Preservation Of Biodiversity Research Articles

Folktales for Environmental Conservation: From Oral Traditions to Ecological Wisdom

ABSTRACT The oral tradition of any given community provides a rich source of information on its history, culture and indigenous knowledge that guide the people on local approaches towards handling various situations that may or may not be detrimental to human survival. This study explores the role of folktales in advancing environmental conservation among the Kusaas of Ghana. Using frameworks such as literary anthropology and environmental ethics, it demonstrates how these oral literary narratives convey indigenous approaches to environmental education paying particular attention to biodiversity preservation and ecological balance. Employing qualitative methods, the study investigates folktales that were collected from six Kusaal-speaking districts in Ghana, exhibiting their potentials as tools for cultural education, eco-consciousness, and environmental activism. The stories mirror a blend of anthropocentrism, biocentrism and theocentrism, offering invaluable insights for community-based climate resilience strategies in Ghana and beyond. The research emphasises the relevance of decolonial approaches to environmental education that engage grassroots communities through culturally relevant mediums.

A small giant in the darkness: A new cave-dwelling Charinus (Amblypygi: Charontidae) from northeast Brazil

This study presents the description of a new species of the genus Charinus Simon, 1892, the 103rd recorded for the genus and the largest known to date. Discovered in Brejões I Cave, a significant speleological site in northern Brazil, the species is characterized by a well-developed eyes, and a specific pattern of spination on the pedipalps and cheliceral claws. In addition to the species description, we provide an updated dichotomous key for Brazilian species of the genus and a distribution map. The formal naming and description of cave-dwelling species are crucial for assessing biodiversity and guiding conservation strategies. The new species was found exclusively within the cave, and no surveys have been conducted in surrounding areas to evaluate its broader distribution. This highlights the urgent need for expanded sampling efforts and reinforces the importance of protecting Brazil’s speleological heritage, which is under increasing threat and directly affects the preservation of subterranean biodiversity.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADULT EDUCATION AND ITS RELEVANCE IN MITIGATING ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS IN NIGERIA

Environmental adult education plays a pivotal role in fostering environmental protection and conservation by imparting knowledge, instilling awareness, and driving behavioral change among individuals and communities. This paper examines the existing literature to elucidate the multifaceted impact of environmental adult education on environmental conservation efforts. Through a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles, this review identifies key themes and trends in the field, shedding light on the effectiveness of environmental adult education programs and their influence on biodiversity preservation and sustainability. The findings underscore the critical importance of environmental adult education as a catalyst for advancing environmental conservation initiatives, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and ecologically conscious society.

AI Algorithms in Land Use and Environmental Restoration Along Highway Corridors

This study introduces an intelligent algorithm for analyzing land use and ecological restoration strategies around highways. While highways are essential for facilitating transportation, they often pose significant ecological challenges due to habitat disruption and biodiversity loss in surrounding ecosystems. To address these issues, this research focuses on developing smart land use management and environmental restoration approaches to mitigate ecological impacts and promote biodiversity preservation near highways. The study employs advanced intelligent algorithms, including spatial assessment methods and artificial intelligence (AI), to support restoration efforts, identify critical ecological corridors, and optimize land use practices. Initially, a computer-based system is utilized to collect comprehensive data on highways and their environmental contexts. The Intelligent Swarm Search-Tuned Random Forest (ISS-RF) algorithm is then applied to classify land use types effectively. Following this, decision analysis techniques are used to prioritize restoration activities based on ecological needs and land use classifications. The findings underscore the potential of this approach to reduce biodiversity conflicts, minimize habitat loss, and support sustainable development practices in transportation planning. This research lays a foundation for ecologically sound development strategies, demonstrating how AI-driven solutions can integrate environmental restoration with land use management around highway corridors.

