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BIOCULT (BIOCULT)

Project BIOCULT completed ·

The current biodiversity crisis is particularly pronounced in the tropics, where demographic pressure is high and many ecosystems are vulnerable. Intact ecosystems provide important habitats for animals and plants, as well as various ecosystem services for humans, thereby supporting the quality of livelihoods. It is therefore important to conserve biodiversity not only in nature reserves, but also in anthropogenic landscapes. The involvement of local communities plays a central role here and strongly influences people’s attitudes and behaviour towards nature and nature conservation. Today, exclaves of remaining natural ecosystems are primarily protected areas such as nature reserves, but often also sites of cultural significance. The conservation of cultural sites combines the protection of human culture and biodiversity. Both culture and biodiversity can have a positive impact on the surrounding landscapes. As part of the project, we are building a transdisciplinary network of researchers, students and stakeholders to investigate and learn about the importance of cultural forest sites. Therefore, natural and social science approaches will be closely linked in three consecutive phases.

Background and goals

  • Strengthening, further developing and consolidating cooperation between German and East African stakeholders from research and practice
  • Support and build capacity at African partner universities to promote key research and curricula in the fields of ecology, conservation biology, indigenous knowledge and various aspects of social sciences

Expected results

  • Collaborative research in a transdisciplinary network of European and East African researchers and students
  • Assessment of ecosystem health, understanding of interrelationships and interactions for selected sites
  • Identification of relevant stakeholders who can mediate potential improvements
  • Implementing ideas for restoring and improving the environment and sensitising the local population to cultural and traditional values
Project-Website: https://biocult.net