Abstract
An interdisciplinary postgraduate research and study programme ("Graduiertenkolleg") on urban ecology is to be implemented in the city of Berlin. The programme will be carried out by comparing the urban area with surrounding rural areas through gradient transects from the city to suburbs as well as at special locations or in representative functional areas. The research program will focus on interrelations between non-biotic (soil, water, atmosphere) and biotic (vegetation, mammals, birds, invertebrates) components of the ecosystem. These interactions need to be indicated, explained and quantified. A special intent in this matter is to comprehend the mechanisms of maintaining biodiversity in urban areas and to unfold its ecological significance in the urban environment. More objectives of the research program are:
- to assess the role of human impact on ecosystems and the resulting stress on natural resources and biodiversity,
- to evaluate the apparent ecological changes,
- to advance methods of monitoring and planning, and
- to predict future stages of development through scenarios.
Additionally, and taking the interests of the habitants concerned into consideration, this should lead to proposals and guidelines for an improved ecological structure of urban functional units (such as in residential, commercial, mixed areas and transportation zones,) in terms of sustainable development.
The three year study programme starting April 1, 2002 comprises of three stages. The goal in the first unit is to establish a common base of knowledge for all postgraduate students. The relevant specialized subjects will be tackled in the second step. The last unit will focus on conveying methods of comprehensive evaluations, monitoring and building scenarios. This teaching program will consist of special lectures and practical courses. Excursions to our investigation areas in Berlin, but also to other cities and other specialized institutes will train the professional experience on-site. Special conferences and symposia will give the opportunity to present and discuss the obtained results in an international framework.
The postgraduate research programme is split into three general sections and four workpackages with 16 separate topics:
The main focus lies on section A, the natural urban system, with its 9 natural science sub-projects, both biotic and non-biotic, supplemented by section B with 4 socioeconomic sub-projects dealing with the social urban system. Section C superordinates those mentioned before, and is divided into 3 sub-projects for multi-criteria system analysis.
Partner institutions of the programme are:
- the Humboldt-University of Berlin with departments of the two Faculties of Natural Science,
- the Technical University of Berlin with departments of the Faculty of Environmental Science and Social Studies,
- the Free University of Berlin with one department of the Faculty of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy,
- the Institute of Regional Science and Structural Studies from the Helmholtz Research Association, and
- the Institute of Aquatic Ecology and Freshwater Fishing, also integrated in the Helmholtz Research Association.
Furthermore, an agreement for tight cooperation with the Berlin Municipal Administration Office for Urban Development and Environmental Protection was attested.
Elected speaker of the programme is Prof. Dr. Wilfried Endlicher, Department of Geography, Humboldt-University of Berlin.