Environmental Conservation Strategies Research Articles

Ecological footprint spillover effects in Europe: New insights from dynamic spatial panel data model with common shocks

This comprehensive study addresses the urgent global challenges of climate change and environmental degradation by focusing on the Ecological Footprint (EF). Unlike previous studies, it introduces a novel approach incorporating spatial spillover, temporal effects, and common shocks in panel data analysis. The spatial spillover effect highlights the influence of trade, pollution havens, and competition between neighboring countries on EF. The temporal effects emphasize the significance of historical production patterns and export strategies in shaping the current EF. The study also considers the impact of exogenous common shocks, such as international agreements and global events, on EF. Utilizing a dynamic spatial panel data model with common shocks, the research examines 40 European countries from 1992 to 2020, revealing the significant impact of biocapacity, energy consumption, industrialization, and globalization on EF. Findings indicate that spatial spillover effects contribute to EF transfer, emphasizing the need for collaborative global efforts. The study sheds light on the interconnectedness of environmental impacts and underscores the importance of considering both weak and strong forms of cross-sectional dependence in achieving accurate estimations. The research enriches our understanding of EF determinants and provides nuanced insights for policymakers striving to develop effective strategies for sustainable resource management and environmental conservation.

The voice of the little giants: Arcellinida testate amoebae in environmental DNA-based bioindication, from taxonomy free to haplotypic level.

Bioindication, evaluating biological responses to environmental disturbances, is crucial for assessing the ecological status of an ecosystem. While historical bioindication relied on macroscopic organisms, the introduction of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques allows the application of protists without the necessity of morphological identification. In this study, we propose a novel bioindication methodology utilizing Arcellinida, a group of top predators among protists, as bioindicators of freshwater ecosystems. For that purpose, we first characterized the Arcellinida diversity over 1 year at three different points of Lake Sanabria, an ancient glacier lake known to be subjected to anthropogenic disturbances. We compared this diversity with an undisturbed control site. Second, we characterized the Arcellinida diversity in other ecosystems to generate the ecological background to test the connectivity between them. Results indicate limited connectivity between the different ecosystems and an edge effect between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Disturbed freshwater ecosystems exhibited reduced Arcellinida diversity at both specific and infraspecific levels, providing valuable insight into recent disturbances. Arcellinida-based bioindication provides a sensitive, accurate and easy-to-interpret protocol for monitoring disturbances in freshwater ecosystems. It represents a valuable tool for environmental assessments and conservation strategies.

Long-term nitrogen deposition alters the soil bacterial community structure but has little effect on fungal communities

Subtropical Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forests have become hot spots for nitrogen (N) deposition in China. However, the effect of long-term N deposition on the structure of soil microbial communities in different horizons of these forests remains unclear. To investigate the influence of extended N deposition on soil bacteria and fungi, a simulated N deposition field study was conducted in Fujian Province with four N deposition levels (0, 20, 40 and 80 kg N hm−2 a−1). The absolute abundances, diversity, community structure, and potential functions of soil bacteria and fungi were investigated after 10 years of simulated N deposition. The results indicated that there was no significant effect of N deposition on the abundance or diversity of soil microbes in either the organic or mineral horizons of Moso bamboo forests. However, under rates of 40 and 80 kg N hm−2 a−1, long-term N deposition altered the structure of the soil bacterial community in the organic horizon. Specifically, there was a 27.75∼36.40 % increase in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, while that of Acidobacteria decreased by 24.40∼27.52 %. Redundancy analysis (RDA) demonstrated that soil total carbon (TC) was the key variable influencing the bacterial community structure in the organic horizon. Analysis of potential microbial functions showed that in the organic horizon, the rates of chemoheterotrophy significantly decreased under 80 kg N hm−2 a−1. However, N deposition did not noticeably impact the fungal community structure in either soil horizon. Our study suggested that under 10 years of N deposition, only the bacterial community composition and function in the organic horizon was affected, indicating that soil bacteria are more sensitive to N deposition than fungi in subtropical Moso bamboo forests. Therefore, further research is necessary to fully understand the impact of N deposition on fungal community composition in the soil organic horizon and on the microbial community in the mineral horizon of subtropical bamboo forests. This study provides valuable insights for informing future environmental management and conservation strategies.

