EarthBridge synthesis in Krkonoše National Park

From May 20 to 24, the first of two meetings within the synthesis project took place in the peaceful Bouda v Obřím dole, in Krkonoše National Park (KRNAP, Giant Mountains), Czech Republic. The event was organized between the universities of TU Dresden, University of Bonn, Czech University of Life Sciences and Alma Mater Studiorum Università Di Bologna. The participants were mainly fresh PhD students with some research assistants and prospective PhD students from the participating universities. From the Junior Professorship in Environmental Remote Sensing our student assistant Gianluca Höhnke took part in the meeting.

The project, which is part of the larger EarthBridge project and is funded by the European Union, has two objectives. The overarching aim is for the participants to collaborate on a scientific paper to be published. In terms of content, the protected areas and processes in the KRNAP will be investigated and the focus areas will be selected based on the thematic interests of the participants. In consultation with all parties involved, the focus was placed on monitoring biodiversity in the protected grazing areas.

In addition to a guided tour of the national park and some work phases, the event also included sessions in which experienced scientists shared their experiences. Topics such as life in science were also discussed here. Before the paper is submitted, a final workshop is planned in Bonn in September, where the main focus will be on writing the paper.