STAPER

A diagnostic for collaborative monitoring in forest landscape restoration

Abstract:

Forest landscape restoration (FLR) requires a long-term commitment from a range of stakeholders to plan the restoration initiative collaboratively and see it through successfully. This is only possible when the people involved – whether they are landholders, indigenous groups, government entities, non-governmental organizations or other crucial actors – come together to define common goals and monitor progress toward those goals. Collaborative monitoring can play a crucial role in these processes by providing a structured way to include diverse stakeholders in FLR, generate local buy-in and catalyze social learning. However, collaborative monitoring is new to many FLR planners and, while they may be interested in implementing collaborative monitoring, they may not know where to start. This diagnostic provides a systematic way for FLR planners to assess their FLR initiatives against a checklist of success factors. The diagnostic helps practitioners to: (1) determine whether they are ready for collaborative monitoring; (2) identify what elements need to strengthened; and (3) assess whether existing monitoring systems are on the right track. The diagnostic can be applied on at least two scales: it includes factors to be used at a specific FLR site and it outlines the factors that are intrinsic to a multi-level collaborative monitoring system. It consists of a core matrix of 42 success factors, plus suggestions for performing the assessment.

Resource Type:Technical Document
Publication Date: 2019

A guide to the Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM) : Assessing forest landscape restoration opportunities at the national or sub-national level : working paper

Abstract:

This handbook presents the Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM), which provides a flexible and affordable framework for countries to rapidly identify and analyse FLR potential and locate special areas of opportunity at a national or sub-national level. The handbook offers practical advice and options to bear in mind when considering or conducting an FLR assessment using ROAM, as well as real-life examples of the kinds of outputs you can expect, and will enable you to commission or design a tailor-made process to meet your specific needs.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
One important component of the application of the ROAM is the mapping of areas of potential for restoration. This is typically done through GIS analysis of relevant datasets, including datasets on levels of degradation (in accordance with activity A1). Drawing on further map datasets and expert knowledge, opportunity areas can then be categorized, for instance by general type of restoration (wide- scale, mosaic, protective) or by priority (high, medium, low), in accordance with activity A2. It also describes some of the concepts and basic steps required for the modelling of costs and benefits of restoration (A4) The methodology also describes how to engage stakeholders throughout the assessment process, in line with activity A3 and provides examples of criteria and indicators for the assessment of the legal, institutional, policy context, in line with activity A5. In 2018, IUCN released the Biodiversity Guidelines for Restoration Opportunities Assessments, which provide more context, more resources, and fresh perspectives relevant to the ongoing global interaction between forest landscape restoration and national biodiversity target, making it particularly relevant in the implementation of activity A2. While most relevant for group of activities A, the methodology can also assist in the implementation of further steps such as the development of plans for resources mobilization (B9) and the identification of appropriate measures for ecosystem restoration (C1).

Resource Type:Technical Document
Publication Date: 2014

A Manager’s Guide to Coral Reef Restoration and Planning

Abstract:

A Manager’s Guide to Coral Reef Restoration Planning and Design supports the needs of reef managers seeking to begin restoration or assess their current restoration program. The Guide is aimed at reef resource managers and conservationists, along with everyone who plans, implements, and monitors restoration activities.

Through a six-step, adaptive management planning process, the Guide helps managers gather relevant data, ask critical questions, and have important conversations about restoration in their location. The process set out in the Guide leads to the creation of a Restoration Action Plan. Hallmarks of the process include the iterative nature of the planning cycle and ways to consider climate change, such that we learn and improve restoration efforts that can also meet long-term goals in a warming world. The first four steps of the Guide’s planning cycle focus on goal-based planning and design of restoration interventions. The final two steps discuss considerations for full-scale implementation and long-term monitoring.

Resource Type:Technical Document
Publication Date: 2020

Alliance for Zero Extinction Global Map

Abstract:

The Alliance for Zero Extinction identifies sites that must be effectively protected (and may require restoration) to ensure the survival of the world’s most threatened species.These sites are based on species groups that have been globally assessed by the IUCN Red List, including amphibians, birds, cacti, cone snails, conifers, corals, cycads, freshwater crabs, freshwater crayfish, freshwater shrimps, mammals, mangrove plants, selected marine fish (blennies, groupers, pufferfish, wrasses), selected reptiles (chameleons, crocodiles, iguanas, tortoises, turtles), sharks and rays, and selected birches.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
The location of each site is shown on a map and sites can be searched by country, taxonomic group, or area selected on the map interface. Data can be exported for GIS analysis as well as tabular information on the species at each site. This tool can contribute to activity A2.

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2018

Application of Quality Assurance and Quality Control Principles to Ecological Restoration Project Monitoring

Abstract:

This guidance is intended to encourage and facilitate the adoption of effective quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) strategies in support of ecological restoration projects. Anticipated users include ecological restoration specialists and stakeholders representing federal, state and tribal agencies, NGOs, civic and local groups, and the academic community. Although it is assumed that users will have some background in and knowledge of basic ecological restoration practices and QA/QC concepts, Chapter 2 includes a brief review of QA/QC principles that are discussed throughout the remainder of the document.

