Harvest Program Research Articles

Promoting women's wellbeing through the Niska (Goose) Harvesting Program in subarctic Ontario, Canada.

Geese harvesting is a longstanding cultural tradition deeply ingrained among the Omushkego Cree in Fort Albany First Nation, embodying a holistic approach to health that integrates Indigenous knowledge, community wellbeing, and resilience. Despite historical disruptions stemming from colonization and assimilation policies, women have played a pivotal role in preserving and passing down traditional practices. The significance of goose harvesting extends beyond providing a nutrient-rich and cost-effective food source; it serves as a vehicle for cultural preservation and education, particularly fostering language acquisition among children. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the potential decline in the transmission of Indigenous knowledge. The interruption of intergenerational knowledge transfer not only poses implications for overall wellbeing but also worsens historical trauma within the community. In response to these challenges, the Niska (goose) harvesting program was developed with an aim to revitalize community harvesting practices, with a specific focus on incorporating the perspectives of women, especially in the preparatory and smoking phases of the geese. Omushkego Cree women were approached to participate. The study was conducted during the spring of 2018, and employed photovoice and semi-structured interviews that explored the impact of geese preparatory activities on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous women. Major themes from the qualitative data included the importance of knowledge sharing, cultural continuity, healing, and the profound connection to the land. Women emphasized the value of sharing acquired knowledge, passing on traditions, and maintaining a connection to their cultural identity. Cultural continuity, depicted through intergenerational teachings and experiences, emerged as crucial for overall wellbeing. Participants spoke of the healing dynamics derived from engaging in traditional activities, highlighting the positive impact on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The land was identified as a central element in this healing process, representing more than just a physical space but an extension of home, contributing to a sense of peace and tranquility. The land became a medium for transmitting cultural teachings, shaping identity, and sustaining a subsistence lifestyle. The study emphasizes the importance of future research including more female youth participants to uncover specific challenges and strengths within this demographic. Overall, the Niska program demonstrates a comprehensive approach that intertwines cultural revitalization, community engagement, and holistic wellbeing, emphasizing the need for interventions that go beyond immediate challenges to create enduring positive impacts on Indigenous communities.

Impacts of Dams construction and water harvesting programs on community perception Red Sea in eastern Sudan

Impacts of Dams construction and water harvesting programs on community perception Red Sea in eastern Sudan

China-ASEAN Agricultural Product Trade and Its Impact

With the establishment of the China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Free Trade Area, a worlds largest consumer market is forming which includes over 2 billion people. According to the Early Harvest program, the terms of trade of agricultural products bilateral have been improving and the volume has increased significantly, overall presents a strong resource-market pattern of mutual benefit and complementarity. This paper describes the present situation of China-ASEAN trade pattern of agricultural products, meanwhile points out the complementary and competitive relationship of agricultural products trade and the problems exist as well as the countermeasures. This is quite significant for China to improve its agriculture competitive in the region and even in the world. This paper uses the comparative advantage theory analysis method. Although the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership needs more efforts and cooperation from both sides, agricultural trade is one of the important concrete actions for laying the foundation for prosperity and peace of bilateral relations.

Evaluating the Effect of Tariff and Non-tariff Barriers on Exports in the Pre and Post China-Pak Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Period

Low trading costs, more significant consumer markets, and favourable economic ties between China and Pakistan provide a strong rationale for bilateral trade. Both countries have signed several bilateral trade agreements to boost mutual trade since 1963. The agreement that marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation between two trading partners and paved the way for free trade agreements was the Early Harvest Program (EHP), implemented in 2006. The first China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) was signed in November 2006 and became operational in 2007. CPFTA aimed to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers, enhance the comparative value of exports, and increase exportable surplus mainly through technical and financial cooperation. The paper critically evaluates the impact of tariff and non-tariff barriers on Pakistan’s key exports in the pre- and post-CPFTA period. Further, the study quantifies the impact of non-tariff barriers using quantitative techniques of restrictiveness index, converge ratio, and frequency index with 4-digit H.S. code industry-level data. The analysis reveals that China imposed a relatively high tariff rate on Pakistan's top five exports compared to China's other FTA partner countries. The results about the effect of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) show that exports related to cereals, edible fruits, and textile sectors are highly covered under Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and technical barriers to trade (TBT) despite FTA. Our findings have substantial implications for sustained trade ties between China and Pakistan.

