Current Conservation Practices Research Articles

Web-based diagnostic platform for microorganism-induced deterioration on paper-based cultural relics with iterative training from human feedback

PurposePaper-based artifacts hold significant cultural and social values. However, paper is intrinsically fragile to microorganisms, such as mold, due to its cellulose composition, which can serve as a microorganisms’ nutrient source. Mold not only can damage papers’ structural integrity and pose significant challenges to conservation works but also may subject individuals attending the contaminated artifacts to health risks. Current approaches for strain identification usually require extensive training, prolonged time for analysis, expensive operation costs, and higher risks of secondary damage due to sampling. Thus, in current conservation practices with mold-contaminated artifacts, little pre-screening or strain identification was performed before mold removal, and the cleaning techniques are usually broad-spectrum rather than strain-specific. With deep learning showing promising applications across various domains, this study investigated the feasibility of using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for fast in-situ recognition and classification of mold on paper.MethodsMolds were first non-invasively sampled from ancient Xuan Paper-based Chinese books from the Qing and Ming dynasties. Strains were identified using molecular biology methods and the four most prevalent strains were inoculated on Xuan paper to create mockups for image collection. Microscopic images of the molds as well as their stains situated on paper were collected using a compound microscope and commercial microscope lens for cell phone cameras, which were then used for training CNN models with a transfer learning scheme to perform the classification of mold. To enable involvement and contribution from the research community, a web interface that actuates the process while providing interactive features for users to learn about the information of the classified strain was constructed. Moreover, a feedback functionality in the web interface was embedded for catching potential classification errors, adding additional training images, or introducing new strains, all to refine the generalizability and robustness of the model.Results & ConclusionIn the study, we have constructed a suite of high-confidence classification CNN models for the diagnostic process for mold contamination in conservation. At the same time, a web interface was constructed that allows recurrently refining the model with human feedback through engaging the research community. Overall, the proposed framework opens new avenues for effective and timely identification of mold, thus enabling proactive and targeted mold remediation strategies in conservation.

Too much diversity—Multiple definitions of geodiversity hinder its potential in biodiversity research

AbstractGeodiversity—the diversity of abiotic features and processes of the Earth's surface and subsurface—is an increasingly used concept in ecological research. A growing body of scientific literature has provided evidence of positive links between geodiversity and biodiversity. These studies highlight the potential of geodiversity to improve our understanding of biodiversity patterns and to complement current biodiversity conservation practices and strategies. However, definitions of geodiversity in ecological research vary widely. This can hinder the progress of geodiversity–biodiversity research and make it difficult to synthesize findings across studies. We therefore call for greater awareness of how geodiversity is currently defined and for more consistent use of the term ‘geodiversity’ in biodiversity research.

Göreme Saklı Kilise Özelinde Kaya Oyma Kiliselerinde Koruma Girişimleri/Değerlendirmeleri

Cappadocia contains historical, documentary, aesthetic, artistic, symbolic, social, economic, religious and spiritual values. Many structures and places produced by the rock carving technique have been destroyed and/or are on the way to extinction because of intense destruction in the historical process. Rock-carved churches, unique in their religious, artistic, and cultural values, are among the most affected. In this study, the current status of the Saklı Church, the examination of its historical development, the architectural documentation studies with the monasteries in its immediate vicinity, the structural deterioration, and the reasons for the preservation of the rock-hewn churches in the Göreme Valley, and the current conservation strategies and practices in the rock churches were evaluated. Preservation proposals have been developed so that the cultural heritage can be safely transferred to the future. As a result, the status and deterioration of the Saklı Church have been documented with various architectural representation methods, and conservation proposals have been developed.

