For decades, the Amazon River has defined the life, economy, and borders of the “Triple Frontier” (Colombia, Brazil, Peru). However, new hydrological measurements reveal a geomorphological shift: the Amazon’s main channel is actively migrating south, leaving the Colombian bank high and dry.

According to recent data from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (UNAL), the deviation is no longer a slow geological process—it is an accelerated crisis. What before was a 30 %, today is only 16.9% of the Amazon River’s water flows through the Colombian channel, while the vast majority (over 83%) has diverted toward the Peruvian coast.

This is not just a story of climate change. It is a story of 20 years of overlooked science and a sudden diplomatic crisis over a new island that has literally redrawn the map: Isla Santa Rosa. 

Why is it happening? A Tale of Three Islands

To understand why this city is losing its access to the Amazon, we must look at three specific geological formations that are acting as the architects of this tragedy.

1. Isla Ronda (The Diverter): Upstream at the Nazareth Bifurcation, this massive island is the root cause. It has grown to a point where it is physically pushing the river’s main current into the southern (Peruvian) channel.
2. Isla de la Fantasía (The Wall): Located directly in front of Leticia’s port, this sediment trap has stabilized into a permanent barrier, blocking the city from the river and turning the harbor into a stagnant backwater.
3. Isla Santa Rosa (The Dispute): This is the new geopolitical dilemma. A massive formation that emerged in the river, it is now the center of a diplomatic difference between Colombia and Peru. While Colombia historically accessed the river here, the shifting channel has led Peru to claim jurisdiction over the island, increasing the isolation of Leticia.

The result is that the “port” of Leticia is increasingly becoming a stagnant backwater lagoon, accessible only by small boats during high water and completely cut off during the dry season.

The Accelerator: Climate Change and the Super-Droughts

While river meandering is a natural process, the speed of this shift is intensified by the global climate crisis. The historic droughts of 2023 and 2024, driven by intense El Niño events and Atlantic warming, lowered river levels to record minimums.

During these low-water periods, the weak current in the Colombian channel lost the hydraulic power needed to “flush” out the sediment. Sandbars that usually wash away in the rainy season have instead calcified and vegetated, turning temporary obstacles into permanent landmasses.

Implications: Beyond the Water Line

The deviation of the Amazon is not merely a logistical inconvenience; it is a systemic shock to the region’s hydrology and biology.

1. Ecological Collapse of Wetlands (The Yahuarcaca System)

The most urgent ecological threat is to the Yahuarcaca Lakes, a complex wetland system just upstream from Leticia. These lakes are not fed by rain, but by the “pulse” of the Amazon River, which recharges them via underground channels and seasonal overflow.

• The Risk: As the main channel moves to Peru, the hydraulic pressure required to fill these lakes diminishes, affecting the primary production for the local ecosystem and serving as a model for how floodplain lakes sustain the wider basin. 
• The Impact: If these lakes disconnect permanently, the primary nursery for the region’s fish populations and the hunting grounds for the endemic Pink River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) is lost. For indigenous communities like the Tikuna and Cocama, this is not just an environmental loss; it is the erasure of their “amphibious culture” and food security.

2. The Geopolitical Dilemma (The Moving Talweg)

The border between Colombia and Peru was fixed by the 1922 Salomón-Lozano Treaty, based on the river’s Talweg—the line of deepest flow. But rivers are dynamic, and treaties are static.

• The Question: If the deep channel permanently shifts kilometers into Peruvian territory, does the border move with it? Or does Colombia retain sovereignty over a dry riverbed?
• The Flashpoint: The emergence of Isla Santa Rosa is a symptom of this ambiguity. Peru claims it is an island in their river; Colombia claims it is part of the historic channel. This geological confusion has now escalated into a diplomatic stalemate.

Conclusion: The Point of No Return?

The tragedy of Leticia is that this hydrological change was a chronicle of a shift foretold.

Since the early 2000s, researchers from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia warned that the Amazon was behaving as an anastomosing river—a multi-channel system prone to rapid switching. They prescribed specific engineering interventions, such as submerged spurs (espolones) and strategic dredging at the Nazareth Strait, to guide the flow back to Colombia.

Those plans were ignored. Now, the region faces an unavoidable choice between two difficult paths:

1. The “Hard” Path (Geo-engineering): Attempting to reverse nature. This would require a massive, binational dredging operation and the construction of river training structures. However, the “tipping point” may have already been reached, where the sediment consolidation at Isla Ronda is so advanced that the river no longer has the energy to be redirected, making this an uphill battle.
2. The “Soft” Path (Adaptation): Accepting that Leticia is no longer a river port. This implies a radical transformation of the city’s economy, shifting away from river commerce and potentially relocating the port facilities kilometers away to a point where the channel is stable—effectively acknowledging that the river has left.

Ultimately, the Amazon teaches a humbling lesson: water does not respect political borders or human infrastructure. Whether through immediate, high-cost engineering or painful adaptation, Colombia must act. If the sediments settle, Leticia will not just be a city without a river—it will be a monument to the cost of ignoring science.

