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Ramos L, Negreiros D, Goulart FF, Figueiredo JCG, Kenedy-Siqueira W, Toma TSP, Justino WDS, Maia RA, de Oliveira JT, Oki Y, Barbosa M, Aguilar R, Dos Santos RM, Dias HM, Nunes YRF, Fernandes GW. Dissimilar forests along the Rio Doce watershed call for multiple restoration references to avoid biotic homogenization. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172720. [PMID: 38688373 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
An environmental disaster caused by the rupture of a mining tailings dam has impacted a large area of the Rio Doce watershed in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, resulting in unprecedented damage at spatial and temporal scales. The Atlantic Forest is one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. A long history of land use conversion has resulted in a highly fragmented landscape. Despite numerous restoration initiatives, these efforts have often biased criteria and use limited species assemblages. We conducted a comprehensive synthesis of the plant community in riparian forests along the Rio Doce watershed. Our work detailed vegetation composition (tree and sapling strata) and examined its relationship with edaphic and landscape factors, aiming to inform restoration projects with scientifically robust knowledge. A total of 4906 individuals from the tree strata and 4565 individuals from the sapling strata were recorded, representing a total of 1192 species from 75 families. Only 0.8% of the tree species and 0.5% of the sapling species occurred in all sampled sectors, with over 84% of the species occurring in a single watershed sector for both strata. We observed a high species heterogeneity modulated by turnover (92.3% in the tree, and 92.7% in the sapling strata) among sites. Overall, our research revealed a gradient of soil fertility influencing species composition across different strata. Additionally, we discovered that preserved landscapes had a positive impact on species diversity within both strata. The species exclusivity in the sampled sites and the high turnover rate imply the need to consider multiple reference ecosystems when restoring the watershed to reduce the risk of biotic homogenization. Finally, the reference ecosystems defined here serve as a basis for the selection of locally particular species in the implementation of restoration projects that aim to improve biodiversity, ecosystem services, and water security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Ramos
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniel Negreiros
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Knowledge Center for Biodiversity, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fernando Figueiredo Goulart
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Gomes Figueiredo
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia - PPGB, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, 39401-089, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Walisson Kenedy-Siqueira
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tiago Shizen Pacheco Toma
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Knowledge Center for Biodiversity, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wénita de Souza Justino
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Renata A Maia
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, OX1 3QY, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jéssica Tetzner de Oliveira
- Forestry and Wood Sciences Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo - UFES, 29550-000, Jerônimo Monteiro, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Yumi Oki
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Milton Barbosa
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, OX1 3QY, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ramiro Aguilar
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba - CONICET, CC 495, 5000 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rubens Manoel Dos Santos
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Universidade Federal de Lavras, CP 3037, 37200-000, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Henrique Machado Dias
- Forestry and Wood Sciences Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo - UFES, 29550-000, Jerônimo Monteiro, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Yule Roberta Ferreira Nunes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Botânica Aplicada, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, 39401-089, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - G Wilson Fernandes
- Ecologia Evolutiva & Biodiversidade, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Knowledge Center for Biodiversity, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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2
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van Breugel M, Bongers F, Norden N, Meave JA, Amissah L, Chanthorn W, Chazdon R, Craven D, Farrior C, Hall JS, Hérault B, Jakovac C, Lebrija-Trejos E, Martínez-Ramos M, Muñoz R, Poorter L, Rüger N, van der Sande M, Dent DH. Feedback loops drive ecological succession: towards a unified conceptual framework. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:928-949. [PMID: 38226776 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The core principle shared by most theories and models of succession is that, following a major disturbance, plant-environment feedback dynamics drive a directional change in the plant community. The most commonly studied feedback loops are those in which the regrowth of the plant community causes changes to the abiotic (e.g. soil nutrients) or biotic (e.g. dispersers) environment, which differentially affect species availability or performance. This, in turn, leads to shifts in the species composition of the plant community. However, there are many other PE feedback loops that potentially drive succession, each of which can be considered a model of succession. While plant-environment feedback loops in principle generate predictable successional trajectories, succession is generally observed to be highly variable. Factors contributing to this variability are the stochastic processes involved in feedback dynamics, such as individual mortality and seed dispersal, and extrinsic causes of succession, which are not affected by changes in the plant community but do affect species performance or availability. Both can lead to variation in the identity of dominant species within communities. This, in turn, leads to further contingencies if these species differ in their effect on their environment (priority effects). Predictability and variability are thus intrinsically linked features of ecological succession. We present a new