The role of spontaneous vegetation succession in ecosystem restoration: A perspective

The paper summarizes ideas which were discussed during the 'Spontaneous Succession in Ecosystem Restora- tion' conference and elaborated through further discussion among the authors. It seeks to promote the integration of scientific knowledge on spontaneous vegetation succession into restoration programs. A scheme illustrating how knowl- edge of spontaneous succession may be applied to restoration is presented, and perspectives and possible future research on using spontaneous vegetation succession in ecosystem resto- ration are proposed. It is concluded that when implementing spontaneous succession for ecological restoration the follow- ing points must be considered: setting clear aims; evaluation of environmental site conditions; deciding whether spontane- ous succession is an appropriate way to achieve the aims; prediction of successional development; monitoring of the results. The need for interdisciplinary approaches and com- munication between scientists, engineers and decision-makers is emphasized.

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