Climate Week 2023 Symposium Panel: The Promise of Ecosystem Restoration

Name: Climate Week 2023 Symposium Panel: The Promise of Ecosystem Restoration
Uploaded: 2023-10-10T17:35:42.000Z
Duration: 2 h 44 min 40 s

The Promise of Ecosystem Restoration

Introduction to the Panel

The session introduces the second annual Thomas E. Lovejoy and Edward O. Wilson panel titled "The Promise of Ecosystem Restoration."

Tom Lovejoy and E.O. Wilson are recognized as significant figures in the environmental movement, celebrated for their contributions at NYBG.

Moderator Introduction

Dr. Maurizio Diazgranados is introduced as the panel's moderator, having joined NYBG after a notable career at Kew Gardens focused on nature-based solutions.

His previous work includes leading impactful publications like the Catalogue of Useful Plants and Fungi of Colombia, emphasizing biodiversity in one of the world's richest ecosystems.

Current Biodiversity Crisis

Dr. Diazgranados highlights alarming statistics: two in five plant species and one in three tree species are threatened with extinction, indicating a severe biodiversity crisis.

He notes that 73% of global land has been transformed by human activity, with deforestation rates equating to significant loss—10 to 20 million hectares annually (one soccer field every two seconds).

Challenges and Opportunities in Restoration

Invasive species pose a major threat; 42% of threatened species are impacted by them, raising questions about humanity's ability to repair ecological damage.

Citing Edward O. Wilson’s vision from 1992, Dr. Diazgranados emphasizes that the next century should focus on ecological restoration as a means to combat extinction crises.

Panelist Introductions

The panelists will share their experiences across various ecosystems and approaches to restoration science, starting with Sarah who reflects on her personal journey related to social justice and biodiversity within New York City’s natural spaces.

Wildlife Restoration and Urban Conservation Initiatives

Introduction to Wildlife Restoration

Dr. Daniel Kinka introduces himself as the Wildlife Restoration Manager for American Prairie, emphasizing the importance of protecting the Great Plains, a neglected ecosystem in North America.

American Prairie aims to set aside approximately 3.2 million acres (5,000 square miles), comparable to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks combined, to restore a fully functioning prairie ecosystem.

Ecological Restoration Focus

Daniel acknowledges his background in wildlife rather than botany, indicating a focus on ecological restoration from a wildlife perspective.

He expresses enthusiasm about discussing ecological restoration methods and their similarities and differences with other panelists' work.

Horticulture and Community Engagement

Todd introduces himself as the Arthur Ross Vice President for Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, highlighting his role at the intersection of social justice, art, and science.

He discusses Bronx Green-Up, a program celebrating its 35th anniversary that transforms vacant lots into community gardens and urban farms for local residents.

Plant Collections Management

Todd oversees care for 15,000 plant types in various settings—from traditional taxonomic displays to contemporary gardens aimed at engaging public interest in plant diversity.

He mentions ongoing ecological restoration efforts within the Thain Family Forest at the garden, which has been central to its establishment since the late 19th century.

Shifting Perspectives on Conservation

Eric shares his background as an ecosystem ecologist focused on wildlife conservation globally before shifting his attention to urban ecology after moving to New York.

He authored a book exploring Manhattan's historical ecology prior to European settlement, which transformed his views on conservation priorities towards urban environments.

Urban Conservation Goals

Eric emphasizes that conserving nature within cities is crucial for future sustainability amid climate change challenges.

As Vice President of Urban Conservation at NYBG, he aims to leverage horticultural expertise for long-term urban conservation strategies that consider historical changes and future choices impacting city ecosystems.

Importance of Immediate Action

Eric stresses that decisions made today will have lasting impacts over millennia; thus immediate action is essential in reshaping how we interact with our environment.

This structured summary captures key insights from each speaker while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific parts of the discussion.

Ecological Restoration and Urban Nature Management

Overview of Ecological Restoration in Bogotá

The speaker served as the director of science at the Bogota Botanical Garden, leading a significant ecological restoration program that involved planting 300,000 trees and restoring 14 wetlands.

The approach taken was to anticipate future ecological states rather than solely relying on historical data, reflecting a forward-thinking strategy in urban ecology.

Managing Natural Areas in New York City

Sarah discusses the management of 20,000 acres of natural areas in New York City, primarily overseen by public agencies like the NYC Parks Department and National Park Service.

A comprehensive social and ecological assessment conducted from 2013 to 2014 involved deploying 25 research scientists to evaluate forest health and engage with over 4,000 residents about their experiences with nature.

Key Findings from the Assessment

It was found that 50% of New Yorkers experience wild nature only within city parks, highlighting the need for these spaces to serve as sanctuaries for meditation and connection with nature.

Despite having a canopy dominated by native trees (85%), only half of the understory is native-dominated, indicating challenges in maintaining robust ecological systems.

