Ongoing climate change is impacting on ecosystems in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Societal development is also putting greater pressure on ecosystems.
The planning, prioritisation and implementation of measures at landscape level is essential in order to achieve the Swedish environmental objectives relating to the conservation and utilisation of biodiversity and to safeguard ecosystem services in both the short and long term[1]. The management and conservation of existing values and initiatives for the restoration and recreation of structures and functions in the landscape, taking into consideration long-term sustainable utilisation, is another important factor for success in achieving the objectives.
The EPA and AMWM therefore wish to support research addressing issues relating to the status of the landscape and changes linked to the effects of man and societal development, as well as the impact of these changes on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Both terrestrial and aquatic environments will be considered in this call for applications.
The EPA is inviting researchers to submit applications for the order of SEK 2-6 million split over a period of two to three years (2016-2018). A number of projects will be awarded funding in this area, which could be allocated a budget of SEK 25 million. The final deadline for the submission of applications is 15 September 2015.
The challenges facing environmental initiatives
The Swedish Parliament has established a generational objective and 16 environmental quality objectives describing an environmentally sustainable society and a desired environmental status [2]. Sweden has also committed to conserving biodiversity at an international level. We must comply with the EU's nature conservation directives by achieving a favourable conservation status for habitats and species.
Similarly, the Aichi Targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity must be achieved by 2020[3, 4]. We also have undertakings under the Climate Convention, which among other things mean that land may need to be utilised for the cultivation of biomass fuels. Adaptations to climate change also impact on the utilisation of aquatic and terrestrial environments, and thus pose a challenge to societal planning [5, 6]. There are also other societal objectives, such as outdoor recreation and forestry, which entail greater use of land and water where there is a risk of negative consequences for biodiversity, ecosystem services and the landscape.
The EPA and AMWM expect the results of the research conducted under this initiative to be of great benefit in the efforts of the authorities to achieve the generational objective and environmental quality objectives. These research results could form the basis for the prioritisation and implementation of measures in the landscape, and in particular bring about a functioning 'green infrastructure' for the follow-up and evaluation of environmental objectives and the environmental efforts and cooperation with other sector authorities in connection with the implementation of various investigations and government assignments, as well as in the implementation of the EU's Directives for the protection and management of both marine and terrestrial environments (e.g. the Habitats and Species Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive) [7, 8]. The research is also expected to generate results that can contribute to knowledge and expertise in connection with international negotiations and other cooperation both within the EU and internationally.
Priorities
We are inviting applications within one or more of the following areas:
- Landscape changes at national level, including future landscape development;
- Structural/institutional hindrances and opportunities (e.g. in relation to environmental considerations, processes of participation and conflict management) in connection with the development of forms of planning and management at landscape level. Studies may also relate to various government agencies and sectors at various decision-making levels (local, regional, national and international - e.g. EU Directives);
- The way in which biodiversity, ecosystem services and the structure and function of the landscape are affected by both fragmentation and connectivity in the landscape (i.e. green infrastructure, see also [7, 8]). The analyses may be performed at different scales and be linked to the landscape's natural succession and societal development, including ecosystem-based climate adaptation [9, 10];
- The restoration and recreation of habitats in the landscape. The analysis may include studies of sustainable utilisation and the importance of multifunctionality in the landscape, which should include climate measures.
We welcome multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary projects and we wish to encourage researchers from across disciplines to carry out joint analyses. We also wish to see issues addressed through cooperation between researchers, government agencies and relevant stakeholders in society. It is important that the application clearly states the relevance to the EPA and AMWM.
Eligible applicants are PhD research students at universities, university colleges, research institutes or government agencies undertaking research as part of their efforts. 'Research institute' means an organisation where research is the sole or main activity.
Researchers awarded funding will be expected to participate in the EPA's annual conference and any annual meetings with the research initiative, and to allocate resources for interaction with government agencies and other stakeholders.
Background material
Applying for research funding
Read more about how to complete the application and click on the link to the application portal:
Contact
Martin Gustafsson, Research Secretary
Tel.: +46 (0)10 698 16 37
Email: martin.gustafsson@naturvardsverket.se
Cecilia Lindblad, Research Secretary, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
Tel.: +46 (0)10 698 12 95, Cecilia.lindblad@naturvardsverket.se