Intact Ecosystems Research Articles

Геопространственное моделирование организации ландшафтно-экологического каркаса дельты Волги

With the rapid economic progress of the regions, there is an increase in the human impact on the environment. In this regard, there is a need to develop a scientifically based system of natural resource management and preservation of intact ecosystems. Recently, the concept of developing ecological frameworks of territories has been widely spread. An ecological framework as a system of nature areas ranked by the degree of ecological importance is a continuous network of interconnected areas capable of ensuring natural ecological balance and restraining the negative human impact on the environment. This paper proposes a geographical framework for the implementation of a landscape-ecological framework in the central part of the Volga River Delta. The proposed cartographic model is based on the style of thematic map construction—Wurman dots, named on the basis of cartographic works of Richard Saul Wurman. The proposed style was modified: a regular geometric grid consisting of regular geometric figures—hexagons was applied. Landscape-ecological framework in this case is designed in the form of a spatial cellular grid covering the entire territory under consideration, within which geosystems with different modes of use and degree of anthropogenic transformation are distinguished. For the natural geosystems identified in the course of previously performed studies, the level of their anthropogenic transformation was established using a specially developed formula (Lantropo). The analysis of the landscape-ecological framework is based on the interpretation of a special legend to the map scheme, where the ordinate and abscissa axes show the suitability of geosystems for integration into the structure of the ecological framework of the central sub-area of the Volga Delta.

Evolving nature-based solutions for Australia’s Indigenous estate in 2024 – opportunities and challenges

Globally, there is growing interest and potential for investment in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to protect, manage or restore ecosystems through incentive schemes including Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), Nature Repair, Carbon Markets, Common Asset Trusts. Collectively, these NbS markets establish interchangeable mechanisms to help address biodiversity and climate crises, as well as socio-economic issues concerning many Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). IPLCs manage and/or own almost 32% of the world’s land area through customary and community-based tenure arrangements. Since 2000 several PES schemes have been implemented in Australia. These schemes have been overwhelmingly implemented as public-good expenditure, with governments providing ~90% of total funding. Indigenous people have either the legal right to run or veto a carbon market or nature repair project over 57% of the Australian land mass, increasing to 63% in savanna and 85% in desert regions. Here we critically assess opportunities and challenges for Australia’s Indigenous estate associated with existing and emerging NbS market approaches, especially the Commonwealth’s current Savanna Fire Management (SFM) and Human Induced Regeneration methods, evolving Integrated Farm & Land Management (IFLM) and Blue Carbon methods, and proposed Nature Repair (NR) market. To date, Indigenous NbS interests have focused especially on SFM across northern Australia, with prospective opportunities especially for IFLM and NR markets. Most available schemes focus on remediation of degraded lands and seas, ignoring cost-effective investment opportunities to maintain habitats and ecosystems in less-degraded condition. Government-supported Common Asset Trusts can provide effective models for governance of stewardship schemes relevant to on-going care for relatively intact ecosystems. In Discussion we summarise key methodological, institutional, and policy opportunities and challenges for constructive Indigenous engagement with developing NbS markets. Our purpose is to provide an Indigenous land and sea management context to inform development of rapidly evolving NbS markets in Australia.

Landscape fragmentation and connectivity as key variables on occurrence of human-wildlife interactions

Human-wildlife interactions (HWI) are one of the most highly studied topics from the fields of wildlife management and are reported to be increasing globally as anthropogenic lands uses expand into wild lands, especially in mountainous areas where forest habitats are in the proximity of human settlements. The upper Prahova Valley in south-central Romania provides habitat to several native charismatic wildlife species. Since 1990 this area has become a major tourist destination now characterized by a high density of major transport infrastructures and homes. To assess how the changes in land use have affected HWIs, from September 2018 to August 2019, we discussed with 370 local citizens from the cities of Sinaia, Bușteni and Predeal. We developed maps of wildlife habitat fragmentation and connectivity and superimposed them over the locations with the HWI hotspots. According to the results, over 50% of the hotspots identified where located in areas exhibiting the greatest level of fragmentation, and the species frequently involved in interactions were the brown bear (Ursus arctos), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The maps suggest that habitat fragmentation could represent a primal cause for the regions’ high frequency of animal descents into settlements, since wildlife habitats and ecological corridors are affected by the fragmentation of anthropogenic infrastructures especially in the proximity of major settlements. As a conclusion, our results highlight the need for sustainable landscape planning in order to optimize biodiversity management and diminish interactions between humans and wild animals, based on: a) mapping the areas characterized by high quality wildlife habitats and including them into a system of strict protection, b) developing or enhancing wildlife ecological corridors to favour animal movement between intact ecosystems, and c) regulating the expansion of human infrastructures in the proximity of strictly protected habitats.

