Unique Ecosystem Research Articles

Inundation–Desiccation State Prediction for Salt Pans in the Western Pannonian Basin Using Remote Sensing, Groundwater, and Meteorological Data

Salt pans are unique wetland ecosystems. In the Austrian Seewinkel region, salt pans are in an increasingly vulnerable state due to groundwater drainage and heightened climatic pressures. It is crucial to model how seasonal and long-term hydrological and climatological variations affect the salt pan dynamics in Seewinkel, yet a comprehensive understanding of the driving processes is lacking. The goal of this study is to develop random forest machine learning models driven by hydrological and meteorological data that allow us to predict in early spring (March) of each year the inundation state in the subsequent summer and fall. We utilize Earth observation data from Landsat 5 (L5), 8 (L8), and 9 (L9) to derive the time series of the inundation state for 34 salt pans for the period 1984–2022. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the groundwater level observed in March is the strongest predictor of the salt pan inundation state in summer and fall. Utilizing local groundwater data yields a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.59. Models using globally available meteorological data, either instead of or in addition to groundwater data, provide comparable results. This allows the global transfer of the approach to comparable ecosystems where no in situ data are available.

Harmonization Approach to Spatial and Social Techniques to Define Landscape Restoration Areas in a Colombian Andes Complex Landscape

Landscape restoration activities must be conducted through a transdisciplinary process, integrating social, economic, environmental, and governance aspects. Combining visions from the natural and social sciences is a challenge in highly complex territories, where unique ecosystem characteristics, economic processes, stakeholders of diverse nature, and different normativity converge. The harmonization of multiple techniques, such as multicriteria spatial analysis, expert knowledge elicitation, and social mapping, allows for an approach to defining landscape restoration areas in complex regions. This paper employs multiple techniques to define ecosystem restoration areas in a complex Colombian Andes landscape, integrating ecological and social components for sustainable development. We observed that areas of high and very high feasibility for ecological restoration, encompassing 179.5 hectares (4.84% of the study area), are predominantly located near primary forests. Although some areas have a low feasibility for conservation processes, they should not be disregarded as they still require protection. Landowners prioritize watershed and soil restoration as the most important landscape restoration activity due to their interest in improving water-related ecosystem services. This proposal enables the identification of areas with a higher restoration potential at the property level, facilitating prioritization and investment allocation for future implementation.

The Third Digital Divide: Digital Identity & Start-up Success

The digital divide concept recognizes that with the rapid pace of technological advancement, actors who lack access to digital infrastructure and the necessary knowledge may not have the opportunity to benefit from the opportunity that digital entrepreneurship offers. Online-exclusive ventures now constitute a growing proportion within the gross population of new ventures started up, especially in China. Digital entrepreneurship is viewed as the new vista where aspiring entrepreneurs are able to rapidly setup and test new business ideas, significantly reducing startup costs and the costs associated with startup failure. A key question for new entrepreneurs, therefore, is: what drives “success” in digital-only entrepreneurship, and are these drivers significantly different when compared to conventional or online-offline hybrid entrepreneurship? Here it is alleged that ‘digital identity’ plays a significant role in determining online-only start-up “success”. Our aim in this paper is to identify the overlaps between ‘identity’ and ‘digital entrepreneurship’ literature to highlight how scholars in the area explain the digital identity formation process, and the manner in which it contributes to start-up success. We situate our paper in the Chinese national context; which represents a unique digital start-up ecosystem, with well-developed routes to business startup. Presented are outcomes from a systematic literature review encompassing 48 publications, including 12 pieces of indigenous Mandarin literature. We identify overarching themes, and how concepts in identity and digital entrepreneurship literature overlap, with a view to explaining the drivers of digital start-up “success”, and as to how these might be further investigated using novel methodology.

Microplastics in feces and pellets from yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) in the Atlantic Islands National Park of Galicia (NW Spain)

The Atlantic Islands National Park (AINP) in Galicia (NW of Spain) are host to large colonies of yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis). Here, we aimed to provide baseline data for the presence of microplastics (MP) in feces and pellets regurgitated of these resident yellow-legged gulls within this unique ecosystem. MP particles found in the samples were of five shapes (fiber, fragment, foam, film and rubber) and the predominant color was blue. The main plastic polymers identified by Raman spectroscopy were polypropylene and cellulose. The average size of the MP particles in the regurgitations was larger than that in the feces. Considering the population of Larus michahellis in the AINP, our estimates suggested an annual deposition of approximately 32.2 million of MP particles from feces and regurgitated pellets in the area.

