Restoration information: A European database of ecological restoration knowledge from stakeholder surveys

Anthropogenic pressure has led to the degradation of most natural areas in Europe. However, there is growing concern amongst both citizens and public administrations regarding the need to improve the conservation status of natural spaces through ecological restoration projects. The greatest challenge faced by ecological restoration managers is determining the most appropriate measures to ensure successful restoration, given the highly variable case-specific conditions, differing interests and objectives amongst stakeholders and limited knowledge of which measures have succeeded or failed in past restoration projects. The objective of this study is to address this issue by compiling an exhaustive database of European ecological restoration initiatives through surveys targeting stakeholders (including managers, landowners, workers, researchers and interested citizens) in relation to restoration projects already implemented, in progress or planned. The questionnaire was designed to cover all aspects related to restoration projects: general characteristics (e.g. geographic scope, duration, funding sources), ecological restoration approaches (e.g. techniques applied, target species), socio-economic and governance dimensions (e.g. stakeholder engagement, policy frameworks) and standardised success indicators for quantifying project outcomes. The published database includes responses from a total of 404 participants. This database contains extensive information on ecological restoration practices across Europe, including the reported causes of success or failure and captures the diverse perspectives associated with respondents’ different roles in restoration. It is, therefore, of interest to researchers, policy-makers and other stakeholders involved in ecological restoration.