Complete the Project sites

What is a Reference Ecosystem and Site?

ERS follows the SER Australasia approach of a Reference Ecosystem, which describes it as an ecosystem that is the target of a restoration project. A Reference Ecosystem represents the non-degraded version of the ecosystem, complete with its flora, fauna (and other biota), functions, processes and successional states that would have existed on the restoration site had degradation, damage or destruction not occurred.

Reference Site is a parcel of the Reference Ecosystem with clear boundaries. ERS requests the Reference Site to be an actual site that is accessible to the Developer and that has not undergone significant anthropogenic disturbance in the last ten years.

Note that while the Reference Ecosystem is a concept, the Reference Site is the actual physical area.

Refer to the Reference Ecosystem Guidelines for complete information and guidance on the selection of a reference site.

Watch the following video of the Fenner School of Environment & Society of the Australian National University for additional insights on ecological restoration and the use of a reference ecosystem:

How to complete this task?

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If you have any question, contact your Certification Agent.