LabEx COTE

Evolution, adaptation, and governance of continental and coastal ecosystems

The development of human societies is closely linked to the availability of resources and services provided by natural and domesticated ecosystems. In recent decades, the balance between societies and ecosystems has been weakened by environmental changes partially generated by human activity (more cultivated land, over-exploitation of natural resources, chemical pollution, and the emergence of new consumer needs).

LabEx COTE brings together researchers in biology, physics, chemistry, and socio-economic sciences to understand and predict ecosystem responses to human-induced changes and develop tools and methods to control or assist this evolution. These objectives are fully in line with the National Strategy for Research and Innovation (SNRI).

LabEx includes nine laboratories of the University of Bordeaux and major national research institutes involved in research on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (INRA, CNRS, IFREMER and IRSTEA) bringing together about 200 scientists.

Complementary disciplines to identify ecosystem evolution processes and predict their responses to environmental changes

The project aims to provide prediction tools and methods to control or assist changes in ecosystems. We research various indicators, criteria, and benchmarks of ecosystem health status and develop adaptive management and governance methods to ensure ecosystem sustainability and facilitate changes.

Towards a generic understanding of the functioning and evolution of ecosystems

COTE aims to develop research that combines all factors responsible for ecosystem evolution regardless of human impact on their functioning. It aims to develop a generic approach applicable to both natural and artificial ecosystems taking into account interactions between ecosystems. This objective requires the cooperation of diverse and complementary scientific communities, the development of innovative integrative approaches, and increased dialogue between researchers and society.