1. Introduction Ecosystem-Specific Tools and Technologies Coastal/Marine

Sustainable Management of Marginal Drylands

These proceedings provide up-to-date information on the ongoing sustainable management projects in the selected SUMAMAD Project sites. It also highlights the work continually being carried out in the marginal drylands in promoting the use of wise practices in the conservation of natural resources, and the importance of supporting local populations in their efforts toward the sustainable use of their natural resources. In fact, capacity-building is a major component of the project.

Implementing agencies

Shaaf, T. (ed.) (2004) Sustainable Management of Marginal Drylands. UNESCO–MAB Drylands Series No. 3, Proceedings of the International Workshop on Sustainable Management of Marginal Drylands held in Shiraz, Iran.

http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001354/135470e.pdf

Rehabilitation of Degraded Drylands and Biosphere Reserves

The theme of the workshop was the establishment of capacity for the rehabilitation of degraded drylands, using site-specific examples of biosphere reserves to assess potential natural vegetation and viable wildlife populations in drylands. The project also seeks to apply scientific methods for improved management of marginal drylands. Combating desertification by rehabilitating degraded lands can be done successfully, using existing, often traditional techniques. It is for this reason that workshops such as these are paramount to providing and sharing practical and inexpensive solutions to common problem.

Implementing agencies, practitioners

Lee, C. and T. Schaaf (eds.) (2003) Rehabilitation of Degraded Drylands and Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO-MAB Drylands Series No. 2, Proceedings of the International Workshop on Combating Desertification held in Aleppo, Syria.

http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001307/130760e.pdf

Freshwater Resources and the Rehabilitation of Degraded Areas in the Drylands

Over fifty scientists from fourteen countries and international organizations representing various scientific disciplines took part in this important event. They addressed issues of desertification, in particular with regard to restoring degraded dryland areas, and the conservation and sustained management of freshwater resources in the world’s dry zones. Accordingly, these proceedings contain a series of case studies from Africa and Asia providing not only new insights into site-specific problems but also solutions which may be adapted to resolve similar problems in other desertification-affected areas of the world.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

English, French

Dupuy, A., C. Lee, and T. Schaaf (eds.) (2002) Freshwater Resources and the Rehabilitation of Degraded Areas in the Drylands. UNESCO-MAB Drylands Series No. 1, Proceedings of the International Seminar on Combating Desertification held in N’Djamena, Chad.

http://portal.unesco.org/science/en/ev.php-URL_ID=8951&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

Drylands, People, and Ecosystem Goods and Services: A Web-Based Geospatial Analysis

This web-based analysis takes advantage of the power of geospatial technologies to examine the world’s drylands. We consider drylands from the perspective of human livelihoods, examining how these livelihoods are integrated with dryland ecosystem goods and services. Our presentation is map-rich using combinations of remotely-sensed data and computer-based data management systems (GIS). Where global data are not available, we use regional and national studies. We focus on a selected set of dryland goods and services: forage and livestock; food production; biodiversity conservation; freshwater; carbon storage; energy production; and tourism and recreation. The final two sections examine drylands and trade and drylands and the impacts of human activities.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

White, R.P. and J. Nackoney (2003) Drylands, People, and Ecosystem Goods and Services: A Web-Based Geospatial Analysis. World Resources Institute, Washington, DC.

http://lada.virtualcentre.org/eims/download.asp?pub_id=92621&app=0

Where the Land is Greener

This book contains an extensive range of case studies from around the world: 42 soil and water conservation technologies and 28 approaches in total. It provides a detailed analysis of the case studies under ‘technologies’ and ‘approaches’ and policy points for decision makers and donors. It is a prototype and sets new standards for systematic documentation, evaluation and dissemination of knowledge on sustainable land management and addresses global concerns such as desertification, poverty, water scarcity and conflict.

