Habitat Reconstruction: Moving Beyond Historical Fidelity

Abstract

This chapter proposes reconstruction rather than restoration as a goal for environmental policy. Human impact on life and its environmental conditions continue around the world. Anthropogenic changes have had huge impacts, including negative impacts on human living conditions and vulnerability to various natural changes. “Reservation” approaches to preserving at least some areas in a natural state have been partly successful but insufficient, leading one to consider efforts at restoration. The chapter argues that standard accounts of restoration are too restrictive; one needs a notion with broader scope. Historical fidelity as the goal of restoration is the main problem. Further, this discussion proposes reconstruction as a better term and process for efforts to improve ecological conditions in various areas; reconstruction pursues a different set of natural values, values that are more suitable both to people means and one well-considered ends. The upshot is that a focus on historical fidelity is expensive, often beyond one's ability to measure confidently (records just don't exist), and likely to harm valuable species now present. Finally, despite best efforts, it will be prevented or rendered unsustainable by coming climate change.