But, why do we do it?

Ecological restoration is an essential process in New Zealand that provides numerous benefits to the environment, wildlife, and people. The restoration of degraded ecosystems can help restore the natural balance of the ecosystem and support the recovery of threatened or endangered species.

One of the most significant benefits of ecological restoration in New Zealand is the preservation of the country's unique biodiversity. New Zealand has a diverse range of endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world, but habitat loss, fragmentation, and invasive species have threatened many of these species. Ecological restoration can help protect and enhance the habitats of these species, providing them with the resources they need to thrive.

Ecological restoration also helps to mitigate climate change by enhancing carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable land use practices. Restoring wetlands, forests, and other ecosystems can help to mitigate the effects of climate change by storing carbon in the soil and vegetation.

Furthermore, ecological restoration can provide important economic benefits. Restored ecosystems can provide a range of ecosystem services, such as water purification, flood control, and erosion prevention. These ecosystem services are essential to human well-being and can support economic activities such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism.

Finally, ecological restoration can help to strengthen the social fabric of communities. Restoring degraded ecosystems can create new opportunities for recreation and ecotourism, providing a sense of pride and connection to the local environment.

In the end, ecological restoration provides numerous benefits to the environment, wildlife, and people in New Zealand. By restoring degraded ecosystems, we can preserve the country's unique biodiversity, mitigate climate change, support sustainable land use practices, and strengthen the social fabric of our communities.