Conservation Community Research Articles

THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANGROVE FOREST ECOTOURISM IN PASAR BANGGI, REMBANG REGENCY

Mangrove forests are one of the most productive ecosystems, located in tropical and subtropical coastal waters and river estuaries. Mangroves provide benefits to humans and the environment by providing shelter for brackish water organisms such as fish and shrimp. Pasar Banggi Mangrove Forest in Rembang Regency has a geographic location with a geographical position of 6º41'52.45 "- 6º41'52.66" LS and 111º23'19.80"-111º23'20.01" East. The Pasar Banggi area experienced a 353-meter coastline setback due to abrasion. This has resulted in degradation. Given the importance of the function of mangrove forests, it is appropriate to take serious measures to reduce the effects of degradation. One possible utilization effort is through mangrove conservation activities. An appropriate alternative to mangrove conservation to be developed in Pasar Banggi is the development of the ecotourism sector. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the community and the development of mangrove ecotourism in the Pasar Banggi Mangrove Forest area. The method used in this research is convergent parallel mixed-method. Data collection methods using interviews and FGDs with relevant stakeholders. The results showed that the Pasar Banggi mangrove forest ecosystem was classified as the best ecosystem condition along the Pantura Line. Conservation efforts and community participation in suppressing mangrove degradation in Pasar Banggi Mangrove Forest is the establishment of the Sido Dadi Maju Farmer Group which is fully responsible for mangrove management and mangrove ecotourism development in Pasar Banggi Mangrove Forest.

Community‐based rainwater harvesting management: A lesson from best rural practices

AbstractWater is human life's most important natural gift to achieve health and wealth. The study attempts to trace the rural community‐based best practices to achieve water harvesting through an explanatory research and survey method. The study realized that there are various practices for water conservation in rural communities, especially in hilly regions, which enjoy numerous benefits. India has community‐based practices, including Artificial Lakes, Pani‐kheti, Kuhls, and a bamboo‐based drip irrigation system. In this study, data were collected through a questionnaire, and the benefits of community‐based water management in Dang, a district of Gujrat, India, were assessed. The case studies have revealed how water problems have been solved through community participation. It can be seen from Dang's case studies, which are also in line with the reviews of related literature, that his efforts have only had some success. The rural people, predominantly tribal, are facing a resource crunch and water crisis, and through community partnership, they can achieve desirable outcomes with the government's support. The study found that rural people have achieved cost efficiency and revenue benefits from cooperative strategies.

A case for stronger integration of physical landscape processes in conservation science and practice.

I argue that the dynamic nature of contemporary, landscape-shaping (geomorphic) processes deserves more consideration in conservation science and practice. In an analysis of a sample of fundamental terms related to geomorphology and area-based conservation in the Web of Science, I found that the terms co-occurred in <2% of the analyzed entries (titles, abstracts, and keywords) from 2000 to 2020. This result is indicative of the rather peripheral attention that, more broadly, landscape-shaping processes seem to receive in the conservation literature. Among conservation scientists and practitioners, landforms that define the physical structure of habitat are often perceived as largely static, whereas the consideration of their dynamic adjustments to geomorphic processes is often limited to extreme events. I use examples derived from river-floodplain environments to illustrate strong, multifaceted, and reciprocal interactions between biota and various erosional and depositional processes. These ubiquitous interdependencies clearly demonstrate that geomorphic processes are an integral part of ecosystem dynamics at time scales relevant for conservation. Crucially, erosional and depositional processes modulate many environmental impacts of past and current anthropogenic activities. I conclude that the absence of a more explicit and widespread consideration of geomorphic processes in conservation science and practice is surprising and detrimental to their effectiveness. I call for bolstered efforts among the conservation and geoscience communities to better integrate landscape dynamics within the field of conservation. The rise of the ecosystem-based and social-ecological systems approaches to conservation and the growth of interdisciplinary geoscience branches (e.g., biogeomorphology, ecohydraulics, and geoconservation) will facilitate such an integration.

Sociocultural learning theories for social-ecological change

A long history of theory exists to underpin our understanding of how to engage individuals and communities in more effective environmental conservation and sustainability practices. Yet rarely do we delve deeply into sociocultural theories of learning, which help demonstrate how learning and action are fundamentally intertwined in our interactions, our societies, and the world around us. To our detriment we ignore this compelling, well-grounded, and robust body of empirical and theoretical evidence. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and other pressing social-ecological issues intensify, the key to stemming and solving the greatest challenges of our time requires engaging individuals and communities. In this theoretical paper, we attend to the history and underpinnings of sociocultural theories of learning and their implications for environmental literacy, in particular, collective environmental literacy. We also discuss how such underpinnings are important to understand when pursuing carefully designed, actionable, and effective sustainability solutions.

