Conservation Of Natural Resources Research Articles

PHYTOPARASITIC NEMATODES OF THREE ENEGRY CROPS FOR BIOFUEL PRODUCTION

The literature review focuses on a comprehensive analysis of scientific research aimed at studying the interaction of phytoparasitic nematodes with energy crops such as Miscanthus, Jerusalem artichoke, and paulownia, as well as examining the factors influencing the spread of these nematodes in cultivation systems of three biofuel crops: giant Miscanthus, velvetleaf, and Jerusalem artichoke. The research is grounded in analyzing the interaction between nematodes and the yield of these crops, along with the potential positive impact of nematode communities from different trophic groups on soil quality and phytoremediation. Special attention is given to phytoparasitic nematodes, which are among the most widespread soil pests of plants. Considering the interaction between nematodes and energy crops is crucial for developing resilient and efficient cultivation systems that ensure high yields and preserve the biodiversity of soil ecosystems.The research concludes that phytoparasitic nematodes have a significant negative impact on the cultivation of energy crops, particularly giant miscanthus. However, certain climatic, chemical, and physical conditions are conducive to the formation of nematode communities that can positively affect soil quality and maintain its fertility. The review provides an overview of three energy crops for biofuel production (giant Miscanthus, velvetleaf, and Jerusalem artichoke), highlighting the nematode pests associated with each of these crops, which have been found in the rhizosphere of plants over many years of published research. Attention is also given to the negative impact of phytoparasitic nematodes on the cultivation of energy crops, especially Miscanthus. However, it has been observed that certain climatic, chemical, and physical conditions favor the formation of nematode communities that can positively influence soil quality and maintain its fertility. This work is significant for the development of strategies to manage the population levels of various trophic levels of nematodes, especially phytoparasitic ones, particularly in the context of cultivating promising energy crops for biofuel production. Additionally, the review describes the important influence of phytoremediation on the population of nematode communities in the soil. The obtained results can serve as a basis for further research in this field and the implementation of effective methods to preserve soil fertility and increase the productivity of energy crops. Furthermore, the findings of this literature review can contribute to the development of environmentally sustainable methods for cultivating energy crops, thereby aiding in the conservation of natural resources and reducing the impact of agricultural activities on the environment.

Typological analysis of mobile housing technology in the context of the problem of energy saving

The practice of using structural and functional features of mobile housing technologies is primarily related to migration processes: labour, tourist-recreational, educational, as well as forced ones (caused by militarypolitical and natural-technogenic disasters). In many leading and economically developed countries there is considerable experience in the implementation of landand water-based mobile housing technologies in the creation of socially affordable housing (including as part of an alternative approach to solving overpopulation problems). In modern conditions, new design methods based on the requirements of environmental friendliness and conservation of natural resources are introduced into architectural and construction activities all over the world. In the Ukrainian state, in connection with the existing political and economic situation, the practical development of mobile housing technologies is of particular social significance, taking into account the level of providing the population with housing of various types and quality. The application of mobile housing technologies can be, in particular, a temporary solution to the housing problem, thanks to certain advantages in terms of environmental friendliness and energy saving, in comparison with capital residential buildings. The use of mobile homes in Ukraine today is characterized by limited functional and typological composition. The development of the production of industrial mobile housing technologies has the prospect of their practical application in a wide operational spectrum.

Risk management specifics in mineral water and beverage production under natural resources conservation

This paper studies two production enterprises of the same segment, which operate in different subjects of the Russian Federation. It shows how such sectoral enterprises develop, especially after the fight against the pandemic to the present day. The study of two enterprises from the Republic of Dagestan and Stavropol Krai revealed the necessity of increasing expenditure to reduce the risks associated with maintaining production positions in the sectoral market. It was found that net profit and revenue are not the most important indicators for assessing the economic security of production enterprises. The main criterion for assessing the company's ability to manage its own risks is the gross profit indicator. The research also revealed the priorities for management decisions for the industry as a whole, especially if the industry enterprise has to reduce several types of risk at the same time. The results and conclusions of the study are of great importance for industry enterprises at the present time because of the presence of some more significant risks of a different order for modern industry manufacturing organisations. Focusing on the gross profit indicator is the best way to ensure solvency and maintain economic sustainability for sectoral enterprises, including those operating in conditions of economic uncertainty.

