The focus of this global Standard is assessment of the performance of ecosystem restoration at the field level, in tropical, temperate and boreal biomes.
The Standard provides a structured approach and detailed checklist for verification of field performance in implementing ecosystem restoration. The approach blends technical, environmental, social and economic attributes.
Ecosystem restoration may include use of techniques such as management of natural forest succession, agroforestry, tree planting through reforestation, or rewilding. Priority is placed on use of native species, but also allowing the use of alien species where such species provide “nursing” or similar qualities, leading towards the re-establishment of natural forest cover or ecosystem function. Depending on the site, restoration may include a focus not only on forest or trees, but other constituent elements of the target natural ecosystem, e.g. wetlands, riparian zones, etc.
This standard was designed to audit performance at any scale (small to large) and any time point in an ongoing restoration process or project (i.e. implementation of restoration interventions has started). The version 1.0 has undergone public consultation in 2020 along with initial round of pilot testings. In 2021, version 2.0 was developed and underwent a round of public consultation which led to the release of version 3.1.
For a clearer idea of the changes implemented in the latest version, click the links below:
- Ecosystem Restoration Standard version 2.0 – Public consultation summary
- Ecosystem Restoration Standard version 2.0 – Public consultation compiled feedback
The AlVelAl project in Spain is the first restoration effort verified against this Ecosystem Restoration Standard. Click here to view the complete list of sites that have been verified against the Standard.
