ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

LIFE AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Learning objective aimed to merge scientific and technical expertise from different fields of environmental studies in order to offer disciplinary and interdisciplinary training at national and international level.

Based on long lasting tradition for research in Plant and Animal taxonomy; Geobotany; Plant ecology; Wildlife and herbivores management; Genetics and population approach; Assessment, evaluation and management of natural resources, including biological monitoring, the curriculum encompasses all the level of bio-ecological organization.

Namely, expertise and scientific background allow to develop studies on several subjects, e.g.: Plant biodiversity and management of protected areas and natural habitats, Characterization of bioindicators in environmental monitoring by classical and biotechnological approaches, Soil biodiversity and ecosystem services, Modeling of environmental and economic sustainability of forest and grassland management, Biodiversity conservation and climate change issues.

Different approaches can be grouped from various discipline, such as: Taxonomic, functional and natural biodiversity; Applied geobotany; Biotechnology and microbiology; Evolution; Entomology and parasitology; Ecology and molecular ecology. Transversal approach can be also included (e.g. from Socio-Ecology, Environmental Economics, Territorial planning, etc.).

Experimental designs for sound scientific questions both in field and laboratory have a primary role in training, and may shape the organization of the work at international level.

International cooperation, to enhance methodological approaches and trans-national comparability of the results is favored, including co-tutorships and other formal agreements.

The PhD graduate should be prepared for future challenges, either in scientific - academic career or in the broader work domain of territorial planning and management.

New techniques and diagnostic tools, as well as guidelines, standards and harmonization of protocols can represent the innovation services for an effective transfer of knowledge both for national and international co-operation and Bodies.

Projects for defining appropriate assessment tools enabling adaptive management of systems and natural resources in terms of environmental sustainability are also targeted.

Roberto Canullo

short CV