F&Z Solutions has developed a custom environmental DNA (eDNA) pump in collaboration with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA). Together with the autonomous drone Pamela, the solution will now be used in multiple research projects in Norway and abroad.

Inbreeding threatens the Fennoscandian Arctic fox. In a recent report from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), researchers propose measures to ensure the long-term survival of the species.

Next week, 1,200 experts from around the world will gather in Oslo to discuss how we can create socially just and environmentally sustainable societies — without economic growth. The world is in a serious predicament. We have built an economic system on the assumption that endless growth is possible. But our planet’s resources are finite and already overexploited.

To help safeguard the future of Norway’s wild reindeer populations, researchers from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) have conducted a tunnel construction simulation in the Setesdal Ryfylke wild reindeer area. The aim is to reduce considerable barriers and reestablish access to former grazing lands for the wild reindeer.

A newly developed climate service provides information on how local societies’ vulnerability and exposure to climate change may change in future, enabling municipalities to assess the adequacy of current adaptation responses.

As spring returns to Norway, researchers are setting up this year’s insect traps across the country. Using metabarcoding to monitor insect populations, Norway is the first country in Europe to implement this methodology in a Government led program. The same methodology could be applied across Europe for cost-effective monitoring of the neglected majority of insect species.

In a study conducted in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, researchers from SEAPOP have used a nearly 40 year-long data series to assess how changes in sea ice affect the breeding distribution of common eiders (Somateria mollissima).

As global biodiversity continues to decline, a new international study published in Nature presents a powerful framework for identifying the “missing” species from ecosystems, species that could exist in a habitat but are currently absent. Known as dark diversity, these absent species form an invisible frontier of ecological potential, offering a tool to better understand habitat degradation and inform conservation priorities.

Soil carbon content decreases for up to 30 years following clear-cutting in forested areas, according to a major study from the Nordic countries and Canada.

The wild reindeer in Norway no longer use the calving grounds surrounding the public tourist cabin Pyttbua. Should the Government allow the cabin to be upgraded—or should tourism in the area rather be limited? The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) has simulated the potential consequences.

Large carnivores have returned to Europe—but the wolf protection status is being reduced. A major EU-funded project, led from Norway, aims to identify how to ensure the best possible coexistence between people and carnivores.

Researchers have uncovered a vast ecosystem on an Antarctica ice cap. The communities, largely made up of photosynthetic algae, are likely to host new species to science, and have been shown to add to melting of the ice caps in the region.

Since 2007, 200 Norwegian sea eagle chicks have found a new home in Ireland. This summer the final release of fledglings in Ireland marks the completion of the establishment phase of the white-tailed sea eagle project. 

Norwegian hydropower considers itself strong on sustainability, but a study from the research center HydroCen shows significant variation in how the hydropower industry handles challenges related to environmental measures.

When Norwegian journalists need an expert statement about any species of seabird, they are likely to call Tone Reiertsen. She is a veritable gold mine of information about auks and gulls, yet her academic career started with a very common little garden bird.

Read the sixth MARCIS Newsletter for project progress and highlights.
 

The fitness app Strava provides insight into how forest clear-cutting affects Norwegians’ recreation activities. Experts argue that the value from recreation services lost due to clear-cutting exceeds the value of timber provisioning services gained, particularly in peri-urban forests.

A study of deer poo in North Wales could shed light on the conservation of woodlands in the UK.

As human activity increasingly pressures ecosystems, biodiversity offsetting—balancing losses in one area with gains elsewhere—has become a growing tool for conservation, although with significant challenges. A new paper by NINA experts explores how integrating ecosystem accounting can enhance biodiversity offsetting, offering a promising approach to make conservation efforts more effective and transparent.

Researchers in the centre RenewHydro will collaborate to develop smart solutions. The goal is more environmentally friendly hydropower, to provide reliable power supply and to benefit society and life in the rivers.