The Role of African Indigenous Religion in Natural Resources Conservation among the Ngoni Speaking People of Mpezeni Chiefdom in Chipata District, Zambia

Africa, Zambia in particular, is endowed with a rich and diverse natural resource base on which the livelihood of its people, especially rural constituents, depends. Over the years, traditional African societies have observed environmental religious ethics that have helped in regulating the interactions with the natural environment. However, rural parts of Zambia continue to experience indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources. The objectives of this study were threefold; (i) to investigate the African indigenous religious beliefs and practices used to conserve natural resources by the Ngoni people, (ii) to describe how natural resources are conserved through religious beliefs and practices among the Ngoni people and (iii) to explain how African Indigenous Religious (AIR) beliefs and practices contribute to natural resources conservation among the Ngoni people. The study was qualitative in approach and adopted a case design to address the research questions. The data was collected through guided interviews. The study has established that among the Ngoni, taboos and totems are common beliefs and practices that help in conserving natural resources. The study also revealed that among the Ngoni natural resources are conserved in the form of sacred places such as; graveyards, sacred forests, sacred streams, and sacred animal and plant species. Study findings further revealed that among the Ngoni, things such as; hunting and setting fires in sacred areas, cutting trees for timber, and gathering plants for medicine is strictly regulated and sometimes completely prohibited. The study concludes that, among the Ngoni, African religious beliefs and practices have contributed to the creation of a culture where communities are highly integrated with nature, valuing it, respecting it, and striving to live in harmony with it. The Ngoni AIR beliefs and practices promote conservation of some trees and animal species which would have otherwise been extinct.

Conceptual foundations of the movement of innovative capital in conditions of priority development of the “green” economy

The article provides a justification for the process of forming the vector of development of the Green Economy, identifies the features of Green Investments in the modern economy. Green investment is the allocation of financial capital to projects or companies that focuses primarily on environmentally friendly technologies, sustainable practices, and natural resource conservation. The purpose of green investments is to develop the Green Economy, to support businesses that contribute to environmental protection while generating profits for investors. “Green investments play a crucial role in the transition to the Green Economy and are the basis for combating climate change and implementing sustainable development practices.The authors detail the factors of capital flows in the context of innovations in the Green Economy. External factors are political, geographical, social, and natural. The article characterizes market instruments of green investments. Among the market instruments, the following are identified: green bonds, green mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, green private equity and venture capital, impact investing, carbon credits and compensation. The authors determines the prospects for innovative green economy projects. It is determined that green investments have great potential for obtaining long-term economic, social and environmental benefits, in particular, reducing carbon emissions and increasing resource efficiency.

Genetic structure and diversity of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Gulf of Thailand.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources lists the green turtle as endangered. Green turtle nesting behavior in the Gulf of Thailand has decreased to <50% of the 1995 level. The population structure of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand has not yet been studied. This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand based on comparisons of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region with sequences of Indo-Pacific management units (MUs) and rookeries, to investigate population structures, and to explore phylogeographic relationships. Blood samples (1 mL each) from 91 stranded green turtles were collected from four parts of the Gulf of Thailand (eastern, upper, central, and lower). The control mtDNA region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using LCM15382 and H950 primer. The obtained 384-bp or 770-bp sequences were analyzed for haplotype, clade, and haplotype and nucleotide diversities and were used to construct a phylogenetic tree and haplotype network diagram, respectively. In addition, we analyzed genetic differentiation within and among populations of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand and between green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand and other Indo-Pacific MUs and rookeries. In total, 12 (based on 384 bp) or 13 (based on 770 bp) haplotypes and two clades (clades VII and VIII) were identified, with nine or 10 haplotypes belonging to clade VIII and three haplotypes belonging to clade VII. Of the new haplotypes, four or five were identified and classified as clade VII (two haplotypes, for both fragment lengths) and clade VIII (two or three haplotypes, for 384 bp or 770 bp fragments, respectively). The overall haplotype and nucleotide diversity of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand were high (0.755 ± 0.039 and 0.01146 ± 0.00248, respectively). Based on the analysis of molecular variance, green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand could be divided into two subpopulations (UC-Eastern Gulf of Thailand [UC-EGT] and lower Gulf of Thailand [LGT]). Comparisons with other MUs and rookeries in the Indo-Pacific showed that UC-EGT was not genetically different from the Peninsular Malaysia and Eastern Taiwan (Lanyu) MUs and the Terrangganu and Mersing rookeries, and LGT were not genetically different from Peninsular Malaysia, Sipadan, Brunei Bay, Eastern Taiwan (Lanyu), Scott Reef and Browse Island, and Gulf of Carpentaria MUs and the Perak, Perhentain Island, Redang, Pahang, and Vietnam rookeries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to identify the haplotypes and clades of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand and to show that the populations in the Gulf of Thailand not only present high genetic diversity but also have haplotypic endemism. Longer mtDNA fragments (770 bp) increased the resolution of the stock structure. Clade VII is a unique clade not only for Japan but also for Thailand and Malaysia, and CmP82 is a unique haplotype for both the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia. Conservation and management of these populations are important to preserve the genetic diversity, biological diversity, and evolutionary potential of green turtles in the Gulf of Thailand.

