What is REFUGE?
REFUGE (acronym for REfuge Forests as Urban Guards against climate changE) is a Research and Innovation (R&I Group) of the Ulysseus European University Alliance.
What are the project's objectives?
The central objective of the project is to investigate the role of urban and rural forests as microclimatic refugia. Specifically, this project seeks to:
Determine how these ecosystems buffer temperature and humidity extremes, consequently influencing the biodiversity of these areas.
Explore the functional contribution of the different specializations (forest and urban ecology, soil ecology, invertebrate biodiversity, lichenology, and environmental monitoring) to the refuge role.
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration, the exchange of methods among Ulysseus partners, and the training of students and researchers.
What activities will be carried out in the project?
The main activities focus on coordination, practical training, and public participation:
Coordination Meetings: Coordination meetings will be held involving partners from the three universities to organize tasks, develop research work, and draft proposals.
Field Missions: Regular field missions will be conducted for method exchange, joint practical training sessions, and data collection at representative urban and rural forest sites.
Monitoring: The project will collect data on the role of forests as microclimatic refugia (temperature and humidity buffering) and explore their contributions to biodiversity (invertebrates, lichens, soil ecology).
Citizen Science Events: Citizen science events such as bioblitzes or activities aimed at educational centers will be organized to maximize the project's social impact and increase public awareness.
What is the role of Citizen Science and dissemination in the project?
Citizen science plays a significant role in the project's dissemination and social impact through active community participation. The plan includes:
The organization of two bioblitzes, one in Seville and one in Münster, involving citizens of all ages and genders.
The organization of activities in educational centers that promote public participation through scientific protocols in an environmental conservation context.
Participation in dissemination activities such as the European Researchers' Night, Science Week, or Coffee with Science (Café con Ciencia) to boost public awareness regarding environmental protection.