Carbon storage in rare ecosystems relative to their encroaching forests in western Lower Michigan.

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are impacting global temperatures, ecological systems, and human societies. Natural carbon sequestration through the conservation of soil and native ecosystems may slow or reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, and thus slow or mitigate the rate of global warming. Most of the research investigating carbon sequestration in natural systems occurs in forested ecosystems, however rare ecosystems such as coastal plain marshes and wet-mesic sand prairie collectively may serve as significant carbon sinks. Our objectives were to measure and assess the importance of carbon sequestration in three rare ecosystems (oak-pine barrens, coastal plain marsh, and wet-mesic sand prairie) in western Lower Michigan. We measured carbon in standing vegetation, dead organic matter, and soils within each ecosystem and adjacent encroaching forested areas. Driven by tree carbon, total carbon stocks in encroaching areas were greater than in intact rare ecosystems. Soil organic carbon was greater in all intact ecosystems, though only significantly so in coastal plain marsh. Principal components analysis explained 72% of the variation and revealed differences between intact ecosystems and their encroaching areas. Linear models using the ratio of red to green light reflectance successfully predicted SOC in intact coastal plain marsh and wet-mesic sand prairie. Our results infer the importance of these rare ecosystems in sequestering carbon in soils and support the need to establish federal or state management practices for the conservation of these systems.

Long-term effects of a tornado: Impacts on woody native vegetation and invasive Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) in an urban forest.

As tornados become increasingly common with global climate change, recovery of the woody vegetation in temperate forests is imperative to maintain an intact ecosystem. In many urbanized landscapes, invasive species are also increasing and could interfere with natural recovery from environmental disturbance. We quantified the impact and 17-year recovery from a major tornado in a temperate deciduous forest. We used vegetational surveys in southwestern Ohio at the Harris M. Benedict Nature Preserve, where approximately a third of this site was damaged by a tornado in 1999. Plots were established in the tornado-damaged area and the nearby undisturbed forest to examine forest recovery of trees/saplings, shrubs and vines, and tree seedlings during 2003, 2006, 2010, and 2016/2017. The number of tree saplings, shrubs, and vines increased immediately after the tornado, but then declined by 2010, relative to the undisturbed forest. Forest tree recruitment was lower in tornado-damaged sites with fewer tree seedlings, but more saplings. Tree diversity was also affected by Agrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash borer) which targeted native ash trees within this time period. Despite an initial increase in shrubs and vines in the damaged area, the diversity and density of shrubs approached equality in both sites by 2016. Most shrubs in both sites were the invasive Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle). In tornado sites, honeysuckle thinned out over time, leaving larger shrubs with greater mean basal diameter compared to the undisturbed forest. Other woody invasive species were also more prevalent in the damaged area, but increased in number in both locations by 2017. The forest has the capability to begin to recover from the initial tornado, but its future composition may differ from its initial trajectory due to invasive species, loss of ash trees, and anthropogenic impacts within the urban landscape.

Opportunities for Biodiversity Conservation via Urban Ecosystem Regeneration

Conservation traditionally focuses on at-risk species and relatively intact ecosystems. As the human population and our global impact have risen, many more species and ecosystems are at risk and fewer intact ecosystems remain, with urbanization being a major contributing factor. Cities and their inhabitants are here to stay, and the prevalence of urbanization, often in the vicinity of areas of high conservation value, requires reconsideration of the conservation value of urban ecosystems and urban green spaces. Our aim is to explore the practical aspects of such actions. Urban ecosystem regeneration will require the incorporation of strategies for urban ecosystem regeneration into an overall conservation policy. The novel paradigm of urban ecosystem regeneration, advocated here, maximizes the capacity of urban spaces to support biodiversity while reducing undesirable outcomes and enhancing human wellbeing. The potential for cities to exacerbate biological invasion, climate change, and other ecosystem-degrading factors requires particular attention in devising a strategy for conservation in urban spaces, made essential by the predicted further spread of cities across the globe.

