Conservation Of Natural Heritage Research Articles

Exploring Sustainability and Efficiency of Production Models in the Spanish Beef Cattle Industry through External Logistic Biplot

Livestock farming, especially the beef cattle sector, plays a crucial role in the economy and social and environmental balance and occupies a prominent position in Spain. The aim of this study is to highlight the positive impact of this sector in socioeconomic, food, natural heritage conservation, and environmental management aspects in order to obtain an accurate profile of the national panorama and to propose sample subgroups. For this purpose, 252 beef cattle farms in Spain were examined in detail, and the external logistic biplot (ELB) was used with a multivariate approach and from an algebraic and computational perspective. By addressing aspects such as infrastructure, feeding strategies, waste management, biodiversity, productivity, and sustainability, similarities and differences between cattle farms have been obtained, providing an analytical tool for the livestock sector and generating key knowledge on its functioning and contributions to society and the environment. The analysis revealed accuracy in the zootechnical classification of livestock farms, their feeding strategies, and genetics. Finally, significant regional differences in prevailing livestock practices were identified.

Transformation of Silifke—A Historic Town in Anatolia in the Ottoman Period

This article focuses on the Ottoman Period urban fabric of Silifke, a crucial historical town in Turkey. The aim of this paper is to develop a research framework for the transfer of cultural heritage and cultural continuity in multi-layered historical cities. In this context, investigating the level of sociocultural transition and physical permeability between layers is the main problem of the article. The scope of the study consists of an approximately 1.5 km2 (150 hectares) area within the boundaries of the 3rd Degree archaeological site determined in 1995 by the Adana Cultural and Natural Heritage Conservation Regional Board. In the case area, there are building remains and 58 registered buildings, 40 of which were built during the Ottoman Period. The findings and evaluations were examined in three parts: the periods before the Ottoman Period, the Ottoman Period, and the Republican Period. Analyses were developed independently or overlapped from archive documents such as the Presidential Ottoman Archive (BOA), provincial yearbooks, engravings of travelers, photographs, aerial photographs of different years, current maps, zoning plans, and conservation plans. Then, we made descriptions and inferences about urban change/transformation, which is affected by the political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental factors of the town and will shape the future change/transformation and management of the town. The ultimate goal is to set up a basis for the Silifke town center that will guide future interventions and design and planning policies for cultural continuity.

A Study on Eco Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Tourism is an important part of any economy. It is an incredible way to showcase magnificent history, culture and diversity. Now tourism is being seen not only from the economic point of view but also from the nature point of view. Ecotourism is a form of sustainable tourism that actively contributes to the conservation of natural heritage. The main component of ecotourism is the use of natural resources as a component of tourist attractions without harming the environment. It involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the main attractions. It also promotes a greater appreciation of our natural habitats. Himachal Pradesh has carved a unique place on the Indian tourism map due to its rich natural and cultural diversity. It has great heritage value and beautiful temples. To maintain the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh, the importance of Eco tourism increases even more. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the factors which influence and demands eco-tourism in Himachal Pradesh. This study also accesses the awareness level of Eco tourism among tourists.

Approach to the development of ecological tourism in specially protected natural areas on the basis of system analysis

The study is aimed at analyzing the development of ecological tourism in specially protected natural areas in Almaty region using a systematic approach. The purpose of the study is to comprehensively analyze and develop a strategy for the development of ecological tourism in this region. The study is based on the relationship between natural areas and tourism infrastructure, taking into account all factors and influences. To achieve the goal, various research methods were applied. A search for scientific materials on Scopus, Web of Science, ResearchGate, Google Scholar and other platforms was conducted. Keywords for the search included «ecotourism», «specially protected natural areas», «tourism», «nature protection», «system analysis», «tourism in Almaty region». The search for materials was conducted for two months, from February to May 2023. Domestic and foreign experience was studied on the materials devoted to the topic of ecological tourism development. Also during the study a comparative analysis and SWOT-analysis of ecological tourism development in specially protected areas of Almaty region was conducted. The results of the study indicate methods for the conservation of natural heritage and biodiversity in the development of ecotourism. They emphasize the importance of sustainable use of resources, compliance with environmental standards and principles of environmental responsibility. The role of local community participation in ecotourism development is also emphasized to preserve cultural heritage, ensure sustainable development and create positive interaction between tourists and local people.

