Which of the following is NOT a principle of ecological restoration?

The principle of ecological restoration emphasizes not just the act of restoring ecosystems but doing so with the intention of promoting ecological integrity, long-term sustainability, and an understanding of both historical and future ecological contexts. While engaging and benefiting scientists is important, it is not a fundamental principle of ecological restoration itself.

Ecological integrity refers to the ability of ecosystems to maintain their structure, function, and species diversity over time. Long-term sustainability underscores the need for restored ecosystems to persist and thrive beyond the restoration phase, ensuring they can endure environmental changes and pressures in perpetuity. Being informed by past and future contexts means that restoration efforts draw on historical data about ecosystems to guide current practices and anticipate future environmental challenges.

Thus, while the involvement of scientists in ecological restoration can enhance the process and its outcomes, simply benefiting scientists does not encapsulate the essential goals and principles that drive effective ecological restoration efforts.