The process of repairing an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. For example, new development increases runoff, deepening stream channels, eroding banks, and polluting water. By restoring appropriate slopes and vegetation, ecosystems are better able to accommodate changing water levels. Bioengineering also improves the viability of wildlife habitat by restoring an approximation of the plant communities that thrived in the area before development. Bioengineering is most effective when installed in conjunction with other upstream approaches to reduce runoff.