The practices, procedures, information, and concepts outlined in this guidance can provide the following benefits to practitioners and stakeholders:

• Save time and resources by enhancing the consistency of documentation and procedures in current and future projects.
• Improve data quality for ecological measurements and observations, aid in evaluating project success, and incorporate long-term effectiveness monitoring as feedback to adaptive management.
• Encourage a common approach to QA/QC across multiple entities involved in ecological restoration projects to improve data comparability over time and support comparison of various restoration strategies.
• Serve as a consolidated collection of the best QA/QC practices for ecological restoration projects across multiple agencies.

Resource Type:Technical Document
Publication Date: 2019

Asia-Pacific Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Repository

Abstract:

Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the context of REDD+ continues to be a challenging concept. There is no single internationally agreed definition. Neither is there a single way to implement FPIC. It varies across regions, countries, contexts, peoples and communities. There is, however, a growing body of practitioners, be it UN-REDD Programme partner countries, or REDD+ project developers, who have taken the discussion beyond the realm of the rhetoric into actual demonstration. This repository aims to facilitate and encourage knowledge and experience exchange among practitioners as well as those interested to embark on FPIC within the Asia-Pacific region.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
This is a repository for information on a safeguarding system that can be used to engage stakeholders and protect their fundamental rights (A3).

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2019

Best practices for implementing forest landscape restoration in South Asia: An international knowledge sharing workshop

Abstract:

In 2018, the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment and Forest Department, Sri Lanka, in cooperation with the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) and others, members of the Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration (GPFLR) held a knowledge-sharing workshop on best practices in implementing forest landscape restoration in South Asian countries.

The workshop aimed at:

• Sharing and discussing lessons from current state-of-the-art scientific and technical knowledge on FLR both at global and regional scales;
• Connecting FLR experts in South Asia and further stimulating exchanges of information, thus providing feedback into national and global FLR policy initiatives such as the Bonn Challenge process;
• Identifying challenges of current land management and impediments to sustainable land management and ecosystem functionality across the region; and
• Contributing to the development of a regional FLR implementation strategy in support of continuous sub-regional learning, sharing of experiences and FLR practice improvements.

This webpage houses a summary of the workshop conclusions, as well as all of the workshop presentations.

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2018

Coastal Resilience Success Stories (NFWF Case Studies)

Abstract:

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) commissioned ERG to conduct a yearlong project in 2021 to gather and share best practices from coastal resilience practitioners to enhance implementation of coastal resilience efforts across the United States. The project encompassed a review of more than 100 source documents, as well as interviews with resilience practitioners. NFWF and ERG used the findings from this research to develop eight case studies documenting successful projects throughout the country.

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2022

Communicating Hydrological Hazard-Prone Areas in Italy With Geospatial Probability Maps

Abstract:

The present work illustrates for the first time downscaled spatial pattern probabilities of erosive density to identify damaging hydrological hazard-prone areas in Italy. The hydrological hazard was estimated from the erosivity density exceeded the threshold of 3 MJ ha⁻¹ h⁻¹ in Italy. To this end, a lognormal kriging (LNPK) provided a soft description of the erosivity density in terms of exceedance probabilities at a spatial resolution of 10 km, which is a way to mitigate the uncertainties associated with the spatial classification of damaging hydrological hazards. Hazard-prone areas cover 65% of the Italian territory in the month of August, followed by September and October with 50 and 30% of the territory, respectively. The geospatial probability maps elaborated with this method achieved an improved spatial forecast, which may contribute to better land-use planning and civil protection both in Italy and potentially in Europe.

Resource Type:Peer-reviewed Article
Publication Date: 2019

Coral-Focused Climate Change Adaptation and Restoration Based on Accelerating Natural Processes: Launching the “Reefs of Hope” Paradigm

Abstract:

The demise of coral reefs due to climate change is now a certainty, and investing in restoration without facing this reality risks failure. A new coral-focused paradigm is proposed, based on helping coral reefs adapt to rising temperature, ensuring that as many coral species as possible survive locally over time. Genebank nurseries of bleaching resistant corals are secured in cooler waters, to prevent their demise as heat stress increases. From nurseries corals are harvested to create nucleation patches of genetically diverse pre-adapted corals, which become reproductively, ecologically and biologically viable at reef scale, spreading over time. This “Reefs of Hope” paradigm, modelled on tropical forest restoration, creates dense coral patches, forming fish habitat immediately. The fish increase coral and substratum health, which in turn enhances natural larval-based recovery processes. Incoming coral recruits, attracted to the patch, are expected to be inoculated by heat adapted algal symbionts, becoming resitant to bleaching.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Highly relevant new restoration paradigm for coral reefs

Resource Type:Peer-reviewed Article
Publication Date: 2023

Ecoregions 2017 Mapping Tool

Abstract:

The Ecoregions 2017 mapping tool displays 846 global ecoregions, designating terrestrial ecoregions with more than half, less than half, and 20% or less remaining natural habitat.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
This type of mapping tool is useful for activity A1. Although this is a global assessment, it can help to scope out which ecoregions present at the national scale have lost most of their coverage globally. In combination with locally relevant sources of data on drivers of degradation it could help determine which ecoregions could be prioritized for restoration (A2).

