How do you know when Ecological Restoration is Successful?
When an ecosystem is recovered and restored, it contains an adequate amount of biotic and abiotic resources (living and non-living components) that will assist in sustaining the ecosystem’s independent functionality and structure. In addition, a successfully restored ecosystem will show signs of biotic/abiotic adaptability and interaction with nearby ecosystems while simultaneously “demonstrating resilience to normal ranges of environmental stress and disturbance.” Erosion control and soil stabilization are important elements of this resilience.
There are nine things to look out for when determining if an ecosystem is stable and if ecological restoration is successful. If an ecosystem can demonstrate a continuing upward achievement based on a researcher’s developmental success rate, the ecosystem is considered successful. Researchers can apply scientifically measurable results to more precisely and accurate gather data. If a restoration project encounters problems like a lack of funding, testing might occur using a less direct approach without using research methods. Here are the nine things that define a healthy ecosystem.
1. Successful Ecological restoration will begin to show signs of life and species that naturally occur and thrive within ecosystem.
2. A restored ecosystem should also allow for the growth of exotic species that are recognized as evolving with those species naturally found within the specified ecosystem.
3. Each section of the ecosystem has the potential for continued growth and development.
4. Growth and development of each section will continue to grow according to the rates specified healthy by researchers.
5. There are no dysfunctions within the ecosystem.
6. The ecosystem has incorporated (and has incorporated into) adjacent ecosystems by interchanging abiotic and biotic resources.
7. Potential dangers that threaten the ecosystem are eradicated or greatly reduced.
8. The ecosystem is able to maintain adequate satisfactory levels of abiotic an biotic resources even after normal and natural environmental stress.
9. The ecosystem has a self-sustaining ability that will bear normal environmental setting.
It is important to mention that environmental conditions change and evolve. A successful ecological restoration will create an ecosystem that has the ability to change and evolve with the changing conditions. Other goals of a restoration project could also be the restoration of certain natural goods and services for social benefit, resources for capital gain, provide a habitat for rare or selected species, or aesthetics. Soil-Tech, habitat restoration specialists, can provide quality ecological restoration that completely repairs the landscape and makes it appear like man was never there.
