Ecological Restoration
More than a decade ago, biologist E. O. Wilson called for an “…era
of restoration in ecology…” in the 21st Century. Today,
the evidence is undeniable. Countless ecosystems around the world are
fragmented, damaged and degraded under pressure from our universal human
footprint.
However, at Reforest Teak, we see hopeful news afoot.
Ecosystems have shown amazing potential for recovery while nature itself
is emerging as the most efficient and practical healer. In our time, a
values shift has surfaced towards a deeper sense of personal stewardship
for the welfare of future generations, along with a willingness to lend
a human hand in support of nature’s own renewal skills. Ecologists,
historians, social scientists, concerned citizens and conservation-minded
social enterprises are today partnering with science and community. Together
they are making ecological restoration happen in collaboration with nature’s
own systems, and they are measuring the benefits. Ecological restoration
is provoking a fundamental change in attitudes about the realm of possibility
for ecosystem renewal.
The Society for Ecological Restoration International defines the process
as “intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the recovery
of an ecosystem with respect to its health, integrity and sustainability”
(SER 2004). The broad path of ecological restoration includes numerous
and far-reaching applications such as: erosion control, habitat and range
improvement, hydroelectricity, watershed studies, prairie and savanna
restoration and natural resource planning.
At Reforest Teak, we believe that contributing to ecosystem restoration
is the highest calling of our time. We define our role in the environmental
restoration movement as a proactive driver of ecological reforestation
on Central America’s depleted and damaged lands. In the future,
we intend to extend our range of impact. But today, restoring productivity
to impaired lands through regenerative agroforestry is our road map. This
is where we intend to make a difference.
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