The number of people in the world continues to increase, and the ecological footprint per individual is perhaps increasing even faster. This makes it increasingly difficult to continue meeting the needs of people while preserving biodiversity. We are seeing a global decline in biodiversity, even though it is well known that high biodiversity is important for the proper functioning of an ecosystem. This massive and rapid decline in biodiversity is the trigger for this question.
Connecting character
This question connects insight into the meaning of biodiversity loss with insights into causes and possible measures to counter this loss. First of all, more knowledge is needed about the consequences of biodiversity loss for nature itself and for human society. Have irreversible moments passed? What is the norm for this? This question links research on species, systems and processes at different scales. It includes the contribution of individual variation to biodiversity and thus to ecosystem health. In addition, more knowledge is needed on the causes of biodiversity loss. What are the key factors in it? What role do climate change and urbanisation play? Can the in some places strong relationship between biodiversity and old or outdated agricultural systems be disconnected? Knowledge about this is needed to develop adequate measures to counter or restore this loss. The question links directly to social agendas at global, European and national levels that identify biodiversity loss as a major issue. The question connects fundamental research in ecology with the policy-oriented and applied variant of that discipline. At the local level, there is a need for informed advice on the ecological effects of urban expansion and infrastructure measures. In this way, legal sciences are also involved. There is also a connection with the research of many volunteers and organisations of volunteers. This demand offers opportunities to connect citizens with science through citizen science projects.