Barriers and corridors: Assessment of gene flow and movement among red panda populations in eastern Himalayas

Landscape features can impede dispersal, gene flow, and population demography, resulting in the formation of several meta-populations within a continuous landscape. Understanding a species' ability to overcome these barriers is critical for predicting genetic connectivity and population persistence, and implementing effective conservation strategies. In the present study, we conducted a fine-scale spatial genetic analysis to understand the contemporary gene flow within red panda populations in the Eastern Himalayas. Employing geometric aspects of reserve design, we delineated the critical core habitats for red pandas, which comprise 14.5 % of the landscape (12,189.75 Km2), with only a mere 443 Km2 falling within the protected areas. We identified corridors among the core habitats, which may be vital for the species' long-term genetic viability. Furthermore, we identified substantial landscape barriers, including Sela Pass in the western region, Siang river in the central region, and the Dibang river, Lohit river, along with Dihang, Dipher, and Kumjawng passes in the eastern region, which hinder gene flow. We suggest managing red panda populations through the creation of Community Conservation Reserves in the identified core habitats, following landscape-level management planning based on the core principles of geometric reserve design. This includes a specific emphasis on identified core habitats of red panda (CH-RP 5 and CH-RP 8) to facilitate corridors and implement meta-population dynamics. We propose the development of a comprehensive, long-term conservation and management plan for red pandas in the transboundary landscape, covering China, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Perceptions and linkage of indigenous community in conservation of sacred natural sites in Assam, Northeast India

Perceptions and linkage of indigenous community in conservation of sacred natural sites in Assam, Northeast India

Exploring the connotation of “Local Community” in ICOMOS discourse: a textual analysis based on authoritative documents

As an authoritative institution in cultural heritage conservation, ICOMOS plays a crucial role in guiding local communities’ participation in heritage conservation. However, its scattered and vague descriptions of local communities pose significant obstacles to further research and practice of community participation in heritage conservation. Given the increasing importance of local communities in heritage conservation, it is essential to systematically explore the connotation of Local Community connotations within ICOMOS discourse. This research employs Natural Language Processing methods to analyze ICOMOS’s descriptions of Local Community. Utilizing computational techniques of word frequency calculation, LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) topic model keyword calculation, and hierarchical clustering calculation, the research uncovers relevant keywords and its thematic clusters of Local Community. These findings are further elucidated by aligning them with the principles outlined in authoritative documents of ICOMOS. The research indicates that ICOMOS’s descriptions of Local Community can be summarized into four main keywords families. These keywords families can be summarized as a comprehensive Local Community “three-level, four-family” keywords system. The “Tourism” keywords family exhibits a close association with Local Community, highlighting ICOMOS’s heightened emphasis on heritage tourism. The “Management-Development” keywords family occupies the second level, emphasizing fundamental principles for local communities’ participation in heritage practices. The “Traditional-Knowledge” and “Social-Economic” Keywords Families, situated in the third level, respectively describe the value attributes and conservation approaches of local communities. Each keywords family formed over different periods, exhibiting varying trends of development. By systematically integrating ICOMOS’s descriptions of Local Community and employing Natural Language Processing for in-depth exploration, This research aims to construct a cognitive understanding of local communities from a new perspective of quantitative text analysis, with the intention of providing theoretical references for subsequent research on local communities.

Unveiling the avian community structure, habitat preference, and conservation concerns in the sal forest of central bangladesh

