Area Of Management Research Articles

Rapid diagnosis of the geospatial distribution of intertidal macroalgae using large-scale UAVs

Macroalgae have been used as indicators of the health of coastal ecosystems, they function as sinks of CO2 and are essential contributors to primary production. With the increase in anthropogenic activities, it is crucial to assess the impact of such activities on these ecosystems. As traditional surveying techniques, although accurate, are time-consuming and their area coverage is limited, novel techniques are required to monitor the coverage and diversity of intertidal macroalgae. We propose a methodology using the free-source Semi-Automatic Classification Plugin from QGIS to use UAV and multispectral cameras for the spatiotemporal monitoring of intertidal macroalgae. We also compared the performance of six classifiers: Minimum Distance (MD), Maximum Likelihood (ML), Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM), for three types of macroalgae classification: general, taxonomical groups and species. As proof of concept, an intertidal rocky shore in a marine protected area (NW Spain) was studied for four months. RF and SVM achieved similar results, with both being recommended for the general (OASVM = 97.4±1.7 and OARF = 98.3±1.7) and taxonomical groups (OASVM = 91.6±1.9 and OARF = 89.2±4.5). SVM and ML were found to be more suitable for species classification (OASVM = 77.4±11.4 and OAML = 74.2±9.7). SAM and MLP provided the least performant species classifiers because of the overlap in the macroalgae spectral signatures. The plugin showed limitations when tuning the input parameters of the MLP classifier and did not let to add a validation dataset. Additionally, we present an open-access GIS web application, Alganat 2000 GIS web, to facilitate the monitoring and management of coastal areas. We conclude that the proposed methodology using the SVM or ML classifiers is an effective tool for assessing intertidal macroalgal assemblages. Its easy and rapid implementation is beneficial for researchers who are not very familiar with coding and machine learning frameworks and reduces the time and cost of fieldwork. As future work, we propose the combination of the multispectral bands with topographic and spectral indices and to research the application of deep learning models to the classification of intertidal macroalgae.

Economic Security in Border Areas: The Fulfillment of Community Welfare

Border area management entails navigating geographical complexity and socio-cultural diversity, necessitating a comprehensive approach that integrates security and welfare. This article highlights a paradigm shift from traditional to economic security, recognizing economic dependence as a potential national vulnerability. Despite challenges like geographic remoteness and economic inequality, border regions are vital for economic growth. Using a conceptual approach, the article emphasizes the need to balance security and welfare through cross-border trade development and community empowerment. While Law Number 43 of 2008 aims to manage borders, unclear authority and regulatory overlap hinder effectiveness, compounded by military-focused defense strategies, limited budgets, and inadequate infrastructure. To address these issues, enhancing international cooperation, clarifying authority, and empowering communities through local wisdom are essential. Such empowerment is expected to bolster self-esteem, reduce economic dependency, and strengthen economic security, emphasizing the importance of balancing protection with economic development. Strategies like expanding trade zones and enhancing social capital, alongside infrastructure development and improved social services, are crucial for ensuring access and fostering the welfare of border communities.

Extreme population densities reduce reproductive effort of Atlantic sea scallops in high-density recruitment events

The Atlantic sea scallop Placopecten magellanicus supports one of the most valuable federal fisheries in the USA, with annual ex-vessel values of US$400-600 million since 2010. Among other strategies, the fishery utilizes rotational area management to protect juvenile sea scallops, increasing yield per recruit and spawning potential. While generally successful, area management was challenged by 2 extremely high-density recruitment events. Juveniles at both study sites, the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area and the Elephant Trunk portion of the Mid-Atlantic Access Area, persisted at high densities (up to 39 and 5 sea scallops m-2, respectively) and initially exhibited poor growth, yield, and gamete production. The effect of sea scallop population density on reproduction was investigated through quarterly sampling from May 2018 through January 2020 in low-, medium-, and high-density strata. Reproductive effort, i.e. the proportion of energy devoted to gamete production, was quantified to investigate differences in energy allocation across density, depth, shell height, reproductive stage, and sex. Reproductive activity was limited in the Nantucket Lightship high-density stratum, where the percentage of sea scallops staged as mature or spawning reached 50% during only 1 of 7 sampling trips, compared to 4-6 sampling trips in other strata. Population density was a significant predictor of reproductive effort, with a 28% reduction in reproductive effort from the highest densities to more typical densities. These results illustrate the complexities of managing fisheries for heterogeneous populations of sessile benthic invertebrates. Negative density-dependent effects should be monitored and accounted for in future extreme recruitment events.

