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Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND Landskap, terrestriske økosystemer og biomangfold, friluftsliv og kulturmiljø (LAND) 1 Wolverines in a Changing World Prosjektansvarlig: NINA Hovedadm. Prosjektleder: Landa, Arild Seniorforsker Prosjektnr: 152782/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2003-31.12.2007 2003: 600,000 2004: 612,000 2005: 623,400 2006: 634,200 2007: 344,400 The principal objective is to gain better insight in the ecological role wolverines have in ecosystem dynamics and their adaptation to ecosystem change. This is important to accomplish viable and inter-connected wolverine populations and its implications for sustainable management of the natural environment. This objective will be achieved by focussing on the following research aims. - Investigate fine-scale interactions between wolverines and intra-guild species to evaluate competition and possible connemensalism effects among large carnivores. - Investigate habitat requirements of wolverines and the impact of landscape changes to predict availability of suitable habitat and the degree of inter-connectivity of wolverine populations. Predators are important keystone species in the structuring of communities, and ultimately of the integrity and health of ecosystems. By accelerating the rate and expanding the scope of disturbance and habitat change, man has undermined the resilience and viability of large carnivore populations causing widespread declines. The wolverine, whose fragmented range is now limited to central and northern Fennoscandia, is generally labelled as vulnerable, but with distinct populations at the risk of extinction. Investigating the role wolverines have in ecosystem dynamics and their adaptation to ecosystem changes are important to ensure effective wolverine conservation and maintaining a healthy ecosystem diversity. Focussing on the possibly isolated South Norwegian wolverine population, the project is designed to enable predictability of the impact wolverines have on ecosystem dynamics, including human conflicts. Studies of intra-guild interactions to evaluate the competition and possible commensalism effects among large carnivore species are also included. If conservation and management is to be successful, knowledge of habitat requirements and population dynamics are equally important in determining the ability of individuals to travel between sub-populations in order to preserve viable populations. Adaptability to changing environments will be studied along with habitat requirements, to predict the availability of suitable wolverine habitat. 2 Coastal Sami landscapes: Communities and management regimes in the twenty-first century Prosjektansvarlig: Tromsø Museum Universitetsmuseet,Universitetet i Tromsø Prosjektleder: Eythórsson, Einar Seniorforsker Prosjektnr: 153237/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2003-28.2.2008 2003: 178,050 2005: 672,300 2006: 204,705 2007: 696,000 2008: 135,038 Principal objective: to explore the institutional preconditions for implementation of the principles in Agenda 21, chapter 26, on indigenous people and their communities, in management and policy regimes which interfere with coastal Sami landscapes and use of natural resources in coastal Sami areas. Sub-goals: (1) Analysis of the demographic and economic situation in four coastal Sami communities (2) Documentation of local understandings of coastal Sami landscapes (3) Analysis of the responses ofcoastal Sami communities to new challenges listed in project summay (4) Analysis of opportunities of coastal Sami communities to influence management and policy regimes The project will analyse the conditions in coastal Sami communities, for realisation of the principles laid down by the Sami Rights Commission and in Agenda 21, regarding the rights of indigenous people and their communities to participate in decision making on management, use and development of their lands, territories and other resources. It is a study of local communities in coastal Sami areas, and the opportunities of these communities to exert influence on existing managment and policy regimes which interfere with coastal sami landscapes. The focus is on six specific challenges/development trends: 1. Changes in agricultural policy related to the WTO negotionations and to multifunctional agriculture. 2. Growth of the aquaculture sector, creating pressure on marine environments. 1 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND 3. Introduction of the Alaska king crab into the Barents Sea. 4. Extended area conservation by national parks and marine reserves. 5. Extended land use for recreational and tourism purposes. 6. Offshore gas production in Finnmark. The main research question is how the coastal Sami communities are responding to these challenges, and what kind of influence the communities are able to exert on planning, management and policy regimes that affect the outcomes of these processes. 3 Reindeer and caribou; tolerance limits to habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic activities Prosjektansvarlig: Biologisk institutt,Universitetet i Oslo Prosjektleder: Reimers, Eigil Professor Prosjektnr: 154020/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.2.2004-31.1.2007 2004: 1,267,500 2005: 1,321,000 2006: 1,312,000 2007: 58,000 Critically evaluate the international litterature on interference between Rangifer and humans and publish the result as a review paper. - Determine vigilance and fright and flight behavior in Norwegian subpopulation of reindeer of different origin. -Determine reindeer area use in relation to tourism and various construction activities and test the hypothesis that avoidance of developed areas affects much larger areas than that of the physically altered footprints of development. - Establish methodology necessary for the evaluation of key population parameters (calf recruitment, calf mortality and body weight) and possible paramenter responses to various human impacts. Reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus) is a prominent key species in the Arctic/Alpine environment. Anthropogenic activities including oil, gas and mineral exploration, hydroelectric development, and tourism have expanded rapidly in these environments during the last decades. In spite off numerous publications and annotated reviews on the issue of anthropogenic effects on Rangifer, the debate is as heated as ever among scientists and hence among the public. There is time for a critical evaluation of the current state of the art on anthropogenic effects to be published as a review article. A follow up of the national conservancy responsibility for the species requires additional in dept studies of vigilance, fright and flight behavior, and habitat avoidance related to human infrastructure. In order to apply the primary behavioral effects to energy budgets and secondary effects on animal body size, reproduction and mortality, one needs to develop and refine methods for remote estimation. 4 Phylogeny and biogeography of lamioid mints as affected by Tertiary and Quaternary environmental change in northern latitudes Prosjektansvarlig: Naturhistorisk museum,Universitetet i Oslo Prosjektleder: Roaldset, Elen Museumsdirektør Prosjektnr: 154145/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2003-1.4.2008 2004: 1,777,584 2005: 1,039,200 2006: 605,900 2007: 112,666 2008: 56,334 This project will assess the impact of environmental events at different time scales on the diversification of a worldwide lineage of mints (Lamioideae: Lamiaceae) represented in Scandinavia by several independent lineages. The intent is to dissect out the components of diversity within Lamioideae and relate them to geological, climatic aud ecological conditions of the past. Specifically, phylogenetic evidence will be sought for biogeographic correlates of episodic environmental changes, particularly with reference to transatlantic versus transberingian relationships, intracontinental disjunctions, hybrid ciadogenesis, and the interglacial invasion of Fennoscandia. Historical biogeography conjectures that cladogenesis, the origins of species and lineages of organisms, is directly related to geographic migration and isolation of clade members over time. The geologic and environmental history of the Northern Hemisphere shows great consistency with most organismal phylogenies that have so far been produced. Barriers to plant migration have been created and lifted alternately throughout the Tertiary and Quaternary, leading to some general geographic patterns that are repeatedly recovered in phylogenetic studies of disparate flowering plant groups. The project will utilize members of the monophyletic mint subfamily Lamioideae (Leppeblomstfamilien) to uncover phylogenetic evidence for episodic environmental changes, particularly with reference to transatlantic versus transberingian relationships, intracontinental disjunctions, hybrid cladogenesis, and the interglacial invasion of Fennoscandia. Results of the project will form a case study toward the development of a model for mosaic evolution of the Northern Hemisphere flora, and will advance knowledge of the phylogeny and taxonomy of a species-rich and ecologically important lineage of the mint family. 2 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND 5 Ecosystem Finnmark: Determinants of changes in structure and function of an Alpine/low Arctic tundra ecosystem Prosjektansvarlig: Det matematisk-naturvitenskapelige fakultet,Universitetet i Tromsø Prosjektleder: Ims, Rolf Anker Professor Prosjektnr: 154440/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2003-31.12.2008 2003: 1,887,000 2004: 3,887,000 2005: 3,928,000 2006: 3,122,000 2007: 1,468,666 2008: 734,334 Main objective To investigate the roles of environmental and social forces in shaping the current geographic variation in reindeer density and production in Finnmark and its consequenses for ecosystem sustainability. Subobjectives - To provide an analysis of spatial and temporal variation in reindeer density and habitat use, its environemtal correlates and the realation to herd productivity. - To analyse the socio-cultural mechanisms that may contribute to geographic variation in reindeer numbers and how these mechanisms may interact with decisions by management authorities and spatial and temporal environmental variability. - To explore the possibility for transitions between alternative states of vegetation structure and primary productivity, and to assess the feedback of such transitions on reindeer productivity. Reindeer husbandry constitutes one of the main pillars of Saami cultural identity in Finnmark, the northern-most district of the European continent. Yet how reindeer husbandry is presently practised is controversial, as the grazing intensity has been claimed to be non-sustainable. The project is interdisciplinary covering the axis ecologysocial sciences aiming at identifying the determinants of how reindeer husbandry is presently practised and what are the consequences. The novelty of the research approach is that it focuses on the often ignored large, geographic variation in reindeer numbers and production in Finnmark. These geographic differences have been temporally persistent for at least 20 years. The paradigm is the following: If one is to devise efficient management strategies, according to internationally recognised goals for ecosystem sustainability, one needs to understand the political, socio-cultural and environmental basis for the current variation in reindeer husbandry and its consequences. The project will conduct studies that analyze spatial variability in environmental and socio-cultural factors. It explicitly addresses the hypothesis that a shifting pattern and intensity of reindeer herbivory in conjunction with climatic variability and internal dynamics within plant communities can bring about long lasting transitions in vegetation structure and quality which may feed back on the produetivity within reindeer herds. Productivity will be studied with respect to the influence of reindeer density, habitat/resource use and climatic variation. The social science studies are based on the expectation that socio-cultural processes and variable economic constraints at the level of the "siidas" (Saami reindeer herding units), as well as their interactions with the decisions of management authorities, will be forceful social and political determinants of reindeer herding practices and reindeer numbers. Reindeer numbers/husbandry practice/production as well as the general spatial research design will be the main interdisciplinary denominators of the project. 