The Role of Ecological Restoration in Conservation Biology

Abstract

This paper addresses the questions of whether restoration of historical ecosystems can contribute to conservation of biodiversity and what are the economic implications of so doing. The subject is covered, taking examples from the USA experience, under the following headings: (1) conservation of resources or nature for its own sake?; (2) prairie restoration - nature for its own sake; (3) range improvement - conserving a resource; and (4) a landscape approach to assisted natural regeneration, including industrial agriculture and barriers to natural regeneration.