Soils and Sediments: Biodviersity and Ecosystem Function
(1995-2004)

Scientific Advisory Committee
Chair: Diana H. Wall (USA)

Since 1995, the SSBEF Committee's goal has been to assess and synthesize scientific data on the biodiversity and ecosystem functioning of soils, freshwater sediments, and marine sediments, in order to develop research priorities, and when possible, supply data to resource managers. It has convened four successful international workshops, and generated a significant body of peer-reviewed literature in scientific journals.

The objective of the project is to determine the ecological significance of soil and sediment biodiversity and the relationships to ecosystem functioning and provision of ecosystem services. This information is urgently needed to assist in determining which key taxa regulate ecosystem functions and how vulnerable they are to global changes. The synthesis of knowledge on soil and sediment biodiversity gained from disparate disciplines will allow scientists to recommend research directions, contribute a scientific basis to management and policy-making decisions on sustainability, and aid in preservation and restoration of these ecosystems. The project contributed to the DIVERSITAS Programme over 1995-2002 and especially to the DIVERSITAS International Biodiversity Observation Year (IBOY) 2001-2002.

The project's findings fill major gaps in knowledge for the sustainable management of ecosystems, and will be published in two books to reach the broadest audience. SCOPE 64, Sustaining Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Soils and Sediments, edited by Dr. Wall, was published by Island Press in 2004. Under Ground, a tradebook based on this project for the general public, policymakers and managers, Yvonne Baskin appears under the Shearwater/Island Press imprint in June 2005

In all, 92 people, from 24 countries across the globe have participated in the four SCOPE SSBEF workshops. The series of workshops has resulted in 42 separate publications, and four books. The complete list of publications resulting from the project is avialable at the SSBEF website http://www.nrel.colostate.edu/projects/soil/SCOPE/scope.

Last up-dated 12 June 2005