References:

• Periódico UNAL (2024). “El río Amazonas se sigue desviando hacia Perú: nueva medición muestra que hoy Colombia solo tiene el 16,9 % de sus aguas.” Universidad Nacional de Colombia.
• El País (2025). “El problema ambiental que amenaza con dejar al puerto colombiano de Leticia sin conexión al río Amazonas.” El País América Colombia.
• InfoAmazonia (2025). “La advertencia científica de hace décadas sobre el río Amazonas y Leticia que fue ignorada.”InfoAmazonia.
• La Silla Vacía (2025). “Colombia se quedó atrasado en corregir la dinámica del río Amazonas.” La Silla Vacía.
• NASA Earth Observatory (2002). “Amazon River, Leticia – Image ISS004-E-12730.” NASA Gateway to Astronaut Photography.
• BBC Future (2025). “The photos showing why pink dolphins are the Amazon’s great thieves.” (Image Credit: Thomas Peschak).
• Historia y Región (2016). “La ocupación peruana de Puerto Leticia.” (Map Reference).
• Facebook Archive. “Historical Press Release on Amazon Deviation.” (Image Reference).
• Wikimedia Commons. “Map of the Salomon-Lozano Treaty.” (Public Domain).

The post The River That Left: Geomorphological Shift and the Drying of Colombia’s Amazon Port appeared first on Global Change Ecology.

During the excursion, we traveled along the Tagliamento River from its source to its confluence with the sea. Our scientific journey began in the stunning Alpine region of northern Italy and continued to the Mediterranean lagoons near Bibione. The Tagliamento is one of the last wild rivers in Europe. In some areas, the riverbed is several hundred meters wide, creating ideal conditions for dynamic sedimentation and erosion processes. The photograph illustrates the “braided river” structures and highlights the Tagliamento’s expansive riverbed. The surrounding floodplain soils are important for the rich biodiversity we observed because they provide habitats for numerous plant and animal species.

Figure 1: The “braided river” structures of the Tagliamento.

We examined the features of a natural river that has remained largely unaltered by humans. This is in stark contrast to most rivers in Germany, which have been altered and lack natural wildness. Restoring rivers like the Tagliamento could mitigate flooding problems, which are becoming more frequent in many cities due to climate change.

During the excursion days, participants could sign up for different workshops, which gave me the chance to gain experience in ornithology, zoology, botany, and hydrology. Using binoculars to observe vultures and measuring and sketching the river cross-section were valuable experiences that were completely new to me. I also enjoyed carrying out a saprobic test to assess water quality and examining water bodies for nitrate levels. A particular highlight was catching and identifying various wild bees and butterflies with an expert from the University of Salzburg.

Flower diversity

Figure 2: The common butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris).

Then there are the bee orchid (Ophrys apifera) and the late spider orchid (Ophrys holoserica), which closely resemble each other. These orchids imitate the appearance of female bees in order to attract male bees, who then pollinate the flowers. What a fascinating example of coevolution!

Figure 3: The late spider orchid (Ophrys holoserica).

Ecological Perspective

The visit to the limestone fen near Flambro was particularly enlightening, as it is considered one of the most remarkable sites in Europe. The area is characterized by the convergence of various small-scale habitats that provide refuge for many endangered species.

The flora was impressive, but the fauna caught our attention as well. We discovered a western green lizard on the campground by chance. Later, in the Vallevecchia Nature Reserve near the Mediterranean Sea, we spotted a European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). We even caught a common blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus). Of course, we released it back into the wild after a few minutes.

Figure 4: The western green lizard, European pond turtle, and common blue butterfly.

Students Activities

During the excursion, students gave presentations on various topics, embodying the spirit of learning reflected by the motto, “Take all the knowledge you can get and don’t let it go.” This approach enabled us to gain in-depth knowledge in a variety of subjects. Our group of over 70 participants included students from various degree programs at several German universities, including those in Bayreuth, Tübingen, Hohenheim, Münster, and Rottenburg.

In the evenings and between activities, we discussed upcoming master’s theses, internships, and research interests. Our group of students from Bayreuth was incredible, and it was delightful to meet students from other programs and hear about their experiences.

We enjoyed an amazing picnic lunch every day, followed by a delicious pizza in the evening. To top it all off, we enjoyed the best Italian ice cream in Gemona!

Personal Impressions

This excursion was an incredible and unforgettable experience. I gained valuable insights into river systems, geology, and local flora and fauna. I also enjoyed delicious Italian food and met wonderful people who became friends during this exciting journey. I wholeheartedly recommend the Tagliamento excursion and can only praise it.

Figure 5: The riparian forest of the Tagliamento.

The post The Tagliamento – Exploring the Last Wild River in the Alps appeared first on Global Change Ecology.

How do we observe global changes in the vegetation cover of the planet?

This question is covered by a relatively new area of climate research that seeks to understand how plants respond to rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and changes in atmospheric composition caused by global climate change.

Since 1981, technology has given us the ability to observe global vegetation, when the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) was installed on the NOAA-N spacecraft. This sensor could take pictures of the Earth beyond the visible spectrum; it was highly sensitive to near infrared, but could not sense the blue range. More advanced sensors, such as MODIS, added the blue range to the picture.

The collected data is analyzed using indices. The two most popular indices are the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Leaf Area Index (LAI). The NDVI shows the ratio of the difference between the amount of light reflected and absorbed in the near-infrared and visible spectra. Healthy green foliage absorbs most of the visible spectrum and reflects more than half of the infrared spectrum. The higher the NDVI index, the greener the surface. LAI measures vegetation density by comparing total one-sided leaf surface area to ground area covered (m²/m²). Monitoring helps track vegetation trends, estimate evapotranspiration, and forecast agricultural yields.

Several important metrics are commonly used to assess vegetation dynamics and ecosystem responses. These include SOS (Start of the Growing Season), which marks the beginning of active plant growth, and EOS (End of the Growing Season), which indicates the decline of vegetation activity. LOS (Length of the Growing Season) represents the duration between SOS and EOS and provides insight into seasonal shifts influenced by climate change.

