Ecosystem Degradation Research Articles

The Rate of Modelling the Change of Hydrodynamic Components and Ecosystem Degradation due to the Existence of Coastal Reclamation Research in 2012-2022

Reclamation is defined as an action made to increase the use of land resources while considering environmental and socioeconomic factors, such as landfilling and land drainage. Unfortunately, as man-made structures in the waters, coastal reclamation has the potential to significantly caused a disruption towards nature processes. This research aims to examine the pace of inquiry into the negative effects of coastal reclamation. The search was conducted using Publish or Perish Software, which was used to choose data sources in the form of Google Scholar from 2012-2022, and we applied a systematic Literature Review method. Identification and evaluation were carried out using two types of software such as Publish or Perish and VOSviewer. This research showed that China and India are the most frequent countries to be chosen as the area of interest related to this topic due to their experiences in handling a lot of coastal reclamations in their territorial. Mean-while, other countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and some Europe Countries counted as the low rate areas for this type of publication even though they had a huge number of similar projects.

Species of the Poaceae family suitable for Andean livestock farming in the Peruvian Andes reported in GBIF and local studies

Andean grassland ecosystems are covered by a mega-vascular floristic diversity constituted by families such as Poaceae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Plantaginaceae, Fabaceae, and Cyperaceae, among the most important ones that include suitable species for Andean Livestock feeding such as sheep, cattle, and South American camelids. However, the accelerated degradation of ecosystems and the extinction of several important species, have put it in our interest to know better the spatio-temporal distribution of these species as a starting point for spatio-temporal monitoring. With this purpose, we compiled information on those identified as D species in the Poaceae family, from thesis studies and published scientific articles. We also examined the record and spatial distribution of D species of this family in the Global Biodiversity Information System (GBIF) corresponding to the Sierra region of Peru. Specific geo-processed maps were generated after data curation. It was found that there are 63 D species included in the genus: Agrostis, Agropirum, Bromus, Calamagrostis, Dissanthelium, Festuca, Hordeum, Muhlenbergia, Nasella, Paspalum, Poa, Stipa, Trisetum and Vulpia, of which only 52 species are registered in GBIF, noting the concentration of records in places of greater tourist interest and with funded research projects such as the Huascaran National Park and others. The few studies on natural grassland species in Peru and the low spatial coverage of the species recorded in GBIF still limit the generation of adequate monitoring strategies.

Ecosystemic Alienation from the Perspective of Paraecology

Individual alienation, which began in the previous century with the industrialization revolution, has now progressed to the level of ecosystem alienation. Catastrophic destruction that occurs with the disruption of natural ecosystem functions proceeds insidiously. The main objective of this study is to make paraecological approaches more understandable, and aid efforts to make nature conservation and environmental ethics a way of life in the solution of environmental problems caused by ecosystemic alienation. With the magic of hedonism, an alienated person becomes lonely and robotic. Today, modernity is the main activator of alienation. Weak living things, which constitute the basic paradigm of modernity, must constantly feed this system. However, maintaining modernity tends to destroy the system by exploiting it. Ecological destruction, such as climate change, drought, and desertification have reached a global threat level. Living things are unaware that they are preparing to perish under the threat of alienation, along with their systems. Ecosystemic alienation, a latent virus that has existed for over a century, is the highest level of alienation. Selling or bartering these functions by calculating the financial value of the services and functions of natural ecosystems is another indicator of alienation. The solution is not to destroy the alienated humans (aliens) responsible for the degradation of ecosystems, but to push them to the limits and neutralize them. Efforts to create virtuous people who will solve ecological problems and adopt living as a part of nature cannot be realized with utopian principles. Adoption of global nature conservation ethics is possible with lifelong education for all ages.