The Environmental Conservation Strategies Used in Secondary Schools Align with Guidelines of United Nations Environmental Program: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study in a City Setting

The climate change crisis might soon be the biggest threat to global human existence if immediate action is not taken to overpower it. In Eastern Uganda, Mbale city is among the most affected areas, and the burden manifests in form of disasters such as long dry spells and floods. One of such floods in this city recently destroyed 5,000 acres of crops and homes of 5,600 people, killed over 30- and cut off clean water for 400,000 people. Schools can create environmentally responsible communities that are able to address this threat, but persistence of the burden in this area depicts unclear gaps in the roles played by these academic institutions. This study therefore examined the environmental conservation strategies used in addressing climate change and related calamities by students and staff of secondary schools in Mbale city, to unravel intervention-gaps and guide the way forward. Conservation strategies, plus factors promoting their adoption and challenges, as well as the perceptions, attitudes, awareness, and knowledge about environmental conservation and climate change were examined in a random sample of 384 secondary school students and staff. Pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaires and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were used under the guidelines of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), supplemented with observational surveys and photography. Data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA version-15.0. Graphs were plotted with GraphPad Prism® version 9.0.0. Conservation strategies in schools were found to be diverse, involving mainly tree planting (N=339, 91.2%), preservation of green spaces (N=310, 83.3%), harvesting rain water and not damping wastes in water resources (N= 372, 100% each). Reuse of waste plastic bottles to fabricate dustbins was a novel observation. KIIs showed that the use of the school curriculum to support environmental conservation and climate change action was also prominent (N=12, 100%), but was not significantly different from other key strategic approaches such as incentives (χ2 = 0.992, p = 0.319), and aid from some agencies (χ2 = 3.200, p = 0.074). Interventions against air pollution were scarce. Determinants of choice of conservation measures were mostly; the school curriculum (N=381, 99.2%), costs (N= 381, 99.2%), land size (N= 352, 91.7%) and education level (N=250, 65.1%). Commonest perceptions on why conservation is vital were; to avert ecological threats (N=372, 100%), and the urge for a clean environment (N=372, 100%). Good attitudes towards conservation were in 269 (70.1%) of the participants; 48.4%, 7.8%, and 7.1% were not aware about biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution respectively. 58.1% lacked sufficient conservation knowledge. Long dry seasons (100%), financial scarcities (94.8%), and high population (98.9%) were the commonest barriers, while low political will (N=12, 3.1%), was minimal. In conclusion, environmental conservation strategies in secondary schools in Mbale city are diverse, largely align with guidelines of UNEP, and are based on the geography, resources, policies, and sociodemographic factors. The commonest challenges were; long dry spells, financial scarcities, population pressure. Redress to these anomalies is desired to enhance the use of secondary schools as hubs for environmentally responsible communities that can address environmental crises like climate change sustainably.

Analysis Of The Potential Of Volcanic Aquifers In Supporting The Development Of Groundwater Resources In Bogor District, West Java

This research is crucial for understanding the aquifer potential of volcanic deposits as a sustainable groundwater source, especially in regions experiencing rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion. It aims to analyze the aquifer potential of volcanic deposits in Bogor Regency, focusing on the Bogor Groundwater Basin, the upper Cisadane watershed, the eastern slopes of Mount Salak, and the western slopes of Mount Pangrango. The methods used include secondary data collection from regional geological maps and primary data collection through field surveys, geological mapping, and hydrogeological mapping. The results show that the volcanic rock units in this area, consisting of stony tuff, tuff breccia, lava, and andesite lava, have unique characteristics with significant potential as aquifers. Detailed geomorphological and hydrogeological mapping revealed different types of springs and physical properties of water that support the sustainability of groundwater resources. These findings contribute significantly to the development of better groundwater management policies, effective water infrastructure development, and environmental conservation strategies in Bogor District, ensuring clean water availability for the future.

