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

Post-fire and Post-quarry Rehabilitation Successions in Mediterranean-like Ecosystems: Implications for Ecological Restoration

Our aims were to describe how the theory of succession after fire relates to rehabilitation and to use this knowledge to improve the results of rehabilitation attempts in Mediterranean-like ecosystems. Eight postfire (PF) sites, 14 post-rehabilitated (PR) quarry sites and two woodland sites were sampled. Detrended Canonical Correspondence Analysis (DCCA) showed that PF and PR successions were quite different. Both displayed an increasing abundance of resprouters over time, but seeder density increased throughout PR succession and decreased during PF succession. Nine species were common to both successions in all studied stages. The results showed that until 15–21 years of succession, the post-rehabilitation sites had not become as resilient to fires as sites populated by indigenous vegetation due to the lack of a seeder seed bank. However, after 21 years of PR succession, the exponentially increasing seeder population may allow for seed bank formation and thus eventually improve the fire resilience of the site.

Implementing agencies, practitioners

Meira-Neto, J.A.A., A. Clemente, G. Oliveira, A. Nunes and O. Correia (2011) Post-fire and Post-quarry Rehabilitation Successions in Mediterranean-like Ecosystems: Implications for Ecological Restoration. Ecological Engineering 37(8): 1132-1139.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925857411000735

Forests/Woodlands>Temperate>Canada
Alternative Approaches to Afforestation

The purpose of this discussion paper therefore is to gather information related to both conventional and more recently applied afforestation approaches, and provide it in a format that will assist managers in developing restoration strategies for specific sites and objectives. The information assembled here is intended primarily for practitioners, the technical staff who are implementing field programs. It should also assist those who work at a policy level making considerations of program delivery and focusing at a broader scale.

Practitioner, implementing agencies, policymakers

Corlett, A., M. Penner, T. Clark and P. Gagnon (2010) Discussion Paper: Alternative Approaches to Afforestation. The Ontario Trillium Foundation and Trees Ontario.

http://www.tomclark.ca/home/afforestation-in-southern-ontario

Forests/Woodlands>Temperate>Europe
LIFE and European forests

This publication provides background details on the EU forest sector, and gives details of how LIFE has contributed in terms of: forest restoration, forest biodiversity, forest management and building partnerships to protect and improve forests.

Policymakers

Jones, W. (2006) LIFE and European forests. European Commission, Environment Directorate-General.

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/publications/lifepublications/lifefocus/documents/forest_lr.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Temperate>Japan
Maintenance and Rehabilitation of the Mixed Conifer-Broadleaf Forests in Hokkaido, Northern Japan

We reviewed several studies on the mixed forests concerned with physiological ecology and ecosystem management in relation to the process analysis of natural regeneration. Based on these results, we proposed methods for rehabilitation practices for the disturbed and degraded mixed forests where we cannot expect natural regeneration. In order to rehabilitate those mixed conifer broadleaf forests, a bulldozer with fitted rakes was used to eliminate culm and rhizome of dwarf bamboo (such as Sasa senanensis or S. klirensis). In order to make plantations, we would also use wildings of gap phase species regenerated after scarification. However, it is still unclear how many seedlings and what species would be best suited for rehabilitation. A new practical system for restoring disturbed and degraded mixed forests should be established.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Kyo, M., S. Masato and K. Takayoshi (2002) Maintenance and Rehabilitation of the Mixed Conifer-Broadleaf Forests in Hokkaido, Northern Japan. Eurasian J. For. Res. 5(2): 119-130.

http://eprints.lib.hokudai.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/2115/22158/1/5(2)_P119-130.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Temperate>USA
Thinning, Fire and Forest Restoration: A Science-based Approach for National Forests in the Interior Northwest

