research

Healthy Ecosystems

Restoring biodiversity to secure resilient ecosystems and a sustainable bioeconomy.
0
Farmland Habitats by 2030
0
of Land Protected by 2030
0
of Sea Protected by 2030
0
Researchers
Our Mission

Building Healthy, Resilient Ecosystems

At BiOrbic, we understand that thriving ecosystems are the backbone of a sustainable bioeconomy in Ireland. Our Healthy Ecosystems pillar focuses on protecting and restoring biodiversity, ensuring natural systems remain productive, resilient, and able to support climate adaptation and human well-being.

By enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services, we safeguard the natural capital that underpins Ireland’s bioeconomy while meeting global conservation and sustainability goals.

Research Programmes

What Research is BiOrbic Doing?

Our Healthy Ecosystems research focuses on restoring habitats, recovering biodiversity, and strengthening ecosystem services to support Ireland’s bioeconomy, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

Recovering Biodiversity
Healthy Ecosystems

Recovering Biodiversity

This challenge restores biodiversity across Ireland to support a sustainable bioeconomy. BiOrbic unites ecology, economics, and social science to advance native forestry, peatland recovery, and ecosystem management, delivering measurable gains, informed policy, and socio-economic impact.

key research areas

Promote native forests for balanced growth.

Assess biodiversity and ecosystem services to inform policy.

Restore peatlands with data insights.

active Projects
Restoring pollinators in Irish landscapes: RestPoll
To determine the effectiveness of pollinator restoration measures in Irish agricultural landscapes, both for pollinators and for other biodiversity and ecosystem services. To use a living labs approach to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and transfer of knowledge. To develop rapid assessment evaluations to measure pollinator restoration, and develop transferable approaches for different actors at a […]
ReFarm+
Over-arching aim: To engage in highly impactful research bringing together experts and researchers in the natural sciences, agriculture and business, to investigate how best to design a funding structure that: 1) provides the most efficient means for corporates to fund nature-positive action on farms. 2) provides the funding needed for farmers to undertake nature-positive actions […]
Quantification and qualification of the impact of peatland rehabilitation on biodiversity, water and climate
Deliver a data driven platform to assess the success of peatland rehabilitation on ecological health (biodiversity recovery), water quality and climate mitigation potential and to identify the role that degraded peatlands can play in the bioeconomy in Ireland. Researching and publishing on peatland rehabilitation approaches, compiling evidence for success and identifying alternative land uses within […]
Investing in Nature Restoration to Tackle Biodiversity Loss: ReFarm (Initial Groundwork)
To address challenges of financing biodiversity recovery in an integrated multi-disciplinary way, using Farming for Nature as a model system to develop and test innovative approaches, including financial investment, payment for ecosystem services, natural capital accounting and stakeholder engagement.PI: Prof. Jane Stout, Dr. Martha O’Hagan, Staff: Dr. Catherine Farrell (RF), Orlaith Delargy (RA – Departed)
Assessing and Rewarding Biodiversity Recovery: Farm Credit
To develop metrics for assessing Biodiversity Recovery that are applicable at multiple scales from individual businesses to regional and national levels. An effective framework to downscale progress towards global commitments on biodiversity recovery to national and sectoral scales is urgently needed to close the gaps between commitments, implementation and impact. This work will also provide […]
impact

Why This Research Matters

Healthy ecosystems underpin the Irish bioeconomy. Our research finds ways to restore biodiversity, support climate action, and create social and economic benefits.

Restore Habitats

Rebuild native forests and peatlands to strengthen biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Measure Value

Quantify natural capital to guide sustainable management and policy decisions.

Support Communities

Ensure restoration benefits are socially just and economically viable.

Inform Policy

Provide evidence for effective biodiversity strategies at local and national scales.

Strategic Alignment

Aligned with Key EU Targets

Our research aligns with EU targets, which set measurable goals to restore degraded ecosystems. Our research provides practical approaches to ecosystem restoration, enhances biodiversity stocks and flows, and reinforces Ireland’s climate and environmental commitments.

EU Nature Restoration Plan
  • 10% of farm are dedicated to high quality habitats
  • Protecting 30% of EU land
  • Protecting 30% of EU sea area