معرفی
Dr. Gijs Steur is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science and serves as Curator and Focal Point of the Botanic Gardens. His work bridges plant ecology, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services, with a focus on tropical forests.
- Curator at Utrecht University Botanic Gardens
- Assistant Professor in Plant Diversity and Ecosystem Services at Quantitative Biodiversity Dynamics (QBD)
- Project lead for 'Project Peperpot' in Suriname
- Scientific advisor for Trésor Foundation and board member of Van Eeden Foundation
Research interests center on quantifying plant diversity's socio-economic value through ecosystem services, particularly in Suriname's tropical forests. His work addresses 'plant blindness' through empirical studies, digitization of historical datasets (e.g., Teunissen vegetation surveys), and creation of the Peperpot Nature Park vegetation map.
He supervises student research at Utrecht University, coordinates fieldwork in Suriname, and collaborates with institutions like the National Herbarium of Suriname and Naturalis Biodiversity Centre. His 2021 publication in Ecological Indicators demonstrates how NTFP abundance negatively correlates with woody species richness but reveals 'NTFP oligarchs' driving resource availability.
Teaching spans courses from Evolution & Biodiversity to Tropical Plant Families, emphasizing taxonomy, fieldwork, and biodiversity education. He develops curricula to train plant professionals and combat 'plant blindness' through experiential learning.
