Conservation Of Biological Diversity Research Articles

Lopez, J. V. (2023). Assessments and Conservation of Biological Diversity from Coral Reefs to the Deep Sea, Uncovering Buried Treasures and the Value of the Benthos. Academic Press, 253 pages.

Lopez, J. V. (2023). Assessments and Conservation of Biological Diversity from Coral Reefs to the Deep Sea, Uncovering Buried Treasures and the Value of the Benthos. Academic Press, 253 pages.

Compatibility of Agriculture Development Policy of Nepal to Sustainable Agriculture Development Principles

The agricultural sector, on which the majority of Nepal's population depends, faces significant challenges due to global warming, climate change, and rising global food insecurity. This underscores the need for a carefully designed agricultural development policy focused on sustainable practices. This study aims to assess the compatibility of key policy interventions in agricultural development of Nepal with sustainable agriculture principles. These policies prioritize the conservation, promotion, and utilization of natural resources, environmental protection, and biological diversity to encompass economic, social, and environmental attributes of sustainable agriculture development in Nepal. This paper scrutinizes various aspects of Nepal's agricultural development policy, including governance systems, bureaucratic and institutional structures, supportive policies and programs, and regulatory frameworks, to evaluate their compatibility with sustainable agriculture principles. The findings indicate a strong orientation of Nepal's agricultural development policy towards sustainability. Legislative, policy, and governance provisions serve as a foundation for steering the agricultural sector towards sustainable practices. However, despite these positive aspects, significant challenges remain, including the prevalence of traditional agricultural systems and constraints such as limited financial resources, technical expertise, and knowledge among farmers and smallholders. Overcoming these obstacles will require considerable efforts to achieve the desired outcomes in sustainable agriculture.

Analysis of landscape structure changes in Marmara Lake and its surrounding area using remote sensing data

This study investigates temporal changes in the landscape structure of Lake Marmara (Gölmarmara, Manisa, Türkiye), a designated bird sanctuary and registered wetland, over 10 years period using remote sensing techniques. The analysis employed the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) on satellite imagery from 2015 and 2024, processed through the ArcGIS/ArcMap software, to assess landscape metrics within the study area. The Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) was also utilized to evaluate the interactions between the water body, wetlands, and their surroundings. The findings were further supported by surface temperature analysis (STA) and comparative data. NDVI analysis revealed a 39.38% reduction in the Lake Marmara water body, an 11.09% decrease in forested areas, and an 8.28% decline in tree/shrub areas over 10 years. The dominant tree species in the forest vegetation was Pinus brutia, while other prevalent species included Quercus coccifera, Cistus creticus, Pistacia terebinthus, Pistacia lentiscus, Arbutus andrachne, Arbutus unedo, Olea europaea, Erica arborea, Phillyrea latifolia, and Sarcopoterium spinosum. Conversely, residential areas expanded by 21.21%, and agricultural areas increased by 4.11%. NDWI analysis indicated a 14.46% reduction in moderately dry areas and a 41.92% increase in dry areas. Furthermore, surface temperature data showed an increase over the 10 years. This study is expected to contribute significantly to the field by providing insights into sustainable land use and planning strategies. It offers a comprehensive perspective on wetland management and conservation of biological diversity by elucidating the temporal and spatial relationships between wetlands and their environment, considering both ecological and anthropogenic factors.

Bioprospecting, drug choices and conservation of biological diversity under free trade

Bioprospecting, drug choices and conservation of biological diversity under free trade

