©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.
Pines and Oaks in the Restoration of Mediterranean Landscapes of Spain: New Perspectives for an Old Practice – A Review
Abstract:In the present work, the use of pines and hardwoods in forest restoration is discussed in the frame of the current disturbance regime and social demands for Mediterranean forests. Large pine plantations have recently disappeared because of their sensitivity to fire (e.g., Pinus nigra) or because of the short fire-intervals (e.g., Pinus halepensis). Combined pine and oak plantations are proposed for degraded land restoration on the basis of the complementary features of both groups of species. Seeding and containerised seedling plantation, soil amendments and plantation techniques to reduce transplant shock are evaluated for reforestation under water-stressing conditions, on the basis of several experiments performed in eastern Spain. Both P. halepensis and Quercus ilex are tested.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Akwe_: Kon – Voluntary Guidelines for the Conduct of Cultural, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment regarding Developments Proposed to Take Place on, or which are Likely to Impact on, Sacred Sites and on Lands and Waters Traditionally Occupied or Used by Indigenous and Local Communities
Abstract:The Voluntary Guidelines were named by a Mohawk term meaning “everything in creation”, so as to emphasize the holistic nature of this instrument. Indeed, the guidelines are intended to provide a collaborative framework ensuring the full involvement of indigenous and local communities in the assessment of cultural, environmental and social concerns and interests of indigenous and local communities of proposed developments. Moreover, guidance is provided on how to take into account traditional knowledge, innovations and practices as part of the impact-assessment processes and promote the use of appropriate technologies.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Application of “Best Available Science” in Ecosystem Restoration: Lessons Learned from Large-scale Restoration Efforts in the USA
Abstract:Th e Puget Sound Nearshore Partnership (PSNP) proposes to restore degraded shoreline ecosystems of Puget Sound. To provide scientifi c direction for PSNP in its planning phase, the program’s Nearshore Science Team (NST) sought to more clearly defi ne the role and position of scientifi c input into large restoration programs such as PSNP. More specifi cally, the NST set out to clarify how science is incorporated into program management and organizational structure such that the “best available science” (BAS) is realized. Th e NST suggests that effi ciently and eff ectively using science as a foundation for making decisions will greatly improve a restoration program’s ability to successfully conceptualize, design, and implement large-scale restoration eff orts in the long term. To accomplish their objective, the NST conducted a “lessons learned” exercise to characterize the role of science in fi ve largescale restoration programs for more mature ecosystems beyond the Pacifi c Northwest: the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the California Bay–Delta Authority, the Glen Canyon Adaptive Management Program, and the Louisiana Coastal Areas Ecosystem Restoration Program. In spite of diffi culties encountered by these programs, the NST was encouraged by the numerous innovative approaches employed to meet the challenges inherent in large-scale restoration.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Design Guidelines for Tidal Wetland Restoration in the San Francisco Bay
Abstract:Over the last 150 years, approximately 90% of the tidal marshes that fringed San Francisco Bay have been destroyed as a result of progressive diking and filling for agricultural, salt pond, and commercial development. Within the last three decades, however, there has been a dramatic change in public attitudes towards wetlands. They are now valued as uniquely productive natural resources and public policy now seeks not only to protect existing marshes, but also to restore former marshes as functioning wetland ecosystems. Accordingly, The Bay Institute, with funding from the California State Coastal Conservancy, retained Philip Williams & Associates, Ltd. (PWA) and Phyllis M. Faber (Consultant Team) to evaluate and document actual restoration experience in San Francisco Bay and produce this design guidelines report.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Ecological Restoration: A Means of Conserving Biodiversity and Sustaining Livelihoods
Abstract:This paper was produced by a joint working group of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) and the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management. The primary motivation for this paper has been to establish a joint rationale for both organizations as to why ecological restoration is a critical tool for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Much of this document was derived from the SER International Primer on Ecological Restoration (SER 2002 & 2004). The paper has been also been written to further the Principles of the Ecosystem Approach as endorsed by the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Guidance for Protection and Restoration of the Nearshore Ecosystems of Puget Sound
Abstract:The Puget Sound Nearshore Partnership (PSNP) was formed to support efforts to improve the condition of the nearshore ecosystems of Puget Sound. In support of PSNP’s efforts, the Nearshore Science Team (NST) is producing interrelated, science-based technical products such as a set of Guiding Principles and a Conceptual Model. These products are intended to help identify problems with the nearshore ecosystems of Puget Sound, determine major information needs, and identify potential solutions. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for developing, selecting, and evaluating actions and projects targeted at protecting and restoring the nearshore ecosystems of Puget Sound.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Guidelines for Managing Wetlands in Forestry Areas
Abstract:The guidelines given in this document are aimed at supporting Mondi in fulfillment of its policy of minimizing the impact of all forestry and other operations (e.g. burning) on wetlands, by applying best management practices. They also aim to promote and facilitate the sustainable utilization of Mondi’s wetlands (e.g. through grazing or craft production from wetland plants).
