Ecological restoration
The loss of biodiversity in New Zealand has progressed to the point that protection of natural areas is no longer an adequate response. To halt or reverse the decline in biodiversity we need to actively restore areas so they regain their former ecological trajectories, and to provide effective habitats for valued species. As well, society is increasingly no longer accepting the destruction or modification of natural ecosystems for development of infrastructure or the demands of industry without equivalent mitigation. In all these cases, there is a demand for knowledge on how to actively intervene in existing natural ecosystems or design and initiate new ecosystems to achieve biodiversity goals. Our researchers are investigating issues in ecological restoration from the setting of appropriate goals to techniques for realising those goals. We are seeking new understanding of the best strategies and tactics to be used in restoration. This includes knowledge on identifying and removing degrading processes, ensuring the physical environment is suitable for the ecosystem of choice, revegetation, and reintroduction of desirable fauna. In addition, we are working directly with a number of restoration projects to actively understand the needs of restoration practitioners as they identify them.
Research
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Ecological restoration
Assisting the recovery of damaged, degraded or destroyed ecosystems by undertaking research into setting appropriate restoration goals, identifying and removing degrading processes, and manipulating ecosystem composition and structure (including techniques for revegetation and reintroduction of missing fauna). -
Maintaining and restoring wetlands project
Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems on earth as they control water quality and quantity, regulate global carbon levels, provide habitat for flora and fauna uniquely adapted to the wet conditions, and have significant cultural and recreational values. -
Maintaining threatened rare ecosystems
Biodiversity is often concentrated in ecosystems that are naturally rare. Such ecosystems may contribute to biodiversity by having very high fine–scale native species richness and high endemism and collectively contain half of the nationally threatened plant species. -
Restoring dryland biodiversity through woody dominance
Dryland environments contain some of the most transformed, least protected and most threatened native ecosystems and species in New Zealand. A significant proportion (>70%) of indigenous habitat has been lost. -
Restoring exploitatively logged forests
Our research will develop an understanding of how forests managed for timber production can at the same time provide cultural and environmental benefits to Māori owners. -
Supporting collaborative approaches
Ways to nurture and support collaborative initiatives by groups or teams. The role of groups and teams as a catalyst for change in environmental management is becoming well accepted. Groups may be formally constituted and ongoing (e.g. a landcare group, or agency team for resource use efficiency), or they may involve multi–stakeholder processes to tackle more common–good challenges.