restoration and reference models

reference model

a model which indicates the expected condition that the restoration site (target ecosystem composition) would have been in had it not been degraded. not historic condition but background and predicted changes in environmental conditions

used in pre project planning, encompasses the restoration target ecosystem goal, composition, structure and function

sources informing reference models

pre-disturbance assessments

undamaged remnants

similar ecosystems

historical information

future

historic reference model framework

narrow scope, single site references, focused on recovery of specific species, poor data collection led to imperfect references

mostly focussed on historical baseline not other disturbed land uses

new reference model framework

multiple data sets, TEK, new axes - spatial and temporal data (temporal = modern, historic, future, and spatial = regional, local, ecosystem)

hard to quantify but uses more data analysis, future scenarios included, spectrum of reference options

ecosystem attributes characterizing reference systems

absence of threats (invasive species, overuse)

physical (environmental) conditions

species composition, structural diversity

ecosystem function, external exchanges

eight principles for restoration

engages stakeholders, draws on different types of knowledge, information by native reference ecosystems and considered change, supports recovery process, clear goals/objectives and measurable indicators, seeks highest level of recovery, gains cumulative value when applied at large scales, is part of continuum for restoration

1) restoration engages stakeholders

improved social-ecological resilience, contribute knowledge, provide political and financial support, generate employment

2) restoration draws on many types of knowledge

practioner, TEK, local ecological knowledge, scientific discovery

interdisciplinary, collaborative

3) practice is informed by native ecosystems and considers change

consider definition reference model, sources of information and the ecosystem attributes used to characterize the reference ecosystems

considered changes and climate change, traditional management and values

4) supports recovery processes

assists natural processes of recovery that are carried out by the effects of time on physical processes

the responses and interactions of the biota throughout their life cycles

goal to promote capacity for self-organization and resilience for future stress

harness the potential for remnant species to regenerate

three approaches: natural regen, assisted regen, and reconstruction

natural regeneration

for when ecosystem is relatively intact, requires improved management

biotic barrier of ecosystem condition has already been overcome

functionality is almost full

assisted regeneration

recovery approach at site of moderately degraded condition, mid functionality

abiotic barrier has already been passed, but biotic barrier is limiting

requires biological modification

reconstruction

recovery approach for completely degraded ecosystems which are non functional

abiotic and biotic barrier need to crossed

requires physical and chemical modification

5) clear goals/objectives and measurable indicators

adaptive management

scope, vision, targets, goals, objectives, indicators

scope

the broad geographic or thematic focus of a project

vision

a general summary of the desired condition one is trying to achieve through work of the project

second most broad

targets

identify the native ecosystem to be restored at a site as informed by the reference model along with any social outcomes or constraints expected of the project

goals

formal statements of the medium to long term desired ecological or social conditions including the level of recovery sought

must be clearly linked to targets, measurable, time-limited and specific

objectives

formal statements of the interim outcomes along the trajectory of recovery

must be must be clearly linked to targets and goalsin, measurable, time-limited and specific

indicators

specific and quantifiable measures of attributes which directly connect longer term goals and short term objectives

variables measured to assess changes in the physical, chemical, or biotic ecosystem attributes as guided by the reference models

social-ecological or cultural can measure changes in human well being, participation in traditional practices, governance, language and education

6) restoration seeks highest level of recovery possible

continuous improvement

5 star system and ecological recovery wheel

7) gain cumulative value when applied at larger scales

ex carbon sequestration in soils or water security

increasing scope can be hard

8) part of a continuum of restoration activities

range of activities worldwide

categories include reduced societal impacts, remediation, rehabilitation and ecological restoration