6 Land use and ecosystem function in Norwegian forest landscapes Prosjektansvarlig: Universitetet for miljø- og biovitenskap,Institutt for naturforvaltning Prosjektleder: Ohlson, Mikael Professor Prosjektnr: 154442/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.5.2003-30.7.2009 2003: 2,147,850 2004: 3,821,200 2005: 4,434,200 2006: 3,178,200 2007: 1,557,733 2009: 778,867 The principal objective is two-fold: (i) to analyse the interaction of human land-use, ecosystem function, biodiversity dynamics, and abiotic factors in Norwegian boreal forests, and (ii) to develop improved policy instruments for managing biodiversity in forests. Sub-goals: 1) Determine the relative importance of forest history, habitat configuration and habitat quality as determinants of species distributions; 2) Establish improved indicators of biological diversity; 3) Identify forest management strategies to secure ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and to restore damaged forest ecosystems; 4) Analyse the efficiency and risks of different policy means. The relationships between human use of forest, natural ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, ecosystem function, and long-term change of forest ecosystems are complex and occur at different spatial- and temporal scales. Analyses of such complex relationships must be focused and at the same time require expertise from several disciplines. The approach entails multi-disciplinary modelling involving forest ecology, forest history, archaeology, quantitative palaeoecology, population biology, economics, and stake holder involvement. Observationally and experimentally assessed measures of habitat qualities, biodiversity, and ecosystem processes 3 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND will provide information on present-day ecosystem and landscape properties. Combinations of several retrospective vegetation history and archaeological methods will provide information on long-term natural changes, human settlement, timber logging, grazing pressure, economics, and human wellbeing. The project will thereby be able to analyse patterns in biodiversity and ecosystem processes in relation to human land-use and landscape history. The project will study forest landscapes along east-western gradients in South-and Central Norway, in particular forest landscapes close to Oslo, where strong and different interests are in conflict as regards the value, management, and use of the forests. The modelling approach enables us to produce decision relevant information through more efficient incorporation of existing knowledge and new data collected in the project. and intensity of reindeer herbivory in conjunction with climatic variability and internal dynamics within plant communities can bring about long lasting transitions in vegetation structure and quality which may feed back on the produetivity within reindeer herds. Productivity will be studied with respect to the influence of reindeer density, habitat/resource use and climatic variation. The social science studies are based on the expectation that socio-cultural processes and variable economic constraints at the level of the "siidas" (Saami reindeer herding units), as well as their interactions with the decisions of management authorities, will be forceful social and political determinants of reindeer herding practices and reindeer numbers. Reindeer numbers/husbandry practice/production as well as the general spatial research design will be the main interdisciplinary denominators of the project. 7 8 Ecosystem Finnmark: Determination of changes in structure and function of an Alpine/low Artic tundra ecosystem. Samfinansiering 154440/720 Prosjektansvarlig: Det matematisk-naturvitenskapelige fakultet,Universitetet i Tromsø Prosjektleder: Ims, Rolf Anker Professor Prosjektnr: 158307/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2003-31.12.2007 Reindeer husbandry constitutes one of the main pillars of Saami cultural identity in Finnmark, the northern-most district of the European continent. Yet how reindeer husbandry is presently practised is controversial, as the grazing intensity has been claimed to be non-sustainable. The project is interdisciplinary covering the axis ecologysocial sciences aiming at identifying the determinants of how reindeer husbandry is presently practised and what are the consequences. The novelty of the research approach is that it focuses on the often ignored large, geographic variation in reindeer numbers and production in Finnmark. These geographic differences have been temporally persistent for at least 20 years. The paradigm is the following: If one is to devise efficient management strategies, according to internationally recognised goals for ecosystem sustainability, one needs to understand the political, socio-cultural and environmental basis for the current variation in reindeer husbandry and its consequences. The project will conduct studies that analyze spatial variability in environmental and socio-cultural factors. It explicitly addresses the hypothesis that a shifting pattern Land use and ecosystem function in Norwegian forest landscapes. Samfinansiering 154442/720 Prosjektansvarlig: Universitetet for miljø- og biovitenskap,Institutt for naturforvaltning Prosjektleder: Ohlson, Mikael Professor Prosjektnr: 158308/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2003-31.12.2007 The relationships between human use of forest, natural ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, ecosystem function, and long-term change of forest ecosystems are complex and occur at different spatial- and temporal scales. Analyses of such complex relationships must be focused and at the same time require expertise from several disciplines. The approach entails multi-disciplinary modelling involving forest ecology, forest history, archaeology, quantitative palaeoecology, population biology, economics, and stake holder involvement. Observationally and experimentally assessed measures of habitat qualities, biodiversity, and ecosystem processes will provide information on present-day ecosystem and landscape properties. Combinations of several retrospective vegetation history and archaeological methods will provide information on long-term natural changes, human settlement, timber logging, grazing pressure, economics, and human wellbeing. The project will thereby be able to analyse patterns in biodiversity and ecosystem processes in relation to human land-use and landscape history. The project will study forest landscapes along east-western gradients in South-and Central Norway, in particular forest landscapes close to Oslo, where strong and different interests are in conflict as regards the value, management, and use of the 4 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND forests. The modelling approach enables us to produce decision relevant information through more efficient incorporation of existing knowledge and new data collected in the project. 9 A molecular phylogeny of the brown-spored agarics (Basidiomycota) Prosjektansvarlig: Biologisk institutt,Universitetet i Oslo Prosjektleder: Schumacher, Trond Professor Prosjektnr: 164731/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-30.6.2008 2005: 713,000 2006: 734,000 2007: 635,000 Main objective: Our superior goal is to use sequence data from multiple loci in understanding historical relationships, taxonomy and character evolution (morphology/ecology) between brown-spored agarics of the families Cortinariaceae, Strophariacae, Bolbitiaceae and Tubariaceae. Sub-goals: Re-analyse the current classifications schemes of the brown-spored agarics and define monophyletic groups. Track and analyse the evolution of various mycorrhizal and saprotrophic life-forms. Analyse infrageneric molecular phylogeny in Galerina and test species boundaries and character evolution, using a multi-locus phylogenetic approach. Perform a critical examination of the G. atkinsoniana and G. marginata species complexes, using a combination of multi-locus sequencing and AFLP fingerprints. The agarics with brownish spore prints embrace the families Cortinariaceae, Strophariaceae, Bolbitiaceae and Tubariaceae. In the Northern hemisphere, there is a vast number of brown-spored agarics, adapted to a variety of habitats. The phylogenetic relationships between the large, brown-spored genera Cortinarius, Inocybe, Hebeloma, Galerina and Pholiota are largely unexplored. The main objective is to accumulate knowledge on the taxonomy, phylogeny and ecological diversification of brown-spored agarics. The genus Galerina, which includes ca. 350 species world-wide, will be particularly focused. Species and infrageneric units in Galerina have hitherto been based on morphological and to a less extent ecological characters. We will infer the molecular phylogeny and test species boundaries and character evolution of the brown-spored agarics and the genus Galerina. The project is a DNA-sequence-based multi- locus phylogenetic approach. In addition, the AFLP technique, microscopy of sporocarps and compatibility testing of living culture isolates of species complexes in Galerina will also be accomplished. The genetic variation will be analysed by likelihood and parsimony-based inferential techniques. The project includes a PhD candidate and the contributions from four senior researchers. 10 The management of cultural heritage in marginalised coastal communities Prosjektansvarlig: Universitetet i Tromsø Prosjektleder: Bertelsen, Reidar Professor Prosjektnr: 165683/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 1,249,000 2006: 594,666 2007: 1,126,334 Principal objectives 1. To investigate models for local involvement in the management of cultural heritage. 2. To establish an efficient and reliable method of mapping the cultural resources through focus on landscape and to develop tools for prognosis 3. To establish a scholarly cultural history which is closely linked to the cultural landscape of the study areas. Secondary goals 1. To improve the capacity of the regional museums to maintain a consultative function in the cultural heritage management 2. Make available resources for development of local strategies for the use of marginalized cultural landscapes The cultural heritage management works within the political, economic, cultural and social reality of the modern society not the past society. The sum of priorities does not always mirror the diversity throughout time and space. One typical category of landscape to be left out is what we call the marginalised coastal communities. This project aims at investigating the cultural heritage resources of this landscape type as well as its potential. Another field of inquiry is to establish a professional network and introduce new methods and strategies for a new management regime with active participation of the local population and the municipal administration. The project brings together different research disciplines, different management levels and institutions that have no tradition for cooperation. 5 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND 11 Design, change and management of Sami resicences in Tysfjord Prosjektansvarlig: Samisk høgskole,Nordisk samisk institutt Prosjektleder: Skålnes, Sunniva Forsker Prosjektnr: 165689/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-28.2.2008 2005: 841,000 2006: 740,000 2007: 776,000 2008: 116,000 The principal objective is to interpret the modern built landscape, focusing on private dwellings, as they appear in a coastal Sami environment today. Sub-goals are: - to develop new knowledge on Sami vernacular architecture in the post war period. - to reveal changes and development of dwellings - to analyse variations and developments of the symbolic value of dwellings - to discuss the role of social housing programmes carried out in the area and the meeting between the bureaucratic level and the local level - to offer insight for management strategies in residential areas - to develop new theoretical understandings of vernacular arcitecture as material and symbolic manifestations - to include a minor comparative study of dwellings in a village in the eastern Sami border area Notozero in Northern Russia. The project´s objects of study are Sami dwellings in the Tysfjord area in Nordland, and the period chosen is from the 1960´s and up to today. For comparison, a small study will be carried out in a village in the eastern Sami area Notozero, by the Lotta River on the Kola peninsula in Northern Russia, where the inhabitants were centralized and relocated around 1960. A dwelling can be interpreted as both product and process. As a product, it has tangible character, and can be seen as communicating with the landscape. It also has abstract connotations, associated with memory, symbolic value, emotional ties and identification. The dwelling as process involves those who participate in the process and the conditions they have for participation. The landscape of private homes (dwellings) is formed through an interplay between the house builder and the framework defined by public management policies and practices. The architecture thus mirrors the society´s principal and partly invisible conditions and perequisites, as well as the buildes´s possibilities and choises. National aprogrammes for social and economic development in Sami areas in the post-war period included in Tysfjord a programme for relocation of inhabitants and erecting homes in central areas. This affected the built landscape in a substantial way, and also demanded new social and economic strategies. The project´s theoretical perspective is broad-spectered, including theories on vernacular architecture, on attachment to places (topophilia) and on the meanings and effects of materiality. The analyses will focus on - the dwelling as product; in the landscapes and on the parcel - the dwelling and work - the dwelling and the social environment - the dwelling as process - the dwelling as symbol 12 Spatial economic analyses in wildlife management Prosjektansvarlig: Biologisk institutt,Universitetet i Oslo Prosjektleder: Gundersen, Hege Høgskolelektor Prosjektnr: 165695/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.4.2005-30.11.2007 2005: 705,000 2006: 696,000 2007: 169,000 The aim is to study the spatial economics of moose, which is a species of high harvest value in Norway. I will introduce the application of continuous spatial distributions to analyse habitat - moose relations. Spatial ecological data (e.g. distribution of organisms and their habitat) are often sampled as points in space, or linear transects. I will explore how I can use the whole landscape as smoothed spatial distributions to: 1) Study the spatial distribution of a species with a high economic value - the moose. I will use already existing large datasets in this approach, by the use of Kernel probability density distributions. 2) Study the predictability of the spatial model from smoothed distributions by extrapolating to larger landscapes with known moose distribution. 3) Study the various landowners economics associated to moose. 