Lessons from the World Congress of the Society for Ecological Restoration

The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) seeks “to promote ecological restoration as a means of sustaining the diversity of life on Earth and reestablishing an ecologically healthy relationship between nature and culture” (Whisenant 2011). SER envisions restoration as a way to both conserve biodiversity and advance human well-being (McDonald et al. 2016). SER seeks to maintain biodiversity, resilience in a changing climate, and healthy relationships between nature and culture. This goal is accomplished by the Society providing opportunities for students in leadership and networking, fostering relationships with restoration specialists, engaging in local restoration efforts, and offering conferences and other events focused on restoration. In early October of 2025, the World Congress of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER 2025a) held their international meeting focused on moving from commitment to action in ecological restoration. Many examples of successful restorations were presented including removal of invasive species and dams to restore and protect the environment for future generations. The meeting featured field trips to many interesting locations in Colorado; plenary presentations by renowned practitioners; more than 20 symposia on topics such as stakeholder engagement, monitoring, scaling up, wildlife management, and landscape restoration; and contributed papers from scientists, students, and experts from around the world (SER 2025b). Several barriers to restoration were discussed. Securing adequate long-term financing for restoration may be the biggest challenge. However, inclusion of restoration in national and industrial plans is also important. Economic volatility is a barrier, for companies need to maintain profitability in order to invest in restoration. It is important to understand the perspective of diverse stakeholders. In particular, the understanding from Indigenous perspectives includes having empathy regarding dispossession of their lands and intergenerational trauma. Identifying champions for restoration who are active across many sectors is one way to address these barriers. The 2027 World Congress of SER will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, with the theme of “Restoration in Motion: From Land to Sea, Knowledge to Action.” The film shown about that venue (SER 2025c) suggests the 2027 meeting will be as engaging as the 2025 meeting in Denver.