European topic centre - university of malaga

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Dania Abdul Malak

ETC-UMA DIRECTOR

Dania Abdul Malak

ETC-UMA DIRECTOR


daniaabdulmalak@uma.es

+34 951 952 995



Dania Abdul Malak is a senior environmental researcher and Director of the European Topic Centre at the University of Malaga (ETC-UMA). She has over 15 years’ experience in environmental assessment and management. Her research focuses on setting transferable guidelines to apply ecosystem-based management to nature conservation and biodiversity protection at regional scales, including the Mediterranean and Europe. Her work supports the evidence behind the implementation of different Global, European and Mediterranean Directives such as the EU MSFD, the EU MSP, the EU Habitat Directive, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Coastal and Marine Environment in the Mediterranean, as well as the Ramsar and the Carpathian Conventions.

Dania supports the European Environment Agency (EEA) by developing integrated ecosystem assessment frameworks to evaluate the functional capacity of ecosystems to provide ecosystem services. Furthermore, she coordinates several regional initiatives and participates in numerous international research projects related to her field of expertise. More recently, Dania is supporting the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) in implementing sustainable Development Strategies in Western Asian countries.

She has written several scientific papers and has co-authored many international and regional technical reports and books, namely Adapting to Climate Change- an assessment of Vulnerability and risks to Human Security in the Western Mediterranean basin (Abdul Malak et al., 2017); the European forest ecosystems report (EEA, 2016); European ecosystem assessment – concept, data, and implementation (EEA, 2015), Monitoring Post-fire EVI regeneration in the Eastern Iberian Peninsula using GIS and Remote Sensing in International Journal of Applied Geospatial Research (2016) among others. More on publications are available in the ETC-UMA´s publication section.

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Journal Articles

Identification of Priority Forest Conservation Areas for Critically Endangered Lemur Species of Madagascar

García-Millán, V. E.; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, D.; Oncina, A. Martín; Andrianarimisa, A.; Randriamiharisoa, L. O.; Martorell-Guerrero, G.; Bóveda, A.; Abdul-Malak, D.

Identification of Priority Forest Conservation Areas for Critically Endangered Lemur Species of Madagascar Journal Article

In: Land, vol. 11, iss. 9, no. 1455, 2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Environmental conservation, Forest, Geotechnology, Protected areas

Mapping forest condition in Europe: Methodological developments in support to forest biodiversity assessments

Marín, A. I.; Abdul-Malak, D.; Bastrup-Birk, A.; Chirici, G.; Barbati, A.; Kleeschulte, S.

Mapping forest condition in Europe: Methodological developments in support to forest biodiversity assessments Journal Article

In: Ecological Indicators, vol. 128, 2021.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Ecosystem, Environmental conservation, Forest

Potential contribution of OECMs to international area-based conservation targets in a biodiversity rich country, Spain

Rodríguez-Rodríguez, D.; Sánchez-Espinosa, A.; Abdul-Malak, D.

Potential contribution of OECMs to international area-based conservation targets in a biodiversity rich country, Spain Journal Article

In: Journal for Nature Conservation, vol. 62, 2021.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Ecosystem, Environmental conservation, Marine protected areas, Protected areas

Indicators for mapping and assessment of ecosystem condition and of the ecosystem service habitat maintenance in support of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020

Hatziiordanou, L.; Fitoka, E.; Hadjicharalampous, E.; Votsi, N. E.; Palaskas, D.; Abdul-Malak, D.

Indicators for mapping and assessment of ecosystem condition and of the ecosystem service habitat maintenance in support of the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 Journal Article

In: One Ecosystem, vol. 4, no. e32704, 2019.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Conservation and management, Ecosystem services, Forest, Land and soil, Pressures, Wetlands

Achieving Blue Growth through maritime spatial planning: Offshore wind energy optimization and biodiversity conservation in Spain

Rodríguez-Rodríguez, D.; Abdul-Malak, D.; Soukissian, T.; Sánchez-Espinosa, A.

