Anna Kowalska

Dr. hab. Anna Kowalska is a Professor at the Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN), where she works in the Department of Geoecology. She has been affiliated with the Institute since 2002, earning her PhD in Earth Sciences (Geography) in 2008 and habilitation in 2018. Her research focuses on the interactions between human activities and natural ecosystems, particularly in river valleys.

Dr. Kowalska's educational background includes:

• Master's studies (1996-2001) at Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Inter-faculty Study of Environmental Protection, with thesis on "Analysis of environmental changes in the Vistula River valley between Warsaw and Płock in the 19th and 20th centuries"

Her primary research interests encompass geobotany, transformations of plant communities, human activity in river valleys, Geographic Information Systems, nature conservation, environmental education, and ecosystem benefits. She has conducted extensive research on riparian ecosystems, particularly focusing on the Vistula River valley, examining how flood regulation, land use changes, and human interventions affect vegetation dynamics and ecosystem services. Her work bridges theoretical ecology with practical applications for spatial planning and environmental management.

Dr. Kowalska's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on ecosystem services assessment across various landscapes, with particular attention to urban green spaces, riparian forests, and historical land use impacts. She frequently collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to assess the potential of different ecosystems to deliver multiple services simultaneously, examining provisioning, regulating, and cultural services across postglacial regions to urban environments.

Her scientific contributions include:

• Numerous monographs on ecosystem services of Polish forests
• Studies on the impact of human activities on vegetation dynamics
• Research on invasive species in riparian forests
• Assessments of historical land use impacts on current ecosystems

Dr. Kowalska has been involved in significant research projects, including statutory research on environmental changes, EU projects on spatial planning, nationwide mapping of invasive species, and studies on the impact of historical charcoal production. Her work on the Vistula River valley ecosystems has provided critical insights for conservation and management practices.