Protected Areas Research Articles

Optimal Environmental Siting of Future Wind Turbines in the North Sea.

Offshore wind energy (OWE) represents a key technology for achieving a sustainable energy transition. However, offshore wind farms (OWFs) can impact the environment via installation, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning activities together with the raw materials and energy required for their manufacturing. This study assesses the material and carbon footprint of potential OWF locations in the North Sea for various possible future technology developments. We find that better sitings could save up to ∼0.11 kg (∼65%) of steel, ∼ 0.16 g (∼31%) of copper, and ∼6.44 kg (∼26%) of embodied CO2-eq per MWh of electricity produced compared to the status quo setups. Nearshore regions of the North Sea, particularly the eastern and northwestern areas, have the lowest CO2-eq per MWh of electricity produced due to favorable wind resources. Developing an OWF in the central North Sea requires more copper and aluminum due to large distances to shore and thus incurs higher embodied CO2-eq per MWh. These areas also overlap with several protected areas and thus remain the least favorable for OWE development. The future emergent OWE technological developments for 2040 such as the installation of larger turbines with an extended lifetime alone could, on average, lead to reductions of ∼0.06 kg in steel demand (∼35%), ∼ 0.15 g in copper demand (∼31%), and ∼10.97 kg of CO2-eq (∼41%) per MWh produced. Future OWFs incorporating these technological developments, when placed in the most suitable locations, have the potential to substantially lower OWF environmental impacts across the full turbine life cycle.

Protected areas and conservation of biodiversity

Conservation of our biodiversity needs protected areas which are included among the largest types of land use allocation. These cover more than 10% of the global land area and nearly 2% of the oceans. Some of these are regarded as sacred places as well as sources for food and other natural resources. Many are now known as spots of recreation and scenery. All these areas have been selected on a scientific basis followed by well-organized management practices. The area of these has increased much lately but we still need to fill the gaps. These are expected to serve humanity by safeguarding nature, particularly our biodiversity. If we succeed in making humans understand the economic and social values of biodiversity and role of protected areas, we may succeed in bringing down the threats not only in the protected areas but also our surrounding environment.

PROTECCIÓN DEL LITORAL HONDUREÑO, CAMBIO CLIMÁTICO Y SALUD DEL ARRECIFE MESOAMERICANO

The Honduran coastline, with its rich marine biodiversity and position as part of the Mesoamerican Reef, faces serious threats from climate change, pollution, and unsustainable economic activities. This paper examines Honduras’ protected areas, wetlands, and coastal-marine ecosystems, highlighting their environmental importance and critical conservation challenges. It addresses the impacts of illegal fishing, coral bleaching, and poor solid waste management, proposing integrated policies and strategies to mitigate these issues. Community participation, along with effective environmental governance, is essential to protect these vulnerable ecosystems and ensure their long-term sustainability.

Size and canopy characteristics of community reserves determine primate occupancy in the state of Meghalaya, India, and implications for its conservation.

Globally, the effective protected area network is one of the last resorts for conserving biodiversity. The nature of protected areas depends on the land ownership of the respective countries including India. The landholding in the northeastern states of India remains with native people, thus, 'Community Reserve' (CR) was introduced in 2003. Considering the high number of CR in Meghalaya that are home to many threatened primates, understanding their role in conserving the primates was crucial. We conducted day and night trail surveys in 32 CR of Meghalaya, and a questionnaire survey of local people for their perception of primates. We sampled basal area, tree density, canopy cover, canopy height, bamboo density, and human activity in each CR to test their influence on the occupancy of primates. We recorded the Western hoolock gibbon Hoolock hoolock, capped langur Trachypithecus pileatus, Northern pig-tailed macaque Macaca leonina, Assamese macaque Macaca assamensis, Rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta, and Bengal slow loris Nycticebus bengalensis. The primate richness and abundance were higher in the CR of Garo Hills than in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. The gibbons had the highest patch occupancy, which was followed by capped langur, Assamese macaque, and pig-tailed macaque. Large-sized CR determined the occupancy of gibbons and Assamese macaques. Canopy cover positively influenced the occupancy of three primates except the Assamese macaque, whereas the canopy height had a positive association with three species of primates. The basal area, and tree density, negatively affected the occurrence of Assamese macaque, northern pig-tailed macaque, and capped langur. Macaques were the most hunted primates. The differential occurrence and abundance in different hill systems may be due to hunting and habitat size rather than habitat quality. Habitat restoration would improve the habitat quality with the involvement of communities to assist in retaining and avoiding the local extinction of primates.

