Sustainable Use Of Natural Resources Research Articles

Achieving conservation through cattle ranching: The case of the Brazilian Pantanal

AbstractCattle ranching in the ~140,000 km2 Brazilian Pantanal is considered one of the most important cases of sustainable use of natural resources in the global south. The region has had a successful history of balancing environmental protection with the production of >3.8 million cattle. However, global change, infrastructure projects, and deforestation, threaten the sustainable use of the Pantanal. Here, using Ostrom's design principles as a framework, we interviewed 49 local stakeholders and conducted a review of secondary information aiming to evaluate the sustainability of cattle ranching practices across the region and the threats to it. We show that well‐defined property boundaries, congruence between appropriation and provision rules through low‐intensity cattle ranching, and co‐management of resources, are all key components for achieving sustainability in the Pantanal. However, we documented shortcomings in satisfying critical aspects of Orstrom's design principles. Specifically, we argue that the Pantanal needs better biodiversity and behavior monitoring, the creation of platforms or mechanisms to solve local conflicts around resource access and use, recognition by governments and international bodies of the local efforts to promote local sustainability, and the creation of networks effectively connecting existing sustainability initiatives.

Anisotropy in particle orientation controls water diffusion in clay materials

Clay minerals are used in a wide number of natural or artificial materials for municipal or nuclear waste management in which water diffusion is the principal transfer process. However, a quantitative assessment of the impact of the preferred orientation of lamellar clay particles on water diffusion is still lacking. Using 3D Brownian dynamics simulation on representative virtual clay porous media, a systematic study of water diffusion for single-porosity (illite or kaolinite) and dual-porosity (vermiculite) systems was conducted. The simulated water diffusion coefficients were validated through comparison with experiments and were used to build an Archie model including the degree of anisotropy in particle orientation. The results showed that water diffusion can be predicted based on a correct description of the solid phase organization and that clay particle orientation, such as interparticle porosity, is a primary parameter governing water mobility. Moreover, the anisotropy of water diffusion can be linked to the degree of particle preferred orientation, irrespective of the porosity value. The modified version of the Archie model for water diffusion in clay systems proposed here has many potential applications where decoupling of porosity and preferred orientation is needed, including better prediction of water transfers or improved designs of clay liners with sustainable use of natural mineral resources.

Assessment and cultural ecosystem service mapping in mountain protected areas – “Pirin” National park

The assessment and mapping of ecosystems and their services is considered an important action that effectively contributes to proper understanding of how ecosystems support human well-being, and furthermore – to promote the sustainable use of natural resources. The diversity of cultural landscapes, especially in mountain areas, is a significant prerequisite for a variety of cultural ecosystem services that are valuable for the society. This evaluation is the basis for environmental management practices and policymaking. The study presents an approach for assessment and mapping of cultural ecosystem service (CES) “Cultural heritage” that is recognised as important and is provided by mountain protected areas (PAs) in “Pirin” National Park. The data from the Management Plan of “Pirin” NP were used for characterization and biophysical assessment of the condition of forest ecosystems and their potential to provide CESs. The analysis of the results revealed that the conservation regime allowed the territories to preserve a high degree of naturalness and a very good ecological condition as 94.80% of forest ecosystems are assessed with score 4 –“good” condition and 0.44% are with “very good” condition – score 5. The majority of forest ecosystems with “very good” ecological condition are Pinus peuce forests, located mainly on the territory of the reserves “Bayuvi Dupki- Dzhindzhiritsa” and “Yulen”, proving the importance of the protective regime of the territories. Forest ecosystems with average and high capacity to provide ES "Cultural heritage" prevailed, which is consistent with well-preserved and unique nature, the diversity of landscapes, and species richness. Considerable areas were assessed with score 5 – very high capacity, mostly on the territory of the reserves “Bayuvi Dupki- Dzhindzhiritsa” and “Yulen”, and at the foothill of the huts.