Assessment of soil properties and trace element accumulation in arid regions: A case study of Kalmykia's central dry steppe zone, Russia

Soil plays a pivotal role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. This study focuses on a critical region for soil research, Kalmykia's central dry steppe zone in southern Russia, characterized by arid conditions and unique challenges. Our investigation aimed to evaluate the current state of soil properties and assess trace element accumulation within this environment. The region's distinctive characteristics, including being home to Europe's first desert, present a complex scenario for soil conservation and management. A thorough analysis of key physicochemical properties, including organic matter content, soil texture, pH levels, and the concentrations of trace elements (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, and Pb) using established methodologies, was conducted. Our findings revealed several crucial insights into the soil conditions of this arid region. Soil samples predominantly consisted of Haplic Kastanozems Sodic, characterized by low organic carbon content (0.3-1.9%). Soil texture analysis indicated a predominantly light and medium loamy granulometric composition with a prevalence of sandy fractions. Soil pH values ranged from neutral (pH = 7.6-7.9) to slightly alkaline (pH = 8.0-8.4). Furthermore, the study provided the first assessment of soil conditions in residential areas of the Caspian Lowland's arid region. Notably, trace element analysis showed elevated concentrations of several metals, with Sr having the highest levels. Co, Cr, and Zn concentrations did not significantly increase compared to the background values. The results of this soil fertility evaluation hold significance for soil restoration and conservation efforts in this unique and fragile ecosystem. In conclusion, this study underscores the urgent need for soil monitoring and management practices to address soil degradation and desertification driven by overgrazing and erosion. Understanding the physicochemical properties and trace element dynamics in arid regions is essential for developing strategies to restore and conserve these valuable soils.

INTRODUCTION OF MAMMALS TO THE ISLANDS OF THE NORTHWESTERN PACIFIC

Introduction of alien species to marine islands leads to destabilization of the unique ecosystems, which are characterized by a high level of ecological vulnerability. A review of alien mammal species in the insular theriocomplexes of the Northwestern Pacific was made and the results of a massive invasion that occurred in the recent 150 years were analyzed. Currently, 43 alien species belonging to 19 families of 7 mammal orders live on the islands of the Northwest Pacific, among which 9 are included in the list of the 14 most dangerous invasive species of the world, and 8 of the 10 most dangerous introduced mammals of the Russian Federation inhabit the islands of the Russian segment of this region.

A meta-omics approach to explore the biofuel-producing enzyme potential from extreme environmental conditions

Geothermally warmed spring water contaminated with decomposed leaf biomass are unique hot spring ecosystems , are expected to support the recycling of various nutrients and to host lignocellulose degrading thermostable enzymes, genes and bacteria. An attempt is made in the present study to explore CAZymes in a carbohydrate-contaminated unique environment at Deulajhari spring through a multi-omics approach using an indigenous consortium developed from the spring sediment. Co-assembly of shotgun metagenome and metatranscriptome libraries from the Deulajhari hot spring consortia sample recovered seventeen refined, high-quality near-complete genomes. The predominant recovery of thermophilic aerobic chemo-heterotrophic Meiothermus and Rhodothermus has been observed through genome reconstruction. The reported production of an array of enzymes, including xylanase, β-xylosidase, endoglucanase and polysaccharide deacetylase, establishes their lignocellulose-degrading ability. The unexpected strong positive correlation between predominating Meiothermus and less prevailing members of Acetobacteraceae, unclassified Gaiellaceae, unclassified Burkholderiaceae and Tepidimonas of the consortium signifies their unexplored role in biomass degradation. Furthermore, the synergistic involvement of the diverse enzymes represented by a vast gene repertoire is responsible for the degradation of complex plant polysaccharides by the group of bacteria. The novelty of the present study stems from the identification of a diverse range of potential lignocellulose-digesting enzymes expressed by the bacterial consortium. This finding emphasizes the significant potential of these enzymes in facilitating industrial-scale production of biofuel, making it a notable contribution to the field.