Tourism and Conservation Empowered by Augmented Reality: A Scientometric Analysis Based on the Science Tree Metaphor

Technology has emerged as an essential tool that has revolutionized the conditions for travelers to fully immerse themselves in the culture, gastronomy, and recreation of the places they explore. This literature review aims to understand the crucial contributions currently shaping the implementation of augmented reality as an enriching technological support for user experiences in tourism and the conservation of natural heritage. While the literature on this topic is scattered across specialized databases, this review provides a unique opportunity for a deeper and more cohesive analysis. Employing the metaphor of the tree of science, we have developed two valuable approaches to the data collected during our bibliographic exploration. On the one hand, we have examined scientometric statistics related to the countries, authors, universities, and research and technological development centers that are at the forefront of creating innovative augmented reality-based applications to promote tourism and conservation. On the other hand, we have conducted an evolutionary analysis based on the tree of science to trace the origins of the most significant contributions and understand how they have evolved over time in this dynamic and ever-developing field.

Il ‘senso’ del paesaggio in Gianfranco Di Pietro

According to Gianfranco Di Pietro, the landscape is the essential dimension to understand the land morphology and development of a territory towards planning its future. His perspective on the landscape is “the summary and synthetic dimension" in which we can read the structure of a site: geology and morphology, settlement system, agro-forestry structures. All aspects are, always, related and investigated by interlinking historical-archival sources with field observations and economic dynamics. This research method – combined with his technical capacity in planning – allows for towns and country plans to steer the development of regions towards the attainment of a sustainable future with respect to cultural and natural heritage conservation and protection.

Ikogosi Warm Spring: History, Regional Development, and Community Engagement in Natural Heritage Conservation

The research studied community engagement in conservation and the consequent regional development of the Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The research adopted an interpretivist philosophy. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical parameters and a descriptive survey method. Findings from the research show that the exact date of the discovery of the spring is not known, although quite a large number attribute the discovery of the spring to the Baptist Mission around 1952. Findings also show that there was more community engagement in harnessing and conserving the spring when the Baptist Mission was in charge of it. The research also shows that the Ikogosi community has experienced development because of the presence of the spring. Recommendations were made to allocate a quota for the employment of people from the community in the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort; document the history of the Spring in order to preserve the knowledge for generations; and conduct a sensitization campaign to enlighten the community on the importance of conserving the spring.

Didactic proposal to discover Paleontology at the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona

Society’s fascination for fossils and the methodology followed for palaeontological work allows to raise awareness about the scientific labour of Palaeontology, and regarding the importance of Geoconservation. Outreach, along with Didactics, are efficient tools to transmit to society knowledge concerning the History of Earth and Life, and about the relevance of Natural Heritage conservation. allowing a meaningful learning towards these topics. An ideal environment to undertake palaeontological didactic and outreach activities for children and adults is the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona (MCNB), that disposes of a growing Palaeontological Didactic Collection, which includes fossils and replicas. In this work various didactic workshops have been proposed, regarding different Natural Science disciplines, and including activities presented as file cards in which the recommended age of participants, needed resources, explanations of the development of the activity, and observations to adapt them to different educational needs or levels are specified. In addition, an evaluation method for these workshops is also proposed, in order to adapt them in the future. Therefore, this proposal has the main objective of widening the offer of didact activities at the MCNB, in addition of being an example for other Natural History institutions which would like to incorporate meaningful learning experiences to their main scientific communication tasks.

Study on the mechanism of benefit distribution among government, enterprises and indigenous people in natural heritage reserves

Natural heritage is formed in the process of interaction between man and nature and society, etc. The conservation of natural heritage has attracted widespread attention from the whole society. Based on system dynamics theory, the article investigates the mechanism of benefit distribution among the government, enterprises and indigenous people in natural heritage reserves by constructing a four-group evolutionary game model, and then explores the best cooperation strategy among the government, indigenous people and natural heritage tourism development enterprises. The results of this study show that: (1) The best results for natural heritage conservation are achieved when government, business and indigenous people take active steps together. (2) As the probability of government incentives increases, the probability of indigenous people choosing to cooperate increases. (3) As government oversight increases, companies will be more likely to choose rational development. (4) The choice of reasonable development by enterprises will positively push the indigenous people to choose the cooperative strategy. Finally, based on the above findings, the paper proposes corresponding policy recommendations.

