Conformity of Biodiversity and Carbon Storage Objectives in Ecological Restoration Projects

Master’s Thesis from the year 2016 in the subject Biology - Ecology, grade: 1,0, University of London (SOAS), language: English, abstract: Ecological restoration may pursue multiple objectives related to functions and services provided by ecosystems. To understand the different characteristics of restoration programmes prioritising carbon storage and biodiversity conservation this study analysed the case of the TMRP and interviewed 13 stakeholders including project management, partners and landholders. The results revealed that a number of requirements for the two different restoration types are complementary but some specific characteristics particularly related to the selection, composition and diversity of restoration plantings exist. The effectiveness of restoration depends highly on the commitment of the stakeholders and the study showed that there are different interests between larger landholders, who care more for the general environment, and smaller landholders, who are more concerned about the lands productivity. Market-based instruments including carbon and biodiversity trading markets could be used to provide further incentives for all restoration stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of restoration programmes.