Long-Term Volumetric Change Estimation of Red Ash Quarry Sites in the Afro-Alpine Ecosystem of Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia

The Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) in Ethiopia comprises the largest fraction of the Afro-Alpine ecosystem in Africa, which provides vital mountain ecosystem services at local, regional, and global levels. However, the BMNP has been severely threatened by natural and anthropogenic disturbances in recent decades. In particular, landscape alteration due to human activities such as red ash quarrying has become a common practice in the BMNP, which poses a major environmental challenge by severely degrading the Afro-Alpine ecosystem. This study aims to quantify the long-term volumetric changes of two red ash quarry sites in the BMNP using historical aerial photographs and in situ data, and to assess their impact on the Afro-Alpine ecosystem. The Structure-from-Motion multi-view stereo photogrammetry algorithm was used to reconstruct the three-dimensional landscape for the year 1967 and 1984 while spatial interpolation techniques were applied to generate the current digital elevation models for 2023. To quantify the volumetric changes and landscape alteration of the quarry sites, differences in digital elevation models were computed. The result showed that the volume of resources extracted from the BMNP quarry sites increased significantly over the study period from 1984 to 2023 compared with the period from 1967 to 1984. In general, between 1967 and 2023, the total net surface volume of the quarry sites decreased by 503,721 ± 27,970 m3 and 368,523 ± 30,003 m3, respectively. The extent of the excavated area increased by 53,147 m2 and 45,297 m2 for Site 1 and 2, respectively. In terms of habitat loss, major gravel road construction inside the BMNP resulted in the reduction of Afro-Alpine vegetation by 476,860 m2, ericaceous vegetation by 403,806 m2 and Afromontane forest by 493,222 m2 with associated decline in species diversity and density. The excavation and gravel road construction have contributed to the degradation of the Afro-Alpine ecosystem, especially the endemic Lobelia rhynchopetalum on the quarry sites and roads. If excavation continues at the same rate as in the last half century, it can threaten the whole mountain ecosystem of the National Park and beyond, highlighting the importance of preventing these anthropogenic changes and conserving the remaining Afro-Alpine ecosystem.

Polystyrene-degrading bacteria in the gut microbiome of marine benthic polychaetes support enhanced digestion of plastic fragments

Polystyrene foam, which is used as a buoyant material in mariculture, is a common constituent of marine plastic debris. Here, we conduct analyses on polystyrene foam debris collected on the east coast of Xiamen Island, China, and associated plastic-burrowing clamworms. We apply interferometry, mass spectrometry and microscopy to polystyrene foam fragments excreted by the benthic clamworms (Perinereis vancaurica). We find evidence of polystyrene digestion and degradation during passage of the clamworm gut leading to the formation and accumulation of microplastics, with a mean diameter of 0.6 ± 0.2 mm. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of clamworm intestines indicated diverse bacterial gut microbiome, dominated by Acinetobacter and Ruegeria bacteria. Further characterization confirmed that polystyrene was degraded by representative gut isolates of Acinetobacter johnsonii, Brevibacterium casei, and Ruegeria arenilitoris. During a 30-day incubation, we observed a very slight decrease in polystyrene weight, changes in chemical group and thermal characteristic, and production of polystyrene metabolic intermediates. Our findings indicate that polystyrene-degrading bacteria in the gut microbiome of clamworms may influence plastic fragmentation and degradation in marine ecosystems.

A novel biosensing strategy on the dynamic and on-site detection of Vibrio coralliilyticus eDNA for coral health warnings

Heat stress and coral diseases are the predominant factors causing the degradation of coral reef ecosystems. Over recent years, Vibrio coralliilyticus was identified as a temperature-dependent pathogen causing tissue lysis in Pocillopora damicornis and one of the primary pathogens causing bleaching and mortality in other corals. Yet current detection techniques for V. coralliilyticus rely primarily on qPCR and ddPCR, which cannot meet the requirements for non-invasive and real-time detection. Herein, we developed an effective electrochemical biosensor modified by an Au-MoS2/rGO (AMG) nanocomposites and a specific capture probe to dynamically detect V. coralliilyticus environment DNA (eDNA) in aquarium experiments, with a lower limit of detection (0.28 fM) for synthetic DNA and a lower limit of quantification (9.8 fg/µL, ∼0.86 copies/µL) for genomic DNA. Its reliability and accuracy were verified by comparison with the ddPCR method (P > 0.05). Notably, coral tissue started to lyse at only 29 °C when the concentration of V. coralliilyticus increased abruptly to 880 copies/µL, indicating the biosensor could reflect the types of pathogen and health risks of corals under heat stress. Overall, the novel and reliable electrochemical biosensing technology provides an efficient strategy for the on-site monitoring and early warning of coral health in the context of global warming.

