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Challenges during the execution, results, and monitoring phases of ecological restoration: Learning from a country-wide assessment

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  • Moisés Méndez-Toribio
  • Cristina Martínez-Garza
  • Eliane Ceccon

Abstract

Outcomes from restoration projects are often difficult for policymakers and stakeholders to assess, but this information is fundamental for scaling up ecological restoration actions. We evaluated technical aspects of the interventions, results (ecological and socio-economic) and monitoring practices in 75 restoration projects in Mexico using a digital survey composed of 137 questions. We found that restoration projects in terrestrial ecosystems generally relied on actions included in minimal (97%) and maximal (86%) intervention, while in wetlands, the preferred restoration strategies were intermediate (75%) and minimal intervention (63%). Only a third of the projects (38%) relied on collective learning as a source of knowledge to generate techniques (traditional management). In most of the projects (73%), multiple criteria (>2) were considered when selecting plant species for plantings; the most frequently used criterion was that plant species were found within the restoration area, native or naturalized (i.e., a circa situm criterion; 88%). In 48% of the projects, the biological material required for restoration (e.g., seeds and seedlings) were gathered or propagated by project implementers rather than purchased commercially. Only a few projects (between 33 and 34%) reached a high level of biodiversity recovery (>75%). Most of the projects (between 69 to71%) recovered less than 50% of the ecological services. Most of the projects (82%) led to improved individual relationships. The analysis revealed a need to implement strategies that are cost-effective, the application of traditional ecological knowledge and the inclusion of indigenous people and local communities in restoration programs at all stages—from planning to implementation, through monitoring. We also identified the need to expand research to develop effective tools to assess ecosystems’ regeneration potential and develop theoretical frameworks to move beyond short-term markers to set and achieve medium- and long-term goals. Cautious and comprehensive planning of national strategies must consider the abovementioned identified gaps.

Suggested Citation

  • Moisés Méndez-Toribio & Cristina Martínez-Garza & Eliane Ceccon, 2021. "Challenges during the execution, results, and monitoring phases of ecological restoration: Learning from a country-wide assessment," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(4), pages 1-21, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0249573
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249573
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Moreno-Mateos & Mary E Power & Francisco A Comín & Roxana Yockteng, 2012. "Structural and Functional Loss in Restored Wetland Ecosystems," PLOS Biology, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, January.
    2. David Moreno Mateos & Mary E Power & Francisco A Comín & Roxana Yockteng, 2012. "Structural and Functional Loss in Restored Wetland Ecosystems," Working Papers id:4755, eSocialSciences.
    3. Michael K McCall & Noah Chutz & Margaret Skutsch, 2016. "Moving from Measuring, Reporting, Verification (MRV) of Forest Carbon to Community Mapping, Measuring, Monitoring (MMM): Perspectives from Mexico," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(6), pages 1-22, June.
    4. Wunder, Sven & Engel, Stefanie & Pagiola, Stefano, 2008. "Taking stock: A comparative analysis of payments for environmental services programs in developed and developing countries," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 65(4), pages 834-852, May.
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    1. Bong Soon Lim & Jaewon Seol & A Reum Kim & Ji Hong An & Chi Hong Lim & Chang Seok Lee, 2022. "Succession of the Abandoned Rice Fields Restores the Riparian Forest," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-23, August.
    2. Castro, Arianne Flexa de & Assis, Igor Rodrigues de & Caldeira, Cecílio Frois & Ramos, Silvio Junio & Coelho, Renan Rodrigues & Oliveira, Guilherme Corrêa de & Medeiros-Sarmento, Priscila Sanjuan & Ga, 2023. "Minimum thresholds of key ecological attributes facilitate the tracking of mineland restoration," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    3. Cristina Martínez-Garza & Eliane Ceccon & Moisés Méndez-Toribio, 2022. "Ecological and Social Limitations for Mexican Dry Forest Restoration: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-21, March.
    4. Mystyn Mills & Loralee Larios & Janet Franklin, 2023. "Enhancing the Long-Term Ecological Management and Monitoring of Landscapes: The L-TEAM Framework," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-17, October.

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