RESTORATION ECOLOGY OF RIVERINE WETLANDS .1. A SCIENTIFIC BASE

Ecological restoration is a recent discipline that should be conducted scientifically and rigorously to move from a trial-and-error process to a predictive science to increase its success and the self-sustainab ility of restored ecosystems. The recent research developments in ecos ystem dynamics allow scientists to provide a strong theoretical base f or restoration ecology. Most large rivers have been degraded and manag ed by various agencies, but riverine wetlands are now recognized as pr oviding numerous valuable functions. Numerous opportunities are availa ble to ecologically restore wetlands disappearing through terrestriali zation. After a brief description and discussion of several restoratio n projects carried out in riverine wetlands, we propose precise recomm endations for future restoration projects, which should include the fo llowing essential steps: (1) increase restoration legitimacy with a te am of interdisciplinary scientists working on the project-it can thus be conducted on a strong theoretical base derived from recent ecologic al concepts; (2) define precise and correct restoration mission, goals , and objectives, and appropriate performance indicators of restoratio n success or failure, and (3) monitor ecosystem changes both before an d after the restoration, and compare these changes with changes observ ed in reference ecosystems.