scholarly journals Sustainable use and preservation of biological resources

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 100
Author(s):  
Ipek Kurtböke ◽  
Wieland Meyer ◽  
Lindsay Sly
Keyword(s):  
Life Support ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Culture Collections ◽  
Significant Information ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Information Gap ◽  
Microbial Resources ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
National Economies

Microorganisms, microbially derived biotechnological applications and as causative agents of human, animal and plant disease are becoming increasingly significant in national economies. However, there remains a significant information gap on their species, ecological and genetic diversity. Despite the recognition of their commercial value still little is known about their functional roles in sustaining global ‘life support systems’, such as in agriculture, forest, coastal and freshwater ecosystems as well as their detrimental roles in the environment. As a result, sustainable use, preservation of microbial resources and effective strategies to combat infections are of immense importance to mankind. Culture collections are thus the cornerstones of biotechnology, sustainable futures and infection control.

scholarly journals Exploring Indonesian Microbial Genetic Resources for Industrial Application

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atit Kanti ◽  
◽  
Endang Sukara ◽  
Harmastini Sukiman ◽  
Puspita Lisdiyanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Industrial Application ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Culture Collections ◽  
Human Welfare ◽  
Microbial Resources

Indonesia is a mega biodiversity country consisting of various types of animals and plants, including genetic microbial resources. However, the exploration on microbes has not been yet extensively explored. This book highlights some important findings and achievements carried out by the microbiologists in LIPI on the sustainable use of Indonesian microbial genetic resources. Through this book, some successful processes of identification, characterization, and preservation in culture collections of Indonesian microbial genetic resources have been showed vividly. Some of potential microbes useful for human welfare are also described in this book, including their utilization for food, feed, health, and bioenergy. It is expected that this book can be a useful reference for those who are interested in the importance of microbial genetic resources for the prosperity of the nation as it revealed some significant findings on microbes, which have been isolated from various sources in Indonesia.

scholarly journals International postal, quarantine and safety regulations

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
David Smith ◽  
Matthew Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Safety Information ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
World Federation ◽  
Culture Collections ◽  
Biological Resource Centres ◽  
Microbial Resources

There are numerous legislative regulations that impact on microbiology, microbial Biological Resource Centres (mBRCs) and culture collections, with which all microbiologists must comply. These affect access for collection, handling, distribution/shipping and utilisation of microbial resources. Areas where regulations are triggered are international post, quarantine and safety. The legislation and supporting documents are often difficult to find and understand, therefore the World Federation for Culture Collections (WFCC) has a long history in providing advice and guidance to help compliance with such legislation. A visit to the WFCC library (http://www.wfcc.info/wfcc_library/) will provide information on postal requirements shipping dangerous goods and on control measures in place for biosecurity to control access to dangerous pathogens. This paper will update such communications and provide relevant information on: Health and Safety (H&S); Quarantine regulations; and Postal Regulations and Safety. Other papers in this special issue will address elements that impact on distribution and use of microorganisms for example in packaging, legislation on the proliferation, distribution and misuse of dangerous pathogens, export licensing measures, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol, ownership of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and the provision of safety information to the recipient of microorganisms. The advice is generic and users are advised to refer to their own National guidance and implementation acts to ensure they are compliant. The work was compiled from authors' efforts in their management of an mBRC and most recently contributions to the EMBRIC project (http://www.embric.eu/) in particular Deliverable 6.1 ‘Microbial pipeline from environment to active compounds' (http://www.embric.eu/deliverables).

scholarly journals Preservation, Characterization and Exploitation of Microbial Biodiversity: The Perspective of the Italian Network of Culture Collections

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana De Vero ◽  
Maria Beatrice Boniotti ◽  
Marilena Budroni ◽  
Pietro Buzzini ◽  
Stefano Cassanelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Beings ◽  
Microbial Biodiversity ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Culture Collections ◽  
Quality Management Systems ◽  
Biological Resource Centres ◽  
Microbial Resources ◽  
Ecological Habitat ◽  
Living Organisms

Microorganisms represent most of the biodiversity of living organisms in every ecological habitat. They have profound effects on the functioning of any ecosystem, and therefore on the health of our planet and of human beings. Moreover, microorganisms are the main protagonists in food, medical and biotech industries, and have several environmental applications. Accordingly, the characterization and preservation of microbial biodiversity are essential not only for the maintenance of natural ecosystems but also for research purposes and biotechnological exploitation. In this context, culture collections (CCs) and microbial biological resource centres (mBRCs) are crucial for the safeguarding and circulation of biological resources, as well as for the progress of life sciences. This review deals with the expertise and services of CCs, in particular concerning preservation and characterization of microbial resources, by pointing to the advanced approaches applied to investigate a huge reservoir of microorganisms. Data sharing and web services as well as the tight interconnection between CCs and the biotechnological industry are highlighted. In addition, guidelines and regulations related to quality management systems (QMSs), biosafety and biosecurity issues are discussed according to the perspectives of CCs and mBRCs.