Development of Earth Gravity Models in A Sustainable Environment: An Overview of Nigeria’s Ecosystem

The evolution of Earth gravity models in Nigeria's ecological context is essential for advancing sustainable environmental stewardship. These models serve as crucial tools to understand the geological intricacies and environmental dynamics across Nigeria's diverse ecosystems. This article obtained data from previous existing data to emphasizes the significance of sustainable development, technological innovation, and the integration of sustainability principles into Earth gravity modeling efforts. The gravitational variations observed across Nigeria's ecosystems highlight the diverse geological features influencing gravitational anomalies. For instance, forests with dense vegetation exhibit gravitational variations ranging from -5.2 to -2.8 mGal, while coastal areas experiencing erosion and sea level rise show variations from -1.8 to 1.0 mGal. The article explores both advancements and challenges in developing Earth gravity models within Nigeria's unique environmental landscape, emphasizing the intersection of technology and sustainability. By leveraging advanced technologies and interdisciplinary methodologies, Earth gravity models contribute significantly to understanding the gravitational forces shaping the planet's surface and subsurface. Understanding the methodology behind Earth gravity models in a sustainable environment is crucial for effective environmental management and resource conservation, providing valuable tools for preserving Nigeria's diverse ecosystems for future generations. Through this integrated approach, Earth gravity models pave the way for enhanced environmental monitoring, land-use planning, and conservation strategies tailored to Nigeria's specific ecological challenges and opportunities.

Impact of Urbanization on Air Quality of Dehradun District

The increasing trend of urbanization poses a significant challenge to environmental sustainability, particularly concerning air quality. This study examines the impact of rapid urbanization on the Dehradun district land use and land cover (LULC), with the built-up area increasing from 44.2 km² to 276.5 km² between 2000-2019. The LULC analysis highlights a significant expansion of built-up areas influencing regional air quality. A comprehensive analysis of air pollutants and environmental factors spanning 2000 to 2019, utilizing TROPOMI, OMI, MODIS, MOPITT, and CHIRPS data, was also conducted. Spatial variations of air pollutants, including CO i.e. carbon monoxide, HCHO i.e. formaldehyde and NO2 i.e. nitrogen dioxide demonstrate higher concentrations in urbanized areas. Temporal variations exhibit seasonal peaks during the summer months. A 15-year trend analysis indicates a consistent rise in NO2 and HCHO, attributed to urbanization and anthropogenic activities. The correlation matrix highlights strong positive correlations among air pollutants, suggesting common sources or influences. The correlation between NO2 and CO stands at 0.652, between HCHO and CO is 0.583, and between HCHO and NO2 is 0.619. Higher correlation values of more than 0.4 are observed between the land surface temperature and pollutant concentrations, highlighting the influence of anthropogenic activities on temperature rise. In an attempt to mitigate the negative effects of uncontrolled urban sprawl on the district of Dehradun's air quality and overall environmental health, the study underscores the pressing need for sustainable urban planning. These findings contribute valuable insights for decision-makers to formulate effective strategies for environmental conservation against the unfavourable consequences of swift urbanization.

Precision Geolocation of Medicinal Plants: Assessing Machine Learning Algorithms for Accuracy and Efficiency

This study investigates the precision geolocation of medicinal plants, a critical endeavor bridging ecology, conservation, and pharmaceutical research. By employing machine learning algorithms—gradient boosting machine (GBM), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM)—within the cross-industry standard process for data mining (CRISP-DM) framework, both the accuracy and efficiency of medicinal plant geolocation are enhanced. The assessment employs precision, recall, accuracy, and F1 score performance metrics. Results reveal that SVM and GBM algorithms exhibit superior performance, achieving an accuracy of 97.29%, with SVM showing remarkable computational efficiency. Meanwhile, despite inferior performance, RF remains competitive especially when model interpretability is required. These outcomes highlight the efficacy of SVM and GBM in medicinal plant geolocation and accentuate their potential to advance environmental research, conservation strategies, and pharmaceutical explorations. The study underscores the interdisciplinary significance of accurately geolocating medicinal plants, supporting their conservation for future pharmaceutical innovation and ecological sustainability.

