New International Standards for Ecological Restoration Published

The third edition of the International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration has been published in the latest special issue of Restoration Ecology. Developed by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) in collaboration with leading experts worldwide, the updated guidance provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating ecological restoration across terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems.

The new edition reflects significant advances in restoration science and practice since 2019. It introduces eight updated principles of ecological restoration, expanded standards of practice, a refined Five-star System for assessing restoration progress, and an updated Restorative Continuum that clarifies the relationship between ecological restoration and other restorative activities. The document also strengthens the integration of diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous and local ecological knowledge, and aligns with the goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

As ecological restoration gains momentum worldwide, the third edition of the SER Standards is expected to serve as a key reference for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and funding organisations, supporting the delivery of high-quality, effective, and socially inclusive restoration projects.