Territorial planning and sustainable development—case study: Protected areas in the territory of the Aspiring West Geopark, Portugal

Introduction: The holistic concept of the sustainable development of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geoparks encompasses the promotion of connected protected areas and activities that link geological heritage with other aspects of natural and cultural heritage. This case study aims to identify points of articulation and/or to identify conflicts in the overlap between protected areas and UNESCO World Geoparks in Portugal, and to provide information to improve the interrelation of these designations.Methods: The methodological procedures in analysing the organisational structures of different classified areas from the respective management documents. The technical procedure consisted of document consultation and on-site activities carried out between September 2020 and November 2021.Results: The study resulted in the identification of points of natural objects that can be held together by protected natural spaces and aspiring Oeste Geopark. A proposal for synergistic action was presented, with the main pillars of integration in the territory. The different designations for sustainable territorial management in complementary to the conservation of natural heritage. The results of the analyses indicate that the overlap of the different designations of areas and territories studied here can act both in a joint and complementary way to conserve natural heritage.Discussion: This reinforcement study, which has different designations of areas and/or territories for sustainable territorial planning at the local, regional, national, and international levels, is fundamental for nature conservation, lacking more in terms of efficient management and integration of the social component.

Analisis Aspek Keberlanjutan Lingkungan Berbasis Konservasi Warisan Alam dan Pengelolaan Sumber Daya pada Objek Wisata Pantai Penyu Nagari Ampiang Parak Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan

This research purposes to analyze environmental sustainability aspects based on natural heritage conservation and resource management at turtle beach tourism objects in Nagari Ampiang Parak, South Coastal District, researchers conducted research using qualitative methods with purposive sampling techniques, the techniques for data collection through observation, interviews and documentation. The validity test of the data using analysis by source triangulation, namely reduction for data, data presentation, make conclusions. The turtle beach destination is said to be environmentally sustainable in terms of natural heritage conservation and resource management. The results showed that natural heritage conservation management was not optimal, information media such as sites did not exist, resource management was not optimal because destinations did not yet have renewable energy, did not have guidelines for monitoring reduced water use and did not have data and reports on water quality.

Natural heritage: Provision of cultural ecosystem services from the Malyovitsa Range of the Rila National Park

Nature-based tourism and recreation are attracting attention today as the most favourable form of direct connection between people and nature, and as a very successful tool to motivate people to protect their natural heritage. This study aims to develop and test a methodology to assess the potential of an acknowledged natural heritage site in Bulgaria - Malyovitsa Range and Urdini Cirque in ‘Rila’ National Park to provide cultural ecosystem services. A holistic approach is applied, using landscapes as the main territorial unit, and source of information. For the purpose of practicing representative types of mountain tourism: ‘mountain hiking’, ‘nature education’ tourism, ‘ski touring’ and ‘mountaineering’ a total of 15 ecosystem services were assessed based on 25 biophysical and social indicators. ‘Primary forest landscapes on moraine materials’ and ‘Primary landscapes with mugo pine on igneous rocks’ receive the highest score. Based on the results obtained, an assessment of the mainstream activity - access to mountain hiking provided by the landscapes was carried out and two touristic routes with very high potential to deliver this service were identified. The results of the study are directed towards the responsible parties in support of the natural heritage conservation in Rila National Park through sustainable management the potential to provide cultural (recreational) ecosystem services. The research was conducted within the scientific programme of the project “Conceptualization, Flexible Methodology, and a Pilot Geospatial Platform for Access of the Bulgarian Natural Heritage to the European Digital Single Market of Knowledge and Information Services” within the project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001 Establishment and Development of “Heritage BG” Centre of Excellence (Operational Program “Science and Education for Intelligent Growth”, priority Axis 1 “Research and technological development”).

Enhancing and Conservation of Ecosystem through Philatelic Education in Europe: Think Green Concept (V) - Maxicards Research Study

Each year, PostEurop's Stamps & Philately Working Group selects the Europa stamp theme. “Think green!” was the 2016 theme. Europa stamps 2016 are very special stamps, with “Think Green” theme aimed to create awareness and give a wakeup call. Its time to protect our environment for the better future of the coming generations, and to contribute to socio-economical sustainable development. In this context, we propose an insight into the history of Europe philatelic preoccupations for natural heritage conservation, and bring into discussion the significant concerns in promoting ecological educational via thematic issues - the Think green! maximum postcards. As such, the main objective is to identify, index and describe the main philatelic pieces (maxicards) issued in European countries, from the beginning of issuing in this field. Identification, indexing, analysis and description of maxims made in terms of information provided by platforms such as Delcampe®, eBay®, PicClick® etc, shows us that the concern for ecological education through philately is well-intentioned and well-received among collectors and the general public.

