Biosphere Reserve Research Articles

Development of management effectiveness indicators and their evaluation for Cu Lao Cham-Hoi an biosphere reserve in Vietnam

Vietnam has 11 Biosphere Reserves (BRs) designated by UNESCO where evaluation of management effectiveness plays an important role to promote sustainability for these areas. We propose a set of indicators suitable to Vietnam’s social-ecological conditions based on the IUCN concepts of management effectiveness and the consultation dialogues with relevant BR stakeholders. This set includes 58 indicators, 20 headline indicators according to 6 management elements of BR: Context, Planning, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Outcomes. Management effectiveness value is divided into 5 levels (0, 25, 50, 75, 100) and thereafter categorised into 4 ranges according to the corresponding value (Very low: 0–25 points; Low: 25–50 points; Average: 50–75 points; High: 75–100 points) with the higher the value, the greater the effectiveness. Based on the indicators, we evaluated the management effectiveness of Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An BR (designated in 2009). The results of evaluating management effectiveness for this BR have determined that the overall management effectiveness for the whole BR is 78.2 out of 100 scores, equivalent to high management effectiveness. Results for management elements: element 1 (Context-85.8 score), element 2 (Planning-83.5 score), element 3 (Inputs-73.4 score), element 4 (Process-76.3 score), element 5 (Outputs-68.3 score) and element 6 (Outcomes-81.9 score). Although the indicators presented a useful analysis of management effectiveness in this particular case, owing the diversity of BRs in Vietnam in terms of socio-ecological conditions, total area, governance model and administration, caution should be applied in the treatment and/or selection of these indicators for all BR cases and the 58 indicators should be used as a guide for each specific BR.

Integrating social network analysis and cartography: the case of fire management in a Mexican biosphere reserve

ABSTRACT Over the last two decades, researchers from different fields have placed increasing attention on the relationship between social networks and space. Despite this growth, these studies mostly failed to consider one of the core elements of spatial analysis: cartographic visualization and interpretation. This study shows how integrating cartographic representation can deepen the understanding of the structure of spatial social networks. It focuses on the case of fire management activities in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve in Southern Mexico based on data obtained from diverse local, municipal, state and federal level authorities. First, the paper analyses the connections between actors and their relation to spatial distance through structural social network analysis. Second, a geographic information system integrates the network in maps to revise the relation between its structure and the study area’s geography. It outlines the relevance of considering geographic features, particularly from physical geography, in analyzing social structures.

Integrating local knowledge into public policy instruments for enhancing restoration: A study case from western Mexican tropical dry forest

Local knowledge (LK) is often overlooked in the decision-making process during landscape restoration process. In this study, we focus on the Zicuirán-Infiernillo Biosphere Reserve as a case study. We propose a framework to incorporate LK into public policy instruments for implementing restoration interventions in Mexican protected natural areas (PNAs). Through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and informal talks, conducted with residents from two communities located in the buffer zone and the border area of the reserve, we gathered valuable insights regarding the following: (1) the inhabitants' LK of the ecology and contributions of tropical dry forest, (2) the socioeconomic and environmental issues identified by these communities in their localities, (3) ecological and socioeconomic actions suggested by the residents to recover the forest or halt its degradation, and (4) the role of institutions and local organizations in restoration and conservation processes. Our findings indicate that residents recognized changes in species distribution and identified native trees that are tolerant to drought. Moreover, they acknowledged the beneficial contributions provided by forests, including climate and water cycle regulation, oxygen supply, and raw materials. Local people also demonstrated their awareness of environmental and socioeconomic issues and proposed activities to reverse vegetation cover loss and halt forest degradation. While reforestation emerged as the primary solution for forest recovery, assisted natural regeneration and natural regeneration were also suggested. Based on our results, we propose a framework that emphasizes a robust knowledge exchange among stakeholders, for facilitating the inclusion of LK in an ecological restoration-based education program. It is crucial for Mexican public policy instruments operating in PNAs to consider local knowledge to enhance the effectiveness of ecological restoration.