Supporting the Conservation and Restoration OpenLab of the Acropolis of Ancient Tiryns through Data Modelling and Exploitation of Digital Media

Open laboratories (OpenLabs) in Cultural Heritage institutions are an effective way to provide visibility into the behind-the-scenes processes and promote documentation data collected and produced by domain specialists. However, presenting these processes without proper explanation or communication with specialists may cause issues in terms of visitors’ understanding. To support OpenLabs and disseminate information, digital media and efficient data management can be utilized. The CAnTi (Conservation of Ancient Tiryns) project seeks to design and implement virtual and mixed reality applications that visualize conservation and restoration data, supporting OpenLab operations at the Acropolis of Ancient Tiryns. Semantic Web technologies will be used to model the digital content, facilitating organization and interoperability with external sources in the future. These applications will be part of the OpenLab activities on the site, enhancing visitors’ experiences and understanding of current and past conservation and restoration practices.

Time capsules of biodiversity: Future research directions for groundwater-dependent ecosystems of the Great Artesian Basin

The Great Artesian Basin of Australia represents one of the largest and deepest basins of freshwater on Earth. Thousands of springs fed by the Basin are scattered across Australia’s arid zone, often representing the sole sources of freshwater for thousands of kilometers. As “islands” in the desert, the springs support endemic fauna and flora that have undergone millions of years of evolution in almost total isolation. Here, we review the current body of knowledge surrounding Great Artesian Basin springs and their significance from ecological, evolutionary, and cultural perspectives using South Australian spring wetlands as a case study. We begin by identifying the status of these springs as critical sources of groundwater, the unique biodiversity they support, and their cultural significance to the Arabana people as Traditional Custodians of the land. We then summarize known threats to the springs and their biota, both exogenous and endogenous, and the potential impacts of such processes. Finally, considering the status of these at-risk habitats as time capsules of biodiversity, we discuss lessons that can be learnt from current conservation and management practices in South Australia. We propose key recommendations for improved biodiversity assessment and monitoring of Great Artesian Basin springs nationwide, including 1) enhanced legal protections for spring biota; 2) increased taxonomic funding and capacity; 3) improved biodiversity monitoring methods, and 4) opportunities for reciprocal knowledge-sharing with Aboriginal peoples when conducting biodiversity research.

Perspectives on challenges and opportunities at the restoration‐policy interface in the U.S.A.

As we advance into the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, understanding the relationship between science, management, and policy is increasingly important given the paucity of research evaluating the ability of existing policy to address contemporary environmental challenges. Despite their inherent interdependence, restoration ecology as a scientific discipline, ecological restoration as a practice, and the policies driving restoration efforts do not always represent a unified force. Accenting the policies and practices within the United States, we present our perspective on challenges associated with this disunion, including those linked to social dimensions of restoration and limitations associated with existing policy. We provide a review of existing federal policy in the United States and synthesize suggestions that have emerged in the literature to fortify connections between restoration science and policy. We also describe social challenges to meeting restoration goals, including barriers surrounding power dynamics, trust, and communication, as well as divergent incentives, perspectives, and values. We propose potential solutions that exist in transdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing, and evidence‐based, balanced decision‐making that equally considers varying perspectives. With the understanding that current conservation practices are not enough to mitigate environmental degradation, we focus on streamlining problem‐solving strategies to support restoration and face the widespread ecological issues of today.

Investigating the organic residues from the corrosion of a caccabus from Pompeii

A caccabus (a wide-mouthed copper alloy vessel used for cooking) was amongst the objects lent by the Parco Archeologico di Pompeii and exhibited at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford (UK) in 2019. Kept in storage since excavation in the 1950′s, the object’s preparation for display presented an opportunity to investigate organic residues that may be trapped in its corrosion - a material currently commonly removed by conservators during the cleaning process. We adopted a multi-analytical approach to corrosion characterization comprised of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and mass spectrometry techniques, including proteomics. Within the copper hydroxide carbonate matrices were markers for milk, beef and the fermentation of cereals, supporting the proposed use of the vessel in the past. The practice of removing corrosion from objects for display is widespread, leading to a significant level of information about life and culture being lost. Our research not only extends organic residue analysis in archaeology but has the potential to change current conservation practice.

