A framework for the practical science necessary to restore sustainable, resilient, and biodiverse ecosystems

B.P. Miller; E.A. Sinclair; M.H.M. Menz; C.P. Elliott; E. Bunn; L.E. Commander; E. Dalziell; E. David; B. Davis; T.E. Erickson; P.J. Golos; S.L. Krauss; W. Lewandrowski; C.E. Mayence; L. Merino-Martín; D.J. Merritt; P.G. Nevill; R.D. Phillips; A.L. Ritchie; S. Ruoss; J.C. Stevens

doi:10.1111/rec.12475

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A framework for the practical science necessary to restore sustainable, resilient, and biodiverse ecosystems

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A framework for the practical science necessary to restore sustainable, resilient, and biodiverse ecosystems

B.P. Miller, E.A. Sinclair, M.H.M. Menz, C.P. Elliott, E. Bunn, L.E. Commander, E. Dalziell, E. David, B. Davis, T.E. Erickson, …

Restoration Ecology, Vol.25(4), pp.605-617

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12475

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Abstract

Demand for restoration of resilient, self-sustaining, and biodiverse natural ecosystems as a conservation measure is increasing globally; however, restoration efforts frequently fail to meet standards appropriate for this objective. Achieving these standards requires management underpinned by input from diverse scientific disciplines including ecology, biotechnology, engineering, soil science, ecophysiology, and genetics. Despite increasing restoration research activity, a gap between the immediate needs of restoration practitioners and the outputs of restoration science often limits the effectiveness of restoration programs. Regrettably, studies often fail to identify the practical issues most critical for restoration success. We propose that part of this oversight may result from the absence of a considered statement of the necessary practical restoration science questions. Here we develop a comprehensive framework of the research required to bridge this gap and guide effective restoration. We structure questions in five themes: (1) setting targets and planning for success, (2) sourcing biological material, (3) optimizing establishment, (4) facilitating growth and survival, and (5) restoring resilience, sustainability, and landscape integration. This framework will assist restoration practitioners and scientists to identify knowledge gaps and develop strategic research focused on applied outcomes. The breadth of questions highlights the importance of cross-discipline collaboration among restoration scientists, and while the program is broad, successful restoration projects have typically invested in many or most of these themes. Achieving restoration ecology's goal of averting biodiversity losses is a vast challenge: investment in appropriate science is urgently needed for ecological restoration to fulfill its potential and meet demand as a conservation tool.

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Title: A framework for the practical science necessary to restore sustainable, resilient, and biodiverse ecosystems
Authors/Creators: B.P. Miller (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
E.A. Sinclair (Author/Creator) - Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
M.H.M. Menz (Author/Creator) - University of Bern
C.P. Elliott (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
E. Bunn (Author/Creator) - Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
L.E. Commander (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
E. Dalziell (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
E. David (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
B. Davis (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
T.E. Erickson (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
P.J. Golos (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
S.L. Krauss (Author/Creator) - Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
W. Lewandrowski (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
C.E. Mayence (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
L. Merino-Martín (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
D.J. Merritt (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
P.G. Nevill (Author/Creator) - Curtin University
R.D. Phillips (Author/Creator) - Australian National University
A.L. Ritchie (Author/Creator) - Curtin University
S. Ruoss (Author/Creator) - The University of Western Australia
J.C. Stevens (Author/Creator) - Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority
Publication Details: Restoration Ecology, Vol.25(4), pp.605-617
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Identifiers: 991005545416007891
Copyright: © 2016 Society for Ecological Restoration
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.40 Forestry; 3.40.86 Plant Communities
Web Of Science research areas: Ecology
ESI research areas: Environment/Ecology