The Institute introduces itself
The Institute of General Ecology and Environmental Protection carries out research and teaching in the field of biodiversity, environmental protection, plant communities and vegetation. Our research emphasis is centred in the field of phytodiversity and strategies of nature conservation under the perspective of sustainable land-use management and global change. Our research orientation is a mix of data- and evidence-based ecological research as well as theoretical- and application-orientated research of nature conservation.
© I. Frehse
More about us
The institute engages in researching (1) the effects of changes in land-use and pollution on organisms and communities, the loss of biodiversity, complex biological and biogeochemical processes (ecosystem functions) and ecosystem services as well as (2) measures and technologies for their protection and regeneration.
Our members of staff have extensive knowledge and experience in the analysis of causes and effects that characterise biodiversity and its change. We also have a strong expertise in the analysis and assessment of conflicting use and synergies from the perspective of nature conservation and forestry.
Our spectrum of methods includes a wide range of theoretical analysis, field observations, strictly controlled greenhouse experiments, and micro- to macro-scale field experiments. Our research is highly interdisciplinary with an international focus. The institute is widely cross-linked to national and international partners. The importance and impact of our work is reflected in multiple research projects, our list of publications, a large number of student dissertations (BSc, MSc, PhD) as well as in a range of scientific co-operations.