Co-occurrence of climate-change induced and anthropogenic pressures in Central American key biodiversity areas

Central America hosts many key biodiversity areas (KBAs), areas which represent unique and irreplaceable ecosystems of global importance for species conservation. However, large extents of these areas are not under legal protection and could be threatened by pressures from land use change (e.g. deforestation and agricultural expansion), high human population density (e.g. population growth and urban sprawl) and climate-driven biome shifts. Here, we simulated future biome stability under the influence of climate change across KBAs in the Mesoamerican biodiversity hot spot and combined the results with projections of land use and population density up to the end of the 21st century. We applied four forcing scenarios based on two global climate models (GFDL-ESM4 and IPSL-CM6A-LR) and two shared socio-economic pathways (SSP1-2.6 and SSP3-7.0), which represent a range from low to high emission pathways. Our model projected decreased biome stability in 39%–46% of protected areas in KBAs, whereas this number even increased to 59%–60% for unprotected areas in KBAs (depending on the climate scenario). While human interferences in protected parts of KBAs are expected to be limited, large parts of unprotected areas in KBAs were projected to be pressured by multiple factors at once and are reason for concern. In particular, high human population pressures (>10 people km−2) emerged as a main threat over 30%–44% of the unprotected area in KBAs. These were largely accompanied by pressures from land use and sporadically reinforced by pressures from climate-driven biome shifts. Among the hot spots facing multiple high pressures are some of the last tropical dry and montane forest ecosystems in Central America, which stresses the need for urgent conservation action.

THE IMPACT OF EXTREME WATER LEVELS ON TORONTO ISLAND PARK AND INCREASING RESILIENCE AGAINST FUTURE FLOOD EVENTS

Toronto Island Park is a chain of fifteen low-lying islands in Lake Ontario located just south of the Toronto shoreline in Ontario, Canada. The Park serves as a popular year-round urban attraction of significant economic importance, and showcases unique natural features, cultural heritage, and sensitive ecosystems. The Park is home to Billy Bishop Airport, Centreville Amusement Park, numerous small businesses, and over 250 residential homes. In recent years, the Toronto Islands have suffered significant physical and economic impacts due to flooding caused by extreme wet weather and record high water levels on Lake Ontario. In 2021, Baird was retained by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to develop long-term flood and erosion mitigation concept alternatives to replace temporary and emergency measures and to increase the functionality and resilience of the flood control infrastructure on the islands. This abstract outlines the various concept alternatives that were considered, the public engagement process and resulting preferred concepts for flood mitigation.

Merging cultures and disciplines to create a drug discovery ecosystem at Virginia commonwealth university: Medicinal chemistry, structural biology, molecular and behavioral pharmacology and computational chemistry.

The Department of Medicinal Chemistry, together with the Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has evolved, organically with quite a bit of bootstrapping, into a unique drug discovery ecosystem in response to the environment and culture of the university and the wider research enterprise. Each faculty member that joined the department and/or institute added a layer of expertise, technology and most importantly, innovation, that fertilized numerous collaborations within the University and with outside partners. Despite moderate institutional support with respect to a typical drug discovery enterprise, the VCU drug discovery ecosystem has built and maintained an impressive array of facilities and instrumentation for drug synthesis, drug characterization, biomolecular structural analysis and biophysical analysis, and pharmacological studies. Altogether, this ecosystem has had major impacts on numerous therapeutic areas, such as neurology, psychiatry, drugs of abuse, cancer, sickle cell disease, coagulopathy, inflammation, aging disorders and others. Novel tools and strategies for drug discovery, design and development have been developed at VCU in the last five decades; e.g., fundamental rational structure-activity relationship (SAR)-based drug design, structure-based drug design, orthosteric and allosteric drug design, design of multi-functional agents towards polypharmacy outcomes, principles on designing glycosaminoglycans as drugs, and computational tools and algorithms for quantitative SAR (QSAR) and understanding the roles of water and the hydrophobic effect.

