Environmental Management Units Research Articles

Unraveling the diversity of Trypanosoma species from Central Mexico: molecular confirmation on the presence of Trypanosoma dionisii and novel Neobat linages

Bats are one of the groups of mammals with the highest number of associated Trypanosoma taxa. There are 50 Trypanosoma species and genotypes infecting more than 75 species of bats across five continents. However, in Mexico, the inventory of species of the genus Trypanosoma associated with bats is limited to only two species (Trypanosoma vespertilionis and Trypanosoma cruzi) even though 140 species of bats inhabit this country. Specifically, 91 bat species have been recorded in the state of Veracruz, but records of trypanosomatids associated with this mammalian group are absent. Due to the complex Trypanosoma–bat relationship, the high diversity of bat species in Veracruz, as well as the lack of records of trypanosomatids associated with bats for this state, the aim of this work was to analyze the diversity of species of the genus Trypanosoma and their presence from a bat community in the central area of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. During the period of January to August 2022 in the Tequecholapa Environmental Management Unit where bats were collected using mist nets and blood samples were obtained from their thumbs. We extracted genetic material and amplified a fragment of 800 bp of the 18S ribosomal gene of the genus Trypanosoma by conventional PCR. The positive amplicons were sequenced, and phylogenetic reconstruction was performed to identify the parasite species. A total of 285 bats (149♀, 136♂) belonging to 13 species from 10 genera and a single family (Phyllostomidae) were collected. Twenty-three specimens from six species tested positive for the presence of Trypanosoma dionisii, Trypanosoma sp. Neobat 4, and a potential novelty species provisionally named as Trypanosoma sp. Neobat 6. The results of the present work increase the number of species of the genus Trypanosoma infecting bats in Mexico and in the Neotropical region.

La mercantilización de la naturaleza en áreas naturales protegidas mexicanas. Caso Sierra de Huautla, Morelos

The commodification of nature (MN) is the expression of the penetration of the capitalist model in biodiversity. This essay seeks a contextualization of the Latin American MN and in the protected natural areas (ANP) in Mexico. The analysis focused on the discourse and concept of sustainability, the conservation policy and its implementation from the environmental management units (UMA) in the ANPs. It was found that this business model was successful on private properties and was counterproductive on collective properties. The problem that the ANPs experience with respect to the business model is because they are communities that live in collective properties, the economic income, the environmental impacts and the strict implementation of the laws, affect local actors to a greater extent. It is concluded that the MN can be countered with a bottom-up approach where traditional knowledge is a factor to empower the actors and defend them before other global processes, and revalue hunting as a space for coexistence, reinforcement of cultural identity and obtaining of food and not as a commercial practice, in addition to the use of the silvopastoral system and the use of non-timber forest product

El cambio climático afectará la distribución del búho manchado mexicano (Strix occidentalis lucidaNelson 1903)

Introduction: The Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida Nelson 1903) is a subspecies threatened by habitat destruction and sensitive to climate change. It is distributed in the old forests of the United States and Mexico. Objective: To determine the potential historical (1970-2000) and future (2021-2040, 2041-2060 y 2061-2080) distribution of the Mexican spotted owl under two climate change scenarios (SSP 245 and SSP 585). Materials and methods: Potential distribution was modeled using the R software with the MaxEnt algorithm, 155 geographically uncorrelated occurrence records, and five bioclimatic layers. Areas of environmental suitability were predicted for eight environmental management units in the United States and Mexico. Results and discussion: Three temperature variables contributed 93.1 % to the model prediction: mean diurnal range (44.8 %), maximum temperature of the warmest month (28.8 %) and average of the coldest quarter (19.5 %). Future scenarios showed gradual and continuous losses of suitable bioclimatic space for the bird in seven management units, especially in the high emissions scenario (SSP 585) in the Sierra Madre Oriental de México (-56.1 to -96.4 %). The Southern Rocky Mountains environmental management unit in the United States was the only one that gained suitable bioclimatic space (51.3 to 167.2 %) in all periods. Conclusion: Although changes are not significant, the loss of areas of bioclimatic suitability begins in 2030 and increases in 2041 and, therefore, climate change represents a current threat to this bird of prey.