Strategies for Ecological Management

The focus is on making ecologically-informed decisions regarding under planting versus afforestation while considering public access and ecosystem restoration to enhance both ecological integrity and social value.

Insights on Prairie Restoration

Daniel explains that prairie restoration does not typically involve tree planting; instead, it focuses on maintaining intact grassland habitats which have been historically used for pasture land.

He emphasizes that while some ecosystems have been altered (e.g., tilled for agriculture), many remain surprisingly intact despite being de-wilded due to low wildlife populations.

Biodiversity Loss Context

The discussion highlights a broader biodiversity crisis where only 3% of mammalian biomass consists of wild species; this stark statistic underscores significant declines in wildlife populations globally.

Understanding Rewilding and Forest Restoration

The Concept of Rewilding

American Prairie's approach to rewilding is based on the uncertainty of climate change impacts on temperate grasslands, focusing on restoring resilience rather than recreating a pre-colonial ecosystem.

The strategy emphasizes increasing wildlife abundance to enable ecological systems and services to function effectively, using habitat improvement as a means to attract wildlife back into the area.

While there are limitations in relocating certain species like beavers, the focus remains on creating robust habitats that can support recolonization by native wildlife.

The vision for rewilding includes preparing ecosystems for future challenges such as climate change by ensuring they are intact and capable of supporting diverse species.

Insights from Forest Management Experience

Todd shares insights from decades of managing NYBG's Thain Family Forest, highlighting the importance of historical context in understanding current forest dynamics.

The garden was established in the 1890s with a focus on cataloging spontaneous flora, providing valuable baseline data for restoration efforts today.

Initially guided by a "let alone" policy, it became clear that passive management led to declines in biodiversity and changes in forest composition over time.

Active management strategies were adopted over the past two decades, combining art and science to restore an old-growth urban forest while learning from historical data about native flora.

Adaptive Management Strategies

Acknowledging significant human impact on biodiversity, efforts have focused on tapping into natural processes for restoration rather than imposing arbitrary historical standards.

Emphasizing adaptive management allows for adjustments based on observed impacts, fostering resilience within urban nature settings through cautious interventions.

Nature within urban environments retains its beauty and complexity; engaging with these spaces offers visitors profound experiences akin to those found in untouched wilderness.

Nature Your City: Ecological Restoration and Urban Transformation

The Importance of Trees in Urban Ecosystems

Many urban trees are planted for their aesthetic value, often overlooking their ecological benefits such as creating corridors and maintaining natural processes.

Eric proposes the "Nature Your City" initiative to transform urban landscapes by integrating ecological restoration practices into city planning.

Historical Context of Urban Ecology

The rapid population growth in 19th century Manhattan (from 40,000 to 2.2 million) led to significant environmental changes, prompting reflections on lost natural spaces.

This historical context is tied to colonization and settlement, influencing current values regarding nature and science in urban settings.

Shifting Perspectives Towards Future Planning

Historically, individuals have focused on immediate needs rather than long-term ecological considerations; however, there are emerging opportunities for future-oriented thinking.

The Nature Your City initiative aims to foster an understanding of New York City's landscape as an ecological system that includes both human and non-human elements.

Principles of Ecological Democracy

A key aspect of the initiative is promoting ecological democracy where diverse community voices contribute to restoration decisions rather than a top-down approach.

Technology plays a crucial role through platforms like Vision Maker, which allows residents to visualize historical and contemporary ecologies while proposing future improvements.

Understanding Ecosystem Health

The goal is to create a sustainable environment that supports all life forms within the city while considering individual contributions from plants and animals.

As a botanist, Eric expresses concern over unhealthy ecosystems dominated by non-native species; he emphasizes the need for awareness about ecosystem composition and health indicators.

Key Features of Ecosystems

Ecosystems can be analyzed through four features: composition (species present), structure (spatial interactions), functionality (interactions among species), and temporality (changes over time).

Drivers of Change in Various Environments

Disturbances such as fires, pollution, deforestation, and over-harvesting significantly impact habitat degradation across different ecosystems.

Understanding Anthropogenic Disturbances in Urban Forests

The Impact of Human Activities on the Thain Family Forest

Acknowledgment of the panelists' global perspectives while focusing on local knowledge, emphasizing how deep understanding reveals significant insights about environmental health.

Identification of key anthropogenic disturbances affecting forest health: fragmentation, invasive species (plants and pests), soil pollution, and air pollution, particularly heavy metals from urban activities.

Recognition of plants' resilience and adaptability despite severe environmental challenges; highlights the importance of natural processes in driving ecological change.

Emphasis on initiating thoughtful work to support natural processes within urban contexts, suggesting that small-scale efforts can lead to significant ecological improvements.

