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In the 1980s, the United States initiated long-term ecological research (LTER) and later expanded it internationally in 1993 , promoting the formation of the International Long-Term Ecology Research Network (ILTER). Taiwan became a founding member of this network through fortuitous circumstances and began conducting long-term ecological research at locations such as Yilan's Qilan Mountain and Fushan. These research sites become the origin of long-term ecology research in Taiwan, and allow Taiwan to keep up with the LTER trends in the world.
Some international LTER networks are also established with that trend, like one of the best networks - Europe long-term ecology research network (eLTER). Taking advantage of EU experience, eLTER established a long-term ecology research network in numerous European countries and integrated them as an international network. Besides the United States and Europe, there are countries in Africa, Oceania, East Asia, and South America that join the ILTER. We also welcome you to visit our "Domestic Related Researches" page to get more information about Taiwan's LTER.
Figure from：https://www.ilter.network/network/global-coverage
Biologists have traditionally focused on pure ecological research. However, this approach falls short in providing a comprehensive understanding of the world amidst climate change and rapid human-induced environmental transformations. It also lacks the ability to apply a solid scientific foundation to address social problems related to the environment. Therefore, there shows up the long-term social-ecological research (LTSER) which recognizes the interdependence of social and ecological systems and promotes interdisciplinary studies. This perspective has influenced existing long-term ecological research (LTER) networks, such as eLTER. While the European Long-Term Ecological Research network has not changed its name directly, it has incorporated references to long-term social-ecological research and related concepts in its vision and mission statements.
The number of LTSER-related studies is steadily increasing, and they now directly address local environmental issues. This shift contrasts with previous ecological research that primarily focused on the natural environment. For instance, a study investigated coastal armoring in Tahiti from an LTSER perspective, considering both social factors (e.g., social class, wealth gap, local industry) and ecological factors (e.g., global warming, rising sea levels, local coastal characteristics). The interdisciplinary approach aimed to understand the reasons for coastal armoring and its impact on the interaction between the local natural environment and society. By adopting an interdisciplinary vision, the research aimed to provide relevant insights and recommendations related to the coastal armoring issue.
In conclusion, LTSER surpasses the scope of purely ecological studies by acknowledging the challenges encountered by both society and the environment. It aims to foster collaboration among interdisciplinary specialists and stakeholders, striving towards sustainable solutions rooted in nature. As Taiwan's LTSER initiative is about to commence in 2021, we have the valuable opportunity to learn from established international LTSER networks. We invite you to explore these remarkable international LTSER networks and expand your knowledge in this field.
Referance：
Calandra, M., Wencélius, J., Moussa, R. M., Gache, C., Berthe, C., Waqalevu, V., ... & Lecchini, D. (2022). Local perceptions of socio-ecological drivers and effects of coastal armoring: the case of Moorea, French Polynesia. Population and Environment, 43(3), 423-443.
LTSER-related international networks
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