Identifying opportunities for transboundary conservation in Africa

The conservation of natural and cultural resources shared between countries is a significant challenge that can be addressed through the establishment of transboundary conservation areas (TBCAs). TBCAs enable countries to harmonize cross-border governance and management, increase protected area (PA) coverage, and strengthen relationships between neighbouring countries and communities. In Africa, many ecosystems and species ranges span multiple countries, making TBCAs a crucial tool for biodiversity conservation. However, there is a lack of research on where TBCAs can be established or need to be established. To address this gap, we conducted a study to identify opportunities for establishing TBCAs in Africa. We first compiled an up-to-date list of existing TBCAs on the continent. Then, we identified potential TBCAs by identifying protected areas next to country borders that are adjacent to other protected areas in a neighbouring country. We also evaluated the functional connectivity between these PA pairs and prioritized potential TBCAs based on size, connectivity, and ease of establishment. We identified 27 existing TBCAs and 8,481 potential TBCAs in Africa composed of various possible combinations of 2,326 individual PAs. Our results provide a baseline of existing TBCAs and offer a better understanding of where transboundary conservation might be established or strengthened. We also highlight areas where future transboundary conservation efforts could safeguard PA connectivity. This information can guide policy and decision-making processes towards promoting conservation and sustainable use of natural and cultural resources shared between countries in Africa.

Mediterranean Plants as Potential Source of Biopesticides: An Overview of Current Research and Future Trends.

The development and implementation of safe natural alternatives to synthetic pesticides are urgent needs that will provide ecological solutions for the control of plant diseases, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, pests, and weeds to ensure the economic stability of farmers and food security, as well as protection of the environment and human health. Unambiguously, production of botanical pesticides will allow for the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources and finally decrease the use of chemical inputs and burden. This is further underlined by the strict regulations on pesticide residues in agricultural products and is in harmony with the Farm to Fork strategy, which aims to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030. Thus, the present work aims to compile the scientific knowledge of the last 5 years (2017-February 2023) regarding the Mediterranean plants that present biopesticidal effects. The literature review revealed 40 families of Mediterranean plants with at least one species that have been investigated as potential biopesticides. However, only six families had the highest number of species, and they were reviewed comprehensively in this study. Following a systematic approach, the extraction methods, chemical composition, biopesticidal activity, and commonly used assays for evaluating the antimicrobial, pesticidal, repellant, and herbicidal activity of plant extracts, as well as the toxicological and safety aspects of biopesticide formulation, are discussed in detail. Finally, the aspects that have not yet been investigated or are under-investigated and future perspectives are highlighted.

State-of-the-art technologies for remote sensing of crops water status and nutrients in agriculture: A review

The research relevance is predetermined by the need to introduce effective methods and tools for monitoring water resources and tracking soil nutrient levels to improve agricultural production and sustainable use of natural resources. The research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest technologies and techniques used in RS for accurately assessing water status and nutrient levels in crops, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. The latest advancements in remote sensing techniques that enable precise monitoring and assessment of water levels and nutrient conditions in crops, crucial for optimizing agricultural practices, were studied. The literature research was conducted by adapting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Methods. The current study provides an overview of RS technology, with a special focus on establishing crops’ water and nutrient status in agriculture. A thorough review of research focused on the applications and technologies of RS in agriculture, using a broad-to-narrow approach, was also conducted. The scientific studies analysed provide the following: RS crops on a large scale level, RS crops on a field level, RS crops on a greenhouse level, RS on a plant level and RS on a leaf level. Current cutting-edge technologies are also presented. The findings of this study could be beneficial to those involved in sustainable agriculture, such as researchers, academics, and aspiring students

Drivers of Forest cover changes in and around Jorgo Wato Forest, West Wallagga, Oromia, Ethiopia

Identifying the drivers of forest cover change is necessary information for planning sustainable use of natural resources. A study was conducted to identify the major drivers of forest covers changes in and around Jorgo Wato forest, West Wallagga Zone of Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. Purposive and random sampling selection of 120 household's interviews and 12 focus group discussions were used in this study. Agricultural expansion (especially coffee plantation), fuel wood extraction, wood for construction, logging (illegal), insecure tenure and use right, weak institutional performance, population growth and density were among the identified direct and indirect drivers of forest cover changes in the study area. Enhancing benefit sharing of the communities from forests/forest products is the main motivation for protection and sustainable management.