Primary productivity, measured as gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP), reflects the overall carbon uptake by plants. GPP refers to the total amount of carbon fixed through photosynthesis, and NPP represents the portion remaining after respiration, serving as an indicator of biomass accumulation and ecosystem productivity.

What do we observe in vegetation dynamics?

Although data obtained earlier from the AVHRR sensor may be less ideal for long-term analysis due to internal limitations, calibration in combination with data from more modern sensors clearly shows a distinct global greening trend since at least the 1980s. Piao et al.’s study³ indicates that, from the 1980s to the 2010s, leaf area increased by 5.4 million km², equivalent to the area of the Amazon rainforest.

However, trends vary when scaled. In certain regions, reverse dynamics, or browning, may be observed. It is also possible to identify greening hotspots. Seasonal shifts are also observed. The growing season is starting earlier and ending later, effectively extending its duration. Peak greenness is occurring earlier and becoming more pronounced. Seasonal patterns of vegetation greenness are shifting. High-latitude regions are showing reduced seasonality, with patterns similar to those of regions farther south in the past. The start and end of the growing season are moving northward faster than peak greenness. These changes have implications for the agricultural sector and ecosystems, which will be explored in the following sections.

Greening Hotspots

China and India have emerged as key contributors to global greening, albeit through different pathways. In China, 42% of the greening is attributed to forests, while 32% is attributed to croplands. This greening has been driven by large-scale afforestation and reforestation programs, which have increased forest cover, reduced land degradation, and enhanced carbon sequestration. However, these efforts have also placed additional pressure on water resources. Meanwhile, agricultural productivity rose by 43% from 2000 to 2016, supported by multiple cropping, irrigation systems, and intensive fertilizer use. In contrast, 82% of India’s greening is cropland-based, with only 4% stemming from forests. This trend is largely the result of agricultural intensification, which led to a 26% increase in cereal production over the same period through expanded cultivation areas and intensified farming practices, similar to China’s approach.

In the case of Arctic regions experiencing greening, agricultural fields and afforested territories are no longer the main contributors. In these regions, vegetation covers the land due to natural growth, primarily through shrubbery. Gaspard et al. refer to this phenomenon as “shrubification.” In their study, the methodology included working with indices, overlaying vegetation maps, and mapping the types of cover and surface deposits in the studied region using ecological models. This allowed the authors to determine the role of plant communities and zonal dynamics in the observed phenomenon.

Recent greening trends in the Arctic and boreal regions reveal significant changes in land cover. Currently, approximately 13.6% of the region has experienced land cover change, and if this pace continues, the entire area could transform within 200 years. In boreal forests, the net loss of evergreen cover coincides with an increasingly active fire regime. In Arctic areas, the gradual expansion of shrubs is more difficult to detect, yet it contributes to the overall greening. Additionally, there has been southern herbaceous growth, primarily driven by extensive agriculture in regions such as Alberta and British Columbia. However, this gain is largely seasonal and linked to agricultural cycles. It should not be interpreted as a long-term ecological shift, such as the more persistent vegetation changes occurring in the Arctic.

Please, stay tuned to know more about what drives vegetation dynamics and what are its ramifications.

1. This is the first entry on the series ︎
2. Header image taken from: https://mpimet.mpg.de/en/research/independent-research-group/climate-vegetation-dynamics ︎
3. Piao, S., Wang, X., Park, T. et al. Characteristics, drivers and feedbacks of global greening. Nat Rev Earth Environ 1, 14–27 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-019-0001-x ︎
4. Statistically significant trends (P ≤ 0.1, Mann–Kendall test) are color-coded. Gray areas depict vegetated land with statistically insignificant trends. White areas depict barren land, permanent ice-covered areas, permanent wetlands, and built-up areas. Blue areas represent water. The inset shows the frequency distribution of statistically significant trends. The red circles highlight the greening areas, which mostly overlap with croplands except for circle number 4. Similar patterns are seen at P ≤ 0.05, and the seven greening clusters are visible at P ≤ 0.01. ︎

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Without data, it is difficult for scientists to know both the current and previous state of the environment (one might consider this the baseline state, but there can be issues with that – see our previous article on the blog!). This makes it difficult to identify potentially harmful changes that could be occurring or even monitor progress of implemented solutions. Missing or unavailable information also hinders the ability of researchers to model future scenarios and make predictions. Without data, scientists cannot make specialized recommendations or inform policymakers of risks associated with various pathways. Despite this importance, data scarcity remains a problem in environmental science [3], partly due to a lack of access to existing data as well as insufficient monitoring or interpretation capacity.

What can help address this problem?

Lack of access to existing environmental or ecological data can be solved by things like supporting data sharing and open data or following FAIR principles [4]. With data readily available, it can continue to be useful through time to a wider group who may provide reanalysis or reinterpretation. This can also allow for previously existing data to be integrated into new data, thus providing the opportunity for more robust results and conclusions. Additionally, in science it is important to make data available so that results can be replicated and trusted [4, 5]. Another part of the answer is to ensure that conditions are right for collection of new data [3]. This means enhancing capacity building and technology transfer, particularly for researchers in vulnerable areas.

Yet, the investigation of many environmental problems requires both the continual collection and interpretation of very large amounts of data, in some cases from very different parts of the world – which can be a struggle for even the best equipped teams of professional researchers, as they face limitations in their available time and numbers. In such cases, so-called citizen scientists can step in.

