G4B - Grasslands for biodiversity

Protection of the biodiversity-rich grasslands and related management practices in the Alps and Carpathians

Project Summary
Semi-natural grasslands are among the most species-rich habitats in Europe but have sharply declined in recent decades. The project will assess the natural conditions and management activities that influence grassland plant diversity in the Alps and Carpathians which have diverse land-uses, biodiversity hotspots and good data coverage. Using multitemporal earth observation (EO) data (eg, satellite and aerial imagery, climate, soils), we will predict grassland diversity and management regimes over the two mountain ranges. In cooperation with stakeholders, we will identify the challenges and opportunities to adjust management regimes towards securing and enhancing their biodiversity and extending their protection network.

Funding
BiodivERsA

Project Lead
Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL
Catherine Graham (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology)

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