The Dammed and the Saved: a Conservation Triage Framework for Wetlands under Climate Change in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia

As the impacts of climate change and water demands from irrigation continue to increase in the Murray–Darling Basin, water for the environment is becoming more scarce and the ecological conditions of many wetlands is poor. With water scarcity, conservation triage is becoming an increasingly relevant management option for environmental watering of wetlands. However, triage is controversial; being considered contrary to current conservation objectives and practices. We assessed environmental watering at two Ramsar wetlands, Macquarie Marshes and Gunbower Forest, based on international environmental treaty obligations and domestic policy settings, changes to flow regimes, wetland condition and current management. Triage decision making was found to be in tacit use at Macquarie Marshes, based on ‘rules of thumb’ and experiential ecohydrological knowledge, whereas formal environmental watering planning formed the basis for triage decision making at Gunbower Forest. We developed a framework for conservation triage of wetlands in the Murray–Darling Basin to stimulate change in the decision context for wetland conservation and adaptation under climate change. Conservation triage entails reframing of relationships between people and nature and values, rules and knowledge used by stakeholders. Because water is the medium by which wetland conservation outcomes eventuate, trade-offs between competing water uses can be realised with the triage framework.

Insights into plant biodiversity conservation in large river valleys in China: A spatial analysis of species and phylogenetic diversity.

Large river valleys (LRVs) are heterogeneous in habitat and rich in biodiversity, but they are largely overlooked in policies that prioritize conservation. Here, we aimed to identify plant diversity hotspots along LRVs based on species richness and spatial phylogenetics, evaluate current conservation effectiveness, determine gaps in the conservation networks, and offer suggestions for prioritizing conservation. We divided the study region into 50 km × 50 km grid cells and determined the distribution patterns of seed plants by studying 124,927 occurrence points belonging to 14,481 species, using different algorithms. We generated phylogenies for the plants using the “V. PhyloMaker” R package, determined spatial phylogenetics, and conducted correlation analyses between different distribution patterns and spatial phylogenetics. We evaluated the effectiveness of current conservation practices and discovered gaps of hotspots within the conservation networks. In the process, we identified 36 grid cells as hotspots (covering 10% of the total area) that contained 83.4% of the species. Fifty‐eight percent of the hotspot area falls under the protection of national nature reserves (NNRs) and 83% falls under national and provincial nature reserves (NRs), with 42% of the area identified as conservation gaps of NNRs and 17% of the area as gaps of NRs. The hotspots contained high proportions of endemic and threatened species, as did conservation gaps. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the layout of current conservation networks, establish micro‐nature reserves, conduct targeted conservation priority planning focused on specific plant groups, and promote conservation awareness. Our results show that the conservation of three hotspots in Southwest China, in particular, is likely to positively affect the protection of biodiversity in the LRVs, especially with the participation of the neighboring countries, India, Myanmar, and Laos.

Sacred natural sites classification framework based on ecosystem services and implications for conservation

AbstractSacred natural sites (SNSs) are examples of community‐level governance for sustainable management of natural resources, which can greatly benefit nature conservation. However, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of the role of SNSs in conservation has resulted in overly simplistic classifications of SNSs that challenge current SNS research and conservation practice. Here, we propose an SNS classification framework based on the types and levels of material and spiritual services that SNSs provide, and applied this framework in the Khawa Karpo, an important sacred area in the Tibetan region of China based on detailed field surveys conducted from 2000 to 2004 and 2015 to 2017 that addressed six types of SNSs, including sacred mountains, Ri Vgags, sacred lakes, sacred rocks, sacred caves, and sacred trees. We found that SNSs in this region played a crucial role in sustaining traditional cultures and providing material services. Adoption of our classification framework will assist with the development of management strategies and targeted conservation actions for individual SNSs, thus improving conservation levels particularly in the Tibetan region.

