Introductory conference: on the relevance of protected areas for the research on conservation ecology: from fundaments to applications

Regarding the present rate of species extinction, preservation of biodiversity has become a prerequisite to achieve sustainable development. Among major challenges an urgent need in research in biological conservation is required to reach this goal. Protected areas deserve special importance due to their relevance for development of research both in fundamental and applied ecology. This papers aims at making a critical review of possibilities and priorities in conservation ecology in these areas. To cite this article: F. Ramade, C. R. Biologies 326 (2003). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]