Characterization and multicriteria prioritization of water scarcity in sensitive urban areas for the implementation of a rain harvesting program: A case study for water-scarcity mitigation

An estimated 933 million people worldwide face water scarcity in urban environments with marginalized low-income populations. Rainwater harvesting has been proposed as an adaptable mitigation strategy to reduce water scarcity in those environments. As a case study, the present work proposes the implementation of a rainwater harvesting program aimed at the mitigation of water scarcity in highly vulnerable areas within the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara, Mexico. The program was developed and structured based on an innovative strategy with replicable multicriteria characterization and prioritization, to allocate the rainwater harvesting systems in areas with a high sensitivity to water scarcity. The areas were selected based on territorial, hydrologic, and social parameters. The prioritization methodology was successfully applied for the selection of clusters for the allocation of domestic rainwater harvesting systems. A total of 4550 rainwater harvesting units were implemented leading to an estimated total yearly capture of 163,444.88 m3. Based on surveys a 14.2% reduction in water scarcity related diseases was observed in the participant households after 3 months of the systems’ implementation. The developed prioritization methodology offers an alternative for science-based resource allocations aimed at the resolution of specific complex challenges. This methodological approach could be adapted and replicated for other spatial-based decision-making and public policy applications. The implemented program offered an alternative for water scarcity mitigation in an urban environment and its application showed potential to improve the quality of life of the population, who benefited by increasing water access and availability.

Indigenous Land-Based Approaches to Well-Being: The Niska (Goose) Harvesting Program in Subarctic Ontario, Canada.

Historically, goose harvesting provided a source of culturally significant, safe, and nutritious food for the Omushkego Cree of subarctic Ontario, Canada. Disruptions stemming from colonization and climate change have led to a decrease in harvesting, resulting in higher rates of food insecurity. The aim of the Niska program was to reconnect Elders and youth to revitalize goose harvesting activities and associated Indigenous knowledge within the community. The program and evaluation were built using a two-eyed seeing (Etuaptmumk) and community-based participatory research approach. Salivary cortisol, a biomedical measure of stress, was collected before (n = 13) and after (n = 13) participation in the spring harvest. Likewise, cortisol samples were collected before (n = 12) and after (n = 12) the summer harvest. Photovoice and semi-directed interviews were employed after the spring (n = 13) and summer (n = 12) harvests to identify key elements of well-being from an Indigenous perspective. The changes observed in cortisol levels for the spring (p = 0.782) and summer (p = 0.395) harvests were not statistically significant. However, there was a noteworthy increase in the subjective well-being observed through the qualitative measures (semi-directed interviews and photovoice), highlighting the importance of using multiple perspectives when assessing well-being, especially in Indigenous peoples. Future programs should incorporate multiple perspectives when addressing complex environmental and health issues, such as food security and environmental conservation, especially in Indigenous homelands worldwide.