Assessment of macrozoobenthos baseline diversity for monitoring the ecological quality of Finima Nature Park Lake.

The scarcity of pristine, intact ecosystems limits opportunities to learn about succession and ecosystem evolution under conditions of limited human impact. Finima Nature Park (FNP) has been identified as a possible RAMSAR site. Its protected lake-"FNP Lake" (also known locally as "Bonny Lake")-is an unusual habitat that enables monitoring of aquatic ecological succession in the Niger Delta, where pristine and near-pristine ecosystems are becoming scarce. Macrozoobenthos are one of the best-known bio-monitors of ecological health integrity because they are widespread and long-lasting, with moderate mobility and high diversity, among other valuable characteristics. Monthly data of the community structure of macrozoobenthos and some of the FNP Lake's priority abiotic factors were collected in 2018, which provided a baseline for identifying future water quality changes and succession in the lake. Except for temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO), which were spatially uniform, the physico-chemical parameters varied spatio-temporally. The diversity indices values were low. According to the canonical correspondence abundance (CCA) plot, taxa distributions were influenced mainly by pH, DO, and temperature, which explains the prevalence of oxygen-insensitive species.

Coexistence mechanisms of small carnivores in a near-pristine area within the mountains of Southwest China

Biodiversity is a vital aspect of an ecosystem and investigating its formation and maintenance is vital. Maintaining biodiversity notably requires a clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying species coexistence. However, in the Anthropocene, the absence of large carnivores in most areas has reduced the number of relatively intact ecosystems suitable for coexistence research. The mountains of Southwest China, a biodiversity hotspot with relatively low anthropogenic disturbance, offer a potentially suitable area for studying carnivore coexistence, especially in the Xinlong region in Sichuan. To understand the mechanisms underlying the coexistence of small carnivores, we used infrared cameras to investigate their spatiotemporal activity. We explored interspecific niche differentiation and small carnivore' responses to top predators and human disturbances using occupancy modeling and avoidance-attraction ratios (AARs). The results were as follows: (1) different small carnivores exhibited unique spatial and temporal responses to top predators, with leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) preferring to occupy areas occupied by leopards (Panthera pardus), whereas yellow-throated martens (Martes flavigula) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) remained spatially independent of leopards; (2) human activities did not significantly affect the spatial activities of small carnivores, but small carnivores exhibited time-resistant behavior toward humans and domestic cattle; and (3) we observed temporal and spatial avoidance between leopard cats and other small carnivores (yellow-throated martens and red foxes). Overall, our study highlights the complex and unexpected behavioral responses and survival strategies of animals within an integrated community. In the future, we aim to further investigate the mechanisms underlying the formation of wildlife communities in this region and to elucidate the potential roles of human activities within this ecological community.