Enhancing Tourism Potential A Revitalizing Plan for Central Zone of Hassanabdal Town

The rapid growth in population, accompanied by theunplanned expansion of the built environment of the town,is shattering the spiritual and historical essence of the town’s urban fabricsimultaneously. As a result, prominent historical monuments like the Tomband Garden of Lalarukh, Maqbara Hakeeman have decayed and are in direneed of attention. The research aims to generate an appropriate tourism planthat could, on the one hand, preserve these monuments and, on the other,could be helpful for the authorities to enhance the tourism potential of thetown. This research paper highlights the significance of historical andcultural heritage, which need to be conserved. The research was initiallyundertaken by identifying the significant historical monuments throughreconnaissance surveys, interviews and literature review by takingHassanabdal as a case study area which is an old historic town located inNorthern Punjab, exhibits diverse remnants from the times of Buddhist,Mughal, Sikh and British invaders. The recommendations were given in thelight of ICOMOS and UNESCO guidelines, keeping in view the currentconservation practices and legislation in Pakistan

Lacking conservation genomics in the giant Galápagos tortoise

Conservation policy in the giant Galpagos tortoise, an iconic endangered animal, has been assisted by genetic markers for 15 years: a dozen loci have been used to delineate thirteen (sub)species, between which hybridization is prevented. Here, comparative reanalysis of a previously published NGS data set reveals a conflict with traditional markers. Genetic diversity and population substructure in the giant Galpagos tortoise are found to be particularly low, questioning the genetic relevance of current conservation practices. Further examination of giant Galapagos tortoise population genomics is critically needed.

Jin Shofu Starch Nanoparticles for the Consolidation of Modern Paintings

Matte, porous, and weakly bound paint layers, typically found in modern/contemporary art, represent an unsolved conservation challenge. Current conservation practice relies on synthetic or natural adhesives that can alter dramatically the optical properties of paints. Alternatively, we propose a novel nanostructured consolidant based on starch, a renewable natural polymer. We synthesized starch nanoparticles (SNPs) to boost their penetration into the porous painted layers; upon solvent evaporation, the particles were expected to adhere to the pigments thanks to their large surface area and abundant -OH groups. The SNPs were formulated through a bottom-up approach, where gluten-removed Jin Shofu wheat starch was gelatinized and then precipitated in a nonsolvent. The low gelatinization temperature of wheat starch is likely key to favor disassembly in alkali and reassembly in the nonsolvent. The synthesis conditions can be tuned to obtain amorphous SNPs of ca. 50 nm with acceptable polydispersity. The particles swell in water to form nanosized gel-like fractal domains (as observed with cryogenic electron microscopy), formed by the organization of smaller units in polymer-rich and -deficient regions. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic particles' dispersions were assessed on aged ultramarine blue mock-ups that mimic degraded modern/contemporary paints. The consolidation effectiveness was evaluated with a specifically designed in-house protocol: the SNPs distribute across the paint section and strongly increase pigments' cohesion while preserving the original optical properties of the painted layer, as opposed to dispersions of bulk starch that simply accumulate on the paint surface, forming superficial glossy films. The Jin Shofu SNPS proved to be a new promising tool for the consolidation of weakened paintings, opening perspectives in the formulation and application of consolidants for modern and contemporary art.

A Review of Nonscientific Factors Contributing to the Development of Terrestrial Ecosystem Conservation Policies and Practices in Iceland

Terrestrial ecosystems in Iceland have undergone tremendous alterations and degradation ever since the Norse first settled there in 870 C.E. Soon after recognizing the value of their land, the Norse tried to restore the damage they had done. Initial environmental protection efforts like these eventually gave way to a deep-rooted Icelandic environmentalism in the early 1900s that was both resolute and idealistic. A widespread ecological movement in the 1970s then later brought forth an ideological shift: calls for Icelandic environmental policy to be more heavily rooted in the sciences. Nevertheless, there are a number of nonscientific factors still contributing to the development of current land conservation policies and practices in Iceland. This article analyzes two case studies: The first considers the development of the 2004–2008 Nature Conservation Strategy of Iceland, while the second examines reforestation policy regarding nonnative Alaskan Nootka Lupin. Both cases speak to these nonscientific factors and how they are intrinsically embedded in environmental policy development in Iceland. These factors include the issues of conceptual clarity (or lack thereof), aesthetic values, conflicting interests, and personal values. Anthropogenically induced environmental impacts have been continually and increasingly felt all across the globe. This case study is therefore not only timely, but it also exemplifies how environmental policy may be developed in responses to these impacts.

