Sustainable Conservation Practices Research Articles

Unleashing the Potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools in Phytogeographical studies

Phytogeography, the study of the geographic distribution of plants, is important for understanding ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and ecological processes. Over the past few years, advances in technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), have revolutionized various scientific fields, including ecology and environmental science. In recent years, AI techniques have been increasingly applied in phytogeography, providing new opportunities to increase our understanding of plant distribution patterns and improve conservation efforts. The study of the role of artificial intelligence in phytogeography focuses on how AI techniques such as machine learning, remote sensing, and spatial analysis are being used to analyse large-scale plant distribution data. By leveraging AI, researchers can gain valuable insights from vast and complex datasets, identify patterns and predict future changes in plant distributions with greater accuracy. Furthermore, AI-driven approaches have the potential to address important challenges in phytogeography, such as species distribution modelling, habitat mapping, and biodiversity conservation. By integrating AI with traditional ecological methods, more effective strategies can be developed to manage and conserve plant species and their habitats. AI-driven phytogeography research, provides an overview of recent progress, discusses potential applications of AI techniques in ecological studies, and the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of AI in understanding and conserving plant biodiversity. Ultimately, the integration of AI with phytogeography has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of plant distributions and inform more sustainable conservation practices in the face of global environmental change.

APPLICATION OF CHOICE EXPERIMENT METHOD IN PROTECTED AREA: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Research on the application of the Choice Experiment (CE) method in protected areas has garnered increasing attention as a result of its efficacy in understanding complex socio-economic factors influencing conservation decision-making. However, a comprehensive and thorough analysis of the research landscape in this field has been scarce. This research aims to address the gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis to explore trends, key contributors, and thematic focuses in applying the CE method in protected areas. Using Scopus Analyser and VOSviewer software, data was analysed to answer seven research questions: (1) Research trends in the CE method as per the publication year, (2) type of documents by the subject of research, (3) top ten authors as per the citation by research, (4) map of co-authorship about the CE method application, (5) popular keywords associated to the research, (6) co-authorship countries’ collaboration, and (7) network mapping based on citation by source type. Results revealed central figures in collaborative networks, key thematic areas, international collaboration patterns, and influential scholarly outlets. The findings highlight interdisciplinary research, an emphasis on collaboration, and advocate methodological advancements to tackle conservation challenges. It offers compelling evidence of the increasing significance and multidisciplinary character of research employing the CE method in protected areas. This study also contributes to a comprehensive understanding of socio-economic aspects in conservation and management, aiding in evidence-based policy-making and fostering sustainable conservation practices globally.

STRATEGIES FOR NET ZERO CARBON IN SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION PRACTICES FOR HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN MALAYSIA

Heritage buildings have always been essential in improving the quality of the city’s life, especially for the communities living in historical settings. They play a vital part in representing historical, architectural, cultural, political, spiritual, and symbolic values that are passed down to generations. Historical buildings are often considered dilapidated, and due to society's neglect of these, the historical buildings positioned within the oldest parts of the city have deteriorated. Heritage buildings in Malaysia are defined as historical buildings that are protected under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) to preserve tangible cultural heritage. This study intends to identify the Strategies contributing to Net Zero Carbon in Sustainable Conservation Practices for Historical Buildings in Malaysia. The research primarily focused on Conservation Architects and Heritage Professionals, with data being collected through semi-structured interviews and subsequently subjected to Thematic Analysis Matrix. The objective was to propose a set of recommendations for sustainable practices in the conservation of heritage buildings in Malaysia, aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions. This endeavour was aimed at advancing the discourse on Net Zero Carbon in Historical Buildings and fostering public awareness regarding the significance of these architectural treasures.