A study on avifaunal diversity was conducted in Bhawal National Park, Gazipur, Bangladesh, from November 2020 to October 2021 using direct field observation. The study area was divided into five sites based on the habitat structure. A total of 138 bird species and 1,808 individuals were directly counted, representing 17 orders and 49 families. The order Passeriformes and the family Cuculidae had the highest number of species. During the winter season, the richness, abundance, and diversity was the maximum (116 species, 1132 individuals, H= 4.151, Ds= 0.976), with resident bird surpassing migratory species. Among the five study sites, the deep forest area exhibited the greatest number of bird species (75 species, H= 3.983, Ds= 0.975) and trees were the used microhabitat for the birds (101 species, 1521 individuals, H= 4.1, Ds= 0.977). Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striata) had the maximum relative abundance and the ten most abundant species constituted 36.7% of total individuals. A total of 25 habitat generalist species was observed using more than one habitat during the study, while the rest were found in single habitat. Among all the bird species, 136 were Least Concern, one was Near Threatened, and one was Data Deficient. Based on the observation status, it was determined that the majority of bird species (97 species, 70.28%) were classified as few, while 25 species (18.11%) were as uncommon, 12 species (8.69%) as common, and 4 species (2.89%) as very common. The area was noted for its widespread use for recreational activities, and the disturbance caused by visitors lacking awareness poses a significant threat to the local bird population and biodiversity.&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 33(1): 1-21, 2024 (January)

Harnessing impact evaluation to build evidence in upstream conservation initiatives

The conservation community needs to improve the quality and quantity of evidence to address urgent and complex environmental challenges. The growth of Upstream Conservation Initiatives (UCIs) such as those designed to eliminate deforestation by shifting consumer or corporate behavior, exemplify the tension between the urgency to act and the need to build evidence to enable progressive improvements in implementation. These initiatives—often led by non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—are rarely evaluated rigorously in terms of their causal effect on intended outcomes, contributing to the evidence deficit. Impact evaluations have been useful tools to analyze effectiveness and build evidence in other fields. However, they are seldom used in the conservation field broadly or in UCIs specifically. To help practitioners involved in UCIs make better use of these tools, we introduce the field of impact evaluation, its core concepts, and how it contrasts with and complements traditional performance measurement approaches. Using these concepts, we propose a guidance process which can be used by practitioners at the project design phase to weigh tradeoffs and consider the most appropriate impact evaluation methodologies. We then use this guidance process to analyze two UCIs implemented by an NGO in Indonesia. Through these case studies we show how impact evaluation concepts could have been employed in project design to improve implementation and promote progressive learning, even if actual impact evaluations were infeasible. We conclude by proposing recommendations on how implementers, donors, and academia can build off these ideas to improve learning and strengthen the evidence base.

Tweeting Trends: Unmasking the Birds of Madurai South, Tamil Nadu, India

Wetlands, acting as complex ecosystems bridging aquatic and terrestrial habitats, play a vital role in avian conservation. Despite the extensive use of bird communities in biodiversity conservation, there is a notable lacunae in baseline data, particularly for common avian species. This study aims to address this knowledge gap, providing a foundational dataset for avifauna in the wetlands of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The survey conducted from January 2022 to December 2023 covered five wetlands: Madakulam, Thenkarai, Koothiyarkundu, Avaniyapuram, and Samanatham. A total of 151 species belonging to 55 families have been observed during the study period. The results highlight the prevalence of Passeriformes, with 51 species. Among the study sites, Samanatham recorded the highest species count, with 124 species, while Thenkarai site recorded the lowest with 82 species. Analysis of feeding guild revealed a diverse range of feeding habits, with 36% being insectivores. The analysis of relative abundance showed that 55% of the population is common (C), and concurrent analysis revealed 64% as residents and 27% being winter visitors. Notably, eight “Nearly threatened” such as Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus, Osprey Pandion haliaetus, Bar Tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Black Tailed Godwit Limosa limosa, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Spot Billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, Black Headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus and three “Vulnerable” species, such as the River Tern Sterna aurantia, Greater Spotted Eagle Clanga clanga and Indian Spotted Eagle Clanga hastata, were observed. Throughout the study period, the months of March and April recorded the highest number of individuals across all study sites. A noticeable correlation between the abundance of microhabitats within the wetlands and the concentration of individuals was observed in the Madakulam site. In conclusion, this study serves as a critical step in addressing the dearth of baseline data for avian diversity in Madurai's wetlands. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of ecological dynamics and provide essential information for effective conservation strategies. To ensure a comprehensive approach in safeguarding the delicate balance within wetland ecosystems, ongoing monitoring will extend to environmental conditions, vegetation dynamics, other biotic resources, and potential threats to the avifauna.

