Conservancy Research Articles

Estimation and assessment of water erosion in the Peixe Angical basin, Brazil

Water erosion causes the displacement of soil particles from higher to lower elevations, and this process intensifies when land use and vegetation cover change, such as through the conversion of forests into pastures or agricultural fields. Identifying priority areas for soil and water conservation practices is essential for promoting sustainable agriculture. Equally important is identifying the most influential factors driving erosion, as understanding these can guide effective land management strategies. Machine learning techniques, such as Random Forest, are valuable tools for analyzing large datasets and assessing the importance of variables. The primary aim of this study was to estimate soil losses due to land-use changes in the Peixe Angical Reservoir drainage basin using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework, and to identify priority areas for soil conservation. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate the contribution and importance of the RUSLE model factors (R, K, LS, and C) to soil loss using the Random Forest regression algorithm. Soil losses were computed for the chronological scenarios (1990, 2000, 2010, and 2017), using rasters with 90 m resolution to calculate the product of the R, K, LS, and C factors, along with the P factor. These soil losses were classified into erosion risk categories, ranging from very low (0 to 2.5 Mg ha-1 yr-1) to extremely high (greater than 100 Mg ha-1 yr-1). Soil losses in the basin increased over time. The Random Forest algorithm was applied to evaluate the importance of each factor. Rainfall erosivity was found to vary spatially, ranging from 7,047.64 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 yr-1 to 11,348.5 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 yr-1, while the LS factor exhibited values ranging from near 0 to over 20. Litholic Neosol (Entisol) was the predominant soil type in the drainage basin. In terms of land use, forests accounted for the largest portion of the basin: 55.60% in 1990, 51.31% in 2000, 48.88% in 2010, and 48.21% in 2017. The C factor, which reflects vegetation cover, was the most significant contributor to soil loss, accounting for 44.8% in 1990, 43.5% in 2000, 44.2% in 2010, and 44.4% in 2017, followed by the K factor (soil erodibility). These assessment techniques can be utilized in guiding conservation planning, thereby supporting sustainable land use practices.

Identification of biodiversity priority conservation areas in China by integrating genetic, species and ecosystem diversity

Genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity are the three fundamental levels of biodiversity, each crucial for identifying priority conservation areas (PCAs). Globally or regionally, the areas with the highest genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity are not necessarily the same. To comprehensively represent biodiversity, this study fully considers these three fundamental levels from the foundational concept of biodiversity. We applied systematic conservation planning theory to develop an integrated framework for identifying PCAs for key protected species in China. We used species richness (SR), weighted endemism (WE), phylogenetic diversity (PD), evolutionary distinctiveness (ED), phylogenetic endemism (PE), and ecosystem service value (ESV) as conservation indicators and built different scenarios in Zonation. The results show that the total area of PCAs is approximately 3.29 million km2, accounting for about 34.29 % of China's total land area. More than half (approximately 52.21 %) of existing protected areas (PAs) overlap with the PCAs, indicating that current PAs are somewhat effective in biodiversity protection. However, there are still some PCAs that are not located within PAs, suggesting a significant potential for expanding the PAs network. Additionally, the distribution of newly established national park pilot areas aligns well with that of the PCAs, demonstrating the effectiveness of national park policies in protecting biodiversity. This study bridges traditional ecological theory with practical conservation planning, offering new insights into the theoretical methods and practical applications for identifying PCAs. It also provides valuable guidance for the selection and adjustment of PCAs in other regions globally.