Conservation Yaki (Macaca nigra): The role of PT PGE TBK Lahendong Area on endemic wildlife conservation in North Sulawesi

This article discusses the role of Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) Tbk. Area Lahedong in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program for the conservation of Yaki (Macaca nigra) in Tomohon City, North Sulawesi Province. The Yaki is endemic to North Sulawesi and is included in the Critically Endangered category on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Every company has the obligation to carry corporate social and responsibility (CSR) in its operational area as has been regulated in the act of Corporation (PT) No. 40/2007. Throughout these years the company CSR programme often just aimed at people but often forgot that the surrounding environment also needed attention. Biodiversity conservation becomes crucial as it will give a positive impact to the sustainability of human life in the present as well as in the future. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method where data collection is carried out by observation, interviews, and documentation. The selection of informants was determined by purposive sampling. PGE Tbk. Area Lahedong is collaborating with the Yayasan Masarang and the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center to carry out this conservation activity. The program will be implemented from 2020 until the release of 8 Yaki in 2023 and will continue again for the conservation of other Yaki groups. PGE Tbk. The Lahendong area has a role to accommodate activities during this program. Through this program, in addition to having an impact on increasing the Yaki population in their habitat, it can also become a media campaign for Yaki conservation to the public that Yaki are not food and must be preserved together as endemic animals to North Sulawesi.

Issues of ecosystem conservation and safety (using the example of the “Semey Ormany” of the Republic of Kazakhstan)

The article analyzes the issues of preserving the integrity of the planet’s ecosystem in a rapidly changing world and climate change on the Earth. The authors note that at the present stage, threats arise in nature that require coordinated actions to restore, ensure the conservation and rational use of natural resources, including unique natural complexes. Among these is the ribbon-like pine forest, the history of which is described in the article. The object of the study is a forest natural reserve located in the east of the Republic of Kazakhstan – the “Semey Ormany”. The authors research environmental conservation activity, forest protection and reforestation activities of the “Semey Ormany”, i.e. activities to protect ecosystems necessary to preserve our environment and ensure sustainability for future generations. The analysis carried out in the article allows us to gain and recommendations were made for the conservation of biological diversity.

Effect of Fertilization in Companion Cropping Systems of Andean Fruit Trees in the Municipality of Ipiales (Fertilization Levels in Andean Fruit Trees)

Companion cropping involves growing two or more species together, benefiting the conservation of natural resources and improving fertilization and nutrient cycling by balancing chemical and organic sources. Studies, as in the case of tree tomato and Hass avocado, have shown a significant increase in yield compared to monocultures, highlighting the viability of this practice. In addition to their environmental benefit, companion crops offer economic advantages to producers by obtaining multiple products in a single harvest, strengthening food security and the economy of rural families. This study evaluated three levels of fertilization and interactions between fruit trees at different altitudes, observing differential behavior in the variables evaluated. The combination of cape gooseberry and blackberry showed significantly positive results, with more leaves and fewer pests, demonstrating the benefits of companion plants. A trend towards the combined use of chemical and organic fertilizers was observed, a potential strategy to reduce costs and improve crop growth. The results were shared with producers interested in implementing companion cropping, encouraging the adoption of this more sustainable and profitable agricultural practice. Companion crop agriculture represents a viable and promising strategy for a more efficient and sustainable agriculture, with both environmental and economic benefits.