Hierarchical cluster analysis to identify the homogeneous desertification management units.

Since in most mapping models geometric mean of different criteria are used to determine the desertification intensity, one of the most important issues in desertification studies is understanding the similar areas, which require similar management after determining the desertification intensity map. Two similar classes of desertification intensity may require different management due to differences in the criteria that affect its desertification severity. Therefore, after determining the geomorphological facies as the working units in Sistan plain, we used hierarchical cluster analysis to identify the homogeneous environmental management units (HEMUs) based on indices of MEDALUS model. According to the MEDALUS model, the studied area was divided into two categories namely medium and high desertification classes. Working units (geomorphological facies) are classified into five clusters according to HEMUs analysis based on climate, soil, vegetation, and wind erosion criteria. The first cluster (C11) include six facies with moderate and severe desertification; in all of these units the main effective factor was wind erosion, so they need the same management decisions controlling wind erosion. Two working units (1 and 4) with the same desertification severity were placed in two different clusters due to the main factors affecting each other. The results of the Mann-Whitney test showed that the value of the test statistics was 79. Also, the value of Asymp.Sig was obtained to be 0.018, which is less than 0.025 (two-tailed test), and it can be concluded that the classification of work units in the two models, clustering and desertification, is not equal (P<0.05). So It seems that using cluster analysis to identify the same units, which need the same management decision after preparing the desertification intensity, is necessary.

Parasites of Boa constrictor (Squamata: Boidae) captive in Colima, Mexico and their pathological effects

The main objectives of this study were to report the parasites found in 16 Boa constrictor Linnaeus, 1758 captive in the Environmental Management Unit “El Palapo” Colima, Mexico, from 2013 to 2015, as well as to describe their pathological effects. All snakes had at least a parasite infection or a metabolic alteration. The parasites recorded include 1 Ascomycota ( Aspergillus sp.); 1 Actinobacteria ( Mycobacterium sp.); 2 Apicomplexa ( Hepatozoon sp. and Cryptosporidium sp.); 1 cestode ( Crepidobothrium sp.); 1 nematode ( Macdonaldius oschei Chabaud et Frank, 1961); and 3 Arthropoda [ Ophionyssus natricis (Gervais, 1844), Amblyomma dissimile Koch, 1844 (Acari) and Porocephalus sp. (Maxillopoda)]. The pathological effects recorded consisted of: visceral gout (in 31.2% of the snakes); granulomatous pneumonia (12.5%); erythrocytic hypertrophy (25%); heterophilic gastritis (18.7%) and enteritis (25%); heterophilic thrombosis and vasculitis (6.25%); heterophilic dermatitis (25%), and finally, focal pneumonitis (6.25%). The captivity of these snakes, without the support of preventive medicine, should be considered as a risk factor for the manifestation or exacerbation of metabolic and infectious pathologies.

ESTRATEGIAS PARA EL APROVECHAMIENTO SUSTENTABLE DE LAS ORQUÍDEAS DE MÉXICO

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Las orquídeas mexicanas son uno de los grupos de plantas de mayor interés hortícola en los ámbitos nacional e internacional. Dado que no hay suficientes viveros con planes de manejo y programas de reproducción para satisfacer la demanda que existe de estos organismos, numerosos ejemplares han sido extraídos de su hábitat durante más de 200 años. Se han registrado más de 1,200 especies en México y de ellas, alrededor de 200 están catalogadas con alguna categoría de riesgo. Una de las estrategias de conservación aquí propuestas es promover su aprovechamiento sustentable en las comunidades rurales, mediante el registro de viveros como Unidades de Manejo Ambiental (UMA), lo que permitirá disminuir la presión que ejerce la recolección sobre sus poblaciones. Debido a la dificultad para que sus semillas germinen y el tiempo que se invierte en obtener plantas por división vegetativa, los viveros rurales tienen que estar en coordinación con centros de reproducción masiva, donde se pueden obtener plantas en cantidades suficientes para su comercialización mediante técnicas de micropropagación. Además, es factible propagar materiales selectos con características ornamentales atractivos, los cuales les aportan valor agregado para su venta. En el presente documento se exponen algunas experiencias y se proponen estrategias para el aprovechamiento sustentable de las orquídeas de México.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Sistema de gestión energética y ambiental de Productos Alimex CA