Rainwater harvesting as a solution for mitigation and adaptation to flood disasters (study case: Cisurupan)

To strengthen the protected area function of the Cisurupan urban village, which is upstream of the Cinambo river, and reduce the flood risk surrounding Gedebage its downstream, Bandung City Public Works Department has attempted four green open spaces in Cisurupan since 2018 that also involve cross-actor. However, there are no studies on the positive impact of green open spaces in mitigating and adapting to flooding. This study aims to provide innovation and collaboration regarding flooding mitigation and adaptation in Cisurupan. This study uses a quantitative, qualitative approach or mixed method, while the analysis is spatial analysis for quantitative and descriptive analysis for qualitative, while the data collection method uses semi-structured interviews and participatory observation from February to May 2022. The result shows four green spaces as the mitigation and adaptation are innovative efforts to collaborate with communities, government, civic society organizations, and academics. However, there is still a lack of existing mitigation and adaptation forms, which rely only on pore drums, retention ponds, and growing media. It is possible to urge rainwater harvesting programs not only for flood risk reduction in the rainy season and clean water crisis in the dry season but also as a long-term disaster risk reduction and water resource independence.

AWARENESS OF BRAIN DEATH DOCUMENTATION AMONG POST GRADUATE TRAINEES IN LAHORE

Brain death is the complete and irreversible cessation of all activity in the brain, including the brain stem and cortex. It's critical to declare someone brain dead to stop providing life support or donating their organs. This study was carried out to evaluate postgraduate trainee doctors’knowledge and understanding of brain death in the Lahore cityas the Punjab Human Organ Transplant Authority (PHOTA) moves towards cadaveric donor program. Utilizing the universal sample approach, a questionnaire-based survey with 150 senior trainee registrars from several postgraduate fields was conducted at four teaching hospitals in Lahore. The registrars had 45 minutes to finish a pre-validated questionnaire form that inquired about their perspectives, knowledge, and the procedure for determining brain death. Quantitative data were shown as means, whereas qualitative data was shown as frequencies. SPSS software version 21 was used for statistical analysis. The questionnaire was given to 150 postgraduate trainees in total, of which 70% were men and 30% were women. Approximately 88.90% of participants were able to define brain death as the total cessation of all brain functioning, including brainstem reflexes. 121 doctors (82%) said yes when asked if they would perform brainstem reflexes twice, six hours apart. Only 40(26.66%) doctors were able to reliably identify the absence of brain stem responses, such as the corneal and pupillary reflexes. Just 10 (6.66%) out of 150 participants were able to correctly define what a positive apnea test means, but 33.33% of respondents agreed that it is a necessary test to demonstrate the cessation of brain stem activity. 15.50% of resident doctors had knowledge that a committee of four doctors was required to declare brain deathThe gold standard test for determining brain death, according to 4.66% of responders, is cerebral angiography. 95% of respondents were ignorant of the measures being taken by the Punjab Human Organ Authority (PHOTA) concerning the dead organ harvesting program or that such a program even existed. Although everyone agreed that getting an agreement before organ harvesting was required but only five trainees understood the exactmethodologyof taking consent and how it functioned. The PGRs lacked knowledge about brain death, its detection and documentation, concerning cadaveric donor organ donation and transplantation. The results of this study showed a lot of work needed to start cadaveric organ transplant safely.

Penerapan Strategi Pemasaran Tokopedia Menggunakan Program Panen Telur

Long distance shopping through online media has become a part of modern society's life. Many people do online shopping activities through e-commerce. One of the most popular e-commerce sites in Indonesia is Tokopedia. To attract customers to be interested and more confident in shopping, Tokopedia uses a sponsored product giveaway strategy through the Egg Harvest program. The variables observed in this study are how the giveaway through the Egg Harvest program can increase product sales. The results of reviews from customers who received products through the Harvest Egg giveaway program were compared with reviews of regular customers who did buy the product, then analyzed whether it was true that the giveaway could increase good product reviews so as to convince other potential buyers to make purchases of similar products. It was found that the Harvest Egg giveaway program increased the statistics on the number of products sold and increased the number of reviews so that it was more convincing to potential buyers. However, having a giveaway does not necessarily increase the percentage of positive reviews because customers who receive products from the giveaway still provide honest reviews according to the quality of the products they receive. Therefore, to benefit from very interesting customer reviews through the giveaway program, it must be accompanied by quality products and good service.

