Speaker
Description
Humans have become a geological and ecological force on the planet Earth, leading to numerous pressing environmental challenges threatening the continued well-being of humankind. Biodiversity loss and land use change, climate change, eutrophication and pollution, and unsustainable use of resources demand urgent attention, simply because they threaten the long-term viability and habitability of our planet for human life. Understanding the functioning, resilience and the trajectory of ecosystems at both local and global scales represents a profound research challenge that requires holistic and transdisciplinary approach, interoperable research infrastructures and joint endeavors in finding solutions for the sustainability crisis. We present the eLTER approach that goes beyond the mere juxtaposition of disciplinary inputs, towards a truly integrative, transdisciplinary research framework that synergistically and seamlessly brings together multiple knowledge bases and research infrastructure services. We also discuss the potential for strategic alignment of the ESFRI landscape, emphasising the collaboration and interoperability opportunities in harmonized observation schemes, co-location of observation sites and the cost-efficient provisioning of services.
Keywords: holistic ecosystem research, research infrastructures, eLTER, interoperability