|
|
|
||
|
The course includes a short theoretical background on restoration ecology in which the students will learn, why and how we can restore damaged ecosystems with special emphasis on the most common types of terrestrial ecosystem restoration. Part of the course would be a two-day excursion in which students will see examples of various restoration approaches focused mainly but not exclusively on the restoration of post-mining sites.
The student's financial expenses for the excursion should not exceed 700 CZK covering the transport to cover transport costs. Poslední úprava: Frouz Jan, prof. Mgr. Ing., CSc. (05.02.2025)
|
|
||
|
Margaret A. Palmer, Joy B. Zedler, Donald A. Falk (2016). Foundations of Restoration Ecology. Island Press Washington. eBook ISBN978-1-61091-698-1 Poslední úprava: Tátosová Jolana, RNDr., Ph.D. (15.02.2025)
|
|
||
|
The course consists of three interconnected lectures that provide a comprehensive introduction to the principles of ecological restoration, focusing on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in restoring major ecosystems. These lectures explore the fundamental ecological processes underlying ecosystem recovery, highlight the challenges associated with restoration efforts, and examine case studies of successful restoration projects in various environments, including post-mining sites, meadows, wetlands, and forests. Lecture 1: Principles of Ecological Restoration The first lecture introduces the core principles of ecological restoration, emphasizing its role in mitigating human-induced environmental degradation and fostering biodiversity recovery. Students will learn about the key ecological concepts that guide restoration, such as ecological succession, ecosystem resilience, and the importance of species interactions in restoring ecosystem functions. The lecture will also cover the major drivers of ecosystem degradation, including land-use change, pollution, and climate change, and explore how restoration can address these challenges. Additionally, different approaches to restoration, ranging from passive regeneration (allowing nature to heal itself) to active intervention (such as reforestation, species reintroduction, or soil remediation), will be discussed. Lecture 2: Restoration of Post-Mining Sites and Meadows This lecture focuses on the specific challenges and techniques involved in restoring heavily disturbed landscapes such as post-mining sites and meadows. Post-mining sites represent some of the most extreme cases of land degradation, where natural soil layers, seed banks, and hydrological regimes have been disrupted. The lecture will examine strategies for reconstructing soil profiles, reintroducing native vegetation, and facilitating succession to create self-sustaining ecosystems. Successful case studies from various regions will illustrate the effectiveness of different restoration approaches. In the second part of this lecture, the focus will shift to meadows, which are important habitats for pollinators, herbivores, and diverse plant communities. Students will learn about the impact of agricultural intensification and land abandonment on meadow ecosystems, as well as methods for restoring them, such as controlled grazing, mowing regimes, and seed dispersal techniques. The lecture will also discuss the role of traditional land management practices in maintaining meadow biodiversity. Lecture 3: Restoration of Wetlands and Forests The final lecture explores the restoration of wetlands and forests—two ecosystems that provide essential ecological services, including carbon sequestration, water filtration, and habitat for diverse species. Wetlands, often drained for agriculture or urban development, are among the most threatened ecosystems. The lecture will cover methods for restoring wetland hydrology, reintroducing native plant and animal species, and enhancing their resilience to climate change. Case studies will highlight successful wetland restoration projects and their role in flood mitigation and biodiversity conservation. In the second part of the lecture, students will examine forest restoration, which is critical for reversing deforestation, improving biodiversity, and combating climate change. Topics will include natural regeneration versus active reforestation, selecting appropriate tree species, and integrating restoration into sustainable land-use planning. Special attention will be given to traditional forest management practices, such as coppicing (low forest management), which can enhance biodiversity while providing sustainable resources for local communities. Excursion to Post-Mining Sites: Demonstrating the Principles of Post-Mining Land Restoration As a crucial component of the course, the excursion to post-mining sites will provide students with hands-on experience and a real-world perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with ecological restoration in heavily disturbed landscapes. This field trip will allow students to directly observe different stages of post-mining land recovery, engage with restoration practitioners, and apply theoretical knowledge gained in lectures to actual restoration projects. Poslední úprava: Frouz Jan, prof. Mgr. Ing., CSc. (05.02.2025)
|
|
||
|
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Poslední úprava: Frouz Jan, prof. Mgr. Ing., CSc. (11.03.2025)
|