Summary

Basic Ecological Research and Practical Nature Conservation in Sand Ecosystems – Confrontation or Co-operation?

Conflicts between practical nature conservation and basic ecological research occur more often than commonly expected. These conflicts can be divided into avoidable conflicts (typically due to personal attitudes) and unavoidable conflicts resulting from different goals and purposes. The paper discusses the most common causes of such controversies and suggests possible solutions. Aresearch project on disturbance effects in open sand ecosystems in Franconia provides an encouraging example. If all parties are willing to compromise conditions can be reached that on the one hand allow a reasonable amount of in situ experimental research within protected areas and on the other hand will not lead to lasting damage of the respective systems. The results are of high relevance for nature conservation and ecosystem management.