Local community perceptions on the conservation of hornbill (Family Bucerotidae) in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Kurniawan FH, Rahmansyah R, Rahman A, Hardiyanti, Kurniawan J, Putra ID, Hadiprakarsa Y. 2024. Local community perceptions on the conservation of hornbill (Family Bucerotidae) in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1702-1710. Effective wildlife conservation strategies must consider local community perceptions to develop effective actions. This study explored community attitudes toward hornbill conservation in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Between November 2018 and August 2019, we interviewed 513 respondents in ten villages in Kapuas Hulu District, West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. We collected data on respondent’s demographics, socioeconomic status, human-forest interactions, animal hunting trends, knowledge of hornbill, hornbill hunting, and hornbill-cultural knowledge. Most respondents were Dayak, relying on the forest for farming and harvesting for subsistence and commercial purposes. Seven out of eight Kalimantan hornbill species are targeted for hunting, with Helmeted hornbills being the most targeted species (80%) in the past five years. In addition, 12% of respondents reported hunting hornbills for food. Our result suggests that hunting is related to socioeconomic conditions, given that a significant proportion of respondents had no steady income (56%) and limited economic resources as farmers (38%), and a significant portion was unemployed (46%). A decline in the cultural value of hornbills was also recorded, with 61% of respondents did not know about it. The respondents who know, generally only understand the hornbill utilization in the traditional ornament matter and lost the sacred value. Additionally, in this study, cultural narratives were successfully recorded by some older respondents who were aware of the cultural value of hornbills from age >55 years old (27%). Hornbill ecotourism is suggested to enhance and fortify the socioeconomic well-being of sustainable conservation practices and mitigate the unsustainable use of hornbill. To enhance public awareness, we suggest conducting conservation education activities and awareness campaigns targeted at individuals within the age <35 years old, where a majority of respondents at these ages (45%) are unaware of the cultural value of hornbills. A community-based hornbill monitoring program is also recommended to raise public awareness, although funding for this aspect is currently very limited.

Critical Analysis of Restoration Practices Against Rising Damp

The restoration of architectural heritage from rising damp is a complex technical and scientific challenge. The paper illustrates a comprehensive approach to address this issue. It highlights critical information gaps and specific topics that need further investigation in the state of the art and current practices. The research methodology adopts a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to the restoration process with the integration of historical investigation, knowledge of building elements and materials, non-invasive diagnostics for identifying degradation phenomena, methods and materials for restoration, and long-term monitoring. The research activity is part of a broader project aimed at establishing operational protocols with advanced technologies for the planned and preventive maintenance of architectural heritage. The outcome will be a digital platform, an open-access tool to support integrated building design and conservation, ensuring sustainable conservation practices to managing rising damp and related issues. The paper focuses on the restoration processes of two significant case studies: the Church of San Gennaro in Capannori (Lucca) and the Church of San Giuseppe in Rosate (Milano). The research results provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and durability of different intervention methods. Moreover, the critical analysis facilitates the choice of best practices for sustainable building heritage conservation.

The Reformation of National and International Policy on Ancient Trees

Following Brexit, the UK has an opportunity to reform its environmental policies. Previously, the UK was locked into EU legislative frameworks, and while many principles of these regulatory structures remain, such as the notion of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), the models for environmental assets and services are undergoing significant change. Specifically, the climate crisis necessitates the adoption of novel approaches to valuing natural resources. Through fieldwork at an SAC in England, I will examine some of the implications of these policy shifts on ancient tree conservation, and how tree valuation is changing as a result. This scholarship primarily aims to trace the evolving landscape of national and international policies concerning ancient tree conservation in the UK. It assesses the grounded outcomes of policy reforms, and provides nuanced insights into their implementation, shedding light on broader implications for ancient trees across social, political, and scientific domains. In order to contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable conservation practices, this work builds on existing discourses and attempts to address whether or not new environmental policies and models foster or detract from collaboration between human and non-human worlds.

Human Rights-Based Conservation: The Integral Role of Human Rights Director in the Conservation Sector

Historically, many conservation organizations operated without a dedicated focus on human rights, lacking a systematic approach to ensure compliance with global human rights standards. This oversight led to practices that inadvertently disregarded fundamental human rights principles. Recognizing the pivotal role of communities and Indigenous rights in resource management, there has been a paradigm shift. Conservation organizations now acknowledge the need for a Human Rights Director, a role catalysing a community-centric approach and aligning initiatives with human rights principles. While this shift is in its early stages, it signifies a crucial step towards more responsible and sustainable conservation practices. The Human Rights Director, often underestimated, plays a vital role in navigating the delicate balance between biodiversity conservation and community well-being. This paper explores the responsibilities, challenges, and impact of individuals in this position, emphasizing their role as stewards of ethical practices and advocates for social justice. Through a comprehensive review, case studies and best practices, the paper sheds light on the intricate intersections of human rights and conservation. It underscores the indispensable contributions of Human Rights Directors and their teams to conscientious and sustainable conservation strategies. The discussion contributes to the broader discourse on the synergies between human rights advocacy and effective conservation, emphasizing the imperative for organizations to prioritize the creation of a Human Rights unit. This unit can empower teams to achieve socially responsible conservation outcomes, marking a transformative journey towards ethical conservation practices.