Towards the development of a standardized method to monitor lakeshore hydromorphological restoration measures

Abstract Lakes host a high level of biodiversity, especially in their littoral zone, and provide various ecological and socio‐economic services. Lake ecosystems are impacted by a combination of pressures from different human activities (industry, hydroelectricity, agriculture, recreational activities, domestic and urban uses). Anthropic pressures can lead to alterations and dysfunctions in lakes, particularly in the littoral zone. The 2000 EU Water Framework Directive led to considerable efforts to improve the ecological status of European water bodies. However, in France, measures implemented by lake managers to counteract, limit or suppress anthropogenic impacts are still poorly identified. Moreover, their effects on hydromorphology, physico‐chemistry and biotic communities are often only partially reported (the monitoring being incomplete or heterogeneous, if not missing). This paper proposes a framework to harmonize the monitoring of habitat improvement actions conducted in the littoral zone of lakes. The monitoring method is presented as well as the sampling protocols and techniques set out to survey both the restored and control zones at the European French territory scale. Long‐term monitoring of hydromorphological, biological and physicochemical features is expected to improve our understanding of recolonization mechanisms following restoration. The proposed approach will therefore guide practitioners to identify the best restoration options and ultimately contribute to the conservation of recipient populations and communities.

Environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility: A review of case studies from the oil and gas sector

This review presents a comprehensive review of case studies focusing on environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the oil and gas sector. The oil and gas industry plays a pivotal role in global energy production, yet its operations often pose significant environmental and social challenges. In response, companies in this sector are increasingly embracing environmental stewardship and CSR principles to mitigate negative impacts and foster sustainable practices. The review examines a diverse range of case studies from various regions and contexts, highlighting both successful initiatives and notable challenges faced by oil and gas companies in integrating environmental stewardship and CSR into their operations. Key themes explored include environmental conservation efforts, community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, regulatory compliance, and technological innovation. Several case studies demonstrate innovative approaches adopted by oil and gas companies to minimize environmental degradation, such as implementing advanced technologies for emission reduction, investing in renewable energy projects, and restoring ecosystems affected by exploration and extraction activities. Moreover, successful CSR programs are showcased, emphasizing community development initiatives, education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvement projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for local populations impacted by oil and gas operations. However, challenges persist, including balancing economic interests with environmental and social responsibilities, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and addressing stakeholder concerns effectively. Despite these challenges, the case studies underscore the importance of proactive engagement, transparent communication, and continuous improvement in fostering environmental stewardship and CSR within the oil and gas sector. The review offers insights into best practices, lessons learned, and future directions for promoting sustainability and responsible business practices in the oil and gas industry, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on corporate environmental responsibility and societal impact mitigation.

Agriculture-driven deforestation in Ecuador's Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve: The farmers' perspective

Tropical rainforests serve as invaluable global carbon stocks with long-term climate mitigation potential and important ecosystem functions and biodiversity. Recent scholarship has identified agriculture as the main driver of tropical rainforest deforestation worldwide, yet effective policy action needs to understand why farmers continue to clear land, beyond broad-brush attributions of blame. This study highlights the constellation of social forces that drive deforestation in a subsection of the Mache Chindul Ecological Reserve (REMACH) in northwest Ecuador. Rather than simply assuming that farmers are either indifferent to or ignorant of the effects of deforestation, we highlight the perspective of farmers themselves as they reflect on, both, their relationship with other key actors and the broader contextual factors informing their own land-use decisions. We surveyed 70 rural households using a 45-question data collection tool, conducted semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders such as local conservation practitioners and community elders, employed participant observation and reviewed government documents.We find that colonist farmers who live in and around the REMACH clear land because they view doing so as their most reliable means of securing a livelihood for themselves and their children in a context of political and economic hardship and uncertainty. A history of government incentives to clear land, a deeply ambiguous land tenure system, and a sudden influx of externally-funded conservation NGOs to the region have all contributed to exclude farmers from the decision-making process, while simultaneously exacerbating the conditions that make deforestation farmers' most practical option—despite their awareness of its environmental impact. The data underscore that locals are, in fact, highly invested in the idea of conserving a healthy environment for future generations, but are nonetheless driven to act against this interest by their own precarity. By helping governmental and non-governmental conservation practitioners better understand farmers’ land-use decisions, the study reframes the latter group not as the problem, but as vital future partners.