conceptual framework of ecological succession that integrates the propositions discussed above. This framework defines seven general causes: landscape context, disturbance and land-use, biotic factors, abiotic factors, species availability, species performance, and the plant community. When involved in a feedback loop, these general causes drive succession and when not, they are extrinsic causes that create variability in successional trajectories and dynamics. The proposed framework provides a guide for linking these general causes into causal pathways that represent specific models of succession. Our framework represents a systematic approach to identifying the main feedback processes and causes of variation at different successional stages. It can be used for systematic comparisons among study sites and along environmental gradients, to conceptualise studies, and to guide the formulation of research questions and design of field studies. Mapping an extensive field study onto our conceptual framework revealed that the pathways representing the study's empirical outcomes and conceptual model had important differences, underlining the need to move beyond the conceptual models that currently dominate in specific fields and to find ways to examine the importance of and interactions among alternative causal pathways of succession. To further this aim, we argue for integrating long-term studies across environmental and anthropogenic gradients, combined with controlled experiments and dynamic modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel van Breugel
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Arts Link, #03-01 Block AS2, 117570, Singapore
- Yale-NUS College, 16 College Avenue West, Singapore, 138527, Singapore
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Roosevelt Ave. Tupper Building - 401, Panama City, 0843-03092, Panama
| | - Frans Bongers
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Natalia Norden
- Centro de Estudios Socioecológicos y Cambio Global, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos Alexander von Humboldt, Avenida Circunvalar #16-20, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge A Meave
- Departamento de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, C.P. 04510, Mexico
| | - Lucy Amissah
- CSIR-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, UPO Box 63, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Wirong Chanthorn
- Department of Environmental Technology and Management, Faculty of Environment, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan Road, Jatujak District, 10900, Thailand
| | - Robin Chazdon
- Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4556, Australia
| | - Dylan Craven
- Center for Genomics, Ecology & Environment, Universidad Mayor, Camino La Piramide 5750, Huechuraba, Santiago, 8580745, Chile
| | - Caroline Farrior
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 2415 Speedway, Stop C0930, Austin, Texas, 78705, USA
| | - Jefferson S Hall
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Roosevelt Ave. Tupper Building - 401, Panama City, 0843-03092, Panama
| | - Bruno Hérault
- CIRAD, UPR Forêts et Sociétés, F-34398 Montpellier, France & Forêts et Sociétés, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Catarina Jakovac
- Departamento de Fitotecnia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Rod. Admar Gonzaga, 1346, 88034-000, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Edwin Lebrija-Trejos
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Haifa-Oranim, Tivon, 36006, Israel
| | - Miguel Martínez-Ramos
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Morelia, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro # 8701, Col. Ex-Hacienda de San José de la Huerta, CP 58190, Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo Muñoz
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lourens Poorter
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nadja Rüger
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Roosevelt Ave. Tupper Building - 401, Panama City, 0843-03092, Panama
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Economics, Institute of Empirical Economic Research, University of Leipzig, Grimmaische Str. 12, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Masha van der Sande
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daisy H Dent
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Roosevelt Ave. Tupper Building - 401, Panama City, 0843-03092, Panama
- ETH Zürich, Department of Environmental Systems Science, Institute for Integrative Biology, Universitätstrasse 16, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland
- Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, Am Obstberg 1, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
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3
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Rosenfield MF, Jakovac CC, Vieira DLM, Poorter L, Brancalion PHS, Vieira ICG, de Almeida DRA, Massoca P, Schietti J, Albernaz ALM, Ferreira MJ, Mesquita RCG. Ecological integrity of tropical secondary forests: concepts and indicators. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:662-676. [PMID: 36453621 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Naturally regenerating forests or secondary forests (SFs) are a promising strategy for restoring large expanses of tropical forests at low cost and with high environmental benefits. This expectation is supported by the high resilience of tropical forests after natural disturbances, yet this resilience can be severely reduced by human impacts. Assessing the characteristics of SFs and their ecological integrity (EI) is essential to evaluating their role for conservation, restoration, and provisioning of ecosystem services. In this study, we aim to propose a concept and indicators that allow the assessment and classification of the EI of SFs. To this end, we review the literature to assess how EI has been addressed in different ecosystems and which indicators of EI are most commonly used for tropical forests. Building upon this knowledge we propose a modification of the concept of EI to embrace SFs and suggest indicators of EI that can be applied to different successional stages or stand ages. Additionally, we relate these indicators to ecosystem service provision in order to support the practical application of the theory. EI is generally defined as the ability of ecosystems to support and maintain composition, structure and function similar to the reference conditions of an undisturbed ecosystem. This definition does not consider the temporal dynamics of recovering ecosystems, such as SFs. Therefore, we suggest incorporation of an optimal successional trajectory as a reference in addition to the old-growth forest reference. The optimal successional trajectory represents the maximum EI that can be attained at each successional stage in a given region and enables the evaluation of EI at any given age class. We further suggest a list of indicators, the main ones being: compositional indicators (species diversity/richness and indicator species); structural indicators (basal area, heterogeneity of basal area and canopy cover); function indicators (tree growth and mortality); and landscape proxies (landscape heterogeneity, landscape connectivity). Finally, we discuss how this approach can assist in defining the value of SF patches to provide ecosystem services, restore forests and contribute to ecosystem conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena F Rosenfield
