Ecology and social relevance of wetlands
Wetlands (riparian zones, lakes’ flooding areas, bogs etc.) are inevitable ecosystems for humankind. They have plenty of ecosystem services particularly flood- and CO2-retention, which is essential in times of climate change. Conversely, 64 % of these ecosystems are lost globally since the 20th century (Ramsar, 2018). Thus, measures that are beneficial for the natural environment and/or flood protection are conducted throughout Germany. These measures are primarily rewetting the area and creating small stagnant water pools or reed beds. The crux is that these measure create perfect breeding habitats for mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Many citizens – that live adjacent to these nature conservation measures – are worried about an increased mosquito nuisance or infection risks. This can result in a rejection of revitalisation measures and demand for mosquito control measures.What is missing in this context, is a project that combines vector and nature conservation ecology as well as social science. In this clash of interests, my PhD project is settled. I focus on six study areas in Germany, in which wetlands have been revitalised. Further a distinct mosquito problem has to be noticed. With the intention of checking whether and to what extent revitalisation projects enhance mosquito populations, the mosquito situation before and after the revitalisation is evaluated. This is done via questionnaires for locals and experts as well as mosquito monitorings.
Additionally, based on this data, I want to develop a catalogue for preventive mosquito control measures to prevent and/or minimise this clash of interests. This preventive mosquito control should support nature conservation and develop adequate local courses of action.
- Vector ecology (Dipterans)
- aquatic ecology
- environmental planning
- water management
- aquatic entomology
- spatial science
- social science aspects in environmental sciences
- current biodiversity research
- wetlands
Since 04/2019:
PhD Scholar of the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung in the cluster transformation
Since 03/2018:
PhD student at the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Institute of biology and environmental sciences, Research group aquatic ecology and nature conservation
05/2017-12/2017:
Field and laboratory work for a mosquito monitoring project in the municipalities around the Ammersee, Bavaria
10/2014-10/2016:
Double Degree MSc in Water and Coastal Management (Oldenburg) and Environmental and Infrastructur Planninge (Groningen). Thesis title: “Mankind’s waterlogged treasure – the integration of riparian ecosystems and floodplain areas into the planning process of river renaturations”
10/2011-10/2014:
BSc in Environmental Sciences. Thesis title: “The mosquito populations of temporary waters in a forest area around Oldenburg“
Kiel E., Dworrak T.V., Sauer F., Jaworski L., Lühken R. (2019): Konfliktfeld Stechmücken und Naturschutz. Natur und Landschaft 94(2): 52-58, DOI: 10.17433/2.2019.50153661.52-58
Dworrak T., Kiel E. (2019): Nature conservation considering vector ecological burdens. DGaaE Tagungsbeitrag, Halle (Saale)/Deutschland, Vortrag
Leischik R., Dworrak B., Strauss M., Przybylek B., Dworrak T., Schöne D., Horlitz M., Mügge A. (2016): Plasticity of Health. German Journal of Medicine 1: 1-17, DOI:10.19209/GJOM000001