MEV 011: Unit 13 - Restoration Ecology

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 UNIT 13 – RESTORATION ECOLOGY

13.1 Introduction

Restoration ecology is a branch of ecology focused on reviving and rehabilitating degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems. Human activities such as deforestation, mining, pollution, overgrazing, and urban expansion have led to the decline of many ecosystems. Restoration ecology seeks to repair these ecosystems by recreating conditions that support their original structure, functions, and biodiversity. It not only supports environmental recovery but also enhances ecosystem services for human well-being.

13.2 Objectives

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

·         Understand ecosystem processes and services.

·         Define restoration ecology and explain its importance.

·         Identify different approaches to ecological restoration.

·         Describe specific methods used in habitat restoration.

·         Recognize the ecological, social, and climate impacts of restoration efforts.

13.3 Ecosystem Processes

Ecosystem processes refer to the natural cycles and flows that sustain ecosystems. These include:

·         Nutrient Cycling

·         Energy Flow

·         Decomposition

·         Hydrological Processes

·         Pollination and Seed Dispersal

When these processes are disrupted, ecosystems degrade and lose functionality, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services.

13.3.1 Ecosystem Services and Threats

Ecosystem services are the benefits humans receive from nature. They are classified into:

·         Provisioning services (e.g., food, water, timber)

·         Regulating services (e.g., climate regulation, flood control)

·         Cultural services (e.g., recreation, spiritual value)

·         Supporting services (e.g., soil formation, nutrient cycling)

Threats include:

·         Habitat loss

·         Pollution

·         Climate change

·         Invasive species

·         Overexploitation of resources

13.4 Restoration Ecology

13.4.1 What is Restoration Ecology?

Restoration ecology is the scientific study and practice of renewing ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed, with the goal of restoring their original biodiversity, structure, and function.

13.4.2 Need for Restoration

·         Loss of biodiversity

·         Declining soil fertility and water availability

·         Climate change mitigation

·         Improved quality of life for local communities

13.4.3 Purpose of Ecological Restoration

·         To bring back native species

·         To reverse degradation and desertification

·         To rebuild ecosystem resilience

·         To improve ecosystem services like water filtration and carbon sequestration

13.5 Approaches to Ecological Restoration

13.5.1 Ecological and Agronomical Approaches

·         Focuses on using native species, crop rotation, agroforestry, and mixed farming systems to restore productivity while preserving biodiversity.

13.5.2 Physico-chemical and Biological Environment

·         Addressing soil quality, pH balance, erosion control, and microbiota restoration.

·         Biological inputs like compost, biofertilizers, and microbial inoculants can enrich soils.

13.5.3 Socio-economic Dimension

·         Community involvement and livelihood support are crucial.

·         Restoration plans should align with local culture, economy, and knowledge.

13.5.4 Classical Approaches in Ecological Restoration

·         Passive Restoration: Allowing nature to heal itself with minimal human intervention.

·         Active Restoration: Planting, fencing, controlling invasive species, and reintroducing fauna.

13.5.5 Revegetation and Regeneration

·         Planting native grasses, shrubs, and trees to stabilize soil and provide habitats.

·         Natural regeneration may be supported by protecting seed banks and root systems.

13.5.6 Water and Soil Conservation

·         Techniques include terracing, check dams, mulching, and cover cropping.

·         Protecting watersheds helps maintain water balance and prevent soil erosion.

13.6 Habitat Restoration

13.6.1 Lake and Reservoir Restoration

·         Desilting, oxygenation, aquatic plant reintroduction, and pollution control.

·         Preventing eutrophication and restoring aquatic life.

13.6.2 Rangeland Restoration

·         Controlled grazing, reseeding grasses, fencing, and erosion control.

·         Supports both livestock and wildlife.

13.6.3 Restoration of Contaminated Sites: Bioremediation

·         Use of microorganisms or plants to clean up pollutants like heavy metals, oil, or pesticides.

·         Example: Phytoremediation using hyperaccumulator plants.

13.6.4 Restoration of Mined-out and Disturbed Land

·         Backfilling, topsoil application, and revegetation.

·         Stabilization of loose rocks and prevention of chemical leaching.

13.6.5 Restoration of Mangrove Wetlands

·         Replanting native mangrove species.

·         Creating tidal channels to facilitate water movement and fish breeding.

13.7 Impact of Restoration

13.7.1 Ecosystem

·         Improved soil fertility

·         Increased biodiversity

·         Reestablished food webs and water cycles

13.7.2 Society

·         Enhanced livelihood opportunities (e.g., agroforestry, eco-tourism)

·         Better water and food security

·         Reduced risks of floods and droughts

13.7.3 Climate Change

·         Carbon sequestration through tree planting and soil restoration

·         Temperature regulation and improved resilience to extreme weather

13.8 Let Us Sum Up

·         Restoration ecology is essential to repair the damage caused by human activity and ensure a healthier environment.

·         It uses scientific knowledge, local participation, and sustainable techniques to restore ecosystems.

·         Restoration not only revives biodiversity but also supports human well-being and combats climate change.

·         Various methods such as revegetation, water conservation, and bioremediation are employed depending on the habitat and degree of degradation.

·         Its success depends on long-term monitoring, adaptive management, and public involvement.

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