Environmental policies and dependence on the consumption of electrical energy have led companies in the industrial sector to include novel management systems. In Venezuela, Productos Alimex CA has been engaged in the production of cured meats since 1957 and is the first to establish an Energy and Environmental Management Unit, this is assisted by the Universidad Nacional Experimental Politécnica Antonio José de Sucre. The purpose of this paper is to describe the achievements of this Unit, using field and descriptive research. As results, are the environmental policies established for the control of emissions of greenhouse gases and environmental impact, the description of Energy and Environmental Management Unit and its achievements. The conclusions highlight the importance of this management and the aims achieved to ensure a common future for our descendants.

The mechanisms behind environmental strategies in chemical manufacturing firms

The evaluation of an effective environmental strategy goes beyond understanding its antecedents and benefits. Identifying and understanding the various mechanisms behind the formulation, design and implementation of environmental strategies is important – yet past studies have not adequately addressed this issue. This paper explores corporate environmentalism, and extends the framework by identifying the internal mechanisms behind the environmental strategies in large Malaysian chemical manufacturing firms. Given the exploratory nature of the study, a case study method using semi-structured interviews was used to ascertain these mechanisms. Interestingly, the results revealed seven important mechanisms of the environmental strategies in large chemical firms. These are a central system, internal system, quantifiable measurement, specific environmental management unit, strategy alignment, collaboration, and collective involvement. The mechanisms are clustered as systems and commitments based on the role that these mechanisms play in the environmental strategy of the firms. Additionally, powerful and influential top management commitments were found to contribute to the initiation of these mechanisms.

Estrategia estatal de conservación de las cícadas (Zamiaceae): una propuesta para el estado de Hidalgo, México

Mexico has the second largest cycad diversity in the world, and the Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO) is one of the richest biogeographic regions for these plants. Despite there is a general Cycad National Program in the country, there are no state-level cycad conservation strategies or programs. Thus the aim of this study was to propose a cycad conservation strategy for the state of Hidalgo, which is located in the Southern part of the SMO. For this, a cycad species inventory was made in the state, for which three methods were used: review of published literature; consultation in the main Mexican herbaria to verify botanical specimens; and exhaustive field research to compare findings with previously reported species and to recognize new records at the county and state level. The proposed research work strategy combined the following elements: prioritize the county and local areas with greatest cycad species richness; prioritize the species least resistant to environmental change and/or having restricted geographic distribution; and to consider the main uses of these plants by local residents. The results showed that Hidalgo has three genera and eight species ofcycads: Ceratozamia fuscoviridis, C. latifolia, C. mexicana, C. sabatoi, Dioon edule, Zamia fischeri, Z. loddigesii and Z. vazquezii, all of which are considered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This study added two new species records for Hidalgo and 21 at the county level. The species are distributed in 26 counties, of which Chapulhuacán and Pisaflores are notable for their high species richness. Hidalgo has the fourth-greatest cycad species richness among Mexican states, although its area accounts for only 1.07% of the country. The state's diversity is greater than in other states with larger area, and even than in some other entire countries in Mesoamerica. The presented state cycad conservation strategy proposes that a total of some 11,325 ha to be conserved in nine zones, including different vegetation types, distributed in seven counties. The strategy involves a mixed scheme that incorporates conservation in Protected Natural Areas (ANP), Small Farmer Reserves (Reservas Campesinas) and Environmental Management Units (UMA in Spanish). This proposal will be useful for government agencies to take into account in the process of designating land use for the Cloud Forest Biological Corridor (CBBMM in Spanish), a ANP in creation. The state of Hidalgo urgently needs a detailed analysis of trends in changes in vegetation cover and land use, and demographic studies of the cycads. It is recommended that the implementation phase of this state strategy be carried out jointly with local communities, academia, and state and federal agencies responsible for biodiversity conservation.

