Importance of Ecological Regeneration
“Sustainable” has become a buzzword in the environmental world; however, in many places we have passed the point where sustainability alone is enough. Some landscapes have been pushed beyond their ecological limits and must now be actively regenerated before management can return to truly sustainable practices.
Recently, our Principal Environmental Scientist had the privilege of working in Kosciuszko National Park, restoring an area near one of the park’s delicate alpine lakes. Conditions were challenging. However, our harshest environments are often our most sensitive, and they deserve careful attention, particularly as they sit on the front line of climate change.
Ecological restoration is the practice of repairing and restoring damaged or degraded ecosystems to a healthy, functioning state capable of sustaining life. Attempting to recreate “original” conditions is often unrealistic, as ecosystem processes develop over timeframes that will surpass those trying to restore, and often undergo natural variation.
Restoration involves a range of activities, including the removal of invasive species, reintroduction of native plants and animals, restoration of natural hydrology, rebuilding healthy soils, and other ecosystem functions.
Benefits of Ecological Restoration
Biodiversity conservation
Ecological restoration supports biodiversity by rebuilding habitat for native species and reducing the impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation.
Ecosystem services
Restored ecosystems provide vital services such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and soil stabilisation, services that are essential for human wellbeing.
Climate change mitigation
Restoration helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing ecosystem resilience to changing conditions.
Cultural and social benefits
Ecological restoration can restore culturally significant landscapes, support traditional land uses, and strengthen community connection and participation in land care.
Economic benefits
Restoration can also deliver economic benefits, including increased tourism, improved property values, and job creation in restoration and land management industries.
Ultimately, ecological restoration is not about making landscapes “look nice” or helping wildlife alone; it is a critical tool for protecting our way of life. Healthy ecosystems underpin human health, prosperity, and resilience.
If you’re ready to take on a landscape restoration project of your own, Create Ecology is here to help.