Dead planet, living planet

RECOMMENDATIONS

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Prioritize to protect biodiversity and ecosystem ser- vice hotspots, even when partially degraded, to halt further degradation and allow for restoration plan- ning to commence. Conservation, within the context of spatial planning, provides by far the most cost efficient way to secure ecosystem services. This is particularly criti- cal for areas with high degree of land pressures and de- velopment. Ensure that investments in restoration are combined with long-term ecosystem management in both re- stored and in surrounding areas to ensure gradual re- covery. Overseas Development Agencies, International finance agencies and other funders including regional development banks and bilateral agencies should fac- tor ecosystem restoration into development support; job generation and poverty alleviation funding. Infrastructure projects that damage an ecosystem should set aside funds to restore a similar degraded ecosystem elsewhere in a country or community. Pay- ments for Ecosystem Services should include a propor- tion of the payment for the restoration and rehabilitation of damaged and degraded ecosystems. One percent of GDP should be considered a target for investments in conservation and restoration. Apply a multidisciplinary approach across stake- holders in order to make restoration investments successful. Wise investments reduce future costs and future public expenses, but it is imperative that the driving forces and pressures behind the initial degra- dation are addressed in order to secure progressive re- covery and that local stakeholders become involved and benefit from the restoration process. Ensure that restoration projects take into account the changing world: Ecosystem restoration should be implemented in consideration of scenarios for change in

in all aspects of the project. Restoration should not follow a monolithic, top-down plan that treats all projects the same and should encourage public and stakeholder participation when- ever possible. This is absolutely crucial for success. Implementation plans describe the tasks that will be per- formed to realize project objectives. These tasks collectively comprise the project design that includes all activities, treat- ments, and manipulations to be executed, including decisions to avoid intervention. Performance standards and monitoring protocols are typically part of the project design that allow for projects to be evaluated and subjected to adaptive manage- ment practices. Project implementation is the phase in which tasks are ex- ecuted according to the project design. Project boundaries are demarcated and monitoring equipment is setup. Site mainte- nance and protection are also important during the implemen- tation phase. Adaptive management as a restoration strategy is highly recommended, if not essential,because what happens in one phase of project work can alter what was planned for the next phase. This applies to social, cultural and economic outcomes as well. Evaluation and publicity are also critical components of a suc- cessful restoration project. Thorough assessments are periodi- cally necessary to ensure the on-going fulfillment of project objectives and goals. However, monitoring, adaptive manage- ment practices and site maintenance must be ongoing. The project is publicized for public outreach as well as academic and professional feedback.

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