A watershed sustainability model based on the integration of livestock, conservation agriculture, and local wisdom in Indonesia

Watersheds play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and protecting water resources. However, there are currently a number of environmental problems which threaten the sustainability of this ecosystem. The goal of this research is to describe a watershed sustainability model to deal with these problems. The research was carried out in the Keduang Watershed in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java Province. A qualitative research method was used to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding and to adapt current methods to the developing situation through the integration of livestock, conservation agriculture, and local wisdom. The secondary data collected included the agriculture, livestock farming, and conservation conditions. The primary data were obtained through participative observation and in-depth interviews with farmers, livestock breeders, and stakeholders, to understand the practices used, the challenges faced, and the benefits felt. The data analysis used a process of coding, thematization, and grouping to identify the patterns, themes, and perspectives that emerged. The interpretation of results included an evaluation of the success, challenges, and benefits of the model applied. The research results show that the watershed sustainability model based on the integration of livestock, conservation agriculture, and local wisdom has a positive impact on economic, socio-cultural, and environmental aspects. This model can serve as a strong foundation for implementing sustainable agriculture and livestock farming practices, as well as contributing to the conservation of natural resources, and preserving local wisdom.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ДЕРЖАВНОГО РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ ЕКОЛОГІЗАЦІЇ АГРАРНОГО ВИРОБНИЦТВА

The article considers the ecologization of agricultural production as a key factor for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector, which ensures the production of environmentally friendly agricultural products. The necessity of adapting the agricultural sector to the new market conditions of management, where state regulation and support for the ecologization of agricultural production is important, which is aimed at reducing the negative impact of agricultural activities on the environment, is substantiated. The importance of the process of state regulation of the agricultural sector, aimed at ensuring the food security of the country and the priority increase in the efficiency of agricultural production, is investigated. The reasons for the negative impacts of the use of agricultural land due to hostilities on the territory of the country, which have worsened their ecological condition, are revealed. The main factors affecting the environmental situation in the agricultural sector of our country are highlighted. The basics of state policy in the field of environmental development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine are determined, which are represented by separate goals, concepts and strategies for its development in the domestic regulatory and legal legislation for the future. The main measures of ecologization of agricultural production are highlighted, which will contribute to the conservation of natural resources, increase environmental safety and sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The mechanism of state support for the ecologization of agricultural production, which acts as the legislative embodiment of the means of state regulation to ensure the development of agriculture on an environmental basis, is described. In order to ensure the process of ecologization of agricultural production, the components of such a mechanism are disclosed. The importance of forming a state strategy for the ecologization of agricultural production within the framework of the functioning of the mechanism of its state support is indicated. The main tasks of the authorities in the process of creating a system for managing the harmonization of agriculture and livestock relations are highlighted. It was found that effective state regulation and support for the ecologization of agricultural production ensures the creation of conditions for the formation of a developed and modern market of domestic high-quality environmental products, the rational use of natural resources and their preservation for future generations.

Prospective analysis of sustainable mangrove ecotourism development policy

The Bandar Bakau area of Dumai City is very strategic to be used as an international tourism development area, because Dumai City is located in the international trade cross-country area of the Melaka Strait. The impact of Dumai City being made a special economic zone is the destruction of mangrove areas, so that the environment becomes unsustainable. To maintain environmental sustainability, a policy is needed that combines tourism potential with environmental sustainability, such as an ecotourism development policy. Ecotourism has emerged as a sustainable approach to tourism development that emphasizes the conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage while promoting community engagement and economic growth. The aim of the research is to formulate sustainable ecotourism development policies. The method used is a mix method using prospective analysis. Prospective analysis can offer future-oriented policy frameworks for stakeholders to ensure environmental sustainability. The findings reveal stakeholders’ concern for mangrove areas through education and research, rich arts and cultural heritage, as well as tourism potential in Bandar Bakau Dumai, indicating that ecotourism-based area development policies are very possible to be developed sustainably.