Management guidelines for the conservation of heritage resources in Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga

Conservation of heritage resources, both architectural and cultural, focuses on the important of historical context, identity and to provide livelihoods for people. Management and stakeholder engagement are fundamental for conservation. This article describes the contribution of stakeholder perceptions in the development of management guidelines for the conservation of heritage resources in the town of Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga. The concept of conservation is usually used with reference to the natural heritage; however, this should also include architectural and cultural conservation, in the same location, as is done in many other parts of the world. The study of the combined architectural and cultural heritage in Wakkerstroom is one of the first of such studies in South Africa. The natural heritage resources were identified and a stakeholder map developed after conducting interviews with 27 participants in the township of Esizameleni and 15 participants in the town. Resources identified included the provincial heritage sites of the Wakkerstroom Wetland, the Paul Kruger Bridge, St Mark’s Anglican Church and the Old Courthouse Building. Heritage value definitions in the town area were centred on inheritance, whilst township stakeholders valued the identity aspect of heritage. A lack of communication, participation and awareness around heritage conservation was identified as a key issue amongst the communities. In addition, unlike natural heritage conservation, where the Wakkerstroom Natural Heritage Association takes care of the wetland, no organisation was found to be responsible for cultural heritage conservation in the town. The municipality urgently needs to address these concerns by developing an integrated management plan for heritage resource conservation. Conservation implications: Conservation includes more than just the conservation of natural heritage. The Wakkerstroom Natural Heritage Association (WNHA) manages natural heritage, but there is no organisation managing cultural heritage. Heritage conservation would benefit from the development of an integrated management plan lead by Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Local Municipality together with the identified stakeholders.

Natura 2000: The European Way Towards Sustainability

Since the entry into force of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) on 9 June 1994, the Natura 2000 Network has become the tool conceived by the Community authorities to lead the implementation of the environmental commitments on European territory, to which they were bound in application of their accession to international conventions. Natura 2000 pursues the conservation of biodiversity in Europe by harmonizing the conservation of natural heritage with the support and promotion of traditional human activities. The Habitats Directive formulated the principles, objectives, management measures and procedures to preserve, maintain or, where appropriate, restore biological diversity, which each State was subsequently responsible for transferring to the jurisdiction. The standard does not impose any specific method to be used in the designation of the sites, the type of management to be developed or the measures to be implemented, but it does establish control mechanisms over their application. The designation of a Natura 2000 site provides an invaluable opportunity to stimulate the sustainable rural development of the area and to promote plans and activities compatible with the conservation of habitats and protected species. Dialogue and concertation are the mechanisms to be put into practice when it comes to resolving conflicts arising from the design of management models that articulate the recovery of the environmental heritage. The model by which the Natura 2000 Network has been implemented so far in Spain, and specifically in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, has been based on technocratic-formal processes. The inclusion of the area in the Natura 2000 network tends to be perceived by the inhabitants of the rural world as a bureaucratized process, disconnected from local plans and collective projects. The considerable delay in the designation of areas protected by the Natura 2000 network has contributed to the delay in adopting appropriate measures to promote biodiversity and achieve the objective of halting biodiversity loss in Europe in the short term. Despite having redoubled efforts in favor of conservation, the processes of environmental degradation have been increasing.

Militares y conservación de la naturaleza en el Perú

Es común no considerar que gobiernos militares también adoptaron medidas importantes para la conservación del patrimonio natural. Sin embargo, la realidad en el Perú y en el Brasil indica que parte significativa de las áreas naturales protegidas, así como leyes y otras medidas para proteger la biodiversidad, fueron realizadas durante esas interrupciones de la democracia. En esta nota se destaca la actuación del general Enrique Gallegos Venero en el Perú.

Science, poetry, and music for landscapes of the Marche region, Italy: communicating the conservation of natural heritage

Abstract. We present a method to educate the public about landscapes that uses artistic works to broaden the audience, entice people to learn about landscapes in a personal and human context, and thus encourage them to preserve the natural heritage. To this end, we use narratives about a place, in plain language, accompanied by visual presentations, original poetry, and ancient music. Several studies encourage the use of art since it can help to synthesize and convey complex scientific information and create a celebratory and positive atmosphere. Evidence suggests that the arts can deeply engage people by focusing on emotions rather than relying only on comprehension, which is often emphasized in science communication. The multidisciplinary approach arouses an emotional and intellectual experience that enables a personal connection to the place. The work is part of a larger multidisciplinary project covering 20 sites in the Marche region (central Italy), which includes scientific information on geological–geomorphological genesis, trekking itineraries, poetry, ancient music, video, and cultural offerings. The project resulted in live multidisciplinary performances, a book, a DVD, and a website. To give a taste of how we work among the many amazing landscapes of the Marche region, we focus here on three sites from the north, the centre, and the south of the region, namely the sea cliff of San Bartolo, the flatiron of Mount Petrano, and the fault of Mount Vettore, chosen as examples for their different processes of genesis and evolution. In the long run, our goal is to promote a deeper understanding of landscapes by integrating their origin and physical aesthetic with their cultural and artistic heritage. In doing so, we intend to inspire people to have a new perception of geosites, starting from their physical beauty, building on scientific study and cultural history, and arriving at the knowledge of their social importance. So far, our direct experience with the public has been highly encouraging. The participation at our live shows demonstrated a great interest in geological history, a result that is relevant for the development of geotourism. The method demonstrates the potential to develop a strong personal involvement of visitors with the places, stimulating their curiosity to know how and why that place was formed, and, finally, the desire to visit and protect it.