NEW DATA ON TUMBLING FLOWER BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: MORDELLIDAE) OF THE FAUNA OF UKRAINE

Introduction. Analysis of the published data indicates that further research to establish the taxonomic composition of tumbling flower beetles of the fauna of Ukraine is needed. The ecology of tumbling flower beetles including species that are part of the fauna of Ukraine has been little studied. The host plants of tumbling flower beetle larvae are the least known. The data on the distribution of tumbling flower beetles in Ukraine remain fragmentary. Aim. The aim of the work is to analyze the distribution and trophic relationships of 23 species of tumbling flower beetles that were revealed during ecological and faunistic studies on the territory of Ukraine in the period 2015–2021. Methods. Generally accepted research methods were used during the study. The observations of the feeding of tumbling flower beetles were carried out under natural conditions. Host plants of tumbling flower beetle larvae were revealed by examining herbaceous plants and dead wood during the beginning of the flight period of adults. Main results. During ecological and faunistic studies 23 species of tumbling flower beetles were identified, of which 9 species were recorded for the first time in the Chernigov region, two species – in the Odesa one. The presence of Mordellistena episternalis Mulsant, 1856 and M. secreta Horák, 1983 in the fauna of Ukraine was confirmed. Host plants for imago are presented for 16 anthophilic species. Trophic relationships of chortobiont species at the larval stage with herbaceous plants of 8 species, which belong to 5 families, have been identified. The host plant (Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn.) of the larvae of Mordellistena pseudopumila Ermisch, 1963 was indicated for the first time. The development of xylophilous species in the wood of three plant species was recorded. The results obtained are augmented with data from literature sources. Conclusions. Thus, the data obtained clarify the taxonomic composition and distribution of tumbling flower beetles of the fauna of Ukraine. They include new data on the feeding of adults and larvae of tumbling flower beetles and can be used to develop measures for rational environmental management and conservation of biological diversity in Ukraine. Control of the development of the larvae of Mordellistena parvula (Gyllenhal, 1827) on wild plants can reduce the number of the said sunflower pest.

Comparison of Seed Morphology and Seed Coat Chemistry in Ophrys (Orchidaceae) Species.

Orchidaceae is the largest flowering plant family in the world and holds significant importance in terms of biological diversity. Many of the species are found in endemic regions, serving as important indicators for the conservation of biological diversity. Therefore, research on the morphology, seed and embryo structures, chemical composition, and taxonomy of orchids is crucial for species conservation, habitat restoration, and the sustainability of natural habitats. This research involves comparing the morphometric and chemical contents of seeds belonging to certain Ophrys L. species and examining interspecies relationships. The micromorphological features of the seeds were analyzed by using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while their chemical contents were compared by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. Seed and embryo morphology, morphometric analysis, and seed coat chemistry hold diagnostic significance. In species of the Ophrys genus, features like anticlinal wall structure and periclinal wall reticulation are considered weak taxonomic characters. FT-IR analysis identifies specific chemical groups in orchid samples, revealing significant differences in absorbance values and chemical compositions among the different orchid species. Particularly, Ophrys lycia (Lycian Kaş Orchid) shows distinct separation from closely related species at peak points such as 2917 and 2850, 1743, 1515, 1240, and 1031 cm-1. Common peak points in the fingerprint region (1200- 700 cm-1) indicate similarity between O. apifera and O. reinholdii subsp. reinholdii. O. ferrum-equinum, O. mammosa subsp. mammosa, O. fusca subsp. leucadica, O. reinholdii subsp. reinholdii, and O. iricolor exhibit similar absorbance values in the range of 1500-1000 cm-1. These results provide valuable preliminary information about the structure of orchid seed coats, reticulation presence and pattern, chemical profiles, distribution, and dormancy-germination processes.

Evaluation of the Contribution of Cemeteries to Urban Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of Edirne

Although green spaces in cities play a critical role in providing ecosystem services, cemeteries are often consideredan overlooked part of urban green spaces. However, in recent years, these areas have come to the forefront due totheir potential to provide a range of important ecosystem services such as conservation of biological diversity,habitat provision, air quality regulation, carbon storage, and water management. This study aims to concretelydetermine the contribution of four cemeteries -Acıçeşme, Buçuktepe, Bademlik and Karaağaç- located within thecentral district boundaries of Edirne, to urban ecosystem services. Using the i-Tree Canopy model, the land coverdistribution, air pollution impacts, and carbon sequestration/storage amounts of these cemeteries were analysed.The results indicate that Buçuktepe cemetery provides the highest ecosystem services due to its large area and densetree canopy. It is estimated that the 64.2% tree canopy cover in Buçuktepe Cemetery removes 365.44 kg of gasesand particulate matter from the air annually, sequesters 16.02 tonnes of carbon and stores 402.21 tonnes of carbon.These results show that cemeteries make a significant contribution to regulating ecosystem services in urban areas.The study highlights the potential for transforming cemeteries into multifunctional landscapes that contribute tourban ecosystem services.