Implementation of the environmental protection policy in agriculture

The article analyzes a number of legal aspects of the implementation of state policy in the field of environmental protection in agriculture. The subject of the study is the legal norms governing the state policy on environmental protection in agriculture. The purpose of this study is to analyze the negative impact of agricultural activities on the environment and the existing organizational, legal and economic mechanisms for the conservation of natural resources and environmental protection, as well as to formulate conclusions and proposals based on this analysis to improve legal regulation in the field of agricultural development in our country. The relevance of the study is related to the development of an important issue – the implementation of environmental protection reform in Russia at the present time, which is carried out mainly by economic measures aimed at motivating social environmental responsibility and economic stimulation of economic entities to ensure the environmental safety of their activities. The author used formal legal, dialectical, systematic methods, as well as other general scientific methods. The article analyzes the provisions of the Federal Law of the Russian Federation "On Environmental Protection", as well as the new Strategy for the development of agro-industrial and fisheries complexes for the period up to 2030, where serious emphasis is placed on import substitution as one of the key landmarks of Russia's development. It seems obvious that it is necessary to continue improving legal regulation and strategic planning in the direction under study. As a recommendation for improving legislation, the author proposes an addition to the formulation of one of the six goals of the state agrarian policy formulated in the Federal Law of the Russian Federation "On the Development of Agriculture", which is necessary in order to bring the goal in line with the constitutional norm. The key result of the state policy on environmental protection in agriculture should be the sustainable development of agriculture. The author notes the intensification of work on the implementation of the Russian scientific and technical program for the development of agriculture and promising areas of state policy.

Soils information for urban customers: A perspective

AbstractDue to its benefits, including but not limited to increased access to affordable healthy food, bringing communities together for a common goal, and improving food security, urban agriculture is gaining popularity across the United States. Although soil‐based information is available at the national level, people in urban environments may have limited details about the soils in their communities. To bridge the gap between rural and urban agriculture, city, state, and federal agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service could expand upon the soil survey programs that currently exist and are available within the WebSoilSurvey. Additionally, trace element testing and interpretation would allow for improved knowledge about the risks that urban soils may have on food quality for those interested in urban agriculture.Core Ideas Detailed soil science information for urban agriculture may be lacking on a fine scale. Opportunities exist to support the soil science needs of urban growers via local, state, and federal entities. Information on urban soils can help provide healthy and sustainable foodstuffs.

Using participatory mapping for a shared understanding of deforestation dynamics in Murehwa district, Zimbabwe

This paper presents the results of a study using participatory mapping to collectively understand deforestation dynamics in Murehwa, a communal area approximately 90 km northeast of Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city. The study engaged smallholder farmers in a deliberative process through participatory mapping exercises in 15 villages. For each exercise, participants collaboratively drew two maps of their village, one for 1990 and another for 2021. They depict village boundaries, land uses and the magnitude of change between the two dates. Participatory mapping served as a platform for collective thinking, with the resulting maps used to facilitate discussions. They involved comparing land use between the two maps and identifying the drivers of the observed changes. Thematic approach was used to analyse the discussions in order to come up with collectively identified drivers of land use changes. The findings show that deforestation and resulting land use changes are primarily rooted in economic depression, selling of wood, tobacco farming, veld fires, unauthorised wood exploitation, illegal selling of land, increase in gardening, agricultural expansion and population growth. These results lay a foundational step towards the co-construction of a governance framework for practising agriculture in forest-adjacent areas. Moreover, the paper shares methodological reflections and experiences intended to promote initiatives where the construction of a shared understanding facilitates sustainable land-use practices that foster natural resource conservation.