Adjusting the protected areas on the Tibetan Plateau under changing climate

The intensifying climate change crisis threatens the distribution within ecosystems and their function. Protected areas should incorporate the changing climate into planning to improve the effectiveness of biological conservation, particularly for biodiversity hotspots facing fast climate change. In this study, we investigated the climate-smart planning for protected areas in the Tibetan Plateau, known as the Third Pole, under climate change scenarios. These areas comprise unique ecosystems and three biodiversity hotspots of the world. The Species distribution model and carbon model with a systematic conservation planning tool (Marxan) were coupled in a unified framework. The economic costs (population) and climate costs (climate velocity, namely, a metric reflecting the impacts of climate change on species shifts) were input into the Marxan model to conduct hierarchical planning and further identify the areas functioning as species conservation priority areas or climate refugia under different climate scenarios. Results showed that nearly 10 % of the existing protected areas would suffer from rapid climate change in the future, leading to climate space loss in current protected areas by more than 20 %. The hierarchical planning realized relatively low economic and climate costs but left 58 % gap areas outside current conservation network. Therefore, six adjustable areas in the eastern and southern Tibetan Plateau, particularly in the margins of the plateau, were identified as: the gap areas (1) adjacent to the southwest of Qilian Mountains, (2) on the southeast of the headwaters of the Yellow River, (3) on the southeast of the headwaters of the Lancang River, (4) in Zayu and Mêdog, (5) connecting Mount Qomolangma Nature Reserve and Middle Reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo Valley—the Black-necked Cranes Nature Reserve, and (6) in the northwest of Zanda. These areas were proved to perform complex ecological functions under future climate scenarios. Our findings emphasize the necessity to account for climate impacts on protected area planning. The framework can help enhance the ability of the Tibetan Plateau as ecological security barrier and guide the climate-smart design of protected areas in China.

Important value index (IVI) and diversity of mangrove vegetation in Aceh Tamiang, Aceh Province

Mangrove ecosystem is one of the unique ecosystems that has high productivity and it grows along the coast of Aceh Province, Indonesia. The mangrove vegetation in Aceh Tamiang District was decreasing due to human exploitation i.e. stems of mangrove vegetation utilized by local communities become charcoal and firewood. These activities have a negative impact on live and growth of mangrove vegetation. Therefore, the purposes of the study are to analyses the important value index (IVI), mangrove species diversity, and to analyses the correlation between substrate characteristics with mangrove density. The research stations determined using the purposive sampling method and each station has three plots as replication. There were 4 research stations located in Seruway, Bandahara, Banda Mulia, and Manyak Paye sub districts. The study reported 12 species of mangrove in the tree’s category, 9 species of saplings, and 8 species of seedlings. The 12 species of mangroves found were Avicennia lanata, A. marina, A. officinalis, Brugeira parviflora, B. sexangula, Ceriops decandra, C. tegal, Lumnitzera recomosa, Nypa fruticans, Rhizopora apiculata, R. stylosa, and Sonneratia alba. The R. apiculata was species commonly found in each sampling location and it had highest IVI for the tree, sapling and seedling categories with the value of 207.24, 300, and 200, respectively. The average of diversity index was 1.56 categorized in the medium category. The moment Pearson correlation showed there was no significant correlation between the physical-chemical water parameters and substrate with the density of mangrove where Psig0.05.Keywords:Mangrove vegetationImportant value indexDensityDiversityAceh Tamiang

Status and conservation challenges of the second-largest seagrass bed in India: Chilika lagoon.

Studies related to seagrass ecology, conservation, and management are sparse and highly biased in India. Even though the geographical distribution of seagrass is diverse in India, about 74% of the scientific publications have been made from Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar from Tamilnadu. Chilika, the largest lagoon in Asia, harbors the second largest seagrass meadow in India 22% of the total. The lagoon acts as a potential blue carbon stock and helps in thriving a rich floral and faunal biodiversity. However, the critical role of seagrass in this unique lagoon ecosystem is still poorly understood. This review is aimed at synthesizing the published literature about seagrass in Chilika. We believe this information would encourage more in-depth and diverse seagrass studies in the region and identify future priority areas for research. A total of seven species have been recorded from 169.2 sq. km of seagrass patch in Chilika. For the last two decades, no significant signs of decline in seagrass beds from this lagoon have been reported. Still, various natural and anthropogenic stressors could put this unique ecosystem under severe stress. Moreover, lax enforcement of existing legislation and a general lack of knowledge among the stakeholders about their ecosystem services can be significant impediments to their conservation. More targeted research on Chilika seagrass in changing climate regimes and their sustainable intensification is the need of the hour.