In focusing on issues relating to forest alteration and restoration in the interior Northwest, this paper is a modest attempt to find what Ruggiero and others describe as the "middle ground between demanding certainty and embracing opinion." I will attempt to explore the scientific basis for what we appear to know, how we might proceed, and what we need to learn. This is neither an exhaustive review of the literature, nor an attempt to address all issues related to forest restoration. Rather, it is an attempt to review the most pertinent scientific literature, merge these findings with policy requirements, and provide recommendations on how best to proceed. Qualitative judgment will inevitably be involved, and what follows should be viewed as general principles, considerations, or rules-of-thumb.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

Brown, R. (2002) Thinning, Fire and Forest Restoration: A Science-based Approach for National Forests in the Interior Northwest. Defenders of Wildlife, Washington, DC.

http://www.defenders.org/resources/publications/programs_and_policy/biodiversity_partners/thinning,_fire_and_forest_restoration.pdf

Ecological Restoration of Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forests

The book examines: 1) the overall context for restoration—ecological, social, economic, political, and philosophical, 2) how ecosystem processes such as fire, hydrology, and nutrient cycling are affected by restoration activities, 3) treatment effects on specific ecosystem components such as trees, understory plants, animals, and rare or invasive species, and 4) the details of implementing restoration projects, including smoke management, the protection of cultural resources, and monitoring. Each section is introduced with a case study that demonstrates some of the promise and pitfalls of restoration projects.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Friederici, P. (ed.) (2003) Ecological Restoration of Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Forests. Island Press, Washington, DC.

http://islandpress.org/ip/books/book/islandpress/E/bo3559713.html

Forests/Woodlands>Temperate>Dry>UK
Ecological Restoration and the Biodiversity Vision of New Caledonian Dry Forests

The present seminar on restoration is an opportunity to: 1) Assess actions taken to restore dry forest areas, 2) Benefit from international experience to promote different levels of analysis and action, 3) Draw up technical recommendations for further action, and 4) Integrate these findings into a long term strategic conservation plan for the New Caledonian Dry Forest Ecoregion.

Implementing agencies, policymakers

Geraux, H. (2005) Seminar on the ecological restoration and the biodiversity vision of New Caledonian dry forests. Gland: WWF International.

http://www.foretseche.nc/download/actes_sem_04_eng.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Tropical
Planting Seedlings in Tree Islands versus Plantations as a Large-Scale Tropical Forest Restoration Strategy

Planting tree seedlings in small patches (islands) has been proposed as a method to facilitate forest recovery that is less expensive than planting large areas and better simulates the nucleation process of recovery. Our study highlights the importance of replicating restoration strategies at several sites to make widespread management recommendations.

Implementing agencies, practitioners

Holl, K.D., R.A. Zahawi, R.J. Cole, R. Ostertag and S. Cordell (2011) Planting Seedlings in Tree Islands Versus Plantations as a Large-Scale Tropical Forest Restoration Strategy. Restoration Ecology 19(4): 470-479.

http://www.fs.fed.us/psw/publications/cordell/psw_2010_cordell(holl)002.pdf

Agro-Successional Restoration as a Strategy to Facilitate Tropical Forest Recovery

With the increasing need to restore former agricultural lands worldwide and in the tropics, in particular, it is critical to explore different models for how to restore these lands in a cost-effective manner which best simulates natural forest recovery and provides for human livelihoods. We propose that agro-successional restoration, which we define as incorporating a range of agroecology and agroforestry techniques as a transition phase early in forest restoration, could be used more widely to overcome socioeconomic and ecological obstacles to restoring these lands.

Practitioners, implementing agencies, indigenous and local communities

Vieira, D.L.M., K.D. Holl and F.M. Peneireiro (2009) Agro-Successional Restoration as a Strategy to Facilitate Tropical Forest Recovery. Restoration Ecology 17(4): 451-459.

http://people.ucsc.edu/~kholl/vieira2009.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Tropical>Asia/Pacific
Helping Forests Take Cover
This publication presents, in language bereft of technical jargon, the basic issues behind rehabilitation. It explains the definitions in simple terms, exemplifies the work with interesting case studies, and points out the environmental and market forces that go into rehabilitation of landscapes.

