Heidelberg Materials Benelux’s Post

Looking forward meeting you all tomorrow in Brugge at 17h at the IUCN regional conference for the presentation of the Life Prognoses project: Life Prognoses project brings together leading scientists, policy-makers at the European level, and national experts in the field of forest management and conservation. We will present the results of four-year research into the characteristics of old-growth beech forests in Europe and their ecosystem services (carbon stock and biodiversity). The aim is to inform but also be an interface between science, practice and policy to establish a critical understanding of old-growth forest protection in Europe and its challenges. Presenters:  Dr Kris Vandekerkhove (INBO, Belgium) on the indicators of European old-growth forests Prof. Dr Alfredo Di Filippo (Univ. Of Tuscia, Italy) on carbon stock and sequestration in European old-growth forests Dr Hanns Kirchmeir (E.C.O., Austria) on tree-related microhabitats as a proxy for biodiversity in European old-growth forests https://lnkd.in/eHSUnfsM

Our new research article has been published In the compilation of our constant quest to understand and preserve the delicate balances of nature, we are pleased to share the culmination of our efforts in the form of a new article titled "Assessing Water-Saving Technologies and the Impact of Giant Tortoise Herbivory on the Restoration of Opuntia megasperma var. orientalis on Española Island—Galapagos." This document not only represents a scientific record but a tangible testimony of our dedication to ecological restoration. In it, we explore the intricate details of the restoration of Opuntia megasperma var. orientalis, an emblematic species whose existence intertwines with the rich tapestry of the ecosystem of Española Island. Throughout our research, we have faced significant challenges, from water resource scarcity to the influence of giant tortoise herbivory on the recovery of this species. Each challenge overcome has been a valuable lesson, underscoring the complexity and fragility of the ecosystems we seek to preserve. We express our deep gratitude to all those who have contributed invaluable to this process. Every mind and hand involved has left a mark on this achievement, which is not only recorded as a milestone in our scientific career but as a collective tribute to biodiversity preservation and the restoration of natural balance. This new paper is not just an addition to scientific literature but an echo of our ongoing commitment to understanding and protecting the natural treasures of our planet. Let us continue advancing together in this journey towards sustainability and respect for our environment. The article is available online: https://lnkd.in/e9MUfmu6 #EcologicalRestoration #GalapagosEcosystem #BiodiversityPreservation #SustainabilityJourney

What is Ichthyology? 🐟 Ichthyology is the study of fishes and how they relate to each other. Step inside the AM's Ichthyology department and learn about the incredible variety of species in our collection. Learn about this fascinating field of research from Amanda Hay, Ichthyology Collection Manager and Dr Yai-Kai Tea, Chadwick Biodiversity Fellow.

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆! 🌿🌼 Biodiversity is the key to healthy ecosystems, beautiful nature and a vital living environment. It maintains essential ecosystems which provide food, clean (drinking) water and fertile soil. That is why we work together to preserve and restore biodiversity and to create a living environment in which human and natural capital can flourish. 🌍🌱 TAUW Nederland joined forces with nature organisations, governments, businesses and the general public to restore biodiversity in the country. They are an official partner of the Stichting Deltaplan Biodiversiteitsherstel: an initiative to develop high-impact solutions that will bring back a diverse ecology to the Netherlands. Together, we can pool knowledge and increase our ability to achieve biodiversity gains. 🐝📚 ➡ Do you want to learn more? Read our annual report and discover our partners: https://lnkd.in/eXe6cRvT #InternationalDayforBiologicalDiversity #alivingambition

In a groundbreaking observation, the Xenohyla Truncata tree frog, found in the coastal plains near Rio de Janeiro, may be the world's first known pollinating amphibian! Researchers witnessed these tiny orange frogs feeding on the nectar of milk fruit flowers, with pollen clinging to their moist backs. This discovery challenges our conventional understanding of pollinators, expanding beyond birds and insects. While promising, further research is needed to confirm their role in pollination and understand the ecological impact of this unique interaction. The findings shed light on a species often overlooked in Brazil and emphasize the importance of preserving biodiversity. Read more below. #AmphibianPollinator #FrogDiscovery #Biodiversity #PollinationInsights #NatureResearch https://lnkd.in/gMSaKns8

