As the human population continues to expand, our cities grow along with it,
presenting a pressing challenge: how can we transform urban areas into thriving
ecosystems teeming with biodiversity? Through several groundbreaking studies,
we are trying to unravel what environmental factors hold the potential for
maximizing biodiversity (and diversity of interactions) in the green spaces
nestled within our urban landscapes.
Agroecology is of utmost importance in our quest for sustainable and resilient
agricultural systems. By integrating ecological principles, it fosters biodiversity
and enhances soil health. Embracing agroecology enables us to cultivate productive
and environmentally friendly farming systems. It empowers farmers to work in
harmony with nature, promoting long-term sustainability while minimizing negative
impacts on the environment. I participate in European projects, such as Olives
alive (my PhD thesis was conducted within this framework),
AGRABIES, RECOVECOS, SHOWCASE or
SAFEGUARD,
to improve the quality of agroecosystems (mainly olive tree crops and other permanent tree crops),
with a special focus on pollinators in Southern Spain.
The macroecology of birds unveils the fascinating patterns and processes underlying
bird distributions and diversity across large geographic scales. By studying the main
drivers of species richness, different functional traits, and phylogenetic diversity
we gain insights into the ecological dynamics that shape avian assemblages.
Through this knowledge, we can better inform conservation strategies, preserve
critical habitats, predict future responses, and protect the remarkable
diversity of bird species worldwide. Embracing the macroecology of birds
provides a valuable framework for understanding and conserving avian biodiversity
in a rapidly changing world.