Law on Ensuring the Legitimate Interests of the People in the Land Sector

Recently, shortcomings in legal policies and practices, together with lax land management, have led to many land conflicts, causing complex political and social hotspots. Among the causes of this situation are unreasonable compensation prices for site clearance; unclear land boundaries, lack of legal basis, lack of land management records; and overlaps and conflicts between customs and practices of land use with laws and administrative regulations in land management in ethnic minority areas. The purpose of this study is to clarify the limitations in land laws such as land use limits, land use terms; regulations on land recovery and compensation when recovering land, restrictions on land prices; regulations on resettlement for people whose land is recovered; land use planning; from these shortcomings, propose solutions to improve land laws to protect the legitimate interests of the people.

Impact of Climate Change and Human Activities on the Ecological Sensitivity of the Yangtze River Economic Belt

The increasing climate change and human activities exert their influence on the ecological sensitivity of the region individually and interactively. Therefore, a clear understanding of the impact of climate change and human activities on ecological sensitivity will enhance the resilience of the regional ecological environment and the level of sustainable development. This study took the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the first demonstration zone of China's ecological civilization construction, as the research object. Based on the meteorological, remote sensing, and statistical data of 130 cities in the whole region from 2001 to 2021, an index system of climate change, human activities, and ecological sensitivity was constructed. Response surface methodology （RSM） was used to explore the effects of climate and anthropogenic single factors and interactions on the ecological sensitivity in each region. The results showed that： ① The ecological sensitivity value of the belt fluctuated and rose in time, rising by 2.2% from 2001 to 2021. In terms of space, the overall spatial distribution was "high in the north and low in the south." In 2021, the proportion of severely and extremely sensitive cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt reached nearly 50%. ② For a single factor, the distribution of the effect of the same factor had certain characteristics： The areas where the single factors of economic development, rainfall, and temperature had a positive impact on the ecological sensitivity were concentrated in the areas with higher or faster economic development, along and south of the Yangtze River. For the interaction factors, the effect of 78.6% of the factors on the ecological sensitivity was negative interaction, and the change of one factor level would change the direction of the effect of the other factor on the regional sensitivity. ③ The comprehensive ecological management area of the Yangtze River Economic Belt was divided based on the ecological sensitivity and climate sensitivity. The governance areas that needed priority improvement were clustered within the three urban agglomerations and their northern adjacent areas, which meant that the ecological sensitivity and climate sensitivity of a city had spillover effects. This study is expected to provide inspiration for the economic zone and even the national and global efforts in the field of regional ecological governance.

Employee training as a tool to achieve goals depending on SME’s type

Employee training is one of the most important areas of human resources management and is key to the career development of employees. The aim is to determine how the sector and size of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) influence the corporate education of employees. Data were collected using a questionnaire distributed among 610 SMEs in the Czech Republic; valid answers were obtained from 581 enterprises. The respondents mainly include managers responsible for employee education or other representatives with relevant experience. This database was tested using statistical methods, including Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence, Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. The results indicate that enterprises with 150-250 employees try to provide them with training that would correspond to the so-called work-life balance. Enterprises with 50-149 employees often have a larger budget and resources to invest in corporate training. The results show that in terms of SME size, employee training is most commonly applied by medium-sized enterprises. It is confirmed that the bigger the enterprise, the more frequently its employees are trained. On the other hand, the sector does not significantly influence employee training. Slightly above-average use of employee training is observed in the transport and logistics sectors, but the difference is not substantial. AcknowledgmentThis paper was supported by the project IVSUPS2303 “Current topics of the social pillar of CSR related to acquiring and developing human resources.”

