FOREWORD
The Board of the Academy of Finland decided in its
meeting of 5 March 1996 to nominate a committee to prepare a research
programme for biological diversity. The decision was based on the Council
of State decision of 21 December 1995, stating that the Academy of Finland
should head the preparation of a multidisciplinary research programme
dealing with biological diversity. The preparation should involve all
branches of administration and research institutes relevant for the
execution of the Convention for Biological Diversity based on the United
Nations Convention for Environment and Development (UNCED).
The Chair of the Academy of Finland Research Council
for the Environment and Natural Resources, Assistant Professor Outi
Savolainen from the University of Oulu, was appointed as Chair of the
committee. Professor Yrjö Haila from the University of Tampere,
Professor Ilkka Hanski from the University of Helsinki, Director of
Research Jorma Hattula from the Academy of Finland, Senior Adviser Matti
Heikurainen from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Member of
the Research Council for the Environment and Natural Resources Professor
Seppo Kellomäki from the University of Joensuu, Environmental Director
Veikko Marttila from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Research
Manager Pirkko Molkentin-Matilainen from the Finnish Forest Industries
Federation, Member of the Research Council for Environment and Natural
Resources Industrial Counsellor Paula Nybergh from the Ministry of Trade
and Industry, Second Secretary (Development Cooperation) Anu Pärnänen-Landtman
from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Professor Jukka Salo from the
University of Turku, Docent Heikki Toivonen from the Finnish Environment
Institute, Senior Researcher Heikki Uusi-Honko from the Technology Development
Centre, Counsellor Seppo Vuolanto from the Ministry of the Environment,
Member of the Research Council for the Environment and Natural Resources
Docent Rauno Väisänen from the Forest and Park Service Metsähallitus,
Junior Fellow Mikko Mönkkönen from the University of Oulu,
and Scientific Secretary Riitta Mustonen from the Academy of Finland
were invited as Members of the committee. The scientific secretary of
the committee was Junior Fellow Mikko Mönkkönen, and the secretary
Scientific Secretary Riitta Mustonen.
Additionally, Rector (Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources) Antti Haapanen, Senior Adviser Marina von Weissenberg and
Senior Adviser Anita Ahlfors-Friman from the Ministry of the Enviroment,
Department Manager Heikki Lindroos from the Finnish Forest Industries
Federation, Senior Researcher Jorma Kuparinen and Head of the Biological
Department Professor Paavo Tulkki from the Institute of Marine Research,
Head of Research Mari Walls from the Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation,
Second Secretary (Development Cooperation) Helena Kyrönen from
the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Senior Adviser Raisa Valli from the
Ministry of Transport and Communications, and Secretary General Anneli
Pauli and Project Secretary Pirkko Heikinheimo from the Academy of Finland
participated in the committee work.
Information seminars were organised in Helsinki, Oulu,
Turku and Joensuu, based on a programme drafted by the committee. The
programme was revised according to the feedback received at the seminars.
In addition to the Academy of Finland, the programme is financed by
the Technology Development Centre TEKES, Ministry of Transport and Communications,
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry for Foreign Affairs,
Ministry of the Environment, Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation, Finnish
Forest Industries Federation and the Central Union of Agricultural Producers
and Forest Owners MTK.
The Board of the Academy of Finland adopted the programme
in its meeting of 5 June 1996.
I hereby cordially thank the committee and those involved
in the preparation of the programme.
Helsinki, 5 June 1996
Reijo Vihko
Chair of the Board
Academy of Finland
1. INTRODUCTION
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an agreement
of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED),
came internationally into effect on 29 December 1993. This Convention
was ratified by Finland on 26 October 1994. The CDB is one of the most
important international agreements on environmental protection in addition
to the Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Convention lays down
the principles for the protection of biological diversity and the use
of natural resources. The CBD provides a framework within which the
developing countries can investigate the biodiversity in their territories
and arrange the administration and protection needed. The Convention
also aims at strengthening the developing countries' possibilities to
use their natural resources in a sustainable way.
The objective of the Convention is to preserve the
ecosystems, animal and plant species and the diversity of their genetic
material. The Convention also aims at fair and equitable sharing of
the benefits derived from the use of biological resources.
Diversity is a prerequisite for maintaining life in
the biosphere and thus also a basis for human life and social economies.
The Convention states the fundamental principles of integrating the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into all national and
economic decision-making. Additionally, the principles of protection
and sustainable use should be applied to natural resources outside the
actual protected areas.