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Guidelines for Planning and Managing Mountain Protected Areas
Abstract:This publication is directed to those fortunate individuals who have some role in managing protected areas in mountain environments. It is by nature a handbook of principles and practical guidelines aimed at conserving the rich mountain heritage of nature and culture in the high places of our world.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Guidelines for the Translocation of Threatened Plants in Australia
Abstract:The Australian Network for Plant Conservation first established guidelines for the translocation of threatened plants for conservation purposes. This second edition puts more emphasis on evaluating whether translocation should go ahead, monitoring and evaluation, and involving local communities. The main points are brought together in useful case studies from across Australia. A new format enhances usability and highlights important information. This publication includes information on: definitions and objectives; deciding whether translocation is a viable option; the translocation process from project proposal, development, through to monitoring; community participation; and case studies.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Guiding Restoration Principles: Puget Sound Nearshore Partnership
Abstract:These principles are considered critical to the success of diverse restoration and protection actions. They communicate PSNP’s understanding of nearshore ecosystems and provide a framework for identifying, evaluating, and implementing restoration and protection actions; they apply to project stages from early planning to post-implementation monitoring. Developed to inform PSNP, it is anticipated that these principles will also be useful to the diverse array of people and organizations involved in restoration and protection of nearshore ecosystems and habitats.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Indigenous and Local Communities and Protected Areas: Towards Equity and Enhanced Conservation
Abstract:These Guidelines explore protected area approaches and models that see conservation as fully compatible with human communities – as managers, decision-makers, residents, users, caretaking neighbours – and that regard such communities as an asset to conservation rather than a liability. Drawing on recent experience and best practice from around the world, as well as from reflections and guidance developed at the local, national, regional and international levels, these Guidelines offer considerations, concepts and ideas. They do not prescribe blue print solutions, but offer a menu of options for action, to be reviewed by the concerned actors and adapted to their circumstances.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Mangrove Forest Restoration in Andhra Pradesh, India
Abstract:This document reflects the process and results of restoration activities carried out over seven years by the project Coastal Wetlands: Mangrove Conservation and Management and is meant for foresters, field technicians, researchers and others interested in restoration of degraded mangroves.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Manual for Restoration and Remediation of Coral Reefs
Abstract:This manual collects the methods, achievements, and problems of measures including 1) seeding production and settlement induction by utilizing the coral sexual reproduction, 2) transplantation of coral fragments by utilizing asexual reproduction, 3) transplantation of colonies or entire reef, and 4) management of settled seeding, transplanted colonies and coral communities.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Sharing Power: Learning by Doing in Co-management of Natural Resources throughout the World
Abstract:For practitioners in search of an open and flexible guide to co-management practice on the basis of lessons learned in a variety of socio-ecological settings, this volume simply has no equal. The “phases” of the process – organising, negotiating, implementing agreements and learning by doing – as well as the agreements and organisations they usually end up developing, are described and appreciated through a wealth of examples, tools and sound advice.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
The SER International Primer on Ecological Restoration
Abstract:The SER Primer employs a conceptual framework to provide structure for the fundamental principles of ecological restoration in any ecosystem or landscape. This framework and the ideas embedded within it reflect the unifying principles of ecology and ecosystem management that form the basis of our understanding, planning, and execution of restoration activities. The SER Primer uses common language to explain these principles, communicate their complexity, and help connect knowledge with practice in diverse socio-ecological systems.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Urban River Basin Enhancement Methods
Abstract:A comprehensive understanding of urban river rehabilitation and design is the objective of the research project “Urban River Basin Enhancement Methods” (URBEM; cf. Bettess et al., in prep.) funded by the European Commission under the 5th Framework Programme, Key Action 4 “City of tomorrow and cultural heritage“. It includes an investigation on the current state of urban river enhancement as well as the development of new tools, innovative techniques and improved procedures to enhance water courses in urban areas. These tools should provide planning assistance for the differing, multi-functional uses of urban water courses and their adjacent communities across Europe. They are aimed at assisting decision makers in sustainable management of urban rivers. Altogether, the URBEM research project builds up a comprehensive framework to facilitate urban water course rehabilitation and enhancement in Europe. Based on this it includes training and briefing modules, to the public, professionals and environment authorities.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Biodiversity Issues for Consideration in the Planning, Establishment and Management of Protected Area Sites and Networks
