Fragility of arctic goose habitat: impacts of land use, conservation and elevated temperatures

Objective

The tundra is a vulnerable ecosystem. Damage would result in it turning from a carbon sink into a carbon source, thus adding to current climate warming. The numbers of geese breeding in the tundra have been increasing for 40 years and will continue to increase, largely due to protective measures and changes in agricultural practice in NW Europe where they spend the winter. Evidence from other parts of the world suggests that tundra ecosystems can be severely damaged if overgrazed for extended periods. In addition, effects of climate change, will also provide pressures of change for tundra ecosystems. The proposed project will assess the tundra's vulnerability to these cumulative pressures and define thresholds beyond which irreparable damage will occur. The project will provide tools and make recommendations to facilitate the managed protection of the tundra by EC and appropriate stakeholders.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.4.-2. - Key action Global Change, Climate and Biodiversity

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (12)