Evidence‐based restoration in the Anthropocene—from acting with purpose to acting for impact |
| |
Authors: | Steven J Cooke Andrew M Rous Lisa A Donaldson Jessica J Taylor Trina Rytwinski Kent A Prior Karen E Smokorowski Joseph R Bennett |
| |
Institution: | 1. Canadian Centre for Evidence‐Based Conservation and Environmental Management, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada;2. Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada;3. Ecosystem Restoration, Parks Canada Agency, Gatineau, QC, Canada;4. Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada;5. Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada |
| |
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. |
| |
Keywords: | restoration ecology systematic review evidence synthesis CEE |
|
|