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On principles and standards in ecological restoration |
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| Authors: | Eric Higgs Jim Harris Stephen Murphy Keith Bowers Richard Hobbs Willis Jenkins Jeremy Kidwell Nikita Lopoukhine Bethany Sollereder Katherine Suding Allen Thompson Steven Whisenant |
| Institution: | 1. School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8P 5C2;2. Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9700 CC, The Netherlands;3. Cranfield Institute for Resilient Futures, Cranfield University, Cranfield Mk43 OAL, U.K.;4. School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada;5. Biohabitats, Inc., Charleston, SC 27613, U.S.A.;6. School of Biological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia;7. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904–4126, U.S.A.;8. Department of Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K.;9. , Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 0C4, Canada;10. Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford, Oxford 0X2 6GG, U.K.;11. Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder CO 80309–0334, U.S.A.;12. School of History, Philosophy and Religion, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, U.S.A.;13. Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843–2138, U.S.A. |
| Abstract: | The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) has long debated how to define best practices. We argue that a principles‐first approach offers more flexibility for restoration practitioners than a standards‐based approach, is consistent with the developmental stage of restoration, and functions more effectively at a global level. However, the solution is not as simple as arguing that one approach to professional practice is sufficient. Principles and standards can and do operate effectively together, but only if they are coordinated in a transparent and systematic way. Effective professional guidance results when standards anchored by principles function in a way that is contextual and evolving. Without that clear relation to principles, the tendency to promote performance standards may lead to a narrowing of restoration practice and reduction in the potential to resolve very difficult and diverse ecological and environmental challenges. We offer recommendations on how the evolving project of restoration policy by SER and other agencies and organizations can remain open and flexible. |
| Keywords: | codes of ethics principles professional practice scope of restoration standards |