Framework For Conservation Research Articles

Grassland intactness outcompetes species as a more efficient surrogate in conservation design

AbstractMapped representations of species−habitat relationships often underlie approaches to prioritize area‐based conservation strategies to meet conservation goals for biodiversity. Generally a single surrogate species is used to inform conservation design, with the assumption that conservation actions for an appropriately selected species will confer benefits to a broader community of organisms. Emerging conservation frameworks across western North America are now relying on derived measures of intactness from remotely sensed vegetation data, wholly independent from species data. Understanding the efficacy of species‐agnostic planning approaches is a critical step to ensuring the robustness of emerging conservation designs. We developed an approach to quantify ‘strength of surrogacy’, by applying prioritization algorithms to previously developed species models, and measuring their coverage provided to a broader wildlife community. We used this inference to test the relative surrogacy among a suite of species models used for conservation targeting in the endangered grasslands of the Northern Sagebrush Steppe, where careful planning can help stem the loss of private grazing lands to cultivation. In this test, we also derived a simpler surrogate of intact rangelands without species data for conservation targeting, along with a measure of combined migration representative of key areas for connectivity. Our measure of intactness vastly outperformed any species model as a surrogate for conservation, followed by that of combined migration, highlighting the efficacy of strategies that target large and intact rangeland cores for wildlife conservation and restoration efforts.

Sustainable Integration of Solar Energy, Behavior Change, and Recycling Practices in Educational Institutions: A Holistic Framework for Environmental Conservation and Quality Education

Environmental sustainability in educational institutions is a critical concern for addressing global challenges. This research presents a comprehensive framework for sustainable energy conservation, behavior change, and recycling practices in schools, with the aim of fostering environmental consciousness among students and enhancing overall educational quality. The framework integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, encouraging students’ participation in their maintenance while repurposing collected water for plant irrigation and using organic waste as a natural fertilizer. By creating a micro-ecosystem within schools, the approach cultivates a generation of environmentally aware individuals who actively contribute to environmental stewardship. The framework aligns with Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision of improving quality of life and increasing green surfaces. It promotes environmental awareness, facilitates clean energy adoption, and reduces operational costs. The role of municipalities and recycling bodies is crucial for its successful execution, involving waste management support, educational programs, and regulatory compliance. Through collaboration between schools, municipalities, and recycling bodies, the framework aims to create a culture of sustainability. It envisions students as advocates, gaining experiential knowledge in renewable energy technologies and waste management. This research offers a roadmap for schools to integrate solar energy, behavior change, and recycling practices, positioning them as leaders in environmental stewardship. The framework underscores the importance of collaborative efforts, financial support, and awareness campaigns. By embracing this comprehensive approach, schools can play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change, promoting sustainable living, and inspiring a brighter future for generations to come.

Moderating Effect of Flexible Work Arrangements on The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Innovative Work Behavior: Evidence from The Logistic Sector

This study examines the moderating effect of flexible work arrangements on the relationship between self-efficacy and innovative work behavior. Data were collected from 202 logistics employees working in Ankara, Türkiye. SPSS process macro plugin was used to test the moderation effect. The theoretical basis of the study was analyzed within the framework of Conservation of Resources (Hobfoll, 1989), Social Cognition Theory (Bandura, 1986), and Job-Demand Resources models (Bakker & Demerouti, 2007). Within the scope of the study, the perception of flexible working was examined in two sub-dimensions as time and structure flexibility perception. The results revealed that an increase in both structure and time flexibility perception dimensions increased the strength of the relationship between self-efficacy and innovative work behavior. The study is important because it is one of the few studies that examine logistics employees despite their significant contribution to the global economy. Understanding the behaviors of sector employees is of great importance in terms of optimizing operational efficiency and improving overall performance in the sector.

