Symposium: The Role of Non Native Species in Ecosystem Restoration
Channel: Ecosystem Restoration Communities
Date: 2022-07-06

As we progress in restoring ecological function in degraded ecosystems, some earth restorers include the use of non-native species (also known as exotic, introduced or non-indigenous species) in their work. As many restoration projects include eco-agricultural elements in their work (from the perspective of local communities, a crucial element), the use of non-native species is often propagated.  

Some argue, however, that the real impact of non-native species on ecosystems may take decades before becoming apparent - long after their negative impacts can be mitigated. As such, they argue, precaution should prevent us from using exotics in already fragile ecosystems.

Others argue that ecosystems cannot be returned to an all-native state anyway, especially where land-use or climate have altered the landscape and environmental conditions. Furthermore, removal of non-native species can often cause further damage to the landscape. In many cases, ecosystems consist of invasive species that entered the system thousands of years ago. 

To support the work of the Ecosystem Restoration Camps movement, many of whom are integrating non-native plants into their restoration plans, we would like to invite you to discuss this important theme. We wish to understand the risks, and allow for better choices to be made. But we also wish to show what impacts could be had with wise management of non-natives in eco-agriculture and restoration.

Join the debate as we discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls of integrating non-natives into an ecosystem restoration plan.