Genetic structure and diversity of semi-captive populations: the anomalous case of the Asian elephant

Wild species living in captivity are subject to loss of genetic diversity, inbreeding depression, and differentiation among populations. Only very few species have been under human care for centuries but have not been selectively bred, have free-ranging movements most of the time, and retain porous barriers to gene flow between wild and captive populations. Such captive populations are expected to retain high levels of genetic diversity and anthropogenic factors should result in a limited genetic differentiation from wild populations. Asian elephants have been trained and used by humans for at least 4000 years as war animals, mounts of kings and draught animals. In Myanmar and Laos, elephants are still being used for hauling timber in the forest while retaining traditional management practices including seasonal release, free mating and movement. However, habitat fragmentation, isolation and reduced gene flows are threatening both semi-captive and wild pools. We genotyped 167 semi-captive elephants from Laos and Myanmar using a panel of 11 microsatellite loci to estimate the genetic diversity and population structure. We found that elephants of both countries presented high levels of genetic diversity and a low degree of inbreeding, if any. This agrees with the expected high level of genetic diversity in semi-captive populations. We found a weak differentiation along a geographical gradient from southern Laos to northern Myanmar but no differentiation between wild-caught and captive-born pools. The potential value for conservation of a large population of semi-captive elephants has been recognized but the conservation community has yet to fully explore the potential role semi-captive elephants could play in maintaining gene flows.

Transcriptome data analysis provides insights into the conservation of Michelia lacei, a plant species with extremely small populations distributed in Yunnan province, China.

Michelia lacei W.W.Smith (Magnoliaceae), was classified as a Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations (PSESP) by the Yunnan Provincial Government in both action plans of 2012 and 2021. This evergreen tree is known for its high ornamental and scientific value, but it faces significant threats due to its extremely small population size and narrow geographical distribution. The study aims to understand the genetic structure, diversity, and demographic history of this species to inform its conservation strategies. The analysis of transcriptome data from 64 individuals across seven populations of M. lacei identified three distinct genetic clusters and generated 104,616 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The KM ex-situ population, originating from Longling County, exhibited unique genetic features, suggesting limited gene flow. The genetic diversity was substantial, with significant differences between populations, particularly between the KM lineage and the OTHER lineage. Demographic history inferred from the data indicated population experienced three significant population declines during glaciations, followed by periods of recovery. We estimated the effective population size (Ne) of the KM and OTHER lineages 1,000 years ago were 85,851 and 416,622, respectively. Gene flow analysis suggested past gene flow between populations, but the KM ex-situ population showed no recent gene flow. A total of 805 outlier SNPs, associated with four environmental factors, suggest potential local adaptation and showcase the species' adaptive potential. Particularly, the BZ displayed 515 adaptive loci, highlighting its strong potential for adaptation within this group. The comprehensive genomic analysis of M. lacei provides valuable insights into its genetic background and highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts. The study underscores the importance of ex-situ conservation methods, such as seed collection and vegetative propagation, to safeguard genetic diversity and promote population restoration. The preservation of populations like MC and BZ is crucial for maintaining the species' genetic diversity. In-situ conservation measures, including the establishment of in-situ conservation sites and community engagement, are essential to enhance protection awareness and ensure the long-term survival of this threatened plant species.

Land degradation and development in India: Status quo, challenges and opportunities

AbstractThis article reviews and synthesizes the articles published in a virtual special issue (VSI) “Land Degradation and Development in India: Status quo, challenges, and opportunities.” A total of 31 studies (28 research papers and three reviews) are published in this VSI covering various agroclimatic zones of India. These articles provide insights on how different natural and anthropogenic disturbances affect the diversity, and functioning of forests, grasslands, agriculture, agroforestry, and physicochemical and biological composition of the soil. Twelve of these articles also investigate the effectiveness of different restoration methods to restore various degraded ecosystems through agroforestry, afforestation and reforestation, organic amendments, and agroecological interventions. The historical journey of forest restoration, behavioral pattern of local communities for conservation and restoration, and policy framework for restoration in India are discussed in three independent articles. Overall, there is convergence in learnings from these papers for structural and non‐structural land degradation, soil salinization, and agroforestry but results from papers on plantations and organic inputs into farming highlight the need for more research.