The Physicochemical Properties of Deposited Sediments at the Maruba Dam Reservoir Inlet, Machakos County, Kenya

Energy and water are the two most important natural resources in the globe. In this regard, dams and reservoirs are the critical hydraulic structures that store water and, above all, provide energy required by humanity. However, water storage and the provision of energy by reservoirs and dams have been disrupted by significant environmental changes taking place in the catchment areas and the reservoir environment. These disruptions are brought about by climatic parameters and sediment transport by different eroding agents. One such environmental problem is soil erosion, whose effect is reservoir sedimentation. Consequently, a part of the transported sediment is deposited at the catchment outlet, which serves as the reservoir inlet. This study was carried out to establish the physicochemical characteristics of the deposited sediment at the reservoir inlet. The following parameters were analyzed: particle size distribution, organic matter content, bulk density, porosity, electrical conductivity, penetration resistance, hydraulic conductivity, pH, and nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) using standard laboratory procedures. The study established that the deposited sediments were predominantly sand particles with mean values of 50.60% and 58.60% for the surface (0–10 cm) or sub-surface horizons (10–20 cm), respectively. The average values for sediment pH, organic matter, porosity, bulk density, electrical conductivity, penetration resistance, hydraulic conductivity, and nutrients were 6.30 and 6.61; 1.91 and 1.80%; 54.10 and 57.10%; 1.22 and 1.14 g·cm−3 for the surface and sub-surface horizons, respectively. The most variable parameters were silt content (sub-surface horizon), hydraulic conductivity, penetration resistance, electrical conductivity, nitrogen content (surface horizon), and phosphorous (surface horizon) content with CV >0.35. Based on the present study results, the deposited sediments at the reservoir inlet were found to have low concentrations of nutrients and high sand proportions. Therefore, the deposited sediments appear to have great potential to reclaim the immediate barren dam environment upon enrichment and to promote sand harvesting programs for economic benefits.

Indigenous Land-Based Approaches to Well-Being: The Amisk (Beaver) Harvesting Program in Subarctic Ontario, Canada.

The act of decolonizing knowledge systems involves recovering and renewing traditional, non-commodified cultural patterns, such as the sustenance of intergenerational relationships and traditional practices. A decline in beaver harvesting, which was once an integral part of the Omushkego Cree culture, has resulted in an overabundance of beavers and dams, which has negatively affected communities by increasing the local flooding events and impacting the water quality. The aim of the Amisk (beaver) program was to reconnect the Elders and youth to revitalize traditional on-the-land activities and, in the present case, beaver harvesting and associated activities within the community. The program and evaluation were built using a two-eyed seeing (Etuaptmumk) and community-based participatory research approach. Salivary cortisol, a biomedical measure of stress, was collected before and after participation in the program. Photovoice, along with semi-directed interviews, were employed to identify the key elements of well-being from a First Nations’ perspective. For the beaver harvesting activities, the changes observed in the cortisol concentrations were not statistically significant (p = 0.094). However, the act of beaver dam removal was associated with a statistically significant increase in the post-participation cortisol concentration (p = 0.021). It was noteworthy that increased stress during the removal of the beaver dams–as indicated by the elevated post-activity cortisol levels–were not reflected in a decrease in the qualitative measures (semi-directed interviews and photovoice) of well-being from an Indigenous perspective. In fact, there was a noted increase in the subjective well-being of the participants, which highlights the importance of multiple perspectives when assessing well-being, especially in Indigenous peoples. However, the cortisol findings of the present pilot project need to be interpreted with caution, due to the limited sample sizes.

