Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration

October 26th – November 16th, 2026

Contact: courses@transmittingscience.com

Course Introduction Ecosystem Restoration Transmitting Science

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to ecosystem restoration (ER) and explores the fundamental principles, methodologies, and tools needed to diagnose, plan, and implement restoration projects.

The course covers key concepts in ecosystem restoration, linking them to practical case studies drawn from both the instructor’s experience and the scientific literature. It also addresses the main stages of ER, from the diagnosis of degraded ecosystems to the monitoring of restoration outcomes, as well as the relationship between society and ER. The course is based on the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) Principles and Standards.

Through case studies from a range of ecosystems, participants will analyse real-world examples and apply widely used diagnostic and planning tools. The course encourages collaboration among participants from different regions. During the sessions, students will form groups and work together on specific tasks and case studies.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to understand the key components of a basic ecosystem restoration project proposal.

This course is ideal for professionals, graduate students, and practitioners in ecology, environmental science, and conservation, and it promotes a global perspective on restoring ecosystems.

Places are limited to 16 participants.

Programme

Ecological concepts applied to ecosystem restoration

Limiting factor. Community assembly processes. Ecosystem engineers. Keystone species.

Core Ecological Restoration concepts

Definition of ecosystem restoration. The continuum of restorative activities. Rehabilitation, reclamation. Restoration ecology, Ecological restoration. Passive vs active restoration. Rewilding. Reference Ecosystem.

Diagnosis and Project design

Indicators of degradation. Setting goals, the reference ecosystem. Using ecological principles to restore.

Monitoring and Evaluation of ER

Setting goals. Adaptive management. Five-Star System and Ecological Recovery Wheel.

Society and ER. Participation

Participative processes. Benefits of ER for society. Green Infrastructure.

Restoration in different ecosystems and contexts

Case studies. Students will present a degraded ecosystem of interest and propose a restoration project, applying concepts from the course and presenting their work to the group.

Assumed Background

Basic knowledge of ecological concepts (e.g. prior coursework in Ecology).

Graduate or postgraduate degree in a Life Sciences or related discipline.

Dates & Schedule

Online live sessions on October 26th and 29th & November 2nd, 5th, 9th, 12th, and 16th, 2026

From 15:00 to 18:00 (Madrid time zone).

Total course hours: 28 (21 hours of online live lessons, plus 7 hours of participants working on their own).

This course is equivalent to 1 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). The recognition of ECTS by other institutions depends on each university or school.

Format

In the live sessions we will combine online lectures with hands-on exercises.

Live sessions will be recorded. However, attendance to the live sessions is required to obtain the course certificate.

This course will be delivered in English.

Instructor

Dr. Jaume Tormo
Universidad de Zaragoza
Spain

Registration Fees

Course Fee
Early bird (until September 30th, 2026):
466 €
(372.8 € for Ambassador Institutions)
Regular (after September 30th, 2026):
530 €
(424 € for Ambassador Institutions)
Prices include VAT.
After registration you will receive confirmation of your acceptance on the course.
Payment is not required during registration. Check discounts here.
How do I get the Ambassador Institution discount?
Registration