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2017

Ecosystem Service Valuation for Wetland Restoration: What it is, How to do it and Best Practice Recommendations

Abstract:

Many of the intrinsic and implicit benefits of wetland functions for society are unaccounted for in the market system. Therefore, communicating restoration project benefits, and hence, generating political and financial support for wetland restoration can prove difficult. Ecosystem service valuation is a technique which can aid in the development of public and political support for wetland restoration projects by deriving monetary values as well as relative value indicators (quantitative and qualitative) for many non-marketed benefits produced by wetlands. If performed well, it can provide a more balanced perspective of the costs of wetland restoration against a more comprehensive consideration of the associated benefits. This paper provides a brief overview of the terms “natural capital” and “ecosystem service valuation”, a history of their use in wetland practice and policy, and an explanation of the valuation process, available methods and recommendations for best practices within the field of wetland restoration.

Resource Type:White Paper
Publication Date: 2014

Forest and Landscape Restoration Mechanism (FLRM) Knowledge Base

Abstract:

This knowledge base provides access to a comprehensive database of resources related to forest and landscape restoration in a wide range of aspects. More specifically, it provides access to an online user-friendly platform where users can find guidance from planning and implementation to the ongoing management and monitoring of a restoration project.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
This resource includes information on many aspects of FLR including assessment of degradation / restoration opportunities (activities A1 and A2), governance (activities B1 and B6), and implementation (activity C5), and monitoring (Group D). Documents such as Global guidelines for the restoration of degraded forests and landscapes in drylands, outline monitoring and evaluation programs including assessment (D1), adaptive management (D2), and sharing lessons learned (D3).

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: Ongoing

Funding Ecosystem Restoration in Europe

Abstract:

Restoring ecosystems can increase biodiversity, safeguard the ecosystem services on which people and nature depend, and contribute to climate change mitigation. 2020 and beyond brings opportunities for significant scaling up of ecosystem restoration. Ambitions such as theEuropean Green Deal (2019), the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (2020), the EU Nature Restoration Plan (2019), and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), present a tremendous opportunity to bring about transformational change.

In order to be successful, decision making must consider current and past ecosystem restoration activities, the amount and focus of past and current funding, and the range of actors involved. Until now, this information has been  unavailable. In response to this information gap, UNEP-WCMC and FFI compiled a database of over 400 ecosystem restoration projects within Europe. This report accompanies the database, and contains analysis of what was funded, where, by whom, how much, and for what purpose. You can access the database here: https://restorationfunders.com/

Resource Type:Technical Document
Publication Date: 2020

Global Tree Knowledge Platform

Abstract:

The Global Tree Knowledge Platform is all about the trees in ‘treed’ landscapes. Its purpose is to support the better use of tree species – to promote the right tree in the right place for the right purpose – to bring greater benefits to humans and the environment. The Platform can be used in two ways, either based on the type of resource (Tree databases | Maps and Apps | Guidelines | Analysis packages) or by subject (Domesticating tree species | Sourcing planting material for growers | Trees and climate change | Exploring the many uses of tree species). Planters, scientists, policy makers and anyone else who is interested in trees will enjoy using the resources. For each resource, we explain its use and the user group.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Various resources in the Global Tree Knowledge Platform are directly relevant for steps A, B, C or D. For example, the Agroforestry Species Switchboard provides access to 53 web-based information sources for over 170,000 plant species

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2022

Guidance and tool protocols for assessing the climate change mitigation benefits of landscape restoration

Abstract:

This document sets out the ethos, tools, and methods used to provide a greenhouse gas (GHG) balance estimate for restoration projects, using projects from the Endangered Landscapes Programme as a case study. The document provides guidance on using two GHG assessment tools, EX-ACT and the Carbon Benefits Project toolkit, to estimate the climate change mitigation benefit of landscape-scale restoration projects and the restoration activities they include.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
This report helps to understand and demonstrate how ecosystem restoration can contribute to national and international targets for climate change mitigation (activity B6)

Resource Type:Technical Document
Publication Date: 2021

Hold Back the Snowpack

Abstract:

This short (11-minute) film highlights the ecological restoration work of the Big Hole Watershed Committee, a grassroots, consensus-based non-profit with an accomplished 25-year program focused on improving water quality and quantity for all water users.   Climate projections predict earlier snowmelts for Western Montana and hotter summers, making snowpack driven moisture and increasingly important and fragile resource.  Holding back snowpack while respecting water rights and habitat needs of fish and wildlife is critical for late-season water supplies.  This film demonstrates techniques to achieve those results, by taking cues from flood irrigators and beaver, and by treating soil as a battery that needs charging with water..

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Demonstrates a focus for ecosystem restoration in arid mountain environments dominated by snowmelt-driven moisture.

