Index System to Evaluate the Quarries Ecological Restoration

Qiuqin Zhang, Tianzhu Zhang and Xiang Liu
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Qiuqin Zhang: School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Tianzhu Zhang: School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Xiang Liu: School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 3, 1-11

Abstract: The restoration and evaluation of degraded ecosystems is an important component of the sustainable development of complex “human-natural-economic” ecosystems. Based on an analysis of ecosystem evolution and the integration of structure, function, and services, this study proposes that ecosystems can be returned to a self-maintaining, dynamic balance by enriching system elements, strengthening the relationships between the different elements and diverse ecological processes, and restoring internal functions, which includes the self-regulation of degraded ecosystems. This study developed and categorized quarry ecosystem recovery indicators based on the Core Capabilities of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) International through literature review and the development of recovery plans. Metrics identified in the literature were validated through the recovery plan review and the case study, and based on the findings, a user-friendly checklist for practitioners was established. Three elements and 17 indicators representing ecological processes, vegetation structures, and ecological functions were developed to evaluate and manage the ecological restoration of an abandoned quarry.

Keywords: quarry; ecological processes; vegetation structure; ecological function; ecological restoration; restoration evaluation; index system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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