Adaptive ecosystem based approaches to monitoring in the Arctic

Date/time: December 2, 17:00-18:30

Room: San Siro 1

Session organizers: Rolf Anker Ims, University of Tromsø, Dorothee Erich University of Tromsø, John-André Henden,University of Tromsø, Virve Ravolainen, Norwegian Polar Institute and Nigel Yoccoz, Norwegian Polar Institute

The need for ecosystem-based monitoring (EBM) has been highlighted as fundamental for future management and conservation of Arctic flora and fauna in the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment (ABA). While the advantages of EBM appear clear-cut, there are issues related to approach and implementation, and ongoing monitoring programs in the Arctic may not always concur with the recommendations in the ABA or the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program. We will discuss these issues with emphasis on the following questions:

1) What defines EBM and what are optional approaches?
2) What is the EBM approach adopted in the ongoing programs?

• Rolf Anker Ims, University of Tromsø: Adaptive ecosystem based approaches to monitoring in the Arctic
• Ashild Onvik Pedersen, University of Tromsø: COAT: Climate-Ecological Observatory for Arctic Tundra: A plan for adaptive climate-impact monitoring of terrestrial food webs in Arctic Norway
• Niels Martin Schmidt, Aarhus University:  Fixed and flexible: lessons learned from two decades of monitoring at Zackenberg
• Laura Gough, University of Texas: Ecological monitoring at Toolik Field Station: lessons learned and challenges ahead
• Dominique Berteaux, Université du Québec à Rimouski: Long-term monitoring of the Bylot Island tundra ecosystem: what did we learn?
• Donald McLennan, Canadian High Arctic Research Station:  EBM Approaches to Monitoring in Canada's Arctic

Session theme: Arctic change, resilience and adaption