Biodiversity & Conservation
Thematic Line
Biodiversity is essential for the functioning and resilience of ecosystems while supporting human health and well-being through a range of services including food, fibres, medicine clean air and water, pest control, pollination, recreation, and a plethora of other resources critical for the livelihoods of local communities.
Many economic sectors, including agriculture and forestry, and climate change mitigation are tightly related to ecosystem functions provided by biodiversity. However, in recent years, biodiversity loss has been driven primarily by land transformation for urbanisation, agriculture and forestry, overexploitation of natural resources, spread of invasive species, pollution and climate change. Biodiversity stands out as the most threatened planet boundary, that may already reach a point of no return.
In response to the urgency to address scientific and societal challenges of biodiversity conservation and restoration, this TL will focus on conducting research and knowledge transfer geared to spur the protection of nature and reversing the degradation of ecosystems.
The research questions of the TL align closely with this legislation and with the recommendations of the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030, including its recently approved Nature Restoration Law. The TL seeks excellence in research and to be at the forefront of innovation. Its overall objective is to generate scientific knowledge and evidence-based recommendations, to ensure a sustainable future for Europe's natural heritage, while safeguarding the needs of stakeholders and local communities.
Expected Results
1) assess the impacts of human actions on biodiversity;
2) find tipping points for those actions above which environmental sustainability is jeopardised;
3) essay practices that promote productivity and human well-being, while minimising negative impacts on the environment;
4) provide roadmaps of practices that balance economic, social and ecological needs;
5) adjust practices and policies to improve environmental performances according to monitoring results;
6) promote public awareness and education about the importance of biodiversity and the benefits of conservation for society and the environment.
Coordinator