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2020

Identifying regional and restoration species pools for the Ozark Highlands

Abstract:

Andrew Kaul is a Restoration Ecology Post-doc in the Center for Conservation and Sustainable Development working with Matthew Albrecht at the Missouri Botanical Garden, and Michael Barash is a junior Biology major at Washington University in St. Louis. Here they describe Michael’s undergraduate research on commercial native seed availability for woodland restoration.

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2022

Interactive Environmental Tools

Abstract:

Millennial Cities is an interactive web mapping site that provides access to important maps, data, and web mapping applications related to climate change, social justice, the environment, and more. The purpose of including these free interactive tools on the website is to provide access to and promote the use of urban planning geospatial resources. These resources are intended to help citizens better understand their surroundings and make more informed decisions.

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2020

IPBES Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration

Abstract:

The Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration by the IPBES provides a critical analysis of the state of knowledge regarding the importance, drivers, status, and trends of terrestrial ecosystems. The assessment covers the global status of and trends in land degradation, by region and land cover type; the effect of degradation on biodiversity values, ecosystem services and human well-being; and the state of knowledge, by region and land cover type, of ecosystem restoration extent and options. The assessment was undertaken to enhance the knowledge base for policies for addressing land degradation, desertification and the restoration of degraded land.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Chapter 8.2 of the Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES 2018) reviews and discusses information, knowledge and decision support tools to identify land degradation problems, prevention and restoration options, which operate at the global, national, subnational, watershed, and sub-watershed scales. The section on identifying and mapping current land degradation directly addresses activity A1 and provides links to and descriptions of multiple land degradation assessment tools. Activity A2 is addressed in the sections on analyses of land degradation avoidance solutions and restoration options, including quantitative and comparative tools for finding restoration solutions, and tools for spatial prioritization (e.g., ROAM). Stakeholder participation (A3), costs and benefits of different management options (A4), institutional and financial aspects of decision-making (A5), and tools to reduce degradation and biodiversity losses (A6) are also discussed.

Resource Type:Technical Document
Publication Date: 2018

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Abstract:

The IUCN Red List provides regularly updated assessments of conservation status of many species as well as geographic range maps for each of them. It provides the  world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Planning of restoration interventions and their location can draw on spatially explicit information on areas of importance for threatened species, such as those provided here. Range maps can be downloaded for further GIS analysis, and used to prioritize essential areas for restoration based, in line with activity A2.

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2019

Mapping social landscapes: A guide to identifying the networks, priorities, and values of restoration actors

Abstract:

The guidebook takes a new approach to environmental governance by focusing on identifying the social capital of actors within the landscapes. It centers on two main approaches: 1) mapping actors’ resource flows and 2) mapping actors’ priorities and values. Co-written by WRI international offices, this methodology has been tested in Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, and Rwanda. The guidebook focuses primarily on restoration, but the same methodologies can be adapted to broader analysis of natural resource governance. By using this guidebook, environmental practitioners can be more efficient with resources, collaboration, and outreach, and better anticipate potential conflicts and bottlenecks.

Resource Type:Technical Document
Publication Date: 2018

Measuring Climate Change Mitigation Potential

Abstract:

UNEP-WCMC and partners have developed a how-to guide to help practitioners quantify the climate change mitigation potential of landscape restoration projects.  These tools are based on guidance and methodologies from the IPCC, and allow users to enter data about their projects to produce rapid assessments of climate mitigation potential. The tools were originally created to assess projects focused on land management, but have been increasingly adopted in conservation. However, they can be challenging to use, making a how-to guide essential to ensure they are understood and applied correctly.  This new guidance allows restoration practitioners to better understand the ethos, tools, and methods available to produce greenhouse gas balance estimates for ecosystem restoration actions. It covers the full assessment process, from selecting an appropriate tool, to collecting data, developing scenarios, and understanding results. The goal is to enable restoration projects to better demonstrate their multiple benefits by quantifying their climate mitigation potential.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
This report helps to demonstrate how ecosystem restoration can contribute to national and international targets for climate change mitigation and provides methodology and case studies to help assess the carbon benefits of ecosystem restoration

Resource Type:Technical Document
Publication Date: 2022

Minnesota Guide for Stream Connectivity and Aquatic Organism Passage Through Culverts

Abstract:

This guide assists Minnesota culvert designers in identifying, selecting, and implementing appropriate designs for maintaining aquatic organism passage (AOP) and stream connectivity at road-stream intersections. It was synthesized from existing literature and culvert design documents, a survey of practitioners, research, and input from experts. Culvert designs often disrupt AOP, degrading stream health. Best practices for AOP at culverts were developed and summarized as follows:  1.) Design the culvert to be similar to the stream channel (reference reach), 2. Provide a continuous sediment bed with roughness similar to the channel 3.) Design for public safety, longevity, and resilience.