4) Simulate habitat changes and study the various landowners' economic profit in a game theoretical framework. In this project I will explore how continuous spatial distributions of habitat may be applied to explain the spatial distribution of a species with high economic value - the moose. Continuous habitat distributions may be estimated from spatial data for instance by the use of Kernel methods. The Kernel method estimates the density of a given habitat variable at each spatial location given the whole spatial distribution of that habitat. Compared to the traditional use of discrete point- or grid cell estimates, continuous habitat distributions have some beneficial properties: 1) Smoothing out missing observations; 2) it is partly independent of arbitrary choice of spatial resolution; and 3) continuous habitat distributions may be 6 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND an index that describes the whole aspect of the landscape mosaic and may therefore give better predictability to the spatial model. Here, I suggest correlating continuous spatial habitat and animal distributions to map the association between habitat and organism. I will further extrapolate the spatial model into larger areas to study the predictability of the model. The actual landowner configuration will then be used to study the spatial economics of the species and how this may vary through various changes of the landscape. The economic profit for each landowner dependent on how the various landowners manage their habitat may then be studied by applying game theory. I will develop these ideas at the CEES at UiO in close collaboration with prof. Nils Chr. Stenseth and his group. In addition I will collaborate with highly competent environments at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, where I plan to stay for a 10 month period. The large datasets and the knowledge of the ecological system to be studied will be elaborated through researchers working on bio-economics at HUC and a large mammal group at NINA in Trondheim. 13 Coastal landscape changes at the top of Europe: Threats and opportunities for maintenance, restoration and development (TOPCOAST) Prosjektansvarlig: NINA - Tromsø Prosjektleder: Tømmervik, Hans Forsker Prosjektnr: 165786/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 1,100,000 2006: 1,100,000 2007: 1,100,000 The main objective of the present project is to identify, by the use of an inter-disciplinary approach, significant landscape changes in the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, Northern Norway. Objectives include the following subgoals: 1) To identify and document significant coastal landscape changes, by use of various scientific techniques, in Lofoten and Vesterålen, with emphasis on the shipping lane - used by the coastal express liner (Hurtigruten) between Svolvær and Harstad. 2) To explore how landscapes and landscape changes are perceived by foreign passengers on the coastal express liner and motor tourists from abroad. 3) To evaluate implications of landscape changes on biodiversity, cultural heritage values, agriculture, forestry, reindeer husbandry, and tourism. 4) To advance methods for identification, analysis and assessments of landscapes and landscape qualities. 5) To propose measures for countryside maintenance, restoration and (novel) rural tourism that can have a balanced and sustainable effect on the landscapes. Norwegian coastal landscapes are now subject to change, both physically, due to changes in climate, agricultural policy, industry and housing development but also resulting from transformations in perception, because of new knowledge and transformations of local ways of life, such as dissemination of romantic attitudes among both tourists and locals. Among the most significant visual alterations both in the case area and elsewhere are general re-growth and overgrowth. These changes might lead to problems such as overgrowth of cultural remains, decrease in biodiversity, deterioration of the vistas for sightseers, reduced local access to valued values, and probably also a loss of placeness to the local population. The main objective of the present project is to identify, by the use of an inter-disciplinary approach, significant landscape changes in the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, Northern Norway, to evaluate implications of such changes, and to clarify foundations for maintenance and restoration together with opportunities for development, especially accentuating tourism-related issues. Moreover, the project will explore how landscapes and landscape changes are perceived by tourists and evaluate implications of landscape changes on biodiversity, cultural heritage values, agriculture, forestry, reindeer husbandry, and tourism. The project will advance methods for identification, analysis and assessments of landscapes and landscape qualities and finally propose measures for countryside maintenance, restoration and novel rural tourism (new employment opportunities) that can have a balanced and sustainable effect on the landscapes. 14 Cultural heritages and value creation. Estimating economic effects of cultural heritage in the city of Røros Prosjektansvarlig: ECON Analyse a.s Prosjektleder: Bowitz, Einar Forsker Prosjektnr: 165787/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 1,040,000 2006: 1,320,000 2007: 640,000 The overall objective is to estimate economic effects of cultural heritage in the community of Røros; including both the effects of cultural heritage in general, and the effects associated with the site’s World Heritage registration. Other objectives include revealing how management of cultural heritage can affect economic 7 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND value, and exploring the inherent conflicts between value creation and conservation of cultural heritage. The study aims to increase the knowledge about the possibilities and limitations in the management strategy “conservation through use” to support a common understanding among local actors of the action space for use and management of cultural heritage. Management of cultural heritages in a manner that generates values are of importance in order to obtain a sustainable development (SD). Cultural heritage can affect the three objectives for SD; environmental, social and economic development. There is a need for more knowledge especially of the economic and social effects. The economic values associated with cultural heritage can arise from development of commercial activities, and from making a place more attractive both for people and business. Despite growing awareness that cultural heritage can generate potential value, data and methods that confirms this linkage is lacking. Knowledge of how cultural heritages create values, and hence affects the economy, and methods to estimate these values are of main concern in this study. In the project we will estimate the economic effects of the use and management of cultural heritage at Røros. The study will visualise and make the material and immaterial values linked to cultural heritage concrete, together with methods to assess and distribute the value in an experience and/or business related setting. The project consists of 7 work packages: 1) Identifying and analysing the cultural heritage management regime at Røros during the last 20 years. 2) A theoretic approach to value creation incl. a literature survey and establisment of a theoretic model. 3) Estimating value created in business sectors, directly and indirectly (e.g., branding). 4) Estimating values among inhabitants through mobility surveys. 5) An in-depth analysis of conflict handling between conservation and use of cultural heritage. 6) A synthesis of the previous WP, adjusting the theoretical model with the empirical findings. 7) A scenario project for Røros. Central outcomes will be: a method to estimate value creation from cultural heritage; establisment of a knowledge base for central and local administration and other actors, especially with regards to the policy perspective “conservation through use". 15 Critical components for sustainable development of National parks (PARKS) - The interactions of social, ecological and economic factors Prosjektansvarlig: NINA,Avd. for naturbruk Prosjektleder: Nellemann, Christian Forsker Prosjektnr: 165795/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 1,000,000 2006: 1,000,000 2007: 1,000,000 To identify the role, mechanisms and impacts of public and private sector investments in and surrounding national parks for promoting sustainable development, including the interactions between local communities and the public sector, economic activity and environmental protection. The project will specifically analyze and identify best-practices from mountain park management in Norway, USA, Canada, and Nepal. This will include cross-disciplinary studies of: • the demand for tourism products contingent upon protected areas • the collaboration, strategies, realization and extent of public investment, local participation and private business; • impacts of different tourism management policies on distribution and range use of ungulates including critical thresholds and buffer zones; • the role of the parks for hosting large predator communities and subsequent conflicts with domestic livestock; • produce scenarios for environmental pressures given different management regimes In recent years, a large number of mountain protected areas and parks have been established in Norway, Nepal and North-America, including what is now the largest continuous protected area in continental Europe. Pressures from the private sector to develop economic activities in and surrounding parks in return for foregone development opportunities are increasing substantially, but there are few or no major assessments available to identify the criteria crucial for balancing environmental protection with economic development. Furthermore, development pressures are increasing in the perimeter of the parks. Little experience is available in Norway on how parks can be managed to promote economic activity, involve local communities, and maintain protection of areas. There is also limited knowledge on how activity in the perimeter of the parks impacts the ecology of the protected areas, such as by increase in generalist predators, increased disturbance of migration routes of migratory animals and birds, or by potential increase of larger predators within the parks. Despite many controversies, there are no assessments in place to document the potential disturbance of wildlife caused by trails and trekking tourists within the parks in Norway. In USA, Canada, and Nepal, there are both recent and longterm experiences with mountain park management, park research, income generating tourism in protected areas, and economic activity that could provide crucial knowledge to Norwegian authorities on best-practices and the local assumptions and requirements needed for successful implementation of such activities. This study will provide a cross-disciplinary assessment of the 8 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND ecological, economic and social components required for sustainable development in mountain parks, and generate scenarios of environmental pressures given different management, business regimes and mitigation systems. 16 Large carnivores and human communities II: Conserving interacting species in the transboundary south-central Scandinavian ecosystem Prosjektansvarlig: NINA Hovedadm. Prosjektleder: Linnell, John D. C. Seniorforsker Prosjektnr: 165814/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 1,100,000 2006: 1,100,000 2007: 1,100,000 o Develop tools and provide advice relevant for managers implementing carnivore management policy. o Promote ecosystem level thinking by giving geographic identity to the research that is being conducted on large carnivores and large herbivores in south-central Scandinavia. o Explore similarities and differences between the conservation of, and conflicts associated with, large carnivores on both sides of the border in this transboundary ecosystem. o Investigate attitude patterns concerning wildlife in general and large carnivores in particular to assess the impact of such attitudes on the feasibility of management options. o Profile the multi-disciplinary research in this ecosystem to make it into a classic research area for the study of conservation in multi-use landscapes o Stimulate inter-disciplinarity by focusing on a common sense of place (the ecosystem) and a common purpose (large carnivore-human coexistence). o Continue limited, but targetted field research on large carnivores. To meet the escalating demands for scientific knowledge, to help address human-wildlife conflicts, research activity on large carnivores (LCs) and large herbivores (LHs) has been intense in the last decade in Scandinavia. This research has been available to politicans formulating policy. In the coming years there is a need to to focus on four main areas. (1) Develop tools to help implement policy. (2) Monitor the effect of policy implementation on the conflicts. (3) Place the enormous body of existing knowledge into a holistic, ecosystem context. (4) Continue the limited collection of field data on certain targetted areas. In order to address these needs we propose a new project that seeks to expand upon the partnerships established in the NFR funded ROSA project (2000-2004). In this phase the project will contain integrated components on wolves, moose, lynx, roe deer, bears and human dimensions. Integration will occur by examining these species along four conceptual axes. (1) The use of harvest and control in active management which involves collection of LC demographic data and surveys of human attitudes to various management measures. (2) The effects of LC predation on LH populations, and how this is modulated by prey movement and landscape, which requires studying LC kill rates and LH mortality. (3) Intraguild interactions between LCs (and human hunters). These elements will be further unified by embracing them within a geographically defined area, the transboundary South Central Scandinavian Ecosystem (Østlandet & Svealand). The differences between Norwegian and Swedish management systems, in similar landscapes, provides a unique opportunity to study how these different systems affect wildlife populations, human attitudes, and the form of human-wildlife conflict. We will also examine to what extent management practices in one country affect those in the other. Throughout the project we will interact with managers at all levels from both sides of the border. 