2022 ENG Part 1 M2 L1 - Assessing Degraded Ecosystems

Assessing Degraded Ecosystems

Module 2 Lesson 1

START

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

Welcome to Module 2 Lesson 1

This lesson focuses on the assessment of the extent, type, degree, and location of degraded ecosystems in your context. In this lesson you will take the first step towards assessing the level of degradation.

Objectives

In this lesson, you will learn:

Assess the level of ecosystem degradation in your context.

Determine ecosystem restoration potential in your context.

Identify your reference ecosystems which will be used as a basis for recovery.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

REFERENCE

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

Ecosystem

The assemblage of biotic and abiotic components in water bodies or on land in which the components interact to form complex food webs, nutrient cycles, and energy flows.i

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

This information is drawn from the following resource: iGann G.D., Mcdonald T., Walder B., Aronson J., Nelson C.R., Jonson J., Hallet J.G., Eisenberg C., Guariguata M.R., Liu J., Hua F., Eheverria C., Gonzales E., Shaw N., Decleer K., Dixon K.W. 2019. International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration. Second Edition. Restoration Ecology (27(S1): 1-46). Available here (p. 79).

REFERENCE

Ecosystem restoration

The process of reversing the degradation of ecosystems, such as landscapes, lakes, and oceans, to regain their ecological functionality, and to improve the productivity and capacity of ecosystems to meet the needs of society.

This can be done, for example, by allowing the natural regeneration of overexploited ecosystems.i

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

This information is drawn from the following resource: iIUCN. 2019. What is Ecosystem Restoration? Available here (p.1).

REFERENCE

Ecosystem services (ES)

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

The benefits people obtain from ecosystems, such as food, fuel, clean air, fresh water, flood and disease control, and the pollination of crops, as well as opportunities for cultural, spiritual, and recreational experiences.i

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

This information is drawn from the following resource: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.35).

REFERENCE

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

A process that aims to regain ecological functionality and enhance human well-being in deforested or degraded landscapes. FLR is not an end in itself, but a means of regaining, improving, and maintaining vital ecological and social functions, in the long-term leading to more resilient and sustainable landscapes.i

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

This information is drawn from the following resource: iCBD Secretariat & Society For Ecological Restoration. 2019. A Companion to the Short-Term Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration - Resources, Case Studies, and Biodiversity Considerations in the Context of Restoration Science and Practice. Available here (p. 6).

REFERENCE

Landscape

In planning contexts, a human-defined area of large spatial scale ranging in size from 3 km2 to c. 3002 km. A landscape is spatially heterogeneous in at least one factor of interest and often consists of a mosaic of interacting ecosystems.i

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

This information is drawn from the following resource: iIPBES. 2018. The IPBES Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration. Montanarella, L., Scholes, R., and Brainich, A. (eds.). Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Available here (p. 662).

REFERENCE

Reference ecosystem

A representation of a native ecosystem that is the target of ecological restoration (as distinct from a reference site or reference model). The reference ecosystem represents a non-degraded version of the ecosystem complete with its flora, fauna, and other biota, abiotic elements, functions, processes, and successional states that might have existed on the restoration site had degradation not occurred, and adjusted to accommodate changed or predicted environmental conditions.i

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

REFERENCE

Reference model

A model that indicates the expected condition that the restoration site would have been in had it not been degraded (with respect to flora, fauna and other biota, abiotic elements, functions, processes, and successional states). This is not the historic condition, but rather one that reflects background and predicted changes in environmental conditions.i

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

REFERENCE

Reference site

An extant intact site that has attributes and a successional phase similar to the designated restoration site and that is used to inform the reference model. Ideally the reference model would include information from multiple reference sites.i

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

REFERENCE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

A methodology produced by International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Resources Institute (WRI) that provides a flexible and affordable framework for countries to rapidly identify and analyse areas that are primed for forest landscape restoration (FLR), and to identify specific priority areas at a national or sub-national level.i

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

This information is drawn from the following resource: iIUCN & WRI. 2014. A Guide to the Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM): Assessing Forest Landscape Restoration Opportunities at the National or Sub-National Level. Working Paper (Road-test edition). Available here (p. 7).