Relationship among Plant Functional Groups, Soil, and Moisture as Basis for Wetland Conservation

This study characterized the relationship between plant species, soil, and moisture dynamics in the Willamette Valley (Oregon, USA) to obtain a base framework for wetland conservation and restoration. We identified 24 dominant plant species, including the exotic invasive Dipsacus fullonum, distributed throughout the wetland. Plant community analysis indicated that (1) soil moisture during the dry season (August to October) and (2) soil bulk density were the major abiotic drivers of plant community structure. Water potential measurements confirmed the community analysis. Juncus (rush) species appeared to be more tolerant to drought than other typical wetland species. Therefore, dryer conditions due to climate change or water diversion may favor rushes’ persistence. We also found that the dominance of D. fullonum may also negatively affect the native plant species’ survival, which highlights the need for proper management practices. To prevent further vegetation deterioration in sensitive wetland areas, we recommend avoiding hydric diversions to maintain the water supply, exploring manners of controlling invasive species, and preventing livestock grazing. The results of this study contribute to foundational and practical knowledge concerning the influence of soil conditions and moisture availability on the physiological response and distribution of wetland plant species that is required for conservation and management.

Legal support for an environmentally balanced system of natural resource management in terms of European integration of Ukraine

Legal support for an environmentally balanced system of natural resource management in terms of European integration of Ukraine

Establishing a quantitative assessment methodology framework of water conservation based on the water balance method under spatiotemporal and different discontinuous ecosystem scales

Water conservation (WC) is an essential terrestrial ecosystem service that mitigates surface runoff and replenishes groundwater, which has received considerable attention under the dual pressures of climate change and human activity. However, there is insufficient understanding of the trends in WC changes on temporal (annual, monthly, daily), spatial, and ecosystem scales. This study proposed a quantitative assessment methodology framework (QAMF) for analyzing the spatiotemporal variation of WC under different discontinuous ecosystems. The QAMF mainly used models and methods such as the hydrological model (SWAT), calibration and uncertainty program (SWAT-CUP), WC calculation formula (water balance method), and spatial analysis method (empirical orthogonal function and wavelet analysis). It was applied to the source region of the Yellow River (SRYR), where the ecological landscape pattern underwent varying degrees of degradation, and WC capacity decreased. The results show that: Firstly, the constructed SWAT in the SRYR had high accuracy, and the proposed formula for calculating WC was suitable for multi-temporal scale analysis of WC in spatially distributed discontinuous basins. Secondly, the annual and monthly WC were respectively 81.00–184.13 mm and −28.58–107.64 mm, and daily WC was positive during extreme precipitation periods and negative during dry periods. The regulating effect of WC was fully reflected on the daily scale, partially reflected on the monthly scale, and absent on the annual scale. Third, the crucial WC area was mainly distributed in the southeast, and there was a significant primary yearly cycle of WC in the SRYR. Finally, different ecosystems exhibited different WC capabilities, and protecting the diversity of ecosystems played an essential role in maintaining and improving the WC function in the SRYR. This project has great scientific significance and technological support for scientifically evaluating the WC capacity in the SRYR.

Moderating effects of personal resources on work engagement and work-family conflict

Orientation: There is a growing concern about the dark side of work engagement. Recent research has shown that employees who are highly engaged at work are more likely to suffer from high work–family conflict. As employees’ engagement is highly valuable to organisations, it would be useful to identify variables that mitigate this negative impact so that both employees and the organisation can benefit from this positive work behaviour.Research purpose: The study examined the moderating roles of work-family conflict self-efficacy and resilience on the relationship between work engagement and work-family conflict among female nurses in Nigeria.Motivation for the study: While prior research has established that work engagement is associated with higher work-family conflict, less research attention has been paid on the factors that can moderate or buffer this relationship. This study was therefore conducted in response to calls for empirical research on the potential moderators between engagement and work-family conflict.Research approach/design and method: The study used a cross-sectional survey approach to gather data from a sample comprising 233 female nurses in four public hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria. They responded to measures of work-family conflict, work engagement, work-family conflict self-efficacy and resilience. The study hypotheses were tested using moderated regression statistics.Main findings: Findings indicated that work engagement positively predicted work-family conflict. Work–family conflict self-efficacy and resilience buffer the positive relationship between work engagement and work-family conflict.Practical/managerial implications: These findings implicate the need for intervention programmes that would enhance self-efficacy and resilience among female nurses in Nigeria.Contribution/value-add: This study is one of the first to examine the moderating roles of personal resources such as work-family conflict self-efficacy and resilience on the relationship between work engagement and work-family conflict within the framework of conservation of resources theory.