Achieving Blue Growth through maritime spatial planning: Offshore wind energy optimization and biodiversity conservation in Spain Journal Article

In: Marine Policy, vol. 73, pp. 8-14, 2016.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Blue Growth, Climate Change, Conservation and management, Pressures

Technical Reports

Pathways to coexistence between large cetaceans and maritime transport in the north-western Mediterranean region: Collision risk between ships and whales within the proposed north-western Mediterranean PSSA, including the Pelagos Sanctuary

Fortuna, C.; Sánchez-Espinosa, A.; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, D.; Abdul-Malak, D.; Podestà, M.; Panigada, S.

Pathways to coexistence between large cetaceans and maritime transport in the north-western Mediterranean region: Collision risk between ships and whales within the proposed north-western Mediterranean PSSA, including the Pelagos Sanctuary Technical Report

2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Environmental conservation, Marine protected areas, Maritime transport, Mediterranean sea

An assessment of marine biodiversity protection in the Mediterranean Sea: A threatened global biodiversity hotspot

Rodríguez-Rodríguez, D.; Abdul-Malak, D.

An assessment of marine biodiversity protection in the Mediterranean Sea: A threatened global biodiversity hotspot Technical Report

2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Environmental conservation, Marine protected areas, Mediterranean sea, Protected areas

Mapping and assessment of the state of wetland ecosystems: A Mediterranean perspective

Trombetti, M.; Abdul-Malak, D.; Sánchez-Espinosa, A.; Guelmami, A.; García, N.; Fitoka, E.

Mapping and assessment of the state of wetland ecosystems: A Mediterranean perspective Technical Report

2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Conservation and management, Ecosystem services, Environmental conservation, Mediterranean sea, Protected areas, Wetlands

Marine mega fauna and litter in the Mediterranean: Overview of impacts in MedBioLitter

Sánchez-Espinosa, A.; Abdul-Malak, D.; San-Román, S.; Vera, A.

Marine mega fauna and litter in the Mediterranean: Overview of impacts in MedBioLitter Technical Report

2022.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Environmental conservation, Marine litter, Marine protected areas, Mediterranean sea, Pressures, Protected areas

EU ecosystem assessment - Summary for policymakers

Maes, J.; Erhard, M.; Conde, S.; Rodriguez-Vallecillo, S.; Barredo-Cano, J. I.; Paracchini, M.; Abdul-Malak, D.; Trombetti, M.; Vigiak, O.; Zulian, G.; Addamo, A.; Grizzetti, B.; Somma, F.; Hagyo, A.; Vogt, P.; Polce, C.; Jones, A.; Carré, A.; Hauser, R.

EU ecosystem assessment - Summary for policymakers Technical Report

Joint Research Center (JRC) 2021, ISSN: 1831-9424.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Ecosystem, Ecosystem services, Environmental conservation, Forest, Land and soil, Pressures, Protected areas, Wetlands

SoED 2020 : State of Environment and Development in Mediterranean

UNEP-MAP,; Plan-Bleu,; Abdul-Malak, D.; Marín, A. I.; Schröder, C.; Sánchez-Espinosa, A.

SoED 2020 : State of Environment and Development in Mediterranean Technical Report

2020.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Conservation and management, Environmental conservation, Marine protected areas, Mediterranean sea, Pressures, Protected areas

Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services: An EU ecosystem assessment

