In the framework of an initiative to advance biodiversity research in Germany, we will establish three exemplary large-scale and long-term research sites (funded by the German Research Foundation). They are termed Biodiversity Exploratories, in contrast to mainly descriptive observatories. The exploratories will establish and sustain the scientific infrastructure and develop the intellectual framework needed to address critical questions about changes in biodiversity and to evaluate the impacts of those changes for ecosystem processes. Thus, in the exploratories biodiversity and ecosystem research will be merged at a large scale and with a long-term perspective. In this first phase the exploratories will address the relationship between land-use intensity, biodiversity change, and ecosystem functioning for selected taxa. After establishment, these exploratories will also integrate further contributing projects proposed by the German research community. Thus, the biodiversity exploratories will serve as a stimulating research platform for the whole German biodiversity research community. ... [Information of the supplier]
The Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute (vTI) is one of four German federal research institutes under the auspices of the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV). The vTI was created on January 1, 2008 from the German Federal Research Centre for Fisheries, the German Federal Research Centre for Forestry and Forest Products and part of the German Federal Agricultural Research Centre. The vTI drafts scientific basics as decision-making helps for the policy of the German federal government and thus serves, with its application oriented and practice related research, the development of the society of tomorrow. The vTI pursues interdisciplinary research in the following areas: Economics (micro and macroeconomics of agriculture, forestry, lumber, food and fish production), Technology, Material use of renewable natural resources, Climate, Biodiversity, Organic Farming. The vTI comprises 15 specialty institutes. The headquarters of the vTI are in Braunschweig with facilities in Hamburg, Großhansdorf, Eberswalde, Waldsieversdorf, Rostock, Cuxhaven, Ahrensburg and Trenthorst. ... [Information of the supplier]
The EuMon project attempts to provide a European framework that standardizes, focuses and coordinates existing monitoring programs by comparing and integrating existing methods and monitoring schemes of species and habitats of community interests. The most successful methods in terms of cost effectiveness, regional robustness will be selected and tested for their European wide applicability. EuMon will pay special attention that existing monitoring programs can incorporate these methods and will give recommendations how new and successful monitoring programs can be established.Special consideration for implementing monitoring programs will be paid by studying the social effects of monitoring regimes, because the relationship between amateurs and professionals are meant to be most important for implementing a successful monitoring regime.The establishing of the NATURA 2000 network is one of the main actions on a European level to halt biodiversity loss. Therefore it is a prerequisite to evaluate its ability to maintain biodiversity. Additionally EuMon will develop methods to name the responsibility of EU Member states for the species and habitats of Community interests living under their protection.A comprehensive database on monitoring schemes and recommended methods will be established and made accessible via an Internet portal. ... [Information of the supplier]