Aging, Climate, and Invasions Threaten Reservoirs in the Mississippi River Basin

AbstractReservoirs in the Mississippi River basin are facing three momentous threats. The first two, aging and climate change, are relatively slow moving and their signal can be hard to discern given their stretched temporal scales. The third, species invasions, is faster paced and discernable within shorter temporal scales and restricted spatial scales. Aging and climate directly affect reservoir environments and indirectly affect their biotic communities. Climate change is expected to interact with aging to speed up and, in some instances, slow down aging. Conversely, invasions primarily imperil biotic communities but can also impact environmental elements. This triple jeopardy is expected to transform reservoir environs and their biotic assemblages in various, often uncertain, ways. I take a broad view of these threats within the Mississippi River basin. A basin‐scale perspective, in contrast to a single reservoir or regional scale, may enhance awareness of reservoirs at a larger level and produce understanding less evident at local levels, hence possibly offering a wider range of choices for confronting threats. My aim is to (1) provide a synopsis of the assemblage of reservoirs and their attributes over the Mississippi River basin, (2) describe the issues related to aging, climate change, and invasions, and (3) consider a conservation framework for confronting these pressures. Given the overlapping temporal, spatial, and ecological effects of these threats, it is essential to address their effects simultaneously.

Species–area relationship in lichens tested in protected areas across Italy

AbstractThe species–area relationship (SAR) states that species richness increases with the increase of the sampled area, although other factors can influence the pattern. SARs have been tested on many different organisms, but only rarely on lichens. We aimed to test the SAR, across a wide range of area sizes, for three main substratum-related guilds of lichens, namely epiphytic, epilithic and epigaeic. The test was performed using data from lichen inventories carried out in 44 protected areas of various sizes across Italy. We found a positive correlation of species richness with area size for all three guilds, better fitted by the logarithmic function for epilithic lichens and by the power function for epiphytic and epigaeic lichens. Our results support the fundamental role of area size as the main driver for lichen diversity, suggesting that in an area-based conservation framework, larger protected areas are fundamental to support high lichen species richness. However, finer scale investigations are also required to better elucidate whether and how other environmental factors could interact with area size and modify SAR patterns. Exhaustive lichen inventories could be useful information sources to more robustly test such relationships, and therefore better inform conservation practices.

Integrating Thermal Indices and Phenotypic Traits for Assessing Tree Health: A Comprehensive Framework for Conservation and Monitoring of Urban, Agricultural, and Forest Ecosystems

Successful conservation through monitoring of ecosystems and species, which entails the quantification of disturbances at the ecosystem, species, and population levels, presents significant challenges. Given the pivotal role of this information in formulating effective strategies for tree conservation, we establish an integrated methodological framework that characterizes the overall health state of trees in urban, agricultural, and forest ecosystems, at species and individual levels, by connecting various non-invasive techniques and field metrics. To accomplish this, we collected thermal and phenotypic information from 543 trees representing five prevalent tree species, distributed across urban, agricultural, and forest settings, within a typical Mediterranean environment, and we developed trunk thermal indicators to describe species’ responses to various disturbances. We (a) examined thermal pattern variations within and among the tree species, (b) explored the relationships between phenotypic traits and trunk thermal indices, (c) quantified the influence of these indices on leaf area index, and (d) classified trees that exhibit defects and fungal pathogens based on these indices. Results showed clear differentiation of thermal and LAI patterns both among tree species and based on the presence or absence of defects. The trunk thermal indices played a significant role in characterizing tree health and predicting LAI, exhibiting strong relationships with phenotypic traits, thereby demonstrating their potential as universal indicators of tree health. Additionally, the inclusion of cavities and fungal presence in the assessment of tree health provided valuable insights into the impact of structural abnormalities on the overall tree condition. Combining trees’ phenotypic traits, vitality indices, and trunk thermal indices allowed the successful classification of defects, cavities, and fungal infestation in 91.4%, 88%, and 88% of trees, respectively. By considering the inter-relationships among thermal indices and phenotypic traits, we can confidently identify and quantify tree health, contributing to the conservation of tree species in diverse ecosystems.

