An Overview of Restoration and Reconstruction of Damaged Ecosystem in Europe

Research on the restoration and reconstruction of disturbed ecosystem has increased since the 1970s.Degradation of ecological system has been recently considered as one of scientific hot spots and public focuses.The long history of human settlement in most parts of Europe means that landscapes have become highly modified.Based on the review of the references on ecological restoration,the emphases of the study on European ecological restoration and reconstruction,including the current status of ecological restoration and constraints,are discussed in view of the ecosystem types of Europe.Ecological and socio-economic constraints,especially scientific uncertainty,are also analyzed.Some important cases of ecological restoration and rehabilitation are summarized and analyzed,including many ecosystem types such as forest,river,lake,wetland,and wasteland.Driving forces for ecological restoration in Europe are discussed,including establishment of the European Union,implementation of international agreements and national priorities,development of ecological networks,public opinion,and financial aids,etc.Lastly,the problems and development trends are discussed on European ecological restoration and rehabilitation.