OVERVIEW

Restoration ecology is the academic study of the process that supports the practice of ecological restoration, or the restoration of damaged or destroyed ecosystems through active interventions and actions. This is a particularly timely topic because this year marks the beginning of the Decade for Ecosystem Restoration.

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 module aims to provide an overview of the global effort to recover and restore terrestrial and aquatic species and ecosystems. Particular attention will be paid to learning to identify the causes that have led to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services. Students will learn to evaluate whether and how ecological restoration actions may be feasible. Finally, students will be instructed on how to monitor environmental restoration actions to assess their effectiveness and replicability.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific prerequisites; however, to effectively address the course content, a basic knowledge of ecology is recommended.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars held by experts in the sector.

The lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.

Attendance at classes is strongly recommended.

The way lessons are taught may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. In this case, classes will be held via the Teams platform using suitable substitute teaching tools.

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 process of ecological restoration, Standards of Practices by SER, Underpinning Assumptions by SER

Theoretical foundations

Landscape ecology, Ecosystem functions and services, Disturbance, Succession, Fragmentation and homogenization, Resistance and Resilience, Metapopulations and metacommunities, Ecosystem functions and services 

Ecological restoration and invasive species

Invasive alien species (IAS): who are they?, Invasion routes, What determines the success of 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, Challenges of Restoration in a changing world, New paradigms for Restoration Ecology

Marine restoration cases

Marine algal forests, Coral restoration, Seagrass meadows

Restoration in terrestrial environments

Planning, Aquatic systems (focus on lakes), Salt marshes and mangroves

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Available (downloadable from Aulaweb or the Teacher). Power Point of the 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

For lessons start and timetable visit: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The course includes an oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the level of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lessons. The exam will focus on the topics covered during the lectures and will aim to assess whether the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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.