Landscape ecology: a toolbox to understand patterns, processes, and dynamics in rural landscapes

Landscape ecology emphasizes the interactions between spatial patterns and ecological processes. Bridging concepts and tools from natural and social sciences, landscape ecology provides a toolbox to quantify and model biodiversity and ecosystem services, essential to support decision-making and landscape planning towards restoration, conservation, and management across scales. Combining lectures and hands-on sessions, this course will provide attendees with an updated overview of the concepts and methods used to grasp landscape patterns, processes, and social-ecological dynamics.

After completion of this 4-day course attendees will gain knowledge regarding:

. Foundations of landscape ecology and basic concepts;

. Patterns, processes and social-ecological dynamics at the landscape level;

. State-of-the-art methods and tools used in landscape research;

. Quantification of landscape attributes using (spatially-explicit) landscape metrics;

. Analysis and modelling of biodiversity patterns using landscape attributes;

. Valuation of landscapes using an ecosystem services approach;

[Morning: Foundations]

- Course Introduction and Objectives

- Foundations of landscape ecology and basic concepts

- Drivers of landscape patterns and dynamics (Introduction)

[Afternoon: Hands-on session]

- Spatially-explicit quantification of landscape attributes using landscape metrics

[Morning: Foundations]

- Patterns, processes and social-ecological dynamics at the landscape level

[Afternoon: Hands-on session]

- Assessing landscape attributes in space and time

[Morning: Foundations]

- Overview of methods applied to landscape modelling

[Afternoon: Hands-on session]

- The REMAINS R package: Paving the way for fire-landscape modelling and management

[Morning: Foundations]

- Valuation of landscapes using an ecosystem services approach

[Afternoon: Hands-on session]

- Students reporting and general discussion

4 days - 24 hours - Schedule: 10:00 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 17:00

Coordination

Angela Lomba | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, University of Porto
Francisco Moreira | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO

Adrián Regos | Misión Biolóxica de Galicia (MBG) – CSIC, ES


Instructor (s)

Adrián Regos | Misión Biolóxica de Galicia (MBG) – CSIC, ES

Davy McCracken | Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Scotland, UK

Silvana Pais | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, University of Porto

Mariana Filipe | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, University of Porto

The course will be open to a maximum number of 20 participants. 

75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students.

 Priority will be given to:

• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;

• PhD students attending other courses;

• Other post-graduate students and researchers.

(A minimum number of participants is required for the course to take place)

New deadline:  21 April 2025

To apply fill the FORM

A copy of the form will be sent to the email address you provide as proof that you have successfully submitted your application. Results will be emailed to you within 8 working days of the application deadline.

80€ (students) | 120€ (other participants).

BIOPOLIS-CIBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%. Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students (M BGE & PhD) & CIBIO's TwinLabs 

(If applicable, payment will be made to Associação BIOPOLIS - VAT No. 516033727. Information on the payment amount and the payment deadline will be sent together with the results notification, and a proforma invoice may be issued in due time).

Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals. 

No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation.