eLTER PLUS Deliverable D8.6 - Synthesis report on performance of eLTER sites for the Whole System Approach

The main goal of the eLTER PLUS project is to test the emerging eLTER Research Infrastructure while challenging, assessing and strengthening its operations. More specifically, one of the objectives of the eLTER  PLUS project is to test the Whole System Approach (WAILS) at the local and continental scales, focusing on exploring how long-term data of eLTER sites and platforms can provide the necessary holistic understanding of the ecosystem response to environmental and societal change. Here, we evaluated the application of WAILS using data from eLTER Sites and Platforms in different case studies (Tasks 8.1 to 8.4).

In this deliverable, we first summarise the analysis conducted and the results obtained from tasks 8.1-8.4, using a set of variables from different spheres. We found that atmosphere (e.g. temperature and precipitation) and hydrosphere (e.g. dry hydrological year and drought) predictors played a strong role as explanatory variables in the case studies conducted. We also summarise and discuss the lessons learned after working with eLTER data, the current fitness of eLTER RI and the difficulties encountered. Based on our experience with the different case studies, we have identified several key suggestions to improve the application of WAILS. For instance, it is crucial to define a set of mandatory key standard observations (SOs) to ensure consistency and comprehensiveness across different studies. Continuous data collection must be maintained to guarantee an uninterrupted flow of high-quality datasets, ensuring they remain accessible and usable for the research community. Additionally, ensuring spatial-temporal overlap between a broad range of abiotic, biotic, and socio-economic variables is necessary for the thorough implementation of WAILS. Finally, developing standardised workflows for data management, processing, sharing, and integration of legacy data will streamline the application of WAILS using data from eLTER Sites and Platforms. With the tasks carried out in this WP, we believe that being part of the eLTER RI enables unparalleled research excellence, collaboration at the European level, and attracts significant funding opportunities for eLTER Sites and Platforms.