Introduction -- Theoretical Underpinnings -- Ecological Restoration: Global Challenges, Social Aspects and Environmental Benefits: An Overview / Sustaining Ecological Restoration through Social Transformation / Restoration of Grossly Disturbed Landscapes -- Restoration, Reclamation, Remediation and Rehabilitation of Mining Sites: Which Path Do We Take through the Regulatory Maze? / What Part of Mining Are Ecosystems? Defining Success for the `Restoration' of Highly Disturbed Landscapes / Role of Microbes and Plants in Phytoremediation: Potential of Genetic Engineering / Heavy Metals in Contaminated Areas: Role of Chemicals to Enhance Phytoextraction / Degraded Terrestrial Ecosystems -- Restoration of Wildlands Including Wilderness, Conservation Reserves and Rangelands / Ecological Restoration on Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: Problems, Strategies and Prospects / Potential and Constraints on Dryland Restoration: Case Studies from Iran / Aquatic Systems (Wetlands, Ponds, Lakes, Rivers, Marine) -- Rehabilitation of Degraded Wetlands: UK Experience / Restoration of Salt Marshes and Seagrass Ecosystems: South Australian Case Studies / Ecosystem Restoration in the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia: The Challenge for the Basin Plan / Unifying Perspectives -- Restorative Futures for Social-Ecological Systems in Changing Times / Concluding Thoughts on Ecological Restoration: Global Challenges, Social Aspects and Environmental Benefits