Citizen Science: the public can be part of the solution

An increase in the availability and sophistication of technology, data storage and sharing options via the internet, and education have opened possibilities for a wider range of participation in the scientific process. This has contributed to the growth of citizen science, which is a term that describes when the public engages in scientific research. Through citizen science, individuals across many sectors or areas can collaborate with scientists and/or each other to contribute to an increase in scientific knowledge across social science, the arts, technology, medicine, or natural science. It allows participants to take part in the scientific process and creates other co-benefits for citizen scientist participants as well as researchers [6, 8].

Citizen science can provide opportunity to fill gaps in data collection across time and space. In the environmental area, volunteers might participate by submitting observations or tracking abundance of species, taking samples to determine water quality, interpreting images, or other tasks. Yet, participants’ roles may extend past data collection as well. Citizens may help by identifying needs or problems that research could focus on, refining scientific questions, stimulating engagement within the public and among stakeholders, and otherwise providing input from perspectives that often go underrepresented, including from indigenous and local community members [6, 7]. For instance, in community-led citizen science (CCS), participants – aided by professional scientists – direct their own projects, which provides both scientific understanding as well as empowerment and local ownership of the initiative and its outcomes [6].

One important CCS example lies in the Amazon, where the construction of the Belo Monte hydroelectric project has severely impacted the flow of the Xinga river since 2016. This has resulted in the loss of breeding habitat and the decimation of fish populations on which local communities like the Juruna rely. The Juruna reached out to scientists to help them document changes in the river’s fish and turtle populations. This collaboration has resulted in not only scientific publications, but has additionally helped the Juruna to document what has been lost to them culturally so that their history is not forgotten. The data have been used to propose more ecologically-sound water regimes- though the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources is still reviewing the proposal- and have also fuelled lawsuits against Norte Energia, the company responsible for Belo Monte [9].

These projects are thus beneficial for both the participants and the professional scientists, resulting in opportunities for problem-solving, learning, and public action as well as the generation of data and the publication of research findings. Outcomes of citizen science can also inform management, conservation actions, education, or policy decisions [6, 7].

Nevertheless, it is important to note that methods of citizen science are not compatible with all research projects, particularly when an initiative requires expensive equipment, utilizes complex or rigorous methods for data collection, or calls for a large time commitment. Concerns may also arise about the data generated by citizen science. For instance, sampling bias may be a problem if data is collected opportunistically, leading to an overrepresentation of data from some areas versus others. Citizen scientists may make mistakes in identification, be inconsistent in following protocol or using equipment, or lack neutrality, which would all impact the data and how it can be used. However, by implementing sufficient training for participants, validation and filtering procedures, statistical approaches, and upholding inclusiveness, these issues can be minimized [6].

The benefits of citizen science are also being recognized by governments, who are increasingly supporting this approach. For example, in 2022 Germany introduced the Citizen Science Strategie 2030 (German language version here). This strategy includes recommendations and outlines opportunities to develop citizen science in Germany and interlink it within both science and society [10]. Though this method is not appropriate for every research question, it is increasingly recognized as a useful and enriching approach that can, when properly executed, produce a variety of rewards for stakeholders across disciplines.

If this article has made you interested in learning more about citizen science, you might be glad to know that the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich will be hosting a Citizen Science Summer School from 04.06.2023 – 09.06.2023. Applications are now open until 01.03.2023!

References

[1] IPCC, 2021: Summary for Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Masson-Delmotte, V., P. Zhai, A. Pirani, S.L. Connors, C. Péan, S. Berger, N. Caud, Y. Chen, L. Goldfarb, M.I. Gomis, M. Huang, K. Leitzell, E. Lonnoy, J.B.R. Matthews, T.K. Maycock, T. Waterfield, O. Yelekçi, R. Yu, and B. Zhou (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA, pp. 3−32. Link here.

[2] Pecl, G., Araújo, M.B., Bell, J.D., et al. 2017. Biodiversity redistribution under climate change: Impacts on ecosystems and human well-being. Science (355) 6332. Link here.

[3] Hochkirch, A., Samways, M.J., Gerlach, J. 2020. A strategy for the next decade to address data deficiencyin neglected biodiversity. Conservation Biology 35 (2): 502–509. Link here.

[4] Tedersoo, L., Küngas, R., Oras, E. et al. 2021. Data sharing practices and data availability upon request differ across scientific disciplines. Sci Data (8) 192. Link here.

[5] Miyakawa, T. 2020. No raw data, no science: another possible source of the reproducibility crisis. Mol Brain (13) 24. Link here.

[6] Fraisl, D., Hager, G., Bedessem, B., et al. 2022. Citizen science in environmental and ecological sciences. Nat Rev Methods Primers (2) 64. Link here.

[7] McKinley, D.C., Miller-Rushing, A.J., Ballard, H.L., et al. 2017. Citizen science can improve conservation science, natural resource management, and environmental protection. Biological Conservation (208): 15-28. Link here.

[8] ECSA (European Citizen Science Association). 2015. Ten Principles of Citizen Science. Berlin. Link here.

[9] Moutinho, S. 2023. “A river’s pulse”. Science (379) 6627: 18-23. Link here.

[10] Bonn, A., Brink, W., Hecker, S., et al. 2022. White Paper Citizen Science Strategy 2030 for Germany. Helmholtz Association, Leibniz Association, Fraunhofer Society, universities and non-academic institutions. Link here.

