Living with Nature in the City: What Research Has to Offer

Louise Eydoux:The Effects of De-sealing on Soil Biodiversity

Soil de-sealing is now emerging as a solution to growing urbanization and the widespread sealing of soil surfaces. However, this practice is relatively new, and its effects on urban soil biodiversity remain poorly documented. 
Therefore, we sought to understand the impact of de-sealing—particularly in schoolyards—on soil biodiversity by focusing on three groups with major ecological roles and varied dispersal capabilities: microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), earthworms, and ants.

Benoit Pujol: “Weeds to the Rescue”

The renaturation of urban spaces offers a nature-based solution for adapting to the extreme heat caused by climate change. In Occitanie, the number of days when temperatures exceed 30°C has doubled since 1950. Given the constraints of feasibility and sustainability, we propose focusing on native vegetation: “weeds.” We will experimentally compare the adaptive capacity of these wild plants with that of local plants (Mediterranean plants from horticulture) that are highly prized. We are implementing a science-society initiative in the city of Carcassonne to reconcile basic and applied sciences with research conducted with and for society. 

Simon Lacombe: “The European otter is back in France: Pressure and presence in urban areas.”

Over the past few decades, the European otter (Lutra lutra) has made a spectacular comeback in France. It now inhabits nearly two-thirds of the country, including heavily urbanized areas, and is present in the immediate vicinity of many major cities. In this presentation, we will examine how the species uses urban and suburban environments, and what pressures these environments place on its survival. We will focus on two case studies: a monitoring study of otter presence in and around the Montpellier metropolitan area, and an analysis of the risks of road collisions in Brittany.

* By entering your email address, you agree to receive a weekly summary of theUM calendarUM email and acknowledge that you have read ourprivacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe linkor by contacting us via email.