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Av. André Araújo, 2936, Manaus, AM, 69083-000, Brazil
| | - Catarina C Jakovac
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Admar Gonzaga, 1346, Itacorubi, Florianópolis, SC, 88034-000, Brazil
| | - Daniel L M Vieira
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa), Av. W5 Norte (final), Brasília, DF, 70770917, Brazil
| | - Lourens Poorter
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 47, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Pedro H S Brancalion
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Ima C G Vieira
- Coordenação de Botânica, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Av. Magalhães Barata, 376, Belém, PA, 66040-170, Brazil
| | - Danilo R A de Almeida
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Paulo Massoca
- Center for the Analysis of Social-Ecological Landscapes (CASEL), Indiana University, Student Building 331, 701 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Juliana Schietti
- Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Av. General Rodrigo Octavio Jordão Ramos, 1200, Coroado I, Manaus, AM, 69067-005, Brazil
| | - Ana Luisa M Albernaz
- Coordenação de Ciências da Terra e Ecologia, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Av. Magalhães Barata, 376, Belém, PA, 66040-170, Brazil
| | - Marciel J Ferreira
- Departamento de Ciências Florestais, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Av. General Rodrigo Octávio Jordão Ramos, 3000, Manaus, AM, 69080-900, Brazil
| | - Rita C G Mesquita
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Av. André Araújo, 2936, Manaus, AM, 69083-000, Brazil
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4
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Marshall AR, Waite CE, Pfeifer M, Banin LF, Rakotonarivo S, Chomba S, Herbohn J, Gilmour DA, Brown M, Chazdon RL. Fifteen essential science advances needed for effective restoration of the world's forest landscapes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20210065. [PMID: 36373922 PMCID: PMC9661955 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There has never been a more pressing and opportune time for science and practice to collaborate towards restoration of the world's forests. Multiple uncertainties remain for achieving successful, long-term forest landscape restoration (FLR). In this article, we use expert knowledge and literature review to identify knowledge gaps that need closing to advance restoration practice, as an introduction to a landmark theme issue on FLR and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Aligned with an Adaptive Management Cycle for FLR, we identify 15 essential science advances required to facilitate FLR success for nature and people. They highlight that the greatest science challenges lie in the conceptualization, planning and assessment stages of restoration, which require an evidence base for why, where and how to restore, at realistic scales. FLR and underlying sciences are complex, requiring spatially explicit approaches across disciplines and sectors, considering multiple objectives, drivers and trade-offs critical for decision-making and financing. The developing tropics are a priority region, where scientists must work with stakeholders across the Adaptive Management Cycle. Clearly communicated scientific evidence for action at the outset of restoration planning will enable donors, decision makers and implementers to develop informed objectives, realistic targets and processes for accountability. This article paves the way for 19 further articles in this theme issue, with author contributions from across the world. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R. Marshall
- Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
- Reforest Africa, Mang'ula, Tanzania
- Flamingo Land Ltd, Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire YO17 6UX, UK
| | - Catherine E. Waite
- Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Marion Pfeifer
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Lindsay F. Banin
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Sarobidy Rakotonarivo
- École Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, BP 566 Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - John Herbohn
- Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Donald A. Gilmour
- Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Mark Brown
- Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Robin L. Chazdon
- Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
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5
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Wills AR, Shirima DD, Villemaire-Côté O, Platts PJ, Knight SJ, Loveridge R, Seki H, Waite CE, Munishi PKT, Lyatuu H, Bernal B, Pfeifer M, Marshall AR. A practice-led assessment of landscape restoration potential in a biodiversity hotspot. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20210070. [PMID: 36374130 PMCID: PMC9662286 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective restoration planning tools are needed to mitigate global carbon and biodiversity crises. Published spatial assessments of restoration potential are often at large scales or coarse resolutions inappropriate for local action. Using a Tanzanian case study, we introduce a systematic approach to inform landscape restoration planning, estimating spatial variation in cost-effectiveness, based on restoration method, logistics, biomass modelling and uncertainty mapping. We found potential for biomass recovery across 77.7% of a 53 000 km2 region, but with some natural spatial discontinuity in moist forest biomass, that was previously assigned to human causes. Most areas with biomass deficit (80.5%) were restorable through passive or assisted natural regeneration. However, cumulative biomass gains from planting outweighed initially high implementation costs meaning that, where applicable, this method yielded greater long-term returns on investment. Accounting for ecological, funding and other uncertainty, the top 25% consistently cost-effective sites were within protected areas and/or moderately degraded moist forest and savanna. Agro-ecological mosaics had high biomass deficit but little cost-effective restoration potential. Socio-economic research will be needed to inform action towards environmental and human development goals in these areas. Our results highlight value in long-term landscape restoration investments and separate treatment of savannas and forests. Furthermore, they contradict previously asserted low restoration potential in East Africa, emphasizing the importance of our regional approach for identifying restoration opportunities across the tropics. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R. Wills
