Evidence‐based restoration in the Anthropocene—from acting with purpose to acting for impact

Abstract

The recognition that we are in the distinct new epoch of the Anthropocene suggests the necessity for ecological restoration to play a substantial role in repairing the Earth's damaged ecosystems. Moreover, the precious yet limited resources devoted to restoration need to be used wisely. To do so, we call for the ecological restoration community to embrace the concept of evidence-based restoration. Evidence-based restoration involves the use of rigorous, repeatable, and transparent methods (i.e. systematic reviews) to identify and amass relevant knowledge sources, critically evaluate the science, and synthesize the credible science to yield robust policy and/or management advice needed to restore the Earth's ecosystems. There are now several examples of restoration-relevant systematic reviews that have identified instances where restoration is entirely ineffective. Systematic reviews also serve as a tool to identify the knowledge gaps and the type of science needed (e.g. repeatable, appropriate replication, use of controls) to improve the evidence base. The restoration community, including both scientists and practitioners, needs to make evidence-based restoration a reality so that we can move from best intentions and acting with so-called "purpose" to acting for meaningful impact. Doing so has the potential to serve as a rallying point for reframing the Anthropocene as a so-called "good" epoch.

We have a long way to go if we want to realize the promise of the “Decade on Ecosystem Restoration”

“…On March 1st, 2019, the United Nations designated the period of 2021-2030 as the "Decade on Ecosystem Restoration" (UNEA, 2019; see MARN, 2019 for context). This is laudable; yet, it is also naïve because it implies that restoration practitioners actually have the evidence to guide them (Cooke et al, 2018). Despite many calls for restoration efforts to clearly state objectives and implement rigorous monitoring programs, this rarely occurs (Block, Franklin, Ward Jr, Ganey, & White, 2001;Suding, 2011).…”

Salmonid Conservation in an Invaded Lake: Changing Outcomes of Predator Removal with Introduction of Nonnative Prey

“…This systematic approach is a solid foundation for evidence‐based ecological restoration with maximum impact (Cooke et al. ). The annual number of Northern Pike removed from Irish lakes has varied strongly over the years, and effort has not been explicitly informed by fish survey CPUE.…”

Rocketing restoration: enabling the upscaling of ecological restoration in the Anthropocene

“…Ripple et al ). Clearly, ecological restoration is going to need to continue to happen, and degradation will have to be reversed, to safeguard a good quality of life (Cooke et al ; Díaz et al ). What though, could (or should) be the vision for this ecological restoration in the Anthropocene?…”