Sequential Treatment Application Robot (STAR) for high-replication marine experimentation

Marine organisms are often subject to numerous anthropogenic stressors, resulting in widespread ecosystem degradation. Physiological responses to these stressors, however, are complicated by high biological variability, species-specific sensitivities, nonlinear relationships, and countless permutations of stressor combinations. Nevertheless, quantification of these relationships is paramount for parameterizing predictive tools and ultimately for effective management of marine resources. Multi-level, multi-stressor experimentation is therefore key, yet the high replication required has remained a logistical challenge and a financial barrier. To overcome these issues, we created an automated system for experimentation on marine organisms, the Sequential Treatment Application Robot (STAR). The system consists of a track-mounted robotic arm that sequentially applies precision treatments to independent aquaria via syringe and peristaltic pumps. The accuracy and precision were validated with dye and spectrophotometry, and stability was demonstrated by maintaining corals under treatment conditions for more than a month. The system is open source and scalable in that additional treatments and replicates may be added without incurring multiplicative costs. While STAR was designed for investigating the combined impacts of nutrients, warming, and disease on reef-building corals, it is highly customizable and may be used for experimentation involving a diverse array of treatments and species.

Evaluation of the ecological status of shallow-water coral reefs in China using a novel method and identification of environmental factors for coral decline

Coral reefs worldwide have faced extensive damage due to natural catastrophes and anthropogenic disturbances.The decline can cause their widespread collapse and an inability to recover from natural disturbances, highlighting the urgent need for their protection. This study conducted an extensive ecological condition assessment of seven coral reef regions in China's offshore. Our findings revealed the presence of 204 species of scleractinian corals belonging to 16 families. Massive corals were the predominant reef-building corals in all regions. The degradation of coral reef ecosystems was apparent in the present compared to historical reef conditions. The ecosystem suffered varying degrees of damage in surveyed regions according to a novel assessment approach, impling more effective measures should be taken to mitigate the local pressures. Our research establishes a baseline for understanding the status of coral reefs that can be used in future and provides a crucial foundation to designate protective zones for their conservation.

Identifying plants for priority conservation in Samar Island Natural Park forests (the Philippines) over limestone using a localized conservation priority index

The escalating degradation of ecosystems and the consequent reduction in critical services essential for human communities are global concerns. This study aimed to identify top-priority plants for conservation using a localized conservation priority index (LCPI), customized for the locality. The LCPI, a point scoring method, ranked 50 evaluated species based on criteria such as harvesting risk, economic and cultural use, species distribution, and frequency value. Thirteen species were classified as high priority, requiring stringent harvesting regulations, while the remaining 37 were designated at a medium priority level, allowing specific quotas for harvesting. Notably, all 13 high-priority species exhibited higher harvesting risks. These include Caryota rumphiana Mart., Aquilaria cumingiana (Decne.) Ridl., Cycas riuminiana Regel, Dracaena angustifolia (Medik.) Roxb., Oncosperma tigillarium (Jack) Ridl., Oreocnide rubescens (Blume) Miq., Kleinhovia hospita L., Diospyros blancoi A.DC., Codiaeum sp., Gymnostoma rumphianum (Miq.) L.A.S.Johnson, Caryota cumingii Lodd. ex Mart., Artocarpus rubrovenius Warb., and Palaquium sp. Local communities engage in harvesting all parts of certain plant species. Following the identification of priority plants, geotagging was employed to enhance targeted in situ conservation efforts, providing valuable guidance for local leaders in initiating localized conservation of threatened biodiversity.

The impact of land transfer policy on sustainable agricultural development in China

At present, China’s agricultural development presents problems such as increasingly tight constraints on water and soil resources, increased pollution in the process of agricultural production, and noticeable degradation of agricultural ecosystems. So, it is urgent to promote the sustainable development of agriculture. From the perspective of land transfer policy, based on the panel data of 30 regions in China from 2006 to 2020, this paper uses the entropy weight method to calculate the level of sustainable agricultural development. Based on the analysis of the impact mechanism of land transfer policy on sustainable agricultural development, the relationship between land transfer policy and sustainable agricultural development is empirically tested by the continuous difference-in-difference method. The study found that the overall level of sustainable agricultural development in China is relatively low but shows an upward trend. The land transfer policy significantly promoted the sustainable development of agriculture in China. This conclusion is still valid after a series of validity tests and robustness tests. Finally, the corresponding policy suggestions are put forward according to the theoretical analysis and empirical results. Future research will focus on indicators challenging to quantify in agricultural sustainable development and find effective methods to incorporate them into the indicator system. At the same time, find the data of Prefecture-level cities in major grain-producing areas and further improve the measurement and research of agricultural sustainable development.

Vector mosquito distribution and richness are predicted by socio-economic, and ecological variables

Mosquitoes of vectorial importance represent a ubiquitous and constant threat of potentially devastating arboviral outbreaks. Our ability to predict such outcomes is still restricted. To answer this, we have used an extensive data collection of 23 vector and 233 non-vector mosquito species distributed throughout the Mexican territory and linked them to social and environmental factors. Our aim was to predict vector and non-vector mosquitoes’ distribution and species richness based on socioeconomic and environmental data. We found that lack of health services, human population variation, ecological degradation, and urban-rural categorization contributed significantly to explain the distribution of vector mosquitoes. mosquitoes. This phenomenon is probably attributed to the degradation of natural ecosystems as it creates favorable conditions for the proliferation of vector mosquitoes. The richness of vector mosquitoes was similarly explained by most of these variables as well as altitude. As for non-vector mosquitoes, social marginalization, ecological degradation, anthropogenic impact, and altitude explain species richness and distribution. These findings illustrate the complex interaction of environmental and socioeconomic factors behind the distribution of mosquitoes, and the potential for arboviral disease outbreaks. Areas with human populations at highest risk for mosquito-borne diseases should be primary targets for vector control.

Hydrodynamic effects and water environment improvement of topographic reconstruction in shallow lakes

This paper focuses on a typical shallow lake, Lake Changdanghu, which is subject to frequent hydrodynamic disturbances and suspended sediment deposition, resulting in reduced water clarity and the degradation of the grass-type ecosystem. Using a combination of long-term systematic observations and numerical simulations, the impact of terrain modification on the hydrodynamic characteristics of Lake Changdanghu and its resulting environmental improvements are systematically analyzed. The results indicate that there is a significant correlation between the wind wave intensity, suspended solids concentration of the water, and water clarity. The artificial shoal project effectively reduces the local wind wave intensity, increases the water area of the weak waves, and alters the flow structure and transport path of the lake. The wave reduction effect of the artificial shoal significantly improves the transparency of the local water, especially under high wind wave conditions, with a 60% increase in the sheltered area, significantly improving the physical habitat environment. Additionally, the flow resistance and guidance roles of the artificial shoal concentrate the impact of the poor water quality of the inflow in a local area, reducing its adverse effects on the main body of the lake. Our research demonstrates that for shallow lakes, the water transparency can be improved, the physical habitat conditions for aquatic vegetation can be enhanced, and grass-type ecosystems can be gradually restored through artificial intervention and vegetation recovery projects by reducing the wave energy, flow resistance, and guidance through the construction of artificial shoals. This approach achieves long-term maintenance of eutrophication control and water quality improvement in shallow lakes.

Functional roles of biocrusts in enhancing soil quality in a semi-arid environment

Biocrusts play a wide range of ecological roles, especially in modifying surface soil properties and as a natural agent to combat soil degradation in fragile semi-arid and arid ecosystems globally. We examined the importance of biocrust on soil properties and quality in a semi-arid alluvial fan in northeastern Iran. The soil quality index (SQI) was used as the method for the quantitative evaluation of soil with or without biocrusts, using standard linear and nonlinear scoring methods. For this purpose, 17 biological, chemical, and physical soil properties were integrated into two indicator selection methods (total and minimum data set) and SQI has been calculated by the weighted additive method. The spatial patterns of SQI showed that overall the soil quality was (47%) increased in biocrust compared to non-biocrust soil. The increase of microbial biomass nitrogen, basal soil respiration, and microbial biomass carbon, and the decrease of available sodium and percentage sand were the most important indicators controlling the soil quality changes by biocrusts. In addition, biocrusts improved the soil structure by reducing bulk density and increasing the mean weight diameter of aggregates and available water capacity. Cyanobacteria communities of biocrusts were the initiators of soil quality improvement, while moss and cyanolichen communities played a major role from the moderate stages of biocrust occurrence. It is concluded that globally, in dry lands, biocrusts should be considered as signatures of enhanced soil quality.

