The evolution of Society for Ecological Restoration's principles and standards—counter‐response to Gann et al. Issue 3 (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Higgs, Eric; Harris, Jim; Murphy, Stephen; Bowers, Keith; Hobbs, Richard; Jenkins, Willis; Kidwell, Jeremy; Lopoukhine, Nik; Sollereder, Bethany; Suding, Katie; Thompson, Allen; Whisenant, Steve
• Is Part Of: Restoration ecology. Volume 26:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 431
• Page End: 433
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: ecological restoration targets -- global restoration policy -- reference ecosystems -- restoration principles -- restoration standards; Restoration ecology -- Periodicals; Reclamation of land -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7153
• DOI: 10.1111/rec.12821
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1061-2971

Abstract

Abstract : In response to our recent article (Higgs et al. 2018) in these pages, George Gann and his coauthors defended the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) International Standards, clarified several points, and introduced some new perspectives. We offer this counter‐response to address some of these perspectives. More than anything, our aims are in sharpening the field of restoration in a time of rapid scaling‐up of interest and effort, and support further constructive dialogue going forward. Our perspective remains that there is an important distinction needed between "Standards" and "Principles" that is largely unheeded by Gann et al. (2018). We encourage SER to consider in future iterations of its senior policy document to lean on principles first, and then to issue advice on standards that meet the needs of diverse conditions and social, economic, and political realities.