How can biodiversity be integrated into landscape restoration projects?

Die großen Katastrophen in der Erdgeschichte haben fast immer zum (fast) vollkommenen Aussterben der Flora und Fauna geführt. Die Natur brauchte danach Millionen von Jahren der Evolution, um neue Arten zu entwickeln und diese perfekt an die herrschenden Bedingungen anzupassen. Die Menschheit sorgt innerhalb eines Wimpernschlages, auf die gesamte Erdgeschichte gesehen, für unumkehrbares Artensterben, Klimawandel, die Ausbeutung von über Jahrmillionen gewachsene Ressourcen. Die Erhaltung der Biodiversität ist darum eine der wichtigsten Aufgaben für uns alle, denn komplexe, über Jahrmillionen gewachsene Ökosysteme kommen niemals mehr ins Gleichgewicht – wenn wir nicht lernen mit Ehrfurcht und Klugheit zu navigieren.

Biodiversity, could be improved, including different types of terrain (rugged, flat, sandy,...), making the adequate mix of groundcover plantation, bushes and low level plants, medium and high level trees, water sources accessible to life at ravines and ponds, rocky areas. Permeable areas to increase ground infiltration. Small lakes and ponds with water vegetation. Imitate the wild areas in your climate region and local ecosystems, as weather, annual precipitation, main winds and all climate related componentes are a key.

biodiversity is a source of wonder and beauty and a key component of ecosystem services such as pollination water purification soil formation climate regulation and food production By restoring biodiversity the projects quality and quantity can be improved and the needs of the local communities and stake holders can be addressed

The important aspect of this transition is to get as many homeowners as possible giving up a portion of their lawn to native habitat. Ideally, this is combined with raingardens to capture stormwater runoff from roofs or pavement. Dedicating a small area to native vegetation can go a long way toward helping endangered pollinators, migrating birds, and improving soil biology.

Garantizando un adecuado suministro de agua y cuidando la regeneración del suelo, no aportando más químicos... Si el suelo recibe la suficiente materia orgánica descompuesta, se regenerarán las familias microbianas mejor adaptadas a ese entorno y clima. Con ello el mundo vegetal creará el Biohábitat más adecuado para atraer a la fauna que complete el círculo de BIODIVERSIDAD

It is very essential to see why we are restoring a landscape zone. One must know that which green life was available and which was implemented and yet not survived. We must know the biodiversity of that area so that we must know what measures should be taken before designing and restoring.

Gather essential data on existing species, habitats, and ecosystem functions in the target area. Analyze factors causing biodiversity degradation to address root causes. Involve local communities, considering their knowledge and values in the assessment. Map out opportunities and constraints for effective biodiversity conservation and restoration. Establish clear project goals and relevant indicators based on assessment findings. Formulate strategies aligned with biodiversity conservation and sustainable restoration. Create a robust framework to monitor progress, assess impacts, and adapt strategies accordingly.

Eine qualitative Veränderung von Biodiversität im Kontext Landschaft und Natur ist vor allem möglich, wenn die bereits vorhandenen Daten und Informationen gezielt genutzt und in passenden Strukturen (Datenbanken etc.) allen Beteiligten zur Verfügung stehen. Je mehr Informationen vorliegen (und nutzbar/qualititativ hochwertig sind), desto besser wird das Konzept und dessen Umsetzung sein.

How you introduce biodiversity in a landscape will be largely dependent on where it's located. One of the best ways for ensuring you are encouraging the most appropriate biodiversity is to study untouched areas in the same ecological zone. This will not only reveal the right plant species to select but also provide insights into the key indicator species to measure once restoration is undertaken.

In my experience, the design of interventions for biodiversity requires understanding the local environment and resources. The data collection becomes crucial and plan interventions for biodiversity development. FGDs with key stakeholders are very critical. Nature based solutions are more suitable for the biodiversity enhancement, however this is not fast process, it’s requires more than 2-3 year time for further development.

Local knowledge is very important in Designing for Biodiversity. Another important element, often disregarded, are local culture or endemic practices in the area that are linked to beliefs in nature. Often than not, locals know much more of the local natural conditions, weather patterns and climate patterns.

Any design must include consideration of the non-human disturbance elements that would have contributed to the development of a healthy ecosystem, and how to restore them. Those disturbance events must either be reintroduced or mimicked in a way that re-establishes historic regimes so that the natural processes of habitat development can proceed.

Apply principles like systems thinking, participatory design, biomimicry, and circular design. Understand the complex interrelationships within the landscape, addressing root causes of degradation. Involve local communities and stakeholders, considering their needs, preferences, and values. Learn from nature, adopting its patterns, processes, and strategies for locally adapted solutions. Minimize external inputs, maximize reuse, and promote recycling for sustainable resource use.

Plant native species to restore original vegetation cover and structure. Develop habitats and corridors to support and enhance wildlife diversity. Control or eradicate invasive species to mitigate negative impacts on native biodiversity. Improve soil and water quality through practices like composting, mulching, terracing, and rainwater harvesting. Promote agroecology by integrating crops, livestock, and trees, employing organic and diversified farming for increased productivity, diversity, and resilience.

Facilitate the procreation of different and selected species, vegetables, or faunistic. Facilitar la procreación de diferentes y seleccionadas especies, vegetales o faunísticas.

Focus on ecological processes, not just planting trees While planting trees is important, successful restoration should aim to re-establish the natural processes that support diverse life forms. This includes considering factors like water flow, nutrient cycling, fire regimes, and herbivory interactions.

Sustaining biodiversity in landscape restoration involves more than just the initial implementation. It requires long-term maintenance, adaptation, and resources. Key strategies include securing diverse funding sources, developing capacities in technical, managerial, and social skills, and strengthening governance through enhanced institutional and legal frameworks. These frameworks should support participation, coordination, and the rights of land users, ensuring a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation.

Secure funding by diversifying sources and exploring mechanisms to value and reward ecosystem services. Build technical, managerial, and social skills to plan, execute, and adapt interventions effectively. Strengthen institutional and legal frameworks, fostering participation, coordination, collaboration, and protection of land users’ rights.

Die Artenvielfalt kann nur erhalten werden, wenn wir beginnen, den Status Quo mindestens als die Basis unseres Handelns zu verstehen. Ein Landschaftsrenaturierungsprojekt muss aber ebenfalls die Gegebenheiten vor einer menschengemachten Ressourcenausbeutung berücksichtigen. Abwägen, wie Zukunft und Vergangenheit die Varianz der Arten vor Ort bestimmten und bestimmen werden ist dabei ein wichtiger Punkt. Ein weiterer ist die notwendige Fortführung von baulichen und räumlich strukturierenden Maßnahmen auf den Landschaftsflächen, ein dritter Aspekt das Abwägen von Anforderungen an die neue Landschaft und die gezielte Ansiedlung von neuen Arten – und der Faktor Zeit als heilendes Element.

The primary benefit of biodiversity is the opportunity to create or enhance bio-corridors. If your project can be linked or can provide a stopping point it could be of significant value to the restoration or preservation of an ecosystem. Might birds or bugs or both get value from an indigenous planting? I now plant native species in my garden to provide an enhanced natural habitat.

La inestabilidad climática y la pérdida de biodiversidad nos impulsan a repensar los jardines y los paisajes. El paisajismo sostenible se ha convertido en una herramienta poderosa para diseñar entornos al aire libre que no sólo capten las miradas sino también beneficiosos para la vida moderna, optimicen el uso de recursos y conserven energía.