We are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis of declining biodiversity. Due to the extent of ecosystem devastation and degradation, reversing the trend requires the restoration of natural systems. Such "ecological restoration" ranges from reparation of damages to complete re-creation of natural ecosystems.
This study presents the context for the practical application of ecological restoration. In doing so, it aims to increase the recognition and understanding of the philosophical and theoretical issues that are fundamental to restoration. The major points of discussion concerning ecological restoration, in terms of theory and strategy, are explored through literature review and expert interviews.
Typically, modem Western society has viewed itself as separate from nature. Restoration requires that a new relationship, based on belonging, be defined between humans and the rest of the natural world. The ideology of restoration may lead to both the repair of ecosystems and of the relationship of humans with their habitat, the key to true conservation success.
The inclusion of humans in ecosystems is reflected in landscape ecology and ecosystem management. Based on systems theory, both of these approaches are focussed on the interactions within and among natural systems on a variety of scales. They view the world as interconnected and dynamic. Ecological restoration can be soundly based in such perspectives.
Ecosystem integrity is the main goal of ecosystem management and is an appropriate goal of ecological restoration. An ecosystem with integrity is generally one that is diverse in its biota and able to sustain and perpetuate itself. However, defining ecological integrity in a measurable way proves very difficult. Restoration workers must choose integrity indicators
that are appropriate to specific sites and projects. Managing for integrity involves problems of bias and uncertainty, problems that are inherent to all management decisions.
A restoration planning model is presented in an attempt to integrate these various and complex concerns. A restoration project should be built upon a project "vision" - the combination of the guiding principles of the workers, the project goals, and the site in question. It should be undertaken with consideration of the wider philosophical and theoretical context.