Poster, Continents under Climate Change - Conference on the Occasion of the 200th Anniversary of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin: 2010-04-21 - 2010-04-23
Abstract:
Climate change is discussed globally and impacts on species, communities and ecosystems are widely expected. Research concerning this topic increased within the last years, including field experiments, observations and notably modelling approaches. Research on impacts on protected areas in Europe and the world is scarce up to now, although they are containing the most valuable and threatened species and habitats. However, we have to decide now how we can react on climate change and an increase of extreme weather events, to avoid or at least constrain the loss of species and ecosystems protected by nature reserves. Natura 2000 is an EU-wide network of nature protection areas. It was established under the European Habitats Directive in 1992. The aim of the network is to assure the long-term survival of threatened species and habitats with community importance. It consists of Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) designated under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas (SPA) designated under the Birds Directive. In the case of species, the so-called umbrella species have been chosen as representatives for several rare species. The selected habitats are rare and endangered habitats with a unique biodiversity. Protected areas will be subject to extensive changes during the next decades. Therefore, a review of existing conservation techniques on their suitability for future challenges and a development of adaptation strategies on inevitable consequences of climate change are necessary and should consider national and international aspects. Here, we present a conceptual framework of adaptation requirements and adaptation possibilities in Germany and Europe. We summarize local adaptation strategies as well as management recommendations and answer questions on where, when and how to adapt.