Information Boards as Forest Conservation Campaign in Bahorok Research Center, Langkat Regency, North Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari (YEL) in Bahorok Research Station in Bahorok Sub-district, Langkat District, is a very important location for this work. The hilly terrain of the area provides a beautiful landscape and varied flora and fauna with the main attraction being the corpse flower (Amorphophallus sp). With a preserved natural environment and unique ecological features, this research station allows other parties to participate in protecting the area in various conservation campaign, one of which is the installation/establishment of conservation information boards. Conservation information boards can raise public awareness about the importance of protecting forests and their natural environment. Information on ecosystems, flora, fauna, management, and the importance of conservation can be conveyed through these information boards. Information boards are widely used as an educational tool for local communities and visitors to the forest at the research station. They can learn about forest ecology, the negative impacts of deforestation, and sustainable ways of utilizing forest resources. They can learn about forest ecology, the negative impacts of deforestation, and sustainable ways of utilizing forest resources. Information boards can also be used to invite community participation in conservation efforts, which is expected to improve the quality of knowledge and understanding of conservation areas for communities, researchers, and tourists. Therefore, the installation/establishment of conservation information boards needs to be carried out at Bahorok Research Station, Batu Katak as one of the campaign and solutions to maintain the natural conditions in the forest and river.

Spatial Mismatch Between Tourism Hotspots and Anthropogenic Debris on Sandy Beaches in an Iconic Conservation Area

Spatial Mismatch Between Tourism Hotspots and Anthropogenic Debris on Sandy Beaches in an Iconic Conservation Area

Human–African buffalo conflict: perceptions of damage, and mitigation strategies, in villages bordering Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Abstract Human–wildlife conflict is a critical and complex challenge in wildlife conservation. It arises when humans and wildlife interact and one or both parties suffer negative consequences from the interaction. This research assessed the extent of damage resulting from human–African buffalo Syncerus caffer conflict and explored mitigation strategies. We used a semi-structured questionnaire-based survey of 131 households randomly selected in Kambi ya Simba, Oldeani and Tloma villages surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. Our results revealed that resource competition was the main factor inducing human–African buffalo conflict. The impacts reported most frequently were crop damage (especially during the wet seasons) and human casualties. Crops that were most often damaged included maize, beans, wheat, peas and coffee. To minimize buffalo crop depredation, farmers currently use traditional mitigation approaches such as guarding farms, lighting fires, using torchlight and vocal and other auditory deterrents. In addition, a local coffee estate installed electrified fencing around its plantation. Our findings demonstrate the impacts of human–African buffalo conflict on local communities and the importance of continuing human–African buffalo conflict monitoring to improve conservation action and increase the participation of the local community in conservation activities. To minimize human–African buffalo conflict, we recommend conservation strategies that improve the natural habitat of the African buffalo. Most importantly, providing communities affected by human–African buffalo conflict with modern and more effective mitigation methods, paired with increased community awareness of the use of these methods, could result in significant reductions in the human cost of human–African buffalo conflict.

CONE YIELD AND GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS IN A PLANTATION OF CUPRESSUS SEMPERVIRENS

Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) is an important secondary forest tree species in Turkish forestry because of its high adaptation ability and resistance to different ecological condition. However, limited studies were carried out in cypress. In this study, cone numbers, tree height, diameters at breast height and at base were surveyed from 75 individuals chosen randomly at eighteen years’ plantation in the species. Interaction between number of cones and growth characteristics was estimated together with fertility variation and linkage parameters (i.e. population size) to contribute management and practices of seed collection and gene conservation areas, and other forestry practices of the species. Mean cone number was 86/tree ranged from 36 to 174. Individual trees had large differences for the growth traits, while means of tree height, diameters of breast height and base were 6.1 m, 9.9 cm, and 12.6 cm, respectively. Fertility variation was 1.15 (87% of total trees, CV%=38.9), which close to typical population. Positive and significant (p≤0.05) relations were found between growth characteristics and cone production in Cupressus sempervirens. Tree height was better predictor in cone production than diameters.

