Projects

The Andean forest is a global biodiversity and endemism hotspot under increasing threat by climate and land-use change. This proposal aims to understand tree species' physiological responses to warming, and to develop science-based germination and reforestation techniques to restore these forests. Additionally, the project incorporates how stakeholder perceptions regarding native tree species planting shape the local incentives for ...

Ecological restoration of agricultural ecosystems, and the improvement of both biodiversity on agricultural lands and a transition to a sustainable agriculture is undoubtedly one of the greatest  challenges ahead of us. Restoring agricultural ecosystems, such as peatlands under agricultural use,  is important, not only for biodiversity, but also for climate mitigation and food security. Despite the land mass taken up by agricultural ...

Aquaculture of the native European oyster in the Belgian North Sea, will not only support a new economic activity but will also help planned restoration efforts through systematical provision of the restoration zones with oyster seed. The European oyster is almost extinct and for these restoration efforts to be successful, recruitment should be safeguarded year after year. This can be achieved through aquaculture practices. On the long run, ...

Soil erosion is a serious problem for economy and environment in the Lake Tana Basin – a global hotspot for soil erosion. Through the innovative method of sediment fingerprinting and hydrological modelling, Tirusew will identify erosion hotspots, enabling an improved and evidence-based catchment restoration. In doing so, she will be a pioneer at her university, and in Africa.

This research seeks to improve the understanding of drivers of successful forest restoration in the Ecuadorian Andes, along an altitudinal gradient from 1800 to 3000 m asl. Through its results, we will identify main abiotic and biotic drivers of ecological restoration success, and will be able to provide key information to decision-makers as they plan future restoration projects.

This project will undertake much needed conservation and restoration work on the Antiphonary of the St Bavo Abbey, which is an integral part of the collection of historic manuscripts of the abbey, currently held by Ghent University Library.

The Antiphonary was accepted permanently on the top list of Cultural Heritage of the Flemish Community on 28 November 2007 and the required restoration was formally approved on 27 November 2019.