Resource Type:Technical Document
Publication Date: 2019

Moving to Industrial-Scale Coral Habitat Restoration

Abstract:

Jesper Elzinga, Van Oord Dredging and Marine Contractors, talks on ‘The Recovery of Reefs Using Industrial Techniques for Slick Harvesting and Release (RECRUIT)’ followed by Joaquim Garrabou, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona on ‘Lessons Learned from Coral Restoration in Shallow and Deep Environments’. There is potential to assist the recovery of impacted coral habitats through marine ecosystem restoration, but can it be achieved at a meaningful scale? This webinar addressed some of the methods that might be used in restoration of coral habitats and their applicability at larger scales.

Resource Type:Webinar
Publication Date: 2020

REDD+ Social and Environmental Standards

Abstract:

The REDD+ Social & Environmental Standards provide a comprehensive framework of principles, criteria, and indicators along with Guidelines for their use through a participatory and transparent approach at country level. The Standards and the accompanying Guidelines were developed by the REDD+ SES Initiative through an inclusive participatory process from 2009 to provide a best-practice framework that can be used on a voluntary basis as appropriate and relevant to the country context.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
This is a source for safeguarding systems that can be used to engage stakeholders and protect their fundamental rights (A3).

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2019

Renewing Our Rivers: Stream Corridor Restoration in Dryland Regions

Abstract:

Based on lessons learned gained from 33 stream restoration case studies from Australia, Mexico, and U.S., Renewing Our Rivers provides practitioners start to finish guidance on planning and implementing stream corridor restoration. Chapters focus on such topics as developing restoration goals and objectives, evaluating watershed conditions, protecting streamflow (environmental flow), adapting stream restoration to climate change, implementing restoration tactics, and monitoring and evaluating restoration results.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
High relevance

Resource Type:Book
Publication Date: 2020

Resources on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) – Forest Peoples Programme

Abstract:

Free, Prior and Informed (FRIP) is a safeguarding system that can be used to engage stakeholders and protect their fundamental rights. The Forest Peoples Programme provides a list of resources in English, Spanish, and French on this topic.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
This is a safeguarding system that can be used to engage stakeholders and protect their fundamental rights (A3).

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2017

Restoration of Multifunctional Cultural Landscapes. Merging Tradition and Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Abstract:

This book offers perspectives on how to develop a sustainable global balance of urbanization, land-use intensification, land abandonment, and multifunctional cultural landscapes. The focus is on the latter by describing the large variety of traditional cultural landscapes all over the world. The restoration of low-input land-use systems which often carry a high biodiversity is outlined. Land abandonment which occurs on all continents is qualitatively and quantitatively assessed and the consequences for natural and cultural heritage loss is highlighted. With the presentation of current rural development and landscape conservation strategies on the national as well as international level, the topic reflects the high significance of environmental policy on the global scale. This comprehensive compendium is thought for all students, scholars, and stakeholders from multifaceted disciplines, interested in multifunctional cultural landscapes and how traditions and innovation on the landscape level can be merged for a sustainable future on our planet.

Resource Type:Book
Publication Date: 2022

Roots of Prosperity: The economics and finance of restoring land

Abstract:

The premise of this report is that there is an urgent need to increase financing for restoration, and there are many pathways to make this happen. This publication explains seven key barriers to investment in restoration and highlights policy solutions and financial mechanisms—many of which are already in play—that can be used to overcome these barriers. Through a discussion of the financial and economic issues surrounding restoration, the report encourages governments and practitioners to conduct analyses and enact strategies that support forest and landscape restoration.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
This report discusses the economics and finance of land restoration, including how to prioritize projects based on specific objectives, and estimate the effects of restoration on job creation, GDP growth, poverty alleviation, food security, and greenhouse gas emissions. It specifically discusses costs and benefits of restoration (A4) and how smart policies and innovative financing (A5) can help governments meet their restoration targets.

Resource Type:White Paper
Publication Date: 2017

Survival and early growth of 51 tropical tree species in areas degraded by artisanal gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon

Abstract:

Artisanal gold mining in Amazon forests and rivers has been reported in all Amazonian countries. Amazon mining has a wide range of negative effects and severe environmental and social consequences. Given that the activity in the region is mostly illegal, there are few studies published in the scientific literature on recovery of areas degraded by gold mining. This study conducts an experimental reforestation project aimed to evaluate soil degradation and explore the seedling survivorship and early growth of 51 tropical tree species in gold mined areas at 5 study sites distributed across the Madre de Dios region, in the Peruvian Amazon. The study provides guidance on the post-ASGM restoration potential for 51 common and useful tree species and gives practitioners recommendations for combinations of species and fertilization treatments to optimize restoration designs.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Adequate planning and implementation of restoration

Resource Type:Peer-reviewed Article
Publication Date: 2021

The People’s Global Resource Bank

Abstract:

GRB shareholders are a social, ecological, economic network of people who value natural air, water, soil, light, plants, climate, shelter, organisms and food in the commodity-backed cryptocurrency, Eco. The GRB eco (e) gains everyone a sufficient, sustainable and secure eco income for life. GRB shareholders guide a bountiful human-computer GRB eco-economic algorithm without countries, private banks, public debt, interest, taxes, scarcity, fear, racism, war, poverty, pollution, pandemics, climate change and environmental degradation.