94 Sustainable Feeding Solutions Across the Animal Kingdom: Identifying and Implementing

Abstract To meet planetary limits, proactive sustainable solutions must be rapidly elevated across various sectors of the feed industry, with attention from production/selection of raw ingredients through diet manufacturing and formulation processes to precision nutrition programs targeting all animal species including livestock and poultry, pets, and managed wildlife. Responsible sourcing encompasses commitments for tracking environmental impact metrics of feeding systems, with various public calculation tools available. Sustainability data are starting to be incorporated into ingredient descriptions and formulation software for more widespread and standard use as marketing, economic and/or important conservation messaging. Ingredient strategies for sustainable food systems include regenerative agriculture practices, which are typically more holistic and address local needs, with resultant environmental benefits such as decreased water use or increased soil health, biodiversity, and resilience. Substitution of pulses (peas, beans) or other proteins for soybeans, multiple layers/species incorporated into cropping systems, low water use ingredients (i.e., hempseed or sorghum) can result in more intact ecosystems, better water balance, reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increased carbon sequestration, with measurable impacts. Such options will become even more critical for global health with continuing climate change. Bio-circularity, which increases the use of residues, by- and co-products, or incorporates excess food streams to provide value-added sustainable feedstuffs serves to decrease GHG emissions from landfills/compost and can reduce the risk of commodity crop land conversion. Such ingredients, often niche or opportunistic, represent nearly 30% of global feed intake and may decrease food-feed competition as well as free up global arable land. Byproduct portions often contain quite suitable nutritional as well as sustainable feed ingredient profiles, and can be further enhanced through dehydration, fermentation, or upcycling as dietary substrates for insects, which are then incorporated into diets as alternative protein sources. Examples of common circular ingredients include processed and spent fermented grains, as well as bakery, fruit/vegetable, and retail excesses. Feeding Innovations that improve the carbon footprint through increased efficiency, productivity and/or health can reduce pressure on production (both animal and feed manufacturing) landscapes. Enzymes, pro- and pre-biotics, and additives fit under this broad category, as do the use of single cell proteins and fermentation products. While specific ingredients may directly or indirectly reduce GHG emissions (seaweeds, tannins, fats) through impacts on the rumen or hindgut microbiota, innovations are not limited to diets per se but rather encompass technologies, tools and entire feeding systems. The use of harvested natural plant sources (e.g., Miscanthus spp. grass, wood sawdust, local browses) as low-starch fiber ingredients in addition to (or in lieu of) cultivated forages represents sustainable value-add products, contributing to improved animal health with a focus on local producers/communities; environmental impacts should be monitored. Similarly, harvest and processing of edible invasive species for consumption as part of sustainable management/eradication programs must be considered. Logistically, policy barriers and scaling such efforts may prove the biggest challenges both regionally and globally; nonetheless, sustainability efforts are essential.

The effects of herbivory, land-use and climate change on seedling establishment in southern Africa

In intact ecosystems, factors such as herbivory and light and water availability affect seedling establishment. Land-use change and climate change are now affecting forests globally, influencing seedling establishment directly via changes in light availability and precipitation and indirectly by affecting herbivory. The present study evaluated the ecological complexity of seedling establishment in response to interactions between these factors. The growth and survival of a pioneer species and two later successional species were measured in a factorial experiment testing the effects of land-use change, water availability, and herbivory. The study was conducted on Mt. Gorongosa in central Mozambique, a protected area that is experiencing high levels of land-use change and is in need of forest restoration. The pioneer species, Erythrina lysistemon, gained the most height in undisturbed, shaded environments where it invested resources in accessing light. Erythrina lysistemon grew the most in diameter in open areas. Khaya anthotheca, a later successional species, gained more biomass in disturbed, high light areas. The growth of Millettia stuhlmannii, another later successional species, was not affected by light. Drought conditions reduced survival of the later successional species, while flooding limited the survival of the pioneer species. Herbivory increased in disturbed areas and was negatively correlated with E. lysistemon root biomass. In summary, this study indicates land-use change and climate change may alter seedling establishment and community composition. Restoration efforts should focus on increasing seedling survival because although survival is limited in disturbed sites, seedlings that do survive grow successfully.

The rise of hyperabundant native generalists threatens both humans and nature.

