Taking Care of Where We Live: Restoring Ecosystems

Part of the “Orca Think” series, Taking Care of Where We Live: Restoring Ecosystems highlights the importance of healthy ecosystems to the survival of the planet and the many restoration projects and initiatives which are in place in various parts of the world. Over the past 50 years, two-thirds of the world’s population of wild animals has been lost, Loss of biodiversity has huge implications for it means that the ecosystem, threatened by the destruction of habitats for human use, pollution, overharvesting, climate change and invasive species and disease, is no longer functional. The author’s well-balanced approach, offering both scientific and philosophical perspectives, provides much food for thought.

In the first of five chapters, readers will learn about the main types of ecosystems and the four ecosystem services: provisioning (food, water and building materials such as wood and metal), cultural (the many benefits to humans of spending time in nature), regulating (how plants and animals keep the planet livable) and supporting (photosynthesis, nutrient cycling and the water cycle).

The second chapter focuses on ecological restoration and the many individuals and organizations that are working on conservation projects. Ecological restoration is complex and involves four main steps which include planning with stakeholders, the “hows” of doing the work required, monitoring to ensure that goals are being met, and learning, reflecting on what went right (or wrong). In this chapter, the author poses some interesting questions about restoration. When considering a “rewilding” project, for example, should an area be brought back to what it was like 10 years ago? 20 years ago? 100?

The third chapter deals more specifically with rewilding, restoring damaged food chains by means of introducing missing mega-fauna. Here, readers will learn the difference between rewilding and restoration and about cultural keystone species, some examples of which are salmon, important to the Coast Salish peoples of the Pacific Northwest, and the bison, important to the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains.

“Peopling” is the main focus in the fourth chapter. Featured here are the harmful effects of losing one’s connection with nature and the subsequent consequences for the planet. Topics also include environmental racism, environmental justice and the importance of considering people, and not just flora and fauna, in environmental initiatives.

Finally, the fifth chapter, entitled “Acting”, encourages readers not only to be aware of environmental concerns but also to take some action, no matter how small, to become more biocentric.

Throughout the book, the author discusses challenges and subsequent actions that humans can take in order to solve the problem. (Incidentally, four of the five chapter titles are action words: restoring, rewilding, peopling and acting.) She also highlights the Indigenous perspective. Sidebars, quotes and snapshots of global projects provide additional information. Illustrations consist of colourful drawings and photographs which are well-suited to the text. A table of contents, a glossary, an index and a list of print and online resources are included.

Well-written, educational and thought-provoking, Taking Care of Where We Live: Restoring Ecosystems is not only informative but also a call to action.