Ecological restoration and ecological engineering: Complementary or indivisible?

Authors:
Aronson, J., A. Clewell and D. Moreno-Mateos

Publication Date:
2016

Abstract/Summary:
Ecological engineering and ecological restoration are distinct disciplines, both of which are urgently needed to reverse global environmental damage. Relative to ecological restoration, ecological engineering provides outcomes that are more predictable but with lower diversity. It also aims to provide higher functionality with respect to one or a few ecosystem services, relative to ecological restoration which aims at full, long-term recovery of lost ecosystem services. Ecological engineering generally incurs higher maintenance costs and provides lower values of natural capital than ecological restoration.

Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article

Source:
Ecological Engineering

Link:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092585741630146X