Simulation of Long-Term Water Erosion in Rainfed Croplands of Eastern Washington

Highlights Water erosion in the inland Pacific Northwest was modeled with WEPP for the past (1940–1982) and present (1983–2020). Water erosion decreased from past to present in the study watersheds. Major factors are increased adoption of conservation practices and decrease in large precipitation events. Abstract. Water erosion is an ongoing problem in eastern Washington due to its hilly terrain, highly erodible silt loam soils, rain on thawing soil, and the prevalence of conventional tillage. The region is characterized by a Mediterranean-type climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Three distinct precipitation zones, with annual totals low (&amp;lt;380 mm), intermediate (380–460 mm), and high (&amp;gt;460 mm), dictate the area’s crop rotations. A unique 43-year (1940–1982) dataset of winter erosion measured on multiple agricultural fields in Whitman County, eastern Washington, by Verle Kaiser, a USDA Soil Conservation Service agronomist, showed annual erosion rates averaging 53.8 Mg ha-1, far exceeding the current Natural Resources Conservation Service tolerable limit of 11 Mg ha-1 yr–1 for the soils in the area. Kaiser’s field data allowed us to compare the historical field-measured erosion rates with those simulated by the WEPP (Water Erosion Prediction Project) model. Anthropogenic factors, such as tillage and crop rotation, change with time. Conservation tillage, including reduced- and no-till, has been increasingly adopted in eastern Washington since the mid-1980s. The specific objectives of this study were to (1) apply the WEPP model to simulate soil erosion in eastern Washington and evaluate the interactive effects of climate and management, in addition to topography and soil, on water erosion in the study area, and (2) compare the simulation results with Kaiser’s historical field dataset and elucidate the long-term soil erosion trend. The WEPPcloud interface was used to delineate a watershed within each precipitation zone of the study area. Climate inputs were divided into two periods: the past (1939–1982) and the present (1983–2020). Erosion has noticeably decreased from the past to the present, with WEPP simulated annual erosion averaging 13.5, 34.5, and 52.6 Mg ha-1 for the past, and 9.5, 14.1, and 15.5 Mg ha-1 for the present, in the selected watersheds in the low-, intermediate-, and high-precipitation zones, respectively. The decreasing trend was primarily due to the increased adoption of conservation tillage and crop rotation, as well as a decrease in the number of high-intensity precipitation events in the present climate. Keywords: Inland Pacific Northwest, Soil erosion by water, Temporal trend, WEPP.

Modelling the Transition to a Circular Agriculture - A Systems Dynamics Perspective

Designing efficient and sustainable pathways for ensuring the transition to a circular economy is one of the main challenges to which an answer must be found, regardless of the economic sector, activity field or geographic area of ​​interest. In order to improve the planet natural resource conservation systems, the main representative institutions and policy makers have implemented a series of strategies and directives, all over the world. From a simple crossing through relevant documents, assumed at global level such as: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, United Nations 2015, regional level: The New Circular Economy Action Plan, EC 2020 or national level: Recovery and Resilience Plan of Romania, 2023, the main common denominator it can be identified - focusing on finding the optimal balance between the environmental resources rational exploitation, protection and developing competitive economy systems. The bioeconomy involves the use of renewable biomass, including raw material obtained from different categories of secondary products, for the production of finished products in the economy. Interest in the bioeconomy has grown over the last decade, and this study analyses the potential of biomass and circular bioeconomy models in the agricultural sector, using systemic modelling approaches. In this sense, studies and models of bioeconomy and circular economy applied at the regional and European level are presented, specifically for dynamic system modelling methods. Finally, we propose studying a circular bioeconomy pilot model for sunflower production in Romania, highlighting the potential of biomass and secondary products from this crop. The use of sunflower by-products in various applications, such as animal feed, biofuels, functional food ingredients or bio-composite materials, underlines their importance in promoting circular economy practices.

Distribution Pattern of Black Sea Cucumber (Holothuria atra Jaeger, 1833) at the Intertidal Ecosystem of Bilik Coastal, Baluran National Park

Baluran National Park (BNP) is a natural resource conservation area known for its diverse land and water ecosystems. The intertidal ecosystem of Bilik Coast is home to sea cucumbers (Holothuria atra), which have both ecological and economic value. It is important to note that H. atra is a protected species in the BNP conservation area. Therefore, studying the distribution pattern of H. atra in the intertidal ecosystem of Pesisir Bilik is crucial. This study aims to determine the type of distribution pattern of H. atra and describe its spatial distribution. Purposive sampling was conducted at maximum low tide, and biotic data were collected using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to obtain coordinates. Biotic data were measured at 9 points as a representative area. The type of distribution pattern of H. atra was analyzed using the Nearest Neighbor Index using ArcGIS 10.7 which shows the type of distribution pattern and describes its spatial distribution. The research results showed that the distribution pattern of H. atra was categorized as clustered based on the result of R (ratio) &lt; 1 (0.458). H. atra species were distributed in seagrass communities, macroalgae communities, open areas, and coral reef communities.