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) Population Trend and Productivity in Central Israel

ABSTRACT Israel’s nationwide multiyear campaigns, particularly in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, involved deforestation and the development of natural areas for agriculture and human settlement, and resulted in the local extirpation of several animal species. However, reforestation began in the 1940s and promoted the resurgence of extirpated populations. One species that has benefited from these landscape changes is the Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus). Based on the analysis of population trends in the Judea region (central Israel), we found that this species’ abundance increased by 8.9% over a 5-yr study period (2006–2010). We also found that hatching day was the only reproductive parameter in our study area that varied significantly among years. This breeding parameter depended on three habitat characteristics: (1) the height of the nest; (2) the amount of mixed forest with sparse cover in the area around the nest; and (3) the amount of herbaceous vegetation around the nest. Hatching began earlier in higher nests, and hatching began later in nests surrounded by a high percentage of mixed forest and herbaceous vegetation. However, productivity was independent of the habitat type surrounding the nest site. Our descriptive analysis of prey types suggested that most species in the prey remains and pellets likely came from outside the forest, typically from open areas such as agricultural fields, water reservoirs, or aquaculture ponds. Further, only three species dominated the prey remains and pellets below the nests. We documented reproductive parameters and changes in population size during the early years of this population increase. We predict that the population will continue to thrive and spread into the surrounding areas, as there have been no significant changes in land management in the study area over the past 13 yr.

Climate change may make pine wilt disease more prevalent

Abstract Pine wilt disease is one of the most severe and devastating diseases affecting pine forests worldwide, resulting in huge economic losses in many countries. The pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the causal agent of pine wilt disease and is obligately vectored by pine sawyer beetles, of the genus Monochamus. For the disease to be present, the habitat must be suitable for the PWN, and include at least one vector species, and at least one host species. To predict its potential distribution, a model must consider all three components. However, no comprehensive study has examined the influence of climatic suitability on the distribution of this “biological complex”. This study addresses this gap by incorporating biotic interactions, specifically involving 13 vectors and 61 host plants, into projections based on the PWN model. We predicted the global potential distribution of pine wilt disease and compared it with the PWN model to highlight the importance of including biotic interactions in species distribution models under climate change. We found that the model revealed an overall trend of increasing suitability scores for both the PWN and pine wilt disease models under future climate scenarios. Furthermore, compared to the PWN model, the biotic model results in an apparent increase in suitability worldwide in the future as the climate will be more suitable to vector and host complexes, suggesting that pine wilt disease could potentially spread to other places via available hosts and vectors. Synthesis and applications. By incorporating biotic interactions, we projected a more accurate suitable area for pine wilt disease, offering valuable insights into regions at high risk for future invasions by the disease and its vectors. This information supports the development of management and early detection strategies in areas of high suitability, helping to mitigate potential economic and ecological losses. Additionally, this study introduces a novel approach for integrating biotic factors into species distribution models.

The Controversy of Social Forestry Policy: Public Reaction on the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Decree No. 287/2022/KHDPK in Java, Indonesia

Social forestry in Java, Indonesia, refers to policies and practices aimed at involving local communities in management and protection of forest areas. The study focuses on the controversy surrounding Decree No. 287/2022/KHDPK of the social forest policy which was rejected by local forest communities and public. The primary contribution of this research is to investigate the reasons behind the rejection on the Ministry of Environment and Forestry regarding Forest Areas with Special Management (KHDPK) policy, particularly the reduction in the forest area it entails. The main stakeholder involved in this controversy include Perum Perhutani, which has a vested interest in maintaining control of 2.4-million-hectare of forest land in Java. A qualitative research method was employed, using a case study approach applied for content analysis. Data were gathered from online newspapers and social media reports published between April 2022 and October 2022. The results indicates that the ongoing controversy reflects a disharmonious relationship between regulators and operators in implementing Agrarian Reform and Social Forestry policies on Java Island. The data suggest that the failure to manage the dialogue between stakeholders can create a challenging environment for the sustainability of both people and forests. Furthermore, involvement of stakeholders in the formulation and implementation of new environmental policies can foster better relationships. This study also highlights the critical role of dialogue and collaboration among regulators, operators, local communities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders.