REFERENCE

Restoration continuum

A spectrum of interventions that directly or indirectly support or attain at least some recovery of ecosystem attributes that have been lost or impaired. The restorative continuum includes four major categories of restorative interventions: reduced societal impacts, remediation, rehabilitation, and ecological restoration.i

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

REFERENCE

IUCN red list of ecosystems

A global standard for assessing the conservation status of ecosystems, applicable at local, national, regional, and global levels. The Red List of Ecosystems evaluates whether ecosystems have reached the final stage of degradation (a state of Collapse), whether they are threatened at Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable levels, or if they are not currently facing significant risk of collapse (Least Concern). This tool contains a set of rules and standards that can help to prioritize restoration locations.

Reference site

Reference ecosystem

Ecosystem

Restoration continuum

Ecosystem restoration

LANDSCAPE

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

Forest (and) landscape restoration (FLR)

Ecosystem SERVICES (ES)

Reference model

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

The following terms will be used in Module 2 Lesson 1. Please click the terms in the right hand panel to familiarize yourself with their definitions.

This information is drawn from the following resource: iIUCN. No Date. Red List of Ecosystems. Available here.

Using spatial data

One key first step in understanding your environment can be mapping it using spatial data. While there are multiple data set categories that can be relevant for this type of assessment, common categories include:

Mapping of ecosystem services

Click on each category to learn more.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

MAPPING OF THE LEVEL OF DEGRADATION

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

REFERENCE

Approaches to mapping the level of degradation

The most common approaches to mapping the level of degradation include:i

Observations of degradation and degradation status in the field.

Satellite derived data on net primary productivity. Remotely sensed normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI).ii

Assessment of abandoned cropland.Based on a combination of the History Database of the Global Environment 3.0 (HYDE).iii Based on satellite data (E.g LANDSAT data for predicting soil taxonomic units and drainage classes).iv

Mapping degradation will be a key tool in your toolbox which can allow you to identify spatial patterns, overlaps, and gaps that are otherwise difficult to conceptualise. We recommend starting the mapping process with the degree of degradation and degree of restoration needed, followed by the services. Consider the feasibility of restoration during the mapping exercise.

Biophysical models. Development of Fuzzy Logic Modeling (FLM) for Land Productivity Assessment.v

Expert opinion.Use of social science techniques such as interviews, surveys, and focus groups to determine the level of degradation.vi

Mapping and classification of degradation (IUCN Red List of Ecosystems).vii

This information is drawn from the following resources: iGibbs, H. & Salmon, J. 2015. Mapping the World's Degraded Lands. Applied Geography. Volume 57. Available here (p. 12-21). iiBai, Z. Dent, D., Olsson, L., & Schaepman, M. 2008. Proxy Global Assessment of Land Degradation. Soil Use and Management, 24(3). Available here (p. 1-12). iiiCampbell, J., Lobell, D., Genova, R, & Field, C. 2008. The Global Potential of Bioenergy on Abandoned Agriculture Lands. Environmental Science and Technology, 42(15). Available here (p. 5791–5794). ivVågen, T., Winowiecki, T., Assefa Abegazc, K. & Hadgud, K. 2013. Landsat-Based Approaches for Mapping of Land Degradation Prevalence and Soil Functional Properties in Ethiopia. Remote Sensing of Environment, Volume 134, 2013. Available here (p. 266-275). vCai, X., Zhang, X., & Wang, D. 2011. Land Availability for Biofuel Production. Environmental Science and Technology, 45(1). Available here (p. 334–339). viBot, A. J., Nachtergaele, F. O., & Young, A.2000. Land Resource Potential and Constraints at Regional and Country Levels (L. a. W. D. Division, Trans.). Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Available here. viiIUCN. No Date. Red List of Ecosystems. Available here.

REFERENCE

Approaches to mapping ecosystem services

Developing biophysical models that include field data to better describe the availability of a potential service at a given place.

The most common approaches to mapping ecosystem services (ES) include:

Mapping indicators and proxy values for ES production (e.g. land cover classes).

Using participatory mapping approaches to define areas of ES production that are important to local people (e.g. participatory GIS).i

This information is drawn from the following resource: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.7).

REFERENCE

Types of datasets

There is a variety of datasets which might be useful for assessing the extent of degradation in your ecosystem. Explore examples which might be relevant to your project.

Remote sensing

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

Biophysical and social data from the field

Global datasets

Regional/national statistics

Outputs of numerical simulation modelling

This information is drawn from the following resources: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.44). iiNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.45). iii Global Fire Watch. No Date. Available here. ivNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.46).

Regional/national statistics

National, regional or local (e.g. municipal) level datasets can be important input data for mapping degradation or ecosystem services. This could include data from a variety of fields, such as ecological (e.g. forest type), biophysical (topography), social (human population density), and economic value (e.g. price of timber). Many of these data are gathered routinely by different international and national processes, and are often found in national statistics offices.

