Potential time lags between human-mediated disturbances and the subsequent responses of ecosystems are critical for planning and implementing conservation and restoration actions. In this context, decoupling between the temporal trajectories of ecosystems structure and functions is particularly critical. Here, we stand out the need to differentiate the temporal trajectories of ecosystem structure and functions to be considered in ecological restoration programs. In cases when ecosystem functions persist after the degradation of the ecosystem structure, and when functions do not recover at the same rate as structure, some kind of ecosystem functioning credits or debts can occur. In other situations, an ongoing loss of the ecosystem function can occur even in the absence of further disturbance. Ecosystem restoration outcomes could be optimized in regions with ecosystem functioning credit, since mitigating the decline in functioning will be more efficient than recovering functions in highly degraded conditions. Ecological restoration programs should not only focus on structure-derived indicators but they should also consider the dynamics of ecosystem functions to guide land-planning decision-making.

中文翻译：

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关于在恢复计划中区分生态系统结构和功能的时间轨迹的必要性

人为干扰与生态系统随后的反应之间的潜在时间滞后对于规划和实施保护和恢复行动至关重要。在这种情况下，生态系统结构和功能的时间轨迹之间的脱钩尤为重要。在这里，我们强调需要区分生态恢复计划中要考虑的生态系统结构和功能的时间轨迹。如果生态系统功能在生态系统结构退化后仍然存在，并且功能没有以与结构相同的速度恢复，则可能会出现某种生态系统功能的信用或债务。在其他情况下，即使没有进一步的干扰，生态系统功能也会持续丧失。在具有生态系统功能信用的地区可以优化生态系统恢复结果，因为在高度退化的条件下缓解功能下降将比恢复功能更有效。生态恢复计划不仅应关注结构衍生指标，还应考虑生态系统功能的动态，以指导土地规划决策。