17 Redefining Rural Resources; Local capacity-building in sustainable management of cultural historic environments of mountain summer farming Prosjektansvarlig: Norsk institutt for kulturminneforskning Prosjektleder: Swensen, Grete Forsker 2 Prosjektnr: 165817/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 1,100,000 2006: 1,100,000 2007: 1,000,000 Main goal - to analyse the planning praxis in use to govern potential conflicting interests in areas of active mountain summer farming - to examine the interplay that takes place between these cultural environments being used in active farming and the representation they make as heritage products, and scrutinise the role they play today in a value-creating process Sub-goal - through a selection of empirical case-studies throw light upon what functions these environments fill in to days farming. - look closer at alternatives in use that ensure a sustainable development of such cultural historic environments by maintaining historic values as well representing an economical basis to their owners. 9 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND - establish relevant international contacts and thereby gather information about the present situation in a selection of European countries where mountain summer farming historically has played an important role and exchange ideas about means of revitalising such resources One of the major cultural historic asset that hillside and mountain regions in Norway offer is mountain summer farming (”seter”). Today their owners find themselves in the intersection between several tendencies: agricultural readjustments leading to either reduction or discontinuance of mountain summer farming – a developing tourism industry appreciating national heritage products – and expanding areas of modern holiday homes and sport-centres in central mountain regions. The project will analyse the opportunities as well as the threats these important cultural historic areas are facing, and through empirical examples bring forward suggestions towards sustainable use and management. Sustainability reflects a growing concern for the environment. While the environmental impact of tourism has been given attention for some time, focus is now directed towards an increasing tendency to develop new attractions in former remote mountain areas where the ecological balance as well as a declining tradition of mountain summer farming needs special consideration. When such vulnerable resources are being redefined according to modern economical opportunities and settings, the planning process as well as the cultural environments must be scrutinised to add to the identification, understanding and possible solutions to potential subsequent problems which the process of value creation may arise. The methods and sources which are being applied, are founded on an interdisciplinary basis (geography, planning, archaeology, ethnology). The results will be published in international journals as well as in userorientated magazines. Emphasis will be placed on building up international contacts, and an international workshop will be arranged where focus is directed towards environmental effects as well as challenges arising when active farming is being combined with tourism. 18 How to make it. Private-public partnerships in mananging sustainable development in mountain regions. Prosjektansvarlig: Norsk institutt for by- og regionforskning Prosjektleder: Hovik, Sissel Forsker Prosjektnr: 165821/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 475,000 2006: 735,000 2007: 790,000 The main purpose of this project is to investigate conditions for sustainable development in terms of a balance between nature, landscape and culutral qualities and rural development in mountain regions. We will lay emphasis on partnership models and their capacity to initiate and achieve sustainable development in three mountain regions in Norway. Our main assumption is that the capacity of the partnership to create a sustainable development will depend both on the actors participating in the partnership and on institutional features. In addition, we will compare the findings from the Norwegian study with the experiences with similar arrangements in Sweden. The Swedish -Norwegian comparison will be based on this research proposal and compatible research projects in the Swedish Mountain MISTRA research programme. Sustainable development in rural areas is currently a major political focal point. Public – private partnerships for rural development have been established, with the aim of utilizing local nature resources and qualities for commercial purposes, in an ecologically sustainable manner. The main purpose of this project is to investigate conditions for partnerships to plan and implement sustainable development in terms of a balance between nature protection and rural development in mountain regions. Our main assumption is that the system capacity of partnerships for sustainable development will depend both on the actor constellation and the institutional setting of the cooperative process. Thus, our theoretical point of departure is an actor-centred institutionalism. The focus is how different private – public partnership established and manage to achieve sustainable and rural development in mountain areas. The success of these initiatives - or their problem solving capacity- will be measured in their ability to effectively develop legitimised strategies, and achieve legitimised economical and ecologically sustainable development. The input is the different partnerships and their problem solving capacity. Their achieved results are divided between policy output and policy outcome. Policy output is development of strategies and plans, and decisions on allocation of resources for these purposes. Policy outcome is about actual results. The reseach proposal includes a formalised cooperation with Umeå Univeristy, a core institution in the Swedish "Mountain MISTRA research programme". The aim for this cooperation is to compare different kinds of management and their problem solving capacity in mountain regions in Norway and Sweden - both partnerships and the public management system. 10 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND 19 Down by the riverside: Urban public nature-related attitudes and activities as a knowledge base for river restoration and management Prosjektansvarlig: NINA,Avd. for naturbruk Prosjektleder: Krange, Olve K. Prosjektnr: 165823/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 500,000 2006: 500,000 2007: 500,000 Principal objective: Identify attitudes, cultural interests, use, and inhibitors for use in demographic groups (emphasising youths and ethnic minority groups), and relate data to quality of life, place identity, and physical/ecological management of an urban river corridor. Sub-goals: 1) Measure nature-related attitudes and activities among children and adolescents; identify use, barriers, and influencing cultural/socialising variables. 2) Measure nature-related attitudes, activities, and cultural interests among adults, identify preferences regarding river restoration, and relate urban residential outdoor activities to quality of life. 3) Identify culture-specific norms and socialisation factors influencing nature-related activities among various minority groups. 4) Use data on nature-related attitudes, outdoor activities and uses, and reported preferences of types of river corridor restoration measures, to develop strategies for further river restoration efforts and management The beneficial, restorative effects of activities and experiences in natural environments are well documented. Since a majority of the population live in urban areas, more attention should be given to the establishment, availability, use, and management of urban natural areas. Such areas usually include an abundance of remains of former human activities, the result being a landscape or environment where nature and culture are integrated in a mosaic being of large importance for the outdoor activities taking place there. In this interdisciplinary project the main aim is to identify relations between quality of life, use patterns, attitudes, preferences, and use-inhibiting factors, and restoration and management of the greenway area along the Alna River in Oslo. This research area has a large variety of natural milieus as well as cultural remains from various historical periods. Five main foci constitute this project. First, attitudes, preferences, and out door activities of children and adolescents (10-17 yrs.) will be surveyed. Second, these issues will be analysed targeting a representative sample of the adult population in the area, with the additional aim to relate out door experiences and activities to people’s quality of life. Third, a focus will be on the importance of ethnicity for residential nature-related activities and attitudes, emphasising influences of differential socialisation and culture-specific norms. Fourth, the importance and effects of the information about and existence of historically and culturally central sites and events along the river corridor will be measured. Finally, as a synthesis, information collected in these four parts will be related to existing and future landscape planning in the area. 20 Harvesting strategies for optimizing size and structure of Norvegian moose popultions: Constraints and optiones Prosjektansvarlig: NINA Hovedadm. Prosjektleder: Sæther, Bernt-Erik Professor Prosjektnr: 165827/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 950,000 2006: 950,000 2007: 900,000 The purpose of the present project is to " examine theoretically how different harvest strategies that involve changes of the structural composition of moose populations affect the rate of loss of genetic variance, " analyze quantitatively how the demography of moose change with size and structural composition (sexratio, age-composition) of the population, and " examine the decision processes involved when management goals and harvest strategies for local populations are determined, From this, we will " give recommendations for different regions of maximum population densities to avoid serious densitydependent reduction in the productivity of the moose populations, " derive a set of overall goals for the structural composition of local moose populations that can serve as local management guidelines, " give general guidelines for local management bodies to avoid unwanted or unforeseen effects from local processes, and to improve interactions between local authorities and intermunicipal or regional bodies, and " develop from 'Sett elg'-data robust indices of changes in the size and structural composition of the population that can be rapidly used by local managers . 11 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND During the last decades Norwegian there has been a large increase in the size of Norwegian moose populations. However, large moose populations also represent a considerable cost. Thus, the central challenge will be to derive management strategies that give fluctuations of moose populations around some predetermined population level. Our aim is based on a new theoretical framework to derive recommendations about optimal population sizes for different types of Norwegian moose populations. These population levels will however not only influenced by density-dependent processes but will also be strongly affected by structural changes in the ageand sex-composition because of harvest strategies that are directed against certain age- and sex-groups. Another aim with this project will therefore be to derive robust harvest strategies that minimizes the risk of loss of genetic variation. Furthermore, a potential unfortunate consequence of the large local influence on the choice of harvest strategies is the development of large local variation in management practices even within the same region. Thus, we will study the decision processes involved when the goals and strategies for the development of the local moose populations are chosen. This knowledge will be useful for obtaining more unified management practices of moose population over larger areas. Such information is badly needed because previous studies of moose population dynamics have shown that regulation of moose numbers through hunting requires that local moose managers rapidly obtain information on population fluctuations and are able to convert this knowledge immediately into decisions about changes in quotas. To shorten this time-delay, a central focus for this project will be by advanced statistical methods to obtain indexes based on ‘Sett elg’-data that can be used by local managers for obtaining information about changes in the size and structural composition of the moose population. 