Ana Castro | CSRio

Mobility grant in the second semester of the 2017/18 academic year – Project with Opole University (Poland)

by Ana Castro 27/04/2018 0

According to the terms of the project, our are eligible for a mobility grant to Opole University for five days + travel in the second semester of the 2017/18 academic year. The applicant must meet the following requirements: Satisfactory knowledge of English (B2 level); A field of expertise common to both institutions. The chosen applicants will receive a scholarship and travel expenses. To apply, please transmit the following documents in English: CV; A photocopy of the first page of your international passport; A reference from the Head of Department; A motivation letter (maximum size – 1 page A4). All documents should be sent as required a scanned copy in one file in PDF; maximum size – 15MB):. Information about Opole University: http://erasmusplus.uni.opole.pl/show.php?id=85&lang=en&m=10 Selection criteria: The selection of lecturers for the mobility program will be according to the following criteria: – Academic profile – evaluation of CV (30%); – Knowledge of languages (30%); – Teaching/ Internship plan (30%); – A letter of support from the Host University (10%). Preference will be given to the lecturers who have developed courses in a foreign language and expressed their readiness to teach foreign students in the framework of Erasmus+ exchange program at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro.

One more published article from the CSRio team and partners: Best practice for the use of scenarios for restoration planning

by Ana Castro 11/12/2017 0

Scenarios are important tools to facilitate the communication among scientists, practitioners, and decision-makers, and, thus to support policy and management decisions. The use of scenarios has an enormous potential to reduce ecosystem restoration costs and to optimize benefits, but this potential remains poorly explored. Here, we recommend and illustrate six best practices to guide the use of scenarios for planning native ecosystem restoration. We argue, first, for a participatory process to consider aspirations of multiple stakeholders along the whole scenario building process, from planning to implementation and review phases. Second, targeted restoration outcomes should be defined by key-actors (those who have direct interests in restoration) and directly involved stakeholders, within a clear socio-environmental context and under a well-defined problem statement, considering a broad range of nature and human benefits that can be derived from ecosystem restoration. Third, methodological choices, such as scenariotypes, spatial andtemporal scales,drivers,restorationrelatedvariables, andindicators, shouldbedefinedaccording to the multiple desired outcomes. Fourth, we encourage the consideration of the interactions among variables, within a spatially explicit, and temporally dynamic multi-criteria approach. Fifth, analysis and dissemination of scenario results should highlight the trade-offs and synergies among different restoration outcomes, identifying the scenarios that maximize benefits and minimize costs and resistance (i.e. the costeffective and most feasible scenario) for multiple targets. Finally, promoting capacity building, through a wider consultation process including interaction with a broader group of stakeholders, is critical for the successful implementation and review of restoration interventions. Scenarios that support ecosystem restoration should follow an adaptive and iterative process, aiming to continuously improve restoration interventions and outcomes. For additional informations: Renato Crouzeilles – r.crouzeilles@iis-rio.org To read the full article go to: http://www.iis-rio.org/publicacoes or https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187734351730146X

Researcher at CSRio and colaborators publish the article “Persistent effects of pre-Columbian planting on Amazonian forest composition” in Science in March 2017, receive cquestions and respond through a letter in Science from October 2017

by Ana Castro 27/10/2017 0

In 2017 a group of researchers led by ecologist Carolina Levis (National Institute of Amazonian Research / Wageningen University), among which the CSRio researcher André Junqueira, published an article in Science (http://science.sciencemag.org/content/355/6328/925) showing that the distribution of domesticated species in the Amazon forest is related to past human occupation patterns. A group of researchers sent a reply to the article by Levis et al., in which they raise the possibility that the distribution of domesticated species could result from post- (and not pre-) Columbian human activity. In reply to this criticism, the CSRio researcher André Junqueira and collaborators published a letter in Science. Download the letter here.