The Convention obliges the Contracting Parties to identify
components of biological diversity as well as to identify threats to
biological diversity. The information obtained from these activities
is important in the realization of plans and aims related to protection
and sustainable use of biological diversity.
The Convention on Biological Diversity warrants the
states sovereign rights over their own biological resources. Each Contracting
State has an undisputed right to exploit the biological diversity of
its own, but also the responsibility to conserve biological diversity
in areas within the limits of its national jurisdiction. The Convention
engages the industrialized countries to increase the developing countries'
capabilities to investigate, maintain and manage their biological resources.
Finland has also ratified a number of other international
agreements that oblige the Contracting Parties to take biological diversity
into account outside the actual protected areas. The same objective
has been documented by the European Intergovernmental Panel on Forests.
The European Union directive concerning natural protection aims at a
"high quality conservation" of habitats and animal and plant species.
The Convention on Biological Diversity has created
new needs for knowledge when states endeavour to act in accordance with
the agreements signed. New information is needed in research, administration
as well as in economy. The Ministries of Trade and Industry, Transport
and Communications, Agriculture and Forestry, the Environment and the
Ministry for Foreign Affairs, inter alia, have under their respective
jurisdictions started to prepare actions needed in implementing the
Convention on Biological Diversity. Versatile and scientifically profound
research is an essential prerequisite for these actions. One of the
objectives of the Academy of Finland is to advance high-quality research
in issues related to biodiversity. The Council of State decision of
21 December 1995 stresses the importance of a multidisciplinary research
programme for biological diversity, which should be prepared by the
Academy of Finland. The programme aims at promoting knowledge of biological
diversity as well as of conserving biological diversity when using the
natural resources. Furthermore, the research programme should produce
information on social, juridical and economic issues, as well as strengthen
Finnish know-how in fields defined in the Convention on Biological Diversity.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH PROGRAMME
The objective of the research programme is to produce
internationally high-quality research results on biological diversity,
with the applicability of results as a central goal. Applicability refers
to all those activities aiming at the protection of diversity as well
as at the compatibility between the protection and use of diversity.
Thus, in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity, the
fundamental theme of the programme is the protection.The research programme
also aims at training specialists on the protection and use of biodiversity
for national and international needs.
The social, economic and juridical connections as well
as technological questions of biodiversity require a multidisciplinary
and innovative approach. The aim of the programme is to bring those
researchers investigating biological diversity together with research
groups studying the use and protection of natural resources. The programme
endeavours to bring forth research projects crossing the traditional
barriers between basic and applied research. The objective is to support
researchers and research groups to form networks of specialists, to
promote mobility of researchers across disciplines and between research
institutes, and to improve facilities to investigate the international
problems of biodiversity protection. The programme promotes cooperation
among universities, various research institutes and private enterprises.
Considering biological research, the programme aims
at retaining strong links with evolutionary and ecological theory. Research
should be oriented to identifying those mechanisms that create, renew
and maintain biological diversity. Understanding these mechanisms helps
to clarify the conditions under which biological diversity is preserved
when human activities affect nature.
The research programme is expected to bring new information
that cannot be achieved through traditional research done in only one
discipline on issues related to biological diversity. The programme
will aim at establishing connections with knowledge on biodiversity
and
- economic questions; research will answer questions on the economic
costs and benefits on the one hand and on the economic incentives
and possibilities of biodiversity conservation on the other hand
- ethical and juridical questions related to exploiting biodiversity
- technological questions; research will focus on the technological
instruments and techniques to conserve and exploit biodiversity
- social questions; research will identify different forms of coexistence
between man and nature, manīs possibilities to conserve biodiversity,
and those national and international mechanisms involved in biodiversity
conservation
- questions related to developing countries; the research programme
aims at producing information and at training experts in order to
support and launch indigenous initiatives for the conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity
- theoretical knowledge in evolutionary and population genetics and
ecological theory; this will lead to wider applicability of knowledge
and to more reliable generalisations
3. ISSUES RELATED TO BIODIVERSITY:
AN OVERVIEW
Biological diversity refers to all life on earth. Typically,
diversity is divided into three levels. Genetic diversity means
the variability of genetic material between and within species and populations.
