active restoration

Ecological restoration is the process of repairing degraded or destroyed natural sites, focusing on reestablishing their biological communities and ecosystems. Humans have significantly impacted natural environments through activities like agriculture, mining, and the introduction of invasive species, leading to the degradation of plant and animal populations, water, and soil.1

Restoration efforts utilize ecological concepts to guide the repair process. This can involve passive restoration, where the source of disturbance is removed, allowing nature to recover on its own, or active restoration, which involves direct intervention to accelerate recovery. Active restoration may include soil rehabilitation, land stabilization, and the reintroduction of native plant and animal species. The goal is to return ecosystems to a previous state or a condition similar to one unaltered by human activity. This is distinct from conservation, which aims to prevent further damage.1