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Similar to how the IPCC represents key scientific consensus on climate change, IPBES produces important findings for decision making and stakeholders in the field of biodiversity. In 2019, the plenary yielded a global assessment on biodiversity and ecosystem services that sounded the alarm on a global crisis of biodiversity loss. According to the report, one million plant and animal species across the world are at risk of extinction. Although these numbers are sobering, this knowledge is essential for conservation policy and science. This year, the platform planned to approve two new reports highlighting the diverse uses and values of wildlife to humans and non-humans.

IPBES 9 took place both virtually and in Bonn, Germany from July 3-9, 2022. Students from the master program Global Change Ecology (GCE) could attend either as observers of the conference or as volunteers with the IPBES secretariat. In both cases, they were able to attend sessions, meet science and policy experts, and see firsthand the process of international negotiations. GCE sent more than 20 student volunteers to help run the event. This included tasks such as registration, running the help desk, managing the IPBES social media channels, working in the back office, and managing representatives in the session.

Personal Reflections from a Back Office Volunteer

When I first signed up to volunteer at IPBES 9, I was not sure what to expect. In all honesty, I had never actually heard of IPBES before. Nevertheless, I was interested in learning more about the organization and gaining experience through volunteering.

I chose to volunteer in the back office because I have technical skills that could come in handy. I had volunteered at some conferences in the past, so I figured that the experience would be somewhat similar. However, upon arriving at the venue, I realized that this experience would be different in some key ways.

For one, the stakes were much higher. As a matter of international diplomacy, attendees were not representing themselves, but their governments. Additionally, while IPBES is not a UN body, the United Nations Environment Program provides the secretariat for the plenary. As a result, student volunteers got to volunteer and interact with UN employees. The international and intergovernmental nature of this event made it feel very “serious” and, as student volunteers, we appreciated the importance of our work. 

When it came to my work specifically, I was very satisfied with my experience volunteering in the back office. I assisted the technical team with essential tasks such as:

• Sending push notifications to attendees through the conference app
• Updating the session schedule as times changed
• Posting media releases to the website
• Managing and monitoring online participants
• Troubleshooting technical issues

As an outside observer of IPBES 9, it would be easy to overlook the people working “behind the scenes”. As a volunteer, however, it is clear that there is a lot more that goes into these negotiations than meets the eye. While the experts, policy makers, diplomats and stakeholders are the focus of the negotiations, it is the IPBES secretariat and conference technicians that ensure the meeting goes smoothly.

Working on the technical side of the conference meant doing a lot of “little things” such as hitting “record” on zoom sessions, checking equipment, responding to emails, editing powerpoints, etc. Many of these tasks needed to be completed simultaneously or in a limited time period. While the work was fast-paced, I definitely feel like I learned a lot about managing my time, prioritizing tasks, and problem solving. Additionally, I always worked on a team and with a supervisor who could assist if need be.

Due to the nature of the work, I listened closely to the discussions and followed along for the duration of the (lengthy) sessions. As a result, I was able to pay attention to the details and nuances of the diplomatic process. It was surprising to see how finely the member states dissected the language and terminology of the reports. Of course, the point of the plenary is precisely this, to involve various governments in the communication of science and policy. This meant that every member state had to agree on every single word of the documents approved.

The tedious reviewing process took place every day, all day. When the reports were finally approved, it was hard not to get swept up in the emotion of it all. It was particularly exciting for the experts who had been working on these documents for four years to finally see their work come to fruition. Even as a volunteer who had just recently learned about the mission of IPBES, I was ecstatic that I could see this process happen. In a way, it felt as if I were along for the ride, especially after seeing all of the hard work that the volunteers, secretariat and technicians had put into facilitating it. The final days were marked by overwhelming excitement (and exhaustion) after a very busy and intense week. Now we waited for the outside world to get the reports.

Results of IPBES 9

The result of IPBES 9 was the publishing of two landmark reports, the “Assessment report on the sustainable use of wild species” and the “Methodological assessment regarding the diverse conceptualization of multiple values of nature and its benefits”. With thousands of references and dozens of contributing authors, these reports present important scientific and policy consensus.

According to the sustainable use assessment, 1 in 5 people around the world rely on some 50,000 wild species for purposes such as food, fuel, medicine etc. For the world’s poor, this dependence is even greater. The findings from this assessment highlight the importance of wild species for humans.

The values assessment points out that the predominant short-sighted view of nature is the main driver of biodiversity loss. Instead of viewing nature as merely a commodity to exploit, the assessment highlights more than 50 alternative methods and approaches to value nature. This includes indigenous perspectives and women’s involvement in stewardship decisions.

When considered together, the findings highlight the importance of changing our relationship to nature and protecting biodiversity. Especially in order to protect vulnerable people all over the world in the face of climate change, conflict, the pandemic, and inflation. As a student who studies in the field of ecology, biodiversity, and global change, it was a truly educational experience to learn about these two reports. Not to mention the skills, experiences, and networking I did along the way.

The post Reflections on IPBES 9 appeared first on Global Change Ecology.

We look forward to receiving your applications!

Application deadline: 15 June, 2022!
Learn more clicking here.

Starting date: October 2022
Location: Bayreuth, Germany

The post CALL FOR APPLICATIONS for the M.Sc. Global Change Ecology appeared first on Global Change Ecology.