Diversity of species refers to the multitude and variability
of species. Diversity of ecosystems means variability in a larger,
geographical scale: it can refer to structural or functional differences
of various types of ecosystems, or to the regional diversity of clearly
defined parts of ecosystems (such as habitats). In all levels of biological
diversity, heterogenity is the fundamental quality of nature. The biotic
and abiotic mechanisms supporting, renewing and creating new diversity
are of vital importance to every level of diversity. Knowing and securing
these mechanisms is essential in conserving diversity. In addition to
the fact that human activities may cause the extinction of a species,
they may reduce diversity by changing and blocking central biotic and
abiotic mechanisms.
The Convention on Biological Diversity, the framework
for protection and sustainable use of biological diversity, is a comprehensive
international agreement connected with the protection of animal and
plant species and their habitats. This agreement does not aim at new
prohibitions or restrictions concerning the relationships between man
and nature. According to the agreement, sustainable use means the use
of biodiversity in such a way that neither the quality nor the quantity
of use would lead to the reduction of diversity in the long term. The
idea underlying the agreement is that the nature will be preserved from
the current global upheavals affecting the ecosystems if the different
levels of diversity are given a more prominent economic value. Research
should thus be engaged in identifying and investigating such economic
incentives.
The Convention of Biological Diversity stresses that
each state has sovereign rights over the species and their genetic resources,
the possible use of which has to be agreed on signing separate agreements
between the countries of origin and the countries using the resources.
Life is no longer a common good with no compensation in international
jurisdiction. On the other hand, the Convention aims at facilitating
the availability of genetic material and availability of knowledge and
technology concerning the use of genetic material especially to those
developing countries which provide genetic material. Providing and receiving
genetic material are related to juridical questions, how to share the
commercial benefits of the genetic resources, for instance.
Exploiting natural resources is also associated with
technological questions, when developing technology and methodology
to secure biological diversity. This information together with identification
of different components of diversity will enhance discovering and utilizing
new biological resources (e.g. genetic resources), but at the same time
will aim at securing their survival. Drug development in which secondary
compounds of microbes, animal and plant species are identified and applied
is a considerable branch of pharmaceutical industry.
Conserving biological diversity is often achievable
if economically feasible methods to save the environment are pursued.
As an example, developments in biotechnology can contribute to the survival
of genetic resources of the tropical nature. Different branches of research
should not act separately when striving for the conservation and sustainable
use of biological diversity, but the opportunities provided by the different
branches should be combined in order to create a basis for comprehensive
social action.
4. STATE OF RESEARCH ON BIODIVERSITY
AT PRESENT: AN OVERVIEW
4.1. STATE OF INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH
Issues related to biological diversity are apparent
both at international and at national level. The European Union, as
a Contracting Party of the Convention on Biological Diversity, is preparing
a document on Community strategy for biodiversity. The document should
be completed in 1997. Additionally, matters of biodiversity are given
prominence in the Work Programme of the European Union Environment and
Climate programme (1994 - 1998) : funding will be targeted especially
on the cooperation between already existing research projects and research
groups working on biological diversity (Concerted action).
The most important consequence of the UNCED process
thus far is probably the foundation of the Global Environment Facility
(GEF). Projects financed by the GEF include research of developing countries
and projects aiming at securing the biological diversity of globally
important ecosystems. Through the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR), also the World Bank finances research
on biodiversity which is focused, for instance, on the sustainable use
of rain forests. In the United Nations programmes, such as the Man and
the Biosphere (MAB) and the DIVERSITAS programme, a number of ongoing
projects are involved in investigating biological diversity,. Many international
projects include research on biological diversity - especially in the
fields of taxonomy, systematics and ecology.
In order to protect biological diversity it is essential
to gather already existing knowledge on diversity and to improve the
accessibility of this knowledge. Various international communities are
collecting, recording and distributing information on biological diversity.
These communities include the International Plant Genetic Resources
Institute (IPGRI), the International Council of Scientific Unions' (ICSU)
scientific committee CODATA, and the European Environment Agency (EEA)
of the European Union.The Global Resource Information Database (GRID)
maintained by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) offers
reliable and up-to-date geographic information to facilitate decision
making.
Despite the fact that there are dozens of universities
and private enterprises taking part in the European Union programmes,
Finland is not involved in any research programmes with links to GEF
projects so far. The lack of suitable post-graduate training has been
one of the reasons for the problems with participation of Finnish experts
in international collaboration within the field of biodiversity research.
Cooperation with developing countries needs experts with strong background
in natural sciences and excellent command of international trade issues.
