The Role of Geomorphology in Rewilding and Ecosystem/Landscape Restoration

Rewilding and ecosystem restoration approaches have focused strongly on the restoration of wildlife/biodiversity. However, the Convention on Biological Diversity defines an ecosystem as “a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit”. It follows, therefore, that ecosystem restoration must involve the restoration of both the living and the non-living components of the environment, including their dynamic interactions. This paper defines other aspects of the environment, including nature and natural capital. These involve both biotic and abiotic components, so “nature” should not be used as a synonym for wildlife/biodiversity. After describing how geodiversity is important in ecosystem functioning, several examples are presented of how geomorphology is a crucial aspect of rewilding or landscape/ecosystem restoration. By pursuing this integrated approach to biotic and abiotic restoration, stronger, more-resilient ecosystems can be achieved.