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2020

UN-REDD Programme

Abstract:

The UN-REDD Programme supports countries to apply the UNFCCC’s safeguards, and to conduct land-use planning for REDD+ to deliver multiple environmental and social benefits while reducing risk. REDD+ activities, as defined by the UNFCCC, includes the enhancement of forest carbon stocks, which may be implemented through restoration interventions.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
The UN-REDD website contains resources on stakeholder engagement and gender balance (A3), forest governance (A4), and tenure security (B2). The Multiple Benefits webpage of the UN-REDD Programme contains a number of national and subnational scale spatial analyses of the potential for REDD+ implementation to deliver multiple benefits, which include the conservation of biodiversity, in line with activity A4. Several mapping tutorials and a GIS toolbox are also available to support REDD+ planning and secure multiple benefits.

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2019

UNCCD Knowledge Hub

Abstract:

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a key global authority on scientific and technical knowledge in the areas of desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD), and on the negative effects of DLDD on productive land and relevant ecosystems. Through its Knowledge Hub, the UNCCD provides a framework for organizing scientific and technical information around these topics as well as access to best practices relevant to Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and Sustainable Land Management (SLM).

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Reports, such as Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality at the Country Level, outline the steps needed to assess land degradation (A1) and identify the key drivers of degradation (A6). The SLM section also includes guidance and best practices relevant to assessing sustainable productive practices in activity A6. The Country Information section includes National commitments to LDN, in line with activities A5 and B6, and National Action Programmes, which may add additional information. The Global Land Outlook (GLO) Regional Reports discuss stakeholder engagement (A3), legal, policy and financial frameworks (B1), land tenure (B2), and safeguarding measures for indigenous peoples and local communities (B5), among other topics relevant to restoration.

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2019

Wetland Restoration: Contemporary Issues & Lessons Learned

Abstract:

Numerous studies have documented the shortcomings of wetland mitigation and voluntary restoration projects to achieve stated goals. However, despite these findings, there is little overall evidence that wetland restoration outcomes have significantly improved, and wetlands continue to be lost. There is general agreement among restoration professionals that the science exists to achieve restoration goals and that wetland restoration performance will improve if certain barriers are addressed. In 2013, the Association of State Wetland Managers began to identify some of the barriers and established a Work Group of 25 restoration experts, including practitioners, academics, consultants, regulators, and policy makers, to further identify and analyze these barriers and develop recommendations to address them. The Work Group was tasked with identifying the most significant barriers to wetland restoration and identifying actions to address these challenges based on lessons learned and the substantial collective expertise of the Work Group and others.

Resource Type:White Paper
Publication Date: 2017

World Database on Key Biodiversity Areas

Abstract:

The World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas hosts data on Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). This database can support strategic decisions on protected areas by governments, business and civil society towards achieving global biodiversity targets. It also guides the identification of sites under international environmental conventions and in the setting of private sector policies and standards. The database is managed by BirdLife International on behalf of the KBA Partnership, which comprises 13 partners and is served by the KBA secretariat hosted jointly by BirdLife International and IUCN. Data on KBAs from the database are made freely available through the KBA website.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
The planning of restoration interventions and their location can also draw on assessments of areas of global importance for biodiversity such as Key Biodiversity Areas. Map data can be used in combination with other data for GIS analysis to identify and prioritize areas for restoration (A2).

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2019

Australia: Restoration in a global biodiversity hotspot in Western Australia

Country: Australia

Abstract: The south-west of Western Australia is a global biodiversity hotspot where its high biodiversity suffers many threats. One of those threats is fragmentation of habitat owing to the large scale land clearing that was carried out in the 1950s and 1960s. This connectivity project aims to address this, and other threats, by restoring connections across a 70km swathe of farmland. Bush Heritage Australia has developed a Conservation Action Plan (using the Open Standards) in this area, where we are...

Beirut’s RiverLESS Forest

Country: Lebanon

Abstract: Beirut has only 0.8 sqm of green space/capita, versus the WHO recommended 9 sqm/capita. The Beirut River is an Important Bird Area (IBA 4), it is undoubtedly one of the most important areas for bird migration in Lebanon, with important threatened species relying on the valley during spring migration. Due to the deteriorating condition of the Beirut River watershed especially in the city, we have seen a major loss of wildlife and insect habitat downstream the river. After 6 months of the first...

Chemical Free Farming by Restoring Soil & Water table: Conserve Local Biodiversity

Country: India

Abstract: GPS location : 22 degree 18'04. 1" N and 72 degree 58'32.6" E Name: Devapura, Gujarat, India Agro biodiversity still falls under the category of being a "poorly defined emerging issue" In general, countries have taken agro-biodiversity to refer primarily to crop genetic resources, as this is where most of the conservation efforts have been focused. further, the chemical free agriculture not only restores the soil but also restore the native fauna, water table by decreasing the weeds....