Ecological dynamics in Banksia aemula woodlands following widespread, anthropogenic wildfires on a world heritage listed island (K'gari), Australia

AbstractThe increased severity and frequency of wildfires are a growing threat to biodiversity globally posing a complex challenge for the management of protected areas. K'gari, a World Heritage‐listed sand barrier island located off the coast of Australia, was extensively burnt in wildfires in 2019 and 2020. Banksia aemula low open woodland (BALOW) is a fire‐adapted ecosystem, and Banksia aemula is the dominant vegetation type on the island. This research explored interactions between vertebrate fauna and flora species richness and structure after fires in the BALOW habitat. We employed camera trapping and vegetation surveys to estimate species richness and habitat structure. We detected 28 fauna and 56 plant species, including two vulnerable species. Fauna species richness differed between sites; the site with the most intense, extensive, and recent fire had the lowest fauna species richness and mammal species richness. In contrast, the site with lower intensity and more frequent historical fires had the highest fauna diversity. The long unburnt site had higher overall tree diversity and reduced shrub diversity. This research further highlights the need for evidence‐based fire management in protected areas and the risk that large‐scale and/or high‐intensity fires may pose to biodiversity even within fire‐adapted ecosystems.

Assessment of Artificial Light at Night Across Geographical Features in the Sicilian Coastal Zone

This study investigates the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) along the Sicilian coasts, using satellite data from 2016 to 2023, focusing on three distinct spatial domains: terrestrial areas within 1 km from the coastline, marine areas extending up to 1 km offshore, and marine areas up to 1 nautical mile from the coast. In coastal zones, ALAN is a significant anthropogenic pressure with potentially detrimental effects on ecosystems. By integrating satellite data with geographic datasets such as Corine Land Cover (CLC), Natura 2000 protected areas, and Posidonia oceanica meadows, this study aims to characterize and analyse the temporal and spatial variations in ALAN across these domains. The findings reveal substantial differences in light pollution between domains and over time, with coastal terrestrial areas exhibiting the highest levels of ALAN. In contrast, marine areas further offshore experience reduced light pollution, particularly within the 1-nautical-mile domain. This study also indicates that protected areas, especially those within the Natura 2000 network, show significantly lower ALAN levels than non-protected areas, highlighting the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Statistical analyses, including ANOVAs, demonstrate that factors such as geographic domain, year, province, and CLC classes significantly influence ALAN distribution. This study advocates for considering ALAN as a critical factor in environmental impact assessments, such as those under the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSP) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), providing valuable insights to support policies aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of light pollution on coastal and marine ecosystems.

Heterogeneous conservation corridors of remnant vegetation protect biodiversity in South African timber mosaics

AbstractIt is urgent now to place greater emphasis on harmonising conservation of indigenous biodiversity with food and fibre production. This is especially important in countries like South Africa which support high levels of irreplaceable biodiversity. The local timber industry has responded to this challenge by retaining large-scale networks of conservation corridors of historic ecosystems in the forestry landscape. The corridors consist mostly of grassland, with patches of indigenous forest, thickets, wetlands, ponds, and rivers. The motivation is to future proof compositional and functional biodiversity for ecological resilience in these production environments in a rapidly changing world. We synthesise here the substantial evidentiary research on the effectiveness of conservation corridors in plantation forestry-dominated landscapes in the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot. We focus on six emergent themes: 1. corridor dimensions, orientation, and connectivity, 2. heterogeneity at different spatial scales, 3. maintaining aquatic and terrestrial habitat quality in the conservation corridors, 4. biodiversity value of conservation corridors relative to protected areas, 5. the plantation matrix, and 6. assessment of corridor network performance. Results show the importance of prioritising large, high quality conservation corridors, especially those with a high number of natural features and variety of environmental conditions, both terrestrial and aquatic. Alien clearing, grazing control, and appropriate fire regimes should be prioritised in these corridors. Where possible we need to retain, restore, or replicate the natural ecological regimes. Overall, this conservation approach in commercial forestry landscapes helps to conserve indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, improves connectivity across afforested landscapes while also having sustainable timber production, thereby safeguarding the resilience of these working landscapes well into the future.