In addition to traditional biological research, research
on biodiversity includes several fields of international importance
such as research on nature values with emphasis on social sciences and
philosophical questions, environmental economics and economics of natural
resources, research on decision making processes and environmental law.
Multidisciplinarity is becoming increasingly prominent and thus networks
of researhers, within the European Union as well as in the Nordic countries,
are facilitating the internationalization of the field. National research
programmes on biological diversity are also being launched in other
Nordic countries.
4.2. STATE OF NATIONAL RESEARCH
Finland has an internationally strong tradition within
the field of natural sciences. This applies not only to biological sciences,
but also research on the use of natural resources, such as forestry.
Taxonomy, systematics, biogeography and especially ecology have traditionally
been the strengths in Finnish research on biodiversity. Although research
has been focused on the diversity of species, knowledge on many living
organisms is still quite limited. Even less is known of genetic or regional
diversity or diversity of ecosystems. Regional knowledge is of crucial
importance especially when preserving diversity in forest ecosystems,
where human activities are far-reaching and intensive.
Several studies on biological diversity are under way
in most of the Finnish universities, particularly in the fields of taxonomy,
systematics, ecology and nature conservation biology. Furthermore, many
research institutes finance diversity studies: for instance, research
programme for the diversity of forest ecosystems in the Finnish Forest
Research Institute, an environmental research programme on agriculture
in the Agricultural Research Centre of Finland, as well as various studies
and inventory programmes in other Ministries (Finnish Game and Fisheries
Research Institute, Finnish Environment Institute and regional environment
institutes). Research on biological diversity is, however, fairly disconnected
and information exchange between individual researchers and research
groups remains sporadic for the most part. New information has possibly
not been adequately applied because connections between those who produce
the information and those who use it are often insufficient.
The joint research programme for the biological diversity
(LUMO), coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute, has been acting
as a national clearing house for research and exchange of information
on biological diversity. The LUMO programme terminates at the end of
1996.
The technology programme on remote sensing launched
in 1996 by the Technology Development Centre (TEKES) promotes the development
and economic exploitation of remote sensing applications. Data obtained
from remote sensing is of use in collecting information on biological
diversity in many fields of research. The significance of remote sensing
methods and geographic information system (GIS) is expected to increase
in taking inventories of biodiversity and in planning and monitoring
sustainable economic exploitation of natural resources.
The Finnish national action plan on biological diversity
will be established in 1997. Each Ministry, private sector enterprises,
etc. will prepare a report of their respective fields for the action
plan. A novel multidisciplinary approach is called for by the social,
economic and juridical connections and technological questions related
to biological diversity. The Convention has enhanced the information
users' need for additional knowledge to facilitate the decision making
process.The high-quality training in the field of biology in Finland,
together with the scientific-technological infrastructure of Finland
create a good basis for accomplishing part of the tasks formulated in
the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, weaknesses arise in
linking the natural scientific knowledge with and applying it to social
action outside the branch of study.
5. THEMES OF THE RESEARCH PROGRAMME
The themes of the research programme are grouped according
to the problems involved. Multidisciplinarity is a feature common to
all themes. Although the themes are presented separately, there are
various connections between them. The research projects can belong to
more than one theme. Strengthening the capacities of the developing
countries in protection and sustainable use of biological diversity,
as well as multidisciplinary research on biological diversity of these
countries form a central part of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Cooperation with our neighbouring regions (so called emerging economies)
in issues linked with biological diversity is both an opportunity and
an obligation for Finland. Research on the biodiversity of the developing
countries and the neighbouring regions is thus included, where applicable,
in all the following themes.
5.1. CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY AS A PART OF SUSTAINABLE
USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Due to its strong economic links, forestry in Finland
has already for many decades been sustainable when thinking of wood
production. However, at the same time, forestry has also been the most
noticeable threat to endangered species. The central theme of the programme
is to assess the traditional practices of forestry and to develop new
ones in order to promote sustainable forestry. Ecologically sustainable
forestry means that the conservation of diversity is both one of the
objectives and a significant criterion of economy. It is thus essential
to understand the natural disturbance regime in the boreal conifer forest
ecosystems and the functionsl interactions between different trophic
levels in forest ecosystems. Although forest management and use aim
at imitating the natural disturbance occurring in forest ecosystems,
it remains unclear how well human activities can imitate the disturbance
in the nature. As an example, how forest fires or storms have affected
the diversity at local and regional levels. Is it possible to develop
ecologically sustainable practices in forestry on this basis? The structure
and dynamics of natural forests is not sufficiently known even at the
boreal conifer forest area, not to mention the tropical forests.
