The Earth Observation Research Cluster (EORC) at the University of Würzburg is pleased to announce the launch of a new research project that addresses one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: the impact of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
The project, titled “Assessment and Localization of Ecosystem Sensitivity to Climate Change in Protected Areas of Rhineland-Palatinate,” aims to identify and map areas within nature reserves that are particularly vulnerable to climate-induced changes. This initiative is funded by the Rhineland-Palatinate State Office for the Environment and is being carried out in close collaboration with the State Agency for the Environment.
Project Objectives
The core goals of the project include:
- Developing a spatially explicit sensitivity index for ecosystems based on climate and vegetation data.
- Identifying climate-sensitive zones within protected areas using Earth observation and geostatistical methods.
- Providing actionable insights for conservation planning and climate adaptation strategies.
By integrating long-term satellite data, climate projections, and ecological indicators, the project will deliver high-resolution maps and tools to support evidence-based environmental management.