Diagnosis of Integrated Coastal Management in Venezuela

The implementation of Integrated Coastal Zones Management (iczm) is presented as a necessity in Venezuela, given the strategic importance of its extensive coasts. This approach seeks to reconcile economic development with environmental preservation, being a practice adopted in various countries to face the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities associated with the management of coastal areas. In the context of Venezuela, a Caribbean nation, significant challenges arise in the management of its coastal zones, including exposure to extreme climate events, coastal erosion, and the degradation of coastal ecosystems. The proposed methodology, based on the Decalogue of the Ibero-American Network of Integrated Coastal Management (red ibermar), provides a solid framework to evaluate the Integrated Management of Coastal Zones in Venezuela. This decalogue is based on key principles that act as an essential tool to identify areas for improvement in the management of the country’s coastal spaces. By examining key aspects through this methodology, the effectiveness of iczm in Venezuela can be enhanced and the resilience of its coastal ecosystems strengthened in the face of emerging challenges. Keywords: Coastal areas, Venezuela, coastal management, decalogue, citizen participation.

Analysis of Integrated Coastal Management in Haiti

The Integrated Coastl Zone Management (iczm) it is a strategy used in many countries to address the challenges and opportunities associated with coastal area management. Haiti, as a Caribbean country, faces challenges in managing its coastal zones due to vulnerability to extreme weather events, coastal erosion, degradation of coastal ecosystems and other problems. However, effective implementation of this strategy requires a coordinated approach and overcoming significant challenges. The purposeful diagnosis of the administrative-legal subsystem related to Integrated Coastal Management (icm) in Haiti is a crucial tool to identify areas of improvement in the management of the country’s coastal spaces. Through the Decalogue used by the Ibero-American Integrated Coastal Management Network (red ibermar), key aspects that influence the effectiveness of the icm in Haiti can be analyzed. By addressing these key aspects, the country can move towards a more effective and sustainable approach to Integrated Coastal Management for the benefit of its coastal communities and the protection of its marine and coastal resources. Keywords: Haití, comprehensive diagnosis, coastal management, Management Decalogue.

Linking ecosystem pressures and marine macroinvertebrate ecosystem services in mangroves and seagrasses

African coastal ecosystems encompass high biodiversity that provides crucial ecosystem services (ES). However, the supply of these ES is threatened due to ecosystem degradation, which threatens human well-being and livelihoods. This study investigated the link between pressures and the ES provided by marine macroinvertebrates (MMIs) in mangroves and seagrasses. We assessed ecosystem condition (marine protected areas, MPAs), pressures, namely climate change (sea surface temperature and sea level), land-use and land-cover changes, overexploitation (mangrove deforestation and overfishing), and core MMI ES (provisioning, regulation, cultural). Our results revealed a low ratio of MPAs compared to the Aichi Target 11, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive conservation strategy. Sea temperature and level showed an increasing trend, indicating the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to climate change. The decline in mangrove forest cover highlights the need to mitigate adverse effects of land-use change. The increasing number of artisanal fishery licences suggests increased pressure on MMIs, which can have severe consequences for local communities. MMI food production, particularly shrimp, and recreational fishing increased in the last 2 decades. Regulation services and cultural services related to research and education varied through time due to the limited availability of data. This information was used to develop an exploratory conceptual model illustrating the complex relationships among pressures, condition, MMI ES, and management goals for the sustainable use of marine resources and their connection with food security. Our findings underscore the importance of preserving MMI populations and habitats while addressing knowledge gaps to enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems.

