In a rapidly growing world, natural ecosystems are under unprecedented stress, facing degradation due to exploitation and mismanagement at the hands of humans, changing climate, the spread of invasive non-native species, and plain apathy. From deserts to mangroves, grasslands to rainforests, each unique ecosystem requires a tailored approach for effective restoration. A one-size-fits-all solution is not feasible. Instead, we must cater to the specific needs of each ecosystem to restore their vital services.

Protecting and restoring ecosystems by reversing degradation is a key sustainable development goal outlined by the United Nations. During the 14th Conference of Parties (COP 14) to the United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD), India committed to restoring 26 million hectares of land by 2030. WCT’s ecosystem restoration programme aims to contribute to this ambitious goal through scientifically designed frameworks and knowledge generation via various projects across diverse ecosystems.

Our targeted restoration areas are not only ecologically diverse but also vary in their socio-economic contexts and management institutions. Ecosystem restoration is a long-term process that requires sustained commitment, a scientific foundation, the involvement of multiple stakeholders, and visionary planning. With the broader goal of halting and reversing land degradation, we aim to use biodiversity enhancement as an indicator of restoration success.

Our ecosystem restoration programme is divided into three layers: a) research and learning, b) implementation, and c) expansion. The learning phase focuses on generating scientific knowledge, followed by pilot implementation projects. Once the success of these pilots is assessed, the work can be scaled up to larger areas.

Our restoration pilot project is located in the semi-arid scrublands of RAAS-Chhatrasagar, encompassing a 700-acre area that also includes a man-made reservoir. This landscape has suffered significant degradation due to a recent flood that submerged a large section of this landscape, killing native trees. The remaining unflooded area is reeling under the invasion of Prosopis juliflora, an aggressive, alien species that has negatively impacted native vegetation, and in turn the overall biodiversity of the habitat.

  • Infestation of invasive Prosopis juliflora following the destruction of native vegetation due to flash flooding (left), and loss of native tree layer (right).
  • Infestation of invasive Prosopis juliflora following the destruction of native vegetation due to flash flooding (left), and loss of native tree layer (right).
Infestation of invasive Prosopis juliflora following the destruction of native vegetation due to flash flooding (left), and loss of native tree layer (right).

RAAS-Chhatrasagar is a catchment and a potential wildlife habitat in the shadows of the Aravalli mountains. Small patches of native vegetation here provide essential shelter for wild mammals including the Indian leopard, common palm civet, Indian porcupine, Indian hare, jungle cat, golden jackal, desert cat, nilgai and three species of mongoose, among others. This privately owned and well-protected area serves as an important breeding ground for these species, supporting biodiversity conservation not only within Chhatrasagar but also in the connected grazing lands.

The impact of the flood and invasive species on the native biodiversity is still unknown, necessitating a detailed roadmap for habitat restoration, which is planned in a phased manner, incorporating scientific rigour and experimental interventions. The project is divided into four phases:

  1. Robust Baseline Assessment: Conducting comprehensive assessments of key ecosystem indicators and taxa to lay a solid foundation for measuring restoration success in the future.
  2. Identification of Problems and Mechanisms: Pinpointing the specific problems and underlying mechanisms affecting the ecosystem.
  3. Planned Interventions: Designing and implementing targeted interventions to address the identified problems.
  4. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Monitoring the outcomes of the interventions and making necessary adjustments based on observed results.

By adopting this structured approach, we aim to restore the RAAS-Chhatrasagar ecosystem, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of its biodiversity and ecosystem services, and above all develop a robust methodology to carry out restoration of tropical dry arid ecosystems.

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