Supporting the biodiversity of agricultural environments,
as well as the practices, criteria and indicators of sustainable use
are becoming prominent international questions in agriculture. The genetic
diversity of species of cultivated plants and livestock species can
be secured by conserving domestic breed and domestic species, and by
storing knowledge on cultivated plants and livestock species as well
as on other species of potential value. The significance of soil in
sustaining diversity of cultivated ecosystems is also largely unknown.
From the economic standpoint it it essential to consider
the cost and effect balance of ecologically sustainable forestry and
biological agriculture. Also the social dimension of the sustainable
use of biological resources will be investigated. There is a strong
need for substantial research based information on the effects of land
use on biological diversity.
Human activities, values and ideologies have been changing
natural ecosystems for a long period of time and thus created cultural
ecosystems. A number of species or the genetic forms of these species
depend on man made habitats. When traditional ways of using soil are
disappearing, these habitats become endangered which leads to the reduction
of cultural species and their diversity as well as to reducing exploitation
potential. Areas shaped by traditional forms of land use are valuable
also in terms of scenery and culture.
Considering the aquatic ecosystems, the research programme
gives emphasis to research on conserving the biological diversity of
aquatic nature and aquatic resources, and on protecting the genetic
resources in their natural surroundings. The research programme also
supports studies dealing with the effects of fishing or other types
of fishery as well as use of water resources on the protection of biological
diversity.
5.2. BIOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC
ASPECTS OF NATURE CONSERVATION AS MEANS OF CONSERVING BIODIVERSITY
Considering conservation and use, it is essential to
be able to assess how the conservation activities or the use of biological
resources affect the quality and quantity of diversity. Research on
creating methods and applications to deal with this is included in the
themes of the programme. Geographic information involved in the management
of biological diversity as well as other methods of measuring, observing
and indicating diversity can be mentioned as examples.
Facing new challenges, the biological fields of research,
such as nature conservation biology, taxonomy and systematics, must
be linked with other disciplines. Research on biological diversity may
benefit from the new methods used in taxonomy and systematics, but the
contact with theory should be strong. In basic research it is important
to emphasize mechanisms supporting and creating diversity. Research
may be focused on the population ecology of endangered species or species
otherwise significant in terms of diversity. Research may furthermore
focus on on the reasons for extinction, or on the population viability
in fragmented habitats. Information is also needed on the relationships
between the diversity of different species and ecosystems and on the
genetic diversity in different areas at different times.
Environmental-economic and socio-economic studies endeavouring
to clarify how biological diversity is valued in terms of money and
immaterial commodities are one example of new fields of research crossing
traditional scientific barriers. Studies may deal with the economic
incentives of use, or with the cost and effect balance in regional or
national economic terms. It is crucial to understand the ecological
and regional value of the protected areas in different scales. Socio-economic
research may also assess the ideal levels of diversity preservation
(the minimum level in conserving species, the optimal level, etc.),
how they are defined and what type of consequences and possibilities
they may involve.
Environmental history and environmental law may bring
new information on the relationship between man and nature and the significance
of this relationship in the preserving of diversity from a historical
perspective.New knowledge also on juridical systems dealing with the
exploitation of diversity may be achieved. In addition to traditional
legislation, the importance of other social actors (such as environmental
movements and customers of forest industry) on the protection of diversity
or on carrying out economy-related actions has increased. Multidisciplinarity
between juridical, social and natural sciences is a prerequisite for
studies on international regulations ('hard' and 'soft' laws).
5.3. CONSERVATION OF GENETIC DIVERSITY
AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
Evolution is based on genetic variation. The ways in
which populations are adapted to their current environments and their
response to environmental changes are based on genetic variation. Many
environmental changes, such as climatic changes, pollution, fragmentation
of ecosystems and natural catastrophes may lead to reduced viability
and genetic variation, as well as extinctions. Any opportunities to
use genetic resources are lost accordingly. Genetic variation and the
processes maintaining and threatening it, as well as the protection
of genetic resources are central research topics.