Cumulative Impact Assessment of Development Projects Around Campo-Ma'an National Park in Cameroon

This study assesses the extent to which cumulative impacts are considered when evaluating the environmental and social impacts of development projects in proximity to a protected area. The applicability of the Sorensen and Rau method for evaluating these impacts was also investigated. The methodological basis of this study is the content analysis of eight environmental and social impact assessment reports. These reports were assessed using an assessment grid divided into six blocks of questions. This grid was developed on the basis of good practice and implemented through exchanges with key stakeholders. It was also implemented in accordance with the four stages recommended by Sorensen and Rau. The results demonstrate that Block 1, which pertains to the role of the Campo-Ma'an National Park in the study, has a level of consideration of 79%. Block 2, which pertains to the analysis of the impact of the projects on the Park, was considered to a degree of 81%. Block 3, which addresses the consideration of cumulative impacts on the Park, was addressed to a limited extent, at 52%. Block 4, which pertains to public participation, has a compliance rate of 47%. Block 5, which pertains to the integration of the Environmental and Social Management Plan, was considered to the extent of 67%. Block 6 addressed 47% of the cumulative impacts on the park in the Environmental and Social Management Plan. The findings of the Sorensen and Rau method indicate that the component associated with great ape populations remains of significant value, with a criticality score of 19.52. Those components associated with the park's surface area, ecological corridors and habitat remain at an average criticality value of 11.4, 11.1 and 10.22, respectively. This suggests that the park's valued components could suffer from the cumulative effects of the various projects, particularly those associated with great apes. The study revealed that projects do not systematically integrate cumulative impacts due to a dearth of data, and that this shortcoming could be addressed through a combined matrix and network approach. It would be more prudent to consider the digitization of systems in relation to impact analysis at a time when digital technology is optimizing systems.

Birdwatching as an Alternative for Forest Conservation

Objective: The main objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between birdwatching and biodiversity conservation in Ecuador, with a focus on protected areas. Theoretical Framework: Concepts such as the importance of protected areas, ecosystem services, and biodiversity as strategic assets for development are explored. Additionally, theories on sustainable tourism, ecotourism, and birdwatching as tools for raising awareness about conservation and generating income for local communities are considered. Method: An exhaustive review of the scientific literature was conducted to establish a solid theoretical framework and contextualize the study. Furthermore, document analyses, such as management plans and public policies, were carried out to understand the institutional and regulatory framework of birdwatching in Ecuador. Results and Discussion: It can be concluded that birdwatching is a fun and educational way to enjoy the beauty and richness of wildlife, and at the same time can be a valuable tool for forest conservation and the sustainability of local communities. It is an attractive and sustainable alternative for those seeking a way to enjoy nature without disturbing it and at the same time contributing to its conservation. Implications of the Research: The implications of this research are broad and far-reaching. By demonstrating the relationship between birdwatching and biodiversity conservation in Ecuador, the study highlights the potential of nature tourism as a powerful tool to promote the protection of ecosystems and generate socioeconomic benefits for local communities. Originality/Value: The originality and value of this research lie in its contribution to demonstrating the viability of birdwatching as an effective tool for biodiversity conservation in Ecuador.

Towards Biocultural Conservation of Chilean Palm Landscapes: Expanding Perspectives from Historical Ecology

The Chilean palm (Jubaea chilensis) is an endangered and culturally important species from central Chile. We studied the Ocoa palm landscape (OPL), which is currently part of a protected area that harbors the largest Chilean palm population where local peasant practices have been excluded and conflict with biodiversity conservation strategies. We explored how human–landscape relationships over time have shaped present conditions and the implications for biocultural conservation. Methods included a review of archaeobotanical and historical records, and a qualitative study focused on local peasants’ perspectives. We reported the uses of J. chilensis and the OPL since pre-Hispanic times. For the last 400 years, these uses have involved important differences between landowners and local peasants in terms of power dynamics, access to the land, and intensity of use. The current palm landscape structure directly responds to past human activities, such as palm felling and agriculture. Also, we explain peasant practices linked to the OPL as ways of resisting cultural homogenization and marginalization associated with reductive conservation approaches and other presses and pulses. Chilean palm conservation can be improved by considering ecological legacies to inform future conservation strategies and adding a biocultural approach that respectfully integrates local peasant knowledge systems and worldviews.