Rainwater Harvesting as a Strategy for Adapting to Climate Change and Building Women's Autonomy in Brazilian Semiarid

Cisterns Program aims to mitigate drought impacts through strengthening the adaptive capacity of vulnerable inhabitants in Brazilian Semiarid (BSA). Cisterns promote the ability of farmers to adapt to climatic stresses in long run. This article discusses the impacts of the Rainwater Harvesting Program (RHP) on the livelihoods of women in BSA. Policy implementation has been assessed from capacity building and social mobilization to the construction of infrastructure that guarantees rainwater harvesting for human consumption and productive uses. Based on semi-structured interviews applied to case studies in Paraíba, Pernambuco and Ceará states, this article discusses how the gender perspective can improve adaptive capacity. Results from the case studies indicated important changes in female autonomy, greater independence related to water access, resulting in extra time for other activities, including education. Moreover, the availability of water for production has strengthened productive capacity leading to greater food security and well-being. Lastly, it was also reported a sense of economic independence related to income generation from improved production capacity.

Agricultural trade liberalization and domestic fertilizer use: Evidence from China-ASEAN free trade agreement

The China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) has been recognized as a significant progress in regional economic integration for member countries. While the existing literature has widely studied the trade effects of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), it remains unclear how it affects environment-related input use. This paper examines the impacts of agricultural trade liberalization on the domestic fertilizer use following the CAFTA. Using a combined dataset consisting of country- and product-level fertilizer use and predictors over the period 1995–2015, this paper empirically examines the impact of CAFTA on the domestic fertilizer use for the exported fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV) from China to ASEAN members. We use the synthesis control method to identify the aggregate impacts of CAFTA on the domestic fertilizer use, followed by the propensity score matching difference-in-difference (PSM-DID) method to examine the mechanism through which fertilizer use is increased. We find that the total volumes of the domestic fertilizer use for Chinese exported FFV increased significantly following the implementation of the Early Harvest Program under CAFTA in 2004. This impact is more evident for exports to the initial ASEAN members compared to the new members. The PSM-DID results suggest that CAFTA increased the degree of export concentration on ASEAN members. The evidence is consistent with the export diversion effect of a customs union instead of the export creation effect due to trade liberalization.

Research Achievements, Challenges and Future Perspectives of Irrigation and Water Harvesting Research Program of Jimma Agricultural Research Center: A Review

Due to spatial and temporal variability, rainfall rarely meets the required amount of water for plant growth, resulting in low agricultural production. Thus, for a sustainable increase in agricultural production and productivity, the use of irrigation is essential. Since its establishment, Jimma Agricultural Research has been conducting irrigation and water harvesting research for one and half a decade and has generated essential research findings for its mandate area. The objective of this review was to document the major achievements on coffee irrigation, challenges, and future prospects of the irrigation and water harvesting research program. The study was conducted by reviewing documents available on the web, interviewing the previous researchers who conducted the study, and also reviewing documents available in the library of the Jimma Agricultural Research Center. The major research activities conducted in the Jimma Agricultural Research Center under the irrigation and water harvesting program on coffee crops were: dry matter partitioning and physiological responses of Coffee Arabica varieties to soil moisture deficit stress seedling stage in southwest Ethiopia; growth response of Hararghie coffee accessions to soil moisture stress at seedling; sensitivity of coffee genotypes to drought induced by soil drying at early growth stages; growth and plant water relations of Arabica coffee in response to deficit irrigation; determination of optimal irrigation scheduling for coffee; and estimation and mapping of coffee water requirements using models. The major challenges were the lack of irrigation infrastructure, the lack of green houses and rain shelters, and the lack of laboratory equipment. Future irrigation research will focus on climate change, salinity management, ground water monitoring, watershed-based irrigation, modelling, and the application of more advanced technologies in relation to geographical information system and remote sensing.

