Biodiversity Seminar: Land system science: from global drivers to local social-ecological impacts in tropical biodiversity hotspots
Date:
Lieu:
WSL Birmensdorf, Hörsaal
Organisé par:
Biodiversity Center, WSL
Interventant/intervenante:
Julie G. Zähringer, Wyss Academy
Modérateur/modératrice:
Silvia Tobias, WSL
Langue(s):
English
Type de manifestation:
Exposés et colloques
Public cible:
Anyone interested in the topics
This is a special joint seminar co-organized by the WSL Landscape Center and the WSL Biodiversity Center.
Abstract ¶
In land system science, land use is viewed as a social-ecological system, central to many sustainable development challenges. Today, no area is too remote to be unaffected by multiple and often conflicting demands. To comprehend the local impacts at the interface of soils, vegetation, water, and people’s livelihoods, and to identify entry points for sustainability transformations in specific regions, it is essential to understand the various drivers of land use change from global to local levels and their effects on diverse communities.
In this talk, I will present findings from our research conducted in three humid tropical biodiversity hotspots of global importance: Laos, Madagascar, and the Peruvian Amazon. I will discuss the current challenges in applying various transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary methods, such as balancing qualitative depth with generalizability in human well-being assessments, and the limitations of counterfactual designs in evaluating the multifaceted outcomes of external interventions on land. Additionally, I will highlight necessary actions to mitigate the negative impacts of global demands on land for commodity crops and mining resources and emphasize targeted conservation interventions to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services.
About the speaker ¶
Julie G. Zähringer
I am currently a Professor of Land Systems and Sustainability Transformations at the Wyss Academy for Nature at the University of Bern, Switzerland. My research focuses on the assessment of telecoupled land system changes in forested landscapes of the Global South and their impacts on ecosystem services and human well-being. Applying transdisciplinary research approaches, I work toward a better understanding of trade-offs and the identification of leverage points for more sustainable land use and landscape management. Through my research I contribute to the Wyss Academy's mission to transform scientific knowledge into action. We co-design and implement concrete projects across a swathe of regions and countries. This global structure facilitates replication of successes and learning. We currently operate Hubs in Central Europe (Bern, Switzerland), Southeast Asia, East Africa and South America.
Website: https://www.zaehringer-research.org
Biodiversity Seminars ¶
Our seminars are hybrid. Please send an email to events-biodiversity(at)wsl.ch if you would like to get access to the live stream.
The Biodiversity Seminar Series are organized by the WSL Biodiversity Center. Every two weeks, we aim to host a seminar speaker that presents research or outreach on topics relevant to the biodiversity community at WSL. The seminars are public and are usually broadcasted online.
To find out more about the WSL Biodiversity Center and a complete list of events, please visit our website.
Please send an email to events-biodiversity(at)wsl.ch if you would like to be updated on the activities of the WSL Biodiversity Center.
Contact ¶
How to get here ¶
Zürcherstrasse 111, 8903 Birmensdorf
By public transport ¶
Bus stop Birmensdorf ZH, Sternen/WSL
Accessible by bus lines 220 and 350 via Wiedikon/Triemli or via Birmensdorf station with S-Bahn lines 5 and 14.
By car ¶
See map on map.search.ch or Google Maps
You'll find guest parking spaces (for a fee) behind the main building after passing the main entrance.