Changing nature: Novel ecosystems, intervention, and knowing when to step back

Abstract

Climate change, species invasions, and changes in social practices and cultural beliefs about nature are creating new ecosystems, some of which have no apparent roots in the past. The emergence of hybrid (familiar ecosystems with new combinations) and novel (unfamiliar) ecosystems challenges conventional ecological restoration practices, which places reliance on robust notions of historical fidelity. There is an extent to which the science and practice of restoration can be adapted to cope with significant change and discontinuities, but beyond a certain point, yet unknowable, it may be necessary to look ahead to emerging practices that blend the important qualities of restoration with wild or regenerative design.