🌎 In Guanacaste, Costa Rica, an intriguing trophic relationship unfolds between the Crane Hawk 🦅 (Geranospiza caerulescens) and the nocturnal tree frog 🐸 (Smilisca baudinni). Our article in Regeneratio, "First Record of Predation of the Tree Frog Smilisca baudinii by Geranospiza caerulescens," delves into this fascinating encounter. From the observation of a Crane Hawk hunting and feeding on a tree frog to the reflection on the importance of preserving natural habitats 🌱 and endangered biodiversity, this study highlights the urgency of understanding and conserving ecosystems. Moreover, it opens the door to reflecting on the underlying causes of habitat loss and deforestation in Costa Rica, emphasizing regeneration as a fundamental strategy to restore ecological balance in the region. 📰 Read the full article in Regeneratio here 👉 https://lnkd.in/epywVRtP and join the conversation about the importance of preserving our natural environment. #Ecology #Conservation #CostaRica #Regeneration

This is what fieldwork in the #blueeconomy looks like! This post brought back many memories — from learning to do visual censuses and then teaching others, plus thousands of hours in the field doing them for my own research. I recall realizing how delicate (careful where you step!) and resilent (in one day they go from baking in the sun to a metre underwater) these tiny plants and animals are. The skills Enrico Gennari (PhD) ‘s students are learning form the basis of what’s needed to describe the inventory of the Blue Economy — these are the foundational skills that tell us how healthy or unhealthy our ocean is & what it needs to heal. I’d love to (virtual) guest lecture in anyone’s class that’s doing these skills to describe the importance of learning these skills, the Blue Economy, tools to manage and analyze these data, and my vision of global collaboration that starts at the stage of being a student — giving them an early buzz for contributing to something much bigger than they are! #fieldwork #blueeconomy #schoolsin

🌿 New Publication Alert! 🌿 Grazing in the Alps plays a vital role in maintaining its unique landscapes and rich biodiversity. However, shepherds today face many challenges beyond just the return of wolves. Protecting herds, promoting biodiversity, and fostering understanding between various users of Alpine regions are all key issues. 🐑🌍 Our latest publication, available in the four Alpine languages, bridges the knowledge gap between shepherds across different Alpine countries. It offers essential terms and concepts on shepherding, enabling better communication and collaboration to tackle these challenges. 🌄🤝 🔗 Check out the publication here: 10 Key Concepts of the Pastoral Economy 👉 https://lnkd.in/egkMsicx #Biodiversity #SustainableAgriculture #Shepherding #AlpineRegions #KnowledgeSharing #CIPRA #GrazingManagement

🚨 New Paper Alert! 🚨 I'm thrilled to announce the publication of our research paper titled "Diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in the Misoča River: the argument for conservation." In this paper, we analyzed the macroinvertebrate composition, diversity, and abundance in the Misoča River, focusing on the impact of seasonal dynamics on community structure and water quality. Our findings indicate the good ecological status of the river, as confirmed by various biodiversity indices and the presence of key species. This study marks one of the first literature data on macroinvertebrate diversity for the area of the Misoča River, highlighting the need for its conservation. You can read the paper at: https://lnkd.in/duyBW-vc

Spreading the importance of biodiversity and nature-based alternatives, I had the honor of presenting the results of our project "Fomenting the Socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLs) milpa (three sisters) through in situ landrace maize seed protection", together with Bayezid Khan (Bangladesh), Alice JJ HSU (Taiwan) and Edesa Dese Yedeta (Ethiopia) all with important contributions supported by The International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) https://lnkd.in/gxKhtDD4