Rosettes in a matrix: Predicting spatial variation in density of a large felid in a forest‐production mosaic

AbstractLarge carnivores are keystone for ecosystems and flagships for conservation efforts but face severe threats globally. Protected areas are vital for the conservation of these charismatic species along with a host of ecological processes. However, the extent and scope of protected areas for conservation of all threatened species is limited, especially in the global south. Considering larger landscapes that can be compatible with large carnivore conservation goals is an alternative approach to ensure their persistence. This study explores the potential of multi‐use landscapes for the persistence of a globally threatened large felid, the Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca). This study investigated the spatial variability of leopard densities across a land‐use gradient using spatially explicit capture‐recapture framework in a tea‐plantation‐dominated forest‐production landscape mosaic in the Duars region of northeastern India. While the density of leopards in this landscape was estimated to be 7.96 ± 1.56 (SE) per 100 km2, significant (p = .048, t = 2.02, df=61) differences in estimates were observed between tea‐plantations (11.53 ± 2.72 (SE) leopards per 100 km2) and the forested habitats (4.67 ± 2.07 (SE) per 100 km2). Densities between tea plantations and protected areas (a subset of the forested habitat) were found to be comparable (9.19 ± 4.55 (SE) per 100 km2). The study posits that conservation‐compatible land use in landscapes shared with people can host a higher density of adaptable large felids like leopard than forested areas and that conservation planning needs to move beyond the dominant PA‐centric paradigm. The study also reinforces the importance of multi‐use landscapes for wildlife conservation, especially for an adaptable large felid.

Length–weight relationships for 11 freshwater fish species (Actinopterygii) from four protected areas, northern Vietnam

The length–weight relationships (LWRs) of 11 fish species from one national park and three nature reserves, in northern Vietnam, totaling 737 individuals between October 2018 and November 2021, are described in this study. The following species, representing 11 genera and seven families, were studied: Aphyocypris normalis Nichols et Pope, 1927, Barbodes semifasciolatus (Günther, 1868), Beaufortia pingi (Fang, 1930), Carassius auratus (Linnaeus, 1758), Glyptothorax honghensis Li, 1984, Hemibarbus medius Yue, 1995, Macropodus opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758), Neolissochilus benasi (Pellegrin et Chevey, 1936), Onychostoma gerlachi (Peters, 1881), Opsariichthys minutus Nichols, 1926, Rhinogobius duospilus (Herre, 1935). All regressions were highly significant (P < 0.001). Positive allometric growth was seen in six species (b > 3, P < 0.01) and isometric growth in five species (b = 3, P > 0.05). This is the first report on the LWRs of six fish species, including Beaufortia pingi, Barbodes semifasciolatus, Neolissochilus benasi, Opsariichthys minutus, Glyptothorax honghensis, and Rhinogobius duospilus from four conservation areas. The presently reported study provides foundational data for future stock assessment works and management initiatives in protected areas, as well as facilities comparisons of LWRs from different habitats.

The Impact of Seasonal Climate on Dryland Vegetation NPP: The Mediating Role of Phenology

Dryland ecosystems are highly sensitive to climate change, making vegetation monitoring crucial for understanding ecological dynamics in these regions. In recent years, climate change, combined with large-scale ecological restoration efforts, has led significant greening in China’s arid areas. However, the mechanisms through which seasonal climate variations regulate vegetation growth are not yet fully understood. This study hypothesizes that seasonal climate change affects net primary productivity (NPP) of vegetation by influencing phenology. We focused on China’s Windbreak and Sand-Fixation Ecological Function Conservation Areas (WSEFCAs) as representative regions of dryland vegetation. The Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach (CASA) model was used to estimate vegetation NPP from 2000 to 2020. To extract phenological information, NDVI data were processed using Savitzky–Golay (S–G) filtering and threshold methods to determine the start of season (SOS) and end of season (EOS). The structural equation model (SEM) was constructed to quantitatively assess the contributions of climate change (temperature and precipitation) and phenology to variations in vegetation NPP, identifying the pathways of influence. The results indicate that the average annual NPP in WSEFCAs increased from 55.55 gC/(m2·a) to 75.01 gC/(m2·a), exhibiting uneven spatial distribution. The pathways through which seasonal climate affects vegetation NPP are more complex and uneven. Summer precipitation directly promoted NPP growth (direct effect = 0.243, p < 0.001) while also indirectly enhancing NPP by significantly advancing SOS (0.433, p < 0.001) and delaying EOS (−0.271, p < 0.001), with an indirect effect of 0.133. This finding highlights the critical role of phenology in vegetation growth, particularly in regions with substantial seasonal climate fluctuations. Although the overall ecological environment of WSEFCAs has improved, significant regional disparities remain, especially in northwestern China. This study introduces causal mediation analysis to systematically explore the mechanisms through which seasonal climate change impacts vegetation NPP in WSEFCAs, providing new insights into the broader implications of climate change and offering scientific support for ecological restoration and management strategies in arid regions.

