We advance SDG Goal 15 through research with communities, policymakers, conservation organisations and industry partners to better understand the pressures facing ecosystems.
We also develop practical solutions that support environmental restoration and sustainable land management.
Our research spans biodiversity conservation, wildlife ecology, sustainable agriculture, pollution, climate adaptation and ecosystem resilience, generating evidence that informs policy and helps protect nature locally and globally.
Using pioneering science to protect the British Swallowtail
In 2025, ARU researchers joined forces with Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park and conservation biobank Nature's SAFE on an innovative project investigating whether cryopreservation could help secure the future of the British Swallowtail butterfly. The species is found exclusively in East Anglia, predominantly in the Norfolk Broads, and is classified as vulnerable on the GB Red List. The research is testing whether butterfly eggs can be successfully frozen at-196°C, reared and compared with non-frozen controls. If successful, researchers hope the technique could ultimately help preserve British Swallowtail genetic material for future breeding and reintroduction programmes, opening up a potentially important new tool for terrestrial species conservation.
Reducing the environmental impact of plastic pollution
Plastic pollution affects ecosystems far beyond the marine environment. Research led by Professor Dannielle Green and Dr Bas Boots has transformed understanding of how microplastics, biodegradable plastics and cigarette-butt litter affect biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The research demonstrated impacts on ecological communities, nutrient cycling and plant growth, while also helping shape national and international environmental policy. The findings have informed discussions within the United Nations Environment Programme, contributed evidence to the development of the Global Plastics Treaty, strengthened regulatory approaches to plastic pollution and helped businesses reduce their environmental footprint. By connecting ecological science with policy and practice, ARU is helping protect terrestrial ecosystems from one of the fastest-growing forms of environmental pollution.
Understanding how climate change is reshaping Arctic ecosystems
ARU researchers are investigating one of the most remarkable ecological changes currently taking place in the Arctic: the rapid expansion of beavers into tundra environments. Recent research has shown that warming temperatures have enabled beavers to move northwards, creating thousands of new ponds and transforming large areas of Arctic landscape. These changes affect water systems, biodiversity, carbon storage and ecosystem functioning across some of the world's most climate-sensitive regions. Working with international collaborators and using satellite imagery alongside ecological analysis, ARU researchers are helping improve understanding of how wildlife-driven landscape change interacts with climate change, providing evidence to support conservation and environmental management in rapidly changing ecosystems.
Transforming agri-food systems in South Asia
Through the TAFSSA (Transforming Agri-Food Systems in South Asia) programme, ARU researchers are contributing to efforts to create more sustainable and resilient food production systems while protecting land, water and environmental resources. The initiative seeks to improve equitable access to healthy diets, strengthen farmers' livelihoods and resilience, and reduce environmental pressures associated with agriculture. By working with international partners and local stakeholders, the project is helping identify pathways towards food systems that support both human wellbeing and ecosystem health. This work demonstrates how agricultural innovation can contribute to biodiversity protection, sustainable land management and climate resilience simultaneously.
Advancing sustainable land management through peat-free horticulture
In 2024, ARU in Writtle established a new partnership with ICL to investigate more sustainable approaches to horticulture through trials of peat-reduced and peat-free growing media. The collaboration enables BSc and MSc Horticulture students to undertake commercial-scale trials while generating practical evidence to support growers transitioning away from peat-based production systems. Protecting peatlands is increasingly recognised as a critical environmental challenge because these habitats store large quantities of carbon and support unique biodiversity. By helping develop viable alternatives to peat use, the partnership is contributing to more sustainable land management practices while supporting the protection of important terrestrial ecosystems.
Conserving biodiversity through applied ecology research
ARU's Applied Ecology Research Group undertakes research to understand and mitigate the impacts of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Current research addresses some of the most pressing threats facing terrestrial ecosystems, including climate change, pollution, invasive species, agriculture and urbanisation. Researchers work closely with conservation organisations, government agencies and community partners to generate evidence that supports environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation. Through the use of ecological monitoring, citizen science, remote sensing and interdisciplinary methods, the group helps inform practical conservation action and sustainable land-use management in the UK and beyond.
Supporting resilient landscapes through sustainable drainage and green infrastructure
Research led by Dr Maryam Imani is helping improve understanding of how green infrastructure can support healthier and more resilient landscapes. Her work focuses on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), nature-based solutions and water management approaches that reduce flood risk, improve biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Through collaborations with local authorities, infrastructure providers and international partners, this research is demonstrating how carefully designed green infrastructure can help restore ecological functions within urban and peri-urban environments while delivering benefits for people, wildlife and climate adaptation.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.