The IVM has been highly successful in the Biodiversa+ Biodiv NbS call, with three new projects being awarded to IVM researchers in a highly competitive process. Biodiversa+ is the European Biodiversity Partnership that supports excellent biodiversity research with an impact on policy and society.
It concerns the following projects:
emBrace
This project will explore the potential role of multifunctional protected areas in reconciling biodiversity protection with sustainable food systems. Mario Torralba explains the action-oriented nature of this new research programme: 'Through the establishment of landscape coalitions, we aim to resolve trade-offs and tensions among stakeholders and to explore the added value of integrating food systems within protected areas for both biodiversity and local communities.'
SaltyBEATS
Through a comprehensive approach involving Nature Based Solutions this project will unravel the underlying biological mechanisms that mediate the effects of functional biodiversity in naturally saline landscapes and transfer them in marginal lands affected by secondary salinisation. Kate Negacz explains: 'This transdisciplinary project, thanks to co-creation with stakeholders, will improve understanding and application of saline agriculture as a Nature Based Solution bringing biodiversity and human wellbeing together in saline landscapes. SaltyBEATS will foster institutional and policy changes by providing a knowledge base for innovative agricultural landscapes design.'
FairNature
This project will be looking at how to implement Nature-Based Solutions at larger scales in a just and equitable manner. “There are many pilot projects about nature-based solutions, but how to scale these up in a way that recognises the values and voices of stakeholders is unknown territory” says Marije Schaafsma. 'This project will also be an amazing opportunity to collaborate with experts on environmental justice across Europe, also allowing us to further integrate this cross-cutting topic into our education programmes.'
'Moreover, we will collaborate closely with local stakeholders, ensuring that the values and concerns of those who are directly affected by the upscaling of nature-based solutions are at centre of our analysis', adds her colleague and team member in the project, Ina Lehmann.
