Ecological restoration -business driven remediation methods for biodiversity and ecosystem services

Purpose and goal

The overall objective of the project was to develop innovative methods to integrate ecology in reclamation of previously developed industrial sites and promote further sustainable development. After-treatment and reclamation with a focus on biodiversity and ecosystem services is a relatively new phenomenon. However, there is knowledge and interest in these matters and hence, great potential. We have introduced the concept of ecological reclamation and highlighted the possibilities of integrating this during restoration of mines, quarries and other post-industrial sites.

Results and expected effects

The results of the project have been made available in a handbook of ecological reclamation. The intention of the handbook is that it will serve as a body of knowledge and also an inspiration of what can be done to promote biodiversity and ecosystem services during reclamation of mines, quarries and other post-industrial sites. Throughout the project we identified a need of a network for organizations and companies who currently work or intend to work with ecological reclamation. A project has been initiated and a network with the name EkoNätet has been launched.

Approach and implementation

To examine and describe the business and ecological potential of ecological reclamation, we have performed an analysis of the potential to benefit the natural and social values, as well as the ability to create ecosystem services. We have also conducted a cost analysis and found cost-effective solutions. Further on we have carried out an analysis of the spatial potential for ecological reclamation in mining and in steel and smelting facilities. Finally, we have developed a framework for a general working method for ecological reclamation of former industrial sites.