Village Asset Management Innovations Through Application-Based Systems

Background: Effective asset management in rural areas is vital for transparency and accountability in village governance. Specific Background: This study examines the management of village assets through the Village Asset Management System (SIPADES). Knowledge Gap: Despite its implementation, many villages struggle with systematic asset management, raising concerns about regulatory compliance and efficiency. Aims: The research aims to analyze current asset management practices using SIPADES and identify challenges faced by local administrators. Results: Findings reveal that while SIPADES offers a structured framework, issues with data collection and adherence to regulations hinder its effectiveness. Novelty: This study highlights the need for improved training for local operators in digital asset management. Implications: Enhancing administrators' capacity in SIPADES can lead to better asset management outcomes, promoting accountability in rural governance and aligning practices with national regulations, crucial for sustainable development. Highlights : Structured Framework: SIPADES provides a systematic approach to asset management in villages. Training Needs: Enhanced training for local administrators is essential for effective system utilization. Regulatory Alignment: Addressing compliance issues is crucial for promoting accountability and sustainable development. Keywords: asset management, rural governance, SIPADES, regulatory compliance, transparency

Perceived social, economic, environmental and health effects of solid waste management practices in logia town, afar, ethiopia

Improper solid waste management in urban and semi-urban areas has led to adverse impacts on the environment, public health, and the economic well-being of communities. Therefore, this study analyzes the status of household solid waste management practices and their effects in Logia Town, Afar, Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, the study utilizes both descriptive and econometric models (binary logistic regression model). The descriptive results of the study revealed that there is general awareness of the importance of solid waste management (SWM) and its impact on the environment, economy, and human health among the respondents. Regarding respondents’ attitudes, the majority of households understand the responsibility of proper waste disposal and its impact. However, in terms of solid waste management practices, 80% of households do not properly segregate their waste, 59.3% do not separate solid waste (SW) before disposal, and 74% of households engage in improper disposal practices. About 95.9% of respondents were aware that improper waste management can lead to diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera. Around 65% of the sampled households considered solid waste as a source of wealth, and, as a result, 56% of them reuse, recycle, and reduce waste. This indicates that solid waste has economic value for society. Regarding the environmental impact of SW, about 89% of respondents argued that SW adversely affects the environment by polluting rivers, lakes, wells, and air. This environmental impact negatively affects the well-being and economic status of the community. The binary logistic regression model found that having adequate solid waste landfills, access to door-to-door solid waste collection, knowledge of SWM rules and regulations, treating waste as a resource, and understanding the 3Rs (recycle, reuse, reduce) had positive and significant effects on the adoption of proper solid waste management practices in the study area. Therefore, to reduce undesirable effects and improve the value of SW, the relevant authorities should provide adequate solid waste landfills and door-to-door collection services, create awareness about SWM rules and regulations, and promote knowledge of the 3Rs.

Protected areas and disparate data: understanding geospatial data synthesis in poaching mitigation

Wildlife poaching remains a global threat to endangered species and human health, yet knowledge gaps remain. As new geospatial technologies are developed, evaluated, and put into practice in protected areas we need to know how protected areas synthesize geospatial data derived from these technologies. In this article, we evaluate results from a survey of protected area personnel and from in-depth interviews with personnel from two protected areas. Our structured survey focused on identifying workflows, characterizing the use of geospatial technologies, understanding how geospatial information is synthesized, and learning about the geospatial tools used by practitioners to make sense of protected area data. In addition, we conducted semi-structured interviews with protected area practitioners to provide added context to complement online survey results. We investigate how geospatial data from protected areas is synthesized by practitioners through the collection, organization, analysis, and fusion of geospatial datasets to support the protection of endangered species from poaching activities. Our results show how protected areas currently utilize two key types of geospatial data: device-based and human-generated. We highlight five themes which emerge via analysis of survey, interview, and observational data. These themes include organizational bureaucracy, trust in data collection and sharing, technical limitations, workforce limitations, and financial stressors. We conclude by outlining a series of challenges and opportunities in geographic information science to guide further research to understand geospatial synthesis in the context of protected area management.

