Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2012
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.03.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
|
| 1.05.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biochemistry and molecular biology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B5 |
Biomedical sciences |
B5 |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.06 |
Natural Sciences |
Biological sciences |
biodiversity, ecophysiology, communications, sensory systems, bioclimate, taxonomy, morphometry, phylogeography, cultivated plants, olive production, chemistry of olive oil, molecular markers, succession, allelopathy, floristics, faunistics, biogeography
Researchers (27)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
- Studies of taxonomy and the zoogeography of mammals of the eastern Mediterranean, with special focus on the Balkan peninsula, Asia Minor and Cyprus. In South Africa we study the biodiversity of small mammals of two very different ecosystems: lowland brushland and the Afromontane forest. Studies involve various levels, from taxonomy to ecology of groups.
- Biology and ecophysiology of arthropods involve studies of communications and physiological adaptations to special conditions.
- Studies of biodiversity patterns focus on the secondary succession and allelopathy. Model group is from the Mediterranean grasslands.
- Research in olive cultivation aims at improving technology of oil production. We are establishing a collection of olive varieties which are autochthonous to Slovenian Istria. Selection of lines which are resistant to late freezes includes also studies of molecular markers.
- Long term monitoring of the edible dormouse (Glis glis) and the response of its populations to specific dynamics of the ecosystem generated by a single plant species (beech Fagus sylvatica).
Significance for science
The research Programme focuses on the biodiversity process and pattern in SE Europe. At the European scale, this area is characterized by: 1. Being Europe’s top hot-spot in biodiversity. 2. It’s biodiversity is the least known on the continent. 3. Over the last two million years the SE Europe was the main glacial refugium on the continent; 4. Due to high topographic diversity, the SE Europe consisted several refugia; glacial refugia are indicative of areas of pronounced environmental stability and thus important for a long term biodiversity conservation under the scenario of global warming. Relevance for the development of science of the proposed research project is thus evident from new scientific findings on the biodiversity in the Balkan glacial refugium in general and in the Mediterranean Slovenia in particular. The activities within the scope of the Programme belong to 1st priority set (Research of Genomics and Biotechnology of Health, Quality and Safety of Foods and Sustainable Development) as stated in the document Guidelines for the rewarding of budgetary funds for research priorities in the year 2008 of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Biodiversity of Slovenia and SE Europe is in urgent need of further scientific research to ensure sound scientific information for identification of conservation priorities and for development of effective conservation management. Molecular tools are unavoidable in any scientifically sound biodiversity research and will be used in majority of research topics.
Significance for the country
Activities within the scope of the project proposal belong to the 1st priority set (Research of Genomics and Biotechnology of Health, Quality and Safety of Foods and Sustainable Development) and the 2nd priority set of research fields (Research of Technologies of Information Society including Human Resources, Social Cohesion and Conservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage, connected with Information Technologies; Conservation of natural heritage) as stated in the document Guidelines for the rewarding of budgetary funds for research priorities in the year 2008 of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Strategy of Nature Conservation of Slovenia identified main threats to biodiversity in the intensification of agricultural production, expansion of urbanized areas, industry and transport network, the increased pollution, and the land use and natural resources for tourist purposes which results in species loss through habitat degradation. Prevention of further erosion of diversity is identified to be of key importance for ecosystem functioningThis however requires a sound scientific background. The reform of agricultural policy, as stated in the National strategy for rural development (2007-2013) stimulates market-oriented agricultural production, competitive approach and diversification. The studies concerning the market and long-term development of special agricultural food-products have confirmed the existence of market potential for special agricultural products in Slovenia. Apart from achieving the objectives of the 1st priority set, the cultivation of indigenous varieties concerns the 2nd priority set as well: Preservation of the cultural landscape and natural environment. Grapevine, the olive-tree and the fig-tree are typical of the characteristic Mediterranean landscape, which could strengthen the potential for tourism at the same time. To satisfy the traditional aspects of cultivation, the autochthonous and traditional varieties ought to be conserved. This is one of the operative objectives of encouraging environmentally-friendly agricultural practice. On the grounds of the assertions stated above we argue the relevance of the research proposal for Slovenia and its accordance with the National research and development programme resolution for the period between 2006 and 2010 and National strategic reference framework 2007-2013. The research topic is in accord with the orientation of national food policy (Resolution on the national programme of food-policy 2005-2010). Common to all sets of priorities is the improvement of economic efficiency and competitive position of agriculture, adaptation to the demand on the market and stimulation of alternative sources of income for rural economies. Revitalization of indigenous varieties corresponds to the measures in the scope of priority tasks, since it encourages the diversification of agriculture, is environmentally-friendly and can contribute to the creation of more economically balanced rural economies due to the introduction of new supplementary activities to farms. At the same time the increase of the amount of special agricultural products and their introduction into tourism-related activities is expected. From the point of view of social development, the introduction of typical products and traditional ways of farming is important for the improvement of the social structure of the rural population. Biodiversity conservation is postulated in various international (Convention on Biological diversity, World Conservation Strategy, Caring for the Earth, The Earth Charter) and national documents (Action Plan for Conservation of Biodiversity, Strategy of Nature Conservation). Slovenian authorities (Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning) expressed in several occasions their willingness to take more active part in biodiversity conservation in SE Europe and thus to ensure more integrated transboundary conservation of biodiversity.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
