Optimal references for ecological restoration: the need to protect references in the tropics

Restoration and conservation are linked by the fact that restoration can help improving, expanding, or connecting protected areas. Here, we argue that conservation can play a critical role for restoration by targeting optimal references, i.e., areas representative of the spectrum of different habitats to be restored. In view of high rates of habitat loss in parallel with recently established ambitious restoration goals, the availability of adequate references is of high importance to restoration. However, not always the best possible references are being used, nor are they prioritized in conservation. We discuss the need for defining, prioritizing, and protecting optimal references as a strategic approach thus we would be better equipped to tackle current and forthcoming challenges in conservation and restoration.