OVERVIEW

Restoration Ecology is the academic study of the process in support of the practice of ecological restoration, that is the restoration of damaged or destroyed ecosystems, through interventions and active actions. This is a particularly hot topic because the decade for the restoration of ecosystems begins this year.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The subject aims to make the student acquire the basic knowledge inherent to the regulatory framework for ecological conservation, the principles for assessing the conditions of degradation and the practices implemented to restore proper ecosystem functioning.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide a picture of the global effort for the recovery and restoration of species and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Particular attention will be paid to learning to identify the causes that led to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. Students will learn to evaluate if and ihow it is feasible to undertake ecological restoration actions. Finally, students will be instructed on how to monitor ecological restoration actions to evaluate their effectiveness and replicability.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific prerequisites, but basic knowledge of ecology is recommended to effectively address the teaching content.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lectures and invited seminars.

Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The teaching program includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:

Introduction to Restoration Ecology

Definition and historical notes

Regulatory framework

From conservation to restoration

Why restore?

The example of coastal marine ecosystems

The ecological restoration process

Standards of Practices by SER

Underpinning Assumptions by SER

Theoretical foundations

Landscape ecology

Ecosystem functions and services

Disturb

Succession

Fragmentation and homogenization

Resistance and Resilience

Metapopulations and metacommunity

Ecosystem functions and services

Ecological restoration and invasive species

Invasive alien species (IAS): who are they?

Routes of invasion

What determines the success of the invasion

Impact of invasive species

Regulatory framework

Active vs preventive management of invasive species

Restoration as an active management tool

Novel ecosystems

The principles and challenges of ecological restoration

Planning, implementation and monitoring of ecological restoration actions

Ecological conservation and restoration in the context of climate change

Climate change

The role of man

Effects on ecosystems

The role of Restoration Ecology

Restoration challenges in a changing world

New paradigms for Restoration Ecology

Marine restoration cases

Marine algal forests
Coral restoration
Seagrass meadows

Restoration in the terrestrial environment

Planning

Aquatic systems (focus on lakes)

Salt marshes and mangroves

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Available (downloadable from Aulaweb or from the teacher). Power Point of lessons and scientific articles.

Some recommended texts:

Jelte van Andel & James Aronson (eds.), Restoration Ecology: The New Frontier, 2nd Edition, Wiley Blackwel

Andre F. Clewell & James Aronson, Ecological Restoration: Principles, Values, and Structure of an Emerging Profession, Society for Ecological Restoration

Margaret A. Palmer, Joy B. Zedler & Donald A. Falk (eds.), Foundations of Restoration Ecology, Society for Ecological Restoration

Karen D. Holl, Primer of Ecological Restoration, Island Pr

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The start of the lessons will be agreed with the teachers, who will organize a meeting with the students interested in the subject.

Class schedule

RESTORATION ECOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test concerning the topics covered in the course. The exam is passed if the student has obtained a grade greater than or equal to 18/30.

Five appeals will be available in the summer session (June, July, September) and 2 calls in the winter session (January-February).

The exam will begin with the presentation of a case study (among those proposed in class or chosen by the student) and will continue with some questions relating to the topics covered in class.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of detail required for each topic will be provided during the lessons.

The exam will verify the actual acquisition of knowledge, which the student will have to be able to connect and integrate. The ability to synthesize and recognize the main aspects of the topic will be evaluated and the ability to expose the arguments clearly and with correct terminology will also be considered.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Frequency is recommended.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department's disability liaison.