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Yes

China: Grassland Restoration in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Country: China

Abstract: The degradation of grasslands has become a serious problem in China, as once-productive lands are being lost to desertification and destructive sandstorms are occurring with increasing frequency. Past restoration efforts have focused on planting trees to mitigate these storms and disseminating seeds from airplanes in an attempt to re-establish native vegetation. Because these techniques have proven largely unsuccessful, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) conducted a pilot project in the...

Coalición Restauración Ecosistemas Santurcinos, San Juan Puerto Rico

Country: Puerto Rico

Abstract: Proyect is foucus on coastal restoration on the most urbanized area of Puerto Rico at San Juan and Carolina. We identify ecosystems surrounding areas, educate about ecosystem services, and stablish contigent value. With outreach we involve the community interest to create planns for efficient management at very low cost. We need to improve the outreach becouse people sometimes get territorial and get against the proyect. For example, on the sand dunes restoration proyect the concesionaries...

Costa Rica: Establishment of a Local Biological Corridor Through Ecological Restoration

Country: Costa Rica

Abstract: In 2004 the Nature and Community Project, an effort between Chiquita Brands International, MIGROS (a swiss retailer), GTZ (German cooperation agency) and Rainforest Alliance was initiated. This project has been working on ecological restoration activities to achieve the consolidation of a local biological corridor in the northern Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. The goal of this project is the recovery of degraded and damaged ecosystems as well as the replacement of ecosystems that were...

Costa Rica: Tropical Dry Forest Restoration in the Guanacaste Conservation Area

Country: Costa Rica

Abstract: The Guanacaste Conservation Area (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica is the site of the largest forest restoration project in the tropics. The project is aimed at restoring a major tropical dry forest ecosystem that has been severely degraded as a result of anthropogenic fires associated with farming and ranching activities. These fires damage indigenous tree species that evolved in an ecosystem devoid of natural fire, and they also enable the invasive African grass jaragua (Hyparrhenia rufa) to...

India: Chilika Lake Restoration, Orissa

Country: India

Abstract: The Chilika Lake, located on the east coast of the state of Orissa, India is the largest lagoon and salt water lake in Asia. It is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sand bar that varies from 100m to 1.5 km. A long outer channel stretching 32 km connects the main lagoon with the Bay of Bengal. The lagoon spread over an area larger than a 1000 sq. km in the early 20th century, however, during the course of the 20th century the lake shrank to only 760 sq km due to direct reclamation of...

Indonesia: Central Kalimantan Peatlands Restoration Project

Country: Indonesia

Abstract: The Central Kalimantan Peatlands Project (CKPP) grew out of an increasing recognition at the local, national and international levels of the urgency of halting and reversing degradation of the peatswamp forests of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Drainage, illegal logging and fire have devastated the area's peatswamps in recent decades, and the impacts on local livelihoods, the broader economy and critical wildlife habitats have been staggering. Moreover, the annual contribution to global...

Jordan: Restoring the Azraq Oasis Wetlands

Country: Jordan

Abstract: The Azraq Oasis in Jordan's Badia region is a unique mosaic of wetland ecosystems set in the middle of an arid desert. As the only such source of permanent freshwater within some 12,000 km2, the oasis provides crucial habitat for a multitude of avifaunal species, and is an indispensable part of the local economy. Increasing populations in the nearby cities of Amman and Zarqa, along with growing demands from the agricultural sector, have resulted in the intensive exploitation of water from the...

Kenya: Dryland Rehabilitation and Community Resources Management by the Elangata Wuas Ecosystem Management Programme (Kajiado District)

Country: Kenya

Abstract: The Kenyan Maasai peoples' pastoral lifestyle has been curtailed since the coming of the colonial government to the present day. First, their movement was restricted South of the Uganda railway line in 1912 leading to heavy loss of prime pasture land including dry season grazing areas, salt licks and watering points. Nomadic pastoralism was perceived then as a retrogressive land use system and major cause of land degradation. In the early 1960s, the government of Kenya introduced a group ranch...

Latvia: Floodplain Restoration for European Union Priority Species and Habitats

Country: Latvia

Abstract: This EU LIFE project encompasses 16 priority floodplain meadows in Latvia representing a combined area of 14,085 ha. The project sites, not previously addressed under other nature conservation initiatives, are all of unique regional, national and international importance and harbor the best floodplain meadows in the country, including 50% of its Fennoscandian wooded meadows and over 6530 ha of alluvial forests. These meadows provide crucial habitat for several priority bird species--chief among...

Madagascar: Restoration initiatives of degraded humid forests in the World Heritage site “Rainforests of the Atsinanana”

Country: Madagascar

Abstract: In collaboration with local communities, the project aims to assess the state of degradation and start restoration activities in three national parks that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Rainforests of the Atsinanana”, one of the most important and representative habitats of Madagascar humid forests with exceptional levels of biodiversity. These rainforests are currently placed in the World Heritage in Danger list, and projected restoration activities respond to the correctives...

