The Centre for Tropical Ecosystems Research at the University of Aarhus, Denmark, has been operating since 1995. In 2001 the Senate at the University of Aarhus approved a set of statutes creating a “Centre for Tropical Ecosystems Research” (cenTER Aarhus). The day-to-day management is carried out by the cenTER Director and the cenTER Manager.

In 2008 the cenTER was integrated into the Department of Biological Sciences as a research center.

At cenTER, we have continued to develop our strengths within tropical coastal ecosystems research, and particularly within our core field of mangrove ecology and management:

•    Our long term goal is to be recognized as a centre of excellence for mangroves and associated coastal ecosystems, both within Denmark, and internationally.

•    Our objective is also to serve as a catalyst for new activities within the broader field of Environment and Development on behalf of University of Aarhus, and to embed cenTER's work firmly within the university's educational and research frameworks and development plan.

Our strategy in the medium term is to strengthen our involvement in tropical coastal ecosystems research by gaining firsthand knowledge of more tropical countries where mangroves are an important natural resource and to involve the social scientists, economists and other key research groups at the University of Aarhus in some of our research related to mangrove use and co-management by coastal communities. At the same time, we are very conscious of recent developments in research within the fields of coastal zone management and biodiversity protection in Europe, so it also important that we continue to participate in other Danish and European research activities and maintain good links to other European centres, as well as to the tropical regions of the world.

Research Focus

The research focus of cenTER are:

• The interactions between plants and animals in the coastal region, with a particular focus on the mangrove ecosystem.
• Sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, with a particular focus on the coastal ecosystems of the tropics.

To download a folder describing cenTER, click here.

To contact cenTER please send e-mail to:

Director: Donald J. Macintosh

Manager: Thomas Nielsen

Phone:

T Nielsen: +45 8942 3349

Fax: +45 8942 2722

Or ordinary mail to:

Centre for Tropical Ecosystems Research

cenTER Aarhus University

Department of Biological Sciences

Ny Munkegade 114 -116, Building 1540

DK-8000 Aarhus C

Denmark