Study revealed: Local adaptation of ecosystem restoration decisive!

Study revealed: Local adaptation of ecosystem restoration decisive!

An international study on the restoration of ecosystems was published today, which was carried out by a research team under the direction of the University of Göttingen and the Free University of Berlin. This study is dedicated to adapting recovery methods to local conditions in order to increase the effectiveness of ecological measures. According to the results published in the journal ecography , similar ecosystems react differently to the same restoration methods. The aim is to increase carbon absorption, optimize the water retention in the soil and to improve nutrient recycling.

The researchers examined dry Mediterranean landscapes in different regions such as the Mediterranean, California, Chile, South Africa and Australia as part of a project. A computer model was developed that enables the analysis of plant combinations in different soils and climate zones. The results of the model match the real results of a recovery project in Australia. However, it was also found that there are difficulties to achieve all ecological goals at the same time, so that compromises, depending on local soil and climate conditions, are required. Dr. Sebastian Fiedler, postdoctoral at the University of Göttingen, emphasizes the usefulness of the model to select suitable plants. However, future research must take into account factors such as forest fires that are currently not included in the model. The original publication is entitled by Fiedler, Sebastian et al. (2025) and is accessible under the DOI 10.1002/Ecog.07609.

EU regulation for the restoration of nature

The need for a solid legal basis for the restoration of ecosystems is supported by the new EU regulation to restore nature. This regulation aims to promote the protection of ecological diversity and to ensure the natural habitat of European biodiversity. It is expected that such legal framework conditions will help to increase the efficiency of the recovery projects and to make an important contribution to environmental protection. Information on the Ordinance can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry for the Environment

ecosystem -based adaptation and their meaning

The ecosystem -based adaptation (EBA) plays a central role in protecting and restoring ecosystems. This concept focuses on the sustainable use of ecosystem services and biological diversity in order to increase people's adaptability to the consequences of climate change. Unlike classic methods in management of natural resources, EBA integrates biological diversity and ecosystem services into comprehensive adaptation strategies. These natural -based solutions (NBS) pursue a holistic approach to increasing resistance to climatic changes.

EBA offers numerous advantages, including adaptation benefits, income increases and improvement in the well -being of the local communities. At the same time, the integration of EBA into existing planning processes, such as in the area of ​​land use, represents a cost -efficient alternative to technical solutions. Concrete measures in coastal areas such as management and protection of mangrove forests and coral reefs show the potential of these approaches. From International Climate Protection Initiative are supported for practical implementation and distribution of EBA measures.