In many disturbed terrestrial landscapes, a subset of native generalist vertebrates thrives. The population trends of these disturbance-tolerant species may be driven by multiple factors, including habitat preferences, foraging opportunities (including crop raiding or human refuse), lower mortality when their predators are persecuted (the 'human shield' effect) and reduced competition due to declines of disturbance-sensitive species. A pronounced elevation in the abundance of disturbance-tolerant wildlife can drive numerous cascading impacts on food webs, biodiversity, vegetation structure and people in coupled human-natural systems. There is also concern for increased risk of zoonotic disease transfer to humans and domestic animals from wildlife species with high pathogen loads as their abundance and proximity to humans increases. Here we use field data from 58 landscapes to document a supra-regional phenomenon of the hyperabundance and community dominance of Southeast Asian wild pigs and macaques. These two groups were chosen as prime candidates capable of reaching hyperabundance as they are edge adapted, with gregarious social structure, omnivorous diets, rapid reproduction and high tolerance to human proximity. Compared to intact interior forests, population densities in degraded forests were 148% and 87% higher for wild boar and macaques, respectively. In landscapes with >60% oil palm coverage, wild boar and pig-tailed macaque estimated abundances were 337% and 447% higher than landscapes with <1% oil palm coverage, respectively, suggesting marked demographic benefits accrued by crop raiding on calorie-rich food subsidies. There was extreme community dominance in forest landscapes with >20% oil palm cover where two pig and two macaque species accounted for >80% of independent camera trap detections, leaving <20% for the other 85 mammal species >1 kg considered. Establishing the population trends of pigs and macaques is imperative since they are linked to cascading impacts on the fauna and flora of local forest ecosystems, disease and human health, and economics (i.e., crop losses). The severity of potential negative cascading effects may motivate control efforts to achieve ecosystem integrity, human health and conservation objectives. Our review concludes that the rise of native generalists can be mediated by specific types of degradation, which influences the ecology and conservation of natural areas, creating both positive and detrimental impacts on intact ecosystems and human society.

Leveraging species richness and ecological condition indices to guide systematic conservation planning

The global crises of biodiversity loss and climate change are interconnected in root cause and solutions. Targeted land conservation has emerged as a leading strategy to protect vulnerable species and buffer climate impacts, however, consistent methods to assess biodiversity and prioritize areas for protection have not yet been established. Recent landscape-scale planning initiatives in California present an opportunity to conserve biodiversity, but to enhance their effectiveness, assessment approaches should move beyond commonly used measures of terrestrial species richness. In this study, we compile publicly available datasets and explore how distinct biodiversity conservation indices - including indicators of terrestrial and aquatic species richness and of biotic and physical ecosystem condition - are represented in watersheds of the northern Sierra Nevada mountain region of California (n = 253). We also evaluate the extent to which the existing protected area network covers watersheds that support high species richness and intact ecosystems. Terrestrial and aquatic species richness showed unique spatial patterns (Spearman R = 0.27), with highest richness of aquatic species in the low-elevation watersheds of the study area and highest richness of terrestrial species in mid- and high-elevation watersheds. Watersheds with the highest ecosystem condition were concentrated in upper-elevations and were poorly correlated with those with the highest species richness (Spearman R = −0.34). We found that 28% of watersheds in the study area are conserved by the existing protected area network. Protected watersheds had higher ecosystem condition (mean rank-normalized score = 0.71) than unprotected areas (0.42), but species richness was generally lower (0.33 in protected versus 0.57 in unprotected watersheds). We illustrate how the complementary measures of species richness and ecosystem condition can be used to guide strategies for landscape-scale ecosystem management, including prioritization of watersheds for targeted protection, restoration, monitoring, and multi-benefit management. Though designed for California, application of these indices to guide conservation planning, design monitoring networks, and implement landscape-scale management interventions provides a model for other regions of the world.

Large mammals and trees in eastern monsoonal China: anthropogenic losses since the Late Pleistocene and restoration prospects in the Anthropocene.