Cactus Nurseries and Conservation in a Biosphere Reserve in Mexico

Documenting how socio-ecosystem conservation knowledge and practice arise and are modified are issues of ethnobiological interest. In the Barranca de Metztitlán Biosphere Reserve (RBBM), plant nurseries, some of which were created as Environmental Management Units (UMAs), have been established to grow and conserve cacti. This paper describes these nurseries, their role in cactus conservation, and the benefits and limitations for the people managing them. The nurseries have helped decrease illegal traffic in cacti and have enabled ex situ conservation of 22 cacti species. Cactus management has changed from extraction to cultivation, as a result of the knowledge and actions of multiple actors. The main limitation is marketing, a recurring problem for non-timber forest products (NTFP). Greater coordination among stakeholders is recommended, such as involvement by non-governmental organizations to improve their probability of success, as well as learning from the experience of other cactus UMAs. Improving the market for cacti is an issue that needs an immediate solution; otherwise conservation efforts could relapse.

Cactus Nurseries and Conservation in a Biosphere Reserve in Mexico

Documenting how socio-ecosystem conservation knowledge and practice arise and are modified are issues of ethnobiological interest. In the Barranca de Metztitlán Biosphere Reserve (RBBM), plant nurseries, some of which were created as Environmental Management Units (UMAs), have been established to grow and conserve cacti. This paper describes these nurseries, their role in cactus conservation, and the benefits and limitations for the people managing them. The nurseries have helped decrease illegal traffic in cacti and have enabled ex situ conservation of 22 cacti species. Cactus management has changed from extraction to cultivation, as a result of the knowledge and actions of multiple actors. The main limitation is marketing, a recurring problem for non-timber forest products (NTFP). Greater coordination among stakeholders is recommended, such as involvement by non-governmental organizations to improve their probability of success, as well as learning from the experience of other cactus UMAs. Improving the market for cacti is an issue that needs an immediate solution; otherwise conservation efforts could relapse.

Analysis of the Room Supply in the Hotel Zone of Cancun, Mexico: EMU 9

Analysis of the Room Supply in the Hotel Zone of Cancun, Mexico: EMU 9 The area known as the Hotel Zone of Cancun, sun and beach destination located in the State of Quintana Roo and considered to be of the highest importance to Mexico, is the central focal point of this article. It starts with a description of the behavior of tourism and its influence on the generation of public resources through tax collection. It then outlines regulation and legislation relating to the maximum amount permitted by the number of rooms at the Environmental Management Unit (EMU-9)* which includes the hotel zone. The central analysis is based on census results obtained in the month of November 2011. The main findings were grouped into the three main operation types: All Inclusive, European Plan and Mixed Plan. Criteria are formulated by scales according to the area in square meters, including frequencies with the type of operation, grouped by number of bathrooms and beds. *Environmental Management Unit (EMU-9) = Unidad de Gestion Ambiental (UGA-9) The conclusions demonstrate the need to establish policies and clear boundaries to avoid an uncertain future for the most important sun and beach destination of the Mexican Caribbean.