Practitioners, implementing agencies, indigenous and local communities

Liniger, H. and W. Critchley (2007) Where the land is greener – case studies and analysis of soil and water conservation initiatives worldwide. WOCAT.

http://www.wocat.net/en/knowledge-base/documentation-analysis/global-overview-book.html

Drylands>Livelihoods>Latin America

Pobreza, Desertificación y Degradación de los Recursos Naturales

En esta publicación se sintetizan los resultados obtenidos y las lecciones aprendidas durante la ejecución del proyecto CEPAL/GTZ “Indicadores socioeconómicos de la desertificación”, ejecutado por la CEPAL en Argentina, Brasil y Chile. La información ha sido puesta a disposición de quienes adoptan las decisiones y usuarios en general, tanto en el ámbito central en las instituciones contrapartes, como también a escala comunal en Chile, en el ámbito provincial y de partidos en Argentina y de municipios en Brasil. El sistema está diseñado con gran flexibilidad, a fi n de calcular otros índices que se requieran para el análisis del impacto de la desertificación y degradación de tierras, así como para permitir su actualización.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

Morales, C. and S. Parada (eds.) (2005) Pobreza, Desertificación y Degradación de los Recursos Naturales. Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL) de las Naciones Unidas, Santiago, Chile.

http://lada.virtualcentre.org/eims/download.asp?pub_id=97000&app=0

Restoration and Rehabilitation of Mixed Espinales in Central Chile: 10-Year Report and Appraisal

A synthesis of progress achieved thus far is provided for a 10 - year research and development program aimed at the ecological and economic rehabilitation of agro-ecosystems in the un-irrigated portions of the central valley of Chile's Mediterranean climate region. We review our data on (1) revised management techniques aimed at restoring the gross superstructure and former levels of diversity and productivity of a mixed espinales formation; (2) selection and utilization of ecotypes of the naturalized annual Medicago polymorpha L. and the N2-fixing microsymbiont Rhizobium meliloti, for gradual improvement of espinal soil fertility; and (3) studies of the outstandingly well adapted and fast growing Canary Island tree Chamaecytisus proliferus (L. fil.) Link ssp. palmensis (Christ) Kunkel (Tagasaste), which along with about three dozen other woody nitrogen - fixing legume and several nonlegume multipurpose trees, was considered to be of potential value for deep soil layer rehabilitation combined with economic improvements.

Practitioners

Ovalle, C., J. Aronson, A.D. Alejandro and J. Avendan (1999) Arid Soil Research and Rehabilitation 13(4): 369-381.

http://www.inia.cl/medios/GEAM/pdf/53otro.pdf

Drylands>Livelihoods>South Africa

Economic Incentives for Restoring Natural Capital in Southern African Rangelands

Technical and economic factors hinder effective ecological restoration, especially in developing countries. Three examples show how social policy, economic threats and opportunities, and national and international development policy are driving the restoration of degraded landscapes in southern Africa. First, new opportunities in nature tourism, together with the declining profitability of traditional ranching, have led to diversification into game farming, tourism, and hunting, all initiatives that rely on properly functioning ecosystems. Second, new environmental legislation is forcing industries, particularly mining, to restore land upon termination of their activities. Third, through South Africa’s “Working for Water” program, an elegant solution to problems of excessive water use, local residents are developing skills in clearing alien plants and restoring rangelands.

Policymakers, implementing agencies, indigenous and local communities

Milton, S.J., W.R.J. Dean and D.M. Richardson (2003) Economic incentives for restoring natural capital in southern African rangelands. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 1(5): 247–254.

http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/1540-9295%282003%29001%5B0247%3AEIFRNC%5D2.0.CO%3B2?journalCode=fron

Drylands>Mediterranean

Special Issue: International Journal of Mediterranean Ecology

The seven papers presented in this special issue are derived from oral communications or from posters presented during this congress.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

English, French

Dutoit T. (ed.) (2011) Ecological restoration of Mediterranean ecosystems: specificities, hopes and limits. Proceedings of the 7th SER European conference on ecological restoration, 23-27 August 2010, Avignon, France. ecologia mediterranea, special issue, 37(2): 84 p.

http://ecologia-mediterranea.univ-avignon.fr/uploads/media/Ecologia_mediterranea-2011-37_2.pdf

Land Restoration to Combat Desertification: Innovative Approaches, Quality Control and Project Evaluation