21 Cultural landscapes, agricultural activity and Arctic goose populations; a possible combination? Prosjektansvarlig: NINA,Avd. for arktisk økologi Prosjektleder: Tombre, Ingunn Forsker Prosjektnr: 165836/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 393,000 2006: 260,000 2007: 347,000 In the present project we use an interdisciplinary approach to study processes in a conflict system linked to the cultural landscapes along the coast of Norway. Based on a cumulative body of knowledge from a previous integrated project, we will develop innovative solution models to provide guidelines for the long-term management and conservation of resources. Although the intention is to support local resolutions, the models will be applicable for corresponding systems, hence giving the project a general and broad perspective. The conflict between agricultural interests and geese will be the main focus of the project. Objectives: A) To compare the vulnerability of agriculture to goose grazing, with an integrated focus on differences in farming and cultural landscapes. B) To evaluate the attitudes to the problems of geese grazing among farmers, administrators and wildlife managers. C) To measure and predict ecological responses in Arctic goose populations to perturbations and management schemes in the cultural landscape. D) To merge the findings from A), B) and C) in innovative solution models balancing the various interests from involved parts, in order to develop an interdisciplinary foundation for a cost-effective and integrated solution to management. In the present project we use an interdisciplinary approach to study processes in a conflict system linked to the cultural landscapes along the coast of Norway. Due to increasing goose populations in Europe, conflicts between farmers and geese foraging in the agricultural landscapes have intensified. Finding optimal solutions for these conflicts is a challenge for the authorities. Based on a cumulative body of knowledge from a previous integrated project, we will in the present project develop innovative solution models providing guidelines for the long-term management and conservation of resources, based on existing knowledge from previous projects. Although the intention is to support local resolutions, the models will be applicable for corresponding systems, hence giving the project a general and broad perspective. In the project we will compare the vulnerability of agriculture to goose grazing in two spring staging sites for geese, with an integrated focus on differences in farming and cultural landscapes. Furthermore we will evaluate the attitudes to the problems of geese grazing among farmers, administrators and wildlife managers and measure and predict ecological responses in Arctic goose populations to perturbations and management schemes in the cultural landscape. Finally we will merge the findings in innovative solution models balancing the various interests from involved parts in order to develop an interdisciplinary foundation for a cost-effective and integrated solution to management. 22 Ecological effects of sheep grazing and the economy of sustainable husbandry in alpine habitats Prosjektansvarlig: Biologisk institutt,Universitetet i Oslo 12 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND Prosjektleder: Mysterud, Atle Professor Prosjektnr: 165846/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2005-31.12.2007 2005: 800,000 2006: 800,000 2007: 800,000 Determine the links between sheep density and key ecological effects in alpine habitats, and to evaluate what are the economic costs of reaching these specific sheep density levels on Hardangervidda and in Setesdal Vesthei and Ryfylkeheiene. Sub-objectives By a combination of small-scale experiments and monitoring within our unique landscape-scale experimental facility (2.7 km2); we aim to: 1: Determine how plants respond to sheep grazing in two contrasted alpine habitats at different spatial and temporal scales, and determine the demographic mechanisms behind these patterns for selected herbs. (seed addition experiments; long-term monitoring) 2: Determine the interaction between sheep, plants and voles during the winter season (experimentally release individually marked (with pittags) voles under snow and monitor survival and movement; follow plant community to assess relative impact of large and small herbivores on plants). 3: Determine the relationship between sheep density and bird communities. 4: Determine the role of sheep grazing for important plants for game species, in particular lichens and Salix spp. used extensively by reindeer. 5: Determine what factors affect sheep foraging at different temporal and spatial scales. Further, given these links between sheep density and ecological effects and production, we aim to 6: Calculate the economic costs of reaching specific (sustainable) density levels of sheep on 1) Hardangervidda and 2) Setesdal Vesthei and Ryfylkeheiene relative to alternative husbandry options. 7: Linking explicitly ecology and economy by constructing a bioeconomic (dynamic) model to analyse the vegetation-sheep interaction and determining the optimal stocking level and grazing pressure. Sheep husbandry is an important part of the rural economy in Norway, with a tradition going some 5000 years back into the Bronze age. However, increases in numbers (2-2.5 million sheep on summer pasture) and a more extensive use of alpine habitats (made accessible by roads) during the last century have caused considerable controversy during the last decade. On the one hand, it is urgent from a conservation perspective to assess the role of sheep grazing as a potential factor for some observed recent and dramatic changes in mountain ecosystems (e.g., more irregular rodent cycles). On the other, it is urgent for sheepherders to get documentation of sheep grazing effects, as the uncertainty in itself has lead to several grazing contracts not being renewed. Here we propose a multi-disciplinary project analysing ecological and economic factors determining the optimal degree of sheep grazing for the two most controversial alpine ranges in Norway – Hardangervidda and Setesdal Vesthei og Ryfylkeheiene. The novelty of our project is the explicit landscape-scale experimental design addressing scaling issues, the three levels of grazing enabling assessments of sustainable grazing levels, the contrast between fairly rich (such as Hardangervidda) and poor (Setesdal Vesthei og Ryfylkeheiene) alpine habitat, and the inclusion of economic calculations of what reaching (suggested) sustainable levels (as defined by explicit ecological effects) will cost to the sheep herders and landowners as well as to the society. In the research proposal, we describe both specific botanical and zoological studies and analyses empirically addressing how sheep grazing effects (on plants, rodents and birds) depend on sheep population density, temporal and spatial scales and ecosystem properties (such as nutrient levels). The economic part of the project aims first to assess the various cost and income components of sheep farming, and the various indirect income effects in the study areas. Next, based on this cost and benefit structure, a bioeconomic (dynamic) model analysing the vegetationsheep interaction will be formulated. Through model simulations, the costs of reaching specific (‘sustainable’) sheep density levels may be quantified. The focus on assessment related to different levels of sheep density on alpine ranges will be the main interdisciplinary denominator of the project. 23 LAND: Comparing, contrasting and integrating large carnivore predation and hunter harvest into sustainable ecosystem management Prosjektansvarlig: NINA Hovedadm. Prosjektleder: Linnell, John D. C. Seniorforsker Prosjektnr: 183176/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2008-31.12.2011 2008: 2,100,000 2009: 2,200,000 2010: 2,100,000 2011: 2,100,000 Main goal Analyse the ecology of large carnivore predation on ungulates and hunter harvest on both ungulates and large carnivores in such a manner that we can enhance the sustainability of managing a multiple trophic level ecosystem 13 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND 1. Explore the ecological and evolutionary differences and similarities between predation and hunting. 2. Develop models to help managers harvest multiple trophic levels. 3. Explore how hunters perceive their role as predators. 4. Determine the extent to which hunters differently perceive their relationship with wild ungulates and large carnivores, especially with respect to extinction risk and adherrence to regulations. 5. Conceptually explore the relationship between Scandinavian wildlife management and global conservation biology. This project aims to bring together data from a range of ongoing projects on the ecology of large carnivores and wild ungulates and the sociology of human interest groups to focus on a set of topics that cut across the different species. These are the topics of human harvest and carnivore predation - which between them embrace both the major interaction between these species groups (predation) and the main management instrument directed at their populations (harvest). Although both have the same proximate effect (increased mortality) there are potentially major differences in both the ecological and evolutionary effects and their perception by interest groups. There are also many fundamental differences between harvesting ungulates and harvesting carnivores. Understanding how these processes work and interact is vital to achieve sustainable management of an ecosystem in which the species groups interact so strongly. We shall also try and utilise the available data to develop a rnage of user-friendly models that are suitable for managers to use when trying to make decisons about how to manage increasingly complex multi-trophic systems. The social science component will focus on how hunters percieve themselves as predators and hwo they relate to predators as compared to ungulates. This has clear implications for the potential of managing large carnivores within the same management structures as large herbivores. Finally, we shall explore the potential lessons that Scandinavian wildlife management has for the global scale application of conservation biology. These goals will be achieved by linking a large multi-disciplinary team from 4 Norwegian institutes with an international network (Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Croatia, France & Quebec) that will contribute data from different systems as well as cutting edge analytical experience. 24 Policy for harmonising national park management and local business development Prosjektansvarlig: Vestlandsforsking Prosjektleder: Gössling, Stefan Prosjektnr: 183182/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2008-31.12.2010 2008: 1,391,000 2009: 1,310,000 2010: 1,110,000 The overall objective of the study is to obtain knowledge on how changes in policy regimes and management models could stimulate harmonisation of local economic development, nature and cultural protection within, and in the surroundings of national parks and other large protected areas. The sub-objectives are to obtain knowledge about: - How pre-conditions laid out in national policy making and international treaties affect the potential for harmonising local economic development and nature protection in relation to large protected areas. - The local socio-economic effects of different policy regimes and management models for large protected areas. - Possible consequences for nature protection and cultural heritage of putting more weight on how large protected areas can strengthen local economic development. The role and legitimacy of large protected areas (LPA) is questioned in most countries in the world, and there is a quest for new management models and policy regimes capable of integrating regional development and conservation goals. The project will review how conflicts in connection to PA have been handled in the past and study recently commenced processes in Norway on designating new LPA that can serve as new models for the integration of regional development and LPA. We will apply a horizontal perspective which involves changes in management models for LPA, and a vertical latter changes in policy regimes that directly or indirectly influence the management of LPA. We will compare the situation in Norway with Austria, as Austria is a step ahead in harmonising goals on regional socio-economic development with goals on nature protection in relation to LPA. In order to address all of these aspects, the overall theoretical framework of the project, environmental governance, will be complemented with theory derived from political ecology and development economics (civic entrepreneurship). We will use case studies as the main methodological approach. The work will be divided into four work packages: In WP1 we will study the debate initiated by the scientific evaluation of four test areas for local-regional management of protected areas in Norway. In WP2 we will carry out a comparative case study in Jostedalsbreen NP in Norway and Hohe Taurn NP in Austria. In WP3 we will carry out two sub-cases: i) the designation of Breheimen national park, and ii) the establishment of a management model for the UNESCO site of Nærøyfjorden. In WP4 we will sum up the experiences from WP1, 2 and 3 in order to fulfil the superior objective of our project; obtaining insight into how management models could stimulate harmonisation of local economic development, nature and cultural protection within, and in the surroundings of national parks and other large protected areas. 