Abstract:The original contributions are considered so valuable in themselves that they deserve publication. They highlight critical issues relating to the selection, planning and effective management of protected areas for policymakers, managers, and other actors in the protected area community.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2004
Biodiversity Offsets: Views, Experience, and the Business Case
Abstract:The authors’ aim in conducting the interviews with companies, regulators and biodiversity experts that form the basis of this report was to explore the potential and limitations of biodiversity offsets: to consider the concepts involved, such as “net benefit” and “no net loss”, as well as why, where, when and by whom biodiversity offsets might be used, and what issues remain to be resolved. In the report, we discuss these issues and draw preliminary conclusions regarding the potential and limitations of biodiversity offsets, and what steps are needed to develop the approach further.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2004
Ecology and Restoration of California Grasslands with Special Emphasis on the Influence of Fire and Grazing on Native Grassland Species
Abstract:This paper presents an up-to-date evaluation of the impacts of grazing and fire on the composition of grasslands in California with specific emphasis on their effects on the remaining populations of native forbs and perennial grasses. We intend that the findings will help to refine the scope of potential management regimes that might be applied to California rangeland systems to enhance the richness and abundance of native grassland species. The review is also intended to help identify gaps in our understanding of the interaction of management practices with climatic and soil variability and to help direct future experimental work in this area.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2004
Guiding restoration principles
Abstract:They communicate PSNP’s understanding of nearshore ecosystems and provide a framework for identifying, evaluating, and implementing restoration and protection actions; they apply to project stages from early planning to post-implementation monitoring. Developed to inform PSNP, it is anticipated that these principles will also be useful to the diverse array of people and organizations involved in restoration and protection of nearshore ecosystems and habitats.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2004
Cultural Keystone Species: Implications for Ecological Conservation and Restoration
Abstract:Given that biological conservation and ecological restoration embody human cultures as crucial components, one approach that may improve success in overall conservation or restoration efforts is to recognize and focus on cultural keystone species. In this paper, we explore the concept of cultural keystone species, describe similarities to and differences from ecological keystone species, present examples from First Nations cultures of British Columbia, and discuss the application of this concept in ecological restoration and conservation initiatives.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Death Rides the Forest: Perceptions of Fire, Land Use, and Ecological Restoration of Western Forests
Abstract:Large wild fires occurring in forests, grasslands, and chaparral in the last few years have aroused much public concern. Many have described these events as “catastrophes” that must be prevented through aggressive increases in forest thinning. Yet the real catastrophes are not the fires themselves but those land uses, in concert with fire-suppression policies that have resulted in dramatic alterations to ecosystem structure and composition. The first step in the restoration of biological diversity (forest health) of western landscapes must be to implement changes in those factors that have caused degradation or are preventing recovery. This includes changes in policies and practices that have resulted in the current state of wildland ecosystems. Restoration entails much more than simple structural modifications achieved though mechanical means. Restoration should be undertaken at landscape scales and must allow for the occurrence of dominant ecosystem processes, such as the natural fire regimes achieved through natural and/or prescribed fires at appropriate temporal and spatial scales.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Degradation and Restoration of Forest Ecosystems in China
Abstract:China is a vast country with a diverse physical environment, rich biodiversity and complex forest types. Old China has left us with few forests and a poor base for forestry. Owing to the rapid growth of population, coupled with the development of agriculture and urban construction, as well as improper forest management, the degradation of forest resources in China has been accelerating. As a result of forest degradation, environmental problems including soil erosion and loss of biodiversity are being experienced and natural hazards are occurring with increasing frequency. The Chinese government has increased its focus on conservation of forests and restoration of degraded forest ecosystems. Particularly in recent years, a series of measures have been put in place. This paper presents a general introduction to the technical as well as policy aspects involved in the restoration of degraded forest ecosystems and the approach to sustainable forestry in China.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Direct Seeding for Forest Restoration on Abandoned Agricultural Land in Northern Thailand
