A documented paradigm shift in seed sourcing: attitudinal changes to using local native seed for ecological restoration

• Published in: Restoration ecology 2023-05, Vol.31 (4), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Hancock, Nola M., Encinas‐Viso, Francisco, Broadhurst, Linda M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Climate change; Climate effects; Economic resources; Environmental restoration; Genetic diversity; Genetic variation; Government agencies; Land management; local adaptation; native seed; Restoration; Seeds; Sourcing
• ISSN: 1061-2971; 1526-100X
• DOI: 10.1111/rec.13845

Globally, there is an urgent need to improve ecological restoration despite multiple challenges, mostly related to the lack of natural and economic resources and the detrimental effects of climate change. While locally collected native seed has been the preferred seed‐sourcing strategy to achieve effective restoration outcomes, attitudes are changing. Using Australia as an example, we provide an overview of this paradigm shift toward collecting and using local seed. We found that in Australia there has been a substantial shift to combine local and non local seed for restoration across government agencies and land managers. This paradigm shift aims to improve restoration outcomes by increasing genetic diversity and to facilitate adaptation as climates rapidly change. We conclude that the increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events require governments, researchers, and practitioners to adapt to the changing requirements of seed‐based restoration.