Quanto Sobra de Verde em uma Metrópole? Um Estudo Sobre a Cobertura Vegetal Remanescente em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil

The expansion of human activities has caused a significant loss of biodiversity globally, with anthropogenic land uses rapidly expanding and urban areas growing quickly, resulting in deforestation and fragmentation of natural ecosystems. The city of Fortaleza, an example of this phenomenon, has faced disorganized urban growth, loss of vegetation cover, and deep socio-environmental challenges throughout its history. This resulted in the loss of most of the municipality's vegetation cover and the fragmentation of the remaining areas. This study aims to quantify the remaining vegetation fragments in Fortaleza, map the municipality's original ecosystems, and map the remaining native vegetation. Using geomorphology maps and correlating the typical vegetation types in each original landscape unit, we mapped the city's native ecosystems, identifying seven categories: coastal grasslands, dune ecosystems, vegetation of coastal tablelands, mangroves, riparian forests, caatinga, and dry forests. Using high-resolution satellite images and the maximum likelihood method, we found that 62% of the territory is urbanized, and much of the remaining areas are already devoid of vegetation. Only about 16% of the municipality's surface still has vegetation fragments. The preservation of vegetation cover and urban biodiversity is a fundamental goal for the sustainable development of cities, providing various ecosystem services, such as maintaining fauna and preventing floods, especially in the context of climate emergency. The study identified remaining natural areas and locations requiring legal protection. We suggest the creation of Conservation Units, Urban Parks, and green areas connecting existing fragments, as a vital goal for the sustainability of Fortaleza and the conservation of urban biodiversity.

The Spectrum of Sustainability: Why Environmental Sustainability Matters Most

Sustainability has emerged as a guiding principle in addressing the complex challenges of modern development. It encompasses a wide spectrum, including environmental, economic, and social dimensions, all of which are interconnected and essential for long-term global well-being. This paper explores the various types of sustainability, with a primary focus on environmental sustainability as the foundational pillar of sustainable development. Environmental sustainability ensures the preservation of natural ecosystems, biodiversity, and resources that support all life on Earth. Without maintaining ecological balance, economic growth and social equity become unsustainable. The paper argues that among the various forms of sustainability, environmental sustainability is the most critical, as it provides the natural foundation upon which human progress and societal well-being rest. By emphasizing the need for a shift in values and practices, this study underlines how prioritizing environmental sustainability can lead to a more resilient and equitable future.

Social Justice and Sustainability of Peasant Family Farming

Peasant family farming in Ecuador is responsible for producing over two-thirds of the food required to sustain the country's nutrition and significantly contributes to agricultural exports. Despite this, rural areas in Ecuador experience the highest levels of poverty, leading to widespread undernutrition, particularly among pregnant women and infants. This stark disparity presents a social justice issue that demands urgent attention. Some analysts argue that the inefficiencies of peasant agriculture contributes these issues, labelling it as unsustainable due to its perceived low productivity and profitability. However, such assessments often overlook the sector's crucial role in food security, biodiversity preservation, and environmental balance. Family farming sustains local food supplies and promotes ecological stability through diverse, sustainable practices. Public policy orientation, particularly in support of small-scale farmers, is essential in determining these rural communities' sustainability and improved livelihoods, especially in the face of increasing pressures from modern corporate agriculture. Addressing these structural inequalities is key to ensuring that peasant family farming is economically viable, socially just, and environmentally sustainable.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (2016–2030) and Their Integration into Tourism Activities in Lago Agrio Canton, Sucumbíos Province: SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)

This study analyzes the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 15 (Life on Land) into the tourism development strategies of Lago Agrio Canton, Sucumbíos Province, Ecuador. The main objective is to assess how tourism can serve as a driver for sustainable infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and inclusive local growth, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda. A qualitative methodology was adopted, involving documentary analysis with exploratory and descriptive scopes. The sources included national development plans, regional policy frameworks, institutional reports, and the relevant academic literature. This study employed territorial indicators related to infrastructure quality, ecosystem protection, and stakeholder participation to evaluate SDG alignment. The results highlight that sustainable tourism practices—particularly those incorporating corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship—can stimulate innovation and enhance resilience in underdeveloped territories. Wetlands and forested areas emerge as key natural assets with strong potential for ecological tourism and sustainable investment. The findings suggest that collaborative actions between the public and private sectors, guided by SDGs 9 and 15, can generate long-term benefits, including biodiversity preservation, improved service infrastructure, and economic inclusion for local communities. Overall, the research underscores the potential of sustainable tourism as a practical mechanism for localizing the SDGs in fragile yet high-value ecological regions.