Priority Conservation Area of Quercus mongolica Under Climate Change: Application of an Ensemble Modeling

As the primary secondary tree species in Northeast China, Quercus mongolica possesses significant ecological and economic value. This study employed the Biomod2 platform in conjunction with ArcGIS spatial analysis to assess the potential suitable habitat distribution area of Q. mongolica under current climatic conditions. Furthermore, it forecasted the distribution range and niche changes of potentially suitable habitats for Q. mongolica from 2022 to 2090 and pinpointed the key environmental factors influencing its distribution. The findings reveal that the total potential suitable area for Q. mongolica covers 74,994.792 km2, predominantly spread across Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin, and other regions. The primary determinants of suitable area distribution were peak temperature of hottest month, lowest temperature of coldest month, and altitude. Under future climate scenarios, the potentially suitable habitats of Q. mongolica are anticipated to diminish to varying extents, with the distribution center exhibiting a tendency towards northward migration. Concurrently, the overlap among different climate scenarios is predicted to expand over time. This investigation facilitates a comprehensive understanding of Q. mongolica’s adaptation to climate change, enabling informed adjustments and serving as a valuable reference for the preservation and sustainable management of Q. mongolica populations.

Life Cycle Assessment and Process Optimization of Precipitated Nanosilica—A Case Study in China

To mitigate environmental emissions in the industrial nanosilica sector and promote its sustainable development, the life cycle assessment (LCA) method is employed to evaluate the environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of industrial precipitated nanosilica. This LCA spans from the acquisition and transportation of raw materials to the production of nanosilica. By identifying the critical contributing factors, effective optimization strategies have been proposed to enhance the environmental performance of the nanosilica life cycle. The effects of electricity, alkalis, acids, and steam on the life cycle emission factors of nanosilica were examined. The results indicate that substituting traditional coal power and steam with cleaner alternatives like wind energy, hydroelectric power, and solar power (both photovoltaic and thermal), as well as biogas steam, can lead to a significant reduction in the life cycle emission factors of nanosilica, ranging from 50% to 90%. Notably, the types of acids and alkalis used only significantly reduce certain environmental factors. These findings provide valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for the industrial nanosilica sector, particularly in the areas of energy conservation, emission reduction, and the transition towards a lower-carbon economy.

Unravelling spatial scale effects on elevational diversity gradients: insights from montane small mammals in Kenya

BackgroundMontane ecosystems play crucial roles as global biodiversity hotspots. However, climatic changes and anthropogenic pressure increasingly threaten the stability of montane community dynamics, such as diversity-elevation interactions, creating a challenge in understanding species biogeography and community ecology dynamics in these crucial conservation areas. We examined how varying sampling spatial grains influence small mammal diversity patterns within Kenya’s tallest montane ecosystems.MethodsEmploying a combination of multidimensional alpha diversity metrics and multisite beta diversity characteristics (species richness, phylogenetic and functional diversity and divergence, and multisite beta diversity) alongside spatial generalized additive multivariate regression analyses, we tested how spatial scaling influences elevational diversity gradient patterns and their associations with environmental and human activity variables.ResultsThe diversity-elevation associations were generally homogeneous across spatial grains; however, idiosyncratic patterns emerged across mountains. The total (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional) beta diversity, nestedness, and turnover resultant components monotonically increased or decreased with varying spatial grains. The associations between the diversity patterns and the environmental and human footprint variables increased with spatial grain size but also presented variations across mountains and indices. Species richness and phylogenetic and functional richness indices were more strongly influenced by spatial scale variations than were the divergence and community structure indices in both the diversity distribution patterns and their associations with the environmental and human variables.ConclusionsThe diversity-elevation and diversity-environment (including human activity pressure) relationships across spatial grains suggest that montane small mammal diversity patterns portray subtle but systematic sensitivity to sampling spatial grain variation and underscore the importance of geographical context in shaping these elevational diversity gradients. For improved effectiveness, conservation efforts should consider these spatial effects and the unique geographical background of individual montane ecosystems.

