Biodiversity

 Meadows filled with flowers, a rich North Sea, a green residential area... The concept of biodiversity is receiving increasing attention. It often features in discussions about climate, farming and housing. But what does it really mean? Why is biodiversity important and how can we protect it? We study these and similar questions at Wageningen University & Research, often in collaboration with other parties. In this way we contribute to applications for agriculture and nature conservation, but also climate adaptation, sustainable economic growth and health. We do this from many different perspectives, ranging from botany, microbiology, and animal ecology to economics and the social sciences.

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has been working towards this goal for many years through the "Wageningen approach". From numerous disciplines, our ecologists, soil scientists, plant and animal scientists, technologists, economists, behavioural scientists, transition scientists and other experts study biodiversity issues that affect land, freshwater systems and the seas. Moreover, they are in close contact with involved parties in the chain, all over the world.

The global biodiversity, food and climate problems cannot be seen separately and can only be solved with an integrated scientific (evidence-based) approach. This will only be truly successful if all parties in these fields join forces. Not only scientists, but also companies, governments and civil society organisations. As a global connector, WUR wants to take the lead in developing new innovations and integral solutions that will restore biodiversity in a sustainable and equitable way.

https://www.wur.nl/en/themes/biodiversity/show/biodiversity-longread.htm