The negative impacts of invasive plant species constitute a global challenge, resulting in substantial environmental and economic costs. Vachellia reficiens, an invasive woody species, is increasingly affecting grazing lands and rangeland ecosystems in northern Tanzania; however, its impacts, uses, and management remain poorly documented. Significant concerns regarding the spread, impact, and establishment of invasive species have been raised by local communities and government, with a particular focus on their environmental, agricultural, and economic impacts. This study investigated the perception of the pastoral community regarding the impacts of V. reficiens on their livelihoods and social well-being in the Maasai rangelands of Tanzania. Household interviews were conducted with 124 randomly selected respondents from five purposively selected villages within the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area. Data collected covered demographic characteristics, awareness of the species, perceived drivers of its spread, impacts, uses, participation in control activities, knowledge gaps, and interest in learning. Awareness of V. reficiens was high (88.7%), primarily acquired through direct observation. Climate change was ranked as the main driver of the spread (p < 0.001). Reported impacts included reduced grass availability (44.1%) and declining biodiversity (39.3%), while perceived effects on livestock and soil were minimal. Reported uses of the species were both beneficial and negligible. Participation in control activities was low, with 85.5% of respondents having never participated, although interest in learning management approaches was high (69.1%). These findings indicate high awareness but limited management action, underscoring the need for targeted education, participatory control strategies, and the integration of local and scientific knowledge in rangeland management. Key words: Community perceptions, invasive species, participatory management, rangelands, Vachellia reficiens.

This study examines the complex and enduring connection between natural resource wealth and the continuation of conflict in Sudan. Focusing on oil, gold, and fertile land, the study investigates how these resources have not only fueled internal conflicts but also attracted foreign intervention, reshaping Sudan's geopolitical identity. Drawing on historical records, academic literature, and contemporary case studies, the paper analyzes how resource extraction has been employed to finance authoritarianism, guerrilla movements, environmental degradation, and the displacement of native peoples. It is critical of the role played by state and non-state actors, foreign governments, and transnational corporations in fueling conflict and inequality in the guise of economic growth. The results indicate a trend of elite capture and institutional failure that subverts resource governance, deepens social cleavages, and makes peacebuilding more difficult. The research concludes that sustainable peace in Sudan is attainable only if there is a paradigm shift towards inclusive, transparent, and conflict-sensitive natural resource management that is underpinned by domestic reforms and responsible international action.                                                                                                       Key words: Sudan, natural resources, conflict financing, oil, gold, arable land, resource governance, armed groups, geopolitics, foreign intervention, peacebuilding, elite capture, multinational corporations, conflict-sensitive management.

The species richness of tropical dry forests is heterogeneous. To prevent species exploitation, a 3 km barrier was constructed within the tropical dry forest of the RAMSAR site in 1991. Theoretically, the area inside the fence should be the best preserved, with a greater number of species expected. To determine whether the fence influenced woody species richness, 20 transects (0.01 ha each) were established on both sides of the fence. Woody species with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 1 cm were recorded. Non-parametric estimators, such as sampling effort, bias, precision, accuracy, and the U Mann-Whitney test, were used for data analysis. A total of 77 and 80 species were quantified inside and outside the barrier, respectively. The most species-rich plant families were Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Cactaceae, Rubiaceae, and Burseraceae. Chao 1 and ACE estimators most closely approximated the actual observed species value, with a sampling effort exceeding 92%. Jackknife 1, Chao 1, Chao 2, and ICE showed the least bias, with higher precision and accuracy. The U Mann-Whitney test revealed no significant differences in species richness between the sampled sites inside and outside the fence.   Key words: Bias, precision and accuracy, conservation fencing, natural protected areas, non-parametric estimators, sampling effort.

The advent of molecular tools such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has significantly enhanced our ability to assess and monitor diverse ecosystems. eDNA metabarcoding, combined with High Throughput Sequencing (HTS), involves the analysis of genetic material dispersed in the environment, enabling its extensive sequencing. This technique offers a powerful and complementary approach to traditional species identification methods, including taxonomic identification and barcoding. It is particularly important in marine environments, where sampling and taxonomic analysis often requires considerable time and specialized expertise. This review provides an overview of key metabarcoding studies conducted in the Apulian region (southeastern Italy), aiming to offer a state-of-the-art background useful for future research. The Apulian region, rich in biodiversity, contains many ecologically and commercially significant habitats and species, some of which are endangered. Molecular studies, therefore, could represent a turning point in the routine assessment and management of these habitats. All the scientific papers in which metabarcoding techniques have been successfully applied in Apulia were summarized and discussed. Despite the region’s 1,040 km of coastline, the marine environment remains poorly investigated using these molecular approaches, highlighting a crucial priority for future research. Finally, this review serves as baseline knowledge critical for planning future eDNA metabarcoding studies and as a foundation for optimizing protocols and procedures to standardize workflows. By identifying current limitations and emphasizing key strengths, this work supports the development of robust experimental designs, ensuring that future results will effectively contribute to the management and protection of natural environments.   Key words: Biomonitoring, ecosystem disturbance, environmental DNA, environmental protection, marine ecology, Mediterranean Sea. 

