The use of certain plant species as pioneers in the colonization of degraded or polluted lands
in Romania has great potential. These resilient species play a crucial role in restoring ecological balance
and promoting sustainable development. Salix alba has proven effective in stabilizing the soil,
preventing the erosion of the soil and the banks of flowing waters and improving water quality. Its
extensive root system helps absorb excess nutrients and contaminants from the soil, thus reducing
pollution levels. Another valuable pioneer plant is Robinia pseudoacacia, which has a high tolerance
to harsh environmental conditions and can thrive in polluted areas. Its nitrogen-fixing properties
contribute to enriching the soil, making it suitable for the growth of other plant species, it has economic
value as a melliferous species and provides habitat for various invertebrate or vertebrate species, thus
supporting biodiversity. In the case of heavily degraded areas, it can be advantageous to use pioneer
herbaceous plants such as Festuca arundinacea, Agropyron repens or leguminous plants. These
herbaceous species have deep root systems that help stabilize the soil, prevent erosion, and increase soil
fertility. Moreover, they can tolerate unfavorable soil conditions, i.e., polluted, compacted soil, soil
with little humus, and harsher, drier microclimates. The concept of using pioneer plant species for land
rehabilitation and restoration can be a cheaper method for ecological reconstruction. By selecting and
implementing the use of these plant species, we can gradually recover degraded lands, restore
biodiversity, and create sustainable ecosystems. However, the success of such initiatives depends on
long-term interdisciplinary planning, monitoring, and management to ensure the desired results,
sometimes taking decades to reach stable, self-sustaining ecosystems. Through their resilience and
ecological benefits, these plants contribute to the revitalization of ecosystems and to the promotion of environmental sustainability, to the economic recovery of lands that would otherwise be useless and
would continue to be a source of pollution