Naturarum

Naturarum is a transdisciplinary initiative and network dedicated to the study, documentation, and preservation of natural systems and their processes. The name signals an emphasis on multiple natural orders rather than a single notion of nature. The initiative seeks to link ecological science, Indigenous knowledge, and policy to sustain biodiversity, ecosystem services, and resilience to environmental change across scales from local to planetary.

Origins and structure: Naturarum was founded in 2012 by a coalition of universities, field researchers, and Indigenous organizations. It operates a global data platform and regional hubs, coordinating through a rotating governance council. Funding comes from a mix of research grants, institutional memberships, and partnerships with governmental and non-governmental bodies.

Activities: Core activities include the Naturarum Atlas, an open-access portal that aggregates biodiversity records, habitat maps, and long-term monitoring data; standardized data collection protocols; collaborative restoration projects; and policy briefings. The organization also supports education and public engagement through exhibitions and citizen science programs.

Impact and reception: Naturarum is cited for advancing data sharing and cross-disciplinary collaboration in conservation science. Critics have raised concerns about governance transparency and the inclusivity of decision-making, while supporters point to its role in informing policy and practice.

See also: biodiversity informatics; ecosystem services; conservation science.