Climate change is affecting ecosystems worldwide. Vegetation above the treeline is particularly vulnerable to the effects of rapidly changing climatic conditions. To better document these changes, the international research network GLORIA was established in 2001. The project investigates changes in alpine vegetation using a standardised methodology, now applied across 130 mountain regions worldwide. Two mountain regions in South Tyrol have been part of the network since its beginning: the Dolomites and the Texel Group Nature Park.
Martin Mallaun will present some of the fascinating findings from the project’s 25 years of research in South Tyrol and across Europe. The presentation will also explore the history of the project, explain the research methods used and offer insights into the challenges and experiences of conducting fieldwork in high mountain environments.
Following the presentation, Martin Mallaun, Brigitta Erschbamer and Peter Schönswetter will take part in a panel discussion on the future of alpine flora in the face of climate change. The three experts will share their research experiences, exchange different perspectives and discuss the potential changes that alpine vegetation may undergo in the coming decades.
Martin Mallaun is a botanist and an internationally active concert musician. He has been closely involved with the GLORIA project since 2001 and has conducted numerous research projects in Italy, Austria and Slovakia. He also works for universities, national parks, and other environmental and nature conservation organizations.
The colloquium at 6 p.m. will be held in German.