Knowledge Sharing vs. Knowledge Appropriation: A Case Study of Contingent Relationships in the Role of Boundary Spanners in Asian Subsidiaries of Japanese Multi-National Enterprises

In recent decades, Asian subsidiaries of Japanese manufacturing multi-national enterprises (MNEs) have faced heightened competitions from local firms to underscore the strategic importance of developing competent “host country nationals” (HCNs) to overcome their liability of foreignness. In addition, in recent literature on global MNEs, the importance of “boundary spanners” (BSs) has been pointed out in facilitating knowledge sharing across intra-organizational boundaries. Given these discussions, this study focuses on an interesting contingent relationship in the role of BSs observed in author’s interviews. i.e., In cases of “bad BSs,” “knowledge appropriation” can take place where newly promoted HCNs would monopolize their knowledge and information, and the mitigating processes of notion gap problem in grey areas management are heavily stagnated. Whereas in cases of “good BSs,” “knowledge sharing” would take place where newly promoted HCNs would be willing to share them with other members, and the mitigating processes of the notion gap problem are steadily progressed. The study proposes a framework illustrating conditions under which HCNs choose knowledge sharing over appropriation. The analysis identifies two key factors influencing this choice: dependence on personal skills and prospects for growth opportunities. The findings suggest a dynamic relationship where knowledge sharing leads to effective control and efficient knowledge transfer, fostering virtuous cycles, while knowledge appropriation results in inefficiencies, creating vicious cycles. The study calls for further research on dynamic aspects of this contingent relationship and suggests practical strategies for shifting from knowledge appropriation to sharing, thereby enhancing organizational performance in foreign subsidiaries.

EarthRanger: An open‐source platform for ecosystem monitoring, research and management

Abstract Effective approaches are needed to conserve the planet's remaining wildlife and wilderness landscapes, especially concerning global biodiversity conservation targets. Here, we present a new software system called EarthRanger: an open‐source platform built to help monitor, research and manage ecosystems. EarthRanger consists of seven main components (Core Server, API, Storage, Gundi, Web App, Mobile App, Ecoscope) that provide functionality for data (i) aggregation & collection, (ii) storage & management, (iii) real‐time and post hoc analysis, (iv) visualisation and (v) dissemination. The mobile application provides field‐based data recording and visualisation tools. EarthRanger may be deployed for single project use or can aggregate across multiple geographies as a centralised hub. EarthRanger can be used to collect standardised tracking data (e.g. from wildlife collars, vehicles and ranger patrols) and configurable event information (e.g. a singular recording with associated user‐defined attribute information such as a wildlife sighting or encounter with a poacher). Since development began in 2015, the platform has (at the time of writing) been deployed at over 500 sites across 70 countries and with myriad configurations and objectives. EarthRanger has improved the ability to monitor data feeds and manage conservation‐related operations in real time. For instance, the deployment of EarthRanger by African Parks has led to the removal of over 50,000 snares, steady population growth of key species of concern and near cessation of poaching. In Liwonde's protected area, enhanced mitigation efforts supported by EarthRanger reduced the number of deaths from wildlife conflict by more than 91%. EarthRanger is also providing a platform to enhance standardisation, aggregation, transfer and long‐term storage of ecological information and promote collaboration between groups conducting protected area management and ecology and biodiversity research.

Improving long-term kidney allograft survival by rethinking HLA compatibility: from molecular matching to non-HLA genes.

