Researchers from the Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB) took part in a new session of the Cicerón Itineraries, an initiative by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) aimed at connecting scientific knowledge with society so that decisions are based on science. This session focused on biodiversity recovery and on scientifically validated actions to achieve it.
The event, held on May 6 at the headquarters of the Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (IPE-CSIC) in Jaca (Aragon), brought together researchers from various CSIC centers across Spain, representatives from public administrations, companies, social organizations, and journalists from multiple media. The goal: to share the scientific knowledge CSIC holds on this topic and to discuss how to apply it and put it at the service of nature conservation and restoration.
CEAB-CSIC researchers Teresa Buchaca, Jordi Pagès, and Daniel Oro spoke at the event, sharing their knowledge on conservation and ecological restoration in various ecosystems such as mountain lakes and natural areas, deltas, and coastal zones.
Daniel Oro reminded attendees that animal populations “need space and time to recover, and that restoration also means restoring ecological connectivity and natural cycles.” Teresa Buchaca spoke about paleoecology, explaining that “high mountain lakes act as natural laboratories as they allow us to clearly observe the impact of human disturbances over time,” and about restoring the “ecological functionality” of mountain aquatic ecosystems through proven actions such as those in the Life Resque Alpyr project. Jordi Pagès emphasized that “restoration requires understanding both ecological processes and social dynamics, as only then can management be designed to make ecosystems more resilient to global change,” giving examples from his work in areas like the Ebro Delta.
Part of their scientific research – along with that of other participating scientists – was also shared through previously recorded videos projected during the event, in which each scientist explained their work either from their laboratory or in the field.
The meeting was coordinated by Graciela Gil-Romera (IPE-CSIC) and Óscar Godoy (Doñana Biological Station, EBD-CSIC), who stressed that restoring nature is an “ecological imperative” that requires the collaboration of scientists, managers, and society as a whole. The IPE-CSIC researcher highlighted that “events like the one in Jaca are an invitation to learn what public research can contribute to those managing or transforming the territory.” The EBD researcher emphasized that “restoration will only be effective if it is based on solid knowledge. But that knowledge must go beyond the scientific community and be placed at the service of and in dialogue with those working directly on the land – which is what this event aimed to achieve.”
This Cicerón Itinerary session featured a wide range of regional stakeholders, including representatives from the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (Government of Aragon), the Wildlife and Flora Service of the Catalan Government, the Nature Protection Council of Aragon, and third-sector organizations such as the Aragón Shepherds School, Justicia Alimentaria, and the Garúa cooperative. Companies and journalists from various media also participated, helping bring the event’s content to the wider public.