Digital economy, resource richness, external conflicts, and ecological footprint: Evidence from emerging countries

The overexploitation and unsustainable utilization of important natural resources owing to economic progress have accelerated the negative externalities of overwhelming consumption leading to massive increases in ecological footprint. In addition, the situation of increasing conflicts poses severe challenges, such as energy insecurity, increased fossil fuel use, and environmental unsustainability. However, the transformation of energy systems and economic processes by stimulating clean energy utilization and supporting the process of digitalization may influence resource usage and environmental footprints. Accordingly, this study investigates the impact of natural resources, digital economy and clean energy on ecological footprint in emerging countries from 2003 to 2018 by including external conflicts in the model. The Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG) method is employed which produces panel estimates robust to cross-sectional dependence (CSD) and slope heterogeneity. The empirical results indicate that natural resources expand footprints in emerging economies and pose serious threats to ecological quality. However, the digital economy and clean energy help to reduce ecological footprint. In addition, decreasing conflicts curtail ecological footprint while economic progress worsens environmental quality. Based on these estimates, comprehensive policies for energy transition, sustainable natural resource use, and digitalization are directed to support environmental quality.

Adoption of financial inclusion in a world of depleting natural resources: The importance of information and communication technology in emerging economies

Climate change and declining air quality can dramatically affect human health and ecosystems. The sustainable use of natural resources involves treating them in a way that benefits the entire human population. Considering the importance of information and communication technology in emerging economies from 2004 to 2021, this study investigates the impact of financial inclusion in a world of depleting natural resources. It moderates the effects of macroeconomic indicators such as foreign direct investment, education, consumer price index, technology, and renewable energy consumption. Analyzing the empirical findings, applying advanced econometric methods, and developing comprehensive policy recommendations are part of this study. The results indicate that economic growth, technology, renewable energy consumption, information and communication technology, financial inclusion, foreign direct investment, and the consumer price index are significant at a 1% significance level. However, education is significant at a 5% level of significance. Growth in economic activity, renewable energy consumption, and information and communication technology are all negatively related to natural resources. Natural resources are positively associated with technology, financial inclusion, foreign direct investment, and education in emerging economies. Policymakers in emerging economies should take into consideration the needs of all stakeholders, develop targeted policies, improve the regulatory environment, and prioritize capacity building in order to ensure financial inclusion and sustainable use of natural resources in emerging economies.

Regulation Concept of Optimizing Biodiversity Function due to Climate Change through Biological Insurance

Biological diversity, also known as genetic resources, plays a crucial role in sustaining human existence. Despite its significance, the destruction of these resources continues to persist over time, partly due to the impact of climate change. Numerous mechanisms have been implemented at both international and national levels to address this issue. However, the IUCN Red List indicates that the apprehensive situation persists, with 28% (35,765 species) of known species categorized as threatened with extinction as of 2020. In light of this challenge, an alternative worth considering is the concept of biological insurance, wherein biological or genetic resources become objects of insurance in general. Implementing this approach would require careful adjustments and, more importantly, scientific argumentation to support the idea both legally and economically. By employing normative legal research alongside statute and conceptual approaches, it has become evident that the current environmental insurance available in the market does not adequately protect the uniqueness of biological diversity. To strengthen the protection of biological diversity, it is essential to incorporate the sustainable use of natural resources for the prosperity of people while ensuring their sustainability indefinitely. Developing a comprehensive environmental insurance system would involve proposing a specific set of terms and conditions for biological insurance tailored to its unique characteristics. This approach seeks to safeguard and promote the conservation of biological or genetic diversity effectively.

Importance of fish biodiversity conservation and management

One of the key concerns for enabling the sustainable use of natural resources is biodiversity and its conservation. Fish make up the most varied group of vertebrates and they are considered to be a reliable indication of water pollution. Humans are causing an increasing loss of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems, which is likely to have a detrimental impact on ecosystem functioning, services, and resistance to future environmental change. Overfising from different water bodies is one of the major issues which could affect the aquatic ecosystems. These fishing pressures may alter the development and behaviour of fish, alter the life cycles and productivity of fish, and reduce availability of fish stocks. All ecosystems undergo change, and both the existence and number of species will fluctuate with or without human intervention and this should be taken into account for safeguarding biodiversity. In some of the most biodiverse areas in the globe, patterns and causes of aquatic biodiversity loss are poorly understood. This is concerning because a growing number of development projects, like hydropower dams, could have significant effects on the fish fauna of the associated river systems. Many of these areas are also among the most threatened aquatic system on Earth and have human populations that are heavily dependent on the ecosystem services they provide.