Strength- and Moisture-Related Studies of Historical Building Materials: A Case Study from Southern Estonia

Demolition of existing buildings turns building products into waste. The amount of demolition waste is increasing globally. The current case study is an example of fulfilling the EU Waste Framework Directive of reducing demolition waste by reuse of historical materials in their original structures. The aim of this paper is to investigate construction materials from 19th and 20th centuries and their mechanical and physical properties in a case study building from the conservation area of Võru city, South Estonia. Timber structures of the case study building were non-destructively tested on-site using a resistive method. Ceramic brick plinth and basement walls, as well as concrete and granite ceiling, were tested in situ non-destructively (rebound hammer test) for compressive strength estimation. Previously dismantled timber logs, slats and ceramic bricks were tested in the laboratory for compression and bending, respectively. The logs and slats matched the European timber bending strength classes C22 and C40, respectively. The compressive strength of the studied ceramic bricks was comparable to that of newly produced bricks. The non-destructive moisture content of timber structures varied in spring (5–20%) but was steady in the autumn (5–7%) tests. The rebound hammer test overestimated by 1.5…2 times the compressive strength of the studied materials compared to laboratory tests.

Legitimacy in polycentric groundwater governance: Framework conditions identified in Nebraska's Natural Resource Districts

AbstractThis study considers how and why agricultural groundwater users would limit their own water consumption. We find that voluntary governance arrangements are based on a form of legitimacy that stems from informal social processes. Agricultural irrigation reform in Nebraska, U.S. took place after decades of collaboration in informal social settings; this background of decentralized rulemaking contributed to legitimizing extraction limits in times of water stress. The dimensions of social legitimacy are assessed through triangulation of interview data, integrated management plans, workshop facilitation, and recordings of legal proceedings related to the Natural Resources Districts in the state of Nebraska. These districts initially placed voluntary limits on extraction but evolved to sanction violators for over‐consumption. Groundwater rules are accepted because they are set by publicly elected boards, leaders participate in a state‐wide leadership training network, and the districts are granted rule‐making authority by the state. Our results show that voluntary self‐limiting behavior can form the basis for binding legal requirements. The legitimacy of polycentric governance stems from social acceptance, inclusive membership, a prior history of collaboration, and an understanding of rules. The rules themselves are context‐specific and self‐made. We summarize these elements in an evaluation framework to test whether and how authority in other polycentric groundwater governance arrangements is justified and accepted.

The Role of Rimbun Conservation Village in Encouraging Nature Conservation and Improving Environmental Image

Rimbun Conservation Village has the potential as a model for sustainable ecotourism development amid global environmental challenges. This research aims to explore the effectiveness of Rimbun Conservation Village's role in environmental preservation and ecological image enhancement through ecotourism activities. The method used in this research utilizes qualitative methods, which include interviews, direct observation, and documentation. The results showed that Rimbun Conservation Village succeeded in raising community and tourist awareness of the importance of conservation, although there are some aspects that need to be improved, such as cleanliness, adequate facilities and accessibility. In addition, the participation of the community and tourists in activities such as tree planting and educational programs proved to provide economic benefits and increase tourist engagement. The main conclusion of this study is that Rimbun Conservation Village not only serves as a recreational center, but also as a living example of the harmonization between nature conservation and economic growth. To attract more tourists, it is recommended that the manager improve facilities and implement more effective digital marketing strategies. This research is expected to contribute to the development of ecotourism in other more sustainable tourist destinations in Indonesia.