Optimizing immunologic compatibility in organ transplantation extends beyond the conventional approach of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) antigen matching, which exhibits significant limitations. A broader comprehension of the roles of classical and non-classical HLA genes in transplantation is imperative for enhancing long-term graft survival. High-resolution molecular HLA genotyping, despite its inherent challenges, has emerged as the cornerstone for precise patient-donor compatibility assessment. Leveraging understanding of eplet biology and indirect immune activation, eplet mismatch calculators and the PIRCHE-II algorithm surpass traditional methods in predicting allograft rejection. Understanding minor histocompatibility antigens may also present an opportunity to personalize the compatibility process. While the application of molecular matching in deceased donor organ allocation presents multiple technical, logistical, and conceptual barriers, rendering it premature for mainstream use, several other areas of donor-recipient matching and post-transplant management are ready to incorporate molecular matching. Provision of molecular mismatch scores to physicians during potential organ offer evaluations could potentially amplify long-term outcomes. The implementation of molecular matching in living organ donation and kidney paired exchange programs is similarly viable. This article will explore the current understanding of immunologic matching in transplantation and the potential applications of epitope and non-epitope molecular biology and genetics in clinical transplantation.

The Effects of Native Grass and Shrub Restoration on Nesting and Fall Migrant Songbirds in Central Kentucky

While native grass and shrub restoration is often promoted for bird conservation, evaluations are necessary to understand the effects of habitat change on songbird vital rates and migratory stopover use. We evaluated the effects of native vegetation restoration on the species richness, productivity, and capture rate of breeding and fall migrating songbirds at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, in central Kentucky, USA. From 2009 to 2022, we conducted constant effort mist netting, resulting in 8418 captures of 110 bird species. In 2012–2013, we implemented management in the study area, which began as an old field, to restore native grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Effects on the vital rates of breeding species included higher Spizella pusilla (field sparrow) and Spinus tristis (American goldfinch) productivity post restoration. Restoration of native vegetation also led to significantly higher fall capture rates for pooled cohorts of both long-distance and medium-distance migrants. Our results demonstrate that the restoration and management of native vegetation can enhance stopover habitats for fall migrating songbirds including neotropical migrants and the field sparrow, a common bird in steep decline. We recommend prioritizing areas for native grass and shrub restoration that initially lack structural heterogeneity (a well-developed grass component with diverse forbs and interspersed shrubs).

Bibliometric Analysis and Ecological Challenges in the Era of Climate Change for Seagrass Conservation Research in Indonesia

Seagrass ecosystems in Indonesia provide essential ecological services, including carbon sequestration, marine biodiversity support, and coastal protection. However, these ecosystems face significant threats from human activities, climate change, and pollution. This study was conducted due to the lack of comprehensive analysis on seagrass conservation research trends in Indonesia, aiming to address this gap and provide insights that can enhance conservation strategies. This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to examine research trends in seagrass conservation in Indonesia from 2007 to 2024, identifying 118 publications with an annual growth rate of 18.53%. Key research topics include biodiversity conservation, seagrass roles in climate change mitigation, and the management of protected areas. This analysis highlights the need to address research gaps, such as limited studies on community-based conservation approaches and the impact of local policies on seagrass management. The findings indicate a growing awareness of seagrass functions, such as carbon storage and support for fisheries, but highlight ongoing challenges related to limited financial resources and public awareness. By applying bibliometric analysis, this study provides a crucial tool for evidence-based decision-making, enabling more targeted and effective conservation policies. Community perceptions and participation, especially through community-based conservation initiatives, are crucial for the success of seagrass conservation efforts. This study uniquely contributes to the field by offering a clear map of research trends and gaps, guiding future research and policy to more effectively address seagrass conservation challenges in Indonesia. The study emphasizes the need for adaptive management strategies and collaboration among stakeholders to overcome the challenges of seagrass conservation in Indonesia.