The Impact of a Commercial Biostimulant on the Grape Mycobiota of Vitis vinifera cv. Barbera.

Reducing the use of fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides in order to limit environmental pollution and health risks for agricultural operators and consumers is one of the goals of European regulations. In fact, the European Commission developed a package of measures (the European Green Deal) to promote the sustainable use of natural resources and strengthen the resilience of European agri-food systems. As a consequence, new plant protection products, such as biostimulants, have been proposed as alternatives to agrochemicals. Their application in agroecosystems could potentially open new scenarios regarding the microbiota. In particular, the vineyard microbiota and the microbiota on the grape surface can be affected by biostimulants and lead to different wine features. The aim of this work was to assess the occurrence of a possible variation in the mycobiota due to the biostimulant application. Therefore, our attention has been focused on the yeast community of grape bunches from vines subjected to the phytostimulant BION®50WG treatment. This work was carried out in the CREA-VE experimental vineyard of Vitis vinifera cv. Barbera in Asti (Piedmont, Italy). The composition of fungal communities on grapes from three experimental conditions such as IPM (integrated pest management), IPM+BION®50WG, and IPM+water foliar nebulization was compared by a metabarcoding approach. Our results revealed the magnitude of alpha and beta diversity, and the microbial biodiversity index and specific fungal signatures were highlighted by comparing the abundance of yeast and filamentous fungi in IPM and BION®50WG treatments. No significant differences in the mycobiota of grapevines subjected to the three treatments were detected.

Quantile on Quantile Analysis of Natural resources-growth and geopolitical risk trilemma

The prevailing literature delivers contradictory evidence vis-à-vis the empirical association between economic growth and natural resources and geopolitical risk. Regarding, the current study re-evaluate the nexus between these variables in China throughout 1985M1-2022M4. Using the Bayer-Hanck combined cointegration test, the variables are found cointegrated. Due asymmetrical data distribution, this study employed the novel Quantile-on-Quantile regression and explores the optimistic impact of natural resources on economic growth. Hence, this study validates the resource-growth assumption in the country. On the other hand, the predicted results asserted that geopolitical risk has a mixed influence on economic growth. The positive and negative impacts are evident in medium and “lower and upper” quantiles, respectively. Further, this research acknowledged the two-way causal association between the study variables. Based on the empirics, this research recommends the sustainable extraction and use of natural resources and the stability of political and economic risks in the country.

Assessing the environmental effects of the supporting policies for mineral resource-exhausted cities in China

Slowing down the exhaustion of energy and mineral resources in resource-depleted cities and the development of pillar industries and energy restructuring in these cities have become the cores for achieving the sustainable use of natural resources and the long-term development of the environment. Therefore, this paper focuses on the environmental impacts of the supporting policies for mineral resource-exhausted cities by using a multi-period difference-in-differences model with the adoption of the panel data of Chinese 285 cities scanning from 2003 to 2018. The results showed that the supporting policies had stimulated environmental pollution in Chinese municipalities in the form of increased emissions of environmental pollutants. Specifically, the supporting policies for mineral resource-exhausted cities have a more pronounced impact on the aggravation of environmental pollution in areas with high resource endowments. The effect of heterogeneity among cities in different geographical regions is partially established. Further analysis of the influencing mechanism suggests that higher electricity inputs increase local construction costs and put pressure on environmental pollution. At the same time, China's industrial transformation from the extensive model to the intensive model still has a long way to go, which could break up the traditional dependence fundamentally. This study not only has theoretical values for the academia, but also has important practical implications for promoting the sustainable management of similar developing countries on the sustainable use of resources, and balancing the conflict between economic growth and natural resource conservation, especially in the post COVID-19 era.