Tinkering While the Arctic Marine Environment Totters: Governance and the Triple Polar Crisis$

After describing how the marine environment is tottering in the face of the triple environmental crisis, this article explores the limited governance progressions at the global and regional levels in addressing the threats of pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss in the especially vulnerable Arctic. For pollution, key limitations include slow and arduous processes to add chemicals for control under the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions and reliance at the regional level on a fragmented array of pollution studies and projects but without specific region-wide legally binding pollution standards. For climate change, the world is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement’s temperature targets which is especially problematic for the Arctic cryosphere while the Arctic Council has largely been limited to providing general statements of concern and aspirational calls for enhanced climate mitigation and adaptation actions. For marine biodiversity losses, a pan-Arctic network of marine protected areas has yet to be developed and various implementation challenges surround the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean including the need to ensure adequate financial, human resource and technical support. The paper concludes by highlighting some promising future governance directions. They include: the conclusion of a global treaty on plastic pollution; implementation of a new Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste; expected further clarifications from international tribunals on State responsibilities to address climate change; and regional implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the new agreement under the UN Convention on Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Determinants of spatial distribution of trees outside forests along urban-rural gradients: A review

Urbanization can create uncertainty for biodiversity. Understanding the spatial distribution of trees along urban-rural gradients is crucial for sustainable land management and the conservation of biological diversity. However, limited information is available on the factors influencing the distribution of trees outside forests along urban-rural transition gradients. This paper uses the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to review how distance from urban centers, land use types, socio-economic disparities, and community attitudes and perceptions impact the spatial distribution of trees outside forests along urban-rural gradients. The review indicates that the species composition, diversity, density, and spatial arrangement of trees outside forests vary along the urban-rural gradient. The most commonly cited factors influencing this distribution are respondents' attitudes and perceptions of trees, socio-economic factors, and land use variations. Distance from the urban center was the least cited factor. However, there is significant variation in how different factors impact this distribution from study to study. Therefore, further research is needed to better understand the factors driving changes in the diversity of trees outside forests in various urban-rural contexts and to determine whether variations exist across different settings.

The likely impact of the BBNJ Agreement on the architecture of ocean governance

In June 2023, governments agreed to a new treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). Unlike most other multilateral environmental agreements that typically emerge in response to newly identified transboundary environmental issues, the BBNJ Agreement steps into an already crowded institutional landscape as a global authority with broad objectives. The challenge facing this new legal instrument is unique. It must transform the architecture of ocean governance by harmonizing existing institutions, frameworks, and bodies (IFBs) while respecting their autonomy. This study examines the numerous references to IFBs in the treaty text to shed light on how the BBNJ Agreement might affect the dynamics with and among existing IFBs. The findings suggest that the BBNJ Agreement represents a new model for multilateral environmental agreements. It relies on its capacity to orchestrate incumbent IFBs and forge a new polycentric order centered around its treaty objectives. Its institutional power is likely to be constrained by the obligation to involve relevant IFBs in its decision-making processes. But the primary strength of the BBNJ Agreement lies in the normative authority it has established. Its objectives are effectively promoted within IFBs, potentially taking precedence in the event of serious or irreversible harm to marine biodiversity. When fully implemented, the BBNJ Agreement has the potential to redefine the relationships among existing IFBs and improve their coherence for more holistic ocean governance.

The role of environmental impact assessments in the establishment and management of marine protected areas under the UNCLOS and the BBNJ Agreement

AbstractThis article analyses the role of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in establishing and managing marine protected areas (MPAs) in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Agreement under the UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). The analysis is conducted by discussing Articles 194 and 205–206 of the UNCLOS and Articles 27–28 and 30 of the BBNJ Agreement. It concludes that the interaction between EIA and MPAs in ABNJ is not only desirable but also critical for the success of MPAs. The BBNJ Agreement operationalises the role of EIAs in establishing and managing MPAs under the UNCLOS by (1) granting EIA an important role in assessing the susceptibility of an MPA to the impact of certain human activities and (2) factoring part of indicative criteria for identifying potential MPAs in the list of criteria to be considered for conducting EIA screening.

Сохранение видового разнообразия растений при лесопользовании в ключевых биотопах Вологодской области