Circularity-based decision-making framework for the integrated conservation of built heritage: the case of the Medina of Tunis

Several factors overlap in making urban heritage conservation vulnerable in terms of long-term sustainability. The purpose of this study is to offer insights into the dynamic role that heritage governance plays in the current sustainability debate. This purpose is achieved by investigating the shift from a ‘governing for culture’ approach to a ‘governing through culture’ approach in heritage conservation. Subsequently, a case is built for a circularity-based conservation strategy applicable to the governance of historic cities. Different indicators of the circular governance approach are considered, and useful data are collected in comparative form. The cross-matching relationship between the factors is then evaluated by employing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) on the collected data. As a test case, the conservation strategy of the Medina of Tunis is presented. For a more general conservation model, case-specific data are acquired. Finally, the same framework is applied to compare the case-dependent and case-independent data to define an integrated conservation framework. The obtained results show that the knowledge and data exchange factor, carries the highest significance. This result translates into heritage-led urban regeneration through knowledge sharing and the effective redistribution of cultural activities in historic city centres.

Temporal Changes in Water Quality with Increasing Ambient Temperatures Affect the Distribution and Relative Abundance of 10 Species of Balitorid Fishes in Small Streams of Eastern Thailand

Stream degradation increases with high anthropogenic activity and climate variability, while declines occur in biodiversity. However, few studies have been undertaken on tropical waterways, a major impediment to biodiversity conservation. The present study was conducted on 95 relatively pristine small streams in Eastern Thailand with 10 reasonably uncommon species of balitorid fishes. Measurements were made of 21 physical and chemical factors and the substrate particle size. Stepwise regression identified the direct importance of substrate particle size and nitrate on the species’ richness of balitorids, whereas its abundance was negatively related with iron concentrations. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis identified three fish groups: the 1st group was negatively correlated with ammonia and positively correlated with dissolved silica, the 2nd group was positively correlated with substrate particle size and negatively correlated with stream ambient temperature and ammonia concentration, and the 3rd group was negatively correlated with low dissolved silica, respectively. The results of this study may indicate the vulnerability of balitorids under climate warming and anthropogenic pressure that alter the water physicochemical factors and river degradation including the substrate type. Thus, a conservation framework should be provided regarding the limits for water temperature, ammonia, and iron in Thailand’s Water Quality Criteria to better protect its freshwater ecosystem. Balitorid is a potential bioindicator for evaluating the river temperature effect in combination with ammonia nutrient stressors as long as the way-of-life habits of the species are taken into account.

Mapping, intensities and future prediction of land use/land cover dynamics using google earth engine and CA- artificial neural network model.

