ECOGENES

Adapting to Global Change in the Mediterranean hotspot: from genes to ecosystems

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC hereafter) was created in 1965 and is committed to carry out research on ecology and biological diversity, encompassing natural history, evolution, ecology, systematics, biogeography, genetics and conservation biology. Our major tasks are the understanding of the processes that threaten biodiversity in the face of Global Change, the development of tools for the analysis and prediction of social and environmental consequences and the assessment of feasible solutions for society. This requires an integrative approach combining multiple tools and theoretical frameworks. To cope with such a challenge, we need an increase in novel technical approaches such as massive modelling and genotyping that may improve our prediction capacity. This knowledge is applied to the management and conservation of biodiversity in all its forms. Our proposal is aimed at reinforcing our capacity in order to maintain our ability to serve the Society of Knowledge by creating a cooperation platform where all similar institutions of Europe, but particularly those of the Mediterranean region, could exchange experiences, share standards and data, and promote training of experts to deal with the threats posed by the impact of Global Change. We have selected analytical tools highly demanded by our stakeholders and managed by all our research lines: Genetics and Genomics, Ecological Modelling and Ecophysiology. These new approaches will be (1) introduced in our running projects by eight newly recruited researchers experienced in these areas, (2) discussed in international meetings, conferences and congresses, (3) the drivers behind the secondments of researchers of our centre and those of 5 collaborative centres and (4) the subject of several training exchange activities. Loss of biodiversity in the Mediterranean hotspot due to Global Change will be the common thread of all proposed actions. The international projection and collaborative approach of our researchers will guarantee the continuity of the actions proposed beyond the duration of the project.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Upgrades at a Spanish research centre will ensure a better understanding of how global change affects genes, species, communities and ecosystems.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The Donana Biological Station (EBD) of the Spanish Council of Scientific Research (CSIC) conducts important studies on the evolving ecology of the Mediterranean. Of particular interest is the impact of global changes on biodiversity.

Funded by the EU, the project 'Adapting to global change in the Mediterranean hotspot: From genes to ecosystems' (http://www.ebd.csic.es/ecogenes/index.html (ECOGENES)) was set up to support the EBD-CSIC's investigations. The team focused on genetic studies, ecological modelling, and eco-physiological research on plant and animal species endemic to the region.

ECOGENES resulted in a new stable isotope laboratory and significant improvements to existing ecological laboratories, in particular the molecular ecology laboratory. Other achievements included the hiring of experienced researchers, and networking through secondments, international meetings and training activities. A final http://ecogenes.blogspot.com.es/ (exhibition) on Global Change challenges was presented in a central avenue of Seville city.

Researchers published a number of academic papers, strengthened their collaborative international networks and produced other high-level research outputs. These include a book on the marshes of Donana, a dedicated research server, mapping of various genomes (including the Iberian lynx) and a predictive ecological model.

Improved human and infrastructure capacities at the EBD-CSIC will strengthen its position as a leader in this field. The knowledge produced as a result is set to inform policies intent on curbing the loss of biodiversity in the Mediterranean.