Integrating environmental conservation and public health strategies to combat zoonotic disease emergence: a call to action from the Amazon rainforest.

Integrating environmental conservation and public health strategies to combat zoonotic disease emergence: a call to action from the Amazon rainforest.

Methods for assessing spillover effects between concurrent green initiatives

This research presents the methods that are used to examine the dynamics and potential spillover effects of various global environmental conservation programs. We specifically show the data and models that we use to analyze the interactions and mutual influences between the U.S.'s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), as well as those between China's Grain-to-Green Program (GTGP) and Forest Ecological Benefit Compensation (FEBC). Additionally, this study illustrates information about global initiatives, their interconnected impacts, and the associated policy strategies for environmental conservation. By utilizing multivariate regression, logistic regression, eigenvector spatial filtering, and scenario modeling, the research aims to understand the collective influence of these initiatives on broader environmental objectives. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for improving conservation policy designs and effectiveness.•Multivariate and logistic regression analyses to dissect global environmental conservation program interactions and mutual influences.•Eigenvector spatial filtering to address spatial autocorrelation and enhance the accuracy of the model results and our interpretations.•Scenario modeling to project potential future outcomes and impacts.

A Systematic Review on Digital Soil Mapping Approaches in Lowland Areas

Digital soil mapping (DSM) around the world is mostly conducted in areas with a certain relief characterized by significant heterogeneities in soil-forming factors. However, lowland areas (e.g., plains, low-relief areas), prevalently used for agricultural purposes, might also show a certain variability in soil characteristics. To assess the spatial distribution of soil properties and classes, accurate soil datasets are a prerequisite to facilitate the effective management of agricultural areas. This systematic review explores the DSM approaches in lowland areas by compiling and analysing published articles from 2008 to mid-2023. A total of 67 relevant articles were identified from Web of Science and Scopus. The study reveals a rising trend in publications, particularly in recent years, indicative of the growing recognition of DSM’s pivotal role in comprehending soil properties in lowland ecosystems. Noteworthy knowledge gaps are identified, emphasizing the need for nuanced exploration of specific environmental variables influencing soil heterogeneity. This review underscores the dominance of agricultural cropland as a focus, reflecting the intricate relationship between soil attributes and agricultural productivity in lowlands. Vegetation-related covariates, relief-related factors, and statistical machine learning models, with random forest at the forefront, emerge prominently. The study concludes by outlining future research directions, highlighting the urgency of understanding the intricacies of lowland soil mapping for improved land management, heightened agricultural productivity, and effective environmental conservation strategies.

Climate Change and Its Impact on Hydrology, Rainfall, and Temperature Patterns in the Manas River Basin: A Comprehensive Study of Environmental Consequences and Conservation Strategies

Climate Change and Its Impact on Hydrology, Rainfall, and Temperature Patterns in the Manas River Basin: A Comprehensive Study of Environmental Consequences and Conservation Strategies

Evaluation of Total Phenolic Content, Free Radical Scavenging Activity, and Phytochemical Profiles of Medicinal Plants from Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal

This research paper delves into the profound exploration of antioxidants and phytochemicals present in select plants indigenous to the Paschim Medinipur region of West Bengal. The study aims to unravel the hidden medicinal potential of these plants, contributing valuable insights to both pharmaceutical and environmental sectors. A systematic analysis is conducted to identify and quantify the antioxidant compounds and phytochemicals in the chosen plant species. The research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating advanced analytical techniques and methodologies to assess the antioxidant capacities and phytochemical profiles of the selected flora. Through meticulous experimentation, the study seeks to establish a comprehensive database detailing the diverse range of bioactive compounds present in these plants. Furthermore, the investigation considers the ecological context of Paschim Medinipur, acknowledging the potential impact of environmental factors on the synthesis of antioxidants in plants. This holistic approach not only contributes to the understanding of the therapeutic potential of local flora but also provides insights into the ecological adaptations of these plants in response to regional conditions. The findings of this research hold significant implications for the development of novel pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and environmental conservation strategies. By shedding light on the antioxidant and phytochemical richness of Paschim Medinipur's plant biodiversity, this study strives to pave the way for sustainable and nature-inspired solutions for health and wellness.

