Stimulated by the concern for environmental problems that arose during the 1970s and 1980s, related both to global and national questions of sustain ability, the German government committed itself to advancing ecosystem research as a central component of planning for environment­ ally, economically, and socially sound policies and for resource manage­ ment during the 21 st century. Ecosystem research has been promoted at institutions spread throughout the country and that are favorably struc­ tured to conduct interdisciplinary studies. Research funding is derived from both the federal union and state governments. Results from the research programme at several of these institutions are summarized in this volume: 1.