Sustainable meaningful learning through the tree of knowledge: a teaching project for Nepal

Introduction: The climate crisis and social justice are at the focus of UNESCO's 2030 Agenda, which presents 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as a roadmap for the preservation of the planet. From the educational field, its achievement can be promoted through the design of educational projects that promote sustainable meaningful learning (SML) hand in hand with learning for social justice (LSJ). In this context, an innovative teaching practice was developed in 2021-22 using biosphere reserves in Nepal, in which students from the International Primary Education Teacher Degree Program designed teaching materials to be offered to nearby primary schools in Nepal, close to the selected biosphere reserve. Methodology: The students built knowledge models based on conceptual maps about the selected biosphere reserve, creating teaching units with activities aimed at students in Nepal. A tree of knowledge was also designed that summarized the joint project as a metacognitive tool for sustainable meaningful learning. Results: For the evaluation, a double rubric was used that analysed both the oral defence of the project and the different sections of the UD, and personal reflections were analysed, as well as the learning results and motivation. Discussion: Sustainable meaningful learning together with learning for social justice and the didactic tools that were used are very valid methodologies to stimulate international cooperation and promote meaningful, autonomous, motivating and sustainable learning.

Land cover object change monitoring and environmental suitability confirmation in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve of Vietnam

ABSTRACT The study examined the core, buffer, and transition zones within the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve in Vietnam to assess changes in five land cover categories (water surface, cropland, vacant land, residential land, and forestland) between 2018 and 2022. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate water quality using three indicators (normalized difference turbidity index, normalized difference chlorophyll index, total suspended solids) and air quality using four indicators (nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone) for the 2022 data. Land cover change analysis and monitoring of water and air quality indicators were conducted using the Google Earth Engine platform, employing Sentinel-2 imagery for land cover and water quality assessment and Sentinel-5P images for air quality assessment. The findings revealed correlations between changes in land cover and water and air quality indicators within the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve. While occasional instances of values surpassing permissible limits were noted, the average values over the 12-month period in 2022 indicated that water and air quality indicators remained within acceptable thresholds. These results suggest effective preservation efforts in the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, indicating no significant signs of degradation.

Mapping forest phenological shift in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats: Response to climate change

In the present study, the spatiotemporal alterations in phenological metrics were analyzed in different forest types of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), Western Ghats, India with special reference to the impacts of changing climate on the forest phenology over two-phase periods (Phase 1: 2001–2010 and Phase 2: 2011–2020). Three phenological measures including the start/end/length of the season (SOS/EOS/LOS) were obtained using 16 days of MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) dataset over the two decades. The study exhibited a gradual delay in SOS during phase 1, and an advancing SOS during phase 2 in the tropical forests of NBR. Delayed EOS was observed in all forest types in NBR barring Moist Deciduous Forests (MDF) during phase 1, while opposite trend of advancing EOS was observed in deciduous forests (MDF and DDF: Dry Deciduous Forests), but delayed EOS was observed in evergreen forests (SEF: Semi Evergreen Forests and WEF: Wet Evergreen Forests) during phase 2. These variations in forest phenology are linked with an increase in annual mean temperature (0.01 °C year−1) along with a decrease in annual mean precipitation (3.97 mm year−1) during 1950–2018 as observed using IMD-based meteorological datasets. The results highlighted reduction in the total LOS with a delayed SOS and advanced EOS in NBR, which were prevalent during phase 1 conversely to phase 2 due to the varied intensity of changes in climatic conditions. However, disaggregating decade-long intervals into 5-year segments enables a finer resolution analysis of phenological trends. The study contributes to the development of long-term strategies for forest ecosystem restoration under the influence of global climate change by providing an insightful understanding of the non-systematic shifts in forest phenology attributed by rising warming impacts and erratic precipitation patterns.

Drivers of land use land cover change and livelihood coping strategies in Sheka biosphere reserve; a case of Shato forest, Southwest Ethiopia

It is evident that the means of subsistence of the community have a significant impact on the management of natural resources. This study examined the socio-economic drivers of LULCC and assessed the impacts of such changes on rural livelihoods in Shato forest, southwest Ethiopia. To map the land use and land cover, supervised classifications were used. The data were collected from 358 household heads through semi-structured questionnaires. A logistic regression model was employed to investigate the dependence of rural households on forest resources. LULC analysis results showed that about 308.29 ha of wetland and 3215.6 ha of natural forest were converted to other land use types during the last 30 years. The findings reveal that a household’s education level, household size, distance from the market, total land owned, skills and social network significantly affect their dependency on forest resources. Respondents gave high rankings to covariates such as erratic rainfall (1.70), market price (1.53), low crop output (1.28), and inadequate infrastructure (1.24). These covariates force rural communities of the study area into two major livelihood diversification strategies. These were crop and income diversification. The study comes to conclude that, the extensive and imprudent use of natural resources is a result of changes in livelihood strategies to cope up with the aforementioned shocks. Thus, the decreasing nature of forest resources results in covariate shocks in the study area and needs serious intervention mechanisms to tackle this trajectory of catastrophe.