Review and interlaboratory comparison of the Oddy test methodology

Since the introduction of the Oddy test in 1973, many museums and cultural institutions have put the method in use, developing their own versions and protocols. Currently the 3-in-1 version, temperature at 60 ºC and 2 g of tested material are set as common practice; however, other variables of the test are not standardized. The purpose of this study is to examine current versions of the Oddy test, to identify differences in the results derived from variations in the procedures, and ultimately raising awareness within the conservation community to work together towards a standardized protocol. In this article, we review the available information on the methodological differences in Oddy test protocols published in the literature related to glassware cleaning, coupon preparation, reaction vessel setup and rating of materials. Based on the review, and to highlight the many variables that could affect the results of the test, seven European cultural institutions working under the H2020 IPERION HS project performed a comparative 3-in-1 Oddy test by blindly evaluating the same ten materials. Each institution used its own test methodology but some guidelines were advised: (1) Detergents as a cleaning procedure for glassware, (2) P600 sandpaper or micromesh pad close to 1500 to prepare metal coupons and (3) 1:100 as water–air ratio. Despite this, differences between institutions’ results were still observed. Some of them are due to the differences in the coupons preparation, either in the sanding pattern or in the edge area. In order to separate the contribution of the experimental setup and the subjectivity of the evaluation in the discrepancies, coupons from all institutions have been rated by a single team of judges with experience in the Oddy Test. Results show that differences in the evaluation criteria play a relevant role in the discrepancies of the results, especially for institutions with less experience in the test. These results highlight the need to further standardize the methodology and criteria for visual assessment. Nevertheless, the Oddy test has been found to be reliable for the identification of materials that produce emissions hazardous for the conservation of cultural assets.

Social determinants of success of community-based hornbill conservation in Thailand

The Thailand Hornbill Project (THP) launched the first community-based hornbill conservation program in southern Thailand (CBC-THP) in 1994 to combat hornbill poaching. For 30 years, CBC-THP has engaged local communities in hornbill conservation, achieving ecological success evident through increased chick survival rates. To evaluate CBC-THP's success beyond ecological outcomes, we surveyed three stakeholder groups: 124 hornbill adopters (HA), 142 participants in CBC-THP (THPP), and 422 non-participants (NTHPP). We examined their backgrounds, eight social determinants, and their perceptions of CBC-THP's success. Using explanatory factor analysis, we categorized specific social determinants for comparison and assessed their impact on perceived success through ordinal regression. The analysis revealed that perceived outcomes were a primary determinant of success across all groups. For HAs, involvement in CBC-THP was a significant factor, whereas for THPP and NTHPP, knowledge of hornbill ecology and a positive attitude towards conservation efforts were crucial. Additionally, perceived benefits substantially influenced THPP's view of success, while trust, perceived conflict, and barrier to sustainability were key factors for NTHPP. These findings highlight the importance of understanding social factors to foster stakeholder support for community-based wildlife conservation initiatives. We recommend a nationwide assessment of CBC-THP's perceived success to further explore social factors affecting hornbill conservation.

The expansion of the Atlantic–Mediterranean ghost crab Ocypode cursor (Linnaeus, 1758): Distribution, environmental niches and future perspectives

AbstractThe tufted ghost crab Ocypode cursor (Linnaeus, 1758) found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean is currently a great example that elucidates concerns within scientific and conservation communities. This species, native to the subtropical Atlantic Ocean and the warmest southeastern Mediterranean Sea (Egypt), has been extending its distribution in both regions since the 1980s, likely due to the warming sea temperatures. These small nocturn crabs are typically found inhabiting sandy beaches and dune environments. This species is an opportunistic predator eating terrestrial and marine prey, especially on sea turtle eggs. Despite its status as a threatened species by two European conventions, there is a lack of knowledge of its ecology and biology. Sometimes considered as an indicator of good ecological status of beaches where it lives, this ghost crab could nevertheless benefit from climate change to extend its distribution range. This review aims to create a baseline on the current knowledge and gaps in the published scientific literature on the ghost crab. Additionally, through an analysis of the existing literature, we also offer insights into the potential risk of beach erosion associated with the expansion of this species.

Indigenous community governance in marine conservation: A bibliometric analysis

Maintaining marine sustainability and biodiversity requires support and cooperation from the government, stakeholders, and community. Indigenous communities have the right to restoration and protection of the environment and productive capacity of land, territory, sea, and all their natural resources. Research on community governance has been carried out by many researchers with increasingly developing topics. Including topics about indigenous peoples and natural resource conservation. This research aims is to determine the development of research trends regarding community governance of indigenous communities in marine conservation. The data source is literature in the Scopus database and the data analysis uses bibliometric analysis of indigenous community governance in marine conservation publications. The results are the research of indigenous communities governance in marine conservation from the first publication in 2006 has tended to increase. Although in certain years it has decreased or there have been no publications at all. The research become an interesting topic because it related with environmental science and indigenous communities have a big role in implementing marine conservation. This conservation has been going for a long time and passed down from generation to generation. The recommendation of this research is legal recognition for indigenous peoples to protect their rights.