Enhancing Conservation Communication: Using Digital Literacy to Address the Misunderstanding of Southern Africa’s Sustainable Use Approach in Western Settings

Effective communication and digital literacy are crucial for addressing misunderstandings about the Southern African approach to sustainable use in Western settings. This paper highlights the need to enhance conservation communication and explores the role of digital communication in bridging the gap between the Southern African approach and Western conservation paradigms. The Southern African emphasis on community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) and sustainable wildlife use for both conservation and economic purposes often faces misinterpretation and scepticism in Western societies that prioritize preservation and non-consumptive use. By analysing literature, case studies, and communication strategies, this study identifies the challenges stemming from cultural biases, differing conservation ideologies, and limited understanding of the Southern African context. It investigates the significance of digital literacy in overcoming these challenges by promoting the development of technology skills among conservation practitioners and members of communities coexisting with wildlife, equipping them with relevant digital tools, promoting information sharing, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and engaging diverse stakeholders through digital platforms. The paper stresses the significance of utilizing diverse communication channels (including social media, online forums, websites, campaigns, multimedia tools, and educational resources) to share accurate and culturally sensitive information about the Southern African approach. It highlights the necessity for tailored communication strategies that consider the distinct needs and values of various audiences, incorporating digital approaches involving active listening, dialogue, and the integration of local knowledge. This study promotes the development of inclusive and accessible spaces through improved digital literacy and effective communication strategies. It advocates for mutual understanding and collaboration between Western and Southern African conservation practitioners, stakeholders, and decision-makers. By leveraging digital platforms and enhancing communication competencies, the Southern African approach can be better comprehended within Western settings, fostering sustainable conservation practices and nurturing collaborative partnerships in conservation initiatives.

Assessment of Carbon Sequestration in Private Forests across Two Different Physiographic Regions of Nepal: Implications for Conservation and Climate Change Mitigation

Private forests offer diverse ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, which are crucial for Nepal. However, there is a notable absence of comprehensive research on these services. Assessing carbon sequestration in private forests can have economic advantages for forest owners by promoting resource conservation and contributing to greenhouse gas reduction. This study aims to estimate and compare carbon stocks in private forests located in two distinct physiographic regions of Nepal while also identifying the factors influencing these carbon stocks. The analysis focuses on 16 private forests (with 0.1 to 0.5 hectares) each from Chitwan district (Terai region) and Kavrepalanchok district (Hilly region). Field data collection involved direct measurements of tree and sapling diameter at breast height (DBH), as well as height and class of trees and poles, utilizing a total enumeration method. These collected values were utilized to calculate aboveground biomass (AGTB), aboveground sapling biomass (AGSB), belowground biomass, and carbon stock. Private forests of Terai region were dominated by Shorea borneensis, Tectona grandis, and Dalbergia sissoo, whereas the Hilly region was dominated by Pinus patula, Alnus nepalensis, Schima wallichii, and Quercus leucotrichophora. The aboveground biomass carbon in the Terai region’s private forests was estimated to be 83.53 t·ha−1, while in the Hilly region, it was 37.32 t·ha−1. The belowground biomass carbon in the Terai region’s private forests was found to be 21.72 t·ha−1, compared to 9.70 t·ha−1 in the Hilly region. Consequently, the estimated total carbon stock in the Terai and Hilly regions’ private forests was 105.25 t·ha−1 (386.26 t·ha−1 CO2-eq) and 47.02 t·ha−1 (172.57 t·ha−1 CO2-eq), respectively. Carbon sequestration in the Terai region’s private forests was discovered to be 2.24 times higher than that in the Hilly region. These findings underscore the significant potential of private forests, which can generate economic benefits through carbon trading and leverage mechanisms such as REDD+/CDM to promote sustainable conservation practices.