14 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND 25 LAND: Long-term ecological effects of sheep grazing in alpine ecosystems and its integration with management Prosjektansvarlig: Biologisk institutt,Universitetet i Oslo Prosjektleder: Mysterud, Atle Professor Prosjektnr: 183268/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2008-31.12.2011 2008: 1,475,000 2009: 1,920,000 2010: 1,914,000 2011: 1,791,000 Main objective The overall aim is to facilitate the sustainable management of sheep grazing in alpine habitats; by providing a scientific basis, relating management alternatives (sheep density) to specific long-term ecological effects of grazing in contrasting alpine ecosystems in Setesdal Vesthei and Hardangervidda, two of the most important mountain areas in southern Norway. Sub-objectives: Perform the first fully experimental, long-term (10 year) study on the ecological effects of sheep grazing in two contrasting ecosystems (rich and poor): (1) to assess long-term and cascading effects on the ecosystems; (2) to assess the effect of sheep grazing on tree-line dynamics along a taiga-tundra ecotone; (3) to assess grazing effects on soil physical and biogeochemical processes and properties; (4) to link density dependent sheep grazing ecology and life history to long-term plant development. We aim (5) to integrate data from ecological experiments with management scale We propose to further develop two unique experimental studies in contrasting alpine ecosystems (running from 2000 in Setesdal Vesthei and 2002 in Hol) to address several important new research questions: The overall aim is to facilitate sustainable management of sheep grazing in alpine habitats by providing a scientific basis for relating management alternatives (sheep density) to specific longterm ecological effects of grazing. The initial 6-8 yrs of these two sheep grazing experiments revealed that shortterm effects differ for plants, invertebrates, rodents and birds. In addition, effects depend on factors like sheep density and habitat productivity. However, these shortterm impacts may differ from long-term ones, because many effects are likely to be indirect, mediated through plants and processes in the soil. Specific objectives are to perform the first experimental, long-term (10 year) study of sheep grazing effects in two contrasting ecosystems (rich and poor), to assess (1) long-term and cascading ecosystem effects; (2) tree-line dynamics along a taiga- tundra ecotone and (3) soil physical and biogeochemical processes and properties; (4) to link density dependent sheep grazing ecology and life history to long-term plant development to understand better how climate and density affect ungulate life history at different temporal scales, and (5) to integrate data from ecological experiments with management scale data on animal density and satellite derived vegetation maps (i.e. up-scaling processes). Our previous project has already demonstrated a direct impact on management in the Setesdal Vesthei and Hardangervidda region, and the outcomes from this proposal will be applicable to sheep grazing in alpine areas and also relevant to semi-domestic reindeer (summer) grazing management. 26 Cultural heritage as an asset for economic added value; selection processes from a coast - inland perspective Prosjektansvarlig: Norsk senter for bygdeforskning Prosjektleder: Daugstad, Karoline Forskningsleder Prosjektnr: 183300/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2008-31.12.2011 2008: 818,000 2009: 1,094,000 2010: 1,094,000 2011: 1,094,000 Principal objective to investigate: When cultural heritage is activated as an asset for economic added value, what kind of selection processes are at play and what are their consequences? Sub-goals: Through studying processes of "selected heritage" in the inland area of Valdres and the coastal area of Vega, we ask the following: What perceptions do different stakeholders locally hold of cultural heritage? Which type of cultural heritage is activated as an economic asset and what are the physical effects on the cultural heritage and on the perception of the same? How do landscape features and land use/cover changes relate to the selection processes and does the change have a feedback effect on perceptions and selection? Which public and private measures are activated; what are their effects and their degree of coordination? How can improved understanding of the selection processes serve as an input into planning and management? The subject matter for this proposal is how cultural heritage is defined, assessed and activated for economic use, further, addressing such selection processes in a coast/inland perspective. A coast/inland dimension has previously been documented regarding the uptake of measures towards cultural heritage and landscape maintenance, attitudes towards cultural heritage, and in 15 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND the objectives of cultural heritage NGOs. Further, a coast/inland dimension is rooted in the different status ascribed to coast and inland cultural heritage in Norway historically. A case study approach is used, with the inland mountain region of Valdres and the coastal community of Vega selected as study sites. Methods cover analysis of land-use change based on aerial photos; Investigation of current land use and physical state of cultural heritage; Interviewing key actors (farmers, cultural heritage owners, community associations, tourism entrepreneurs, planners, politicians etc), either individually or in focus groups; Document analysis of municipal plans, strategic documents, etc. from key actors; Assessment of other written material in order to convey "storylines" and representations of cultural heritage past and present (e.g. local historic literature, tourist brochures etc). The project will be undertaken by a collaborative Norwegian team from three national research institutions: Centre for Rural Research, Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research, and the Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute. In addition, international collaborative partners are involved in Austria and Scotland. A multi-disciplinary approach, involving natural science, humanities and social science, will be pursued in all parts of the project. Joint field work will be undertaken, as well as joint analysis, publishing and dissemination. 27 Norwegian Insect Red Lists 2010 and 2015: optimising the use of species occurrence data for objective evaluation of endangered status Prosjektansvarlig: Naturhistorisk museum,Universitetet i Oslo Prosjektleder: Gusarov, Vladimir Førsteamanuensis Prosjektnr: 183318/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.8.2008-31.7.2012 2008: 425,000 2009: 825,000 2010: 825,000 2011: 620,000 2012: 105,000 Principal objective: to develop and test a novel and objective approach to evaluate endangered status of the Norwegian Red List insect species using species occurrence data Subgoals: - To establish how much data (localities) is needed, to infer species distributions using ecological niche modelling - To test whether predicted distribution can be used to evaluate the endangered status of the Red List species - To explore how the data on species occurrence outside Norway can be used to infer species distribution within Norway - Using predictions, to identify the areas in Norway where the endangered species are concentrated, and to test these predictions - To evaluate how well protected territories are covering the areas with high concentration of endangered species - To identify how many observations are needed to detect changes in species distributions - To provide recommendations to experts preparing the new editions of the Norwegian Red List and to inform decision makers The project will use species occurrence data, obtained from existing databases, natural history museum collections and field work, to develop a scientifically sound and objective approach to evaluation of the endangered species status for the new editions of the Norwegian Red List (planned by Artsdatabanken for 2010 and 2015). Our evaluation will be built on species distribution predictions, based on ecological niche modelling using published algorithms and existing software. The project will be led by a group of experts at the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, in cooperation with colleagues from other Norwegian and Scandinavian museums. The project will include one PhD student (stipendiat) (cofunded by NFR and NHM), and several Master students and interns (no NFR funding required). The project will directly contribute to our understanding, sustainable use and efficient management of the natural environment. The new approaches will be implemented in preparation of the Norwegian Red Lists 2010 and 2015, aiming to provide decision makers, scientists and general public with up-to-date information about the status of the most vulnerable component of the Norwegian biota. 28 Conservation Covenants in Norway (CoCoviN) moderating conflicts, reducing bio-diversity loss and improving resource management? Prosjektansvarlig: NINA - Lillehammer Prosjektleder: Vistad, Odd Inge Forsker Prosjektnr: 183385/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2008-31.12.2011 2008: 300,000 2009: 900,000 2010: 900,000 2011: 900,000 Our prinicipal goal is to implement and evaluate case projects with conservation covenants (CoCos), in order to 16 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND study this as an alternative to traditional conservation methods. Sub-goals: a) To study whether, when, what kind of, and why conflicts appear in former cases of nature conservation? b) What are the crucial elements in developing and implementing well-functioning CoCos in nature conservation? c) How do we achieve conservation goals in terms of maintenance or re-establishment of biodiversity in the chosen habitats? d) Can conservation through CoCos improve and ease maintenance of the cultural heritage? e) Are there special gains or problems with the necessary interaction between the ecologist, the cultural heritage scientist and the farmer? f) What are the outcomes (concerning moderating conflicts, achieving conservation goals, adapting resource management, increasing local involvement etc?) from using CoCos, in a Norwegian context? Our main aim is to study the use of voluntary, but formally binding private-public partnership in nature conservation and management. Our hypotheses are: 1) Conflicts around designation of nature conservation areas are seldom founded on disagreement about preservation goals; meaning: The conflicts are less related to WHAT and WHY, but more to HOW designation and management is implemented. 2) CoCos have the potential to moderate conflicts in nature conservation, and thereby increase the conservation efficiency and help reducing loss of biodiversity and cult. heritage. 3) CoCos can improve sustainable utilisation and necessary maintenance of the actual resources. In natur conservation there is a need for closer interdisciplinary work, especially between biologists and social sciences. A broad spectrum of theoretical approaches is needed in order to analyse successes and conflicts in conservations practise. This interdisciplinary spectrum is established in our research consortium. We want to focus on habitats with distinct conservation goals connected to biodiversity and/or cultural heritage values (primarily agricultural landscape). There will be four basic elements in the project: 1) To analyse specific present and former conservation and management cases (learn about conflicts). 2) To help identify relevant case projects with CoCo; study the implementation, and later on follow the development of the projects 3) To have a special focus on the following management and maintenance of the protected resources: who are involved, allocation of responsibility, economical input, the element of land use continuity, monitor the ecological and cultural heritage conditions, effects on the stakeholders etc. 4) To study international experiences with conservation covenants. This NFR project will finance the research aspects, not the implementation of each CoCo, as such. 29 Towards sustainable management of moose, red deer and their food resources Prosjektansvarlig: NINA Hovedadm. Prosjektleder: Solberg, Erling Johan Seniorforsker Prosjektnr: 184036/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2008-31.12.2011 2008: 1,375,000 2009: 1,375,000 2010: 1,375,000 2011: 1,375,000 The principal objective of the proposed project is to improve the basis for an ecosystem-based management of moose, red deer and their food resources. We will achieve this by: (1) analysing long term variation in moose and red deer population condition (body mass, fecundity and recruitment rates) in relation to spatial and temporal variation in plant variables derived from local and national monitoring programs, (2) experimentally examine the effects of moose and red deer browsing on plants in two contrasting regions for each species. Based on the results from these analyses we will (3) suggest critical densities of moose and red deer based on plant and animal responses in different habitats, and (4) evaluate what plant variables are most suitable for monitoring variation in range condition and herbivore population condition. The density of moose and red deer has increased dramatically in Norway during the last three decades. In general, large herbivores can have profound impact on ecosystem structure and processes (e.g. succession, biodiversity), which is mainly mediated by browsing/grazing impacts on plants. In turn, plant responses may provide early warnings on the possible feedback effects on the herbivores, such as changing body weights and reproductive rates (i.e. population condition). Knowledge about the interactions between herbivores and their food plants is recognized as fundamental for the conservation and management of wildlife species and their habitats. However, current information on critical densities of moose and red deer in Norway is limited. Meanwhile, we have strong indications of over-browsing measured as reduction in body-growth and depletion of important food plants in several regions of southern Norway. In this project we will focus on the interaction between moose, red deer and their food resources with the main aim of increasing our knowledge on how to deal with high densities of both moose and red deer in the 17 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND context of limited food resources and impact on other biodiversity. 