Combined effect of tree line and environmental protection policy on soil organic carbon accumulation in the Qilian Mountains (China)

ABSTRACT The Qilian Mountains (on the Tibetan Plateau in north-western China) support important ecosystems that provide crucial ecological services, such as water harvesting, biodiversity preservation, wildlife habitats, and carbon sequestration. The last is particularly relevant as a way to mitigate climate change, since soil can store more carbon than both the atmosphere and vegetation. This work estimates how soil organic carbon (SOC) has accumulated since the Qilian Mountains were declared a protected natural area, taking into account altitudinal changes in dominant vegetation. We estimated SOC stocks from a soil survey conducted along an elevation gradient from 2900 m to 3700 m in a protected catchment of the Qilian Mountains. SOC stocks ranged from 20.8 Mg C ha−1 (3600 m) to 110.7 Mg C ha−1 (3100 m), with significant differences between the points located below and above the tree line. We conclude that environmental protection has benefited the preservation of the climax Qinghai spruce forest (Picea crassifolia) and thereby enhanced carbon accumulation.

The representation of human-animal relations in periodicals: a case study of a St. Petersburg newspaper

How do we explain a surge of interest to animals expressed by urban residents in traditional and digital media? What is the part that printed periodicals play in animal representation? What are the principles and attitudes St. Petersburg residents have when it comes to animals? How welcoming is the city to them? An answer to all those questions can be found via factual studies. In this article, we analyze the public discourse taking place in the Metro St. Petersburg newspaper in 2022–2023. The method we use is not typical for anthropology, but when we focus on contemporary studies, we have to adapt methods and methodologies borrowed from other scientific fields. This article exists at the intersection between anthrozoology, media anthropology and urban studies. The newspaper raises issues of environment and biodiversity preservation in large cities, discusses animal rescue efforts, animal shelters, animal-focused art and business, dog friendly spaces in the city, lives of animals in Leningrad Zoo. Other pressing issues, including animal cruelty, pet ownership regulations, homeless animals, dog/cat hoarding in a single apartment, dog owners’ groups in a large city, animals’ aggression, etc. go virtually uncovered. This can be explained by the fact that the newspaper largely serves the functions of entertainment and compensatory/anti-stress. It produces anthropomorphic language and images that should be avoided, as they impart pets with needs and desires they simply do not have. Obviously, the discourse taking place in that St. Petersburg newspaper pertains mostly to humans because animals are incapable of having a voice. But in any case, the protection and rescue of animals in an urban context requires attention and new studies.

SOIL HEALTH AND BUSINESS MODELS: A REVIEW AND ANALYSIS CARRIED OUT IN THE NOVASOIL PROJECT

Soil health is critical for sustainable agriculture, healthy ecosystems, and environmental resilience. Soil degradation caused by unsustainable practices must be addressed through innovative economic and environmental solutions. This review explores how innovative environmental monitoring technologies, such as remote sensing, drones, and soil sensors, and innovative business models that influence soil management contribute significantly to the improvement of soil health. This study first highlights the key indicators of soil health, including soil organic carbon, nutrient levels, erosion rates and their potential use in ecosystem service markets, such as carbon credits, to incentivise improved soil management. Additionally, this study considers the legal and policy frameworks necessary to support these business models, with a particular focus on the European Union’s Soil Monitoring Law and its implications for the agricultural and environmental sectors. Together, these innovative components offer a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities for transforming soil health management into a profitable and sustainable enterprise, contributing to global goals, such as climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation.

