27.01.2026: Sarah Bürli (Graz): Forest restoration in Aotearoa New Zealand: Advancing decolonial and reparative ecology, HS 31.11, Institut für Biologie, Bereich Pflanzenwissenschaften, Schubertstraße 51, 17:00 Uhr
In a forest restoration project conducted in partnership with Māori communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, we simultaneously planted early- and late-successional tree species to accelerate the establishment of resilient forest ecosystems. Drawing on data from 1,840 trees, this project explores how planting design and environmental variables shape tree establishment. Our results show that simultaneous planting can successfully support late-successional species survival, particularly when early-successional trees are spaced two meters apart and there is ground vegetation cover. By identifying key ecological and environmental drivers of late-successional tree survival, this work offers practical guidance for enhancing the effectiveness, biodiversity, and resilience of future forest restoration projects. Most importantly, this project helps lay the foundations for a reparative ecology that advances scientific knowledge while restoring relationships among and between People and Nature.