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Forest restoration is
based on multiple values in addition to the carbon accumulation,
such as watershed hydrological control, soil protection against erosion,
conservation and enhancement of the biodiversity, or the satisfaction
of social demands for goods and services and new jobs linked to eco-technology.
Some of the challenges facing ecological restoration involve assessment,
potential land for afforestation, the role of ecosystems and landscapes
in the flux of greenhouse gases, ecosystem persistence to changing
environmental conditions, technical limitations on forest restoration
(especially on degraded lands) and methodology assessment. GRACCIE
will aim to progress towards an integrated view of Mediterranean
ecosystem restoration and to adapt its management to the perspective
of global change. This research line will supply indicator tools
that facilitate the determination of priority areas for ecological
restoration and the elaboration of cartography with the restoration
potential. In addition, guidelines with suitable technological recommendations
will be elaborated with respect to application ranges and probabilities
of success. This research will also contribute to develop basic knowledge
on the ecosystem response to environmental stress and on the role
of the reforestation programmes in the water and carbon balances.
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