Industrialization and food safety for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation: An analysis of chemical levels in shellfish in Burrard Inlet

While Indigenous food systems remain critical for community well-being, traditionally harvested foods are a potential source of toxic exposures. The Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) is seeking to restore shellfish harvesting in Burrard Inlet (British Columbia [BC], Canada), where the cumulative effects of industrial activity have nearly eliminated safe harvesting. The Trans Mountain Expansion project would triple the capacity to transport oil through the inlet, threatening TWN's progress to restore shellfish harvesting. To inform ongoing efforts we assessed contamination by heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) and 48 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) congeners in different shellfish species (Softshell clams, Varnish clams, and Dungeness crab) in three areas. We compared our results against local screening values (SVs) established by the TWN and BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, as well as provincial and national benchmarks. In total, we analyzed 18 composite samples of Softshell clams and Varnish clams (5 individuals per sample), as well as 17 individual crabs. We found chemical contamination in all species at all sites. PAHs were most frequently detected in Softshell clams, highest in the site closest to the pipeline terminus. Clams presented higher levels of contamination than crabs for PAHs, but not for heavy metals. For Softshell and Varnish clams, all heavy metals across study sites exceeded at least one of the population-specific SVs. Of the 14 PAHs detected, benzo(a)pyrene presented a median concentration in Softshell clams of 3.25 μ/kg, exceeding local SV for subsistence fisher. Our results call for further assessment of human health impacts related to food harvesting within Burrard Inlet and establishing a long-term coordinated program co-led by the TWN to monitor contamination and inform future harvesting programs. The study draws attention to the need to consider locally-relevant toxicity benchmarks, and include potential health impacts of food contamination in appraising development project proposals.

STATUS OF WATERSHED AND NEED OF INTEGRATED APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN NEPAL

Watersheds are acknowledged as a paramount form of green substructure that provides us with important services like; drinking water, irrigation water, fodder/forage, pebbles/boulders, and timber including recreational, regulating, and other available services. The hills and mountains of Nepal are the watershed areas with the most fragile ecosystem and poor agricultural potential, as more than 15% of the total population of the country and 13% of the total land area is covered by Chure that has fragile ranges of hills. Hence, it can’t be denied from the fact that many of Nepal’s watersheds are in a state of physical and biological deterioration where landslides, soil erosion, floods, biodiversity loss, unsustainable water extraction, and farming practices are among the major issues leading towards watershed degradation. Therefore, proper strategies like developing stream and rainwater harvesting programs, strict implementation of EIA, IEE, adoption of SALT technology for income generation, etc. needs to be prioritized based on the principles of integrated watershed management while planning, monitoring & implementing soil and watershed management.

Serviceability Assessment of Water Supply & Its Infrastructure and Associated Challenges for providing Safe Drinking Water in Ethiopia-Gimbi Town

The development of infrastructure is fundamental to economic growth and development of countries. The objective of this study was to assess the serviceability of water supply & its infrastructure and associated challenges for providing safe drinking water in Ethiopia-Gimbi town. The research design was descriptive type and the related data was both primary and secondary sources. Primary data was obtained from sample of 219 households, 7 officials and professionals of water office. Samples were drawn, using simple random from the sample frame. Moreover, the water supply infrastructure were observed and photographed and included. Analyses were done by using SPSS and presented by percentage, tables, and charts. The study has confirmed that Gimbi town is facing water supply service problem. The survey result showed that the water produced only covers 30.39% of the demand. Even if private meter connection is taken as best standards of water supply, the connection for residential consumer is only 22.57%. Furthermore, all areas could not get equal and proportional service. As a result, they are exposed to unprotected sources. The cumulative effect of the existing situations decreased the daily average consumption of pipe water to 6.08 liters per person per day. The study also identified population growth, inadequate source, frequent interruption, unaccounted-for water (41.25%), lack of sufficient funding and capacity, lack of standby diesel generator and limited stakeholders’ participation as challenges. The paper recommends interventions to overcome water scarcity. These include: exploring additional source, redesigning distribution system, encouraging capacity building for staffs, having standby diesel generator, carrying out appropriate operation and maintenance, introducing rainwater harvesting program, launching appropriate water infrastructural assets management, using water reservoir, promoting stakeholders’ participation to improve the problems. Keywords : Accessibility; Affordability; Adequate Water Supply; Infrastructure; Interruption; Meter Connection; Pipe Water; Safe Drinking Water; Unaccounted-for Water. DOI: 10.7176/DCS/11-5-02 Publication date: May 31 st 2021