New methods, DNA technology and computational methods
have brought new opportunities to study genetic diversity. It is possible
to study genetic variation within and between species in all parts of
the genome on DNA-level, and more effective methods can be used in analysing
the results. These methods and their applications are essential in conserving
biological diversity from the research viewpoint. It is also possible
to develop commercial applications of these methods. The traits crucial
in evolution and in exploiting genetic resources are frequently so called
quantitative traits. Several genes and environmental factors have an
effect on the variation in these traits. Studying these traits is time-consuming
and expensive. New, effective approaches in this area may be based on
candidate genes and using genetic maps.
Exploiting genetic resources requires the protection
and maintenance of them. Research into both ex-situ and in-situ
methods in conserving genetic resources is included in the research
programme. Commercial exploitation of genetic resources is not one of
the objectives of this programme. However, the economic and juridical
questions of diversity linked with the exploitation of and the right
to use genetic resources are included in the programme.
6. PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
The research programme for biodiversity is a six-year
programme (1997-2002). The closing date for the call for proposals is
31.10.1996. The accepted projects can be started at the beginning of
1997. Funding is allocated for the years 1997-1999. In three years the
need for new information is assessed and funding is allocated according
to this need. The second call for proposals is organised in 1999. Also
those projects that have already received funding in the first call
are allowed to apply for new funding for the years 2000-2002.
In addition to the Academy of Finland, the programme
is financed by the Technology Development Centre TEKES, Ministry of
Transport and Communications, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,
Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Environment, Maj and Thor
Nessling Foundation, the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and
Forest Owners MTK, and the Finnish Forest Industries Federation.
Applications should be addressed to the Academy of
Finland or to the Technology Development Centre. The projects addressed
to the Academy of Finland may be financed by the Academy of Finland,
Ministry of Transport and Communications, Ministry of Agriculture and
Forestry, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry for the Environment,
Maj and Thor Nessling Foundation, the Central Union of Agricultural
Producers and Forest Owners MTK or the Finnish Forest Industries Federation.
The Board of the Academy of Finland appoints a committee
consisting of delegates of the financers and independent experts. The
committee selects the international scientific experts who evaluate
the proposals. The committee also proposes the financers a motion of
the projects to be financed, and of how the responsibility for the allocated
appropriations should be shared among the financers.
Research groups or joint projects formed by research
groups (consortia) may apply for the appropriations. If a proposal of
a joint project (consortium) is planned to be financed by an organisation
other than the Academy of Finland, the final decision is made by the
organisation in question.The decisions at the Academy of Finland are
made in the Research Councils of the Academy.
The committee nominates a scientific coordinator to
promote cooperation between research groups, contacts between national
and international researchers and researcher excange.The coordinator
is also involved in organising training courses for graduate students
within the research programme. A separate amount of funding is allocated
for the coordination.
High scientific quality and compliance with
the objectives of the research programme are considered essential
when decisions are made. Additional assets are
- multidisciplinarity. Joint projects with research groups representing
various fields of research and research organisations are given prominence
in the research programme for biodiversity.
- heterogenity of the research group. The research groups should be
heterogenous in a sense that senior researchers, doctors with a recent
dissertation, and both graduate and under-graduate students are involved.
- an explicit tutoring plan of the students. One of the objectives
of the programme is to train experts on biodiversity.
- excellent international contacts. Studying or doing research work
abroad during the funding period are also regarded as international
contacts.
- applicability of results in the conservation and sustainable use
of biological diversity.
Vacant positions for graduate students and for post-doctorate
researchers with a recent dissertation related to the research projects
should be publicly announced. In case funding is applied for from the
Academy of Finland, all documents and annexes should be written in English
observing the Academy's guide for applicants.The applicants may state
their wish for the primary financer in case it is not the Academy. If
funding is applied for from TEKES, a statement of this should be enclosed
in the application.
In case funding is applied for from TEKES, the application
should follow the TEKES application procedure. The primary objective
of TEKES is to fund high-quality basic or applied research to produce
valuable information needed in developing and applying technology. TEKES
also aims at increasing the rate of industrial exploitation of research
results.
Information on the research programme for biodiversity
in Finnish, English and Swedish, application forms (SA3.10a), and the
Academy of Finland guide for applicants are available at:
Suomen Akatemia/kirjaamo
PL 57 (Hämeentie 68 B)
00551 HELSINKI
Tel. 09-7748 8377
Fax 09-7748 8299
e-mail keskus(at) aka.fi
Information can also be ordered from http://www.aka.fi