International principles and standards for the practice of ecological restoration. Third edition

Introduction Growth in understanding of ecological restoration necessitates updated guidance for effective, equitable, and outcome‐oriented restoration across terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine ecosystems. The third edition of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) International Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration provides an expanded, evidence‐based framework for ecological restoration aligned with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and other global frameworks. Objectives This revision clarifies terminology, updates Principles with current science and practice, provides expanded Standards of Practice, and improves the Five‐star System. Methods While key elements of the previous version were retained, substantial revisions were made. Results This document synthesizes eight Principles of ecological restoration and details Standards of Practice spanning assessment, planning, implementation, ongoing management, and monitoring and evaluation. Standards are applicable across ecosystems and biomes, sectors, and diverse social and cultural contexts. Included are: (1) a clarified definition of ecological restoration emphasizing recovery of native ecosystems; (2) refined terminology and updated Standards of Practice; (3) zero‐star baselines and increased quantification of the Five‐star System; (4) an updated Restorative Continuum that refines the relationships between restorative activities and major restoration types and illustrates application to all major ecosystem types; and (5) expanded discussion of several complex topics. Conclusions Applying the SER Standards can help reduce risk and uncertainty and enhance ecological restoration outcomes, including creating synergies with other restorative and conservation activities.