Environmental Security: The Conceptual Issues in Climate Change, Global Warming and the Nigerian Environment

The intersection of climate change, global warming, and environmental sustainability presents a range of conceptual challenges, when it is examined within the context of low-income countries of the world like Nigeria and ultimately a worrisome phenomenon because of the adverse effects the issues pose to Nigeria and other African countries if not properly addressed. This work examines the global issues of climate change, global warming and how it impacts on the Nigerian environment. The work used relevant literature to examine climate change and its impact in Nigeria. This work relies extensively on journal articles, books, conference proceedings, technical and annual reports and observations to elucidate on the issues of climate change and global warming in the context of the Nigerian environment. The work reveals the types of climate and climate zones identified in the works by prominent climatologists. It also identifies the meaning of climate change, causes of climate change such as the greenhouse effect and the human activities found to induce climate change. This work further outlines some of the key indicators of global warming, the effects of climate change in the Nigerian environment and outlines some of the strategic way forward to combat climate change in Nigeria. The work identified the National Policies aimed at significantly reducing drought and desertification, drought readiness plan, erosion and flood control, forest protection plans and biodiversity preservation strategies. Primarily, this study advocates for implementable indigenous frameworks in order to mitigate the harsh effects of climate change in Nigeria.

MANEJO FLORESTAL SUSTENTÁVEL NA AMAZÔNIA: UMA REVISÃO NA LITERATURA

ABSTRACT This study aims to analyze sustainable forest management practices in the Amazon, addressing the environmental, social and economic impacts, as well as the challenges for their implementation. The research was carried out through a systematic review of the literature, using articles from specialized journals on the subject. The analysis revealed that sustainable forest management practices, such as selective logging, the use of non-timber products and agroforestry systems, have shown positive results in terms of biodiversity conservation, soil regeneration and maintenance of the hydrological cycle. However, the adoption of these practices is still limited by barriers such as lack of infrastructure, technical training and the economic pressure of illegal activities such as livestock farming and agriculture. The environmental impacts of sustainable forest management, such as the preservation of biodiversity and the role of the Amazon in climate regulation, are evident, but illegal deforestation and forest fragmentation continue to compromise these advances. The implementation of sustainable forest management depends on effective public policies, institutional support and greater participation of local communities, requiring coordinated action between the different sectors of society to ensure the sustainability of the Amazon. It is concluded that, despite the difficulties, sustainable management is essential for the preservation of the Amazon and global climate balance. Keywords: environmental impacts, sustainable practices, public policies.

Tree ambulance as responsible tourism practice in star-rated hotels: a stakeholder approach

PurposeThis study explored the transformative “Tree Ambulance” green initiatives showcasing their multifaceted impact on environmental conservation, responsible tourism and biodiversity in the hotel industry.Design/methodology/approachA systematic content analysis was performed to find insights on how tree ambulance as government green initiatives helps in fostering responsible tourism practices in star-rated hotels.FindingsThe study reveals the transformative impact of the “Tree Ambulance” initiatives on economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions, highlighting comprehensive benefits such as biodiversity preservation, climate change mitigation and economic growth. This all leads to promoting these sustainable practices, indicating potential scalability on a global scale.Research limitations/implicationsThe study highlights the fact that stakeholder collaboration is essential for the success of “Tree Ambulance” initiatives. Hotels, government agencies, local communities and tourists must actively participate to maximize environmental, economic and cultural benefits.Originality/valueIt is the first time that the stakeholder approach was applied in “Tree Ambulance” green initiatives to draw insights about sustainability and stakeholder role altogether.