Ecological restoration in Brazil: priority areas, reference systems and parameters for the restoration monitoring

by Ana Castro 24/10/2017 0

The main aim of this Project is to generate maps for the prioritization of ecological restoration that will support public policies and initiatives on large-scale restoration. Based on dynamic modelling approaches that consider multiple criteria (ecological, social and economic) affecting the costs and benefits of restoration, this project will provide maps for each of the six biomes in Brazil: Amazônia, Caatinga, Cerrado, Pantanal, Mata Atlântica and Campos Sulinos. This project is managed by the General Coordination of Ecosystem and Biodiversity Management of the Ministry of Science and Technology – CBEC / MCTI and linked to the Biodiversity Research Program (PPBio). CBEC / MCTI’s mission is to subsidize the implementation of strategic research programs, projects and development initiatives aimed at characterizing and advancing the knowledge on the functioning of ecosystems. In this context, ecological restoration is a highly relevant and strategic issue for the management of the country’s natural resources. Under the PPBio program, research networks on biodiversity have been established in all Brazilian biomes, involving research on the different taxonomic groups and ecosystems, with the objective of evaluating and monitoring the Brazilian biodiversity and the ecological patterns and processes involved. This project is being developed by the research institutions taking part on the PPBio networks and by the Centre for Conservation and Sustainability Science (CSRio) (CSRio – PUC-RJ), which will be responsible, respectively, for compiling, systematizing and analyzing data, and by the synthesis and modeling of prioritization maps. These institutions include specialists from different areas, which favors the inclusion of different taxonomic groups and of several biotic and abiotic factors relevant to planning large scale restoration. In addition to the data generated by the PPBio networks, an effort will be made to compile relevant secondary data for the construction of the spatial layers to be incorporated into the restoration prioritization models, such as opportunity costs and potential for natural regeneration. In addition to maps of priority areas for restoration by biome, scientific publications containing the criteria and methodological procedures used to prioritize the restoration in each biome will follow. For questions or clarifications on this project, contact contato@csrio.usuarios.rdc.puc-rio.br

CSRio and MMA organized a workshop that gathered the Brazilian Biodiversity Research Program (PPBio) Networks

by Ana Castro 30/08/2017 0

On August 14, 15 and 16, a workshop entitled “Subsidies for the elaboration of priority areas for the recovery of native vegetation in Brazilian biomes” was held in Rio de Janeiro, this workshop is part of the Project “Restoration in Brazil: priority areas, reference and parameters for the restoration monitoring “. The event was attended by researchers coordinators and fellows from the Biodiversity Research Program (PPBio) Networks, representatives of the Ministry of the Environment (MMA) and the Centre for Conservation and Sustainability Science (CSRio), as objective to disscuss the elaboration of a multicriteria analysis to identify priority areas for vegetation recovery in all Brazilian biomes in order to subsidize public policies. During the workshop lectures on the projetc themes were presented, providing as excelente oportunity for the PPBio Networks to discuss restoration in priority areas and define the Project’s strategic planning. As a next step for the second project meeting, to be held in December 2017, it was defined that each PPBio Network will gather information on available endemic and threatened species and other relevant and particular data on the characteristics of each Brazilian biome. This information will be essential for niche modeling, carbon sequestration and the elaboration of the multi-criteria maps that will be implemented in the Project.

CSRio and partners publish correspondence in Nature Ecology & Evolution in August 2017

by Ana Castro 10/08/2017 0

The correspondence talks a bit about how the economic, social and political crisis that Brazil is experiencing has also affected the environment. The recent environmental setbacks that Brazil is going through are against global environmental policies that the country has ratified and put its chances of combating deforestation in risk. Brazil will only overcome these difficult times when environmental conservation becomes a public policy priority again.

On June 2, another CSRio meeting took place at PUC-Rio, this time about conservation units, climate change and the especies behavior. Check out the report made by TV PUC-Rio.