Portugal: Cork Oak Forest Restoration

Country: Portugal

Abstract: The Southern Portugal Green Belt project was undertaken as part of the larger WWF Mediterranean Cork Oak Landscapes Programme to restore the cork oak forest landscape at two pilot sites in Southern Portugal. Spanning the Portuguese provinces of Alentejo and Algarve in an area of exceptional natural value extending 8,000 km2, the restoration targeted cork oak forests belonging to the warm and humid mixed-oak forest type--dominated by cork-oak (Quercus suber). The project aims to increase forest...

Quarries rehabilitation for landscape improvement in Kruja, Albania

Country: Albania

Abstract: A large number of abandoned quarries, which have served to produce building materials, decorative stones and various inert materials, are located, more or less, throughout the territory between Fushekruja and Kruja cities, in Albania. Albania, as in all of Europe and beyond, is taking more measures strict, imposing more environmental restrictions on the activity of quarries. Also, the decade 2021-2030, promulgated on March 1, 2019 by The United Nations General Assembly as “Decade of Nations...

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Our project is in full relevance with The Society for Ecological Restoration Mission.

Reforestation & Climate Change Mitigation: tests, evaluation and transfer of innovative methods based on fog collection

Country: Spain, Portugal

Abstract: The Life NIEBLAS project will be held in Portugal and in two areas of Spain: Catalonia and the Canary Islands. It aims to test innovative fog collectors and typologies of reforestation based on fog water collection, that don't significantly increase the carbon footprint compared to the traditional typologies, taking into account: their effectiveness, costs and benefits, including as far as possible, the externalities they produce. Specific objectives: Demonstrate and disseminate the...

Renature Monchique

Country: Portugal

Abstract: The primary objective of this partner-based project is to begin a process that assists private landowners within the municipal district of Monchique, Algarve Region, Portugal, affected by the wildfire of 2018. As most landowners have small-holdings, the project-based process required to access financial support is onerous and in many instances linked to reforestation legislation. The one-year project is funded by the Ryanair passengers Carbon Offset Fund. Based on ecological restoration...

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Recover fire-damaged and degraded sites

Riparian reforestation project: Berg and Breede River Systems, Western Cape, South Africa

Country: South Africa

Abstract: The Reforest Action Project is located in the Western Cape, South Africa focusing on rehabilitation of riparian zones along the Berg and Breede Rivers. Reforest Action Project is privately funded with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) as a project partner . There are three main implementing partners involved in the project: Breedekloof Wine and Tourism (BWT), Intaba Environmental Services and Wolseley Water User's Association. The project has a three year time span (initiated in Jan 2021) and...

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Our funding budget is very restrictive in developing short term action plans.

South Africa: Namaqualand Restoration Initiative – Bringing Mining, Biodiversity, and Local Communities Together

Country: South Africa

Abstract: Mining is one of the biggest threats for the long term sustainability of the unique and sensitive Namaqualand ecosystem. Namaqualand falls within the Succulent Karoo, one of only two semi-arid ecosystems to be included in the world's 34 biodiversity hotspots - areas highlighted for conservation action because of the richness of their biodiversity, its uniqueness and the level of threat that it faces. The Namaqualand Restoration Initiative (NRI) was founded by Dr. Peter Carrick (programme...

Sylvan Lake Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ

Country: United States of America

Abstract: Sylvan lake is one of a series nine "coastal lakes" which historically discharged into the Atlantic Ocean. Along a strip of Monmouth County, NJ, these lakes form the boundaries of the towns.  Sylvan Lake divides Avon on the south with Bradley Beach to the north.  A valve is shut to the ocean, so the lake has reverted to freshwater.  The town of Avon bid this project to convert hard retaining wall to natural living shoreline.

United Kingdom: Scotland: Wet Woods LIFE Project to Restore Bog Woodland and Residual Alluvial Forest

Country: United Kingdom

Abstract: The Wet Woods LIFE Project was funded through the European Union's LIFE Nature Programme as a series of conservation initiatives on two priority habitats known collectively as 'wet woods'. The broad aim of the project is to restore and enhance some of the most important areas of bog woodland and floodplain woodland in the United Kingdom, being located on or adjacent to four candidate Special Areas of Conservation (cSAC) designated for these habitats under the EU Habitats Directive: Monadh Mor...

USA: Colorado: Uncompahgre Plateau Project

Country: United States of America

Abstract: The Uncompahgre Plateau (UP) Project was formalized in a 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/ Cooperative Agreement (CA) by the Public Lands Partnership (PLP), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and Tri-State Generation joined the partnership in 2004. These organizations formed a collaborative to restore and sustain the ecological, social, cultural and economic values of the...

USA: Two Dam Removals, One Bypass and One Fish Ladder at The Great Penobscot River Restoration, Penobscot River Watershed, Maine

Country: United States of America

Abstract: In an effort to restore eleven species of sea-run fish while resuming energy production levels, a coalition bonded together to restore the second largest river in New England. State and federal agencies, businesses and non-profits banded together to restore the Penobscot River watershed. Two dam removals and the construction of one fish by-pass, and one modernized fish ladder resulted in over 2,000 km of connected migratory fish passage concluding a massive restoration project. The ongoing...