ABSTRACT
The endpoint in all reclamation must be a robust self-sustaining ecosystem. The immense diversity of environments makes it very obvious that the endpoints for restoration are immensely varied, even if the aim is merely to replace the ecosystem that existed before the degradation took place. The detailed appraisal may confirm the original choice of endpoint, but equally it may suggest that modifications or a complete alternative would be better. Since all the subtle characteristics of the original ecosystem are not required, this option should be the easiest to carry out. The creation of a successful self-sustaining ecosystem obviously requires that all the underlying problems of the original site are overcome at the outset, whether these are physical, nutritional, or toxicity related.