A Review of Grouper Fisheries Management in the Southeastern and Caribbean U.S.: Challenges, Successes, and Future Directions

Groupers (Epinephelidae) are ecologically important mesopredators that support valuable fisheries across the globe. Many groupers display slow growth and maturity, high longevity, ontogenetic habitat shifts, spawning-related migrations and aggregations, and protogynous hermaphroditism, which make them susceptible to overexploitation. In this review, I synthesize available information related to the management of grouper fisheries across the southeastern and Caribbean U.S. I highlight current management challenges, such as managing multispecies reef fish fisheries with growing recreational fishing effort. I discuss management interventions with limited success, such as establishing marine protected areas to improve the populations of groupers that display protogynous hermaphroditism. I also highlight management successes, such as recovering historically depleted grouper stocks, and ecosystem-based considerations in grouper stock assessments. I discuss how climate change and anthropogenic effects are expected to affect groupers. Lastly, I provide examples of stakeholder involvement in monitoring and management efforts directed at grouper stocks. The purposes of this review are to demonstrate the complexities of managing grouper fisheries and provide a road map for future research and conservation efforts into these economically and ecologically relevant fishes within and beyond the region.

Hiking trails extending from high elevations aid further spread of alien plant species in subalpine and alpine zones

Hiking trails, as anthropogenic linear habitats in highly protected mountain areas, allow the spread of alien plant species. Here, we focused on hiking trails extending away from high-elevation ropeway termini in Japan and assessed whether alien plant species that invaded the termini (i.e., trail heads) have spread along the trails. We recorded alien plant species along hiking trails leading from ropeway termini on seven mountains and analyzed the plant characteristics that influence their occurrence. The number of alien plant species along the trails and the number of records of their occurrence were positively affected by the number of species around the trail heads, and were negatively affected by the elevation of the trail head. A species-level analysis indicated that the number of records of each species’ occurrence on trails was higher with the presence of each species around the trail head, with perennial life-span, and with a smaller seed mass. Our results show that hiking trails leading away from high-elevation ropeway termini can spread alien plant species up to a distance of ca. 700 m into alpine communities. This study provides evidence of the role of hiking trails in the spread of alien plant species into subalpine and alpine zones.

Methodology for assessing the geoheritage of the western part of the North Pokutia Upland

An objective assessment of unique geological and geomorphological formations as objects of geoheritage is a necessary requirement for developing conservation measures. A number of methodologies for evaluating and determining the recreational value of geological and geomorphological objects have been developed by both foreign and ukrainian researchers. Prominent researchers in the development of geoheritage and geodiversity assessment methods include Reynaud (Reynard, Brilha, 2018; Reynard, Coratza, 2013), Brilha (Brilha, 2016), Zouros (Zouros, 2007), Ferrero (Ferrero et al., 2012), Fassoulas (Fassoulas et al., 2012), Asrat (Asrat et al., 2012), Grey (Grey, 2013), Pereira (Pereira et al., 2013), Rocha (Rocha et al., 2014), and others. The essence of these methodologies lies in assessing geoheritage objects according to certain criteria based on the functional significance of the object. The listed researchers propose various numbers (ranging from 4 to 7) and lists of criteria, among which the most important are scientific, educational, and ecological-conservation. The criteria include a number of sub-criteria (sub-indices) and a general scoring system (from 1 to 10). Our research is based on the methodological developments of the aforementioned authors. We propose a qualitative-quantitative methodology for assessing abiotic nature objects. The qualitative assessment involves a general scientific description and justification of the objects in terms of their compliance with the criteria for belonging to geoheritage. The quantitative assessment of the objects involves defining clear criteria, ranking them, and assigning corresponding weight scores. In the study, the following criteria are used: scientific, educational, aesthetic, conservation, cultural, and recreational. Each criterion encompasses three sub-criteria that specify its essence. According to the logical set of indicators, the sub-criteria assess the geological and geomorphological objects on a five-point scale. The maximum score is assigned to the best or most favorable indicator. The characteristics of the objects and assessment indicators are obtained as a result of their passportization (standardized description of objects in kind) and the summarization of information from open sources. The methodology for assessing geoheritage has been tested on 10 objects located in the western part of the North Pokutia Upland. These include nature monuments and reserves: Boryvetska, Kadubivska Cliff, Sovytskyi Level, Vasylivski Waterfalls, Doroshivets Waterfall, Tovtrivska Cliff, Pioneer Cave, Mytkivska Cliff, Onutskaya Cliff, and Balamutivska Cave. The highest assessment scores were obtained by Balamutivska Cave, Onutskaya Cliff, Mytkivska Cliff, Kadubivska Cliff, and Doroshivets Waterfall. The use of the qualitative-quantitative assessment methodology for abiotic nature objects allows for an objective justification for granting conservational status (protected area, nature monument) to the most valuable geological and geomorphological formations in a specific natural or administrative region, taking into account the characteristics of the object of study and the natural features of the area being researched. The significance of the conservational status of a valuable abiotic nature object (whether of national or local importance) should be justified based on the total score of its value. Key words: geoheritage; geodiversity; geoheritage assessment methods; assessment criteria.

