UCL - Ecologie de la restauration

[BOE2141]

[24h] 2 credits

Teacher(s):

Language: French

Level: Second

Aims
Main themes

Aims

Restoration ecology is the field of study that provides the scientific background and underpinnings for practical ecological restoration of habitats, ecosystems, landscapes and their communities and species; a field that is currently undergoing expansion. Students are guided to explore to what extent available ecological theory and concepts can be made applicable in the specific, interventionist, trans-disciplinary context of ecological restoration. During the lectures, students will be trained to address these concepts in field case studies. Students need be aware of the significant gap between theory and practice and the crucial role of clear communication (and translation) from ecologists tot non-ecologist project members in restoration programmes. Students need also be aware of the opportunities restoration programmes may provide for testing ecological theory.

Main themes

1) Concepts in restoration ecology
2) Summary of ecological foundations/ecological theory
3) Restoration action as a multi-disciplinary process (including the importance of bridging the gap between 'science' and 'practice')
4) Available techniques for restoration of biotopes and landscapes
5) Translocation and re-introduction of species
6) Restoration experience with different types of biotopes (including dry grassland and heathlands, wet grasslands and mires, forests, rivers and floodplains, freshwater bodies)