primary research theme: biodiversity and ecosystems
Protecting biodiversity and natural ecosystems while meeting the needs and aspirations of growing human populations has emerged as a major international challenge. Research issues include:
- Biophysical and biological controls on the distribution of life;
- Impact of various management methods;
- Interactions among species including the role of exotics;
- Role of species as indicators of environmental health;
- Effects of landscape fragmentation of biodiversity and ecosystems; and
- Ecological modeling, reclamation, and recovery.
Social science research is critical to the design and implementation of policies to protect biodiversity and ecosystems. Research issues in this domain include the impacts of anthropogenic drivers such as population growth, economic policies, settlement policies and property rights, and the economic and cultural values of ecosystems.