A conceptual model of ecosystem restoration triage based on experiences from three remote oceanic islands

Authors
Citation
Mj. Samways, A conceptual model of ecosystem restoration triage based on experiences from three remote oceanic islands, BIODIVERS C, 9(8), 2000, pp. 1073-1083
Citations number
33
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Environment/Ecology
Journal title
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
ISSN journal
0960-3115 → ACNP
Volume
9
Issue
8
Year of publication
2000
Pages
1073 - 1083
Database
ISI
SICI code
0960-3115(200008)9:8<1073:ACMOER>2.0.ZU;2-4
Abstract
A conceptual model, that illustrates restoration, ecological landscaping, r ehabilitation and regreening, is developed. It considers biocentric, histor ical, aesthetic and engineering aspects. The term ecosystem restoration tri age is used because the first step is to decide whether to 'do nothing' (be cause, on the one hand, the system is too degraded to warrant restoration, or, on the other, because biological integrity is relatively intact and the refore either none, or minimal, restoration is required) or to 'do somethin g' (because restoration is worthwhile, urgent and feasible). This approach hinges on the definition that restoration in the strictist sense is a bioce ntric activity that returns the 'original' compositional, structural and fu nctional diversity, along with its dynamics and natural evolutionary potent ial. 'Original' is a difficult qualifier as it depends on just how far back in time we go. Where human values are involved, this is not restoration in the pure sense of restoring ecological integrity, but is ecological landsc aping, rehabilitation or regreening. Experience from three remote oceanic i slands [Easter Island, Cousine Island (Seychelles), Marion Island (Sub-Anta rctic)] and which represent near extremes of this model are used to illustr ate it.