Making space and taking space: exploring the crowding experiences of people using wheeled mobility devices in parks

ABSTRACT When parks and protected areas become busy, crowding concerns arise. Existing studies suggest that the negative aspects of crowding may not be experienced equally, particularly for those who may already encounter challenges navigating public spaces. This study utilized interpretive phenomenology to explore how people who use wheeled mobility devices (e.g. wheelchairs, scooters and adaptive bikes) experienced the phenomenon of park crowding. Seven women completed semi-structured interviews in parks of their choice or using Zoom video conferencing. Three themes related to navigating space in crowded parks were developed. Themes include taking up more space than ‘others,’ using your body and device to make space and navigating unpeopled space. This study concludes that crowding complicates social and physical navigation for participants and enhances awareness of their bodies in the spaces they occupy. Findings and practical recommendations shared in this study provide park planners and managers with new insights into the crowded park experience.

Development of the regulatory framework for landscape architecture

Good regulation is anchored on sound professional basis, guarantees quality and protects heritage, while leaving room for design creativity and public interest. This review of the regulatory system for landscape architecture over the last 40 years aims to show how far these guarantees have been achieved. Landscape architecture as a technical and scientific discipline is subject to engineering regulations and legislation related to several areas of heritage protection. The legal instruments for the scope of tasks of the profession, which is diverse and multiscale, are presented in terms of the strategic framework, the spatial, local and architectural-technical planning, the protection of natural and cultural heritage as well as the regulatory system for the professional license.

Exploring the driving factors of bird diversity in mangrove natural protected areas in Guangdong Province, China

IntroductionUnder the impacts of high intensity human activities, mangrove natural protected areas are pivotal strategies for biodiversity conservation and play a significant role in preserving bird diversity. Mangrove natural protected areas in Guangdong Province, China, lie along the migratory path of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, serving as breeding, feeding, and resting grounds for birds. Variations in bird responses to environmental factors are significant.MethodsTo comprehensively understand these variances, redundancy analysis was employed, focusing on bird diversity surveys conducted from March 2022 to February 2023 in natural protected areas of Guangdong to examine how driving factors such as mangrove habitat landscape, community structure, water quality, and soil sedimentation affected the diversity of avian species.ResultsThe findings were as follows: (1) A total of 193 bird species spanning 17 orders and 53 families were documented, including 74 songbirds, 60 wading birds, 27 swimming birds, 17 climbing birds, 10 raptors, and 5 terrestrial birds. (2) Regarding the impact of simple effects on all bird species, aquaculture pond area, mangrove extent, and mudflat area emerged as significant factors driving bird diversity, with explanatory rates of 31.0%, 28.9%, and 20.3%, respectively. Notably, the aquaculture pond area was the main driver of bird diversity, with an explanatory rate of 31.0%. (3) Mangrove extent has emerged as a pivotal factor shaping the songbird diversity, climbing birds, raptors, and terrestrial birds, whereas the aquaculture pond area was pivotal for wading birds, swimming birds, and others.DiscussionTo enhance mangrove bird diversity protection, management agencies overseeing natural mangrove protected areas should adopt science-based approaches when managing mangrove, mudflats, and aquaculture pond areas in mangrove forest protection and restoration plans. This would prevent extensive mangrove planting, which encroaches on non-mangrove habitats. Additionally, the scientific management of aquaculture ponds should accommodate diverse bird habitats through measures, such as water level adjustments.

Integrated Methodological Approach for the Balance Between Conservation and Traditional Use in a Protected Area

Protected Natural Areas often impose restrictions that require a delicate balance between conservation and the traditional uses upheld by local communities. This study presents a novel integrated methodological approach using anthropo-natural landscapes as the primary unit of analysis. The methodology evaluates natural suitability for various appropriate uses within the protected area, considering legal compatibility, environmental sustainability, socioeconomic benefits, and technical-financial feasibility. Our case study of the Pico Azul – La Escalera Environmental Protection Zone reveals that 59.2% of the territory is primarily suited for conservation activities, 38.3% for the rehabilitation of degraded areas, and only 2.5% for extensive livestock farming and rainfed agriculture. Additionally, 24% of the area, comprising mainly non-degraded sectors, is designed for the sustainable use of non-timber forest resources. Furthermore, alternative tourism is identified as a viable secondary use in 10.2% of the most preserved landscapes. This research underscores the importance of a comprehensive and balanced approach to managing protected areas, ensuring both conservation goals and the livelihoods of local communities are met.