Establishing the relationship between land use land cover, normalized difference vegetation index and land surface temperature: A case of Lower Son River Basin, India

The study explores the intricate interplay between land use land cover (LULC), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and land surface temperature (LST) within the Lower Son River Basin in India from 1991 to 2020. The region’s ecological balance has been increasingly strained due to rapid urbanization and changing land use patterns. Through a combination of Landsat TM & OLI/TIRS satellite imageries and geospatial analysis techniques, this study unveils the intricate connection between land use and land cover changes, vegetation, and land surface temperature variations. The study area is classified into three altitudinal zones (Zone I: 39–300 m, Zone II: 301–600 m and Zone III: 601–1,247 m) to examine the changes in depth. The area has seen significant changes in LULC, vegetation and LST in all the three altitudinal zones. The findings hold significant implications for sustainable land management and environmental conservation strategies in the Lower Son River Basin. As per the result, 103,438 ha of vegetation was converted into agriculture land and 82,572 ha of agricultural land was transformed into settlements from 1991 to 2020. This trend shows human pressure on the land resource in the study area. Minor increase in water body is seen which is attributed to commissioning of Bansagar dam. Zone I has seen highest settlement growth while Zone III experienced severe deforestation of around 15%. Zone II and III needs attention for holistic sustenance. Analysis of LST shows that it has increased by 0.82 °C from 1991 to 2020 which is a red flag. The study underscores the critical importance of balanced land use practices to preserve ecological integrity and mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization and climate change.

Improving mineral mining enterprises environmental performance through corporate social responsibility practices in China: Implications for minerals policymaking

Corporate social responsibility of mineral mining sector enterprises is greatly important to understand due to its significant role in the social and environmental footprint of the country. Over the years, the natural resources development sector, especially the mineral mining industry, has shown tremendous growth. Although it brought significant profitability for the enterprise as well as a great contribution to economic growth, However, its social and environmental impacts brought serious challenges for the global community. Therefore, scholars and practitioners in the natural resources management sector, especially the mineral mining sector, call for the importance of corporate social responsibility for enterprises to minimize their social and environmental impact. However, in the context of the mineral mining sector, it is unclear whether corporate social responsibility practices (i.e., environmental conservation, waste reduction and sustainability initiatives) attract stakeholders to participate in corporate social activities and how to improve the environmental performance of mineral mining enterprises. Keeping in mind the limitations of existing research, this paper aims to study the corporate social responsibility and environmental performance of mineral mining firms. In addition, the study incorporates the role of stakeholder engagement as a mediator, which opens a new path for the effective implementation of corporate social responsibility. The study adopted a survey method for data collection, and data was collected from 227 managers that were utilized in this study. The data collected from managers of mineral mining companies was utilized, and we employed structural equation modeling techniques to find robust results. The findings reveal that environmental conservation and waste reduction strategies under the framework of corporate social responsibility directly not influence the environmental performance of the enterprises. However, stakeholder engagement serves as bridge among environmental conservation, waste reduction strategies and environmental performance of the mineral mining enterprises. Whereas sustainability initiative could directly improve environmental performance. The findings of the study provide important insights for mineral policy formulation and managerial decision making to foster environmental performance of mineral mining enterprises in China.