Spatial-temporal changes of landscape and habitat quality in typical ecologically fragile areas of western China over the past 40 years: A case study of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

In this paper, we use the InVEST model and five periods of land use data from 1980 to 2020 to assess the habitat quality of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in Western China, which has characteristics of a typical fragile ecosystem. We further analyse the spatial and temporal characteristics of habitat quality evolution and its relationship with land use and landscape pattern indices to explore the close relationship between regional habitat quality changes and human natural resource conservation and utilization. The research results show that the overall habitat quality of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was stable and at a moderate level (0.57-0.60) during the 40 years from 1980 to 2020; Habitat patches (2020) with low (24.89%), high (22.45%) and very high (29.81%) quality occupy a larger proportion of the area, followed by very low (13.31%) and moderate levels (9.54%). Over the past 40 years, there have been 275 sample sites in Ningxia where habitat quality has deteriorated, 1593 sample sites where the habitat quality has remained stable, and 184 sample sites where the habitat quality has increased. From 1980 to 2020, the Mean Patch Area of landscape types in Ningxia decreased by 25.9 hm2. The Patch Density increased by 0.06 /hm2. The Largest Patch Index decreased by 15.69%. The Edge Density increased by 2.5 m/hm2. The Contagion Index decreased by 2.99%. The Area-Weighted Mean Patch Fractal Dimension remained basically unchanged (0.01). The Landscape Shape Index showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, increasing by 13.94. The Area-Weighted Mean Shape Index has been reduced by 9.45. The Shannon Diversity Index and Shannon Evenness Index both show an increasing trend, but the amplitude is relatively small, with 0.09 and 0.04, respectively. There was a significant spatial aggregation of high and low habitat quality in Ningxia, with high values usually distributed in the northern and southern areas with good natural conditions and low values distributed in areas with frequent human activities and poor natural conditions. The decrease in habitat quality in Ningxia was mainly due to the expansion of cultivated land and construction land, the increase in landscape fragmentation and the resulting decrease in connectivity. On the other hand, due to the implementation of ecological protection measures, such as the project of returning farmland to pasture and grass to forest, the quality of habitats in Ningxia increased. The conclusions of this study support the idea that the conservation of habitat quality in ecologically fragile areas should fully preserve the original natural habitats and reduce the interference of human activities to increase the habitat suitability of the landscape and the habitat connectivity between patches. At the same time, targeted ecological protection policies should be developed to restore the areas where the habitat quality has been damaged and ultimately maintain the stability of biodiversity and ecosystems in ecologically fragile areas. Meanwhile, for ecologically fragile areas with similar ecological characteristics to those of Ningxia, our research supports the idea of increasing the protection of the stability of the original habitats, increasing the proportion of ecological restoration projects, financial investment and seeking cooperation with local community managers and residents will help to improve the quality of the regional habitats and the enrichment of the biodiversity, and ultimately promote the harmonious coexistence of human beings and nature in the modernized sense of the word.

Моніторинг циркулярності економічних систем

In the conditions of the transformation of modern society, due to the spread and introduction of the Internet, digital data, robotics, and artificial intelligence, all spheres of human life are changing. Over the past decade, the circular economy has been actively implemented in developed countries, eliminating the outdated linear economy, the disadvantages of which are the depletion of natural resources and the aggravation of environmental problems. The construction of a circular economy involves global changes at all stages of the production process, starting from the production and sales chain to the introduction of new business models, preservation, and extension of the service life of products (conservation of natural resources), recycling of waste into a resource, as well as the introduction of new forms of conscious consumer behavior. A critical condition for activating the intensification of the transition to the circular economy model is creating a comprehensive methodological tool for assessing its development, which is necessary for effective strategic and program planning at the state level. It is noted that low rates characterize the progress of circular transformations. Along with this, the methodical level of assessing the circularity of economic systems of different levels and their effectiveness remains quite complex and debatable. Many international organizations, national governments, and their associations are searching for effective methods and approaches to evaluating the development of circular processes. The main methodical approaches that are widespread in practice today are analyzed: the umbrella approach, material flow approach, circulation, assessment based on standards, and integrated approach. Two critical directions of evaluating the circularity of economic processes (technical and biological) are currently popular, characterized by their monitoring and evaluation indicators system. The multifaceted nature of indicators for evaluating circular macro-level processes and the variety of conditions in which these processes are carried out led to the understanding of the need to create appropriate circular economy standards that would form a complete methodological basis for monitoring, comparison, and evaluation. Keywords: monitoring, economy, system, indicators, sustainable development.