Restoring extremely degraded alpine grassland (Heitutan) for restructuring the social–ecological system on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau—A review

Abstract Heitutan, a term referring to extremely degraded alpine grassland on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, epitomizes a critical challenge in global ecological restoration. Likened to a “cancer cell,” Heitutan can gradually encroach on healthy grassland. Its widespread occurrence on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau originates from the deep‐rooted paradox between natural and socio‐economic systems in alpine pastoral areas, which results in the structural and functional collapse of the ecosystem. Consequently, the ecological restoration of Heitutan involves the reconstruction of an integrated social–ecological system. From this perspective, this review synthesizes current understanding of Heitutan's formation mechanisms, restoration approaches, post‐restoration management models, and pertinent ecological ethics. We highlight that enhancing the scalability of in situ‐based restoration technologies, along with strengthening socio‐economic tolerance for trial‐and‐error and adaptive capacity within restoration zones, is vital for successful restoration. For the realistic requirement of long‐term restoration in the cold and high‐altitude region, we propose establishing a “Heitutan‐restoration grassland” system through reseeding with perennial native plants as a sustainable and practical framework. This system provides a viable pathway to combat grassland degradation. It enables government investment to effectively integrate the ecological construction with pastoral development within the Heitutan restoration engineering on the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau.