Ecological Restoration and Environmental Change

This is a technical work about renewing damaged ecosystems based on the author's own experience of restoration ecology with a number of case studies. Ecological restoration is defined as the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. One issue arising is whether to restore the habitat to its original state, or whether human choice entails some modification of the historical state, since nature itself is evolving. The restored ecosystem should have ecological integrity and be free to realise its evolutionary potential. It should also help restore the human-nature connection. In some senses, the term regeneration might be more appropriate as this places a strong emphasis on the healing process where there is a partnership between humans and nature. This has happened dramatically in the case of the Aral Sea and also in restoration of marine ecosystems through reserves. If we help the restorative powers of nature, the effects can be dramatic. With the impact of climate change resulting in shifting environments, the question of how to restore ecosystems will become more challenging.