Research priorities highlighted in "Understanding Biodiversity"
The 25th Ecosystems Research Report, recently published by the European Commission, DG XII, highlights the need for research into the threats of introduced species and genetically modified organisms on natural biodiversity. Research into the effects of pollution on biodiversity in both freshwater and marine environments is also identified as a priority in the report. Additionally, the report recommends that the effects on biodiversity of political actions - such as agricultural subsidies - and agricultural practices and changes of land use are areas for researchers to concentrate on in the future. The report, entitled "Understanding Biodiversity", is a product of research undertaken in the Environment and Climate program by the European Working Group on Research and Biodiversity. The report describes the group's research methods and results, and summarises the implications of their findings for future research priorities in the field of biodiversity. Research on putting a value on biodiversity is emphasised in the report, as well as making more use of existing knowledge, and improving taxonomic skills and identification tools. The report calls for a general increase in the amount of monitoring of distribution and change in biodiversity, and the need to examine populations threatened by genetic erosion. The European Working Group on Research and Biodiversity aimed to raise a wider debate for creating a research agenda for biodiversity, by setting up dialogue between researchers in the field and end-users. "Understanding Biodiversity" summarises their work in this area, and is subdivided into the following sections: - Research agenda into biological biodiversity; - Descriptive analysis of a research questionnaire on Biodiversity; - Report from a brainstorming session on Biodiversity; - Experience of Internet communication; - Main conclusions - identifying tentative research priorities and the future role of the EWGRB.