The recently published work by Liu et al. [1] introduced the Stepwise Ecological Restoration (STERE) framework, offering an innovative, systematic and modular methodology for ecological restoration. As ecosystem degradation continues to pose a significant global threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being, traditional restoration methods often fail to account for the complexities and levels of degradation encountered in different ecosystems. The STERE framework represents a groundbreaking solution by providing a systematic theory that adapts restoration efforts to the unique conditions and specific needs of an ecosystem.@en