The impact of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve nomination on the stakeholders perceptions: a qualitative study

The impact of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve nomination on the stakeholders perceptions: a qualitative study

Sustainability of the community model of avocado production in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, Michoacán, México

The avocado is a commodity crop that has generated severe environmental and social impacts in Michoacán, the world’s leading producer. Current studies overlook the diversity of avocado production by focusing on Michocán’s central region, while the regions of a more recent expansion remain poorly studied. We analyzed the model of avocado production in five indigenous communities in the municipality of Zitácuaro that have part of their territory within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. We use the Framework for the Evaluation of Management Systems using Sustainability Indicators to characterize and evaluate the sustainability of the Community Model of Avocado Production (CMAP). Based on 42 interviews with producers, we identified eleven critical points related to environmental (small-scale production; forest conservation; high prophylactic use of agrochemicals; high dependence on irrigation), economic (high crop diversity; low profitability; high yield loss to pests; low economic diversification), and social (high dependence on technical advisors; low dependence on labor force external to the community; few changes in land ownership) aspects of sustainability. The CMAP has productive and socio-political characteristics that represent strengths and weaknesses for its sustainability. The main environmental results suggest that the avocado expansion (2007–2022) in the communities did not involve a change in forest land use. Socially, the CMAP favors the local workforce and facilitates the maintenance of land ownership. The sustainability of CMAP is mostly limited by its economic aspects. With adequate economic support for socially and environmentally sustainable productive practices, the CMAP can improve the local livelihoods while promoting forest conservation.

Assessing the physical vulnerability of the houses to cyclonic hazard and its relation with economic and environmental factors: a study from the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve of India

Assessing the physical vulnerability of the houses to cyclonic hazard and its relation with economic and environmental factors: a study from the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve of India

Dendrogeomorphological analysis of a debris flow in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, central Mexico

Dendrogeomorphological analysis of a debris flow in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, central Mexico

Human-De Brazza’s monkey conflict in Kafa Biosphere Reserve, Kafa Zone South West, Ethiopia

BackgroundHuman-wildlife conflict (HWC) is any interaction between humans and wildlife that arises when wildlife necessities encroach on those of the human population. It affects all areas where animal and peoples cohabit regardless of geography or climatic circumstances; but the burden is great in developing nations. De Brazza’s monkey (DM) (Cercopithecus neglectus) is one of the most unusual species in the group of Old-World monkeys commonly known as guenons. The De Brazza’s monkey is distributed in different parts of African forests from Guinea to Ethiopia. This study was conducted in Kafa Biosphere Reserve, Kafa Zone, South West Ethiopia, to assess the causes of human wildlife conflict in the area. The methods used were, household questionnaire, focus group discussion and direct field observation from June 2022 to May 2023.ResultsThe study revealed that the major causes of human De Brazza’s monkey conflicts were; habitat destruction 52.9%, (n = 72), human proximity to natural forest, 25.7%, (n = 35) and increasing of its population size 8.1 %, (n = 11). These monkeys’ raids crop usually early in the morning 42.6%, (n = 58), and late evening 29.4%, (n = 40). Maize was the most damaged crop by De Brazza’s monkey followed by coffee. The study also confirmed that guarding was the most common method used to protect crops from crop raiding wildlife in the area. Majority 66.2%, (n= 90) of the informants had negative attitude but 22.1%, (n = 30) had positive attitude towards De Brazza’s monkey conservation.ConclusionThe study discovered that, in contrast to olive baboons and grivet monkeys in the area, De Brazza's monkeys were not previously identified as crop raiders; however, they are currently causing damage to crops, especially maize and coffee crops. This could be due to habitat destruction and human proximity to the forest boundary. Thus, the conflict between humans and De Brazza's monkeys is escalating. As such, we recommended more research on the population status of the monkeys and strategies for coexist in the area.

