Socio-ecological systems
What are the interactions between social and ecological systems? We have a special focus on UNESCO designated Biosphere areas, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions.
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Current research includes:
Sustainable biosphere. This project promotes interdisciplinary research on sustainable heritage and environmental management in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (BRs), with a special focus on Norway's only biosphere reserve, Nordhordland. Here, it aims to map ecosystem services, impact of land-use change and pressure, landscape multifunctionality and how to shape sustainable land use and food systems in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. In addition to classical ecological methods, the group relies on communication with local communities and stakeholders - interviews, workshops, and other participatory methods are integrated parts of the research.
ECoMAP - Modelling ecological state and condition maps to support knowledge-based decision-making in area management and spatial planning. To implement environmental policy goals more effectively, ECoMAP works to make environmental data available in formats and at spatial scales relevant to local decision-makers who hold the key to land-use transformation. ECoMAP collaborates with local and regional decision-makers to identify mismatches between available and sought-after information, derives ecological variables from existing raw ecological data that are of relevance for decision-making processes, and uses modelling approaches to fill the gaps in spatial biodiversity assessments.
Ecosystem multifunctionality. Ecosystem service multifunctionality measures capture the capacity of ecosystems to provide the many benefits demanded from them by stakeholders. Research on this theme has related land use to biodiversity change on these measures, demonstrating how biodiversity change impacts rural communities and allowing for the identification of land-use strategies that promote social equity.