What is ecological restoration?

Ecological restoration refers to the process of assisting the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. This practice aims to reestablish the structures, functions, and processes of ecosystems, thereby promoting the return of native species and biodiversity. It is a proactive approach focused on repairing ecosystems to enhance their resilience and ability to thrive over time.

In this context, while limiting species growth might be necessary in some management practices, it doesn't encompass the broader goals of restoration, which emphasize recovery and resilience. The study of species interactions is fundamental to ecology but focuses primarily on understanding relationships rather than actively restoring ecosystems. Lastly, creating new ecosystems could imply introducing entirely novel systems which isn’t the goal of restoration; instead, it strives to rehabilitate existing ecosystems based on historical conditions. Thus, the emphasis on ecosystem recovery encapsulates the essence of ecological restoration.