The accelerating loss of global biodiversity has affected species in all biomes and ecosystem
types. However, recent reports suggest that freshwater species are lost at a rate higher than in
any other biome (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005, Conventio n on Biological
Diversity 2010). In addition to their major importance as natural habitats and sources of
biodiversity at all levels ? genetic, species and ecosystems ? freshwater ecosystems also
provide a wide array of ecosystem services for humans, incl uding harvestable goods (fish,
fibre, fodder), water supply (drinking water, irrigation, etc), water storage (flood prevention)
and sites for recreational activities. Further, lakes and wetlands are important in the carbon
cycle dynamics with a high rate of carbon storage in some systems, while other are important
conduits of CO2 and CH4. For this reason they have become increasingly important in the
feedback processes in a climate change context.
Even though freshwater ecosystems constitute
Here we prop ose a trans-European research project addressing the ecological and social
mechanisms behind tipping points, biodiversity loss and water resource deterioration in
different climate change scenarios. We will use these scenarios as a basis for social-ecolog ical
modelling and studies of both land use and management of ecosystem services for different
regions in Europe to allow for proactive decision-making.
The proposed project is organised in five strongly integrated work packages arranged under
three umbre llas, including ?Past trends, early warnings and present situation?, ?Future
scenarios? and ?The way back ? reversion from tipping points?
Work package 1. Identification of patterns, structure and early warning signals
WP 2:: Mechanistic understanding of biodiversity changes
WP 2a: Effects of higher trophic levels on tipping points
WP 3: Social-ecological integration
WP 4: Reversion from tipping points
WP 5. Post-doc program
Funding scheme:
MILJØFORSK-Miljøforskning for en grønn samfunnsomstilling