The proposed research seeks to expand Biodiversity-Ecosystem Function (BEF) Theory into practical applications for landscape-scale biodiversity restoration and climate action. It aims to develop a novel BEF framework and corresponding biodiversity metrics that can inform large-scale restoration activities and simultaneously support climate action. This research will tackle the complexities of biodiversity, the interactions between biodiversity and climate dynamics, and the cross-boundary effects between adjacent ecosystems, which are often overlooked in smaller-scale studies.

The approach will involve the prioritization of biodiversity metrics suitable for landscape level approaches, testing and integration of emerging technologies for data collection, analysis and interpretation and the development of regional ecosystem function models and digital twins for interpretation, interaction and visualization. The research will primarily be undertaken within the unique environmental context of the north-west region of the Arabian Peninsula. This area, characterized by its diverse arid zone habitats and ambitious conservation goals, provides a distinctive setting for testing the scalability of BEF theory. The anticipated outcomes include the establishment of biodiversity metrics suitable for landscape scales and enhanced understanding of biodiversity-climate interactions and cross-boundary ecosystem effects.