Biodiversity is defined as ‘variability amongst organisms of all origins (…), and the ecological complexes to ich they belong. This includes the range within the species and the range of ecosystems’ (German Biodiversity Convention, art. 2).
The aim is to conceive biological diversity in its complexity, and to provide and analyze scientific data on a global level. Additionally, sustainable strategies, solutions and utilization concepts for policy makers shall be developed, in order to stop any further loss of biodiversity.
Here, we focus specifically on terrestrial ecosystems and the therein encompassed diversity at plant, animal and microbial level above- and belowground.
Geological research is paramount for future societal challenges and tasks, especially with regard to the limited availability of geological resources, responsibility for sustainable developments, global change and the early recognition of geohazards.
The resarch in bio-geo interactions explores complex processes like weathering, the development of soil fertility, climate change and the loss of diversity in an interdisciplinary context. These processes are characterized by repeated interactions and numerous feedback-loops between geological-mineral, physico-chemical and biological processes.
Researchers from the iDiv based in Jena – Halle – Leipzig establish the scientific basis for the sustainable management of our planet’s biodiversity.
