Risto Virtanen

My research focuses on vegetation and biodiversity of arctic and northern regions, their changes and underlying drivers related to grazing, other land uses and climate change. The studies are based on long-term observational and experimental approaches. Field experiments are ongoing in the tundra areas of northwest Lapland. The research is linked international networks such as Nutrient Network and DarkDiv. The results of the research can be used to assess the threat to species, nature types and ecosystems, as well as in conservation and management.