Axis 2 Themes

Theme 2.1: Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs)

GEO BON has played a key role in the development of “Essential Biodiversity Variables” (EBVs). EBVs are needed to detect trends in indicators designated by the parties of the United Nations (UN) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). They are calculated from the observations generated in Axis 1. Axis 2 will develop EBVs adapted to the Quebec context and will evaluate them in the whole province.

Theme 2.2: Indicators of change

Models will be developed to quantify changes in EBVs over time.

Theme 2.3 and 2.4: Causes and Consequences

Most importantly, using the knowledge gathered in Axis 1, as well as through modeling, Axis 2 researchers will determine the main drivers of biodiversity change in Quebec, as well as the consequences of these on ecosystem functioning.

The continuation of the implementation of the Ecosystem Observatory (EO), a QCBS initiative recently funded by the NSERC Alliance program, in partnership with the MELCC and the MFFP, is a flagship project for the research of this axis.