Evaluation of environmental management resources (ISO 14001) at civil engineering construction worksites: A case study of the community of Madrid

In recent years, significant advances have been made in business organization and management. The growing demands of clients as well as the globalization of world markets are among the many factors that have led to the establishment of systems of quality control and environmental management as a competitive strategy for businesses. When compared to other professional sectors, the construction sector has been slower to respond to environmental problems and to adopt Environmental Management Systems (EMS). In the world today the ISO 14001 standard is currently the main frame of reference used by construction companies to implement this type of management system. This article presents the results of a general study regarding the evaluation of the application of the ISO 14001 standard at civil engineering construction worksites in the Community of Madrid (Spain), specifically pertaining to requirement 4.4.1, Resources, roles, responsibilities, and authority. According to requirement 4.4.1, company executives should appoint people responsible for implementing the EMS and also specify their responsibilities and functions. The personnel designated for supervising environmental work should also have sufficient authority to establish and maintain the EMS. The results obtained were the following: - EMS supervisors did not generally possess adequate training and solid experience in construction work and in the environment. Furthermore, supervisors were usually forced to combine their environmental work with other tasks, which made their job even more difficult. - Generally speaking, supervisors were not given sufficient authority and autonomy because productivity at the construction site had priority over environmental management. This was due to the fact that the company management did not have a respectful attitude toward the environment, nor was the management actively involved in the establishment of the EMS. - Insufficient resources were allocated to the Environmental Management Unit. As a result, the application of EMSs in construction projects often appeared to be more of a formality, which was merely a way of maintaining the certification of the Environmental Management System. It was more a means of meeting the requirements for submitting a tender to contracting organisms rather than an indicator of any real commitment to improving the environmental performance of construction companies.

The PDMU Approach to the Integration of Coastal Management

Abstract The context underlying the concept of Process-Defined Management Units (PDMUs) as an aid to sustainable coastal decision-making is reviewed. Using examples, it is suggested that the flexible PDMU approach can help to pragmatically integrate coastal management and has considerable merits compared with other types of coastal management units, such as sediment cells and Homogeneous Environmental Management Units (HEMUs).

Definition of Homogeneous Environmental Management Units for the Catalan Coast

Geographical areas constitute the basic implementation locus for integrated coastal zone management strategies and activities. Because the definition of territorial planning objectives may be affected by socioeconomic and environmental characteristics, one of the main steps in the process involves dividing the coast into homogeneous environmental management units (HEMUs). This article presents a general and simple method for regionalizing the landside of a coastal zone into HEMUs and illustrates it through application to the Catalan coast. Socioeconomic and natural (biophysical) subsystems were selected as the most appropriate dimensions of the regionalization process. Dimensions were described using 11 spatial themes, which were managed in a geographic information system environment that proved to be an adequate tool for the purpose. A final coastal zone map of four classes of HEMUs connected to local administrative units was obtained, and because it reflects the current natural and socioeconomic dynamics, it can be considered as an initial step in the planning process for the Catalan coast. Although the proposed method was developed based on the characteristics of the Catalan coast, it is general enough to be adapted and applied to most developed or developing coastal areas.

An effective method for the activities of environmental analysis

Environmental pollution impacts the ecology of the earth and the quality of mankind life. Pollution control is urgently considered. Therefore, the EPA of any industrial nations announce some regulations of pollution control and corresponding methods of environmental analysis about any kinds of waste deposition to prohibit the deterioration of environmental pollution. However, providing a correct method of environmental analysis is important for government to establish some reasonable strategy of pollution control and guide company to obey those regulations of pollution control. In the past, the EPA establishes many environmental analysis methods about any kinds of waste deposition, but the rationality of those analysis methods have never been evaluated. This paper defines an effective index of environmental analysis to evaluate any environmental analysis method, as well as provides a criterion to any environmental analysis method based on statistic principle. Therefore, according to the criterion, the rationality of those environmental analysis methods can be identified and the environmental management unit of government can announce some reasonable regulations to effectively promote the pollution control in any country.

Institutional Improvement Needs for Effective Energy-Environment Interaction in Asian-Pacific Countries

The countries of Asian and the Pacific are diverse but share the common feature of rapid economic growth. Generally energy and environment have not been well coordinated and considerable improvement is needed in institutional arrangements for these sectors. Specific areas of needed improvement are recommended here. Among these are greater weight to environmental management by source, expanding the scope of EIAs, incorporation of environmental management units within energy authorities and a preference for coordination over cooperation.