Massive human-induced declines of large-sized animals and trees (megabiota) from the Late Pleistocene to the Anthropocene have resulted in downsized ecosystems across the globe, in which components and functions have been greatly simplified. In response, active restoration projects of extant large-sized species or functional substitutes are needed at large scales to promote ecological processes that are important for ecosystem self-regulation and biodiversity maintenance. Despite the desired global scope of such projects, they have received little attention in East Asia. Here, we synthesise the biogeographical and ecological knowledge of megabiota in ancient and modern China, with relevant data mostly located in eastern monsoonal China (EMC), aiming to assess its potential for restoring functionally intact ecosystems modulated by megabiota. We found that during the Late Pleistocene, 12 mammalian megafaunal (carnivores ≥15 kg and herbivores ≥500 kg) species disappeared from EMC: one carnivore Crocuta ultima (East Asian spotted hyena) and 11 herbivores including six megaherbivores (≥1000 kg). The relative importance of climate change and humans in driving these losses remains debated, despite accumulating evidence in favour of the latter. Later massive depletion of megafauna and large-sized (45-500 kg) herbivores has been closely associated with agricultural expansion and societal development, especially during the late Holocene. While forests rich in large timber trees (33 taxa in written records) were common in the region 2000-3000 years ago, millennial-long logging has resulted in considerable range contractions and at least 39 threatened species. The wide distribution of C. ultima, which likely favoured open or semi-open habitats (like extant spotted hyenas), suggests the existence of mosaic open and closed vegetation in the Late Pleistocene across EMC, in line with a few pollen-based vegetation reconstructions and potentially, or at least partially, reflecting herbivory by herbivorous megafauna. The widespread loss of megaherbivores may have strongly compromised seed dispersal for both megafruit (fleshy fruits with widths ≥40 mm) and non-megafruit plant species in EMC, especially in terms of extra-long-distance (>10 km) dispersal, which is critical for plant species that rely on effective biotic agents to track rapid climate change. The former occurrence of large mammals and trees have translated into rich material and non-material heritages passed down across generations. Several reintroduction projects have been implemented or are under consideration, with the case of Elaphurus davidianus a notable success in recovering wild populations in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, although trophic interactions with native carnivorous megafauna have not yet been restored. Lessons of dealing with human-wildlife conflicts are key to public support for maintaining landscapes shared with megafauna and large herbivores in the human-dominated Anthropocene. Meanwhile, potential human-wildlife conflicts, e.g. public health risks, need to be scientifically informed and effectively reduced. The Chinese government's strong commitment to improved policies of ecological protection and restoration (e.g. ecological redlines and national parks) provides a solid foundation for a scaling-up contribution to the global scope needed for solving the crisis of biotic downsizing and ecosystem degradation.

Why losing Australia's biodiversity matters for human health: insights from the latest State of the Environment assessment.

Why losing Australia's biodiversity matters for human health: insights from the latest State of the Environment assessment.

Effects of deforestation and forest degradation on ecosystem service indicators across the Southwestern Amazon

The Southwestern Amazon (SWA) is home to one of the Earth́s remaining intact ecosystems and a key provider of continental atmospheric moisture flows. However, the integrity of this region is threatened by global changes in climate and local to regional changes in land-use and land-cover. Here, unlike most Amazonia-land-change research which has focused primarily on deforestation, we evaluated the effects of both deforestation and forest degradation on three Ecosystem Service Indicators (ESIs) – evapotranspiration (ET), land surface temperature (LST), and precipitation (P) – at the local and watershed scale across the SWA between 2003 and 2020. We computed annual and monthly ESI differences over distinct forest conditions and buffers around disturbed areas (degraded or deforested). We also determined the influence of forest disturbance trends on ESI trends at the pixel and watershed level through a Partial Mann-Kendall approach. The results show that ESI differences among different forest conditions are statistically-significant and more pronounced during the dry season. In comparison with intact forest, monthly P rates were up to 25 % lower over any type of disturbance; whereas ET rates were up to 15 % and 48 % lower, and LST rates up to 1.6 °C and 4.4 °C higher, over degraded and deforested areas, respectively. ET and LST edge effects were only significant within buffers around some of the most heavily disturbed areas. At the pixel scale, negative trends in ET and positive trends in both LST and P were more frequently explained by forest disturbances as these trends themselves become more pronounced. ET and LST trends determined by disturbances were generally located near roads, rivers, and human settlements; and surprisingly, we found that degradation more often influences these trends than deforestation, which we attribute to the practice of converting deforested areas into crops whose growing season ET and LST rates are similar to those in natural vegetation. At the watershed scale, the analysis suggested that the climate implications of degradation and deforestation have not scaled up to this level yet; however, literature has shown that even the local impacts we report here can have important implications for areas outside of the SWA, which emphasizes the importance of continuing to conserve this remote region.