A reduction in the number of biological species can cause a loss of the integrity of the biosphere and its ability to maintain the most important characteristics of the natural environment. Therefore, scientific research and the development of practical recommendations in the field of conservation of biological diversity in forest management are currently of particular relevance. Measures to preserve biodiversity in forest management are reflected in the rules of timber harvesting, forestry regulations of forestries and forest development projects. The conservation of biological diversity in the course of logging operations is provided by allocating key biotopes – forest plots of a certain area, especially significant as habitats for rare species of animals and plants. The analysis of the Red Book of the Vologda Region showed that 29 % of rare species are confined to forest areas along watercourses. The study has been conducted at stationary sites within the boundaries of the Vologda Forestry of the Vologda Region (the Southern taiga area of the European part of the Russian Federation), represented by clear cuttings of 2018–2019 with the preserved key biotopes – forest areas along temporary water bodies. The average values for the plantations have been obtained on the basis of the materials from allotment and taxation of the cutting areas before felling. The work has been based on silvicultural and taxation, as well as ecological and biological methods of field evaluation and desk assessment. During the field studies (2023) in the key biotopes, a tally has been carried out by tree species, their diameters at chest height and categories of sanitary condition, with the determination of the average taxation indicators of the stands. The soils and the botanical composition of the live ground cover have been described. The species diversity and abundance of plant species in the key biotopes, as well as in the adjacent areas – in the cuttings and in the stands – have been determined. A higher number of species of taiga flora and the presence of rare plant species in the key biotopes, in contrast to the cuttings, have been established, which indicates the need to preserve the key biotopes during logging operations. Within the boundaries of the key biotopes studied, the average number of plant species in the buffer zone exceeds the number of species in the core of the biotope, the differences are statistically significant. Therefore, in the process of allotment of cutting areas, in addition to the allocation of the central part, or the core of the biotope, it is necessary to preserve a buffer zone as the area with the largest number of species.

Reflections on the Environmental Impact Assessment in the BBNJ Agreement: Its Implications for the Conservation of Biological Diversity in the Marine Arctic beyond National Jurisdiction

The BBNJ Agreement will affect legal frameworks for the conservation of marine biological diversity in various regions of the world ocean and the marine Arctic is no exception. As biological diversity in the marine Arctic is particularly vulnerable, the implications of the BBNJ Agreement for the conservation of biological diversity in the marine Arctic deserves serious consideration. Of particular note is the procedure for an environmental impact assessment (EIA). Given that damage to the environment may be irreversible, it is a prerequisite to conduct an EIA before authorizing planned activities, with a view to preventing environmental harm. An EIA constitutes a crucial element in the conservation of the marine environment, including biological diversity. Hence, this article examines the potential implications of the procedure for an EIA as set out under the BBNJ Agreement for the conservation of biological diversity in the marine Arctic beyond national jurisdiction.

Assessing the Legal Framework for Marine Protected Areas in High Seas: Challenges and Prospects under the UN BBNJ Agreement

Oceans, integral to a healthy global ecosystem, are protected partly through marine protected areas (MPAs). Despite numerous MPAs within national jurisdictions, the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ) remain significantly neglected. Currently, most MPAs in ABNJ are governed by the OSPAR or CAMLR frameworks, which exhibit substantial deficiencies due to the fragmented state of international laws. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), for instance, offers limited provisions for ABNJ. To address these legislative gaps, negotiations for the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) were initiated, leading to the successful adoption of the BBNJ Agreement in March 2023. This paper critically examines the existing regional treaties overseeing high-seas MPAs and explores the innovative approaches introduced by the BBNJ Agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in ABNJ. The analysis concludes that the BBNJ Agreement provides a more comprehensive and sustainable management framework for high-seas MPAs, thus effectively overcoming the limitations inherent in regional treaties.

Implications of the scale of detection for inferring co-occurrence patterns from paired camera traps and acoustic recorders.

Multifunctional landscapes that support economic activities and conservation of biological diversity (e.g., cattle ranches with native forest) are becoming increasingly important because small remnants of native forest may comprise the only habitat left for some wildlife species. Understanding the co-occurrence between wildlife and disturbance factors, such as poaching activity and domesticated ungulates, is key to successful management of multifunctional landscapes. Tools to measure co-occurrence between wildlife and disturbance factors include camera traps and autonomous acoustic recording units. We paired 52 camera-trap stations with acoustic recorders to investigate the association between 2 measures of disturbance (poaching and cattle) and wild ungulates present in multifunctional landscapes of the Colombian Orinoquía. We used joint species distribution models to investigate species-habitat associations and species-disturbance correlations. One model was fitted using camera-trap data to detect wild ungulates and disturbance factors, and a second model was fitted after replacing camera-trap detections of disturbance factors with their corresponding acoustic detections. The direction, significance, and precision of the effect of covariates depended on the sampling method used for disturbance factors. Acoustic monitoring typically resulted in more precise estimates of the effects of covariates and of species-disturbance correlations. Association patterns between wildlife and disturbance factors were found only when disturbance was detected by acoustic recorders. Camera traps allowed us to detect nonvocalizing species, whereas audio recording devices increased detection of disturbance factors leading to more precise estimates of co-occurrence patterns. The collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) co-occurred with disturbance factors and are conservation priorities due to the greater risk of poaching or disease transmission from cattle.

