One critical factor that is rarely mentioned in regeneration context is keystone species. They are our best allies in restoring local ecosystems. The brilliant film "The Serengeti Rules [of life]" brings the latest science together on trophic upgrading to show how it was wildebeests that restored the Serengeti, once we eradicated a cow-transmitted disease that kept their poulation depressed, and the easiest way to restore kelp forests, as another e.g., is to support sea otters. Bison do the same for grasslands, which hold great potential for CO2 drawdown. Beavers are water engineers. And if we support whales, they will draw down massive amounts of CO2 while restoring the oceans (by circulating nutrients in the water column). As someone who has battled extractive industries my whole life to protect wildlife, it drives me crazy how "silviculturalists" fail to see the forest for the trees. We need to learn, as you say, to become Gaia's allies. If we care for Her children, they will take care of us.

ecopsychologynow.blog/2019/04/22/a-natural-new-deal-for-planet-earth/