User:Addiekni/Restoration ecology

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Ecological restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of a damaged ecosystem. It is distinct from conservation in that it attempts to retroactively repair already damaged ecosystems rather than take preventative measures. Ecological restoration can reverse biodiversity loss, combat climate change, and support local economies. The United Nations named 2021-2030 the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Scientists estimate that the species extinction rate of the ongoing Holocene extinction is 1,000 to 10,000 times higher than the normal background rate. Habitat loss is a leading cause of species extinctions and ecosystem service decline.

Conservation of quality habitat and restoration of degraded habitat have been identified as methods to slow the rates of species extinction and ecosystem service decline. The number and size of ecological restoration projects have increased significantly in recent years.

Restoration goals are impacted by political landscapes and vary with location and cultural values.