Researchers in genetics, ecosystems, and soils sciences will unite to develop an integrative proposal to assess the interrelationships between above and belowground biodiversity and ecosystem function in pastoral and wildlife dominated savannas in East Africa. The research will: 1) assess the diversity of the major components of these ecosystems from microbial genes to landscapes and human land uses, 2) relate this diversity to selected ecosystem functions, and 3) test basic hypotheses that relate diversity and function of the parts to system-level resilience or 'health' in the face of stressors such as land-use changes and human population growth.
These findings will elucidate the importance of biodiversity for human well-being, and enhance efforts to conserve the Greater Serengeti-Mara and other world-renowned wildlife ecosystems that are inhabited by humans who depend on sustainable ecosystem services. A symposium will be organized around the themes and objectives of the project to convey our current understanding and thoughts for moving forward to the broader community and to the public. A planning meeting will be held with members of the local East African community to present ideas, obtain their feedback, and design the study to provide useful information.
