![Dictmanus albus [(c) Christian Ristok]](/im/1401451667_284_0.jpg "Dictmanus albus [(c) Christian Ristok]")
Conservation of steppe ecosystems in southern Siberia
The subproject “vegetation and steppe restoration” of the interdisciplinary KULUNDA project (www.kulunda.eu ; funded by the BMBF) has two major objectives: 1) assessing composition, distribution and carbon sequestration potential of the non-crop vegetation types, and 2) developing and testing guidelines for steppe restoration measures. The existing information on vegetation cover and land use in the Kulunda steppe region will be updated and integrated as part of a vegetation map. We also aim to compile a biological trait database for key steppe plants (essential for restoration trials). Our final aim is to upgrade and improve available restoration techniques for steppe ecosystems as well as, together with the stakeholders, the test and fine-tuning of specific measures for the Kulunda steppe.