Environmental pressures such as eutrophication, groundwater depletion, pollution and climate change partly lie behind the reduction and homogenisation of biodiversity. Sustainable conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity generally requires a reduction of environmental impact and restoration of the natural environment. The Environment and Climate team studies the interaction between environmental characteristics and biodiversity in Flemish forest, valley and nature areas. Abiotic requirements of species and communities, the impact of environmental disturbances and the design of restoration and decontamination measures are also studied.