What does ecological restoration involve?

Ecological restoration focuses specifically on the recovery of ecosystems that have faced degradation, damage, or destruction. This process aims to return the affected ecosystem to its original structure, composition, and functioning, facilitating the natural healing processes and fostering biodiversity. It often involves various techniques and strategies that help enhance the resilience of an ecosystem and restore its natural functions, which can include rehabilitating habitats, reintroducing native species, and removing invasive species that may hinder recovery.

Building new ecosystems from scratch, while it may occur in certain scenarios, does not capture the essence of ecological restoration, which is primarily concerned with repairing existing ecosystems. Transferring species from one habitat to another can be part of conservation efforts but does not directly relate to restoring a damaged ecosystem. Enforcing stricter regulations on pollution is crucial for preventing further damage but is more of a preventative measure than an aspect of ecological restoration itself. Thus, the emphasis on assisting recovery highlights the primary goal of ecological restoration.