The interplay between digital platforms and user-generated content in reinterpreting and recreating mythological narratives with traditional Chinese cultural elements: the animated series Yao-Chinese Folktales

This paper critically unpacks the reinvigoration of mythological narratives with traditional Chinese cultural elements on 哔哩哔哩Bilibili using the animated series 中国奇谭 Zhongguo Qitan ‘Yao-Chinese Folktales’, specifically focusing on the narrative 小妖怪的夏天 Xiao Yaoguai De Xiatian ‘Nobody’ (Lit. ‘A Little Monster’s Summer’) as the case study. The article explores Bilibili’s unique digital ecosystem and user-generated content, shedding light on how they shape the reinterpretation and recreation of narratives with traditional Chinese cultural elements. An in-depth analysis is conducted on various fan-maderecreations, from alternative endings to fan videos, critically examining how audiences connect with ‘Nobody’ through nostalgic personal memories, societal commentary and creative expression. This study seeks to reconcile the divide between participatory culture and mythological storytelling. By doing so, it underscores the significant role that digital platforms, like Bilibili, play in reinvigorating narratives with traditional Chinese cultural elements. The research findings unveil innovative insights beneficial for stakeholders seeking to gain traction in the Chinese market through culturally attuned content. More than just underlining the transformative influence of these digital platforms, the study also contributes to the ongoing discourse on the need for more diverse narratives in global storytelling, as opposed to the ‘universal’ paradigms centred on the Hero’s Journey perpetuated from the West. Ultimately, this article provides a nuanced understanding of the elements that resonate with audiences within the Chinese sociocultural context.

Genetic diversity patterns of lionfish in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean reveal a rapidly expanding stepping-stone bioinvasion process

In 2020, multiple lionfish (Pterois spp.) records along the equatorial Southwestern (SW) Atlantic revealed a new expansion of these potentially damaging invasive populations, which could impact over 3500 km of Brazilian coastline over the next few years, as well as unique ecosystems and marine protected areas in its path. To assess the taxonomic status, invasion route, and correlation with other centres of distribution, we investigated the genetic diversity patterns of lionfish caught in 2022 at the Amazonia, Northeastern Brazil, and Fernando de Noronha and Rocas Atoll ecoregions, using two molecular markers, the mitochondrial COI and the nuclear S7 RP1. The data indicate that all studied lionfish belong to what is generally accepted as P. volitans, and share the same genetic signature as lionfish present in the Caribbean Sea. The shared haplotypes and alleles indicate that the SW Atlantic invasion derives from an active movement of adult individuals from the Caribbean Sea into the Brazilian coast. The Amazon mesophotic reefs likely served as a stepping-stone to overcome the biogeographical barrier represented by the Amazon-Orinoco River plume. New alleles found for S7 RP1 suggest the onset of local genetic diversification, heightening the environmental risks as this bioinvasion heads towards other South Atlantic ecoregions.

Single-cell landscape of immune cells in human livers affected by HBV-related cirrhosis

HBV infection is one of the leading causes of liver cirrhosis. However, the immune microenvironment in patients with HBV cirrhosis remains elusive. Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to analyse the transcriptomes of 76,210 immune cells in the livers of six healthy individuals and in five patients with HBV cirrhosis. Patients with HBV cirrhosis have a unique immune ecosystem characterised by an accumulation of macrophage-CD9/IL18, macrophage-C1QA, NK Cell-JUNB, CD4+ T cell-IL7R, and a loss of B cell-IGLC1 clusters. Furthermore, our analysis predicted enhanced cell communication between myeloid cells and all immune cells in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis. Pseudo-time analysis of myeloid cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and B cells demonstrated a significant accumulation of mature cells and a depletion of naive cells in HBV cirrhosis. In addition, we observed an increase in antigen processing and presentation capacities in myeloid cells in patients with HBV cirrhosis, whereas NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity was substantially reduced. Our results provide valuable insight into the immune landscape of HBV cirrhosis, suggesting that HBV cirrhosis is associated with the accumulation of activated myeloid cells and impaired cytotoxicity in NK cells. The absence of single-cell transcriptome profiling of immune cells in HBV cirrhosis hinders our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving disease progression. To address this knowledge gap, our study unveils a distinctive immune ecosystem in HBV cirrhosis and represents a crucial advancement in elucidating the impact of the immune milieu on the development of this condition. These findings constitute significant strides towards the identification of more effective therapeutic approaches for HBV cirrhosis and are relevant for healthcare professionals, researchers, and pharmaceutical developers dedicated to combating this disease.