On Monday, the 2^nd of August, 2021, my alarm clock rang early in the morning. It took me around 9 hours to travel by train from Hesse to Ruegen, Germany’s largest island in the North-East. After arriving, I was happy to find myself on the second to last ferry boat of the day from the Island of Ruegen to the Isle of Vilm. After another 20 minutes running time, the other passengers and I took our first steps on the isle. The passengers were young academics who participated in the “interdisciplinary science meeting on biodiversity research under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),” which was organised by the “International Academy for Nature Conservation Isle of Vilm” (INA). The INA is part of a branch office of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), which is one of the government’s departmental research agencies and works in the area of responsibility of the German federal environment ministry. The interdisciplinary science meeting takes place every summer and mainly addresses bachelor´s, master´s and Ph.D. students. Mrs. Stadler, the meeting host, warmly welcomed the students and showed the way to the reception desk. Along the way, a big information board close to the harbour provides every arriving guest with information on the fascinating history of the isle:

• The Isle of Vilm was already settled in Stone Age 7,500 years ago.
• In Middle Ages, the isle became a Christian place of pilgrimage.
• During the 19^th and 20^th century, many artists came to the isle to be inspired by the nature, which resulted in some paintings of scenes around the isle.
• In 1936, Vilm became a nature protection site.
• From 1962 to 1990, the isle was used by the government of the German Democratic Republic to host guests.
• In 1990, the biosphere reserve Southeast-Ruegen was designated. Most parts of Vilm are covered by the core area of the biosphere reserve. In the same year, the INA was founded.
• Today, the INA organises up to 70 events and welcomes around 1,700 participants from all over the world per year.

I was happy and grateful to be one of those participants this year.
After the registration, everyone looked for their assigned house. Every house consists of several guestrooms. I was the only one at my floor because of the corona situation. After dinner, the meeting started. The programme began with an introduction, followed by a presentation about the involvement of youth and young adults in international conventions.
On Tuesday, Prof. Dr. Volker Mosbrugger gave the first presentation of the day. He mentioned some surveys and reports like the IPBES Global Assessment Report (GCE students directly reported from IPBES 7 where the report was adopted) which document the ongoing biodiversity crisis. The professor stressed that there is still much unknown in biodiversity and presented the “Research Initiative for the Conservation of Biodiversity” of the German federal ministry of education, which aims to close some of those knowledge gaps.
Afterwards, each participant of the meeting presented his or her current scientific project for 20 minutes, followed by ten minutes of discussion. The topics were wide-ranging and interdisciplinary but always with a reference to the CBD. I presented some of the results of my master´s thesis, “The accountability of biodiversity strategies at the level of the Convention on Biological Diversity, European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany,” which I had done at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ). Some topics that other participants dealt with included the wild harvesting of medicinal plants, agri-environmental policy in Bavaria, effectiveness of UNESCO biosphere reserves, environmental ethics, wild mammals in urban areas, sea use planning, and knowledge of species.

After lunch, Mrs. Stadler offered an isle tour. Because most parts of Vilm are covered by the core area of the biosphere reserve, there is only one path which leads around the northern part of the isle and guests must not leave it. Mrs. Stadler explained that animals like deer could migrate from the Island of Rugen to the Isle of Vilm (that is even smaller than one square kilometre) when the water is frozen in winter. However, the distance would be too long for smaller animals like squirrels. Our meeting host emphasised the enormous diversity of ecological conditions on that isle by giving the following example: Grapevine snails can be found on one side of the isle, but not on the other side. The reason is that one side of the isle has some lime that offers a favourable environment for the snails, whereas the other side is too acidic. I was impressed by all of the deadwood and old trees, which can rarely be found in German forests. However, the forest of Vilm cannot be considered a virgin forest in the strict sense because it was used by humans in the past. Mrs. Stadler showed us the oldest tree on the isle at roughly 600 years old. However, the tree is not alive anymore.

On Wednesday, the presentations continued.
On Thursday, the 5^th of August, 2021, the meeting came to an end. After breakfast, the ferry boat brought us back to the Island of Ruegen.
After the meeting, every participant was invited to submit a short text on his or her scientific project. Those contributions have been collected by the BfN and will be published in a BfN script soon.
I liked the meeting very much. The programme was dense and demonstrated the highly interdisciplinary subject of biodiversity with all its input. Besides the presentations, it was refreshing to talk to so many young and motivated people after a time of corona lockdowns. And, finally, it is worthwhile to visit the Isle of Vilm, with its fascinating history and nature. The Isle of Vilm is not just a place to talk about the conservation of nature – it is a place to show how nature develops if nature is allowed to be nature.

If you are interested to participate in one of the next meetings, regularly have a look on the homepage of the INA.

The post Talking about Biodiversity on an Isle full of History and Nature appeared first on Global Change Ecology.

The Wadden Sea is the largest tidal flat system in the world, ranging from the Netherlands via Germany to Denmark. Due to its Outstanding Universal Value, as well as the progress that has been made in protecting and managing the Wadden Sea, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The World Heritage Site area comprises most of the Wadden Sea and spans almost 11.500 km² across a coastline of about 500 km.

There are many factors that make the Wadden Sea an outstanding and valuable ecosystem. The geology and geological processes are very unique, as the coastline is extremely dynamic and constantly shaped by tides and wind. Through these processes, a diverse range of habitats have been created over time, such as large mud flats, saltmarshes, and sand dunes. However, not only long-term dynamics play a role. On a daily basis, the large tides move about 15 km³ of water in and out of the tidal area twice a day. These dynamics make the Wadden Sea a challenging place to live in, forcing its inhabitants – animals and plants alike – to adapt to the changing environment. Nevertheless, it is a major hotspot for biodiversity and the biomass productivity is one of the highest worldwide. Over 10.000 species can be found here and in the course of a year up to 12 million migratory birds stop over. The Wadden Sea is not only of great importance to migratory birds but also to coastal birds in general. It is an ideal habitat for them due to the immense availability of food, lack of mammalian predators, and undisturbed nature of some of the islands. The tidal flats harbor the largest population of lungworms worldwide with about 1 billion individuals. They play an important role for the ecosystem, as they recycle the upper sediment layer several times a year and thus keep the flats sandy.

