What defines "landscape restoration" in the field of landscape architecture?

In the field of landscape architecture, "landscape restoration" is specifically defined as the process of restoring a degraded landscape to a functional ecosystem. This focus highlights the importance of reviving ecological processes and biodiversity that may have been lost due to human activity or natural events. The goal is to reinstate the health and functionality of the ecosystem, ensuring that it can support both the flora and fauna that inhabit it as well as human interactions with the landscape.

Landscape restoration is rooted in ecological principles and often involves activities such as reforestation, wetland reclamation, and the removal of invasive species. This process contrasts with other options presented, which might focus on aesthetic enhancements, urban development, or the creation of new spaces without necessarily addressing ecological integrity. In essence, landscape restoration is about healing the land and fostering environments that contribute to the ecological well-being of the area, making it a crucial area of focus within landscape architecture.