Biodiversity interventions for well-being 

BIWE (Biodiversity Interventions for Well-being): We investigate how environmental biodiversity and rewilding affect the human microbiota, immune system, and perceived well-being.

Biodiversity is essential for nature and human well-being. Land use has reduced biodiversity in cities, which weakens the functionality of the urban ecosystems and the well-being of citizens. This also increases the risk of immune-mediated disorders among urban dwellers. 

In Biodiversity interventions for well-being (BIWE), microbial biodiversity interventions are performed to increase biodiversity in urban built areas. Results from the intervention trials are combined with publicly available land cover and ecological data. These are analyzed from the viewpoint of shifts in ecosystems and human well-being and health, ecological quality, and urban planning.  

The social impact of the project is based on interdisciplinarity and broad interaction: BIWE combines environmental, medical, psychological, and technical knowledge. As biodiversity supports ecosystems and human well-being, there is a huge need to rewild urban ecosystems.