Prevalence of injuries in a Caiman crocodilus chiapasius (Bocourt 1876) population from the South Pacific coast of Mexico

ABSTRACT Crocodilians injuries are indicators of their health and social interactions. We analyzed the prevalence and distribution of injuries in spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus chiapasius) from the Biosphere Reserve of La Encrucijada (BRLE) in relation to the habitat, size, and sex of individuals. We collected data on injuries in caimans captured during nocturnal surveys (2014–2022) in the estuary and swamps of the BRLE. We determined the sex of each caiman, measured their snout–vent length, and registered the type of injury and body region where injuries were detected. From all records, 102 of 301 caimans (33.9%) presented injuries and they were more likely to be injured in the estuary than in the swamps, probably due to the presence of a larger sympatric crocodile species in the estuary (Crocodylus acutus). Sex had no effect on the proportion of injured individuals, but larger caimans have a higher probability of being injured than smaller ones, explained by an ontogenetic change in the individuals’ behaviors. Habitat, sex, and size class of individuals do not influence the number of injuries on different body regions. The tail was the most injured body region (17.6% of individuals), followed by the abdomen (13.0%), back (12.6%), head (9.6%), and extremities (4.0%).

Quality indexes of land ownership and land cover as indicators of small lake catchment degradation

Changes in land ownership, generally resulting in changes in land cover and progressive fragmentation of catchments, often result in the inability to take pro-environmental measures. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of land ownership on the environmental status of small, but environmentally valuable lake catchments. The study of environmental quality in terms of ownership and land cover was conducted in lake catchments located in the central part of the West Polesie Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. In total, the ownership type was determined for 5661 plots and the land cover type was determined for 2502 subdivisions. The quality of the analysed elements of the study catchments was subjected to expert evaluation using a modified Stapel Scale and was presented using two Qualitative Indexes proposed: Land Cover [Lc] and Land Ownership [Lo]. The obtained values of Index Lc ranged from −0.18 to +1.97, and Index Lo from −1.87 to +2.00. Application of the Average Land Quality Index [LQ], in turn, made it possible to randomise the environmental quality of the analysed catchments, for which it was from −1.02 to +1.99 (areas of very good and very poor environmental quality, respectively). The analyses indicated, for example, catchments that were significantly degraded because of a very large number of private plots in their area − in the five analysed catchments, this ranged from 505 to 719 and their average area was 0.19–1.10 ha. It is noteworthy that very unfavourable land ownership conditions and land cover structure were found in the Poleski National Park catchments – the area with the highest protection status. The proposed assessment system can be used for preliminary analysis of actual and potential threats to lake catchments so as to indicate possible directions of conservation measures and their sensibility.

Participatory wildlife films for primate conservation education in Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract Audiovisual media has become an integral part of conservation education strategies, with the potential not only to communicate information but also to impact on its viewers perceptions and attitudes towards a particular subject. Despite this potential, few studies have evaluated either the use of film for primate conservation initiatives or the wider impact of participatory film production. Our study evaluates the impact of a participatory documentary film about historic human-primate coexistence in the Los Tuxtlas region, Veracruz, Mexico, to improve people’s knowledge, perception, and attitudes towards the local primate species, Alouatta palliata and Ateles geoffroyi. Our study took place in six rural localities, in four of which a participatory film-making process was undertaken, involving production workshops and public screenings; two localities were intentionally left out as control groups. People’s knowledge, perception, and attitudes towards primates were assessed through randomized sampling using a questionnaire prior (n = 419) and following (n = 223) the presentation of the documentary. Results indicate a minimal but positive shift in participant’s attitudes and perceptions, with statistically significant increases in primate knowledge scores. While the participatory approach offers promise, further exploration and refinement are essential for effective conservation education. The study highlights the need for diverse and locally based perspectives in developing conservation education materials and programs to foster meaningful engagement and drive primate conservation efforts forward.

Human disturbance upsets the ecosystem resilience and species diversity in Dinder Biosphere Reserve, Sudan

Human disturbance upsets the ecosystem resilience and species diversity in Dinder Biosphere Reserve, Sudan

Wild silk insect of Simlipal biosphere and its molecular genetic diversity for conservation.

Designated silkworms (Antheraea mylitta D.) are found in the Smilipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR) and consist of four ecological groups. This study examined the genetics of eight ethnic groups from four ecological groups (Modal, Nalia, Bogai and Jata) using RAPD and ISSR markers. The RAPD primer produced 127 bands, of which 41 out of 116 polymorphic regions had a PIC value above 0.45. ISSR markers assigned PIC data values to 57 of 127 polymorphic sites. Cluster analysis revealed genetic differences between ecological populations, with markers separating ecological populations into groups. Low testicles and high genetic diversity indicate that these individuals are at different levels. If adequate protection is not provided, the risk of extinction of ecospecies designed in SBR increases. This study shows that the combined use of RAPD + ISSR markers can improve the results of the technology in identifying different diseases in situations where genomic information is limited.

