Integrated development and future trends of restoration ecology

<p indent="0mm">Restoration ecology is a cutting-edge scientific discipline that addresses substantial social needs by studying the types and causes of ecosystem degradation, the processes and mechanisms of ecological restoration, and the techniques and protocols of ecosystem reconstruction. In this article, we review the integrative trends and global development in the restoration ecology discipline, focusing on the scientific contributions made by Sun Yat-sen University. Recent advancements in this discipline involve the practicability of restoration theories, interdisciplinarity, landscape design, and strategies to combat the impacts of global changes. In particular, we focus on cases wherein social needs were addressed through species- and environment-based techniques, such as constructing ecological restoration reference systems and enhancing adaptation to abiotic factors, such as water, soil, and climate conditions. During the past half a century, considerable achievements have been realized in restoring various degraded ecosystems, controlling and restoring invaded ecosystems, and providing potential solutions to the challenge of repeated invasion outbreaks. In the future, Sun Yat-sen University will continue investigating the key aspects of ecological restoration to fully support the scientific and social needs of the restoration ecology discipline.