A Multifunctional ‘Scape Approach for Sustainable Management of Intact Ecosystems—A Review of Tropical Peatlands

Nature is declining globally at unprecedented rates with adverse consequences for both ecological and human systems. This paper argues that only transformative change—a fundamental, system-wide reorganization—will be sufficient to arrest and reverse this loss and to meet globally agreed development goals, including the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. In search for a credible platform to help facilitate such transformative change, this paper explores the potential of multifunctional ‘scape approaches to improve sustainable management outcomes at scale. Beyond a current international focus on nature restoration, this paper emphasizes the urgency and criticality of confirming approaches for sustainably preserving large ‘intact’ natural areas. Through a semi-systematic review of contemporary academic and gray literature and derivation of a theory of change, the authors consider tropical peatland systems—which can interconnect multiple ecosystem types and be of global biodiversity and carbon sequestration significance—to help derive potentially broader sustainable ecosystem management lessons. Beyond identifying key considerations for implementing multifunctional ‘scape approaches, the paper recommends further work to deepen understanding of the multidimensional ‘value’ of nature; strengthen governance frameworks; empower indigenous peoples and their knowledge sharing and community management; align nature-positive and climate-positive goals; andmobilize commensurate business and financial support.

Природоохранная ценность Новогайвинского бора

One of the most effective methods of biodiversity conservation, including rare and endangered species of organisms, is the improvement of a protected areas network. This is especially relevant for urban areas, where almost all components of the environment are transformed. In the Short Communications Article described valuable natural objects of the Novogaivinskiy Bor –the area of relatively intact ecosystems on the right bank of Kama river in city Perm. As a result of the direct field survey were identified: valuable soil object, habitats of plant and animal species included to the Red Lists of the Russian Federation and the Perm Region or Appendix to them. Set of studies allows to argued high conservation value of the Novogaivinskiy Bor, where December 2022 protected area was created.

Considering humans as integral components of “nature”

Considering humans as integral components of “nature”

Batten down the hatches: Opportunities to protect Alaska from biological invasions through watercraft trade and traffic

Invasive species are spreading into northern latitudes and threatening food and water security. Alaska’s aquatic environments support some of the world’s most productive wild salmon fisheries. Yet, the influx of invasive species increases the strain on the ecosystems, cultures, and economies that depend on these fisheries. Especially worrisome is the potential transmission of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), or Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea) through the trade and traffic of recreational watercraft from AIS-infested regions. Since neither invasive mussels nor clams have been found in Alaska waters, there is opportunity to prevent introductions of invasive molluscs and avoid catastrophic impacts to some of the world’s last intact ecosystems. To date little data are available to guide human response to reducing the risk of transmitting freshwater AIS that affect critical natal habitat for Alaska’s salmon fisheries. This study triangulated existing data on watercraft registrations and inspections with key informant interviews to establish a first estimate of introduction rates for watercraft-related AIS. Results show that at least 129 used and motorized watercraft are estimated to enter Alaska annually from dreissenid-infested regions with an estimated 47 reaching Alaska freshwater uninspected. These watercraft are entering Alaska through both land and marine pathways. The study points toward the need for a collaborative response among state, federal, tribal, and local agencies, and watercraft owners to devise effective prevention. Response opportunities include inspections and decontaminations at critical control points, and an increased outreach and education campaign for watercraft users. Policy implications for salmon fisheries are discussed should AIS become established in Alaska. Also, the costs, and the long-term sustainability of a prevention program are discussed.

The natural capital of the Colombian Orinoco River basin. intact ecosystems with high rates of anthropogenic change

ABSTRACT The Orinoco basin is one of the most important hydrologic systems in South America. The Colombian Orinoco basin occupies an area of approx. thirty-four million hectares, located in the country's east. The literature about the economic valuation of ecosystem services (ES) and the spatial information on natural resources in the Colombian Orinoco basin was revised through various information sources to document the earliest approximation to the state, spatial distribution, and economic value of the natural capital at the scale of biomes, specific ecosystems, and political-administrative units. Our assessment estimated a natural capital loss of 200 billion Int.$2020/year (74% of Colombian GDP in 2020) and a remnant natural capital worth 296 billion Int.$2020/year (more than 100% of Colombia's GDP in 2020) for twelve ecosystem services. This research proves that a potential expansion in livestock production systems will generate an additional loss of natural capital of approximately 282 billion Int.$2020/year. Additionally, we include an analysis based on the GLOBIO4 initiative models, identifying future natural capital losses between 4.8 and 33 billion Int.$2020/year. Lastly, the policy challenges and gaps in research and management concerning this remaining natural capital in the Colombian Orinoco basin are pointed out.