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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration

Field Collection and Laboratory Maintenance of Canopy-Forming Giant Kelp to Facilitate Restoration

Published on: June 7, 2024

Applying complementarity in ecological restoration.

Mink R Verschoor¹, Yann Hautier¹, George A Kowalchuk¹

¹Ecology and Biodiversity Group, Utrecht University; Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

|September 16, 2025

Summary

Restoring ecosystems using complementarity theory can improve biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Applying mechanisms like resource partitioning and facilitation aids in rebuilding complex functions in degraded environments.

Keywords:

abiotic facilitation biotic feedbacks ecosystem functioning ecosystem restoration resource partitioning

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Area of Science:

Ecology
Restoration Ecology
Conservation Biology

Background:

Climate change and biodiversity loss threaten ecosystem functioning and nature's contributions to people.
Ecosystem restoration is crucial for addressing these global environmental challenges.
Restoration goals and ecosystem contexts are diverse, requiring tailored approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the translation of complementarity theory into practical ecosystem restoration.
To demonstrate how complementarity mechanisms can achieve functional restoration goals across diverse ecosystems.
To propose a decision tool for matching restoration mechanisms with suitable ecological contexts.

Main Methods:

Literature review on complementarity theory and its application in restoration.
Analysis of mechanisms driving complementarity: resource partitioning, abiotic facilitation, and biotic feedbacks.
Development of a conceptual decision tool for practical restoration planning.

Main Results:

Complementarity mechanisms can significantly improve restoration outcomes by enhancing ecosystem functioning.
These mechanisms guide site preparation, species selection, species establishment, and control of dominant species.
Degraded ecosystems provide opportunities to reintroduce processes that rebuild complexity and function.

Conclusions:

Translating complementarity theory into restoration practice is key to meeting functional restoration goals.
Intentional reintroduction of complementarity mechanisms can restore complexity and function in degraded ecosystems.
The proposed decision tool can aid practitioners in selecting appropriate mechanisms for specific restoration contexts.