Ecological restoration of degraded ecosystems in India: Science and practices.

India with 2.4% of total global land area is home for about 8% of global biological diversity. In providing goods and services to 18% of world's human population this megadiverse country is losing its biological wealth at an alarming rate. The degradation of terrestrial (forests, grasslands, agriculture, etc.) and aquatic (small to large fresh and marine water bodies) ecosystems has been the key factor in accelerating this irreversible and unrepairable loss. Although ecosystem restoration targets are well reflected in various programs and policies of India, the scientific insights and preparedness on this topic and critical analysis of this knowledge to guide policy initiatives for ecosystem restoration was lacking. Therefore, this editorial paper reviewed 22 papers, published in special issue on ' Ecological Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems in India: Science and Practices ' in Ecological Engineering journal, to analyse the scientific knowledge to inform policy and practices towards achieving ecosystem restoration goals in India (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/ecological-engineering/special-issue/109W0PCNQBM). Most studies in this special issue focus on providing solutions for restoration of different degraded ecosystems. A few of them are solving the dilemma of native and non-native species selection for reforestation and afforestation activities. One study provides insights on management of an invasive species in grassland ecosystems. Three studies suggest adopting conservation agriculture practices to enhance agricultural biodiversity, carbon sequestration and socio-economic benefits for marginal farmers. Two out of five papers dealing with aquatic ecosystems provide a framework to quantify the magnitude of degradation, other two propose restoration technologies for coastal zones on India and one assessing the effectiveness of relocating collar reef from degraded urban coasts to reference coastal sites. • Twenty-two papers published in a special issue are reviewed here. • Papers cover terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem restoration studies from India. • 87% papers provide pragmatic solutions for restoration of degraded ecosystems. • Timely collection on scientific preparedness of India for ecosystem restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]