Eco Restoration Outline
Eco- system restoration attempts to reinstate an entire community of organisms to as near its natural condition as possible. It mimics natural systems and tries to bring back biodiversity. Assessment of the soil, of the existing vegetation and of the availability of water are some of the initial steps to be taken.º º º º º º
Introduction: Why restore ecosystems?
Forests provide on three levels: Individual livelihood, Community resources, Global biodiversity.
1. Economically skewed plantings
2. Community resource plantations
3. Environmental plantations
Underlying Philosophy
Anything is possible with infinite resource (energy, sustainability)
• All you need to begin is enthusiasm
• Mimicking natural systems
1. Not every year is the same
Seedling survival rainfall sequences
Protection from predator populations
2. Not every place is the same
Soil fertility waves
Niche creation - micro climate
Species adaptation/preferences
3. Plant choices
Creation of environment for photosynthesis
How to spend energy
Protection of resources
Thorns or not
Deciduous or evergreen
Reproduction
Things to remember about evolution:
1. That not everything you see has evolved for a current situation.
2. Nature is efficient, no resource is wasted for long.
Techniques
• Assessment of site
1. Soils
Fertility
Water holding capacity
Compaction
2. State of existing vegetation
Seed source
Indicators of pressures
3. Water availability
Rainfall patterns
Water table
4. Slope
Aspect with respect to the sun
Drainage and erosion
5. Protection
Fences
Social fences and current users
Watchmen
6. Other issues
Permissions
Long term management
GreenAcres campaign
Fundraising for expanding the Auroville Greenbelt.
Our eco-zone is under threat of rapid urbanization, this is an urgent move to reverse the trend and extend activities.