Environmental pressures such as eutrophication, groundwater depletion, pollution and climate change lie behind the reduction and homogenisation of biodiversity. Sustainable conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity generally requires a reduction of environmental impact and restoration of the natural environment. The Environment & Climate research group studies the interaction between environmental characteristics and biodiversity in Flemish forest, valley and nature areas. Abiotic requirements of species and communities, the impact of environmental disturbances and the design of recovery and decontamination measures are also studied.