrient enrichment, and acquisitions and conservation easements. Also includes chapters on economic evaluation and monitoring design. The book will particularly appeal to scientists evaluating restoration techniques, to groups implementing restoration, and to agencies and entities responsible for funding restoration efforts.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Nariva Swamp Ramsar Site, Trinidad and Tobago (West Indies): Wetland Habitat Restoration Initiative
Abstract:For many years, the Ramsar Convention has been urging Contracting Parties to take a range of actions in order to promote the restoration of wetlands. However, restoration had been considered a priority mainly by developed countries (e.g., Denmark, The Netherlands, United States), with little being done in less developed countries. In Latin America and the Caribbean, restoration has been or is being carried out, more or less successfully, at a number of other Ramsar sites (e.g., Santa Marta in Colombia and Palo Verde in Costa Rica). However, these efforts have failed to address the situation in an integral and comprehensive way, not using to their advantage the many instruments available as Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention. On the other hand, Trinidad and Tobago not only has used the financial mechanisms available, but also much of the guidance provided through Resolutions and Recommendations adopted by the Conference of the Contracting Parties at their different meetings. Some of these include issues such as wetland policy formulation; revision of laws and institutional structure; involvement of local communities; promotion of communication, education and public awareness; development of environmental impact assessments and management plans; and monitoring of ecological character of wetlands.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Payments for Environmental Services: Some Nuts and Bolts
Abstract:This paper aims to help demystify PES for non-economists, starting with a simple and coherent definition of the term. It then provides practical ‘how-to’ hints for PES design. It considers the likely niche for PES in the portfolio of conservation approaches. This assessment is based on a literature review, combined with field observations from research in Latin America and Asia. It concludes that service users will continue to drive PES, but their willingness to pay will only rise if schemes can demonstrate clear additionality vis-a_-vis carefully established baselines, if trust- building processes with service providers are sustained, and PES recipients’ livelihood dynamics is better understood. PES best suits intermediate and/or projected threat scenarios, often in marginal lands with moderate conservation opportunity costs.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Pobreza, Desertificacio_n y Degradacio_n de los Recursos Naturales
Abstract:En esta publicacio_n se sintetizan los resultados obtenidos y las lecciones aprendidas durante la ejecucio_n del proyecto CEPAL/GTZ “Indicadores socioecono_micos de la desertificacio_n”, ejecutado por la CEPAL en Argentina, Brasil y Chile. La informacio_n ha sido puesta a disposicio_n de quienes adoptan las decisiones y usuarios en general, tanto en el a_mbito central en las instituciones contrapartes, como tambie_n a escala comunal en Chile, en el a_mbito provincial y de partidos en Argentina y de municipios en Brasil. El sistema esta_ disen_ado con gran flexibilidad, a fi n de calcular otros i_ndices que se requieran para el ana_lisis del impacto de la desertificacio_n y degradacio_n de tierras, asi_ como para permitir su actualizacio_n.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Reforestation in the Tropics and Subtropics of Australia Using Rainforest Tree Species
Abstract:This peer-reviewed book documents the lessons learned as a result of their experiences. It covers some of the history of rainforest reforestation and planting schemes, and the methods that have been used to propagate and establish rainforest tree species. It also presents growth rates for a wide variety of species planted in different regions, knowledge about the pests and diseases found in rainforest plantations and discusses the management challenges of mixed species stands. As the planting of rainforest trees has occurred in some of the most biodiverse regions of Australia the book also examines some of the ecological consequences of plantation design and the emerging issues facing forest growers who desire production and biodiversity. A portion of the book also evaluates some of the socio-economic issues which arose from reforestation schemes. Finally the book offers future directions for rainforest plantation research and insights into how our Australian experience can be applied more widely throughout the altered rainforest landscapes of the tropical world.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Restoration of Longleaf Pine Ecosystems
Abstract:Because longleaf pine still exists in numerous small fragments throughout its range, it is reasonable to conclude that it can be restored. Restoration efforts now underway use physical, chemical, and pyric methods to reestablish the natural structure and function in these ecosystems by adjusting species composition, modifying stand structure, and facilitating ecological processes, such as periodic fire and longleaf pine regeneration. The ecological, economic, and social benefits of restoring longleaf pine ecosystems include (1) expanding the habitat available to aid in the recovery of numerous imperiled species, (2) improving habitat quality for many wildlife species, (3) producing greater amounts of high-quality longleaf pine timber products, (4) increasing the production of pine straw, (5) providing new recreational opportunities, (6) preserving natural and cultural legacies, and (7) creating a broader range of management options for future generations.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Seagrass Rehabilitation: An Overview
Abstract:This summary report has been prepared to provide information that has developed with regards to seagrasses during the intervening years since 1992, and to demonstrate that the current knowledge of seagrass is that: Seagrass assemblages are naturally very dynamic and can both spread and contract at significant rates due to natural causes; and Methods for seagrass rehabilitation have been developed and are continually being improved, and that seagrass rehabilitation in selected areas of Cockburn Sound is feasible.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
