Workshop in Portugal: Advancing Soil Biodiversity Research
Cantanhede, Portugal – The SYBERAC project held a collaborative research workshop focusing on Case Study 5A, which examines the effects of plant protection products (PPPs) on soil biodiversity and ecosystem function. The event, hosted by the University of Coimbra (UC), was held at UC-Biotech in Cantanhede on 27 November 2023.
Márcia Bessa, one of the organisers from the University of Coimbra, reflected on the event's impact:
“The workshop was a great success, and everyone appreciated the insights and the engaging discussions we had. There was a productive atmosphere and collaborative spirit during the day.”
The workshop brought together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to discuss the dynamics of soil invertebrate communities and their critical role in ecosystem services. The session provided an engaging platform for knowledge exchange, furthering SYBERAC’s goal of advancing scientific understanding of chemical impacts on terrestrial biodiversity.
Case Study Spotlight: Soil Biodiversity and PPP Impacts
Case Study 5 is one of six core investigations within the SYBERAC project, led by José Paulo Sousa from the University of Coimbra for the Portuguese part of the case study. In collaboration with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), it explores how plant protection products affect soil fauna and related ecosystem functions. These findings are pivotal for enhancing soil health and informing sustainable agricultural practices.
SYBERAC: A Systems-Based Approach to Ecological Risk Assessment
The SYBERAC project addresses critical challenges in understanding terrestrial chemical pollution and its effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services. By focusing on systems-based ecological risk assessment (sb-ERA), SYBERAC integrates expertise across disciplines and countries to deliver innovative models, methods, and solutions. The project’s case studies span diverse ecological contexts, from wildlife exposure to PPPs in agricultural systems to pollutant transfer between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with active contributions from partners across Europe.