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Biodiversity loss, along with climate change, is a principal environmental driver towards ecological, economic and societal collapse. Biodiversity loss interacts with climate change, land use change and social justice. This cluster focuses on direct and indirect drivers of biodiversity change contributing to:
The cluster is led by Katharina Dehnen-Schmutz. Katharina is a plant ecologist with research interests in biological invasions, urban and agricultural biodiversity and citizen science. Her earlier research focused on the ornamental trade as a pathway for invasive plants and has expanded since to include exploring solutions for the prevention and management of invasive species as well as their impacts. She has also extensive experience in risk analysis for invasive species including agricultural pests and diseases. A key element of this research is the engagement with stakeholders, citizen science and the collaboration in interdisciplinary national and international partnerships.
The members of the cluster regularly publish articles, monographs, book chapters, and other media on this multidisciplinary subject. For the most recent publications, please see outputs on the Coventry University Pure page.
PublicationsThe members of the cluster lead and collaborate on a number of research projects and additional projects are available on the Coventry University Research Portal.
Projects
OneSTOP is pioneering a joined-up approach to minimise the introduction, establishment, spread and impact of terrestrial invasive non-native species. It does so by integrating new detection approaches with data dissemination methods and models to prioritise species and action through stakeholder engagement and effective management.
Interventions, such as innovations, regulations, financial incentives, and tools that influence social norms and emotions, can drive systemic change and promote biodiversity and equity. However, the success of these interventions is not well understood. With this in mind, the EU-funded DAISY project aims to examine various intervention processes that address biodiversity loss and equity, ultimately providing specific policy recommendations.
Growing Connections investigates the potential of alternative, more agroecological approaches to tree production in which many small community nurseries produce a diverse range of locally sourced, locally adapted trees. Community tree nurseries may form a small proportion of the tree production sector but they provide many social and environmental benefits in their local area and their contribution to the diversity of tree stock produced is invaluable.
We rely on biodiversity for our very existence - it provides us with the basic ecosystem services that allow us to survive and thrive. Yet human lives and the biosphere itself are under threat due to the loss of biodiversity occurring at a global scale, and at an accelerating pace.
Plant Alert is a long-term citizen science project designed to help prevent future invasions of ornamental plants. Gardeners are asked to report ornamental plants from their gardens that are spreading and difficult to control using an online submission form.
Priory Street
Coventry CV1 5FB
United Kingdom
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