Restauración ecológica en ríos y humedades:Análisis de estrategias implementadas y logros obtenidos en ecosistemas neotropicales.

Abstract

Abstract: Neotropical rivers and wetlands are key ecosystems due to their biodiversity, hydrological connectivity, water regulation, carbon storage, and habitat provision. However, they face degradation processes associated with hydrological alteration, deforestation, land-use change, sedimentation, pollution, and invasive species. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ecological restoration strategies in Neotropical rivers and wetlands, considering the recovery of ecosystem composition, structure, and function. A systematic review adapted to PRISMA guidelines was conducted, covering studies published between 2000 and 2026 and organized into a comparative matrix. Twenty-seven studies were analyzed, representing experiences from six countries and focusing primarily on mangrove ecosystems in Brazil and Mexico. The most frequent strategies were revegetation with native species, hydrological restoration, natural regeneration, invasive species control, and physical habitat recovery. The results showed that structure tends to recover before biological composition and ecosystem function. It was concluded that effectiveness depends on the alignment between the cause of degradation, the strategy applied, the local context, and long-term monitoring.