Evaluating soil erosion and determinants of farmers’ adoption of soil and water conservation measures in the Offa district, southern Ethiopia

Soil erosion is a significant environmental problem worldwide, particularly in developing countries agricultural area where it can lead to reduced soil fertility, decreased crop productivity, and even land degradation. This study explores the prevalence of soil erosion in the Wolaita area and the factors that hinder or promote the implementation of soil and water management (SWC) practices by farmers. Despite significant investment by the local government, the adoption rate of these practices remains low. Data from cross-sectional surveys were gathered from primary and secondary sources and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study involved 378 sample households, including both adopters and non-adopters of soil and water conservation measures. A multinomial logistic regression model was utilized to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of physical conservation measures. The study found that most local farmers perceived soil erosion rates are high (43.54 %) and increasing. Some respondents had a medium perception (22.96 %) while others had a low perception (17.72 %). The results revealed that education, farm size, family size, livestock ownership, contact with extension workers, farming experiences, and land tenure security all positively and significantly influenced the adoption of conservation measures. The findings highlight the importance of sustainable conservation practices, comprehensive education and training for farmers, and the establishment of strong local institutions for credit accessibility and extension services. Additionally, fostering connections and knowledge-sharing among farm communities can enhance the adoption of soil and water conservation measures. The outcomes of this study will provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and farmers to develop effective strategies to combat soil erosion and promote sustainable agriculture practices in the region. Overall, this study suggests that the local government and stakeholders must prioritize these strategies to address the critical issue of soil erosion in the Wolaita area.

Abundance and habitat suitability of Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis, Schneider 1801) in Phetchaburi River, Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand

Abstract. Chanpradub K, Pattanawibool A, Saisamorn A, Bhumpakphan N, Chanthana S, Thongsong C, Ouansing Y, Suksawate W, Sukmasuang R. 2023. Abundance and habitat suitability of Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis, Schneider 1801) in Phetchaburi River, Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand. Biodiversitas 24: 4755-4765. The Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis, Schneider 1801) is one of the critically endangered species with a remnant population reported in Kaeng Krachan National Park. This study aimed to investigate Siamese crocodiles' abundance and habitats along the Phetchaburi River. Thirteen rafting trips from December 2021 to July 2023 were conducted at a total distance of 315 kilometers, recording 68 encounters with an encounter rate of 0.22 per kilometer. It was estimated that the population size of Siamese crocodiles was four individuals. Environmental factors that influenced crocodile distribution, with slope, elevation, forest types, cumulative flow rates upstream, and land use patterns, were identified. These findings underscore the significance of the Phetchaburi River area for freshwater crocodile conservation, as indicated by a highly reliable model with a reliable score of 0.99±0.02. Important recommendations include habitat protection, development of a crocodile threat surveillance system, ongoing population studies, and community involvement, which are essential for sustainable conservation practices, public awareness campaigns, captive breeding and reintroduction programs, and population restoration efforts. This research provides valuable insights into the habitats and environmental factors impacting Siamese crocodiles, highlighting the critical role of preserving Kaeng Krachan National Park as an important habitat for this species.

Analyzing The Ecotourism Impact Of The Mangrove Forest On The Welfare Of Kampung Nelayan In Langsa City

This Research analyzed the impact of mangrove forest ecotourism on the welfare of Kampung Nelayan in Langsa City, Indonesia. Mangrove forests provide ecological and economic benefits, making their preservation crucial. Ecotourism serves as an alternative for utilizing mangrove ecosystems, particularly in the Kuala Langsa Village area. Combining qualitative research and IPA analysis, the study examines the supportive and inhibiting factors in mangrove ecotourism development. Internal factors indicate strengths in sustainable conservation practices and support from the city government and relevant agencies. However, weaknesses such as inadequate tourism facilities and supervision hinder development. Opportunities lie in the availability of new tourist destinations, while threats include inadequate road infrastructure and competition within the tourism sector. Overall, the research highlights the importance of preserving mangrove ecosystems and emphasizes the need for sustainable conservation practices and support from local authorities. Addressing infrastructure challenges can enhance the success of mangrove ecotourism in Langsa City.

FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF AGROFORESTRY FARMING SYSTEM AS A MEANS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION METHOD IN JERE LGA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Farmers were exposed to agroforestry but did not adopt the system due to some perceived factors. However, unless they adopt agroforestry farming system, the potential benefits of the technology for livelihood improvement and sustainable environmental management will not be realized. Thus, this study was carried out to assess the factors influencing adoption of agroforestry farming systems as a means for sustainable environmental conservation method in Jere L.G.A of Borno State. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select the respondents for this study. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents interviewed for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics which include fre­quency distributions, means, and percentages. The ordered logistic regression was used to estimate the factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry as a means of sustainable conservation practices by farmers in the study area. The result revealed that majority of the farmers were aware of agroforestry mostly through their farmers’ association. The major factors that positively influenced adoption of agroforestry include gender, household size, extension services and farming experience. Despite the numerous benefits of agroforestry to environmental conservation, farmers were constrained by land fragmentation possibly due to inheritance, inadequate nurseries where seeds/seedlings can be accessed, inadequate incentives and poor government policies, poor access to extension services, inadequate capital, long gestation period of trees, damage caused by animals/humans, limited use of machineries and unavailability of labour. It was recommended that land fragmentation should be discouraged, extension services, seedlings and incentives should also be provided to farmers in the study area to encourage and motivate them to go into agroforestry farming to sustain environmental conservation in the area.

Managing State Parks in Brazil: Strategies for Resolving Conflicts and Promoting Sustainable Conservation Practices

This opinion article examines the challenges associated with State Parks management in Brazil and the resolution of conflicts that arise between managers and local communities. Through a comprehensive and collaborative approach, we highlight the importance of understanding the social, cultural and historical contexts in which these conflicts occur. Introduction: We aim to critically analyze the management challenges of State Parks in Brazil, with a specific focus on conflicts with the surrounding population. Methods: This opinion article is based on the existing literature to analyze the constant conflicts in the management of State Parks in Brazil. We explore factors that contribute to these conflicts, such as differing interests, values and expectations. Results: Our analysis highlights the complexities of conflicts between park managers and local communities in Brazil. We present practical strategies for dealing with these conflicts, such as participatory decision-making processes, training staff and local communities, and strengthening partnerships between park managers and local stakeholders. In this way, we identify possible solutions to resolve these conflicts and promote sustainable and effective conservation practices. Conclusions: The management of State Parks in Brazil requires a differentiated understanding of the social, cultural and historical context in which these parks are inserted. We propose that incorporating participatory decision-making processes, empowering park staff and local communities, and strengthening partnerships can facilitate effective conflict resolution and sustainable conservation practices. Our findings have implications for protected area management around the world and highlight the need for further research in this area.

Beekeeping promotes the traditional home-garden conservation in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, agrobiodiversity is managed through indigenous knowledge of rural communities, where the selection of plant species varies depending on the sociocultural practices and local economic needs. Traditional beekeeping has been practiced by millions of households in rural Ethiopia over a long historical period. However, the contribution of beekeeping in maintaining agrobiodiversity has not been systematically assessed in the country. This study was conducted in Central and Western Ethiopia to assess and compare traditional conservation practices, as well as the diversity and abundance of vegetation found within home-garden maintained by beekeepers and non-beekeepers. The results of the study showed that beekeepers raditionally retain more remnants of trees and shrubs in their home-garden to favor sustainable beekeeping, compared to non-beekeepers who instead are more likely to expand crop production. The mean number of floral species in beekeeper and non-beekeeper home-gardens was 22.8 ±3.2 and 14.2 ± 2.1, respectively. The higher species richness of bee visited plants in beekeepers’ home-gardens may be associated with traditional ecological knowledge accumulated by beekeepers over the years to maximize harvests of bee products. We therefore recommend the integration of ekeeping to other conservation interventions, such as community forestry, watersheds and protected areas as sustainable conservation practices. We suggest that necessary financial, technological, and extensional support should be enhanced to align improved v to any conservation efforts.

Beyond Good Intentions: The Role of the Building Passport for the Sustainable Conservation of Built Heritage to Behavioural Change

Despite the recognised importance of built heritage for sustainable development, and the multiple tools, recommendations, guidelines, and policies developed in recent years to support decision-making, good sustainable conservation practices often fail to be implemented. Challenges faced by practitioners often relate to external factors, and there is a gap in the understanding of the role of the nature of the designer and the behavioural dimension of the challenges in implementation. This research applies the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to verify how a building passport for sustainable conservation (BPSC) impacts design students’ intentions and actual design decisions towards built heritage conservation. This research aims to ascertain the role of the BPSC to affect attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions and ultimately change conservation behaviours. The results show that this tool has a positive contribution to reinforce existing attitudinal beliefs. Still, no significant changes were found in the overall conservation behaviours, suggesting that beliefs hindering implementation may more often be related to aesthetic reasons, creativity and innovation, and program requirements, than with beliefs regarding the sustainable performance of the building. This study demonstrates that using the TPB to analyse design processes in the context of built heritage is an innovative methodological approach that contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological factors affecting sustainability and built heritage conservation decisions.

