Our Objectives

Conduct Fundamental and Applied Research

• Understand the Impacts of Land Use Change: Land use change is a leading driver of biodiversity change. Whether reforestation, deforestation, urban greening or densification, we want to understand how changes impact biodiversity to better protect it.
• Understand Species Biology and Ecology: We focus on the biology and ecology of lost, rare, and understudied species. By studying their habitats, behaviours, and interactions within ecosystems, we can develop effective conservation strategies.
• Investigate the Drivers of Biodiversity: Understanding why a species or community can occur in a particular area and not another requires investigating the biotic and abiotic factors that compose its habitat. To better develop conservation programmes, we must understand the drivers and patterns of biodiversity.
• Identify Conservation Priorities: We pinpoint regions, ecosystems, and species of conservation priority. By identifying target species and regions, we pave the way for expeditions and further research.
• Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology: We utilize advanced technologies such as camera traps, bioacoustics, machine learning, and remote sensing to study and monitor biodiversity and find lost and rare species.
• Develop Innovative Methods: We create and refine species identification and conservation methods by integrating traditional surveys with modern techniques. This includes developing protocols for combining bioacoustics, machine learning, and other tools to enhance biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts.

Expeditions

• Discover and Study Species: We organize and conduct expeditions to locate, study, and monitor species and environments, targeting lost, rare, and undiscovered species. These field studies provide critical data on species distribution, status, and ecological requirements, allowing for improved conservation efforts.

Conservation Programs

• In-Situ and Ex-Situ Conservation: We develop and support both in-situ (on-site) and ex-situ (off-site) conservation programs. This includes creating protected areas, breeding programs, and habitat restoration projects. We engage citizens in conservation efforts through community-based programs, citizen science initiatives, and citizen conservation.

Public Outreach and Education

• Raise Awareness: We implement public outreach and education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of species and ecosystem conservation. This includes organizing exhibitions, seminars, and educational materials or programs targeted at the general public.
• Engage and Inspire: We foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship among the public by highlighting the role of individuals in conservation efforts. We encourage active participation through volunteer opportunities and citizen science projects.

Why It Matters

We are experiencing a 6th mass extinction event driven by human-induced land use change and over-exploitation. Current extinction rates are alarmingly high, and a significant amount of biodiversity has already been lost or is threatened. This loss of biodiversity not only affects the intrinsic value of nature but also impacts ecosystem services that are crucial for human well-being. Further, high levels of particularly native diversity have been linked to improved physical and mental health. Therefore, conserving biodiversity has a direct impact on our own well-being and survival.

Join Us

By joining RARElab, you become part of a passionate community dedicated to making a difference. Together, we can protect and conserve the species and ecosystems that are vital to our planet’s health and our own well-being. Whether you are a scientist, local expert, or concerned citizen, your involvement is crucial. Let’s work together to create a sustainable future for all living beings.