This book addresses key issues in land restoration that emerge from restoration science and practice in the Mediterranean Basin. On the grounds of the long-standing and well-developed afforestation experience in Mediterranean countries, we shall suggest ways to incorporate lessons learned from past experiences into new restoration approaches, to face new and old threats, and new challenges and opportunities, using new and not-so-new approaches and techniques. The first part of the book deals with missing elements in the restoration practice that are critical steps for rationalizing the incorporation of restoration activities in the economy, namely quality control, monitoring and evaluation. The second part tackles specific, innovative developments of restoration techniques. These include plant selection of species and provenances, and nursery and field techniques to overcome water stress as the major limitation in drylands – now and in the perspective of projected climate change.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Bautista, S., J. Aronson and V.R. Vallejo (eds.) (2009) Land Restoration to Combat Desertification: Innovative Approaches, Quality Control and Project Evaluation. Fundación Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo (CEAM), Valencia, Spain.

http://www.ceam.es/reaction/book01.htm

Restauración de Ecosistemas Mediterráneos

El principal objetivo de esta publicación es poner a disposición de los estudiantes universitarios, de licenciatura y escuelas técnicas, pre y postdoctorales, así como de técnicos que desarrollen su profesión en empresas y administraciones, un volumen en castellano que proporcione una visión amplia, actualizada e integrada sobre la restauración ecológica en nuestros ambientes mediterráneos.

Practitioners

Rey-Benayas, J. M., E. Pinilla and N. Ibarra (eds.) (2007) Restauración de ecosistemas mediterráneos, 2nd edition. Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.

http://www.agricolajerez.com/restauracion-ecosistemas-mediterraneos

Evaluating the Restoration of Dryland Ecosystems in the Northern Mediterranean

Drylands in the northern Mediterranean present significant challenges for efforts to preserve ecosystem services. Ecological restoration combined with adaptive management can be an effective approach in response to the changing climate and environment. The development of standardized monitoring and evaluation protocols on the EC REACTION project has provided powerful insights and new tools to enhance the potential for successful restoration. The integration of biophysical and socioeconomic indicators and the collaboration between researchers, managers, and decision makers make the approach effective and sustainable. Restoration in drylands can have a marked impact on water budgets through the selection of species and the influence on landscapes and vegetation patterns. Adapting to environmental change and combating land degradation in the northern Mediterranean will require understanding the tradeoffs in ecosystem services and adjusting restoration decisions in response to monitoring and evaluating both biophysical and socioeconomic metrics.

Implementing agencies, policymakers

Bautista, S., B.J. Orr, J.A. Alloza and R.V. Vallejo (2010) Evaluating the Restoration of Dryland Ecosystems in the Northern Mediterranean. Water and Sustainability in Arid Regions 3: 295-310.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/r574734728532l21/

Restoration and Rehabilitation of Arid and Semiarid Mediterranean Ecosystems in North Africa and West Asia: A Review

Mediterranean type vegetation and ecosystems have undergone intense processes of degradation for decades, centuries, or millennia under heavy and prolonged pressure from human and livestock populations. An extensive literature on exclosures, afforestation, reafforestation, rehabilitation, and other regeneration operations over several million hectares in Mediterranean bioclimatic areas from the Atlantic Ocean to the Aral Sea, combined with 50 years of personal field experience, allowed us to draw a number of conclusions on the consequences of these efforts, constraints, and limitations.

Implementing agencies, practitioners

Le Houerou, H.N. (2000) Restoration and Rehabilitation of Arid and Semiarid Mediterranean Ecosystems in North Africa and West Asia: A Review. Arid Soil Research and Rehabilitation 14: 3­14.

http://studentweb.fortlewis.edu/RLEPLEY/PS%20475/Restoration%20and%20Rehabilitation%20of%20Arid%20and%20Semiarid%20Medierranean%20Ecosystems%20in%20North%20Africa%20and%20West%20Asia%20-%20A%20Review.pdf

Drylands>Mediterranean>Forests/Woodlands

Avances en el Estudio de la Gestión del Monte Mediterráneo

Este libro recopila estudios y revisiones de temas candentes en el ámbito de la gestión de montes mediteráneos y su restauración. Se estructura en tres grandes líneas temáticas: 1) el análisis del impacto de los incendios forestales en los ecosistemas, con una revisión de los efectos en los suelos y un estudio profundo de qué plantas se regeneran eficientemente después del fuego y a través de qué mecanismos; 2) la restauración forestal de montes quemados y afectados por procesos de desertificación; 3) gestión forestal sostenible y revalorización de los montes.