Evaluation of Effects of Harvest on Alligator Populations in Louisiana

ABSTRACTBiologists with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana, USA, have managed statewide annual harvest of alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) for 35 years (1981–present). We collected and analyzed harvest data for Louisiana alligators to determine the effects of harvest on the population structure, focusing on the larger size classes (≥274 cm) of this slow‐growing species. Linear regression analyses revealed that body size‐class structure, based on overall average size and the percentage of animals harvested in the larger size classes was relatively stable. Annual aerial alligator nest counts indicated a continual growth of the population, and over time harvested alligators maintained a constant average size. Analyses of population size (based on number of nests and population modeling) indicated that the current annual harvest represents approximately 3% of the population. Linear regression analysis showed that annual hunter success declined only slightly during the study period, and the scheduling of the hunt season after the hatch period and recommended hunting in areas not frequented by breeding females provides economic opportunities for hunters to participate in a sustainable harvest that preserves the larger size classes of alligators in the population. Strict enforcement of existing laws was a key factor responsible for the success of this harvest program. Comparison of alligator population size and number of harvest‐related citations indicated that illegal harvest did not have a negative effect on population size, and linear regression analyses revealed that the rate of increase in citations was lower than the increase in populations over the study period. The results of this harvest program indicated that alligators can be hunted in a sustainable manner if hunting is conducted after the hatch period and occurs in areas that primarily exclude the harvest of adult females, and strict law enforcement curbs illegal activities that negatively affect populations. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.

Assessing Ecological and Social Dimensions of Success in a Community-based Sustainable Harvest Program.

Community-based conservation and resource management (CBCRM) programs often incorporate the dual goals of poverty alleviation and conservation. However, robust assessments of CBCRM program outcomes are relatively scarce. This study uses a multidisciplinary, systems approach to assess the ecological and social dimensions of success of an internationally acclaimed CBCRM program. This program, located in one of the largest protected areas in the Peruvian Amazon (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve), strives for the sustainable harvest and trade of a turtle species (Podocnemis unifilis). We used mixed methods analysis, including interviews and population viability modeling, to understand three elements: how local perceptions of changes in the managed population compare to changes inferred by ecological analyses, the indicators stakeholders use to measure success, and the barriers to long-term program success and social-ecological system sustainability. We find that stakeholders perceive a growth trend in the managed turtle population, but this perception may diverge from our ecological understanding of the system under current management. Population viability analyses with a 1:1 sex ratio suggested population size will decline under two of three management scenarios (different degrees of harvest). Yet this and similar studies are plagued by a lack of species- and site-specific population parameters that could improve understanding of the system. Significant vulnerabilities exist for system sustainability, notably the recent decrease in foreign demand for the traded resource. Identifying a sustainable species-specific harvest rate, developing locally-grounded ecological and social indicators, and focusing on data-driven adaptive management will facilitate the identification of key leverage points for future management interventions.

Drylands rainwater harvesting: a community-based management approach

This study's objectives were to identify issues concerning natural resource use and identify management options for natural resources from the local community's perspective. The research methodology is based on an integrated application of field interviews with individuals, focus groups, and feedback from key informants. The results showed that less than 1% of the local community supports the construction of Earth dams on rangeland reserves. Land donation and sharing by the landowners is a possible proposal for selecting potential sites for Earth dams. The lack of active participation of local communities during the planning and execution of natural resources development projects led to project failure to secure water resources in the study area. We recommend policymakers and water resources managers seriously consider active community involvement in water harvesting programs. Hence, the present top-bottom approach should be replaced by the bottom-up approach to provide sustainable assurances to water development programs.