In an era of ever increasing anthropogenic global change, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and services of ecosystems worldwide are continuously degrading. The study of effective science-based methods for conservation and restoration of ecosystems and biodiversity is therefore paramount. Given the complexity of ecosystems and the numerous anthropogenic pressures, ECOSPHERE adopts a highly multidisciplinary approach, integrating disciplines including water and environmental management, water and soil quality, ecotoxicology and environmental and population ecology to predict and mitigate changes in ecosystems and biodiversity. Results are obtained through both observational evidence along large-scale European environmental gradients and through greenhouse and field experiments. We commonly use biogeochemical, geographical and molecular techniques and investigate both fundamental as well as applied research questions. Regardless, we always aim to conduct studies that can inform and shape environmental policy and conservation and restoration efforts. Particular attention is paid to science-based recipes for nature and biodiversity restoration, including reintroduction of endangered or key stone species and restoration of favorable environmental conditions. The successes and failures of restoring highly degraded ecosystems can be key to gain insights in both fundamental ecosystem processes and the ecology of endangered species, as well as developing cost-effective nature-based mitigation of anthropogenic impacts.
