Ecorestoration

Ecorestoration is the practice of repairing damaged ecosystems to restore their structure, function, biodiversity, and the ecological services they provide to people. It combines ecological science with social and economic considerations and seeks to increase resilience to climate change and other disturbances.

Restoration targets include forests, wetlands, rivers, coastal habitats, and urban green spaces. The aim is to reestablish functional ecosystems that can adapt to future conditions, rather than returning exactly to a historical state. Key elements are native species, soil health, hydrology, and habitat connectivity.

Approaches range from passive restoration, allowing natural recovery, to active interventions such as reforestation or native planting, hydrological restoration, erosion control, and removal of barriers to species movement. Invasive species management and soil rehabilitation are often integral components.

Implementation involves governments, landowners, communities, and non-governmental organizations. It is supported by policy incentives, land-use planning, and financial mechanisms. Indigenous and local knowledge frequently informs priorities, monitoring methods, and governance structures, promoting equity and long-term stewardship.

Success is evaluated by ecological indicators (biodiversity, ecosystem structure, and processes) and by ecosystem services (water regulation, carbon storage, flood mitigation, and recreation). Monitoring and adaptive management are essential to adjust techniques as conditions change.

Challenges include long project timeframes, uncertain climate futures, land tenure and funding constraints, competing land uses, and potential conflicts among stakeholders. Ensuring transparent targets and meaningful participation helps prevent greenwashing and improves legitimacy.

Global efforts include the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) and the Bonn Challenge, which mobilize funding and knowledge-sharing to scale up restoration across biomes and nations.