Policymakers, implementing agencies

Lamb, D., V. Poopathy, S. Appanah and P.B.Durst (eds.) (2005) Helping Forests Take Cover: On forest protection, increasing forest cover and future approaches to reforesting degraded tropical landscapes in Asia and the Pacific. RAP Publication - 2005/13. Bangkok: FAO.

http://coin.fao.org/cms/media/9/13171069612400/2005_13.pdf

In Search of Excellence: Exemplary Forest Management in Asia and the Pacific

The publication highlights a diversity of management approaches that have proven particularly innovative and successful in meeting challenges. Thus, it reaches out to foresters, policy-makers, planners and anyone interested in the future of forestry in Asia and the Pacific. This publication also marks a significant step forward in FAO's and RECOFTC's efforts to bring its forestry literature closer to general readers who are less familiar with the technical aspects of forest management, but no less concerned about the fate of the region's forests, natural resources and rural people.

Policymakers, implementing agencies, indigenous and local communities

Durst, P., C. Brown, H. Tacio and M. Ishikawa (eds.) (2005) In Search of Excellence: Exemplary Forest Management in Asia and the Pacific. RAP Publication - 2005/02. Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and Regional Community Forestry Training Center for Asia and the Pacific. Bangkok: FAO.

http://coin.fao.org/cms/media/9/13171064338050/2005_02.pdf
Forests/Woodlands>Tropical>Australia
Reforestation in the Tropics and Subtropics of Australia Using Rainforest Tree Species

This peer-reviewed book documents the lessons learned as a result of their experiences. It covers some of the history of rainforest reforestation and planting schemes, and the methods that have been used to propagate and establish rainforest tree species. It also presents growth rates for a wide variety of species planted in different regions, knowledge about the pests and diseases found in rainforest plantations and discusses the management challenges of mixed species stands. As the planting of rainforest trees has occurred in some of the most biodiverse regions of Australia the book also examines some of the ecological consequences of plantation design and the emerging issues facing forest growers who desire production and biodiversity. A portion of the book also evaluates some of the socio-economic issues which arose from reforestation schemes. Finally the book offers future directions for rainforest plantation research and insights into how our Australian experience can be applied more widely throughout the altered rainforest landscapes of the tropical world.

Implementing agencies, practitioners

Erskine, P.D., D. Lamb and M. Bristow (eds.) (2005) Reforestation in the Tropics and Subtropics of Australia Using Rainforest Tree Species. RIRDC Publication No 05/087, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.

https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/downloads/05-087.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Tropical>Brazil
Does Restoration Enhance Regeneration of Seasonal Deciduous Forests in Pastures in Central Brazil?

Our results suggest that early succession of seasonal deciduous forest in pastures in the region studied does not need to be stimulated once the perturbation is stopped and that intensive restoration efforts may actually slow recovery. We recommend only enrichment planting of seedlings that are not able to resprout.

Practitioners

Sampaio,A.B., K.D. Holl and A. Scariot (2007) Does Restoration Enhance Regeneration of Seasonal Deciduous Forests in Pastures in Central Brazil? Restoration Ecology 15(3): 462-471.

http://www.lerf.esalq.usp.br/divulgacao/recomendados/artigos/sampaio2007.pdf

Restoration of Seasonal Semi-Deciduous Forests in Brazil: Influence of Age and Restoration Design on Forest Structure

With the high rates of deforestation in tropical regions, the restoration of degraded lands has become an important way for maintaining the diversity of plant communities and for creating wildlife habitats. Evaluating the success of restored areas is essential for improving restoration designs and for successfully restoring such complex ecosystems. In this study, the development of restoration forests with respect to age (5, 9 and 10 years old) and the restoration models used (proportion of pioneer trees) was assessed along the margins of Companhia Energetica do Estado de Sao Paulo (CESP) reservoirs, located in the region of Pontal do Pananapanema, in Sao Paulo state, southeastern Brazil.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Maluf de Souza, F. and J.L. Ferreira Batista (2004) Restoration of Seasonal Semi-Deciduous Forests in Brazil: Influence of Age and Restoration Design on Forest Structure. Forest Ecology and Management 191: 185-200.