30 Fire history in Trillemarka Prosjektansvarlig: Norsk institutt for skog og landskap Prosjektleder: Rolstad, Jørund Forsker Prosjektnr: 184059/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2008-31.12.2010 2008: 750,000 2009: 750,000 2010: 750,000 The project have two components. (1) The main focus will be on documenting fire history in Trillemarka on a time scale of about a millennium and a spatial scale of 100-200 km2. (2) The other component will contribute to methodological issues regarding sampling scheme, interpretation of fire scar records, and spatial delineation of fires. Results from the project will improve the scientific knowledge basis that guides the implementation of ecosystem-based forest and park management. Fire is the principal disturbance process in boreal forests, and little is known about the historical variability of fire frequency in Norway. An understanding of the historic variability in disturbance regimes is essential for implementing ecosystem management. This Ph.D. project will study fire history in Trillemarka, Buskerud County, Norway, at a spatiotemporal scale of 100-200 km2 and 1000 years, mainly using dendroecological methods. A major component of the work will be to outline and unequivocally document an indicated period of frequent anthropogenic fires. Another component will contribute to methodological issues regarding sampling scheme, interpretation of fire scar records, and spatial delineation of fires. The project will contribute to a better understanding of the ecological basis for managing both protected nature reserves and commercially utilized forests in Norway, in particular, and boreal forests, in general. 31 Trees as drivers of silvopastoral system function Prosjektansvarlig: NINA Hovedadm. Prosjektleder: Rusch, Graciela M. Forsker Prosjektnr: 184065/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2008-31.12.2011 2008: 977,000 2009: 977,000 2010: 977,000 2011: 877,000 We will study the trees as drivers of fundamental ecological processes in the silvopastoral system in Central America through their effect on pasture species and attribute composition and on herbivore spatial use behaviour. Specifically, we will : 1. Establish the structure of silvopastoral farms (e.g. amount and type of tree cover, species richness, farm and paddock size) along climate and topography gradients. 2. Assess the effects of trees on spatial patterns of i) composition (species and attributes) of the vegetation, ii) primary productivity, soil nutrient content, iii) livestock behaviour. 3. Link the magnitude and quality of processes at the pasture level to the farm according to the farm structure identified under 1. 4. Disseminate recommendations about silvopastoral farm structure. The silvopastoral system is a livestock production option that involves the interaction of woody components (shrubs and trees), herbaceous forage and the different species of domestic herbivores. This system of meat and milk production has many advantages in the tropics both for food production and for conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Despite these advantages, the adoption of the practice in Central America faces considerable challenges that threaten the ecological sustainability of the livestock production system. In the silvopastoral system, the properties of the tree cover, which depend on farmer decisions, have important consequences on pasture and farm productivity. The tree cover sets the environment (light, nutrients and water availability) for the pasture vegetation, and through its effect on the animal behaviour determines the spatial distribution of the impact of grazing, trampling and, dung and urine deposition. The project will study the tree cover as a driver of pasture composition and of animal grazing behaviour and their interactive effects on pasture primary productivity and soil resources for the pasture. The novelty of the study relies on the focus on the various roles of the tree cover in determining pasture species composition and productivity, first through a direct effect on the availability of resources for under-storey plant growth and second, by determining the spatial distribution of grazing and trampling. We will study these interactions to gain knowledge about essential ecological functions of the system that determine pasture and farm productivity and which encompasses 60% of the land-use form in Central America. 32 LAND - Local heritage values and cultural heritage plans in urban fringe areas Prosjektansvarlig: Norsk institutt for kulturminneforskning Prosjektleder: Swensen, Grete Forsker 2 Prosjektnr: 184067/S30 18 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.2.2008-31.12.2010 2008: 900,000 2009: 900,000 2010: 900,000 Principal objective: - To examine to what degree cultural heritage environments in the fringe areas of towns are paid attention to in cultural heritage plans - To analyse if the use of local participation in the process of developing cultural heritage plans in towns under growth contributes to a larger appreciation of the cultural heritage assets in such areas and to local residents identification with the place Sub goals: - To provide more knowledge on how the cultural heritage management in suburban areas takes place by use of interdisciplinary approaches - To relate the situation in Norway to other European countries by partaking in international interdisciplinary research networks Urban areas today defy traditional notions of what a city is. Old definitions of urban, suburban and rural fail to capture the complexity of regions with motorways, industrial areas, office parks and residential districts pushing far into the countryside. Urban sprawl is now a common phenomenon throughout Europe and is characterised by a low density mix of land uses on the urban fringe. Urban development has impacts far beyond the land consumed directly by construction and infrastructure and its immediate surroundings. The impact urban sprawl has on the cultural environments is in need of being paid attention to. The characters of today`s urban areas often appear diffuse despite the fact that these areas consists of layers from different historical periods and still maintain various degrees of continuity. The project has relevance for problems called attention to in MILJØ 2015, and questions raised in this project are: Do cultural heritage plans relate to the diversity of historic structures such suburban areas contain, and do they make people in these areas aware of the heritage assets in their local communities through user involvement? Based on interdisciplinary research involving methods developed by landscape architects/ planners, archaeologists and social scientists, this study will provide more knowledge on how the cultural heritage management in suburban areas takes place and will provide more insight into what local residents pay special attention to and appreciate in their environments. It focuses on cultural heritage management`s role as part of a broader field of planners that has to relate to an increasing degree of mobility in to towns and cities. 33 How to prevent invasion of alien species onto urban hills and coastal heathland ecosystems: Sustaining biodiversity in cultural landscapes Prosjektansvarlig: UNIFOB AS,Universitetsforskning Bergen Prosjektleder: Vetaas, Ole Reidar Forsker Prosjektnr: 184099/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.4.2008-30.9.2011 2008: 1,515,000 2009: 2,037,000 2010: 2,006,000 2011: 1,242,000 To assess the effects of alien trees on the biodiversity of native species and ecosystem functioning, and to develop a science-based monitoring and management plan with local environmental authorities to minimize harmful spread of alien trees. Ecosystem effect Quantify the effect of alien conifers on biodiversity of primary producers, primary consumers, and predators, and assess the risk for coastal heathland ecosystems and urban hills. Community interaction Test if sheep-grazing reduces the spread of alien conifers into heathlands. Simulate the interaction between native and alien trees under future climate scenarios. Experiment:ecosystems drivers Test if more rainfall, including the estimated nitrogen deposition, increases the growth of target species. Magnitude of risk Find the potential distribution of target species in Norway and how this is likely to change under future climate scenarios. Management plan based on risk assessment and communty interaction The coastal heath ecosystem is classified as greatly endangered under the EU Habitats Directive. This is because of land-use changes resulting in a dramatic decrease in the utilisation of outfields for grazing. The threatened heathlands are invaded not only by native scrub and trees, but also by large alien coniferous species. The UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA 2005) states that alien species will represent a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Norway is responsible for the management of northern heaths of Europe, but we do not have an official plan to prevent 19 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND these ecosystems becoming dominated by alien trees. A similar process is found on urban hills where alien conifers are spreading from old plantations (>100yrs). There are three main drivers that change the heathland ecosystems: in addition to reduced grazing, nitrogen deposition and rainfall are increasing, especially in the winter. This may drive the ecosystem towards a closed forest, i.e. secondary succession. It is likely that the alien conifers will become dominant in this succession and will alter the ecosystem and its function. The main intruder is Sitka spruce that invades from plantations. It may shade out local flora and reduce the biodiversity because of its size (3-4 times local trees). Mountain pines (Pinus mugo complex) are invading coastal ecosystems and mountains. We will assist the environmental authorities to quantify the effects of alien trees on the biodiversity of native species and ecosystem functioning, and find possible measures for limiting the spread. This will be done in collaboration with the Environmental Department of the county governor, a PhD-student and a team of researchers, i.e. international specialists on invasive conifers, experts on heathlands and the species groups involved. This will facilitate the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (1993), EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), and the strategic plan to manage alien species. 34 A new model approach to assess genetically modified plants: their ecotoxicity and potential interactions with environmental pollutants Prosjektansvarlig: Norsk institutt for Genøkologi Prosjektleder: Bøhn, Thomas Forsker Prosjektnr: 184107/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2008-31.12.2011 2008: 1,696,000 2009: 1,696,000 2010: 1,726,000 2011: 1,282,000 Main objective Test the ecotoxicity and potential impact of important GM plants on non-target organisms and study how environmental pollutants may interact with GM plants. Sub-objectives -Test experimentally the nutritional quality and potential toxicity of transgenic Bt-maize and roundup ready (RR) soy in an already established D. magna ecotoxicological model. -Measure responses on life history parameters on individual D. magna and use these to build age- or sizeclassified population models and projection matrices. -Follow up potential treatment effects of GM versus unmodified (UM) plants by studying molecular mechanisms (e.g. gene regulation/expression patterns/hormone regulation) in order to understand causes and effects of potential change. -Study potentially interacting effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals/glyphosate and GM plants, measured on the fitness performance of the D. magna. -Study potential horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in the experimental food chains Genetically modified (GM) plants from modern biotechnology have already a history as commercialised feed and food products. The agricultural industry using GM techniques is rapidly increasing and represents large scale options and challenges for both societies and ecosystems. Environmental impacts of GM crops continue to be a highly controversial issue. Some claims little to no effect and others express concern over growing documentation that non-target biodiversity is negatively affected by GM plants and that such impacts may go unnoticed for a long time as many adverse effects detected in the lab may realize only slowly in the environment. Additionally, environmental factors may interact in complex ways with GM plants, but our ecological knowledge on the role of environmental context is premature. No studies to date have explored interaction effects of GM crops with environmental pollutants, e.g. endocrine disrupters, that can occur widespread but at low concentrations in the environment. In the case of herbicide resistant plants, chemicals like glyphosate are applied in large quantities together with the GM plants. An increased understanding of GMOs interacting with various environmental factors is necessary for the future management and conservation of biological diversity and its functions. In this project, we plan to use an already established ecotoxicological model for testing GM crop plants with or without the additional stress of environmental pollutants. We aim at assessing two important GM plants (Bt-maize and herbicide resistant soy) together with selected environmental pollutants (two endocrine disrupting chemicals and glyphosate) in Daphnia magna cell cultures, in D. magna feeding studies and in a tri-trophic food chain with cyanobacteria or green alga ? D. magna ? zebrafish Danio rerio. 