Etude ethnobotanique de quelques plantes utilisées en médicine traditionnelle dans la partie Ouest de la République Démocratique du Congo (Gemena et Mbuji-mayi)

The present study was carried out in the western part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, more specifically in Gemena and Mbuji-Mayi. Its aim was to study the plants traditionally used to treat various illnesses, to complement an earlier study carried out by a team of researchers from the Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS). Seventy traditional healers from different ethnic groups were identified and interviewed on a voluntary basis, respecting the principles set out in the Declaration of Helsinki with minor modifications. The ethnobotanical data collected was then supplemented by information on ecological types. Analysis of the data collected reveals that 61 plant species belonging to 21 orders and 33 families were inventoried and collected in the medicinal flora of Gemena and Mbuji-Mayi. The flora studied is dominated by forest species, although phanerophytes and pantropical species predominate in the medicinal flora studied. Trees are the most dominant morphological type. Leaves are the most widely used parts, and diabetes is the most commonly treated disease in both regions. This study has provided a better understanding of local medicinal resources and the associated traditional wisdom. This knowledge will contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, the enhancement of traditional medicinal practices and the search for new sources of medicines. Consequently, it would be desirable to carry out in-depth phytochemical and pharmacological studies on these medicinal plants with a view to their scientific validation

Conservation Priorities For Endangered Plant Species In The Biodiverse Region Of Nagpharh, Ajmer

Nagpharh, located in the Ajmer District of Rajasthan, is a region rich in biodiversity yet increasingly vulnerable to ecological degradation. This study focuses on the conservation priorities for endangered plant species in this unique landscape, which is facing mounting pressures from habitat destruction, overgrazing, climate change, and human expansion. Through field surveys, species documentation, and ecological assessment, this research identifies key threatened plant species, evaluates the severity of risks they face, and proposes targeted conservation strategies. The study emphasizes the need for community-based conservation models, restoration of native habitats, and integration of traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation practices. By highlighting the ecological and cultural significance of Nagpharh’s flora, this research aims to support long-term biodiversity preservation efforts in the region and serve as a reference for similar arid and semi-arid ecosystems in India.

ЗАПОБІГАННЯ ЗАБРУДНЕННЮ Р.ПІВДЕННИЙ БУГ НІТРОГЕНВМІСНИМИ СПОЛУКАМИ З ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ ШТУЧНИХ-ВОДНО БОЛОТНИХ УГІДЬ

The paper investigates the causes of mass blooms of phytoplankton, the overgrowth of water bodies with certain species of higher aquatic plants in the upper reaches of the Southern Bug River by comparing them with the results of parameter measurements obtained from open resources of the State Agency of Water Resources of Ukraine. Statistical processing of the results of measurements of nitrogen-containing compounds according to open data of the State Agency of Water Resources of Ukraine was carried out and ecological risks were assessed. With the help of the STATISTICA 12 program and our own Python software, scale diagrams and histograms were created with indicators of ammonium ions, biochemical oxygen consumption, suspended (suspended) substances, dissolved oxygen, nitrate ions, nitrite ions, sulfate ions, phosphate ions (polyphosphates), chloride ions. To check the conformity of the normal distribution law, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Lilliefors criteria were applied and it was found that the distribution law differs from the normal distribution for all the investigated indicators. Median and interquartile range values ​​were used for further data processing and construction of the range diagram. The risks of exceeding the MPC were assessed for all observation posts based on the indicated indicators. Significant excesses of the maximum permissible levels of nitrogen-containing compounds were detected, particularly below the city of Khmelnytskyi. Due to the self-purification processes taking place in the river, the indicators of the levels of nitrogen-containing compounds decrease to permissible values ​​when measured in the drinking water intake of the city of Vinnytsia, but at the same time, the concentration of phytoplankton increases significantly. Correlations between pollution parameters were investigated and scatter diagrams were obtained. Using linear regression, the correlation between the indicated ammonium ions and nitrate ions was investigated and the regression coefficient r=0.41 was obtained, which indicates the presence of a weak connection between the specified parameters. A weak relationship was also found between such parameters as nitrate ions and nitrite ions (regression coefficient r=0.26) and dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen consumption (r=0.21). Natural and artificial wetlands, located in the coastal protective strip, are a natural mechanism for cleaning waters polluted by nitrogen-containing compounds from agricultural sources that enter water bodies. In addition to the cleaning function, wetlands are especially important for the preservation of biodiversity.