Mapping of land use/ land cover (LULC) dynamics has gained significant attention in the past decades. This is due to the role played by LULC change in assessing climate, various ecosystem functions, natural resource activities and livelihoods in general. In Gedaref landscape of Eastern Sudan, there is limited or no knowledge of LULC structure and size, degree of change, transition, intensity and future outlook. Therefore, the aims of the current study were to (1) evaluate LULC changes in the Gedaref state, Sudan for the past thirty years (1988-2018) using Landsat imageries and the random forest classifier, (2) determine the underlying dynamics that caused the changes in the landscape structure using intensity analysis, and (3) predict future LULC outlook for the years 2028 and 2048 using cellular automata-artificial neural network (CA-ANN). The results exhibited drastic LULC dynamics driven mainly by cropland and settlement expansions, which increased by 13.92% and 319.61%, respectively, between 1988 and 2018. In contrast, forest and grassland declined by 56.47% and 56.23%, respectively. Moreover, the study shows that the gains in cropland coverage in Gedaref state over the studied period were at the expense of grassland and forest acreage, whereas the gains in settlements partially targeted cropland. Future LULC predictions showed a slight increase in cropland area from 89.59% to 90.43% and a considerable decrease in forest area (0.47% to 0.41%) between 2018 and 2048. Our findings provide reliable information on LULC patterns in Gedaref region that could be used for designing land use and environmental conservation frameworks for monitoring crop produce and grassland condition. In addition, the result could help in managing other natural resources and mitigating landscape fragmentation and degradation.

Advances in Sustainable Water Management: A Comprehensive Review of Strategies, Technologies, and Policy Frameworks for Ensuring Resilience and Conservation in Water Resource Systems

Advances in Sustainable Water Management: A Comprehensive Review of Strategies, Technologies, and Policy Frameworks for Ensuring Resilience and Conservation in Water Resource Systems

Integrating climate change into agroforestry conservation: A case study on native plant species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract Designing multispecies systems with suitable climatic affinity and identifying species' vulnerability under human‐driven climate change are current challenges to achieve successful adaptation of natural systems. To address this problem, we need to (1) identify groups of species with climatic similarity under climate scenarios and (2) identify areas with high conservation value under predicted climate change. To recognize species with similar climatic niche requirements that can be grouped for mixed cropping in Brazil, we employed ecological niche models (ENMs) and Spearman's ρ for overlap. We also used prioritization algorithms to map areas of high conservation value using two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5) to assess mid‐term (2041–2060) and long‐term (2061–2080) climate change impacts. We identified 15 species groups with finer climatic affinities at different times depicted on hierarchical clustering dendrograms, which can be combined into agroecological agroforestry systems. Furthermore, we highlight the climatically suitable areas for these groups of species, thus providing an outlook of where different species will need to be planted over time to be conserved. In addition, we observed that climate change is predicted to modify the spatial association of these groups under different future climate scenarios, causing a mean negative change in species climatic similarity of 9.5% to 13.7% under SSP2‐4.5 scenario and 9.5% to 10.5% under SSP5‐8.5, for 2041–2060 and 2061–2080, respectively. Synthesis and applications. Our findings provide a framework for agroforestry conservation. The groups of species with finer climatic affinities identified and the climatically suitable areas can be combined into agroecological productive systems, and provide an outlook of where different species may be planted over time. In addition, the conservation priority zones displaying high climate stability for each species individually and all at once can be incorporated into Brazil's conservation plans by policymakers to prioritize specific sites. Lastly, we urge policymakers, conservation organizations and donors to promote interventions involving farmers and local communities, since the species' evaluated have proven to maintain landscapes with productive forest fragments and can be conserved in different Brazilian ecosystems.

Ecologization of the Course of Organic Chemistry, Forming Ecological Knowledge and Education

The relevance of the research in this article is conditioned upon the problems of introducing environment-oriented education in the field of chemical discipline for the development of an important component of the information part of this science among students, based on its application in the framework of restoration and conservation of ecology. The purpose of the article is to develop a model of ecologization of the organic chemistry course for the development of knowledge in the discipline with the establishment of ecological culture. The leading method to study this problem is a combination of the Schwartz value questionnaire to determine the level of personal manifestations in the field of various behavioural reactions and decision-making, based on value motivational aspirations, which will affect social life and many of its components. The article presents the developed model of ecologization of the course of study within the framework of organic chemistry, which allows students to form an ecological culture and present the information part in the form of special knowledge based on the selective structure, which carries the factor of restoration and preservation of ecology.

