Coral reef restoration is one type of habitat restoration.
Habitat restoration refers to projects intended to replenish the natural resources of an ecosystem after natural or man-made damage. In some cases, habitat restoration is extremely important to the survival of native species, the integrity of the soil or water, and the continued existence of a natural ecosystem. There are many different types of habitat restoration, including reforestation, riparian protection, grassland restoration, and coral reef restoration. Participating in habitat restoration of any kind can help secure the future of ecosystems that have existed, in some cases, for thousands of years.
Reforestation can help restore an area of forest that has been cleared.
Reforestation includes planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses to restore an area of forest. Reforestation may be necessary after an area has been extensively harvested or has experienced a natural disaster such as a forest fire. If animal species have disappeared or have been greatly reduced in number from a forested area due to deforestation, reforestation projects may include attempts to reintroduce species to the wild, usually from captive specimens. Since an ecosystem often depends on an evolved system of interactions between native animals and native plants, it is important that reforestation projects focus on recreating the natural balance of species, rather than importing exotic plants or animals into a new environment. .
Rivers sometimes require restoration work.
Riparian wetting is a type of habitat restoration that ensures the integrity and existence of natural water sources. The river buffer is the belt of rocks and plants that runs along the edges of a river or stream. Vegetation keeps the water in a stream or river free of sediment, creating a solid barrier rather than an easily disintegrating bank of earth. Restoring riparian buffers after construction projects, deforestation, or flooding can help ensure that natural sources of water remain viable in an ecosystem.
Without bees, habitat restoration, such as cross-pollination, is nearly impossible.
In North America, no habitat has suffered as much devastation as the great prairies that stretch across half of the United States and Canada. While the developed prairie allows for many of the farms that help feed the world, the unique species and assets destroyed by the loss of the prairie can have a huge impact on the environment. Historically, grasslands have been filled with tall grasses and wildflowers that promote bee populations as well as support many other species. Without bees, cross-pollination is nearly impossible, making sustainable farming a huge challenge. Prairie habitat restoration aims to transform eroded plains into native flower and grass habitats that can support bees and many endangered prairie species.
Reforestation consists of planting native trees and shrubs.
Coral reefs are by far the largest sources of life in the ocean. Thousands of species of fish and marine plants make their home among the extensive reefs, which are oases of life and refreshment among the vast arid areas of the seascape. Coral is sensitive to changes in temperature and acid balances, and is often destroyed to create fishing channels or through harvesting for consumer products. Coral habitat restoration uses synthetic corals and coral re-seeding programs to help ensure reefs remain teeming with life and diversity.