We introduce an initiative to assess and compare landscape changes related to human activities on a global scale, using a single
group of invertebrates. The GLOBENET programme uses common field methodology (pitfall trapping), to appraise assemblages
of ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in visually-similar land-mosaics (urban-rural gradients). Carabids were selected as the
focal taxon as they are sufficiently varied (both taxonomically and ecologically), abundant and sensitive to the environment.
However, work on other taxa is comparable with the GLOBENET framework. The continuum of decreasing human pressure
from city centres into the surrounding countryside was selected to represent human-caused disturbance for this initial stage of
GLOBENET because these gradients can be found virtually all over the world. Through the broad-scale assessment envisioned
in the GLOBENET programme, we seek to separate general, repeated effects on biodiversity from those that depend on local
environments or particular biotic assemblages. Based on this understanding we aim to develop simple tools and protocols for
assessing ecological effects of human-caused landscape changes, which could help to sustainably manage landscapes for biodiversity
and for human requirements. For instance, the response of different functional groups of carabids to these landscape
changes may help guide management practices. Further GLOBENET developments and information are available at our website:
http://www.helsinki.fi/science/globenet