Biophysical and social data from the field

There are various ways to gather data in the field: collection by trained scientists, Indigenous Peoples and local community monitoring schemes, and focus group discussions. Surveys or questionnaires for inhabitants and hand-held computerized tools are also useful tools for data gathering. Field data can inform the mapping process, and can help to parameterize and validate models from remotely sensed data products.i

REFERENCE

This information is drawn from the following resource: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.44).

Remote sensing

This involves data collection from aircrafts or automated sensors on the ground, in water, or from space. Remote sensing can provide estimates of terrestrial and ocean primary production, allowing the production of crops, feed, wood, and biofuel, and changes in carbon stock to be measured. Declines in production levels can then be interpreted as an indicator of degradation. There is also potential for remote sensing to be used for monitoring inland and marine water quality and quantity.ii

REFERENCE

This information is drawn from the following resource: iiNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.45).

Global datasets

Global datasets are readily available on the occurrence of fires, which can also be used as a proxy for degradation (screening out those due to natural fire regimes) (also available through the Global Fire Watch (GFW))iii. Many of these datasets can be put into Geographic Information System (GIS) programmes, many of which are freely available and at resolutions that may be useful for national-scale assessments of degradation/restoration priorities.

REFERENCE

This information is drawn from the following resource: iii Global Fire Watch. No Date. Available here.

Outputs of numerical simulation modelling

The complexity of services, like climate or water regulation, often prevents data from being collected through the previous ways described. In these cases, empirical, statistical, or process-based models use other input variables to calculate ES values.iv

REFERENCE

This information is drawn from the following resource: ivNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.46).

Tools for spatial analyses

The Ecoregions 2017 Mapping Tool

Co$ting Nature

UN Biodiversity Lab

The Ecoregions 2017 mapping tool is a global assessment. It can help to scope out which ecoregions present at the national scale have lost most of their coverage globally.

Co$ting Nature is a powerful tool in identifying priority service areas as it effectively ranks locations across the grid cells, across a user defined area, or across global values. It can also be used to assess the potential and use of ES in relation to conservation priority areas.

The UN Biodiversity Lab provides access to the World Atlas on Desertification (WAP) Convergence of Evidence data in an easy form that can be accessed, visualized, and shared by non-GIS experts. This data layer offers some of the best global information on where degraded ecosystems are most likely to occur.

These tools and resources were presented in the publication “Scientific Conceptual Framework for Land Degradation Neutrality: A Report of the Science-Policy Interface” as examples of sources of information that countries pursuing land degradation neutrality (LDN) could use.

Multiple Tools to Support the Achievement of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN)

InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs)

InVEST helps explore how changes in ecosystems can lead to changes in the flows of many different benefits to people. It links models of ecological production functions with economic valuation methods.

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

By using a standardized set of rules and guidelines, the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems evaluates whether ecosystems have reached the final stage of degradation (a state of Collapse), whether they are threatened at Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable levels, or if they are not currently facing significant risk of collapse (Least Concern).

Regreening Africa Data Collection Tool

Regreening Africa is a mobile-based Android application that helps users to collect information on how farmers are managing and protecting trees on their farms. This project aims to reverse land degradation in Africa by scaling up evergreen agriculture.

LDSF is a systematic tool to collect land health status for targeting land health improvement and restoration solutions across the world.

Land Degradation Surveillance Framework (LDSF)

Trends.Earth

Trends.Earth was produced to enable the use of global data sources to assess and monitor land degradation at multiple scales.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

REFERENCE

Case study 1

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Ethiopian economy. In Ethiopia, LANDSAT image reflectance bands were used to predict the degree of degradation through the assessment of the presence/absence of soil erosion, determination of soil pH, and classification of the organic carbon in the soil. Field data and soil samples collected from 38 sites, each 100 km2, were used to ground-truth and finetune the predictive models based on remote sensing.i The models developed in this study were able to explain most of the variability in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and pH, and the occurrence of soil erosion and root depth restrictions, when applied toan independent validation dataset.

Explore an example of how remote sensing data can support assessments of degradation.

Learn more here.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

This information is drawn from the following resource: i Vågen, T., Winowiecki, T., Assefa Abegazc, K. & Hadgud, K. 2013. Landsat-Based Approaches for Mapping of Land Degradation Prevalence and Soil Functional Properties in Ethiopia. Remote Sensing of Environment, Volume 134. Available here (p. 266-275).

