What defines ecological restoration?

Ecological restoration is primarily defined as the process of enhancing degraded habitats to improve biodiversity and ecosystem functionality. This involves various practices aimed at restoring the natural processes, structures, and dynamic relationships that have been disrupted. The goal is to create conditions that support a diverse range of organisms and help the ecosystem regain its resilience and health.

Addressing the other options, the creation of entirely new ecosystems does not align with the principles of ecological restoration, as it focuses on reestablishing pre-existing ecosystems rather than building new ones. The eradication of invasive species is a key component of restoration but is just one part of a broader strategy aimed at improving biodiversity and is not the entirety of what restoration entails. Lastly, while protecting urban green spaces is important for conservation efforts, it does not specifically denote the restoration of degraded ecosystems or habitats, which is central to the concept of ecological restoration.