Elasmobranch Conservation in India: Assessing Threats and Strategies for Sustainable Management

Elasmobranchs, a group that includes sharks, rays, and skates, play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as apex predators and benthic regulators. However, they face significant threats that jeopardize their populations and overall biodiversity. Major threats include overfishing, bycatch, habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change. Overfishing, driven by high demand for shark fins and ray gills, alongside unregulated fishing practices, has led to drastic declines in many species. Bycatch in commercial fisheries further exacerbates their vulnerability. Additionally, habitat destruction due to coastal development and pollution impacts their breeding and feeding grounds. Climate change contributes to shifts in ocean temperature and acidity, affecting elasmobranch physiology and distribution. Effective conservation strategies are essential to address these threats and ensure the sustainability of elasmobranch populations. Key measures include implementing and enforcing sustainable fishing practices, creating marine protected areas, reducing bycatch through improved fishing gear, and enhancing global cooperation for conservation efforts. Addressing these threats requires a multifaceted approach involving scientists, policymakers, and local communities to safeguard the future of elasmobranch species and maintain the health of marine ecosystems.

Identifying the Key Protection Areas of Alpine Marsh Wetlands in the Qinghai Qilian Mountains, China: An Ecosystem Patterns–Characteristics–Functions Combined Method

The alpine marsh wetlands in the Qilian Mountains of Qinghai (QMQ) are under constant threat from the effects of climate change and human activities. Identifying the key ecological protection areas (KEPAs) of marsh wetlands is the prerequisite for formulating protection strategies and executing spatial planning programs. The current study developed a novel method to identify the KEPAs of marsh wetlands by following the ecosystem pattern–characteristics–functions (EPCFs) combined method and the ecological source–ecological corridor–ecological node research paradigm. More specifically, an evaluation system for ecological resistance was constructed by integrating the drivers of EPCFs in the marsh wetlands. Additionally, the marsh wetland degradation disturbances were analyzed through the drivers of EPCFs incorporated with a field survey. The findings indicated the following: (1) The marsh wetlands had a total water yield of approximately 3.96 × 108 m3. The soil conservation rate and habitat quality per unit area were calculated to be 52.92 t·hm−2·a−1 and 0.992, respectively, with higher values observed on the southern bank and lower values on the northern bank of the river in the QMQ. (2) The KEPAs for the marsh wetlands covered a total extent of 996.53 km2 in the QMQ, encompassing 40 ecological sources, 39 ecological corridors, and 40 ecological nodes, predominantly located in the river source regions. (3) The KEPAs were restructured into an ecological framework comprising two ecological axes, four ecological belts, four ecological cores, and multiple nodes in the QMQ. In response to the factors contributing to the degradation of marsh wetlands, adaptive measures including prioritizing natural restoration, modifying grazing strategies, executing ecological restoration projects as a minimum, and designating protected areas have been recommended. This research could contribute to enhancing the efficiency of regional territorial planning and offer a theoretical foundation for improving the ecological protection framework of regional marsh wetlands.

Conservation Under Siege: The Intersection of Tourism and Environmental Threats in Croatian Protected Areas

This paper investigates the illegal activities that may negatively impact the environment in Croatia’s protected areas, particularly those associated with tourism. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and sensitivity analysis are used to identify distinct high-risk activities specific to different park types. Coastal parks are found to be particularly vulnerable to maritime-related illegal activities, with high risk exposure from mooring vessels and swimming in prohibited areas. These parks also face significant risks from illegal fishing and the capture of strictly protected plants and animals, highlighting the need for enhanced marine ecosystem protection. Mountainous and forest parks face significant risks from fire-related activities, while wetland parks are sensitive to poaching and illegal fishing. Additionally, diverse landscape parks show increased vulnerability to littering, poaching, and the collection or harvesting of strictly protected plants and animals. The results underscore the necessity for tailored risk-management strategies that prioritize interventions based on park-specific challenges. By addressing the unique vulnerabilities of each park type, this study contributes insights into mitigating environmental threats posed by tourism and emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management in protected areas.