Strategies to Manage Ecotourism Sustainably: Insights from a SWOT-ANP Analysis and IUCN Guidelines

Protected areas are prime areas for ecotourism development, attracting large numbers of visitors to an abundance of ecologically significant and often sensitive flora and fauna. The current study identified adverse impacts of ecotourism in four prominent tourist hotspots in Iran, namely Lar National Park, Jajrud Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources, Tangeh Vashi National Natural Monument, and Kavdeh Wildlife Refuge. Impacts were compared against the IUCN guidelines according to the degree of ecological sensitivity and multiple managerial objectives. In addition, an analytic network process (ANP) was applied within a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to identify optimal strategies for reducing threats and weaknesses and improving opportunities and strengths for sustainable ecotourism management. We found the greatest negative impacts of ecotourism in a Jajrud that was exposed to rapidly expanding urbanisation and the corresponding development of economic and physical activities. Conversely, the least negative impact occurred in a national park (Lar) that was managed based on conservation approaches, accounting for high ecological sensitivities, and adapting legal prohibitions. The SWOT-ANP analysis demonstrates that certain strategies can minimise impacts and should be adopted as conservation tools by protected area managers and land planners.

A possible legal framework for the exploitation of natural resources by non-State armed groups

AbstractThe law of belligerent occupation permits the Occupying Power to administer and use the natural resources in the occupied territory under the rules of usufruct. This provision has no counterpart in the provisions of humanitarian law applicable to non-international armed conflicts, which may suggest that any exploitation of natural resources by non-State armed groups is illegal. The International Committee of the Red Cross's updated 2020 Guidelines on the Protection of the Environment in Armed Conflict did not touch on this issue, and nor did the International Law Commission in its 2022 Draft Principles on the Protection of the Environment in Relation to Armed Conflicts, where it applied the notion of sustainable use of natural resources instead of usufruct. The present paper aims to fill this gap. It first reviews the development of the concept of usufruct and then studies whether the current international law entitles non-State armed groups with de facto control over a territory to exploit natural resources. By delving into the proposals raised by some commentators to justify such exploitation for the purpose of administering the daily life of civilian populations, the paper advocates for a limited version of this formula as the appropriate lex ferenda. In the final section, the paper discusses how situations of disaster, as circumstances which may preclude the wrongfulness of the act, may justify the exploitation of natural resources by non-State armed groups in the current international legal order.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover through Physical–Hydraulic Indices: Insights in the São Francisco River Transboundary Region, Brazilian Semiarid Area

This article presents a study on the spatiotemporal dynamics of land cover and use, vegetation indices, and water content in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil. This study is based on an analysis of satellite images from the years 2016, 2018, and 2019 using the MapBiomas platform. The results show changes in the predominant land cover classes over time, with an increase in the caatinga area and a decrease in the pasture area. An analysis of the vegetation indices (NDVI and LAI) indicated low vegetation cover and biomass in the study area, with a slight increase in the NDVI in 2018. An analysis of the Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) showed that the water content in the study area was generally low, with no significant variations over time. An increase in the water bodies, mainly due to the construction of a reservoir, was noted. The results of this study have provided important information for natural resource management in the region, including the development of strategies for the sustainable use and management of natural resources, particularly water resources, vegetation cover, and soil conservation.

Surface runoff and soil erosion from Nitisols and Ferralsols as influenced by different soil organic carbon levels under simulated rainfall conditions

Soil erosion poses a challenge to the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources, particularly in relation to agricultural production. The study aimed to assess the influence of different soil organic carbon (SOC) levels on runoff and soil erosion under varying levels of rainfall intensity. The study was conducted in pre-selected farmers' fields representing low, moderate and adequate SOC levels in Nitisols and Ferralsols. Two parallel experiments were set up in each type of soil using a split-plot layout arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design. The main plots were the different soil organic carbon levels while the sub-plots were the different simulated rainfall intensities. Rainfall simulation was then conducted to determine runoff and sediment losses on each soil type. The simulation was done using a land type sprinkler nozzle rainfall simulator (460 788 type) in an experimental plot of 1 m2, fenced with corrugated iron sheets with a small opening left for runoff collection. Runoff and sediment losses were determined from the volume collected in the jar. The data was subjected to analysis of variance and significant mean differences were determined using Tukey’s Honest Test at a 95% confidence level. Pearson correlation was applied to assess the relationship between runoff volume and sediment loss. The results showed that Ferralsols recorded significantly higher runoff and sediment losses compared to Nitisols, by 60.27% and 53.14% respectively. However, adequate SOC level portrayed a significant effect in reducing erosion in both soil types, where it reduced runoff and sediment loss by 45.30% and 48.38% in Ferralsols and by 65.31% and 48.22% in Nitisols, respectively. In both soil types, runoff yield was positively correlated to rainfall intensity while sediment yield was inversely correlated with SOC levels. Therefore, the study recommends incorporation of organic matter to adequate levels in both soils, for reduced soil erosion.