Major Forces Shaping Nature Today

Discussion on three primary factors influencing nature globally: climate change, urbanization, and economic enterprise management; all are currently experiencing rapid changes compared to historical stability.

Reflection on societal anxiety stemming from these dynamic changes and their implications for future decision-making regarding environmental values.

Urban Context as a Catalyst for Ecological Innovation

Highlighting that climate change, urbanization, and economic drivers are most intense in urban environments; cities serve as testing grounds for adaptive management strategies.

Noting the shift from rural to urban land use over the past century; emphasizes the need for innovative management practices that blend historical ecological approaches with modern techniques.

Learning Opportunities in Urban Ecology

Exploration of how extreme heat impacts local ecology more intensely in urban areas; potential lessons learned could inform broader ecological understandings globally.

Recognition of cities as centers of innovation due to their diverse expertise; New York is highlighted as a prime example due to its unique resources and institutions.

The Role of Local Ecosystems in Broader Landscapes

Encouragement to consider the significance of local ecosystems like the Thain Family Forest within larger landscapes such as the Bronx and New York City.

How to Restore and Preserve Ecosystems?

The Importance of Dynamism in Ecosystems

Daniel discusses the significance of understanding ecosystems as indicators of environmental health, emphasizing the need for restoration and preservation for future generations.

He highlights that restoration efforts at American Prairie focus on reintroducing dynamism into prairie systems, allowing them to breathe and thrive.

The shift from indigenous biodiversity to domesticated homogeneity is noted, with fences disrupting wildlife migration and resilience within ecosystems.

Traditional cattle ranching practices are critiqued for their static nature, which negatively impacts bird species dependent on diverse habitats.

The concept of a "shifting mosaic" is introduced, stressing the importance of structural diversity in ecosystems and how it can be restored through various ecological processes.

Challenges in Urban Ecological Restoration

Todd emphasizes the interconnectedness of urban landscapes with natural environments, using the Bronx River as an example of a vital ecological corridor amidst urbanization.

He argues that effective ecological restoration requires consideration of entire watersheds rather than isolated areas to address climate change impacts comprehensively.

The necessity for creating corridors within cities is highlighted as essential for facilitating species migration due to climate change barriers.

Sarah points out challenges in managing grasslands or maritime forests within New York City, particularly regarding cyclical shocks needed for ecosystem maintenance.

She notes difficulties related to maintaining natural systems in urban settings, including rising deer populations leading to management controversies.

Urban Ecology and Land Tenure Challenges

The Complexity of Urban Landscapes

Urban environments present unique challenges due to their proximity to suburban areas, leading to compressed time and space issues for families and communities.

Land tenure in urban settings is characterized by fine-scale divisions, with individuals having significant control over small lots influenced by zoning codes and social norms.

Green Roofs as a Solution

Observations from Hudson Yards highlight the emergence of green roofs across Manhattan, driven by individual initiative rather than regulatory requirements.

Encouraging residents to engage in planting and restoration can contribute significantly to ecosystem restoration, even on small scales like rooftop gardens.

Ethical Considerations in Ecological Restoration

Aldo Leopold's contributions emphasize moral imperatives for environmental protection and restoration, linking ecological health with human well-being.

Various motivations exist for ecological restoration: enhancing natural capital, aiding community adaptation, preserving aesthetics, cultural relevance, and maintaining healthy landscapes.

Historical Context in Restoration Efforts

Understanding historical baselines is crucial; it’s not about reverting to past states but comprehending the evolution of ecosystems over time.

Historical ecology serves as a bridge between humanities and sciences, providing insights into how environments have changed without imposing value judgments.

Species Conservation vs. Community Needs

Advocating for species that were historically present in urban areas raises questions about climate change impacts on their viability today.

There is a need for designated spaces where certain species can thrive despite urban development pressures; this includes considering both ecological functions and community needs.

Exploring Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health

The Importance of Biodiversity in Urban Settings

Discussion on the need to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem health, with a focus on New York City's 68 unique forest types and their future sustainability.

Emphasis on the intrinsic value of nature, highlighting social and ecological benefits such as temperature regulation observed at Seton Falls Park during summer 2022.

Community Engagement and Economic Benefits

Exploration of how urban nature can provide cooling, carbon capture, and stormwater management while also serving community needs for recreation.

Highlighting workforce development programs aimed at ensuring local communities benefit economically from environmental stewardship through living wages.

Historical Context and Adaptive Management

Reflection on the historical significance of forests in the Bronx, including past landscapes dominated by hemlocks, which informs current management strategies.

Introduction to adaptive management principles that allow for evolving goals based on new knowledge about native species regeneration.

Balancing Human Interaction with Forest Health

Discussion about managing human access to forests while maintaining ecological integrity; inviting people to trails but excluding them from sensitive interior areas.

