Dr. Frederik Van Daele
Terrestrial Ecology Unit
Department of Biology
Ghent University
K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35
9000 Gent Belgium
E-mail: frederik.vandaele@ugent.be
Unravelling landscape dynamics for effective ecological restoration and functional ecological networks
Designing resilient ecological networks and effective restoration requires a thorough understanding of the spatio-temporal processes that drive population dynamics and community assembly across multiple scales. These processes, ranging from local establishment limitations to regional dispersal limitations, shape meta-community dynamics. My research aims to disentangle ecological limitations across scales, ultimately providing evidence-based strategies for successful restoration and the design of robust ecological networks in fragmented landscapes.
My previous work on species-rich grassland restoration elucidated how soil biochemistry and biota shape plant community organization. Using these insights, I developed tools based on how the historical landscape composition informs the restoration potential of species-rich grasslands. Building on this, I developed conservation tools that combine species distribution modelling, conservation genomics, and experimental ecology to forecast eco-evolutionary responses to climate change and habitat fragmentation.
Currently, I am focusing on two key areas that build upon my previous work: 1) modelling dune restoration as a nature-based solution, and 2) predicting meta-community dynamics under climate change to inform the pan-European ecological network.
- In order to simulate dune restoration across scales, I am developing a process-based model that integrates the interaction between environmental drivers, vegetation, and sand dynamics (aeolian transport). This model, which is based on a theoretical understanding of relevant ecological processes, provides a useful framework to incorporate specific responses to altered environmental conditions. The model has the potential to simulate ecological processes, evaluate the effects of restoration management, and assess ecosystem services of dune in front of dyke systems under climate change. Projects like SUSANA, which aims to optimize the sustainable use of sand in dune restoration while balancing flood protection with biodiversity and other ecosystem services, exemplify how this model can be applied to real-world conservation challenges.
Beta-version of our Living Dunes Model
- In parallel, I am advancing models that capture the long-term dynamics and spatial interactions of meta-communities, identifying priority areas for restoring connectivity between Natura 2000 habitats. This research is underpinned by a strong emphasis on understanding how landscape structure and spatial processes shape biodiversity patterns and ecosystem functioning. By considering the complex interplay of abiotic drivers and dispersal across scales in fragmented landscapes, we can better predict how ecological communities will respond to environmental change and inform more effective conservation and restoration strategies.
