Abstract

MORALES, Laura V et al. Opportunities to bridge gaps between science and practice in restoration of Polylepis ecosystems. Ecol. austral [online]. 2018, vol.28, n.1, suppl.1, pp.291-300. ISSN 1667-782X.

How do we bridge the gaps between science and practice in the restoration of Polylepis forests and shrublands? This question inspired discussion and reflection among a group of academic scientists and restoration practitioners attending the "Reforestation and Restoration in Polylepis Ecosystems: Experiences and Perspectives" symposium held during the IV International Congress on Ecology and Conservation of Polylepis Forests. Through dialogue, we recognized there are different experiences related to reforestation with Polylepis trees/shrubs, each with different objectives and degrees of progress and success, and, in general, very low participation of the academic sector. In order for academic scientists to contribute more effectively towards the restoration of these forests, we need to research areas of relevance both to science and restoration practice and explicitly share the implications of our research with practitioners. Here, we seek to guide the future research agenda in Polylepis forest restoration and reforestation science by identifying topics that should have priority in future studies, and present them according to the priorities of academics and practitioners. While the academic sector considers main gaps in knowledge requiring work to be related to ecological aspects at several scales ranging from genetics to landscape, restoration practitioners prioritize research of technical aspects directly applicable to their work (e.g., site selection, species management in greenhouses and the field, identification of barriers to establishment). Finally, we make some suggestions about research communication and direct collaboration between scientists and restoration practitioners to help us accomplish the main objective of conserving and restoring Polylepis ecosystems together.

Keywords : Reforestation; Andean forests; Jujuy 2016 Conference; Cooperative strategies.