Towards Design Principles for Good Multi-Level Drought Risk Governance: Some Lessons from the Rhine Basin

In times of climate change, periods of drought will occur more frequently. This causes challenges for water use, ranging from limitations on the navigability of water courses, limited availability of water for irrigation and drinking water supply, reduced hydropower production, increasing concentrations of pollutants, deteriorating water quality, and ecosystem degradation. Dealing with droughts, however, is a complex puzzle due to the multi-level governance characteristics of international river basins and the need to meet the freshwater demands of all sectors involved. This increases the need to address drought issues in a coordinated way, along all levels of decision making. Thus far, the way this must be executed has been under-researched. This paper addresses this knowledge gap as it aims to provide design principles for good multi-level drought risk governance in international river basins. In order to meet our aim, we first reviewed literature on multi-level and good governance and established an assessment framework. This framework was applied in a case study on drought risk governance in the international Rhine basin. Policy documents were analyzed and key informants interviewed. We found that although the governance practice in the basin meets most of our framework criteria, differences between the international level, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland also occurred. We have synthesized our findings into a list of 10 design principles for good multi-level drought risk governance, which could function as a starting point for the analysis and improvement of other multi-level drought risk governance practices.

Contributions of human cultures to biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.

The expansion of globalized industrial societies is causing global warming, ecosystem degradation, and species and language extinctions worldwide. Mainstream conservation efforts still focus on nature protection strategies to revert this crisis, often overlooking the essential roles of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IP&LC) in protecting biodiversity and ecosystems globally. Here we assess the scientific literature to identify relationships between biodiversity (including ecosystem diversity) and cultural diversity, and investigate how these connections may affect conservation outcomes in tropical lowland South America. Our assessment reveals a network of interactions and feedbacks between biodiversity and diverse IP&LC, suggesting interconnectedness and interdependencies from which multiple benefits to nature and societies emerge. We illustrate our findings with five case studies of successful conservation models, described as consolidated or promising 'social-ecological hope spots', that show how engagement with IP&LC of various cultures may be the best hope for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, particularly when aligned with science and technology. In light of these five inspiring cases, we argue that conservation science and policies need to recognize that protecting and promoting both biological and cultural diversities can provide additional co-benefits and solutions to maintain ecosystems resilient in the face of global changes.

The Recent Trends of the Inland Fishery of Basrah Government, Iraq

The fish species caught in the inland fishery of Basrah were recorded from seven landing sites between January and December 2022. A total of 14 types of fish from four families were identified in this fishery. The most commonly caught fish were exotic species such as Cyprinus carpio and tilapia species. In contrast, the landings of significant native freshwater fish that are characteristic of Mesopotamian aquatic environments, such as Carasobarbus luteus, Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi, Luciobarbus xanthopterus, and Arabibarbus grypus, dropped considerably. The total fish landing has been steadily increasing since 2009, indicating a positive trend in the overall landing. This growth may be attributed to the expansion of fishing activities and the prevalence of exotic species due to the degradation of the water ecosystem in Southern Iraq. From a fisheries management viewpoint, it is essential to maintain native stocks in the aquatic ecosystems in southern Iraq involving regional cooperation between Iraq, Turkey and Iran to secure the appropriate quantities of water for Iraq from the upper Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, strengthening the stocks of economically native fish by artificially propagating them and then releasing juvenile species into natural waters, and restrict the reproduction of carps and confining them to fish farms, and finally minimizing the impacts of tilapia species by intensifying the fishing activities.

Fluid Diplomacy: Managing water disputes in South Asia

Water disputes in South Asia represent complex challenges stemming from competing demands, population growth, climate change impacts, and geopolitical tensions. This study examines the multifaceted nature of water conflicts in the region, focusing on transboundary rivers such as the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra, which serve as lifelines for millions of people across borders. It explores the historical context of water disputes in South Asia, tracing their origins to colonial-era water management practices and contemporary factors such as rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion. It analyzes the geopolitical dynamics underlying water conflicts, highlighting issues of sovereignty, power asymmetries, and the role of hydro-diplomacy in fostering cooperation. Moreover, the research focuses on the environmental implications of water disputes, including ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change vulnerability. Despite these challenges, the abstract identifies opportunities for collaborative solutions, emphasizing the importance of international mediation, legal frameworks, and sustainable water management practices. By fostering dialogue, trust-building, and equitable resource allocation, South Asian countries can work towards resolving water disputes and promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity.