Involving society in restoration and conservation

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that ecosystems often cannot be considered as separated from social systems, but that they should rather be seen as interacting, cross-scaled, coupled systems operating on multiple temporal and spatial scales. Humans have an increasing impact on ecosystems worldwide, while at the same time ecosystems are of critical importance for the functioning of human systems through ecosystems services. Often the term "social ecological systems" is used in approaches that consider ecological and social systems as integrated systems. This paper aims to contribute to clarification of the different relationships between social and ecological systems. The focus is on the social side of ecological restoration and conservation, in particular on participation, indigenous knowledge, governance, and ethics. It is concluded that in restoration and conservation of social ecological systems more attention should be paid to the role of social systems and conditions on which ecosystems depend. It implies awareness of the importance of engaging stakeholders and fostering public debate and deliberation.

Defining ecological restoration of peatlands in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

“…Many have argued over the years for the need to see restoration in much larger, expanded socio‐economic contexts and redefine ecological restoration by including human and social dimensions (Higgs ; Hull & Gobster ; Clewell & Aronson ; Temperton ; Gosnell & Kelly ; Kim & Hjerpe ; Hallett et al ; Shackelford et al ; Higgs et al ; Suding et al ; Martin ; Swart et al ). However, empirical assessments are lacking for how the definition is operationalized and linked to goal setting in on‐the‐ground restoration (Hallett et al ).…”

“…However, empirical assessments are lacking for how the definition is operationalized and linked to goal setting in on‐the‐ground restoration (Hallett et al ). An ecosystem is comprised of “interacting, cross‐scaled, coupled systems” (Swart et al ) with increasing human impacts and pressures (Temperton ; Wiens & Hobbs ; Swart et al ). Thus, ecological restoration should be redefined as social‐ecological restoration with broader views accommodating: (1) the cultural and social aspects reflecting interests and concerns of a diverse population; (2) the objective to generate a healthier relationship between people and the ecosystem; (3) emphasis on the relationships among science, human, and nature (Higgs ; Temperton ; Gosnell & Kelly ; Martin ).…”

Planning mine restoration through ecosystem services to enhance community engagement and deliver social benefits

“…social‐ecological systems) in environmental planning and management has been increasingly recognized in different applications, including ecological restoration, as a way to assess the social benefits that biodiversity affords to communities (i.e. ecosystem services) (Rosa & Sánchez ; Fernández‐Manjarrés et al ; Martin & Lyons ; Swart et al ). In the mining industry, engaging with stakeholders when planning for postmining land use has become standard recommended practice as a key action to mitigate impacts on local communities (ICMM , ) and to ensure the success of restoration itself (Metcalf et al ; Swart et al ).…”

“…ecosystem services) (Rosa & Sánchez ; Fernández‐Manjarrés et al ; Martin & Lyons ; Swart et al ). In the mining industry, engaging with stakeholders when planning for postmining land use has become standard recommended practice as a key action to mitigate impacts on local communities (ICMM , ) and to ensure the success of restoration itself (Metcalf et al ; Swart et al ). Although mining directly affects relatively small areas on a world scale (Hooke et al ), it often impacts areas with high biodiversity (Tibbet ) and their associated ecosystem services.…”

Restoration Ecology at 25 years: the editors reflect on how we got here

“…Edie and Sheila expanded the editorial board, inviting more international editors and individuals who have published or specialized in the human dimensions of restoration, such as Eric Higgs and Jacques Swart. These topics continue to be popular with Restoration Ecology readers (Swart et al ) and became highly cited articles that increased the Science Citation Index, an important criterion for publishers as they make decisions about journal support. By the time Edie stepped down in 2004 after 5 years, the journal was on a continuous growth trajectory, and available in online format starting in 2000.…”