Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Many aspects of interventions that stem from these
perspectives are similar regardless of whether evolu-
tionary or ecological dynamics are forefront priorities;
both should be integrated and considered integral
parts of restoration projects. To take into account these
perspectives, we suggest four goals:
1.
Establish systems that have the capacity to change,
rather than ones that are designed for a static end goal.
Consider sustainability in projected future, not past,
environments.
2.
Acknowledge that restoration planning is largely
uncertain. Use experimental trials and management
iterations to better increase knowledge about mecha-
nisms of biotic response and dynamics.
3.
Monitor at multiple levels of organization over the
project lifetime rather than just at the initial stages of
the project.
4.
Focus on ecosystem services in addition to, or
rather than, biotic composition as restoration goals.
Accept that particular genotypes and species may be
unable to persist in future conditions.
While these goals may not seem surprising given
the current prognosis of environmental change, the
expectation of genetic and species reordering through
time is at odds with many restoration goals and
monitoring programmes, which have metrics aimed
at past-oriented static approaches (Choi
et al
. 2008 ).
In fact, while we have some guidelines from basic
research, it remains largely uncertain whether resto-
ration can successfully establish ecosystems that are
sustainable in the context of future environmental
change. Many fruitful avenues of research concerning
variability, resilience and adaptability in restoration
lie ahead.