Combined cluster and discriminant analysis based on hydrochemical and isotopic evidence: A case study of the Yellow River Delta in China

Groundwater serves as an indispensable resource, fundamental for both sustaining life and underpinning various human endeavors. However, escalating demands, coupled with climate change, have given rise to significant water scarcity in numerous areas, including the Yellow River Delta (YRD) in China. This study aims to characterize the hydrochemical composition and stable isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) of groundwater in YRD and identify spatial clustering patterns using combined Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Discriminant Analysis (DA). Comprehensive analyses were conducted on the major ions (i.e., K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO42-, and HCO3-), water quality indicators (i.e., pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP)) and isotopic composition of groundwater samples. Applying HCA on a collection of 38 water samples, the study delineated six distinct clusters, each bearing unique hydrochemical characteristics. DA was used to establish a discriminant model, achieving a classification accuracy of 80% for new groundwater samples. The study underscores that there are localized variations in the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in YRD, attributed to different geological conditions and anthropogenic influences. Such insights are instrumental in crafting effective strategies for water resource management, environmental conservation, and sustainable development in YRD and other analogous regions confronted with groundwater challenges.

Sustainable Aquaculture Innovations: A Comprehensive Analysis of Environmental Impact and Conservation Strategies

This research investigates the intricate dynamics of sustainable aquaculture practices, focusing on the relationships between environmental impact, aquaculture methodologies, and the adoption of conservation strategies. Employing a comprehensive analysis, our study reveals that closed-system aquaculture practices are associated with a lower perceived environmental impact, emphasizing their potential as environmentally sustainable alternatives. Moreover, the study uncovers a nuanced relationship between facility size and the adoption of conservation strategies, suggesting that scalable initiatives align with larger aquaculture operations. The findings contribute to the discourse by emphasizing the practical implications of these insights and underscore the need for tailored sustainability approaches within the aquaculture industry. The study recommends a careful consideration of aquaculture practices, a scale-appropriate adoption of conservation strategies, industry collaboration for knowledge dissemination, and further interdisciplinary research to inform adaptive sustainability strategies.

LEVERAGING APPLIED GEOPHYSICS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION: A SOUTH WEST NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE ON DATA ANALYSIS AND POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

This research aimed to delve into the potential of applied geophysics in environmental conservation, with a specific focus on the South West Nigerian context, and its implications for data analysis and policy implementation. Through a comprehensive review of peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and primary research, the study explored various geophysical techniques and their applications in environmental conservation efforts. The research highlighted the efficacy of these techniques in the South West Nigerian region, emphasizing their significance in shaping environmental policies. Despite the evident potential, challenges and limitations associated with these techniques were also identified. The study further provided suggestions for improved environmental conservation strategies and highlighted potential areas for continued research in the realm of applied geophysics. In conclusion, while applied geophysics offers promising tools for environmental conservation, a holistic approach, integrating both scientific and policy-driven strategies, is essential for sustainable conservation efforts in South West Nigeria. Recommendations include fostering collaborations between geoscientists, policymakers, and local communities, and investing in further research to address identified gaps.
 Keywords: Applied Geophysics, Environmental Conservation, South West Nigeria, Policy Implementation, Data Analysis.

THE INFLUENCE OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM POLICY, DESTINATION MANAGEMENT, AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE PEOPLE OF UZBEKISTAN : A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

Sustainable tourism policy in Uzbekistan encompasses strategies for environmental conservation, cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and visitor management

Natural Resources for Eco-Tourism Development in Da Nang City and Development Solutions

This article delves into the abundant natural resources within Da Nang City that hold immense potential for the development of ecotourism. Da Nang’s unique geographical and ecological diversity, encompassing mountainous terrains, coastal areas, and rich biodiversity, presents a compelling backdrop for sustainable tourism ventures. The article explores various development solutions, encompassing strategic planning, community engagement, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and marketing strategies, that can effectively harness these resources. Emphasis is placed on the need for responsible tourism practices, biodiversity preservation, and partnerships between stakeholders to foster a harmonious coexistence of tourism and environmental preservation. The insights provided serve as a valuable reference for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to promote ecotourism as a means of sustainable development in the vibrant city of Da Nang.