Practitioners, implementing agencies, policymakers

Vallejo V.R. and J.A. Alloza (2004) Avances en el Estudio de la Gestión del Monte Mediterráneo.

Fundación Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterráneo, Valencia, Spain.

http://www.ceam.es/VentaLibros/libro_forestal/libro_forestal.htm

Cork Oak Woodlands on the Edge: Ecology, Adaptive Management, and Restoration

This book provides a synthesis of the most up-to-date, scientific and practical information on the management of cork oak woodlands and the cultural systems that depend on cork oak. It 1) considers ecological, genetic, economic, and historical perspectives surrounding cork oak trees, cork oak woodlands, and cork-based products, 2) presents scientific information regarding restoration and management, 3) offers a suite of techniques for the practice of restoring cork oak woodlands, 4) presents cost-benefit analyses of cork oak woodlands and the manufacture and trade of cork products, and 5) looks at challenges for the future, including ecoregional planning options, threats posed by climate and land-use changes, and modeling techniques that can help guide decision making.

Implementing agencies, practitioners, policymakers

Aronson, J., J. Pereira and J. Pausas (2009) Cork Oak Woodlands on the Edge: Ecology, Adaptive Management, and Restoration. Island Press, Washington, DC.

http://islandpress.org/bookstore/details1b6a.html

Calidad de Planta Forestal para la Restauración en Ambientes Mediterráneos: Estado Actual de Conocimientos

En los últimos años, un número creciente de investigadores españoles ha dedicado sus esfuerzos al estudio de diversos aspectos de la ecología de brinzales de plantas forestales mediterráneas. Gracias a estos estudios, y a la tenaz dedicación de numerosos profesionales de la agronomía y la viverística, actualmente disponemos de conocimientos básicos sobre la producción de algunas de las especies forestales mediterráneas más comunes. No obstante, cuanto más profundizamos sobre protocolos de producción de planta o sobre las características óptimas que debe reunir un brinzal de calidad, resulta más evidente la dificultad para establecer recetas comunes. Es precisamente a partir de la constatación de estos resultados, a veces contradictorios, y de la voluntad de difundir estos conocimientos más allá del grupo de investigadores directamente involucrados en su obtención, que surge, hace algo más de dos años, el foro de discusión que ha dado lugar a esta publicación.

Practitioners

Cortina, J., J.L. Peñuelas, J. Puértolas, R. Savé and A. Vilagrosa (eds.) (2006) Calidad de Planta Forestal para la Restauración en Ambientes Mediterráneos: Estado Actual de Conocimientos. Organismo Autónomo Parques Nacionales, Ministerio de Medio Ambiente, Madrid, España.

http://www.magrama.es/es/ministerio/organizacion/organismos-publicos/calidad_planta_forestal_tcm7-22941.pdf

Integración de la Restauración Forestal de Zonas Quemadas en la Planificación Forestal

La Fundación CEAM ha desarrollado un programa de investigación forestal orientado hacia la mejora de la gestión en condiciones mediterráneas, con dos líneas básicas de investigación: incendios forestales y restauración forestal. Uno de los objetivos previstos en el programa es facilitar una rápida transferencia de resultados para la mejora de la gestión del monte mediterráneo. En el artículo se expone una breve descripción del programa de investigación y, como ejemplo de aplicación de dicho programa, la metodología desarrollada para la evaluación de la fragilidad de la vegetación frente a los incendios forestales.