Compliance with MAB-UNESCO Functions and Management Effectiveness Evaluation between 2017 and 2024: Case Study of the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico’s Only State-Run Reserve Belonging to MAB-UNESCO

UNESCO’s MAB Programme promotes a people-centered conservation strategy to strengthen the sustainability of social and ecological systems. However, there exist knowledge gaps regarding its implementation in specific contexts. For this study, a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design was employed. In the first phase, an initial content analysis of the management program of the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (CBR) and the functions of the statutory framework of UNESCO’s MAB program was conducted. This analysis, which was human-driven but facilitated by artificial intelligence tools, underwent rigorous triangulation and expert validation to strengthen the reliability and robustness of the findings. Subsequently, the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT3) was issued to researchers, community members, civil servants, and former civil servants related to the management of the CBR. The 2024 results (n = 15) were contrasted with those obtained in 2017 (n = 15) using a quantitative approach consisting of descriptive, non-parametric, and Bayesian statistical techniques. We identified some problems in the implementation of the MAB-UNESCO Programme in the CBR, mainly due to the outdated management program and lack of effective governance, as well as the lack of understanding of the implications of being a MAB-UNESCO biosphere reserve. A numerical trend of deterioration in the effectiveness of the CBR’s management was detected, with overall ratings of 44.78% and 29.62% in 2017 and 2024, respectively. This was associated with a lack of regulation, weak coordination among key actors, and a progressive reduction in funding. The findings of this study are useful to guide the transition of the CBR towards a conservation model that responds to current problems and contributes to the advancement of knowledge on the implementation of the MAB Programme in specific contexts.

Noteworthy records of Myotis Kaup, 1829 species in northeastern Guatemala, including the first record of M. volans (H. Allen, 1866) (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) from the country

Myotis is the most diverse genus of bats in Central America, with 10 species currently reported for Guatemala. Here, we present the first record of M. volans (H. Allen, 1866), and third record of M. auriculus Baker & Stains, 1955 in Guatemala, both from the cloud forest of the highlands of Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve. This new locality may serve as one of the southernmost habitats akin to North American ecosystems for these two species. Our record of M. volans increases the number of bats in Guatemala to 105. Our findings underscore the importance of further research to understand patterns of biodiversity in Guatemala and Central America.

Characterization of species structure and regeneration patterns under different density gradients in a tropical Sal forest of Achanakmar-Amarkantak biosphere reserve in Central India

Understanding disturbances that are of significant significance requires a critical focus on preventing forest degradation and addressing problems related to vegetation loss. Hence, the primary objective of this work was to examine the structure of species and the patterns of regeneration at various density gradients within the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve in India. This study involved the selection of one closed site (CS) and one open site (OS) from both the Mixed Sal Forest (MSF) and the Pure Sal Forest (PSF). In order to ascertain population structure and regeneration status, plants were classified into seedlings, saplings, and adults based on their Girth at breast height (GBH). The results of our study revealed that the population density of seedlings, saplings, and trees was higher in MSFCS (49250, 980, and 920 ind/ha) compared to PSFCS (41500, 740, 890 ind/ha), MSFOS (16750, 580, and 370 individuals ind/ha), and PSFOS (9750, 180, and 334 ind/ha). Both forests exhibited a reverse-J shaped curve in the CS and an interrupted reverse-J shaped curve in the OS of overall tree species. Nevertheless, the distribution curve at the species level displayed diverse patterns. For instance, Shorea robusta displayed irregular shapes in the OS of both forests, while Terminalia tomentosa displayed a bell-shaped GBH density distribution population curve across all the sites. Differences in regeneration status were observed among different tree species. At the four sites, 18.75% of the species showed good regeneration, 21.87% showed fair regeneration, and a substantial portion, 35.94%, displayed poor to no regeneration. Additionally, 23.44% of the species showed new regeneration. Among these species, Diospyros melanoxylon and Syzygium cumini showed strong regeneration capabilities, while Shorea robusta shown moderate regeneration potential. In the future, the population structure, dominance, and richness of the present tree community may undergo changes. Hence, it is imperative to conduct study on the survival of seedlings and use appropriate management techniques in order to guarantee the long-term viability of the forests.