20.07.2023 - Seminar on Transboundary Catchment Ecosystem Assessment is Available on YouTube
Giessen, 20 July 2023 - We are pleased to announce that the highly informative and thought-provoking seminar on Transboundary Catchment Ecosystem Assessment, led by Dr. Alicia Correa, took place on July 14th, 2023, and is now accessible to global audiences on our YouTube channel.
During the seminar, Dr. Alicia Correa presented the findings of groundbreaking study on the multidimensional assessment of ecosystem services in the Mira-Mataje catchment, a transboundary region teeming with natural resources and culturally significant Indigenous and Afro-descendant ethnic groups. This study unveils the impact of global change on ecosystem services and its potential threat to the livelihoods of local communities worldwide.
The study focuses on three crucial dimensions:
- Monetary Dimension: Assessing the economic value of ecosystem services to integrate them into regional planning and policy design.
- Biophysical Relevance: Understanding the ecological significance of these services and their role in maintaining environmental balance.
- Social Dimension: Acknowledging the importance of local communities and their knowledge in sustainable management practices.
The research combines globally available economic and remotely sensed datasets with the innovative spatial ecosystem services modeling and mapping tool, Co$tingNature, to gain comprehensive insights. Additionally, the study incorporates valuable local knowledge and worldviews from community leaders, enriching the assessment with indigenous wisdom.
This research is a collaborative and multidisciplinary endeavor, thanks to the contributions of esteemed members of the SDGnexus Network, including Alicia Correa (Justus Liebig University), Jorge Forero (Simón Bolivar Andean University), Jorge Marco Renau (University of Los Andes), Ivan Lizarazo (Nacional University of Colombia), Mark Mulligan (King’s College London), and Daniele Codato (Simón Bolivar Andean University). Currently, this study is under revision for publication in the Ecosystem Services journal.
The study's advancements in multidimensional spatial assessment of ecosystem services hold immense potential for replication in other transboundary regions with limited data access. By supporting sustainable policy decision-making, it contributes to a more harmonious coexistence between human societies and the environment.
The recorded seminar is now available on our official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5avkTWxod2Q
About the SDGnexus Network Seminar Series
The SDGnexus Network Seminar Series cover topics related to research and teaching along the Sustainable Development Goals. Seminar Series are created for everybody interested in the SDG topic, the network offers a fantastic opportunity to union knowledge and experience from researchers across a variety of disciplines and regions.