Conservation Values and Actor Networks that Shape the Adams River Salmon Run in Tsútswecw Provincial Park, British Columbia

Sockeye salmon are deemed essential to life by Secwépemc Indigenous communities living near the Adams River in South Central British Columbia (BC). They are also an ecological keystone species and a significant contributor to the BC economy. However, salmon populations are in decline throughout the Pacific Northwest, putting communities, economies and ecosystems at risk. Using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as a lens, we identify the network of actors connected to the Adams River salmon run, examine actor relationships, and consider the impacts these relations have on sustainable conservation practices. We use a community-based participatory research methodology and interviews to investigate the complexity of stakeholder relationships to wild Pacific salmon in BC. Based on our results, there is strong evidence to suggest that localized approaches to salmon conservation, ones guided by local experience and knowledge, are critical to developing inclusive and effective policies.

Attitudes matter: Measuring the intention-behaviour gap in built heritage conservation

This research applies the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to measure the gap between designers’ intentions towards heritage conservation and the actual design decisions. It aims at contributing to identify which psychological constructs (attitude, norm, perception of control) are hindering the implementation of sustainable conservation approaches in practice. The results suggest that attitudes have a significant correlation with performed behaviour, and that norms, despite impacting intentions, do not necessarily correlate with the performed actions. Using the TPB to analyse designers' behaviours is an innovative methodological approach that opens new possibilities for the design of interventions targeting behavioural change towards the implementation of sustainable conservation practices in built heritage.

Going beyond Good Intentions for the Sustainable Conservation of Built Heritage: A Systematic Literature Review

This research addresses the performance gap between intentions towards a sustainable conservation of built heritage and its actual implementation. Socio-psychological models of human behaviour, such as the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), have been studying this dissonance between intention and behaviour, and allow to recognise latent critical factors. This paper provides a systematic literature review of research publications on the intersection of the topics of human behaviour, heritage, and sustainability. It aims to analyse how the TPB has been used in the field of sustainable conservation of built heritage. The studies are categorised according to the type of heritage, main actors targeted, aims, and methodology. A total of 140 publications were analysed. The results show a recent field of research. In the domain of built heritage conservation, behaviour is commonly addressed as a synonym of performance, targeting the building itself. Most publications relating socio-psychological constructs of behaviour and heritage sustainability can be found in the tourism and hospitality field, focusing on tourists’ and residents’ behaviours. The review shows that practitioners are still absent from the literature. However, research addressing other stakeholders shows that the theoretical framework can play an important role in the implementation of sustainable conservation practices in the built heritage.

Assessment of deforestation impact on soil erosion in loess formation using 137Cs method (case study: Golestan Province, Iran)

Golestan, a province in the North-East of Iran, is characterized by high coverage of loess deposits. Since 1963, the area has experienced approximately 200,000 ha deforestation due to land-use changes in agriculture and increasing demand for wood. Approximately, 110,000 ha of the clear-cut lands are under dry-farming, mainly for wheat cropping, and about 86,000 ha have been reforested. This IAEA funded project is the first attempt to use nuclear techniques in the East of Hircanian Forest for determination of on-site impacts of deforestation due to two land-use changes (i.e. dry farming and reforestation). Practicing long-term dry-farming led to 60% soil losses with a mean rate of 2 mm per year. The net erosion rate of croplands on loess deposits in the study area was 32.27 t ha−1 yr−1. Reforestation, cultivation of even-aged Cypress trees since 1993, showed 13 to 60 percent effectiveness in soil conservation. Dry-farming land use resulted in the loss of 95 t ha−1 soil organic carbon (SOC) stock at a mean rate of 1.7 t ha−1 over 54 years. Cultivating Cypress trees successfully restored the SOC content by 100% compared with the SOC in original forests. The conversion of dry-farming lands to orchards of olive trees since 2004, brought more income for farmers but were less effective in soil conservation because of low canopy cover of olive trees. Our data provide key information and guidance for land users and decision-makers about implementing strategic and sustainable conservation practices to restore degraded land.