Ecosystem restoration in India during the United Nations decade on ecosystem restoration: the way forward

Abstract

This article introduces the special section on “Ecosystem Restoration in India: Status Quo and the Way Forward to Achieve Land Degradation Neutrality” and provides an overview of the four papers that constitute this section.

Implication of abandoned post‐quarry sites on avifauna composition for strategic landscape restoration in Ndarugu, Kiambu, Kenya

“…Such observations have been linked to the unique patchy soil surfaces of quarried sites being colonized by higher number of threatened plants such as stress‐tolerant plants, which often provide refuge for endangered herbivores such as in the arthropod taxa. Naturally regenerating post quarry sites have an intrinsic conservation value and can contribute substantially to local biodiversity ( G astauer et al, 2018; Prach et al, 2011) and promote progress towards achievement of land degradation neutrality (Singh et al, 2022). The ability of newly recovering post‐disturbance sites to be occupied by active colonizers, is an affirmation of their suitability of resources within (Broring & Wiegleb, 2005; Kirmer et al, 2008) and the new acquired naturalness status.…”

Land degradation and development in India: Status quo, challenges and opportunities

“…India, which makes up 2.4% of global land area, provides diverse ecosystem services needed for the well‐being of 17% of the world's human population and other biota. A large proportion of this land (~30%) is reported to have undergone extensive land degradation (GOI, 2016; Singh, Abhilash, et al, 2022; Singh, Byun, & Bux, 2022; Singh & Tewari, 2022). The major drivers of this land degradation in India are unsustainable agricultural intensification and expansion, deforestation, urban expansion, mining, industrialization, extreme climate events (drought, floods, landslides, etc.…”