Reproduction of Architecture in Modernizing Local Architecture: The Case of Muqarnas

The present study aims to investigate the cultural identity concept and its relation to cultural heritage within a conservation framework under the threat of unfettered interventions for modernity and its requirements by analyzing the reproduced architectural works. Furthermore, the study focused on clarifying and tracking the effects of architectural reproduction on society and individuals, as well as on the local way of thinking and local culture in a specific region known as the "Levant." The research method is developed in two interconnected ways: qualitative 'interpretive' research methods are used to explain the pure concept of cultural heritage, while a 'simulation strategy' is used between traditional and historical architectural elements to create new architectural elements with historical origins and contemporary touches. Construct logic is a method of "modernizing local architecture”, in that it controls modern architecture and uses it to develop local architecture rather than obliterating and distorting it. "Muqarnas," one of the Islamic architectural decorative elements widely used in the Levant and surrounding geography, is chosen as the simulation case study for developing new contemporary architectural elements used both structurally and decoratively. The simulation approach used in the study is limited to several traditional architectural elements from the study's historical and cultural context, which were documented with architectural and technical data as well as illustrative drawings. It may be possible to raise conservation awareness by simulating some traditional architectural elements and developing them in a highly technical environment. Furthermore, it can provide the opportunity to obtain new architectural elements of a contemporary cultural nature that resist architectural reproduction in a variety of internal and external fields, as well as structural solutions.

How Citizen Science Projects Contribute to Urban Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation Frameworks—A German Case Study

How Citizen Science Projects Contribute to Urban Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation Frameworks—A German Case Study

Marine protected areas in Colombia: A historical review of legal marine protection since the late 1960 s to 2023

This study examines Colombia's legal framework for marine conservation, focusing on its historical developments and progress toward international conservation goals. It analyzes Colombia's unique approach to creating protected areas, beginning with land-based conservation in the late 1960 s and later expanding to coastal and marine areas to evaluate the current marine protection status. The methodologic framework used a map-based approach using the Marine Conservation Atlas (MPAtlas) and the National Unique Register of Protected Areas (RUNAP), which provides detailed information, including the level of protection and size of MPAs. The study emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the implementation and management processes of marine protected areas and recommends evaluating existing Marine Protected Areas against new pressures on the ocean and advancing ecosystem-based ocean management. The article highlights Colombia's success in meeting Aichi Target 11, which aimed to protect 10% of the world's oceans by 2020, and the need for more harmonized legal frameworks and improved management of conservation standards across existing MPAs. The study identifies several challenges facing marine conservation policies in Colombia, including the lack of adequate evaluation mechanisms, corruption, internal conflicts, and limited impact of scientific research on policy implementation. Finally, it highlights the need for a simplified classification system based on conservation objectives, natural characteristics, and allowed uses and activities, following the international standardization proposed by the IUCN.

A review of shark conservation and management legal frameworks in the Philippines

Sharks are among the oldest groups of vertebrate animals, dating back to over 400 million years ago. In recent decades, fishing pressure and demand for shark products and derivatives, such as fins, meat, oil, have increased significantly, driving global declines in shark populations. Sharks are a valuable resource in the Philippines and are used for both extractive and non-extractive purposes. The primary objective of this paper is to outline international, national, and local legal frameworks that enable the management and conservation of sharks in the Philippines. This review commences by providing some background regarding the politico-legal context of the Philippines, as well as information related to shark populations, fisheries and research in this country. This paper also aims to make a case that the Philippine government is in a unique position to build on the momentum of past initiatives by passing comprehensive national shark legislation and continuing to support regulation of shark trade globally. While a national legal framework on its own cannot solve all the issues related to shark fisheries and management, it will help create and institutionalize an anchor for existing and future conservation, research, governance, and communication initiatives.