Biodiversity of Deserts and Arid Regions - BIODESERTS

BIODESERTS aims to develop leading research in deserts and arid regions. The objectives of the group are:

1) Assessing biodiversity distribution patterns in deserts. Research is developed based on occurrence data collected in scientific expeditions, which are analysed with ecological modelling tools to map the distribution of taxonomic groups and biodiversity hotspots and to simulate the effects of climate change on biodiversity distribution;

2) Understand evolutionary and landscape processes in deserts. Research is developed based on biological material collected in scientific expeditions that are analysed with molecular markers to identify phylogenetic and phylogenomic relationships in desert species, to evaluate phylogeographic patterns and diversification mechanisms, and to identify population structures and geographic barriers in the landscape to gene flow and population connectivity;

3) Contribute to conservation planning in deserts. Research is developed to identify threatened species, determine genetic conservation units, and provide policy instruments for biodiversity conservation.

Research is conducted in North and West Africa (Sahara and Sahel) and the Middle East, ranging from Morocco and Mauritania in the west to Saudi Arabia and Iran in the east. The group is committed in the:

1) transfer of technology, by sharing experiences, knowledge, and methodological tools developed for optimizing biodiversity conservation among local governments, universities and other institutions;

2) promotion of capacity building, by strengthening the skills, competencies and abilities of people and communities to promote biodiversity conservation and environmentally-friend attitudes;

3) promotion of science dissemination in civil society, by building awareness of the environment and the cultural, economic and ecological importance of desert biodiversity and ecosystem services.