The selection of monitoring indicators must be tailored to the project's objectives, the specific ecosystem under restoration, and the site's unique conditions. Monitoring should take place before and after intervention. In addition, monitoring should compare indicators between the intervention and control sites, where restoration activities occur and do not occur, respectively. This comparative analysis aims at measuring the net difference the project makes toward achieving the desired ecological state. Data collection should be conducted according to standard and scientific approaches, including, for instance, vegetation surveys, benthos surveys, assessment of bird (roosting) numbers and (feeding) densities and habitat use monitoring. It may also be important to consider human use of sites in instances when a restored area contains commercially important species that may be harvested. Where available, species and habitat monitoring should be carried out according to coordinated and standardised monitoring protocols. In this regard, the East Asian- Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) encourages the development of a coordinated waterbird monitoring and reporting protocol to be adopted by the EAAF countries. Securing dedicated funding streams or budget reservations for monitoring activities is essential. Collaboration with relevant governmental departments, policymakers, and stakeholders is crucial to highlight the importance of monitoring in achieving restoration objectives. Clarifying roles and responsibilities for monitoring within the governance framework ensures efficient resource allocation and governance alignment, enhancing project effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Examples of indicators for assessing coastal wetland ecosystems restoration projects. These indicators are most informative when a restoration site is compared to a pre-restoration baseline and/or a reference site. Adapted from Cadier et al ., (2020) and Atkinson (2001).
Attribute category
Indicators
●
Species richness and diversity
Biological conditions
● Species abundance, percentage area cover and biomass ● Presence of threatened species
● Soil and sediment physiochemical conditions ● Water physiochemical variables ● Bathymetry ● Current intensity
Physical conditions
● Biological threats (e.g. invasive species) are absent from the restoration area ● Extraction of resources by people is sustainable ● Pollution levels
Absence of threats
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