Azorean Biodiversity Group

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The Azorean Biodiversity Group (ABG) comprises two (IBBC and IERS) of the twelve research groups of the research centre Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c).

The ABG conducts basic and applied research in ecology and related disciplines (e.g. taxonomy, biogeography, evolutionary biology, conservation, science communication), to understand and predict the functioning of island communities and ecosystems. 

Oceanic islands have long fascinated scientists due to their simplified and unique biotas and ecosystems, which encompass a large number of endemics species. As biodiversity is decreasing on a global scale, its loss is felt particular on Islands, where species disappearing at faster rates due to human activities, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, pollution and global climate change. In this context, the IBBC Research Group pursues the following objectives:

1. Use the Azores as a model system to investigate ecological and evolutionary mechanisms responsible for shaping island biotas;
2. Collect long-term ecological data to evaluate species distributions and abundance at multiple spatial and temporal scales;
3. Identify pathways that impact oceanic indigenous assemblages under global change for conservation purposes.

4. Understand the impacts of environmental risks to human health and other organisms living in Islands;

5. Ensure the sustainable development of insular agro-ecosystems and natural ecosystems;

6. Improve the reliability and accuracy of geographic data to support decision-making and scientific research in the areas of land management, environmental planning and climate change;

7. Improve communication and cooperation on island ecosystems among the scientific and technological community, decision makers and the general public;

8. Increase scientific literacy and offer new ways for communities to interact with nature, so as to help them incorporate conservation and biodiversity in their everyday practices;

9. Nurture strategic commitments between different stakeholders, mediating between different agendas and ensuring social justice and participatory processes for citizens;