The Wadden Sea and the immense biodiversity it harbors are nowadays threatened by anthropogenic influences like tourism. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Europe, the Wadden Sea area saw over 53 million overnight stays in 2013 [1]. This is not even counting the number of day trippers, which are also in the millions each year [1]. Besides this, climate change and the associated sea level rise is expected to have a great effect on the Wadden Sea ecosystem. An increase in temperature and precipitation is already visible, which has led to an influx of southern warm-water species, northern migration of some cold-water species, as well as changes in the timing of life cycle events [2]. These changes, in turn, affect the food web in the Wadden Sea and might cause an imbalance in the trophic network [2]. Tidal flats and salt marshes might be able to keep up with the sea level rise to some extent, but other habitats might disappear [2]. Besides changes in temperature and sea level, changes in wind patterns and associated storm surges will also affect the Wadden Sea area. An increased flooding risk of salt marshes could, for example, limit the breeding success of birds [2]. Changes in precipitation patterns can also affect the Wadden Sea ecosystems via changes in riverine runoff and estuarian circulation [2].

In recognition of its uniqueness and important value, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark have joined forces to protect and manage the Wadden Sea through the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation (TWSC) since 1978, which in turn is coordinated by the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat. The guiding principle of this cooperation is to “achieve, as far as possible, a natural and sustainable ecosystem in which natural processes proceed in an undisturbed way” [3]. Nowadays, most of the Wadden Sea is protected in form of national parks and nature reserves.

The three main areas of work of the TWSC are conservation, sustainable development, and environmental education. They continuously monitor the Wadden Sea in different aspects like wildlife, human activities, and ecological processes and regularly publish their findings in the Wadden Sea Quality Status Report. Additionally, they have conservation projects on various topics. Regarding climate change, they aim to enhance the ecosystems resilience through nature-based solutions. Coastal protection against sea level rise plays an especially important role here. For the protection of migratory birds and their habitat, the Wadden Sea Flyway Initiative has been established. To limit human interference with the ecosystem, a framework for sustainable fisheries has been developed and major parts of the Wadden Sea are designated Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas where marine activities are controlled. The TWSC also aims at creating sustainable tourism while enhancing people’s awareness on the value and importance of the Wadden Sea. The latter is also being done through environmental education programs.

If you would like to get involved in the conservation of the Wadden Sea yourself or are interested in marine/wetland ecology or ornithology, there are internship and job opportunities in this area. Some helpful links are listed below:  

https://www.waddensea-worldheritage.org/job-vacancies

https://multimar-wattforum.de/nationalpark-zentrum/jobs.html

https://www.nationalpark-wattenmeer.de/mitmachen/mitarbeiten/stellenangebote/

https://www.nationalpark-wattenmeer.de/wissensbeitrag/cb-praktikum-auf-scharhoern/

Where not indicated otherwise, the source for this blog entry is the official Wadden Sea World Heritage website: https://www.waddensea-worldheritage.org/

If this post has sparked your interest in the Wadden Sea, you can find much more information on the official website. Don’t forget to follow the Wadden Sea World Heritage on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the most-up-to-date news about this special place!

Other References:

[1] Bjarnason J.-B., Günther W. & Revier H. (2017) Tourism. In: Wadden Sea Quality Status Report 2017. Eds.: Kloepper S. et al., Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Last updated 21.12.2017. Downloaded 30.08.2021. https://qsr.waddensea-worldheritage.org/reports/tourism

[2] Philippart C.H.M, Mekkes L., Buschbaum C., Wegner K.M. & Laursen K. (2017) Climate ecosystems. In: Wadden Sea Quality Status Report 2017. Eds.: Kloepper S. et al., Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Last updated 21.12.2017. Downloaded 30.08.2021. https://qsr.waddensea-worldheritage.org/reports/climate-ecosystems

[3] CWSS (2017) Introduction. In: Wadden Sea Quality Status Report 2017. Eds.: Kloepper S. et al., Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Last updated 01.03.2018. Downloaded 30.08.2021. https://qsr.waddensea-worldheritage.org/reports/introduction

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During the spring of 2021, I participated in a science school organized by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (Bundesamt für Naturschutz, BfN). Every year since 2010, the module has accepted 25 master-level students to learn at the International Academy for Nature Conservation on the Isle of Vilm in Germany. While this year was offered virtually, the experience remained worthwhile.

Broadening knowledge

Prior to the start of the course, students were expected to complete some background reading and an assignment to ensure that everyone had a good base of knowledge. From there, we hit the ground running! We began by assessing the current state of biodiversity and discussed both marine and terrestrial conservation. We learned about conservation tools like protected areas and about the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Students discussed how to engage in strategic conservation planning to meet goals most effectively and efficiently. We also spent some time addressing international law and the international governance framework for environmental protection, as well as discussing the social impacts of conservation.

Part of the reason that the seminar remained so engaging throughout the week was the mixed method of instruction, from lectures to panel discussions to interactive simulations. Generally, new topics were introduced with a talk from an invited expert. However, this was followed by group discussions and activities. This allowed students to actively engage with the material that had just been introduced. I found that this really made the information “stick,” while also creating connections among students.