Physiological Responses of Coral Reef Species to Emerging Threats of Anthropogenic Climate Change

Anthropogenic climate change is a threat to countless species and ecosystems around the world, including the coral reefs. Coral Reefs provide habitat to hundreds of thousands of species and play a big role in maintaining biological diversity. Unfortunately, around 50-70% of all coral reefs are under direct threat from human activities such as deforestation and overfishing. Major threats to the survival of coral reefs include increasing sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification, as they lead to bleaching and reduction in coral calcification. Due to the rapidly changing climate, conservation efforts should be aimed at protecting species that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and buffer pH changes. This paper discusses recent research on tolerance and persistence of various species that make up the coral reefs and how this information can be integrated into current conservation practices to better protect the coral reefs.

Analysis of the Barriers to Equipping Agricultural Lands with the New Irrigation Technologies (Case study: Shahrabaad Rural District of Bardaskan County, Iran)

Purpose- Due to its special geographical location in the arid and semi-arid climate belt of the world, Iran suffers from water scarcity and limited usable water resources, notably considering the population growth and increasing demand for water and food. High water consumption in agriculture as one of the main water use sectors is estimated as 90% of total water, thereby necessitating consideration of water conservation methods. However, there are a number of barriers to use the current water conservation practices. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the barriers to equipping agricultural lands with the new irrigation technologies in Shahrabaad rural district, Bardaskan city. Design/methodology/approach-This is an applied study in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method, carried out using the random sampling method. The sample size was 338 households in the research area which was determined using Cochran's formula. Data were collected based on field and library studies. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by university professors and experts. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.78 using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Moreover, the TOPSIS fuzzy model was used to rank the villages in terms of the effect of barriers to using the new irrigation technologies, and SPSS software was used for analyzing the research questions. Findings: Results showed that the economic dimension was the most important barriers to using the new irrigation technologies. In addition, low-socioeconomic status of the farmers and small loans are the most prominent barriers to equipping agricultural lands with the new irrigation technologies in the research rural district. Research limitations/implications- unavailability of statistical information when referring to the agricultural jihad and the governor’s office, and completing the questionnaire, depending on the subject at the village level, is one of the main challenges of the present study. Practical implications- Given the specific research findings, it is necessary for agriculture and water policy-makers take serious measures concerning the incentive (low-interest and long-term loans, micro-land integration and the like) and punitive (imposing restrictions on traditional land users and stipulating other supports to change the irrigation method) instruments, because otherwise water restriction and the consequences of water scarcity will be challenging in many areas and even may lead to a serious crisis. Originality / value: This study is prima facie significant in terms of statement of the reasons for the barriers to equipping agricultural lands with the new irrigation technologies from the users' perspective and then, in terms of a more detailed analysis of the research findings to change the implementation of traditional irrigation methods.

Comparison Between Colorimetry and Sensory Panel in Studying Similarity Between Roman and Integration Bricks, Assisted by Multivariate Data Treatment

ABSTRACT The restoration of the Roman building of the third-fourth century CE called Minerva Medica, in Rome, highlighted a problem concerning the choice of the color of the bricks for integration. Current conservation practice in Italy favours a restoration that as much as possible is consistent with the original but leaves some visible differences to a careful observer. Color measurement is usually performed using portable spectrocolorimeters that provide the reflectance spectrum and also colorimetric parameters such as L* a* b*, h* L* C*, RGB, etc. In other sectors, such as for olive oils, for wines, and also for the colors of commercial products, sensory panels are used to provide results of difference/similarity and are known to be similar to observations made by consumers. In this study, data from a top quality spectrocolorimeter and from a sensory panel are compared. Twenty non-professional people were involved in the comparison between seven restoration bricks and three ancient Roman bricks from the studied site. Observations took place in a room with controlled lighting, and each observer filled out a sensory card using about 2000 known comparison colors. Comparison of the results was carried out with graphic methods and by means of cluster analysis. The results show that the sensory panel could be a useful alternative to colorimetry, while cluster analysis allowed a significant response to questions posed by conservation professionals, and was confirmed by other graphic-statistical methods.