Human disturbance in forest ecosystems poses a significant threat to biodiversity conservation. However, agroforestry systems, offer hope for biodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural production. Despite this potential, the roles of various agroforestry systems in conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem services are poorly understood. In this study, tree species diversity was investigated, and conservation implications were assessed in the three different agroforestry systems compared to natural forests. Sampling was conducted using parallel transects, establishing fifteen plots each measuring, 20 m × 20 m at 100 m intervals within cocoa, coffee, and cashew agroforestry farmlands. Similarly, fifteen plots each measuring, 20 m × 20 m were marked at 100 m intervals along three parallel transects in the natural forest. The findings revealed a significant reduction in tree species diversity between the agroforestry farmlands compared to natural forests. The findings also indicated a similarity in plant species in the different agroforestry farmlands and compared to the natural forest. Although agroforestry farmlands do not fully substitute for natural forests, they still support a notable amount of tree diversity, contributing to biodiversity conservation within agricultural landscapes. These findings have important implications for the sustainable management of tropical agricultural production landscapes.   Key words: Biodiversity, conservation, deforestation, agroforest, ecosystems.

The study was conducted from May 2022 to March 2023 on the Comoe and Iringou rivers in Comoe National Park. Its aim was to assess the physico-chemical parameters and ecological stress levels of these rivers. The results show that both rivers have fewer ecological pollution parameters, with average pH values close to neutral (6.8 to 7.3). The average dissolved oxygen recorded in these streams over the two seasons indicates a level of oxygenation favorable to aquatic life. The assessment of the level of ecological pollution reveals moderate pollution at the sites studied, with the exception of Kafolo and the Ecological Research Center. Principal component analysis shows two categories of stations on the Comoe River: Kafolo station is characterized by high electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids, and the Ecological Research Center and Ganse stations by high pH and temperature. On the other hand, the stations on the Comoe River contrast with those on the Iringou River, with higher values for physico-chemical parameters.   Key words: Comoe National Park, Comoe and Iringou rivers, physico-chemical parameter, spatio-temporal, ecological pollution.

Wetland ecosystems and the fisheries that depend on them are vital to the survival of million individuals in poor nations. Although this habitat is contracting because of heavy pressure brought on by the expansion of the population and the increase of human activity in Cameroon. Yet it is crucial to evaluate the management practices used to ensure its durability. In this study, we look into wetland stakeholders' perspectives. Therefore, it is important to assess the management to make a strategic suggestion for the formulation of a national strategy. Totaling, 277 individuals were interviewed from the Rio del Rey, Ebogo, Barombi, and the Cameroonian portion of Ntem wetlands, and Dschang's municipal lake. The samples were taken utilizing a structured questionnaire between 4 February and 20 July 2001, when fishing was at its peak. Results show that 95.6% of management actors believe that this ecosystem is significant and valuable (χ2=21.965; ddl = 15; P=0.015); furthermore, the results show that 86.7% of respondents are unaware of any laws or other legal instruments that are currently in effect. From one site to another, there were substantial differences in how local management committees were seen (χ2=27.29; P<0.05). Additionally, various institutional issues discussed include the following: weak institutional cooperation (28%)> inadequate legislative policy (24%)> conflicts of interest (21%)> inadequate funding (18%)> lack of political will on the part of the authorities (6%%)> inadequately qualified people (3%). The study also shows that Cameroon's wetland suffers from a lack of adequate restrictions. Consequently, it is essential to implement wetland management strategy.   Key words: Wetlands, national strategy, sustainable management, perception, Cameroon.

The objective of this study is to assess the energy budget of crop production in the Niyamgiri hill agro-ecosystems, exploring the interdependency between agricultural systems and natural forest ecosystems. The cultivated area is categorized based on different cropping patterns, with four prevalent agriculture practices in the villages: (i) shifting cultivation (Podu) in high hill areas, (ii) mid-hill orchards below the Podu area, (iii) home gardens adjacent to habitations, and (iv) valley cultivation near stream beds. Distinct differences in energy input and output values were observed among the various cultivation types and villages in the Niyamgiri hill ecosystem. Hill agriculture relies significantly on the surrounding forest ecosystem and serves as a major energy consumer. The energy dynamics data reveal that biomass from the forest plays a crucial role in the material flow of the village ecosystem. This is evident through its contribution to minor forest products, firewood, small timber (poles) and bamboo. These village ecosystems rely entirely on biomass for fuel and fodder, highlighting their dependency on the nearby forest. Examining import and export figures for various food items indicates that tribal village ecosystems are open and partially independent. Achieving sustainable production requires an interdisciplinary approach, with collaboration between the agriculture, horticulture, and forest departments. Enhancing animal resource output has the potential to improve socio-economic productivity. Furthermore, value addition to agriculture and horticulture products in villages can boost the local economy and livelihoods, reducing dependency on natural resources in the region.   Key words: Agroecosystem, energetics, horticulture, natural resources, forests, Dongaria, tribal, villages.