Maes, J.; Teller, A.; Erhard, M.; Condé, S.; Vallecillo, S.; Barredo, J. I.; Paracchini, M. L.; Abdul-Malak, D.; Trombetti, M.; Vigiak, O.; Zulian, G.; Addamo, A. M.; Grizzetti, B.; Somma, F.; Hagyo, A.; Vogt, P.; Polce, C.; Jones, A.; Marin, A. I.; Ivits, E.; Mauri, A.; Rega, C.; Czúcz, B.; Ceccherini, G.; Pisoni, E.; Ceglar, A.; de Palma, P.; Cerrani, I.; Meroni, M.; Caudullo, G.; Lugato, E.; Vogt, J. V.; Spinoni, J.; Cammalleri, C.; Bastrup-Birk, A.; Miguel, J. San; San-Román, S.; Kristensen, P.; Christiansen, T.; Zal, N.; de Roo, A.; Cardoso, A. C.; Pistocchi, A.; del Barrio Alvarellos, I.; Tsiamis, K.; Gervasini, E.; Deriu, I.; la Notte, A.; Viñas, R. Abad; Vizzarri, M.; Camia, A.; Robert, N.; Kakoulaki, G.; Bendito, E. Garcia; Panagos, P.; Ballabio, C.; Scarpa, S.; Montanarella, L.; Orgiazzi, A.; Ugalde, O. Fernandez; Santos-Martín, F.

Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystems and their Services: An EU ecosystem assessment Technical Report

Publications Office of the European Union 2020, ISBN: 978-92-76-17833-0.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Ecosystem, Ecosystem services, Forest, Wetlands

Mediterranean biodiversity and marine litter: an interaction knowledge base

Guitart, C.; Abdul-Malak, D.; Sánchez-Espinosa, A.; Valverde, C. Pérez; Bigagli, E.; San-Román, S.

Mediterranean biodiversity and marine litter: an interaction knowledge base Technical Report

2020.

Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Marine litter, Marine protected areas, Mediterranean sea, Pressures

Towards 2020: how Mediterranean countries are performing to protect their sea

Gomei, M.; Abdulla, A.; Schröder, C.; Yadav, S.; Sánchez-Espinosa, A.; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, D.; Abdul-Malak, D.

Towards 2020: how Mediterranean countries are performing to protect their sea Technical Report

2019.

Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Conservation and management, Environmental conservation, Marine protected areas, Mediterranean sea, Pressures, Protected areas

Presentations

Impact assessment of major pressures on Earthworms in Europe. Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative in Dijon

Aksoy, E.; Abdul-Malak, D.; Gardi, C.; Fons, J.

Impact assessment of major pressures on Earthworms in Europe. Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative in Dijon Presentation

01.12.2014.

Links | BibTeX | Tags: Biodiversity, Land and soil, Pressures, Soil functions

Collaborative science for forests by ETC-UMA  showcased in Slovenia during the COP23

Collaborative science for forests by ETC-UMA showcased in Slovenia during the COP23

As UNEP MAP partner organization, ETC-UMA recently engaged in the organization of a session with Mediterranean institutions under the topic of climate change, entitled: From COASTAL to FOREST ecosystems: Mediterranean Nature-based Solutions to tackle climate change and ensure the Resilience ...
Job opening: Senior Specialist in Forest ecosystem conservation and climate resilience

Job opening: Senior Specialist in Forest ecosystem conservation and climate resilience

ETC-UMA is opening a vacancy to recruit a highly motivated and well qualified candidate to work as a Senior Specialist in Forest ecosystem conservation and climate resilience. This position seeks to consolidate ETC-UMA´s working area in forest conservation research through ...
Tools for conserving the Spanish coast

Tools for conserving the Spanish coast

On the initiative of the Instituto Universitario Hábitat Territorio y Digitalización (iHTD) of the University of Malaga, around 70 representatives of Spanish public administrations, researchers, architecture and environmental science players and civil society signed up to the second debate on ...
Best wishes to all from ETC-UMA

Best wishes to all from ETC-UMA

Warm wishes and all the best for 2024 Looking back at 2023, we celebrate the steps forward in conserving some species and wish the same for those still threatened in 2024. Nuestros mejores deseos para 2024 Celebramos los avances logrados ...
GreenEye System: a cloud-based system to monitor wetlands in Andalusia

GreenEye System: a cloud-based system to monitor wetlands in Andalusia

Developed in the frame of the LifeWatch INDALO project cofinanced by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the study of biodiversity and global change in Andalucia, GreenEye System, this new cloud-based monitoring system, provides useful tools for wetlands’ assessment, ...
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