REFERENCE

Reference ecosystems

Spatial data and participatory techniques are important in establishing reference ecosystems. The Society of Ecological Restoration (SER) defines a reference ecosystem as “a representation of a native ecosystem that is the target of ecological restoration (as distinct from a reference site).” A reference ecosystem usually represents a non-degraded version of the ecosystem complete with its flora, fauna, and other biota, abiotic elements, functions, processes, and successional states that might have existed on the restoration site had degradation not occurred, and adjusted to accommodate changed or predicted environmental conditions.i Reference models are needed to identify the dynamics of degradation. Degradation and restoration are relative terms: “degraded relative to what?” and “restored towards what?” A reference model is required to detect and assess both the magnitude of degradation and the progress of restoration.ii

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

Learn about the process of identifying reference ecosystems here.

This information is drawn from the following resources: iGann G.D., Mcdonald T., Walder B., Aronson J., Nelson C.R., Jonson J., Hallet J.G., Eisenberg C., Guariguata M.R., Liu J., Hua F., Eheverria C., Gonzales E., Shaw N., Decleer K., Dixon K.W. 2019. International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration. Second Edition. Restoration Ecology (27(S1): 1-46). Available here (p. 79). iiIPBES. 2018. The IPBES Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration. Montanarella, L., Scholes, R., and Brainich, A. (eds.). Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Available here (p. 8).

REFERENCE

Process of identifying reference ecosystems

How do you make a decision about reference ecosystems? Review the decision tree.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

This information is drawn from the following resource: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.7).

REFERENCE

Reference models

The reference ecosystem refers to the general type of ecosystem that is the target of restoration. However, after selecting the reference ecosystem, it is necessary to describe the ecosystem using measurable indicators that allow comparison with the restoration site. In order to do this, it is necessary to develop a reference model.i

An estimate of the composition (species), structure (complexity and configuration), and function (processes and dynamics) of the ecosystem as if degradation did not occur.i

Based on multiple reference sites (sites that are similar to the designated area but that have no or limited degradation).

Based on measurable indicators of ecosystem composition, structure, function, and external exchanges.i

A reference model is:

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

This information is drawn from the following resource: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.7).

REFERENCE

Attributes of reference models

Review key ecosystem attributes used to characterize a reference model.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

This information is drawn from the following resource: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.7).

REFERENCE

Identifying reference models

The process of identifying a reference model involves the following steps:i

Create a boundary of a geographical zone in which habitat types similar to restoration sites occur.

Identify environmental factors structuring non‐degraded communities within this geographical zone.

Compare the environmental factors between non‐degraded and degraded sites.

Identify environmental factors structuring non‐degraded communities within this geographical zone.

Select non‐degraded sites most similar to restoration sites in terms of environmental factors, and use them as reference sites.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

This information is drawn from the following resource: iDurbecq, A., Jaunatre, R., Buisson, E., Cluchier, A., & Bischoff, A. 2020. Identifying Reference Communities in Ecological Restoration: The Use of Environmental Conditions Driving Vegetation Composition. Restoration Ecology: Volume 28, Issue 6. Available here (p. 1445-1453).

REFERENCE

Multiple reference models

You may need multiple reference models for your restoration program. Take note of the following considerations:i

If you’re working with a large site or one with varied topography, you are likely to include a mosaic of ecosystems.

You may need multiple references to reflect ecosystem dynamics or anticipated changes over time. Ecosystems with complex dynamics may need multiple pathways and multiple models describing different possible restoration outcomes. Such alternative states can result from changes in population densities, or in environmental drivers, or both.

You may need to adjust your reference model over time based on results of program monitoring.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

REFERENCE

Case study 2

A workshop “Challenges and prospects to comply with international agreements on Ecological Restoration” aimed to understand whether the planning phase of restoration projects in Mexico was conducted according to international guidance. By assessing restoration projects over the past 37 years, it was determined that most of the projects were established at the following scales: landscape (63%), basin (65%), or ecosystem scale (45%). Overall, 88% of the restoration projects assessed in Mexico from 1979 - 2016 selected a reference site. Reference ecosystems were most commonly identified through remnant vegetation (59%), local knowledge (49%), or ecological studies (45%). Most restoration projects assessed (74%) included at least two criteria to compare degraded and non-degraded sites. The evaluation of abiotic conditions, such as temperature or humidity, was the most mentioned (28%). The presence of biological corridors, such as riparian vegetation, was the least mentioned (11%). Most restoration projects tended to select sites based on biotic, abiotic, physiographic, and/or social variables. Biotic variables were the most frequently used (43%), followed by abiotic variables (25%) and physiographic variables (12%). Social variables were the least used (8%).Learn more here.