http://www.opensailing.net/download/20100103docs/Art.%204%20Abbadie.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Tropical>Honduras
Tropical Forest Restoration: Tree Islands as Recruitment Foci in Degraded Lands of Honduras

Tropical forest recovery in pastures is slowed by a number of biotic and abiotic factors, including a lack of adequate seed dispersal and harsh microclimatic extremes. Accordingly, methods to accelerate forest recovery must address multiple impediments. Here, we evaluated the ability of “tree islands” to serve as “recruitment foci” in a two-year study at three sites in northern Honduras.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Zahawi, R.A. and C.K. Augspurger (2006) Tropical Forest Restoration: Tree Islands As Recruitment Foci In Degraded Lands Of Honduras. Ecological Applications 16:464–478

http://www.esajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1890/1051-0761%282006%29016%5B0464%3ATFRTIA%5D2.0.CO%3B2?journalCode=ecap

Forests/Woodlands>Tropical>Philippines
Geodatabase Development for Forest Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation in the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, Philippines
A GIS-based database (or geodatabase) was developed for the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, on Luzon Island, Philippines toward the establishment of a management decision support system. The study presents initial results in the development of a geodatabase, as well as the use of geographic information system (GIS) in the planning, design and implementation of programs for forest renewal and biodiversity conservation. GIS use for data encoding is already extensive but its use as a planning and analytical tool is limited, if not altogether lacking. An outline for the establishment of a geodatabase is presented that will allow processing, analysis and modeling and, ultimately, the sustainable development and conservation of the mountain forest reserve, which is a significant watershed area and an important catchment for Laguna de Bay – the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

Implementing agencies

Bantayan, N.C., E. Rodantes, G. Abraham and E.S. Fernando (2008) Geodatabase Development for Forest Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation in the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve, Philippines. The Philippine Agricultural Scientist 91(4): 365-371.
http://journals.uplb.edu.ph/index.php/PAS/article/viewFile/185/183
Forests/Woodlands>Tropical>Dry
Principles of Natural Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forests for Restoration
We reviewed the ecology of regeneration of tropical dry forests as a tool to restore disturbed lands. Dry forests are characterized by a relatively high number of tree species with small, dry, wind-dispersed seeds. Over small scales, wind-dispersed seeds are better able to colonize

degraded areas than vertebrate-dispersed plants. Small seeds and those with low water content are less susceptible to desiccation, which is a major barrier for establishment in open areas. Seeds are available in the soil in the early rainy season to maximize the time to grow.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Vieira, D.L.M and A. Scariot (2006) Principles of Natural Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forests for Restoration. Restoration Ecology 14(1): 11-20.

http://www.globalrestorationnetwork.org/uploads/files/LiteratureAttachments/296_principles-of-natural-regeneration-of-tropical-dry-forests-for-restoration.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Tropical>Dry>Ghana
Enrichment Planting of African Mahoganies in Fire-Degraded Dry Semi-Deciduous Forests in Ghana

Dry forest ecosystems in Ghana are among the most threatened forest types in the country. With the increasing need to rehabilitate degraded dry semi-deciduous forest reserves in Ghana, the use of native species in enrichment planting have been emphasized.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Danquah, J.A., M. Appiah and P. Ari (2011) Enrichment Planting of African Mahoganies in Fire-Degraded Dry Semi-Deciduous Forests in Ghana. European Journal of Scientific Research 52(2): 213-225.

http://www.eurojournals.com/EJSR_52_2_09.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Tropical>Dry>India
Restoring Natural Capital in the Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests of the Western Ghats of India

In an attempt to restore populations of some of the more exploited plant species, and also to preserve the indigenous knowledge and lifestyle, an internationally funded project worked with local indigenous groups between 1996 and 2000 to restore oonjal (Albizia amara), pulivaka (Albizia odoratissima), venga (Pterocarpus marsupium), puli (Tamarindus indica), and neermaruthu (Terminalia arjuna). These five species were selected by forest inhabitants because the plants are heavily exploited, mainly as firewood. With the participation of local indigenous groups, seedlings were planted in three pit types: namely conventional square pits and experimental ring and saucer pits. Seedling survival results showed that the seedlings planted in the non-conventional ring and saucer pits fared better than those planted in conventional square pits. This paper describes the ethnobotanical aspects of the ecosystem and efforts to develop a participatory project to restore the forest’s natural capital, to sustain indigenous knowledge, and to evaluate different pit planting types.

