STAPER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IUCN-ICMM ROUNDTABLE ON RESTORATION OF LEGACY SITES Roundtable Report

Abstract:

At the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) launched a joint dialogue on mining and biodiversity1. The overarching aims of the
dialogue are:

• To improve the performance of mining industries in the area of biodiversity conservation, with a focus on reducing the negative impacts of the industry’s operations and enhancing the industry’s positive contribution to biodiversity; and
• To raise mutual awareness and understanding between the conservation community and the mining industry, so that both can contribute to improved
  outcomes for conservation and development in areas where they interact.

To further the discussion relating to the restoration of legacy sites, the Post-Mining Alliance was engaged by ICMM and IUCN in 2007 to organize and develop materials for an international roundtable of experts in this field in March 2008. This report is the result.

Relevance for the Short Term Action Plan for Ecosystem Restoration:
Highly important

Resource Type:Web-based Resource
Publication Date: 2008

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

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

Restoration of Ecosystems – Bridging Nature and Humans. A Transdisciplinary Approach

Abstract:

In this interdisciplinary textbook, which bridges the gap between the natural and social sciences both, the scientific principles of restoration ecology and practical aspects of ecosystem restoration are comprehensively presented. The diversity of land-use types with a focus on Central Europe is highlighted and case studies of practical restoration projects are presented. The textbook offers students who deal with the environment as well as scientists and practitioners a profound and up-to-date, but also critical overview of the state of knowledge. This book opens up the broad spectrum of degraded ecosystems of Central European natural and cultural landscapes. In further chapters, marine ecosystems and their restoration as well as development potentials and the limits of restoration are discussed in more detail. The ecological fundamentals are expanded through an interdisciplinary perspective taking into account environmental ethics, sociology, anthropology, and economics.

Resource Type:Book
Publication Date: 2023

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

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...

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

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...

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.

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

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...