A comprehensive checklist of the angiosperms of a Cerrado fragment reveals outstanding species richness in the state of Maranhão, Brazil

The Morros Garapenses Environmental Protection Area (EPA) is home to significant biodiversity and an important paleobotanical site, with Permian fossil records, being a strategic area for studies in Maranhão. The objective of this study was to provide a list of species of phanerogams from the Morros Garapenses EPA. The material was collected through the walking method on pre-existing trails at different elevations and phytophysiognomies. The collection, herborization, identification, and classification of species followed the usual methodology for this type of research. A total of 297 species distributed in 196 genera and 70 families were cataloged. The families with highest specific richness were Fabaceae (60 species), Malvaceae (20 spp.), Rubiaceae (18 spp.), Cyperaceae (16 spp.), Euphorbiacae (14 spp.), and Bignoniaceae (13 spp.). Forty-nine species were endemic to Brazil, fifteen are being reported for the first time from Maranhão, and five from Cerrado. Several phytophysiognomies were found in the area, namely, Cerradão (33 species), Campo sujo (7 spp.), typical Cerrado (154 spp.), veredas (10 spp.), riparian forest (5 spp.), and anthropized areas (5 spp.). The study revealed a significant number of species in the Morros Garapenses EPA, stressing the urgent need to create a management plan for the sustainable use of natural resources and recovery of degraded areas.

Spatial and Temporal Variations of Land Use and Land Cover In Kadiri Watershed Using Rs & Gis Techniques

The change detection and land use and land cover (LULC) maps are more important powerful forces behind numerous ecological systems and fallow land. It is widely known that land use/land cover (LULC) changes significantly alter watershed hydrology and sediment yields. The impact, especially on erosion and sedimentation, is likely to be exacerbated in regions dominated by high rainfall patterns such as monsoons. RS & GIS technologies are very useful to determine the LULC changes. Present research area Kadiri Watershed of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India, drains an area about 240 km2 including 15 villages. The average annual rainfall in this area varies between 600mm to 700mm in which 60%, 35% and 5% of total rainfall occurs in South-West (S-W),North-East (N-E) and in Summer seasons respectively. The current research focuses on demarcating the spatiotemporal LULC changes. These effects directly affect the ecosystem, land resources, cropping pattern and agriculture. LULC assessment and surveillance are essential for long-term planning and sustainable use of natural resources. The LULC maps were prepared for the study area using Landsat-5, Senthinel 2 images pertaining to pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons of 2013, 2017 and 2021. Variations in the extents of agriculture, plantations, scrubs, water bodies, open lands, and built-up areas were noted during these years in the pre-monsoon season, and they ranged from 22 to 35 and 43%, 2 to 3 and 5%, 22 to 28%, 1 to 4%, 52 to 29 and 15%, as well as 1 to 5%, respectively. Similar fluctuations were seen in the post-monsoon season, where they ranged from 29 to 40 and 47%, 3 to 7%, 33 to 30%, 2 to 4%, 32 to 20 and 7%, as well as 1 to 5%. Kadiri watershed, an agriculturally dominant area, has seen an increase in cultivated land due to the conversion of fallow land and open scrub into cropland as a result of good rainfall received during the south-west monsoon during in assessment years and implementation of watershed development activities. These findings highlight the potential impacts of LULC changes in a monsoon-dominated watershed and may contribute to the development of successful LULC-based watershed management strategies for prevention of flooding and sediment loss.