The article "Restoration as a Meaningful Aid to Ecological Recovery of Coral Reefs" by David J. Suggett and colleagues discusses the role of coral reef restoration in combating the ongoing decline of these ecosystems. Despite the increasing intensity of restoration efforts worldwide, there is a debate about whether restoration is an effective means to aid ecological recovery. The authors argue that this dispute often stems from the interpretation of small-scale experimental outcomes and misconceptions about cost-based reasoning. They advocate for urgent investment in coral reef ecosystem restoration, alongside aggressive emissions reductions, to protect and enhance the services provided by coral reefs, which are valued at an estimated trillion dollars globally. The article highlights the importance of distinguishing between ecological restoration and restoration ecology experiments. Ecological restoration aims to assist the recovery of degraded ecosystems, while restoration ecology focuses on the scientific underpinnings of these practices. The authors emphasize that successful restoration requires both disciplines to achieve meaningful outcomes. They also address the common criticism that restoration is too expensive, suggesting that the focus should be on safeguarding the intrinsic and instrumental values of coral reefs, rather than solely on cost-effectiveness. The authors stress the need for transparent goal setting, evaluation, and communication in restoration projects to avoid misperceptions. They argue that small-scale experiments do not necessarily predict the success of larger, more complex ecological restoration activities. Given the urgency of addressing climate change and local stressors, they advocate for maximizing investment in ecological restoration to demonstrate its role in conserving coral reefs.The article "Restoration as a Meaningful Aid to Ecological Recovery of Coral Reefs" by David J. Suggett and colleagues discusses the role of coral reef restoration in combating the ongoing decline of these ecosystems. Despite the increasing intensity of restoration efforts worldwide, there is a debate about whether restoration is an effective means to aid ecological recovery. The authors argue that this dispute often stems from the interpretation of small-scale experimental outcomes and misconceptions about cost-based reasoning. They advocate for urgent investment in coral reef ecosystem restoration, alongside aggressive emissions reductions, to protect and enhance the services provided by coral reefs, which are valued at an estimated trillion dollars globally. The article highlights the importance of distinguishing between ecological restoration and restoration ecology experiments. Ecological restoration aims to assist the recovery of degraded ecosystems, while restoration ecology focuses on the scientific underpinnings of these practices. The authors emphasize that successful restoration requires both disciplines to achieve meaningful outcomes. They also address the common criticism that restoration is too expensive, suggesting that the focus should be on safeguarding the intrinsic and instrumental values of coral reefs, rather than solely on cost-effectiveness. The authors stress the need for transparent goal setting, evaluation, and communication in restoration projects to avoid misperceptions. They argue that small-scale experiments do not necessarily predict the success of larger, more complex ecological restoration activities. Given the urgency of addressing climate change and local stressors, they advocate for maximizing investment in ecological restoration to demonstrate its role in conserving coral reefs.