Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation
The Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group (PEN), led by David Kleijn, studies and teaches the processes and underlying mechanisms that link biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and service delivery and aims to implement these insights in the design of effective biodiversity conservation strategies.
Our research
Research at the Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group examines the impact of land-use change and climate change on biodiversity and the links between biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services and public goods. We use these insights to design more effective conservation strategies and to inform policy makers and the general public.
Research is carried out at a range of spatiotemporal scales using a variety of study systems but firmly rooted in plant ecology. We explore whether the mechanisms underlying biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relations, as identified in experimental plant communities at the plot level, can explain the relations between biodiversity and delivery of ecosystem services and public goods at the landscape scale in natural ecosystems (including tundra, peat bogs and savannah) as well as in agricultural landscapes.
Education
Education by this Chair Group
The Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation group teaches BSc and MSc courses in ecosystem ecology, restoration ecology, community ecology, nature management, and ecological methods. Some courses include field excursions to nature reserves in the Netherlands. In addition, we participate in many other courses coordinated by other chair groups.
Publications & Projects
The Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group publishes its research on a regular basis in scientific journals, professional journals, scientific and popular books, and proceedings.
Highlighted publications
Chair Holder
David Kleijn is professor and chair of the Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group. His main research drive is to understand the causes of biodiversity decline and find conservation strategies that maintain sustainable population sizes and diverse ecosystems. “I have come to realize that effective conservation is just as much about people as it is about wild species of plants and animals. Therefore, I try to transfer my fascination for the beauty of nature to the general public.”
prof.dr.ir. D (David) Kleijn
Professor/Chair Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation
People of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation
Each chair group of Wageningen University & Research, under leadership of a professor, has its own area of expertise. Meet the people Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation.