Survey of views on biodiversity research – a background paper for the EPBRS

As indicated earlier today, this session starts with a summary of current research priorities and their link to the 2010 target by presenting the results of the survey that has been developed jointly by European Platform for Biodiversity Research (EPBRS), ALTER-Net (A Network of Excellence on biodiversity Research) and the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). The full report of that study is attached to this contribution. The questionnaire forming the basis of the study was based on a comprehensive list of important research topics presented in the ‘Message from Malahide’ and the results represent the views of EPBRS members and participants in the biodiversity related networks of excellence, ERA-Nets and national biodiversity platforms.


The summary results from 27 questionnaires indicate that the three most important research recommendations are as follows:

1. Improve understanding of the major anthropogenic and natural drivers of biodiversity change, and their individual and combined impacts. Important drivers and pressures include (consisted from the original list), e.g. habitat fragmentation, climate change, pollution (including eutrophication), invasive organisms, loss of genetic diversity, sea- and land-use change.

2. Develop, test and evaluate indicators, and harmonise habitat and landscape classifications, to deliver policy-relevant information on the status and trends of biodiversity, the drivers of biodiversity change and the success of policies designed to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010, and progress towards targets of the EC Biodiversity Strategy. Develop indicators of sustainable management of renewable resources, ecosystem integrity and ecosystem goods and services, vulnerability of livelihoods, public awareness and participation, and funding to biodiversity.

3. Further develop an accessible Europe-wide geo-referenced inventory of species and habitat distribution, status and trends, underpinned by significant new taxonomic effort, and support similar research in developing countries. This should include quantification of genetic diversity for species of economic or conservation importance, and improved understanding of traditional knowledge and uses of species and habitats.


Is this a fair reflection of the wider community and do they reflect policy priorities?

Your views would be greatly appreciated,

Terry Parr.

EPBRS_report.doc
(242,176 bytes)