Explore how the process of identifying a reference site for restoration was applied in Mexico.i

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

This information is drawn from the following resource: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.7).

This information is drawn from the following resource: iMartínez-garza, C., Méndez-toribio, O., Ceccon, E., & Guariguata, M. 2021. Ecosystem Restoration in Mexico: insights on the project planning phase. Botanical Sciences 99(2): 242-256. Available here.

Assessing Restoration Potential

Earlier in this lesson we pointed out the importance of answering the question: “Degraded relative to what?” Once you have identified a reference model, the next question to ask is “How far in terms of restoration can we go from here?” This is the question that can be answered by an assessment of restoration potential. This assessment can:

Provide a general overview of restoration options.

Inform possible reforms and improve decision-making.

Provide a shared understanding of restoration opportunities.

Build support for restoration.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

REFERENCE

Steps to determine restoration potential

There is no single right way to conduct an evaluation of ecosystem restoration potential. Generally, the assessment of restoration potential involves the identification of the following:i

Ecological need.

Final identification.

Degree of degradation or risk status of the ecosystem.

Social need.

Types of potential restoration interventions.

Scope and availability.

Economic cost and benefits.

Legal, institutional, policy, and financial limitations and opportunities.

The level of degradation that you conclude after the assessment will inform and impact restoration potential on the site. However, this will not be the only variable determining how far you can go from there.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

This information is drawn from the following resource: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.7).

REFERENCE

Case study 3

Explore how Ghana applied the steps for determiningecosystem restoration potential to map its forest restoration potential.i

Need: Restore lost forests

Type and potential

Economic cost and benefits

Legal, institutional, policy and financial limitations and opportunities

Final identification

Ghana’s forest cover has shrunk considerably in recent years. To continue to meet Ghana’s forest resource needs, the government initiated a series of programmes designed to restore lost forests.

The initial forest cover maps for the 10 geographical regions in Ghana, produced by Management Support Centre (RMSC), formed the basis for a national multi-stakeholder workshop involving scientists, farmers, civil society groups, and others in a combined effort to engage local knowledge in estimating forest restoration potential in regional settings. The GIS map data and the information gained from the dialogues combined to lead the production of a national restoration opportunities map.

The workshops provided relevant information for an economic analysis of various restoration options. This analysis led to the production of carbon abatement curves to rank the restoration interventions according to their net economic benefits per ton of CO2 sequestered. The workshop validated both the map of national forest landscape restoration opportunities, and the results of the economic analysis.

The German Ministry of Environment, World Resources Institute (WRI), the Ghana Forestry Commission (FC), the Centre for Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (CERSGIS) of the University of Ghana, among others, supported the mapping exercise. The workshop brought together representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as civil society and private sector actors working on forest management and rehabilitation of degraded forests.

The produced national opportunity map has been in constant demand by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission, the National REDD Working Group, and other national and international stakeholders. The map and the economic analysis are currently being used for decision-making in the forest sector. The Government of Ghana has used the assessment results to prioritize the regions for their Forest Investment Programme.ii

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

This information is drawn from the following resource: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.7).

This information is drawn from the following resources: iIUCN. 2016. Mapping the Health of Forest Reserves in Ghana. Forest Brief No. 2. July 2016. Available here (p. 1-4). IiIUCN. 2014. Arborvitae The Iucn Forest Conservation Magazine. Issue 45. Available here (p.7).

Tools

The Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM)

IPBES Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration

Forest and Landscape Restoration Mechanism (FLRM)

ROAM provides a flexible and affordable framework for countries to rapidly identify and analyse forest landscape restoration (FLR) potential, and locate specific areas of opportunity at a national or sub-national level.

This report provides guidance on identifying and mapping current land degradation. It includes links to and descriptions of multiple land degradation assessment tools.

FLRM provides a number of resources to explore degradation of forests and landscapes, and assess the degree of degradation.

The Hub outlines the steps needed to assess degraded land and ecosystems.

UNCCD Knowledge Hub

Forest Landscape Restoration Potential and Impacts

This publication explains the importance of assessing FLR potential.