Spatio-temporal dynamic of forest cover distribution in Omo-Shasha-Oluwa Tropical Forest Complex, Nigeria, (2014 – 2022)

: Forest Reserves (FRs) constitute a significant portion of the forested lands within protected areas, and their conservation is essential for Nigeria to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our study conducted an analysis of the dynamics of forested lands in the study area to evaluate and rank management performance over the period of 2014-2022. The forest bloc in OSO witnessed an expansion by 1.39% (3,929.67 ha) from 27.73% to 29.12% forest cover in 2014 and 2022, respectively. Forest fragments declined from 16 to 10 units for the forest bloc (>201.1 ha) with a proportionate increase in the Largest Patch Index (LPI) from 5,815.53 ha to 39,234.15 ha, in the period 2014 -2022, respectively. Omo, Ago-Owu, Ife and Shasha FRs all witnessed negative changes in the percent forest cover representing a decline of about -0.43% (529.52 ha), -37.62% (9028.8 ha), -8.54% (1217.43 ha) and -0.29% (89.55 ha), respectively. Oluwa FR had an increase in the forest cover by 17.64% or 14,596.38 ha in the period 2014 - 2022. The forest cover retention rates in the period 2014 – 2022, ranks Oluwa FR ahead of other FRs in terms of Protected Area (PA) management efficiency. The results highlight the existence of a relatively better and effective forest management system in the reserve. Landsat data are capable of providing near real-time forest cover information that can be integrated into existing tracking tools for periodically gauging management efficiency and performances across the PAs of Nigeria.

Genetic Stock Identification Reveals Mismatches Between Management Areas and Population Genetic Structure in a Migratory Pelagic Fish.

Sustainable fisheries management is important for the continued harvest of the world's marine resources, especially as they are increasingly challenged by a range of climatic and anthropogenic factors. One of the pillars of sustainable fisheries management is the accurate identification of the biological units, i.e., populations. Here, we developed and implemented a genetic baseline for Atlantic herring harvested in the Norwegian offshore fisheries to investigate the validity of the current management boundaries. This was achieved by genotyping > 15,000 herring from the northern European seas, including samples of all the known populations in the region, with a panel of population-informative SNPs mined from existing genomic resources. The final genetic baseline consisted of ~1000 herring from 12 genetically distinct populations. We thereafter used the baseline to investigate mixed catches from the North and Norwegian Seas, revealing that each management area consisted of multiple populations, as previously suspected. However, substantial numbers (up to 50% or more within a sample) of herring were found outside of their expected management areas, e.g., North Sea autumn-spawning herring north of 62° N (average = 19.2%), Norwegian spring-spawning herring south of 62° N (average = 13.5%), and western Baltic spring-spawning herring outside their assumed distribution area in the North Sea (average = 20.0%). Based upon these extensive observations, we conclude that the assessment and management areas currently in place for herring in this region need adjustments to reflect the populations present. Furthermore, we suggest that for migratory species, such as herring, a paradigm shift from using static geographic stock boundaries towards spatial dynamic boundaries is needed to meet the requirements of future sustainable management regimes.

Source Minerals for the Release of Salinity in the Groundwater: A Case Study of Pratapgarh District, Uttar Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to determine the salinity of groundwater, identify the nature of its sources, and to understand the physicochemical conditions that cause high level of salinity to be discharged into groundwater. There are several factors that influence groundwater salinity, including water quality, soil type, irrigation techniques, and groundwater depth. A total of 40 ground water samples were collected from dug wells, tube wells, and hand pumps in salinity-affected areas and analysed using physicochemical variables. A total of 11 sediment samples were collected and analysed for lithology and mineralogy. Due to high level of cations and anions in the groundwater, the study area is highly contaminated. It was observed that the leaching of salt is highly dependent on sediment types and salt-bearing minerals. Attempts were also made to determine the various depth zones responsible for release of salt in shallow aquifers. For sedimentological and mineralogical studies, a piezometer was installed at a maximum depth of 33 m below the ground surface. Based on the results of the study, it was observed that groundwater chemistry is primarily influenced by water-rock interactions, ion exchange processes, weathering (carbonate and silicate), and evaporation. These research findings will contribute to more effective sustainable groundwater management in areas with water scarcity and it will also boost the Indian economy.