Restoration Ecology

44M0207

Master

English

5.0

only winter term

1 semester

Wordwide, many landscapes have been degraded or destroyed by intensive anthropogenic land use, pollution or environmental hazards. Restoration ecology develops methods and measures for the ecological restoration of natural and semi-natural ecosystems in natural and cultural landscapes. This includes the optimization of environmental conditions (e.g. soil conditions, water balance, land use, management) and the re-introduction of habitat-specific plant and animal species and biocoenoses. During the planning and implementation of restoration projects all relevant stakeholders have to be involved.

1. Introduction to restoration ecology: history, terms and definitions, restoration goals

2. Measures for the optimization of water dynamics and soil conditions during ecological restoration

3. Introduction of target species and management optimization on restoration sites

4. Concepts for the planning and implementation of restoration projects

5. Examples for the ecological restoration of different ecosystem types

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Oral presentation, with written elaboration or
• Homework / Assignment or
• oral exam

Standard examination: Scientific talk (20-30 Min) with 5-10 pages written analysis.

Alternative examination type can be selected by the examiner and be announced at the start of the course.

ca. 20–30 minutes scientific talk with 5–10 pages written analysis

Basic knowledge in soil science, hydrology, vegetation ecology and landscape ecology.

Students, who have completed the module successfully, know the ethical and societal foundations of restoration ecology. They have a fundamental understanding of the ecological processes and relationships relevant for successful ecological restoration. They are familiar with restoration strategies for different ecosystem types in natural and cultural landscapes.

The students are able to formulate goals for restoration practice based on ethical, societal and ecological considerations. They are able to explain different restoration strategies and to critically reflect on their suitability for achieving specific restoration goals. They are able to compare effects of different restoration measures on abiotic and biotic ecosystem components and processes.

They can detect interdependencies between biotic and abiotic environmental factors in restoration projects and evaluate their effects on restoration success. They are able to assess the prospects for successful restoration according to the initial societal and environmental conditions.

They can select suitable measures for the optimization of the hydrological and soil conditions of restoration sites and evaluate their effects. They are familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of different measures for species introduction and can recommend suitable practicable measures according to the starting conditions at the restoration site.

The students are able to develop restoration concepts based on current scientific literature and to select suitable restoration measures for restoration projects in relation to the respective context. They are able to plan and justify the implementation of the selected resoration measures as well as measures for monitoring and controlling restoration success.

The students are able to present restoration concepts, the effects of restoration measures and the results of restoration projects and reflect them critically in scientific discussions. They can communicate successfully with members of organizations in the field and relevant stakeholder groups.

Through extensive review of scientific literature and discussions during the course, the students gain an overview of the state of the art in the ecological restoration of different ecosystem types. With their systemic understanding, students are able to plan restoration projects and develop concepts for implementation. They are enabled to develop and justify professional operations with theoretical and methodological knowledge.knowledge.

• Kiehl, Kathrin

• Kiehl, Kathrin

N. N.