Ecological, Social, And Educational Dimensions Of Restoration: Insights From Berenty Reserve, Madagascar

Abstract

Amidst a global biodiversity crisis, ecological restoration emerges as a critical solution to mitigate the devastating effects of biodiversity loss and climate change. Focusing on Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot facing significant forest loss, this dissertation explores various aspects of ecological restoration in the Berenty Reserve. It integrates ecological, social, and educational perspectives to provide applied knowledge and practical insights, addressing the unique challenges of restoring the tropical dry forest. The study includes a comprehensive baseline inventory of the forests in Berenty to characterize a reference ecosystem to set restoration goals in the reserve. I found that the spiny and gallery forests were different structurally and compositionally, requiring tailored restoration interventions. Special attention was given to Tamarindus indica, the tamarind tree, a species critical for the forests of the reserve and its lemurs, but facing regeneration challenges. I conducted three experiments to understand the impacts of light and water availability on its early life history stages, showing that light is the most limiting resource for tamarind growth and that water availability impacts tamarind more than water frequency. I also addressed management alternatives of the invasive vine Cissus quadrangularis. Investigating its desiccation thresholds, I found that C. quadrangularis can remain viable after losing 80% of its mass, concluding that management strategies should ensure complete desiccation of Cissus fragments to prevent its regrowth. Leveraging on my experience in the Berenty Reserve, I developed a decision case study for use in undergraduate or graduate student classrooms, where students grapple with the complexities of choosing between native and non-native plant species for restoring a tropical dry forest. This educational tool enhances the understanding of restoration ecology and motivates broader engagement. Finally, I examined the integration of the social sciences and/or local ecological knowledge within restoration research, highlighting the gap between theoretical advocacy and practical application and indicating the need for more inclusive and interdisciplinary approaches. Collectively, this work contributes valuable practical and theoretical insights aimed at improving restoration strategies, not only for the dry forests in Madagascar but also for similar ecosystems globally.