Wind Energy Expansion and Wildlife Conservation: A Critical Review of Challenges and Solutions

The global push towards renewable energy, particularly the rapid expansion of wind power, has raised concerns about its potential impact on wildlife. This critical review delves into the intricate relationship between wind energy expansion and wildlife conservation, aiming to identify the challenges posed and explore potential solutions for harmonizing these seemingly conflicting objectives. The expansion of wind energy infrastructure presents a multifaceted challenge for wildlife conservation. One of the primary concerns is the potential threat posed by wind turbines to avian populations, as birds and bats can collide with the rotating blades. This paper critically examines the available research on bird and bat fatalities, considering species-specific vulnerabilities and regional variations. Additionally, the displacement of wildlife due to habitat fragmentation caused by wind farm development is analyzed, emphasizing the importance of preserving ecosystems and mitigating adverse impacts on biodiversity. Solutions to these challenges are explored through a comprehensive lens, addressing both technological and policy-driven interventions. Innovations such as radar-based monitoring systems, blade design modifications, and strategic placement of wind turbines are discussed as means to minimize the risk to wildlife. Furthermore, the importance of robust environmental impact assessments and comprehensive planning is highlighted to ensure sustainable wind energy development. The review also underscores the significance of collaborative efforts between the renewable energy industry, conservation organizations, and policymakers. Balancing the imperatives of clean energy and wildlife preservation requires a holistic approach that considers ecological sensitivity alongside energy production goals. In conclusion, this critical review provides a nuanced analysis of the challenges associated with the expansion of wind energy and its implications for wildlife conservation. By synthesizing current knowledge and proposing practical solutions, it contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding the imperative to strike a balance between renewable energy goals and the preservation of global biodiversity.

A FUNÇÃO DAS PLANTAS ALIMENTÍCIAS NÃO CONVENCIONAIS (PANCs) NA SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR E SUSTENTABILIDADE: UM ESTUDO NA COMUNIDADE SÃO MILITAO – PA, VALE DO JARI

ABSTRACT This study analyzes the role of Non-Conventional Food Plants (PANCs) in food security and sustainability of the São Militão community in PA, Vale do Jari. The qualitative-quantitative research investigates how these species contribute to food diversification, the strengthening of family farming, and the preservation of biodiversity. Seven species were identified across six botanical families, with an emphasis on wild passion fruit and Brazil nuts. Despite 89.7% of respondents consuming PANCs, only 27.6% can correctly identify them. The study reinforces the need to broaden knowledge about their nutritional and economic benefits, proposing strategies for the inclusion of PANCs in the local production chain and their acceptance in the regional market. Keywords: Family Agriculture. Bioeconomy. Food Biodiversity.

A.A.A. Good Wines WANTED: Blockchain, Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Techniques and Soil Health Assessment for Wine Traceability

The wine industry faces increasing challenges related to authenticity, safety, and sustainability due to recurrent fraud, shifting consumer preferences, and environmental concerns. In this study, as part of the B.I.O.C.E.R.T.O project, we integrated blockchain technology with ultrasonic spectroscopy and soil quality data by using the arthropod-based Soil Biological Quality Index (QBS-ar) to enhance traceability, ensure wine quality, and certify sustainable vineyard practices. Four representative wines from the Marche region (Sangiovese, Maceratino, and two Verdicchio PDO varieties) were analyzed across two vintages (2021 and 2022). Ultrasound spectroscopy demonstrated high sensitivity in distinguishing wines based on ethanol and sugar content, comparably to conventional viscosity-based methods. The QBS-ar index was applied to investigate the soil biodiversity status according to the agricultural management practices applied in each vineyard, reinforcing consumer confidence in environmentally responsible viticulture. By recording these data on a public blockchain, we developed a secure, transparent, and immutable certification system to verify the geographical origin of wines along with their unique characteristics. This is the first study to integrate advanced analytical techniques with blockchain technology for wine traceability, simultaneously addressing counterfeiting, consumer demand for transparency, and biodiversity preservation. Our findings support the applicability of this model to other agri-food sectors, with potential for expansion through additional analytical techniques, such as isotopic analysis and further agroecosystem sustainability indicators.