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5NG, UK
| | - Deo D. Shirima
- National Carbon Monitoring Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Reforest Africa, PO Box 5, Mang'ula, Kilombero District, Tanzania
| | - Olivier Villemaire-Côté
- Centre for Forest Research, Department of Forest and Wood Sciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC Canada, G1V 0A6
| | - Philip J. Platts
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5NG, UK
- BeZero Carbon Ltd, Discovery House, Banner St, London EC1Y 8QE, UK
- Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Sarah J. Knight
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5NG, UK
| | - Robin Loveridge
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5NG, UK
- The Biodiversity Consultancy, Cambridge CB2 1SJ, UK
| | - Hamidu Seki
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5NG, UK
| | - Catherine E. Waite
- Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Pantaleo K. T. Munishi
- National Carbon Monitoring Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Herman Lyatuu
- Reforest Africa, PO Box 5, Mang'ula, Kilombero District, Tanzania
| | | | - Marion Pfeifer
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Andrew R. Marshall
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York YO10 5NG, UK
- Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD 4556, Australia
- Reforest Africa, PO Box 5, Mang'ula, Kilombero District, Tanzania
- Flamingo Land Ltd, Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire YO17 6UX, UK
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6
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Lewis K, Barros FDV, Moonlight PW, Hill TC, Oliveira RS, Schmidt IB, Sampaio AB, Pennington RT, Rowland L. Identifying hotspots for ecosystem restoration across heterogeneous tropical savannah-dominated regions. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20210075. [PMID: 36373925 PMCID: PMC9661949 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is high potential for ecosystem restoration across tropical savannah-dominated regions, but the benefits that could be gained from this restoration are rarely assessed. This study focuses on the Brazilian Cerrado, a highly species-rich savannah-dominated region, as an exemplar to review potential restoration benefits using three metrics: net biomass gains, plant species richness and ability to connect restored and native vegetation. Localized estimates of the most appropriate restoration vegetation type (grassland, savannah, woodland/forest) for pasturelands are produced. Carbon sequestration potential is significant for savannah and woodland/forest restoration in the seasonally dry tropics (net biomass gains of 58.2 ± 37.7 and 130.0 ± 69.4 Mg ha-1). Modelled restoration species richness gains were highest in the central and south-east of the Cerrado for savannahs and grasslands, and in the west and north-west for woodlands/forests. The potential to initiate restoration projects across the whole of the Cerrado is high and four hotspot areas are identified. We demonstrate that landscape restoration across all vegetation types within heterogeneous tropical savannah-dominated regions can maximize biodiversity and carbon gains. However, conservation of existing vegetation is essential to minimizing the cost and improving the chances of restoration success. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Lewis
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QE, UK
| | - Fernanda de V. Barros
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QE, UK
| | - Peter W. Moonlight
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QE, UK
- Tropical Diversity Section, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH3 5LR, UK
| | - Timothy C. Hill
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QE, UK
| | - Rafael S. Oliveira
- Department of Plant Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, CEP 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Isabel B. Schmidt
- Department of Ecology, University of Brasília, Brasília, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre B. Sampaio
- Centro Nacional de Avaliação da Biodiversidade e de Pesquisa e Conservação do Cerrado CBC, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade – ICMBio, University of Brasília, Brasília, CEP 70.670-350, Brazil
| | - R. Toby Pennington
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QE, UK
- Tropical Diversity Section, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH3 5LR, UK
| | - Lucy Rowland
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QE, UK
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Lewis SL. Realizing the potential of restoration science. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20210174. [PMID: 36373923 PMCID: PMC9661940 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Restoration science is growing fast. The restoration of habitats is increasingly part of the discussion over how to tackle the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and rural development. With this increasing role and attendant visibility, restoration science has seen increasing controversy. Here I describe six aspects of robust restoration science that should be kept in mind to help realize its potential: do data-driven studies; focus on robust results; improve reproducibility; contextualize the results; give attention to economics; consider the wider goals of restoration. Realizing the potential of restoration science, via robust scientific studies, will provide society with the knowledge and tools to make better choices about which habitats to restore and where. This article is part of the theme issue 'Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon L. Lewis
- Department of Geography, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, UK
- School of Geography, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK
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