35 LAND: VEGA 2045: World heritage and local knowledge integrated modelling and scenario building for nature and cultural heritage management Prosjektansvarlig: NINA - Oslo Prosjektleder: Svarstad, Hanne Forsker Prosjektnr: 184119/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 6.1.2008-31.5.2011 20 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND 2008: 499,000 2009: 1,670,000 2010: 2,320,000 2011: 1,011,000 PO1: Elaborate an innovative research approach to interdisciplinary landscape studies with components of integrated modelling and scenario building, with a central role given to local knowledge, systematised through narrative analysis. PO2: Apply integrated modelling and scenario building to support management on Vega underpinning a combination of sustainable use and conservation of natural and cultural heritage. SG1 is to present ontological knowledge and contribute to epistemology based on a narrative analysis. SG2 and SG3 are to bring results from terrestrial and marine ecology studies and results from studies of cultural heritage and livelihoods connected to nature uses in past and present into the integrated modelling. SG4 is to carry out the integration. SG5 is to build scenarios for possible futures of Vega by 2045. The project VEGA 2045 will address three important and inter-connected environmental challenges related to ongoing developments along coastal areas in general, and along the coast of North Norway in particular. Firstly, there is the challenge of establishing ways of conserving biodiversity and biological resources for the future; secondly to sustain cultural heritage; and thirdly, to secure employment and income in ways that are ecologically and economically sustainable. Through the main elements of integrated modelling and scenario building, VEGA 2045 aims at elaborating inter-disciplinary methodology in order to contribute with research knowledge to deal adequately with the complex, inter-related and multidimensional challenges. The project involves researchers and integrates elements from social, cultural as well as natural sciences. Through inventive elaborations and application of a narrative analysis, VEGA 2045 will take seriously the need to understand and adequately integrate local knowledge with the various types of research knowledge. The specific focus of the project is the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Vega archipelago. Vega provides a case that illustrates well all of the three mentioned environmental challenges. Furthermore, it has a wealth of existing information on various aspects that allows rapid progress towards the integration ambitions of the project. Besides, Vega is in great need for an integrated approach to future management. Key components of the Vega identity are its comprehensive natural and cultural heritage values with rare and distinctive biotypes and geology, remnants of prehistoric settlement, rich later cultural heritage environments and a unique history of a frugal way of life based on fishing, agriculture, egg-collection and eider down production. VEGA 2045 aims at elaborating new empirical insights as well as contribute to epistemology to meet the environment challenges and the need for a sustainable development. 36 Testing and adapting recreational planning systems to urban woodlands Prosjektansvarlig: Norsk institutt for skog og landskap Prosjektleder: Gundersen, Vegard Forsker Prosjektnr: 184126/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.7.2008-1.7.2011 2008: 300,000 2009: 600,000 2010: 600,000 2011: 300,000 The overall aim of the project is to give a state of the art of planning for outdoor recreation in forest, and to identify, develop and test out promising planning methods for use in forestry sector and municipal multiple-use plans. Sub goals are to: 1) Give a comprehensive theoretical literature review of planning methods for outdoor recreation. 2) Give by using a web-survey a state of the art presentation of how outdoor recreation are integrated in forestry and multiple-use plans in Norway. 3) Describe examples of good management by using websurvey and interviews. 4) Adapt promising planning methods and make recreational maps in case area by using field work. 5) Test out to what degree there is coherence between mapped plans and peoples actual use of the area and their preferences, by using web-survey and in situ observations. 6) Suggest planning methods for use in practical forestry planning. The project will describe, analyze and evaluate spatial planning methods for integration of outdoor recreation in urban forestry plans. The project is rooted in a Nordic outdoor life tradition characterized by simplicity and popularity, in which the right of public access is a key element and empirical research studies as a rule. Outdoor recreation behaviour and preferences are in change, challenging the traditional way to plan and manage the forest. At the same time, there is an increasingly attention to the importance of forests for public health and wellbeing, especially urban woodlands. Sustainability and conservation is today an important part of outdoor recreation, but the interconnection between these values in planning are not well developed. In general, forestry sector have no official or common used methods to allocate social values in forestry plans. We are a multidisciplinary group of researchers, representing three institutions from Norway, two from Sweden and one from New Zealand. Our project will be built upon ongoing research and founding in the three countries, with special synergy effects to the Swedish research programme "Outdoor recreation in change", project C and project D. The overall aim of the project is to give a state of the art 21 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND of planning for outdoor recreation in forest, and to identify, develop and test out promising planning methods for use in forestry sector and municipal multiple-use plans. Our research plan includes reviews, web-surveys, field work, interviews, workshops and seminar, with Oslomarka as case. The length of the projects is proposed as three years, to allow comprehensive review, field work in case area and publishing of reports and reviewed articles. The total budget for the project is 1.8 million NOK. 37 Driving forces in vegetation dynamics and their consequences for ecosystem services Prosjektansvarlig: Det matematisk-naturvitenskapelige fakultet,Universitetet i Bergen Prosjektleder: Grytnes, John-Arvid Forsker Prosjektnr: 184133/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.1.2008-28.2.2011 2008: 1,232,000 2009: 1,324,000 2010: 1,592,000 2011: 102,000 The project aims at identifying the relative importance of four of the drivers most relevant for vegetation changes in Northern Europe, and assess how changes in vegetation may affect pollination as an ecosystem service. Five main questions will be answered: 1. Has species composition changed more than should be expected by chance (natural dynamics under relatively constant environmental conditions)? 2. If there is significant evidence for non-random changes, to what extent can these be explained by environmental factors, and can these factors be related to ecosystem drivers? 3. Do the important drivers for vegetation change differ between habitats and between regions? 4. How do pollination and pollinator diversity depend on vegetation changes? 5. By comparing areas with different influences of specific drivers, will these differences result in changes in species composition and diversity, and do they confirm the results found by the temporal comparison? This project looks at four specific human-related driving forces of ecosystem change that are identified as major threats to biodiversity today or are predicted to become major threats in the near future. These are (1) habitat change, (2) climate change, (3) pollution, and (4) invasive species. The project focuses on terrestrial vegetation in mires, forests, and alpine areas, which are the major habitats in "northern areas". In addition to investigating the effects of these drivers on vegetation, we will also study how vegetational changes in turn have consequences for ecosystem services, focusing on pollination. For this purpose we have assembled a research team ideally composed to meet the challenges of such a project, including specialists in palaeoecology, community ecology, pollination, forest ecology, culturallandscape ecology, and numerical analyses including multivariate and univariate statistics and randomization procedures. 38 There is more to the picture than meets the eye endophytic fungi in boreal forest bryophytes Prosjektansvarlig: Universitetet for miljø- og biovitenskap Prosjektleder: Ohlson, Mikael Professor Prosjektnr: 184137/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.3.2008-28.2.2011 2008: 1,165,000 2009: 1,353,000 2010: 1,194,000 2011: 188,000 Principal objective: Integrate microbiological, chemical, mycological and ecological competences to explore the biodiversity of endophytic fungi and their functional role in boreal forest bryophytes. Sub-goals: 1) Describe the hidden diversity of endophytic fungi in three abundant boreal forest bryophytes across different habitats and spatial scales, ranging from the single bryophyte shoot up to the intercontinental scale. 2) Examine how the diversity of endophytes in forest bryophytes is affected by environmental pollution, i.e. nitrogen deposition and acidification. 3) Examine how the diversity of endophytes in forest bryophytes is affected by land-use, i.e. forestry. 4) Chemically characterize secondary metabolites produced by fungal endophytes in boreal forest bryophytes. 5) Estimate the role of fungal endophytes in the relationship between bryophytes and herbivores. Fungi that live hidden inside plant tissues without causing injuries to the host plant are endophytes and appear to be ubiquitous. Endophytic fungi are sources of biologically active secondary metabolites with pharmaceutical importance and large potential ecological importance. Results from a pilot study indicate a remarkably high diversity of endophytic fungi in boreal forest bryophytes. Nothing of this immense diversity is visible by eye, but it is hypothesized that the relationship between the 22 Miljø 2015 Prosjektkatalog 2008 LAND endophyte and the host plant play a pivotal role for the function of boreal forest ecosystems because bryophytes make up a large part of the biomass in boreal forests. down negative forcing on vulnerable tundra wildlife and biodiversity as well as increased predation on semidomestic reindeer. The project is motivated for four main reasons: First, we need information on the hidden biological diversity and its functional role in order to maintain ecosystem function, robustness and biodiversity. Second, it is likely that effects of anthropogenic impact on boreal forests are mediated via the relationship between fungal endophytes and bryophytes. Third, we hypothesize that the production of secondary metabolites by the endophytic fungi protect the bryophytes from being consumed by herbivores, and if this should be the case, we will provide a completely novel causal explanation to the well-established observation that bryophytes are generally not eaten by herbivores. Fourth, secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi are proven to be commercially important in pharmaceutical and agricultural perspectives, and species-specific endophytes in boreal forest bryophytes have an unknown, but potential role to contribute positively to human well fare and development. Here it is of particular interest that bryophytes are known to contain high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (i. e. Omega-3/6 acids), which are not produced by plants, but by fungi. Establishing ecosystem based guideline for sustainable reindeer numbers in tundra ecosystem 39 LAND-Ecosystem Finnmark (EcoFinn): Ungulate overabundance, trophic cascades and subsidies Prosjektansvarlig: Det matematisk-naturvitenskapelige fakultet,Universitetet i Tromsø Prosjektleder: Ims, Rolf Anker Professor Prosjektnr: 184140/S30 Bevilgningsperiode og finansiering fra Norges forskningsråd: 1.7.2008-31.12.2011 2008: 200,000 2009: 2,953,000 2010: 3,276,000 2011: 3,071,000 We will use the framework of current food web theory for elucidating two likely cascading ecosystem impacts of reindeer overabundance in Finnmark. One cascade we predict to be induced by loss and fragmentation of riparian willow habitats due to reindeer overbrowsing, which in turn lead to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The other cascade we predict to be induced by a temporal subsidy of reindeer carrion to generalist predators in winter. This predator subsidy effects, likely to result from reindeer overabundance, we predict to induce a top-down cascade, working though increased generalist predation on vulnerable wildlife as well as a negative feedback on reindeer productivity though calf predation. The two cascades are likely to be coupled and thus need to be studied simultaneously. We will adopt a comprehensive empirical project design consisting of large-scale hypothesis-targeted surveys, combined with in depth observational studies and experiments. The national societal relevance of the project is its contribution in resolving the underlying causes of the current decline of certain alpine/arctic wildlife species in Fennoscandia as well as provide new insight in how reindeer overabundance affect the carnivore guild. In an international context the project may lead to insights which may help counteracting the circumpolar shrub encroachment in alpine and arctic tundra. Main objective: To use the framework of current food web theory for elucidating two likely cascading ecosystem impacts of reindeer overabundance in Finnmark and their implications for pressing management issues Sub-goals Testing for cascading impacts of willow overbrowsing: i.e. that loss and fragmentation of riparian willow habitat due to reindeer overbrowsing leads to trophic meltdown process within the food web and loss of biodiversity hot spots and ecosystem functions Testing for cascading impact of subsidies to generalist predators: i.e. that a subsidy to generalist carnivores due to reindeer overabundance/underharvesting induces a top- 23