Abstract:Seed predation and desiccation present major limitations to the use of direct seeding as an efficient forest restoration technique. The study was designed based on the premise that scarifying seeds before sowing them in fields cleared of weeds would shorten seed dormancy to decrease the time available for seed predation to occur and that burial conceals seeds from potential predators. Therefore, the effects of four treatments (scarification, burial, application of mulch and scarification with burial) were tested on seed germination of four native forest tree species, sown in abandoned agricultural land in an upper watershed in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, northern Thailand. For certain suitable species, this technique could offer an effective, cost-efficient alternative to outplanting nursery-raised seedlings for forest restoration projects, particularly in montane areas.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Ecosystem Thermal Buffer Capacity as an Indicator of the Restoration Status of Protected Areas in the Northern Ethiopian Highlands
Abstract:Restoration status of forest rehabilitation areas can be assessed by comparing their ecosystem characteristics with those of a reference system, most often what is considered the natural climax vegetation. However, comprehensive measurements needed for a traditional vegetation description are often hard or impractical in complex sub-tropical ecosystems. Therefore, an alternative approach is the identification of simple indicators of ecosystem integrity. The use of such indicators can speed up the availability of resource inventories and thus contribute to the accelerated implementation of successful rehabilitation practices. Thermal buffer capacity (TBC) of ecosystems has been previously proposed as an overall indicator of ecosystem integrity. In this article, sequential surface-temperature measurements are proposed as a method for TBC assessment of different land-use types.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Evaluating Urban Wetland Restorations: Case Studies for Assessing Connectivity and Function
Abstract:Restoration of preferred vegetation and hydrology is expected to net an overall improvement in habitat quality for fishery and wildlife species. Common metrics have been identified for evaluating the functional success of restoration on individual sites in urban wetlands. We argue, however, that alternative, larger-scale metrics are needed in order to monitor and evaluate the success of restoring functional connectivity to the patchwork of wetlands that compose urban estuarine systems. We present here a literature review of measurements that have been used in wetland restorations throughout the United States to assess restoration success of ecological functions at the ecosystem and/or landscape scale. Our goal is to stimulate discussion of alternative metrics to be included in future and ongoing assessments of urban restoration sites, especially those in the Meadowlands.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Factors Affecting Community Composition of Forest Regeneration in Deforested, Abandoned Land in Panama
Abstract:We tested alternative hypotheses concerning factors affecting early forest succession and community composition in deforested and abandoned areas invaded by an exotic grass, Saccharum spontaneum, in Panama. We hypothesized three barriers to natural regeneration: (1) Saccharum competition, (2) seed dispersal limitations, and (3) fire. We measured natural tree and shrub regeneration in a factorial experiment combining distances from adjacent forest, mowing treatments of the Saccharum, and a prescribed burn. To determine the applicability of the general model of neotropical succession and the nucleation model of succession to species composition of forest regeneration in these anthropogenic grasslands in Panama the effect of time since fire and distance to remnant vegetation (isolated trees, shrubs, and large monocots) was measured.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Factors Contributing to the Removal of a Marine Grass Invader (Spartina anglica) and Subsequent Potential for Habitat Restoration
Abstract:Our goal is to understand how removal regime and habitat type interact to influence removal success of a marine plant invader and the subsequent potential for restoration. In particular, we investigate the management pro-gram designed to eradicate the English cordgrass, Spartina anglica C. E. Hubbard, in marine intertidal habitats of Puget Sound, Washington, United States. Observational and manipulative experiments were used to measure the regrowth (vegetative growth), reinvasion (seedling recruitment), and restoration potential (return to native condition) of invaded habitats. Removal regime (consistent: yearly removal; interrupted: yearly removal with the last year missed) and habitat type (low salinity marsh, mudflat, cobble beach, and high salinity marsh sites) were considered.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Sustainability of sand dune restoration along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea
Abstract:This study reports the results of restoration management
on sand dune environments along the coastal belt of the
Castelporziano nature reserve (Rome, Italy) and the subsequent
monitoring phases to test the sustainability of the ‘soft
techniques’ applied.
Publication Date: 2004
The Dynamic Regime Concept for Ecosystem Management and Restoration
Abstract:Ecosystem regimes that are obvious at one scale may not be at another. Regimes are maintained by internal relationships and feedbacks between species, and these internal dynamics can interact with large-scale external forces (such as global weather patterns) and trigger shifts to alternative regimes. The dynamic regime concept is commonly used in ecosystem management, restoration, and sustainability efforts, in what are known as “state- and-transition,” “threshold,” or “alternative stable state” models. Here we review the application of this concept to ecosystem management and restoration, and discuss how dynamic processes at multiple scales can affect this application.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004