Как управлять генетическими ресурсами в Северном Ледовитом океане?

The paper examines possible mechanisms for states to manage genetic resources in the Arctic Ocean in the general context of internationally agreed norms on the conservation of biological diversity and the increasing attention of states to the degradation of the world ocean ecosystems. The main attention is paid to the cumulative consideration of the rules on marine living resources, including genetic ones, which are provided for in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as its 2000 and 2010 Protocols. The entry into force of the UN Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction is being assessed as a long-term perspective. The authors provide arguments in favor of implementing a regional or bilateral mechanism for managing Arctic marine genetic resources.

International Legal Issues in the Conservation of Marine Genetic Resources

INTRODUCTION. Nowadays the issues concerning conservation of marine biological diversity become important for the community of States in the light of the expansion of the scale of economic activity in marine spaces and of the opportunities of using such resources. At the universal contractual level an answer was proposed to a number of questions that have arisen in this area: on March 4, 2023, the text of the Agreement (under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) with a long title: “on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction” was finalized. It is predicted that the entry into force of this Agreement in the future will create a multilateral legal basis for conservation of biological diversity on the high seas, with the orderly use of its biological resources, to protect such diversity based on the principle of cooperation between States.The purpose of the article is to analyze the legal regime of marine genetic resources conservation based on the text of this Agreement.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The subject of this study comprises international treaties, international customs, general principles of international law and other sources of international law related to conservation of marine biodiversity in general. The methodological basis of the research is represented by a wide range of research methods, namely: formal-legal, comparative-legal, historical-legal and system-structural methods. In addition, the author applied the methods of analysis and generalization.RESEARCH RESULTS. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the international legal regime of marine genetic resources based on the provisions of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. The author considers the history of the development of the draſt Agreement, analyzes its main provisions, and pays special attention to its innovative legal mechanisms.The author proposes their assessment of the content of the draſt Agreement as a universal legal basis for the conservation of marine biological diversity, and suggests some options for strengthening international cooperation in this area.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. As a result of the study, it can be stated that the draſt Agreement, prepared over many years of negotiations and published in March 2023, is a significant political and legal achievement of a universal level in the field of marine biodiversity conservation. At the same time, one can not fail to note the rather general nature of this document, as well as the fact that the entry into force of the Agreement may also require considerable time: objectively, the interests of developed and developing countries in this area are not always close; moreover, each State party to the Agreement accepts the obligation, among other things, that the use of marine natural resources should be linked to the obligation to protect marine environment, and this is always sensitive: a number of developed countries, as is known, under the pretext of economic concern, impose on developing States “green” products of their enterprises, which exacerbates the gap between developed and developing States.That is why the author comes to the conclusion that the international community, along with the development of a universal international treaty, could take the path of developing regional agreements to clarify such a legal regime, which would also contribute to the strengthening of the legal regime for biodiversity conservation at the universal level.

Making Sense of the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction: The Road Ahead

The negotiations of the future regulation governing the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction successfully concluded last March 2023 and the BBNJ Agreement was formally adopted by consensus on 19 June 2023. The previous article “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction: ways forward to reach a necessary Agreement”, published in the EPL 52 (1) 2022, defended the BBNJ Agreement potential to make a very positive impact on the governance of the oceans in general and proposed some formulas to facilitate the adoption of the treaty in a scenario where States had very different expectations. The present work reviews that article, first, to update what the result of the negotiation has been with respect to the main issue areas of the regulation; secondly, to identify which negotiation formulas have certainly helped to adopt the treaty; and thirdly, to reflect on to what extent the final text of the Agreement will be ambitious and effective enough to fulfil its objectives.

The Agreement Under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation & Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction

On June 19, 2023, the Intergovernmental Conference on an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Intergovernmental Conference) adopted, by consensus, the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine BioLogical Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement or Agreement). The Agreement, which is grounded in and builds on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), specifically addresses issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of the marine biodiversity of the high seas. The adoption of the Agreement was the culmination of nearly two decades of work under the auspices of the UN General Assembly.

Promotion of the conservation of biological diversity of interest for tourism in the coastal region of Ecuador

Promotion of the conservation of biological diversity of interest for tourism in the coastal region of Ecuador