Biogeography for conservation: a recap from our Thematic Workshop in Bologna

LifeWatch Italy, in partnership with the University of Bologna, organised a two-day workshop as part of the LifeWatch ERIC Thematic Service Workshop Series. The workshop, which took place from April 4th to 5th, brought together scientists and researchers to focus on biogeography and conservation strategies. The event aimed to facilitate in-depth exploration and collaboration and address the pressing challenges related to biodiversity preservation and habitat management.

The symposium began with a welcome speech by Alessandro Chiarucci from the University of Bologna, followed by Prof. Alberto Basset from the Università del Salento and LifeWatch ERIC Service Centre Director. Prof. Basset gave an in-depth overview of the LifeWatch ERIC Thematic Service Workshop, emphasising its objectives and significance in biodiversity research.

The workshop aimed at establishing a working group to promote collaboration among Common Facilities and Distributed Centres, updating the research needs mapping of national scientific communities regarding Thematic Services, and facilitating the participation of Distributed Centre research Institutions in Horizon Europe and other European and international projects. If you want to join the working groups, please visit our community.

Speakers and presentations

During the first day of the workshop, experts gathered to showcase their work and research. Michele Lussu, from the University of Bologna, presented the project of compiling comprehensive databases of orchids in the Mediterranean Basin. This project aims to comprehend their biogeography and contribute significantly to their conservation amidst mounting environmental challenges. 

Prof. Ole R. Vetaas, from the University of Bergen, delivered a presentation on the intersection of biogeography and conservation biology. Drawing from his extensive research, Vetaas highlighted the urgent need to analyse migration patterns, identify barriers to species movement, and facilitate ecological connectivity in the face of rapid climate change and human encroachment on natural habitats.

Alessandro Chiarucci offered attendees a deep dive into the Italian Forest Vegetation dataset, comprising over 51,000 vegetation plots, a resource for scientists and policymakers alike in formulating evidence-based conservation strategies. 

Prof.Carl Beierkuhnlein from the University of Bayreuth addressed the emerging risks of wildfires in European temperate forests. He outlined strategies to mitigate these threats, emphasising the crucial role of scientific research in informing effective conservation measures.

Following Vetaas’s discourse, Prof. Borja Jimenez-Alfaro of the University of Oviedo delved into alpine ecosystems’ diversity and distribution patterns. Drawing from his research, Jimenez-Alfaro provided a comprehensive analysis of the factors shaping these fragile habitats, offering valuable insights for conservation strategies.

You can download these presentations here.

The second day focused on research-related policies and strategies. Attendees participated in interactive sessions that aimed to establish working groups on biodiversity and define the scientific community’s role within the LifeWatch ERIC initiative.

The other workshops

The workshop created an opportunity for different fields to come together and work more innovatively towards biodiversity conservation in the future. This was the third workshop of this series, with three more to follow. To register for the upcoming ones, please visit our minisite.

Bulgaria

The Bulgarian National Distributed Centre is represented by the  Agricultural University-Plovdiv.

To know more about how Bulgaria contributes to LifeWatch ERIC, please visit our dedicated webpage.

Spain

The Spanish National Distributed Centre is supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the Regional Government of Andalusia and the Guadalquivir River Basin Authority (Ministry for Ecological Transition-MITECO). Moreover, Spain is the hosting Member State of LifeWatch ERIC, the location of its Statutory Seat & ICT e-Infrastructure Technical Office (LifeWatch ERIC Common Facilities). 

To know more about how Spain contributes to LifeWatch ERIC, please visit our dedicated webpage.

Slovenia

The Slovenian National Distributed Centre is led by the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU). It focuses on the development of technological solutions in the field of biodiversity and socio-ecosystem research.

To know more about how Slovenia contributes to LifeWatch ERIC, please visit our dedicated webpage.

Portugal

The Portuguese National Distributed Centre is managed by PORBIOTA, the Portuguese e-Infrastructure for Information and Research on Biodiversity. Led by BIOPOLIS/CIBIO-InBIO – Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, PORBIOTA connects the principal Portuguese research institutions working in biodiversity.

To know more about how Portugal contributes to LifeWatch ERIC, please visit our dedicated webpage.

Netherlands

The Dutch National Distributed Centre is hosted by the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam. Moreover, The Netherlands hosts one of the LifeWatch ERIC Common Facilities, the Virtual Laboratory and Innovation Centre.

To know more about how The Netherlands contributes to LifeWatch ERIC, please visit our dedicated webpage.

Italy

The Italian National Distributed Centre is led and managed by the Italian National Research Council (CNR) and is coordinated by a Joint Research Unit, currently comprising 35 members. Moreover, Italy hosts one of the LifeWatch ERIC Common Facilities, the Service Centre.

To know more about how Italy contributes to LifeWatch ERIC, please visit our dedicated webpage.

Greece

The Greek National Distributed Centre is funded by the Greek General Secretariat of Research and Technology and is coordinated by the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, in conjunction with 47 associated partner institutions.

To know more about how Greece contributes to LifeWatch ERIC, please visit our dedicated webpage.

Belgium

The Belgian National Distributed Centre makes varied and complementary in-kind contributions to LifeWatch ERIC. These are implemented in the form of long-lasting projects by various research centres and universities distributed throughout the country and supported by each respective political authority.

To know more about how Belgium contributes to LifeWatch ERIC, please visit our dedicated webpage.