CH-4.2 :: Ecosystem data

Relevance of the issue and justification of the need for research:
Some of the statistical data on the state of ecosystems in Switzerland are out of date (because of rapid degradation) or are simply unavailable. Such data is urgently needed to be able to manage ecosystems in a sustainable way. Furthermore a monitoring system to observe the flows of pesticides and antibiotics through all compartments of the ecosystem is urgently needed.
Specific research topics and knowledge gaps:
Impacts
• Data on the quality of ecosystems: Assess how the quality of ecosystems has changed over time in Switzerland. Assess the pollution of ecosystems by contaminants. Identify the contaminants and the pollution hotspots.
• Data on the movement of erosion material: Assess the movement of washed-away soil and the accumulation sites.
• Monitoring pesticides and antibiotics: Develop a monitoring system to monitor pesticide and antibiotic flows through all compartments of the ecosystem.

Stakeholders:
• University/research institute, workshop participants