by Ana Castro 20/06/2017 0

Call for a PhD – candidate Group of synthesis in Ecology and Sustainability of the Atlantic Forest (SES-MA)

by Ana Castro 19/06/2017 0

The SES-MA group aims to develop synthesizing studies in ecology and sustainability of the Atlantic Forest Biome, Brazil, in order to provide scientific support for decision-makers and the development of public policies for landscape management and the biodiversity conservation. A specific objective of the group is to test hypothesis and respond key-questions in ecology and sustainability using an extensive pool of empirical data collected in the Atlantic Forest Biome. This database comprises information on richness as well as abundance of species at landscapes covering the entire range of the Atlantic Forest. At the moment, the data base includes information from more than 2.000 sampling sites, as well as different taxonomical groups including plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. The SES-MA group is located at the Centre for Conservation and Sustainability Science (CSRio /PUC-RJ; http://www.iis-rio.org/en/projeto/rio-conservation-and-sustainability-science-centre-csrio) and is coordinated by the following researchers: Jayme Prevedello (UERJ), Mauricio de Almeida Gomes (UFMS), Renato Crouzeilles (IIS/CSRio/UFRJ) e Thomas Püttker (UNIFESP). A series of researchers from different universities and institutions from Brazil and abroad are participating in the scientific committee of the group: Bernardo Strassburg (IIS/CSRio/PUC-RJ), Carlos Fonseca (UFRN), Cristina Banks-Leite (Imperial College – London), Jean Paul Metzger (USP), Marcelo Tabarelli (UFPE), Marcus Vinicius Vieira (UFRJ), Pedro Brancalion (ESALQ-USP) e Renata Pardini (USP). Additionally, a series of researchers who provided empirical data are part of the team. The purpose of this call is to select ONE candidate applying for the selection of PhD-positions at one of the before-mentioned Universities. Preferentially however, the candidate applies for the selection of PhD-position at UERJ, UFMS or UFRJ under the supervision of Jayme Prevedello, Mauricio de Almeida Gomes, or Renato Crouzeilles, respectively. Importantly, the student selected in this call does not immediately receive a scholarship, but will have to apply for a selection of PhD-positions and compete for available scholarships at the respective University. Considering the quantity of information available in our database as well as the participation of highly renowned researchers in the SES-MA group, we believe that the studies developed during the PhD will result in quality research with high scientific relevance. Requirements for the candidate – CV (preferentially in Lattes) – Letter of intention including: i) short presentation of the academic/scientific history of the candidate ii) justification of adequacy of the candidate for the position considering the criteria for selection (see below) iii) motivation of the candidate (why would you like to get the position?) iv) proposal of three questions or hypotheses which might be tested with the data of the SES-MA group including their theoretical and/or practical contextualization (maximum of 1 page) Criteria for selection – CV – strong basis in ecology – skills in statistics, ArcGIS and R – competence in English – preference for applying for a PhD at UFMS, UERJ or UFRJ – justifications provided in the letter of intention – suggestions of questions or hypotheses and their theoretical and/or practical contextualization Time schedule – deadline for submission of applications: 4th of august 2017; 12:00 p.m. (noon) Brasília time) – Send your application to contato@csrio.usuarios.rdc.puc-rio.br; subject: Chamada para seleção de candidato a doutorado SES-MA – publication of result: after deadline of submission – election of PhD candidates: UFRJ and UERJ – around end of November; UFMS – continuously, however depending on availability of scholarships; other universities: to be confirmed

On May 4, another CSRio meeting took place at PUC-Rio, this time about Paris Agreement and climate change. Check out the report made by TV PUC-Rio.

by Ana Castro 20/05/2017 0

Bernardo Strassburg talks to TV PUC-Rio about the progress of Cerrado deforestation, its consequences and the possibilities to avoid the collapse of the biome.

by Ana Castro 30/04/2017 0

On April 7, the first CSRio meeting of 2017 was held at PUC-Rio, about agroforestry systems in the restoration. Check out the report made by TV PUC-Rio.

by Ana Castro 25/04/2017 0

IIS and partners publish the article ” Willingness to Adopt Biochar in Agriculture: The Producer’s Perspective ” in the journal Sustainability

by Ana Castro 24/04/2017 0

Most research on biochar has focused either on the mechanistic or the biophysical aspects, and there has been relatively little research into the social applicability and acceptance of biochar as a soil enhancer in agriculture. However, whether to adopt biochar in their practice is ultimately the farmers’ decision, and their willingness to do so is crucial. In this article, we show the producer’s perspective on adopting biochar, using Polish farmers as a case study. Poland is an interesting case study because biochar has only recently attracted the attention of researchers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders there.