Photo: Q. Garrabou

AIMS

The Planet is experiencing an alarming situation due to the environmental crisis and climate change. The overexploitation of natural resources, pollution and global warming have induced changes in the functioning of ecosystems and decreases in biological diversity.  Faced with this worrying situation, numerous scientific institutions and government organizations have been promoting ecological restoration programs. Yet, questions remain about whether we know enough to create functioning ecosystems, whether restoration is possible without prior conservation actions, or even whether restoration is feasible given the non-equilibrium nature of ecosystems. During the colloquium, we will review fundamental concepts of ecology that must be taken into account before undertaking conservation and restoration actions. We will discuss the importance of considering ecological succession and connectivity processes and how these are modulated by energy flows.

We will highlight the relevance of examining aspects of biological diversity and ecosystem functioning in terms of biogeochemical cycles, as well as the interactions between physical and biological processes. We will also deliberate on points of non-return and whether these are feasible to predict and avoid. The main aim of this workshop is to bring together scientists with different expertise to develop improved perspectives to face the present challenges of global change.

The Colloquium will consist of presentations, discussion sessions and other group activities. Participants will be divided into groups, and each group will lead the day’s discussion, with active participation of everyone.

The RCSC2025 will promote synergies and dialogues between different disciplines as well as networking and knowledge exchange between senior, junior and next-generation researchers.

Main Topics

  • Ecological fundamentals to understand the dynamics of marine ecosystems
    • Marine ecosystem functioning: Plankton, benthos and pelagos
    • Ecological succession, tipping points and shifting baselines
    • Networks and connectivity in marine ecosystems
  • Unified ecological concepts in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem
    • External energy, ecosystem dynamics and biogeochemical cycles
  • Setting the scene on ecological restoration
    • Does conservation require restoration? Is restoration feasible? When and
      how?
    • Good practices in restoration
  • Wrap up session (all together)

Course coordinator

Jordi Grinyó

Organizing committee

Cèlia Marrasé
Stefano Marinelli
Caterina R. Giner

Scientific committee

Jordi Grinyó
Marta Ribes
Josep Maria Gili
Joaquim Garrabou

Stay tuned for more information!

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