European

CONFREMU - Conservation of freshwater mussels: a pan-European approach

Coordinator: Tadeusz ZAJĄC
UTAD/CITAB Coordinator: Simone da Graça Pinto Varandas

Freshwater bivalves are a large, diverse and important group, since they can dominate the biomass of many ecosystems. Furthermore, they are among the world's most imperilled taxonomic groups. Studies on freshwater bivalve ecology and conservation provide the basis for inter- and trans-disciplinary research and innovation, integrating knowledge into practice of freshwater protection. Freshwater bivalves provide crucial ecosystem functions and services such as water purification and nutrient cycling, thus can be used as nature-based tools for improving ecosystem functions and services as well as representing important indicators of ecosystem health. Through the international cooperation of scientists from multiple disciplines, both within and outside biological sciences, and with participation from stakeholders and NGOs, this Action will aim to fully understand the biodiversity crisis being faced by Europe’s freshwater mussels. We will then develop evidence-based solutions to halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services mediated by these organisms.

Project Details

Reference

COST Action CA18239

Status

Running

Start date

October 2019

Duration

48 months

Funding Entity

European Commission - H2020

CITAB/UTAD Financing

0€

Website

https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA18239/#tabs|Name:overview

Responsible institution

Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences

Partners

CIBIO/InBIO (PT)

CNR Institute of Water Research (IT)

University of Nottingham (UK)

Evelyn Moorkens and Associates (IE)

Fondation Hëllef fir d'Natur (LU)

Agricultural university of Tirana (AL)

University of Jyväskylä (FI)

Technical University of Munich (DE)

UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI (EL)

University of Minho (PT)

Universidade de Vigo (ES)

Karlstad University (SE)