Genetic Variation Study of Several Romanian Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Varieties Revealed by Molecular Markers and Whole Genome Resequencing

Numerous varieties of Capsicum annuum L. with multiple valuable traits, such as adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress factors, can be found in south-east Romania, well known for vegetable cultivation and an important area of biodiversity conservation. To obtain useful information about sustainable agriculture, management, and conservation of local pepper varieties, we analyzed the genetic diversity and conducted deep molecular characterization using whole genome resequencing (WGS) for variant/mutation detection. The pepper varieties used in the present study were registered by VRDS in the ISTIS catalog between 1974 and 2019 and maintained in conservative selection; however, no studies have been published yet using WGS analysis in order to characterize this specific germplasm. The genome sequences, annotation, and alignments provided in this study offer essential resources for genomic research as well as for future breeding efforts using the C. annuum local varieties.

Vegetation and carbon sink response to water level changes in a seasonal lake wetland

Water level fluctuations are among the main factors affecting the development of wetland vegetation communities, carbon sinks, and ecological processes. Hongze Lake is a typical seasonal lake wetland in the Huaihe River Basin. Its water levels have experienced substantial fluctuations because of climate change, as well as gate and dam regulations. In this study, long-term cloud-free remote sensing images of water body area, net plant productivity (NPP), gross primary productivity (GPP), and Fractional vegetation cover (FVC) of the wetlands of Hongze Lake were obtained from multiple satellites by Google Earth Engine (GEE) from 2006 to 2023. The trends in FVC were analyzed using a combined Theil-Sen estimator and Mann-Kendall (MK) test. Linear regression was employed to analyze the correlation between the area of water bodies and that of different degrees of FVC. Additionally, annual frequencies of various water levels were constructed to explore their association with GPP, NPP, and FVC.The results showed that water level fluctuations significantly influence the spatial and temporal patterns of wetland vegetation cover and carbon sinks, with a significant correlation (P<0.05) between water levels and vegetation distribution. Following extensive restoration efforts, the carbon sink capacity of the Hongze Lake wetland has increased. However, it is essential to consider the carbon sink capacity in areas with low vegetation cover, for the lakeshore zone with a higher inundation frequency and low vegetation cover had a lower carbon sink capacity. These findings provide a scientific basis for the establishment of carbon sink enhancement initiatives, restoration programs, and policies to improve the ecological value of wetland ecosystem conservation areas.

Radiocarbon ageing of Indigenous culturally‐significant trees for bushfire management on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), southeast Queensland

SummaryPartnerships between Indigenous People and governments for joint management of ancestral lands, designated as protected conservation areas for biodiversity and cultural heritage, provide an opportunity to leverage accumulated traditional land management knowledge with emerging science. In Australia, veteran or large old trees in natural landscapes are of significant ecological importance, and among the Indigenous communities, they are living monuments to historical cultural practices, but their survival, endurance and long lives are rarely acknowledged to afford them protection. In sub‐tropical Australia, the lack of consistent annual growth rings in stem wood makes it difficult to estimate the age of large trees using methods such as the periodic diameter increment. Ngugi et al., 2020 published radiocarbon (14C) dates using wood core (‘pith‐wood’) samples from 12 Indigenous culturally‐significant trees covering five species on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Due to the imprecise calendar age results of the single samples used in the original study (Ngugi et al., 2020), subsequent radiocarbon dating of an additional three wood core samples from each tree was undertaken to age the trees more precisely. The revised tree ages ranged from 63 to 531 years and suggest an important role of past Indigenous land management practices into protecting Bugari (Cypress Pine, Callitris columellaris F. Muell.) from deadly crown scorching fires. These results underscore the importance of incorporating Indigenous practices in current fire management strategies and plans. Estimating tree ages based on the periodic diameter increment method overestimated the age relative to that derived from radiocarbon dating. New bias correction factors were developed for adjusting the recorded periodic tree diameter increments.

