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Research on biological diversity affects many different fields of science. Basic knowledge is needed about everything from ecosystem functioning to genetic variability. To be able to solve problems with human activity leading to the loss of biodiversity, applied research is needed within both social and natural sciences. Examples can be, research on means of controle (taxes, laws, economic support, information) or research on criterias for the sustainable use of natural resources.

Ever since its early days, there has been discussions on how science best can contribute to the implementation of the convention. During 2006-08, there will be further negotiations on how to strengthen the role of science in the scientific and technical body, SBSTTA. In parallel to these discussions whithin the CBD, there is a more general process of consultations on the need for an entirely new international mechanism of scientific advice on biodiversity - IMoSEB.

Swedish research on biodiversity

Swedish research on the internet - forskning.se

The largest financiers of environmental research are the research councils together with MISTRA and The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Through the European Union additional support is given to Swedish and European environmental research.

In the last few years, specific funding for research related to biological diversity has been made available through the national budget. These sources have been administered by the Swedish Research Council, The Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning (FORMAS), and the Swedish Speices Information Centre. The research supported during 2002-04 is presented on the website BIOLOGISK MÅNGFALD , which is managed by the Swedish Research Council in cooperation with FORMAS and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.

Global research programmes connected to biodiversity

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment is a UN-associated work program whose aim is to provide decision makers at different levels with the required knowledge on the importance of functioning ecosystems for human well-being. The main program ended in 2005, but several subprojects are still going on. New projects in the same spirit are also being planned, including a European equivalent.

DIVERSITAS was established 1991 as an overall global co-operation programme for research on biodiversity.The explicit aim of DIVERSITAS is to be an agent for scientific knowledge to The Convention on Biological Diversity, among others.The ambition is to set up certain DIVERSITAS committiees(lacking in Sweden). Several of the following organizations are part of the DIVERSITAS co-operation.

UNESCO , United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has extensive activity programmes with several connections to biodiversity.

IUBS, International Union on Biological Sciences established 1919 for co-operation within biological science.IUBS has programmes connected to The Convention on Biological Diversity.

Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystem (GCTE) is one of the main projects within the so called International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme, IGBP . One aim of the GCTE is to predict the effects of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity.

 
European research on biodiversity

The EU directorat, DG Research manages ventures on biodiversity within the sixth framework programme for research, mainly in the thematic sub-priority Global Change and Ecosystems . This work is a direct continuation of activities under the fifth framework programme for research. Noteworthy among these are:

In Sweden further information and how to apply can be obtained fromthe Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova) and the research councils, see above.

The European Platform for Biodiversity Research and Strategy (EPBRS) was established with the aim of facillitating the ongoing discussion on biodiversity in the European research programme. The aim of EPBRS is in brief to promote increased relevance and effectiveness within European research on biodiversity. ERPBS has among other activities arranged electronic conferences and meetings in close cooperation with EU member states during their period of EU presidency. The theme during the Finnish presidency in the autumn of 2006 is ”Actions for the 2010 biodiversity target in Europe- how does research contribute to halting the biodiversity loss?”.
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is the Swedish national focal point for the Clearing-House Mechanism of the convention.
Responsible for the page: Thomas Nilsson
Last updated 18 September 2006