Can diatoms be used as a biomonitoring tool for surface and groundwater? Towards a baseline for Karoo water

The environmental risks from shale gas extraction through the unconventional method of ‘fracking’ are considerable and impact on water supplies below and above ground. Since 2010 the recovery of natural shale gas through fracking has been proposed in parts of the fragile semi-arid ecosystems that make up the Karoo biome in South Africa. These unique ecosystems are heavily reliant on underground water, intermittent and ephemeral springs, which are at great risk of contamination by fracking processes. Diatoms are present in all water bodies and reflect aspects of the environment in which they are located. As the possibility of fracking has not been removed, the aim of the project was to determine if diatoms could be used for rapid biomonitoring of underground and surface waters in the Karoo. Over a period of 24 months, water samples and diatom species were collected simultaneously from 65 sites. A total of 388 diatom taxa were identified from 290 samples with seasonal and substrate variation affecting species composition but not the environmental information. Species diversity information, on the other hand, often varied significantly between substrates within a single sample. Analysis using CCA established that the diatom composition was affected by lithium, oxidized nitrogen, electrical conductivity, and sulphate levels in the sampled water. We conclude that changes in diatom community composition in the Karoo do reflect the water chemistry and could be useful as bioindicators.

Mapping Wetlands of Kenya Using Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS GIS) with Remote Sensing Data

Abstract Monitoring wetlands of Kenya is critical for analysis of environmental changes since they present unique ecosystems with special hydrological balance and biodiversity. In this study, the Landsat 8-9 OLI/TIRS satellite images for 2015-2022 were classified using GRASS GIS scripts to evaluate changes in the Lorian Swamp wetland, north-eastern Kenya. The results of the image analysis presented maps of land cover changes including wetlands. The study demonstrated technical effectiveness of the GRASS GIS for image analysis, and contributed to the environmental monitoring of African wetlands.

Using multi-platform LiDAR to guide the conservation of the world's largest temperate woodland

Australia's Great Western Woodlands are the largest intact temperate woodland ecosystem on Earth, spanning an area the size of the average European country. These woodlands are part of one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and, despite subsisting on just 200–400 mm of rainfall a year, can store considerable amounts of carbon. However, they face growing pressure from a combination of climate change and increasingly frequent and large wildfires, which have burned over a third of these slow-growing, fire-sensitive woodlands in last 50 years alone. To develop conservation strategies that bolster the long-term resilience of this unique ecosystem, we urgently need to understand how much old-growth woodland habitat remains intact and where it is distributed across this vast region. To tackle this challenge, we brought together data from an extensive network of field plots distributed across the region and combined this with information on vegetation 3D structure derived from drone, airborne and spaceborne LiDAR. Using this unique dataset, we developed a novel modelling framework to generate the first high-resolution maps of woodland tree size and age structure across the entire region. We found that 41.2% of the woodland habitat is covered by old-growth stands, equivalent to an area of approximately 39,187 km2. Only 10% of these old-growth woodlands fall within current protected areas managed by the state government. Instead, most remaining old-growth woodlands are found either within the Ngadju Indigenous Protected Area (26.9%) or outside of formal protected areas on leaseholds and privately owned lands (57.2%). Our maps of woodland size and age structure will help guide the targeted management and conservation of the Great Western Woodlands. Moreover, by developing a robust pipeline for integrating LiDAR data from multiple platforms, our study paves the way for mapping the 3D structure and carbon storage of open and heterogeneous woodland ecosystems from space.

Dune ecosystems along the central Caribbean coast of Colombia: Evolution, human influences, and conservation challenges

The need for effective coastal dune management holds prominence due to its crucial role in preserving these unique and diverse ecosystems. Dunes have become a focal point in coastal management which reflects their extensive use of coastal areas. This study presents the first assessment of 19 dune systems along an 83 km reach on the Central Caribbean coast of Colombia. These dune systems are classified into four groups: i) Nebkha, ii) Foredunes, iii) Foredune and Blowout, and iv) Foredune, Blowout, and Transgressive dunes; each with unique characteristics and distribution patterns. Vegetation analysis identified 37 species, dominated by herbaceous forms. Four species were found to be new records for the Atlántico Department. Recent analysis of the evolution of these dune systems (1954–2022) revealed both accretion and erosion processes, with a dominant erosion trend in the more recent years. Anthropogenic interventions were minimal in most dune systems, but some exhibited varying levels of human-made structures. Litter was assessed across four grades (A-D), with no dune systems reaching Grade A, and most dunes exhibiting elevated to high-extreme levels of litter (Grades C and D). Coastal dunes are threatened by urbanization, sand mining, litter, invasive species, and beach driving, and lack of clear landward back-dune areas for migration due to sea-level rise and climate change. The results provide valuable information for coastal managers and planners to make informed decisions and conserve these unique ecosystems.