Practitioners, implementing agencies, indigenous and local communities

Jayakumar, R., R.C. Pandalai and K.K.N. Nair (2010) Restoring Natural Capital in the Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests of the Western Ghats of India. Ecological Restoration 28(4): 485-492.

http://er.uwpress.org/content/28/4/485.abstract

Forests/Woodlands>Tropical>Dry>Latin America
Rainfall-Tuned Management Facilitates Dry Forest Recovery

Regeneration of original dry forests and shrublands in degraded arid and semiarid ecosystems can be a slow and difficult process. It has been hypothesized that restoration efforts during periods of increased water availability may potentially trigger shifts back to a high vegetation cover depending on several environmental factors that govern the response of vegetation to rainfall. Tuning restoration efforts to climate variability will likely become increasingly important under climate change conditions. The experiences evaluated here are a pioneering effort to reforest arid South American forests. Our study shows that management tuned to forecasted rainfall events is able to trigger a long-lasting shift toward higher vegetation cover. We provide a better insight in how environmental factors shape vegetation response to increased rainfall and discuss the implications for ecosystem resilience and restoration.

Practitioners, implementing agencies

Sitters, J., M. Holmgren, J.J. Stoorvogel and B.C. Lopez (2012) Rainfall-Tuned Management Facilitates Dry Forest Recovery. Restoration Ecology 20(1): 33-42.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1526-100X.2010.00761.x/full

Manual of Methods: Human, Ecological and Biophysical Dimensions of Tropical Dry Forests
The main purpose of this guidebook is to provide all Tropi-Dry researchers and field assistants with detailed and complete methodological protocols for all the research aspects considered in the IAI-funded project “Human, ecological and biophysical dimensions of Tropical Dry Forests.” The multiple localities covered and the numerous research teams involved in this investigation demand the use of standardized protocols across sites and research teams. By standardizing all methodologies, we will be able to perform valid comparisons of results across localities and propose regional patterns for some of the phenomena studied. We expect this manual to also become a primary reference for dry forest research throughout the tropics, allowing us to replicate our field research well beyond the boundaries of Tropi-Dry’s current study sites.

Practitioners

Nassar, J. M., J. P. Rodríguez, A. Sánchez-Azofeifa, T. Garvin and M. Quesada (eds.) (2008) Manual of Methods: Human, Ecological and Biophysical Dimensions of Tropical Dry Forests. Ediciones IVIC, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela.

http://tropi-dry.eas.ualberta.ca/pdf/Papers/Tropi-Dry_Manual_of_Methods.pdf

Forests/Woodlands>Tropical>Dry>Madagascar
Spontaneous Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forest in Madagascar: The Social–Ecological Dimension

In contrast to other types of forests in Madagascar there are only a few, very small areas formally under protection. Informal institutions, however, play an important role in southern Madagascar in protecting forest ecosystems and maintaining their capacity to generate valuable ecosystem services. Other studies have shown the value of existing institutions and customary authority and values for the success of conservation. Few studies have, however, linked the existence of a social capital related to forest management with spatial analysis of forest dynamics.

Policymakers, implementing agencies, indigenous and local communities

Elmqvist, T., M. Pyykönen and M. Tengö (2010) Spontaneous Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forest in Madagascar: The Social–Ecological Dimension in Nagendra, H. and J. Southworth (eds.) (2010) Reforesting Landscapes: Linking Pattern and Process. Springer Landscape Series, Vol. 10.

http://www1.inecol.edu.mx/repara/download/III_1_ReforestingLandscapesLinkingPatternandProcess_IV.pdf