IUCN Red List of Ecosystems

The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems serves as a global standard for assessing conservation status of ecosystems, applicable at local, national, regional, and global levels.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

REFERENCE

Considerations

During this step, be careful when utilizing coarse scale maps intended to provide a general idea of where restoration might be considered. Scale down assessments of restoration opportunities appropriately to national or local level, drawing on expert knowledge.i

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

This information is drawn from the following resource: iNeil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016. Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services. Available here (p.35).

Congratulations on completing Module 2 Lesson 1!

The key points to remember from this lesson are:

The first step in an ecosystem restoration program is to analyze the current condition of an ecosystem in question, and the state of degradation.

At this early stage it is essential to determine the reference ecosystem that can guide your restoration interventions going forward.Selecting the scope.Once you have analyzed the data on the current state of degradation, you can start thinking about the potential for ecosystem restoration in your context.

You should finish this lesson with a basic understanding of the following in your context: The current extent, type, degree, and location of degraded ecosystems in your context.Your reference ecosystem.

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

To put the information you have learnt to practice, review the Workbook ‘Assessment of Opportunities and Priorities for Restoration.’

Proxy Global Assessment of Land Degradation. Soil Use and Management, 24(3). (p. 1-12).

Bai, Z. Dent, D., Olsson, L., & Schaepman, M. 2008.

Cai, X., Zhang, X., & Wang, D. 2011.

Land Availability for Biofuel Production. Environmental Science and Technology, 45(1). (p. 334–339).

Bot, A. J., Nachtergaele, F. O., & Young, A. 2000.

Land Resource Potential and Constraints at Regional and Country Levels (L. a. W. D. Division, Trans.). Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

References

Campbell, J., Lobell, D., Genova, R, & Field, C. 2008.

The Global Potential of Bioenergy on Abandoned Agriculture Lands. Environmental Science and Technology, 42(15). (p. 5791–5794).

CBD Secretariat & Society For Ecological Restoration. 2019.

A Companion to the Short-Term Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration - Resources, Case Studies, and Biodiversity Considerations in the Context of Restoration Science and Practice.

Gann G.D., Mcdonald T., Walder B., Aronson J., Nelson C.R., Jonson J., Hallet J.G., Eisenberg C., Guariguata M.R., Liu J., Hua F., Eheverria C., Gonzales E., Shaw N., Decleer K., Dixon K.W. 2019.

International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration. Second Edition. Restoration Ecology (27(S1): 1-46).

Gibbs, H. & Salmon, J. 2015.

Mapping the World's Degraded Lands. Applied Geography. Volume 57.

Global Fire Watch. No Date.

IPBES. 2018.

The IPBES Assessment Report on Land Degradation and Restoration. Montanarella, L., Scholes, R., and Brainich, A. (eds.). Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

IUCN. 2019.

What is Ecosystem Restoration?

IUCN. 2016.

Mapping the Health of Forest Reserves in Ghana. Forest Brief No. 2. July 2016. (p. 1-4).

IUCN. 2014.

Arborvitae The Iucn Forest Conservation Magazine. Issue 45.

IUCN. 2014.

A Guide to the Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM): Assessing Forest Landscape Restoration Opportunities at the National or Sub-National Level. Working Paper (Road-test edition).

IUCN. No Date

Red List of Ecosystems.

Martínez-garza, C., Méndez-toribio, O., Ceccon, E., & Guariguata, M. 2021.

Ecosystem Restoration in Mexico: insights on the project planning phase. Botanical Sciences 99(2): 242-256.

Neil, B., Darrah, S., Knight, S. & Danks, F. 2016.

Approaches to Mapping Ecosystem Services.

SER & CBD. 2019.

A Companion to the Short Term Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration - Considerations in the Context of Restoration Science and Practice for Group of Activities A. (p. 1-5).

Vågen, T., Winowiecki, T., Assefa Abegazc, K. & Hadgud, K. 2013.

Landsat-Based Approaches for Mapping of Land Degradation Prevalence and Soil Functional Properties in Ethiopia. Remote Sensing of Environment, Volume 134, 2013. (p. 266-275).

Welcome to m2 l1

Objectives

Glossary

Considerations

Using Spatial Data

Case Study 1

Reference Ecosystems

Types of Datasets

Attributes of Reference Models

Identifying Reference Models

Multiple Reference Models

Case Study 2

Reference models

Assessing Restoration Potential

Steps to determine restoration potential

Case study 3

Tools for Spatial analyses

Tools

m2 l1 complete

References

2022 ENG Part 1 M2 L1 - Assessing Degraded Ecosystems

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