A clear, practical definition of restoration is needed to develop a common understanding between all those working toward the restoration of ecosystems. Many definitions of restoration have been written over the past decade or so. The discrepancy between these different definitions lies in the details of what is repaired and the final condition to which it is repaired. Over the past decade, both our scientific and practical understanding of ecological restoration and the number of projects implemented have grown dramatically. In this time, our concept of restoration has evolved to the point that now, in writing a definition, there are a few key elements that need to be conveyed in order to define the term adequately and usefully.
Restoration is the reinstatement of driving ecological processes.
These fundamental forces interact to perform the ecological functions and produce the structure that we associate with wetlands. Restoration must be integrated with the surrounding landscape. Successful restoration demands that consideration be given to the landscape setting in which the system occurs. Restoration projects that address the effects of alterations that have occurred within the landscape as a result of human development can deal directly with the causes of degradation rather than just the symptoms. As understanding of landscape ecology and its importance to restoration develops, it becomes increasingly clear that the integration of restoration projects within the landscape context is essential to producing ecosystems that function in a dynamic and resilient manner.