Importance of Ecological Regeneration
“Sustainable” has become a buzz word in the enviro world; however, we have well and truly passed the time for sustainability. Our planet has been pushed passed it limits and we must now regenerate before we can head back to “sustainable”.
Recently I had the privilege of working within the Kosciusko National Park, to re-gen an area near one of the parks delicate alpine lakes - conditions were… challenging. However, our toughest and harshest areas are our most sensitive, and they deserve close attention, as they are on the front line of climate change.
Ecological restoration is the practice of repairing and restoring damaged or degraded ecosystems to their original or near-original condition. This process involves a range of activities, including removing invasive species, reintroducing native plants and animals, and restoring natural hydrology and other ecosystem functions.
Here are some of the benefits of ecological restoration:
Biodiversity conservation: Ecological restoration helps to conserve biodiversity by restoring habitats for native species and reducing the impacts of human activities such as habitat loss and fragmentation.
Ecosystem services: Restored ecosystems can provide important ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water filtration, and soil stabilization, which are essential for human well-being.
Climate change mitigation: Ecological restoration can help mitigate the impacts of climate change by sequestering carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing the resilience of ecosystems to climate change.
Cultural and social benefits: Ecological restoration can provide important cultural and social benefits by restoring traditional landscapes, supporting traditional land uses, and promoting community engagement and participation in restoration efforts.
Economic benefits: Ecological restoration can also provide economic benefits such as increased tourism, improved property values, and job creation in restoration-related industries.
Overall, ecological restoration is a critical tool for protecting our way of life! It is not simply to make an area look pretty, or to help animals - it is an essential requirement if we are to help ourselves!
If you’re keen to tackle a landscape restoration project of your own, we are here to help.