Research co-authored by Bournemouth University (BU)
Professor Adrian Newton and published in the journal Science shows that ecological restoration in areas of
environmental degradation can help reverse global biodiversity losses, as well
as promoting recovery of ecosystem services.
However the research also showed that measures of
biodiversity and ecosystem services are higher in pristine land, freshwater and
marine systems than in restored systems.
Examples of ecosystem services include improved water
quality and increased carbon storage, services which benefit human well-being.
The research was carried out by an international team
from the University of Alcalá in Spain, the UK’s Centre for Ecology &
Hydrology, and Bournemouth University in the UK.
Professor Newton, an environmental conservation expert
from BU’s Centre for Conservation Ecology and Environmental Change said:
"These results highlight the importance of ecological restoration
approaches for addressing the environmental degradation that has occurred in
many parts of the world. The research suggests that restoration can offer a
'win-win' solution, by increasing the provision of environmental benefits to
people, while at the same time increasing biodiversity."
Lead author, Professor José M. Rey Benayas from the
University of Alcalá and President of the International Foundation for
Ecosystem Restoration said: "In addition to the improved biodiversity
resulting from ecological restoration, our findings show that such restoration
also has benefits for ecosystem services. These services can act as an engine
of economy and a source of green employment, so our results give policymakers
an extra incentive to restore degraded ecosystems.”
Ecological restoration is widely used to reverse the
environmental degradation caused by human activities. However, the
effectiveness of restoration actions in increasing provision of both
biodiversity and ecosystem services has not previously been evaluated
systematically.
The research team analysed results from 89 restoration
assessments carried out in a wide range of ecosystem types across the globe. On
average, ecological restoration increased provision of biodiversity and
ecosystem services by 44% and 25% respectively. Increases in biodiversity and
ecosystem service measures following restoration were positively correlated.
However, values of both remained lower in restored than in intact (undamaged)
reference ecosystems.
The results indicate that restoration actions focused
on enhancing biodiversity should support increased provision of ecosystem
services, particularly in tropical terrestrial areas, which hold the largest
amounts of biodiversity and are usually subject to high levels of human
pressure."
Co-author, Professor James Bullock from the Centre for
Ecology & Hydrology said: "We have shown that across the globe
restoration projects are able to help reverse loss of the biodiversity and
ecosystem services in areas degraded by human activities. While restoration can
help reverse losses, this research shows it is critical for human well-being
that we conserve pristine habitats and the biodiversity and ecosystem services
they provide."
Source: Bournemouth University
(2009, August 31). Restoring The Ecology Can Boost The Economy. ScienceDaily.
Retrieved September 8, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828150735.htm
Journal Reference:
Benayas et al. Enhancement of
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services by Ecological Restoration: A Meta-Analysis. Science,
2009; 325 (5944): 1121 DOI:10.1126/science.1172460
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