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2) Recognize the value of eco-engineering design.
Invest-
ing in design work is sometimes seen as an unnecessary ex-
pense. However, an appropriate level of eco-engineering design
can save construction costs, reduce the need for adaptive man-
agement or post-project remediation, and greatly improve the
ecological value of the restored habitat. Given that land acquisi-
tion costs are often the largest financial burden to a restoration
project, there is a positive benefit/cost ratio to restoring higher
quality habitat per unit area of land,
3) Maximize geomorphic and ecological benefits.
Restor-
ing the physical integrity of the habitat offers the best opportu-
nity for restoring ecological integrity. One key to effective resto-
ration is preparing the site appropriately to encourage a natural
evolution. Effective restoration allows for natural response to
infrequent, dynamic disturbance events. Consideration of eco-
logical functioning under atypical environmental conditions
will increase restoration resilience.
4) Restore the landscape.
Place restoration projects to maxi-
mize ecosystem mosaics and connectivity across a landscape,
and with size of project economies of scale result. Restoring
wetlands through an estuary and catchment can help maintain
staging areas for migratory fish and birds, as well as support
wider ecology, particularly in systems were this connectivity
has been degraded or lost. Apparent redundancy of habitat ele-
ments is an important aspect of natural landscapes; during in-
frequent disturbance events, such as floods or fires, these less
obvious habitat features may offer critical refugia. Restoration
projects should be phases across a landscape and over time to
maximize benefits of interim habitat as part of a landscape mo-
saic. In coastal areas space is a scarce and critical resource.
On river floodplains removing levees and restoring wetlands
reduces flood levels system wide leading to ecological benefits
and reduced flood risk to local communities.
5) Involve the community.
Community awareness, educa-
tion and support greatly enhances the level of funding and
political backing for habitat restoration activities. Community
outreach, education and involvement are important of many
successful restoration activities. Simple measures such as in-
volvement with planting projects or stream clearance can help
build awareness. In California, grassroots organizations such
as “Save the Bay” have been particularly effective in educat-
ing local populations and keeping environmental restoration
in the spotlight. Currently more than 70% of the Bay Area
population not only support local wetlands restoration but are
willing to pay additional taxes towards the process. Increasing
level of public outreach may, over time, lead to shifts in public
perception of restoration to one of a social gain rather than
loss, and so lead to political support for widespread restora-
tion. This is also crucial for addressing the initial pressures
leading to degradation in the first place, such as pollution or
unsustainable harvest.
6) Be patient and monitor.
Ecosystem restoration takes time
to progress along evolutionary trajectories and to re-establish
complexity in form and function. However, delaying to restore
a landscape can increase level of effort or result in restoration
of former habitats being unachievable.
7) Avoid transplantation of non-indigenous species and
diseases/pests
– and pay particular attention to the risk of
exotic species invasions, unintended transfer of diseases and
pests, even when translocating apparently similar or identi-
cal species.