Restoration projects in coastal habitats are successful when they effectively reinstate the ecological values identified as having been lost or degraded due to human activities or natural events and successfully maintain it over time. Setting clear targets is the cornerstone of any successful restoration initiative, providing a reference point for achieving ecological, conservation, and community-related goals. In the context of shorebird conservation, the success of restoration depends on the ability to recreate vital habitats with specific ecological functions that are specific to the needs of shorebirds. For instance, if the objective is to restore a tidal flat crucial for shorebirds' feeding, the restoration process must ensure that the restored tidal flat can effectively serve this purpose. This involves respecting the morphological features of a natural tidal flat, preventing the growth of vegetation, as well as fostering the return of benthic fauna, ensuring appropriate and adequate food source for the birds. In addition to target setting, establishing a common and shared vision can increase ownership and participation of key stakeholder groups. It is crucially important to understand the threats that have caused the degradation of the natural habitat and ensure that they have been addressed and eliminated. Restoring a natural ecosystem while the threats are still present would only lead to failure. Mangrove restoration, for instance, should only start after illegal logging and mangrove clearance has been stopped, otherwise it is much more beneficial and cost effective to ensure the conservation of existing natural ecosystems. The guidelines presented here advocate for a stepwise approach to coastal habitat restoration, with target setting at its core. This approach provides a structured and systematic methodology, facilitating informed decision-making and adaptive management practices for sustainable ecological outcomes.
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