The Plan Vivo Experience with Carbon Service Provision and the Potential Lessons for Watershed Service Projects
Abstract:This report provides a detailed description of the Plan Vivo system for generating carbon services from rural communities for sale in the voluntary carbon market. The objective is to provide project developers of water service projects with a model for possible application to their sites. Carbon services are generated either by sequestering carbon through afforestation and reforestation activities, or by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through efficient, cleaner energy or fuel generation or usage. The Plan Vivo is a set of procedures and administrative systems for managing carbon assets across a mosaic of numerous small-scale farmers or community groups.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Toolkit for Establishing Coastal Bioshield
Abstract:Both mangrove and non-mangrove components of bioshield can be integrated with livelihood options and eco-restoration of coastal systems by developing different site-specific models. Thus, the community based bioshield movement will provide multiple benefits to local communities as well as to India as a whole. All these indicate the necessity for developing and demonstrating models of community based bioshields with mangrove and other coastal vegetation, which can be replicated in other suitable areas so as to mitigate the impact of natural calamities such as cyclones, storm surges and tsunami.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Traditional Knowledge and Modern Technology for the Sustainable Management of Dryland Ecosystems
Abstract:One of the main objectives of the workshop was to explore the extent of traditional methods as a complement to existing modern technologies to assist dryland biosphere reserves in the rehabilitation of degraded areas in their transitional and buffer zones. The workshop also aimed at finding solutions to desertification that could specifically be incorporated into National Action Programmes within the context of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The workshop had thus a scientific but also an anthropological component as well as a policy- oriented purpose. UNESCO is pleased to offer the various case studies contained in the workshop proceedings to the UNCCD for its important work on reducing dryland degradation and combating desertification.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Waves of Hope
Abstract:The workshop brought together 15 national representatives from seven countries1 (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand) affected by the 26 December 2004 tsunami in Asia. They were joined by about 30 representatives from international and regional organizations. The workshop provided participants the opportunity to share information, collectively assess initial findings related to rehabilitation needs and opportunities, share plans and proposals for future rehabilitation work and develop mechanisms for collaboration and joint activities.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Forest restoration in urbanizing landscapes: Interactions between land uses and exotic shrubs
Abstract:Understanding how land uses influence invasion will
greatly improve our ability to identify areas where restoration
efforts will likely succeed.
Publication Date: 2005
From Pine Plantations to Natural Stands: Ecological Restoration of a Pinus canariensis Sweet, Ex Spreng Forest
Abstract:The main objective of the plantations analyzed in this study is to restore the Canarian pine (Pinus canariensis Sweet, ex Spreng) forest, heavily disturbed as a result of intense logging over the last 5 centuries, following the European colonization of the Canary Islands (Parsons 1981). In the last 60 years large areas of Tenerife have been reforested, but these initiatives have not been followed up with subsequent manage ment or monitoring. In recent years, public authority forest managers have re-considered the usefulness of plantations, moving away from the idea of using them solely as a tool to control erosion towards management practices that will restore natural pine forest.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
How local is local – A review of practical and conceptual issues in the genetics of restoration
Abstract:Here we focus on genetic concerns arising from
ongoing restoration efforts, where often little is known about ‘‘How local is local?’’ (i.e., the geographic or environmental scale over which plant species are adapted). We review the major issues regarding gene flow and local adaptation in the restoration of natural plant populations.
Finally, we offer some practical, commonsense guidelines for the consideration of genetic structure when restoring natural plant populations.
Publication Date: 2005
Importance of Biological Soil Crusts for Rehabilitation of Degraded Arid and Semi-Arid Ecosystems
Abstract:Biological soil crusts are built up by cyanobacteria, green algae, soil lichens, mosses and fungi. They are important communities in arid and semi-arid ecosystems and influence the ecosystem mosaic and processes. In addition to the influence on the hydrological conditions, the biological crust also stabilizes the topsoil, reduces soil erosion, and enhances the nitrogen pools by nitrogen fixation. The crusts are important for the rehabilitation of desertified arid and semi- arid lands and provide a natural protective soil surface cover.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Introduction of Non-Native Oysters: Ecosystem Effects and Restoration Implications
Abstract:Introductions can greatly enhance oyster population abundance and production, as well as populations of associated native species. However, introduced oysters are also vectors for non- native species, including disease-causing organisms. Thus, substantial population, community, and habitat changes have accompanied new oysters. In contrast, ecosystem-level consequences of oyster introductions, such as impacts on flow patterns, sediment and nutrient dynamics, and native bioengineering species, are not well understood. Eco- logical risk assessments for future introductions must emphasize probabilities of establishment, spread, and impacts on vulnerable species, communities, and ecosystem properties. Many characteristics of oysters lead to predictions that they would be successful, high-impact members of recipient ecosystems. This conclusion leaves open the discussion of whether such impacts are desirable in terms of restoration of coastal ecosystems, especially where restoration of native oysters is possible.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005