g., Ritchie and Krauss, 2012 and Cruz Neto et al., 2014) would selleck chemicals permit testing and comparison of the performance of different restoration methods for different species combinations and site contexts. Lastly, while there is an urgent need for better ways to synthesize and distribute knowledge from successful projects for the definition of best practices in ecosystem restoration, it is also important that failures in restoration are reported more systematically to help improve future practice (Godefroid et al., 2011). Success in restoring forest ecosystems using native species – as healthy living systems, capable of adaptation and evolution – requires attention to seed selection and sourcing, creating connectivity across
landscapes, and building in adaptability for changing climates. Development of measures of successful restoration should include effective indicators of provenance-site matching and genetic diversity. If genetic diversity is not taken mTOR inhibitor into consideration, restored ecosystems are not likely to be self-sustaining as species will have limited ability to adapt to environmental changes and inbreeding which reduces fecundity
may become a problem. Embedding genetic considerations into ecosystem restoration protocols will greatly improve the likelihood that the restored forest ecosystems are able to thrive and continue to provide services in the future, especially under progressive climate change. In the following we present a number of recommendations to help fill the main remaining gaps in research, practice and policy that currently hamper the use of native species, as well as the success of restoration projects. 1. Strive to establish a stronger link between restoration research and restoration practice. Restoration projects themselves have great potential to generate scientific knowledge, for example, through systematic incorporation of an experimental component (Breed et al., 2013). This may lead to increased collaboration, a reciprocal interchange of information between scientists and practitioners, and hence more practical formulation of research findings that leads to better uptake. 1. Strive to increase the variety of native tree species used
in restoration activities, and support the establishment of associated species relevant of to the re-creation of ecosystem functionality, such as pollinators and seed dispersers. 1. Put in place supportive regulatory frameworks that create demand for good quality FRM of native tree species. Such frameworks should explicitly address the importance of adequate selection of germplasm in ecosystem restoration. For example, mechanisms for the implementation of seed zones for sourcing FRM could be significant for more consistent use of appropriate germplasm in restoration projects (Azpilicueta et al., 2013, Krauss et al., 2013, Sáenz-Romero et al., 2006 and Hamann et al., 2011). We wish to thank the anonymous reviewers for their precise feedback and constructive comments.
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