An Overview on the Current Status and Conservation Practices of Forest Land and Plant Diversity of Bangladesh

The study is based on intensive survey of relevant literature which reviews the present status, threats, conservation initiatives and major legislation related to conservation of forest ecosystems and plant diversity. The three natural forests (Hill, Sal and mangrove forest) are the key habitats of plant diversity and cover about 2 million hectares of land. Despite a flora diversity rich country, the existence of many plant species is currently under threat as evident by continuous degradation of natural forest in Bangladesh. There is an increasing pressure on the biodiversity of this country to meet the needs of the increasing population of Bangladesh. As a result, many plant species are gradually declining and are facing extinction. Over exploitation of natural ecosystems, land use changes, permanent infrastructures in natural ecosystems, illegal logging, natural disasters, climate change effects and limited forest protected areas (FPAs) are key threats to plant diversity. Government has made some initiative to conserve the remaining plant diversity including declaration of FPAs, national conservation strategies and establishment of environment related acts. At present 47 FPAs are established as in-situ and ex-situ conservation approaches to preserve plant diversity. Several preservation plots, clone banks and arboreta are also functioning as conservation approaches. The country has several laws that address forest and biodiversity conservation, several of which has been amended in last decade. Recently the country has taken some policies and projects in small scale to ensure effective conservation of plant diversity through sustainable management practices. Although co-management by FPAs authority and local participant has some advantageous effects, the existing conservation practices are still poor to effective conservation of flora diversity.

Interstitial fauna of the Sava River in Eastern Slovenia

Interstitial water that occupies the pore spaces within unconsolidated sediments is a unique habitat, inhabited by surface as well as exclusively subterranean species (stygobionts). The best studied of all interstitial habitats is the hyporheic zone, an interface between surface water and groundwater (phreatic zone) environments. The Sava River in central Slovenia (i.e., at the Ljubljana alluvial plain) readily qualifies as one of the global hotspots of interstitial biodiversity, while data from other river sections are lacking. In 2015, we sampled two gravel bars on the final Slovenian section of the river (Eastern Slovenia), and collected nine samples per site using the Bou-Rouch pumping method. At »Čatež ob Savi« and »Obrežje« sites, at least 26 invertebrate species with 14 stygobionts and 25 invertebrate species with 13 stygobionts were identified, respectively. Altogether, 33 invertebrate taxa with 16 stygobionts were recorded, which increased the previously known interstitial stygobiotic richness of the Sava River in Slovenia by eight species (to 37 species). Three species of the stygobiotic amphipod genus Niphargus were recorded in Slovenia for the first time, one of which is even a new species to science. We discuss the novel results in the context of current national conservation practices.

Tale of two islands. The reality of large-scale extinction in the early stages of the Anthropocene: a lack of awareness and appropriate action

The endemic biotas of oceanic islands were vulnerable and many have been lost. The more ancient, complex and dynamic biotas of continents were more resilient but are now being obliterated. Sumatra and Madagascar are large continental plate islands with very different histories and biotas that exemplify the situation on continental land masses. Both tropical islands have suffered massive habitat loss and species extinction from human population pressure, Sumatra mostly from global and Madagascar from local pressure. Snails demonstrate the complex history of faunal origins as illustrated by the relationships between Madagascan, Indian and southeast Asian snail faunas and their plate tectonic geological history. Snails also reveal our limited knowledge of the details but not the scope of extinctions through habitat loss. International agencies are failing to address the root causes of natural habitat loss and consequent extinctions, which are overpopulation and an economic system based on perpetual growth. The fallacy of sustainable development and the limitations of current conservation practice are addressed. Recognition that we cannot stop extinctions in the immediate future demands a new, supplementary approach to conservation based on advances in molecular technology.