General scientific and regional conceptual approaches to compilation of Red Data Books of Soils

The authors explain the need to compile the Red Data Book of soils similar to the existing Red Data Books of plants and animals. The paper reveals some theoretical and methodological approaches from general scientific and regional points of view relevant for the compilation of such works. The main soil objects in the pedosphere of the Kirov region that meet the zonal standards are identified, i.e. rare, unique and endangered soils. These soils are to be included in the environmental documents mentioned above. The results can be used to develop a local network of specially protected natural territories due to a new – pedogenic – category of objects of conservation of natural heritage as part of reserves, micro-reserves, soil monuments of nature. These materials are of interest to the scientific community and environmental services of the Kirov region and other constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Впорядкування зелених насаджень та благоустрій території Лановецького зооботсаду в Тернопільській області

Наведено результати проведення інвентаризації деревно-кущових рослин Лановецького зооботсаду із застосуванням сучасного інструментарію (використання даних GPS–інвентаризації, відкоригованих за матеріалами дистанційного зондування в геоінформаційних системах з моделюванням та тривимірною візуалізацією у програмах комп'ютерного проектування). Встановлено та проаналізовано видовий склад насаджень об'єкта дослідження, наведено його фітосанітарну, естетичну та якісну характеристики, визначено типи садово-паркових ландшафтів зооботсаду. За результатами таксаційної інвентаризації зелених насаджень зоологічного парку "Лановецький зооботсад" виявлено 69 видів і форм дендрофлори. Як свідчать дані фітосанітарного стану деревної рослинності, переважна кількість дерев належить до категорій стану "добрий" (55 % від загальної кількості рослин), "задовільний" (23 %) або "незадовільний" (22 %). Показник життєвого стану деревостану, з огляду на кількісні характеристики дерев парку, становить 84 %, що відповідає оцінці "добре". Серед деревних насаджень парку виявлено 324 дерева із фаутами (15,5 % від усіх дерев). Виконано аналіз тваринного світу зоологічної частини ботсаду. Розроблено проектні пропозиції щодо ландшафтно-архітектурного оформлення території зооботсаду у вигляді картографічних матеріалів та тривимірного макету у комп'ютерній програмі Realtime Lamdscaping Architect 16. Створення електронного макету-основи території з нанесеною деревно-кущовою рослинністю дало змогу змоделювати у комп'ютерній програмі часові зміни та перетворення внаслідок реконструкції зоологічного парку. Опрацьовано нові підходи щодо способів проведення комплексної оцінки ландшафтно-планувальної структури території. Проаналізувавши стан зелених насаджень на території об'єкта, з'ясовано, що на сьогодні потрібно здійснити комплекс заходів щодо відновлення естетичного вигляду насаджень, забезпечити належний рівень подальшого їх функціонування та створити нові декоративні деревно-кущові та квітникові композиції.

Cultural role of sea turtles on Rapa Nui (Easter Island): Spatial and temporal contrast in the Pacific island region

Sea turtles are deeply rooted in Pacific cultures. Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile) has a complex societal and ecological history and marine resources have always been exploited; nevertheless, little is known about relationships between these resources and Rapanui islanders. This study aims to explore the historical and contemporary role of sea turtles on Rapa Nui, contrasting it with information from other Pacific region societies. We triangulated information through a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and participant observations. Our results show a strong cultural connection between Rapa Nui and other Pacific islands, with turtles represented in their art, culture, mythology, symbolism, popular traditions, and ritual and spiritual life. Use of these animals on Rapa Nui has varied historically, and nowadays turtle consumption is widely rejected among Rapanui community members. Currently, sea turtles have a crucial role in tourism, constituting an opportunity for local development, further knowledge, and conservation of natural heritage.