Ethical Considerations in Restoration Efforts

Overview of American Prairie's mission to restore prairie ecosystems ethically, emphasizing that restoration decisions are often driven by moral imperatives rather than solely scientific rationale.

Acknowledgment that while science provides methods for restoration, ethical considerations play a crucial role in deciding whether such actions should be taken.

The Right of Nature to Exist

Assertion that land has an inherent right to exist; restoration efforts are justified not just by ecological benefits but also by an ethical commitment to preserving natural environments.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Urban Environments

Overview of Climate Change

The planet's temperature has risen over one degree Celsius since pre-industrial times, primarily due to human activities.

Projections suggest that by 2100, temperatures could exceed four degrees Celsius, significantly altering the planet for future generations.

Impacts on New York City

Climate change poses a significant threat to New York City, particularly in areas previously affected by flooding due to sea level rise and extreme weather events like Hurricane Ida.

Approximately 1.2 million residents live in flood zones that may become increasingly dangerous; this presents both a crisis and an opportunity for urban transformation.

Opportunities for Transformation

The climate crisis can drive necessary changes in urban planning, including increased housing development, improved transportation systems, and ecological restoration efforts.

Addressing environmental justice is crucial as vulnerable populations are often located in the most at-risk areas; thus, rebuilding must consider these social dynamics.

Biodiversity and Resilience

Ecological Considerations

In regions like the prairie, climate change will likely result in hotter and drier conditions; however, certain species such as bison may adapt well due to their natural resilience.

Enhancing biodiversity is essential for ecological resilience; restoring natural processes can help ecosystems better cope with climate impacts.

Community Engagement

Engaging local communities through gardening initiatives highlights the importance of individual actions against climate change while fostering a connection with nature.

The Role of Nature in Climate Solutions

Breaking Down Silos

There is a growing recognition across sectors that integrating nature into solutions is vital for addressing climate challenges effectively.

Finding Joy in Nature

Emphasizing enjoyment of nature can help reframe anxiety about climate change into hope and creativity for problem-solving.

Community Involvement in Ecological Restoration

The Role of Local Communities

The success of ecological initiatives often hinges on the involvement of local communities; without their contribution, efforts may fail.

Some communities perceive tree planting as a threat, associating forests with danger in high-crime areas. Education programs are essential to change this perception and highlight the importance of trees.

Symbolic Acts and Reconciliation

Engaging victims of violence in Colombia to plant trees serves as a symbolic act of reconciliation, honoring those lost while fostering community involvement.

Engagement with Diverse Stakeholders

Understanding Historical Context

Daniel discusses working with various stakeholders including farmers and indigenous communities in central Montana, emphasizing the region's long history with indigenous peoples.

Indigenous peoples have inhabited the area for at least 20,000 years, utilizing it as a communal hunting ground following bison migrations.

Modern Ranching Practices

The transition from traditional ranching practices to biodiversity management is highlighted by American Prairie's approach to purchasing ranch land for conservation rather than commodity production.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Controversies Surrounding Land Management

American Prairie faces criticism for being perceived as a threat to local livelihoods and traditions due to its different land management strategies.

Critics argue that American Prairie aims to revert land use back to pre-colonial times, fearing that towns will disappear under conservation efforts.

Addressing Community Concerns

Efforts are made to dispel myths about American Prairie’s intentions, clarifying that it supports public access and acknowledges the need for local services like hospitals and grocery stores.

Personal Contributions to Ecological Restoration

Starting at Home

Eric emphasizes that individual contributions begin at home by nurturing family connections with nature. Early experiences can foster appreciation for ecological restoration.

Practical Steps for Individuals

Planting native species or trees in personal gardens is encouraged as a practical step individuals can take towards supporting ecological restoration efforts.

Discussion on Environmental Stewardship and Community Engagement

Importance of Biodiversity and Community Collaboration

Emphasizes the significance of focusing on key species for environmental health, suggesting that collaboration with neighbors can create larger ecological patches which enhance biodiversity.

Highlights the political dimensions of environmental issues, stressing the need to align budgetary and legislative priorities with long-term ecological goals.

Legislative Progress in Urban Ecology

Reports on New York City Council's recent amendment to achieve a 30% tree canopy cover across its five boroughs, up from 22%, showcasing proactive leadership amidst budget constraints.

Encourages individuals to take personal action by becoming gardeners, reinforcing the idea that individual efforts contribute significantly to broader ecological outcomes.

Wildlife Management and Public Involvement

Discusses how state wildlife agencies primarily manage wildlife based on social tolerance rather than biological conditions, indicating a disconnect between public desires and management practices.

Urges community members to engage with local wildlife officials about their preferences for wildlife presence, emphasizing that collective voices can influence management decisions.

Conclusion of Panel Discussion

Concludes the panel discussion by expressing gratitude towards participants and encouraging attendees to leave with increased knowledge and inspiration regarding environmental stewardship.