‘Climate Change and Biodiversity’ programme

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Details

Climate change and biodiversity loss are inextricably linked. An integrated approach is therefore necessary to keep ecosystems healthy and resilient, and to ensure a good quality of life for humans. INBO is therefore investigating three core aspects of biodiversity and climate:

• Impact on nature: What are the consequences of fluctuations in temperature, precipitation or drought? How do species, populations and ecosystems respond, survive and adapt?
• Nature as an ally in the climate struggle: How can nature help store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases? INBO investigates carbon stocks in soil and biomass, and the impact of land use and management on these stocks.
• Resilient nature: How can we strengthen ecosystems and adapt landscapes to be more resistant to drought, heat, storms and floods? How can ecosystems and landscapes contribute to protection against these increasing extremes?

In addition, we are further expanding the set of climate indicators to better map these three core aspects.

Because climate change affects many systems, we place extra focus on synergies with other programmes. We focus primarily on two research challenges:

• climate mitigation through ecosystems (see point 2 above).
• climate adaptation of species and ecosystems (see point 3 above).

INBO shares knowledge on this theme with policymakers, scientists, managers and other actors. Through collaboration with scientific institutions and stakeholders, we strengthen our knowledge base and stimulate targeted action. Our tools and insights are applied in management and policy instruments. For example, we can provide targeted recommendations on the management needed to maximise carbon storage and on the areas most suitable for greenhouse gas storage. Monitoring climate indicators and measures taken allows us to visualise the impact on nature and society and to make adjustments where necessary.

Teams

• Genetic Diversity
• Wildlife Management and Invasive Species
• Management Team
• Biotope Diversity
• Forest Ecology and - Management
• Landscape Ecology and Nature Management
• Species Diversity
• Datamanagement
• Own Capital INBO
• Estuaries
• Environment and Climate
• Nature Report and Advice Coordination
• Freshwater Habitats
• Monitoring and Restoration of Aquatic Fauna

INBO Research theme(s)

• Climate
• Data & infrastructure
• Protected nature
• Water
• Soil & air
• Forest
• Wildlife management
• Invasive species
• Nature & society
• Agriculture