A companion to the Short Term Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration
Resources, case studies, and biodiversity considerations in the context of restoration science and practice
The Short Term Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration (STAPER) was adopted at CBD COP 13. It is based on four main groups of activities and 24 steps. The activities listed in the Plan operate as “a menu of options, and can be implemented by countries and governmental bodies, in collaboration with international, national and local organizations, and in accordance with national legislation, circumstances and priorities.”
This webpage presents, for each group of activities and each specific activity of the STAPER:
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A synthesis and discussion of supporting knowledge and policy from restoration science and practice
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A selection of resources and tools that can be useful in the implementation of these activities, presented through SER's Restoration Resource Center
Assessment of Opportunities for
Ecosystem Restoration
To ensure that restoration activities are implemented in areas requiring restoration and that are high priority taking into account ecological, economic, social and institutional realities, it is useful to implement broad-scale ecosystem assessments, including mapping, or to make use of existing assessments. These assessments can be undertaken at various levels according to national circumstances and adjusted in the light of more detailed assessments that result from the site-level activities in step C.
Improving the Institutional Enabling Environment for Ecosystem Restoration
In order to facilitate the implementation of ecosystem restoration actions, the further development of the enabling institutional framework for ecosystem restoration should be considered. This includes providing legal, economic and social incentives, and appropriate planning mechanisms, and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, to promote restoration and for reducing ecosystem degradation. This work may be informed by the assessments undertaken in step A, and, especially A5, and could be undertaken in parallel with the planning and implementation activities undertaken in step C.
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Visit the steps in Group B
Planning and Implementation of
Ecosystem Restoration Activities
Restoration activities should be planned on the basis of priorities identified in step A and implementation facilitated by actions in step B. Actions would benefit from consultation with stakeholders and experts from various disciplines to assist with all phases of project work (assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting). Capacity-building for stakeholders, including legal and legislative support for the rights of women and indigenous peoples and local communities, may be required. The following actions may be considered, and undertaken as appropriate:
Monitoring, evaluation, feedback and disseminating results
Monitoring activities should begin during the earliest phases of project development to enable ecosystem conditions and socio-economic effects to be measured against a reference model. Effective monitoring may include extensive planning prior to initiation of restoration activities, including establishing baselines, using biological indicators, and setting clear and measurable restoration objectives based on these indicators. Remote sensing may also be a cost-effective monitoring technique in some ecosystems that can easily be repeated. Monitoring results and the lessons learned on the outcomes of activities in steps B and C may be documented, analysed and used to support adaptive management.
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Visit the steps in Group D