Unveiling mid-century conservation priorities: Co-occurrence of biodiversity, climate change exposure, and carbon storage in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Basin, China

The global challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change necessitate the implementation of integrated conservation strategies. A forward-looking framework is necessary to reconcile climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts with biodiversity goals, supporting effective long-term planning and management of protected areas (PAs) network. This study develops a comprehensive approach to identify priority areas for biodiversity conservation until 2050, integrating assessments of species distributions, climate change exposure and carbon storage under distinct shared socioeconomic pathways. The Middle and Lower Yangtze River Basin (MLYRB) in China serves as a case study. Using an ensemble species distribution modeling (ESDM) method, we predicted the distributions of 435 threatened terrestrial vertebrate species and plants. We then mapped their richness in the MLYRB. Distance-based climate velocity analysis was performed to identify climate change coldspots and hotspots. The patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model and InVEST model were coupled to simulate carbon storage changes. Systematic conservation planning tool, Zonation, was used to prioritize species conservation hotspots. By examining the co-occurrence of these hotspots with climate change coldspots/hotspots and areas of high carbon storage, conservation priorities for the MLYRB were revealed. Our findings indicate that 18.27–24.94% of the MLYRB risks over 20% species richness declines by 2050 under various scenarios, while increases over 10% are projected for only 0.81–1.75% of the area. Co-occurrence analysis highlights significant associations, such as a 32.26% overlap between species conservation hotspots and climate change hotspots in SSP1-2.6. Particularly noteworthy is the substantial co-occurrence (57.93–59.50% across scenarios) between areas maximizing species conservation and carbon storage. The identified conservation priority areas, covering 41.95% of the MLYRB (441554km2), hold potential for long-term species conservation, climate resilience, and nature-based climate solutions by 2050. However, only 6.08% of these priorities currently benefit from protection. These results offer valuable guidance for region-specific landscape management and conservation policy aligned with international goals. The presented methodology provides a broader application, serving as a valuable resource for prioritizing conservation efforts in other regions integrating biodiversity, climate change adaptation, and mitigation goals.

Spatial multi-criteria analysis based on food web model results: application to a marine conservation area

Effective marine management requires balancing conservation and sustainable use of resources. Food web models are useful for simulating direct and indirect effects of management scenarios on ecosystem functioning by using multiple indicators. However, a key challenge is consolidating these indicators into a single, comprehensive, measure, which is often required to guide management decisions, such as in Strategic Environmental Assessment. This study applies spatial multi-criteria analysis to food web model outputs to develop a single index for different marine management applications. We applied this framework to the case of the “Tegnùe di Chioggia”, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC; IT3250047) under the Natura 2000 European network, located in the northern Adriatic Sea (Italy). This area, characterised by the presence of biogenic rocky outcrops, currently lacks a formal management plan. Using the Ecospace module of the Ecopath with Ecosim software, we simulated three management scenarios: 1) SAC expansion; 2) winter artisanal fishing in the SAC; 3) a combination of both. In line with ecosystem-based management, we focused on economically important trophic groups in the region, such as the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, and striped venus clam, Chamelea gallina, which are present near the SAC. We also considered the efforts of the local fishing fleets. Ecosystem structure and functioning indicators, generated by the spatial food-web model, were linked to three criteria aligned with the management priorities of the area: nature conservation, aquaculture productivity, and fishing productivity. These criteria were aggregated into a final score to compare the management scenarios. The results showed that none of the scenarios would significantly alter community composition or ecosystem functioning compared to the current situation. However, they did show contrasting responses in the food web model. The SAC expansion scenario notably increased total biomass and commercial fish biomass, especially pectinids and cephalopods. The fishing scenario had a minimal impact on trophic groups. Ecosystem resilience and structure indicators were less sensitive to management scenarios than biomass indicators. However, the multi-criteria analysis revealed that the fishing scenario limited the benefits of expanding the SAC, due to reduced catches. The final score effectively ranked proposed scenarios, highlighting key indicators that influenced these variations. The proposed approach shows potential for supporting participatory modelling and engaging stakeholders in developing management scenarios.