Implementing agencies, policymakers

Spanish, English

Alloza, J.A. and R. Vallejo Calzada (2004) Integración de la Restauración Forestal de Zonas Quemadas en la Planificación Forestal. Cuad. Soc. Esp. Cien. For. 17: 13-20.

http://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=2978414

http://www.springerlink.com/content/ml155q21535r3704/

Dimensionado del Microembalse para la Restauración Forestal en Zonas Áridas

En el proyecto de cualquier repoblación forestal en una zona seca situada en ladera, la economía del agua debe ser una de las principales consideraciones a tener en cuenta. La recolección de una cantidad suficiente de agua para los brinzales en sus primeras etapas de vida resulta decisiva para que el resultado de la repoblación sea exitoso. En este trabajo, se enumeran y desarrollan algunos criterios que sirven para fijar la capacidad del microembalse o alcorque a crear con la preparación del suelo, y que orientan al técnico encargado de la restauración forestal, con el fin de incrementar la supervivencia del repoblado, reduciendo al mismo tiempo la modificación del microrrelieve de la ladera a lo mínimo imprescindible.

Practitioners

Mongil Manso, J. and A. Martínez de Azagra Paredes (2008) Dimensionado del Microembalse para la Restauración Forestal en Zonas Áridas. Cuad. Soc. Esp. Cienc. For. 28: 25-30.

http://www.oasification.com/archivos/C28-Acta02.pdf

Are Pinushalepensis Plantations Useful as a Restoration Tool in Semi-Arid Mediterranean Areas?

In the semiarid areas of the Mediterranean basin, restoration activities during the XXth century have mainly relied on extensive plantations of Pinushalepensis, which now cover thousands of hectares. Here we review studies that have evaluated the effects of these plantations on soils, vegetation, faunal communities, and forest fires. Most studies performed so far have shown an overall negative effect of P. halepensis plantations on spontaneous vegetation. Our review contributes to the debate on the suitability of mono-specific extensive P. halepensis plantations, and suggests that afforestation programmes should be revised.

Implementing agencies, policymakers

Maestre, F.T. and J. Cortina (2004) Are Pinushalepensis Plantations Useful as a Restoration Tool in Semi-Arid Mediterranean Areas? Forest Ecology and Management 198:303–317.

http://80.24.165.149/drupal/sites/default/files/Foreco2004.pdf

Drylands>Mediterranean>Species Selection and Site Conditions

Potential for Using Facilitation by Grasses to Establish Shrubs on a Semi-Arid Degraded Steppe

In this study, we analyzed the effects of S. tenacissima tussocks on the survival, growth, and ecophysiological features of experimentally planted seedlings of Medicagoarborea, Quercuscoccifera, and Pistacialentiscus in three sites in a semiarid region in southeastern Spain. Our main objective was to test whether S. tenacissima was able to facilitate shrub establishment in semiarid degraded steppes. Our results suggest a direct facilitative effect of S. tenacissima on introduced shrubs. This study indicates that positive interactions in semiarid steppes can be of particular importance for effective restoration in degraded semiarid ecosystems.

Practitioners

Maestre, F.T., S. Bautista, J. Cortina and J. Bellot (2001) Potential for Using Facilitation by Grasses to Establish Shrubs on a Semi-Arid Degraded Steppe. Ecological Applications 11(6): 1641-1655.

http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/1051-0761%282001%29011%5B1641%3APFUFBG%5D2.0.CO%3B2?journalCode=ecap

Rethinking Species Selection for Restoration of Arid Shrublands

Restoration is playing an increasingly important role in ecology as natural habitats become scarcer and chances to restore ecosystems damaged by human activities are more common. However, restoration of degraded Mediterranean arid ecosystems is hampered by drought and poor soils, which cause many establishment failures. To compare how species belonging to different successional stages establish in a very stressful site, we carried out a field experiment with 14 tree and shrub species differing in functional traits. We found that survival was highest for legumes, followed by leafless species, and C₄ shrubs, traits that are believed to maximize resource uptake in cleared and infertile areas while reducing water losses. Thus, selection of mid-successional species having such traits should be considered for successful restoration. These species would increase the success of restoration programs, but also would increase soil fertility, reduce soil erosion processes, and eventually facilitate establishment of other species, therefore accelerating secondary succession. We suggest a new approach for the restoration for arid shrublands in which species are carefully selected based on traits that best suit the environmental conditions.

Practitioners

Padilla, F.M., R. Ortega, J. Sánchez and F.I. Pugnaire (2009) Rethinking Species Selection for Restoration of Arid Shrublands. Basic and Applied Ecology 10(7): 640–647.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1439179109000292