Understanding sudden shifts in dryland ecosystems ...

 

cascade logo 300 511

One of the most challenging themes in ecology over the last decades is the quest for the understanding of discontinuous changes in ecosystems. Discontinuous shifts have already been observed and analyzed for a wide variety of ecological systems, including lakes, drylands, peatlands and rangelands. Some of these discontinuous shifts in ecosystems imply undesired and irreversible changes.

The EU-funded CASCADE project (2012-2017, contract 283068) investigated and analyzed a range of dryland ecosystems in southern Europe to obtain a better understanding of sudden shifts in drylands that may lead to major losses in biodiversity and concomitant ecosystem services.

 

This website presents CASCADE's study sites, research questions, methodologies, results and key messages and recommendations, making them available for use by policymakers and land users to enable more sustainable management of drylands worldwide.

Key Messages

Booklets, factsheets and video clips provide information about drylands, ecosystem shifts and the management of vulnerable ecosystems in succinct and easy to read formats.

Understanding and managing shifts in dryland ecosystems

Understanding and managing shifts in dryland ecosystems

Dr Violette Geissen explains what the CASCADE project is about.

CASCADE study sites

CASCADE has investigated six areas (or study sites) in southern Europe where ecosystem shifts have occurred or are likely to occur, with associated consequences for the vegetation, the animals, and the people living there.

What are sudden ecosystem shifts?

Like other ecosystems, under certain pressures dryland ecosystems can suddenly shift to a new state characterised by a different structure, species composition and/or functioning. Once an ecosystem has shifted, it is not likely to return to its previous state.

What processes happen in the soil and plants during a shift?

The key to understanding when and how sudden ecosystem shifts occur lies in knowledge of the detailed processes operating between plants, soil and water.

How can we manage vulnerable ecosystems better?

Sustainable management of drylands involves recognising signs of impending shifts and adapting land use practices to prevent or mitigate them.

eu flag
The CASCADE project has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration under grant agreement no. 283068.
Go To Top