Building a network

A strength of the module was the possibility to network. Lectures, panel discussions, and simulations run by conservation experts gave students a way to develop professional contacts for future internships, for example. Additionally, there were opportunities to interact with peers through “market place” activities, which closed each daily session. During these market place times, students shared short presentations outlining an experience they had with conservation. This took place in various breakout rooms, facilitating discussions in smaller groups.

The next Module on International Nature Conservation is expected to take place from 27 February to 5 March 2022, either online or in-person as the COVID-19 situation allows. If you are interested, then set a reminder – the upcoming application period will start in late autumn 2021.

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The Convention on Biological Diversity and Biodiversity Day

In the late 1980’s, the United Nations convened a series of working groups and negotiating committees to develop an international treaty to guide sustainable use of and address threats to the Earth’s biological resources. Through this process came the Convention on Biological Diversity, which the United Nations adopted on May 22, 1992, in Nairobi, Kenya [4]. The main objectives of this document are 1) the conservation of biological diversity, 2) the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity, and 3) the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources [5]. The Convention opened for signature on June 5, 1992, at the Rio Earth Summit and entered into force with 168 signatures December 29, 1993 [4]. There are 196 Parties to the Convention, which meet regularly as the Conference of the Parties to review and make decisions about the fulfillment of the Convention. [5, 6]. Since 2001, the United Nations has celebrated Biodiversity Day on May 22 to commemorate the anniversary of the date that the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted [1].

We’re part of the solution, in 2021 and beyond

In 2021, Biodiversity Day is organized with the slogan: “We’re part of the solution” [2, 8, 15]. This connects to the 2020 slogan, “Our solutions are in nature” and recognizes the role we have in crafting sustainable and just solutions to environmental, ecological, and social challenges [2, 15].

This year’s Biodiversity Day generates momentum and support in advance of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties in October 2021 [2, 6, 14]. During this meeting, Parties will make decisions about a post-2020 global biodiversity framework towards the fulfillment of the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity, where the world is “living in harmony with nature” [2, 7, 14, 15].

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Day for Biological Diversity has been moved online. In this context, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity asks you to join governments, organizations, and individuals in raising awareness via messages about the importance of biodiversity and how you can be the solution [8, 9]. Be sure to tag @UNBiodiversity and use the hashtags #BiodiversityDay and #ForNature on social media. Also check out different online events, such as the Global Biodiversity Festival.

There are also other ways for you to contribute to international biodiversity goals, even after May 22. Educate yourself and learn how to raise awareness about the value of biodiversity in nature for fostering sustainable human development on a healthy and functioning planet [3, 10, 11, 12, 15]. Make a concrete commitment in line with the reversal of biodiversity loss on the Convention’s Action Agenda tracker, then share your pledge to inspire others and increase ambition [13]!

For the most up-to-date materials on Biodiversity Day and information about biodiversity issues and opportunities, follow @UNBiodiversity on facebook, twitter, instagram, youtube, and linkedin.

References

[1] United Nations General Assembly. 2001. Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on the report of the Second Committee. Convention on Biological Diversity. Fifty-fifth session. A/55/582/Add.2. Access here.

[2] The Convention on Biological Diversity. 2021. Overview of the Campaign. Access here.

[3] IPBES. 2019. Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. S. Díaz, J. Settele, E. S. Brondízio E.S., H. T. Ngo, M. Guèze, J. Agard, A. Arneth, P. Balvanera, K. A. Brauman, S. H. M. Butchart, K. M. A. Chan, L. A. Garibaldi, K. Ichii, J. Liu, S. M. Subramanian, G. F. Midgley, P. Miloslavich, Z. Molnár, D. Obura, A. Pfaff, S. Polasky, A. Purvis, J. Razzaque, B. Reyers, R. Roy Chowdhury, Y. J. Shin, I. J. Visseren-Hamakers, K. J. Willis, and C. N. Zayas (eds.). IPBES secretariat, Bonn, Germany. Access here.

[4] The Convention on Biological Diversity. 2021. History of the Convention. Access here.

[5] United Nations. 1992. 8. Convention on Biological Diversity. Rio de Janeiro, 5 June 1992. Chapter XXVII Environment. Access here.

[6] The Convention on Biological Diversity. 2021. Conference of the Parties (COP). Access here.

[7] United Nations Environment Programme. 2020. Update of the Zero Draft of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework: Preparations for the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework. Convention on Biological Diversity. CBD/POST3030/PREP/2/1. Access here.

[8] Mrema, E.M. 2021. Notification: International Day for Biological Diversity 2021. Convention on Biological Diversity. Ref.: SCBD/OES/DAIN/MB/FD/89492. Access here.

[9] The Convention on Biological Diversity. 2021. Messages for the International Day for Biological Diversity, 22 May 2021: “We’re part of the solution”. Access here.

[10] The Convention on Biological Diversity. 2021. Biodiversity Day 2021: Activities. Access here.

[11] United Nations Development Program, NBSAP Forum, the Convention on Biological Diversity, Rare. 2021. Course on Biodiversity Valuation: Communicating the Value of Biodiversity. Access here.

[12] The Convention on Biological Diversity. 2021. Biodiversity and Nature, close but not quite the same. Access here.

[13] The Convention on Biological Diversity. 2021. An agenda for action: Reversing Biodiversity Loss and Promoting Positive Gains to 2030. Sharm El-Sheikh to Kunming Action Agenda for Nature and People. Access here.

[14] The Convention on Biological Diversity. 2021. Preparations for the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework. Access here.

[15] United Nations. 2021. International Day for Biological Diversity 22 May. Access here.

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