scholarly journals Fungi and viruses as important players in microbial mats

2020 ◽  
Vol 96 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cátia Carreira ◽  
Christian Lønborg ◽  
Michael Kühl ◽  
Ana I Lillebø ◽  
Ruth-Anne Sandaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Aquatic Ecosystems ◽  
Microbial Mats ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Food Web Structure ◽  
Element Cycling ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Web Structure ◽  
Experimental Approaches ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACT Microbial mats are compacted, surface-associated microbial ecosystems reminiscent of the first living communities on early Earth. While often considered predominantly prokaryotic, recent findings show that both fungi and viruses are ubiquitous in microbial mats, albeit their functional roles remain unknown. Fungal research has mostly focused on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems where fungi are known as important recyclers of organic matter, whereas viruses are exceptionally abundant and important in aquatic ecosystems. Here, viruses have shown to affect organic matter cycling and the diversity of microbial communities by facilitating horizontal gene transfer and cell lysis. We hypothesise fungi and viruses to have similar roles in microbial mats. Based on the analysis of previous research in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, we outline novel hypotheses proposing strong impacts of fungi and viruses on element cycling, food web structure and function in microbial mats, and outline experimental approaches for studies needed to understand these interactions.

scholarly journals Mitigating the Challenges Related to the Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Ghana

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Thomas Prehi Botchway ◽  
Ishmael K. Hlovor
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Multilateral Environmental Agreements ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Civil Society Organisations ◽  
Alternative Livelihood ◽  
Information Gap

In our world today, the control over and the use of a country’s natural resources (and the biological diversity of which they are a part) usually present a lot of challenges for both policy makers and implementing agencies and institutions. These challenges range from weak institutional capacities and technocratic hurdles to opposition from local communities for whom policies may be meant for. However, if such challenges are effectively mitigated, large prospects usually associated with the sustainable use and management of these natural resources may be realised. In this article, based on intensive interview of experts and critical review of official reports and policy documents, we identify a number of challenges associated the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Ghana and recommend ways of addressing these challenges. The study finds that there is usually a wide knowledge and information gap on issues related to biodiversity in Ghana. Moreover, there is inadequate funding which also leads to the inability to retain relevant experts. In addition, there is the complex nature of implementing multilateral environmental agreements in Ghana and the lack of adequate publicity on the essence of the CBD. Key among the recommendations we make are effectively engaging civil society organisations on issues of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development; the enhancement of Alternative Livelihood Projects (EnALPs); stringent enforcement of punitive and preventive measures and; the implementation of finance-generating biodiversity services.

scholarly journals The Evolution of Sustainable Development Theory: Types, Goals, and Research Prospects

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (24) ◽  
pp. 7158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Longyu Shi ◽  
Linwei Han ◽  
Fengmei Yang ◽  
Lijie Gao
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Practical Wisdom ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Development Theory ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Development Paths

Sustainable development (SD) has become a fundamental strategy to guide the world’s social and economic transformation. However, in the process of practice, there are still misinterpretations in regards to the theory of SD. Such misinterpretations are highlighted in the struggle between strong and weak sustainable development paths, and the confusion of the concept of intra-generational and inter-generational justice. In this paper, the literature survey method, induction method, and normative analysis were adopted to clarify the gradual evolution and improvement process of the concept and objective of SD, to strengthen the comprehensive understanding of the SD theory. Moreover, we also tried to bring in the situation and concepts of China. The results show that the theory of SD has gone through three periods: the embryonic period (before 1972), the molding period (1972–1987), and the developing period (1987–present). SD is gradually implemented into a global action from the initial fuzzy concept, including increasing practical wisdom. The goal of SD evolves from pursuing the single goal of sustainable use of natural resources to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper argues that the theory of strong sustainability should be the accepted concept of SD. Culture, good governance, and life support systems are important factors in promoting SD.

scholarly journals High-Throughput Sequencing of Environmental DNA as a Tool for Monitoring Eukaryotic Communities and Potential Pathogens in a Coastal Upwelling Ecosystem

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Ríos-Castro ◽  
Alejandro Romero ◽  
Raquel Aranguren ◽  
Alberto Pallavicini ◽  
Elisa Banchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Coastal Upwelling ◽  
Marine Ecosystem ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Functional Roles ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Eukaryotic Microorganisms ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Veterinary Importance ◽  
Water Fractions

The marine environment includes diverse microeukaryotic organisms that play important functional roles in the ecosystem. With molecular approaches, eukaryotic taxonomy has been improved, complementing classical analysis. In this study, DNA metabarcoding was performed to describe putative pathogenic eukaryotic microorganisms in sediment and marine water fractions collected in Galicia (NW Spain) from 2016 to 2018. The composition of eukaryotic communities was distinct between sediment and water fractions. Protists were the most diverse group, with the clade TSAR (Stramenopiles, Alveolata, Rhizaria, and Telonemida) as the primary representative organisms in the environment. Harmful algae and invasive species were frequently detected. Potential pathogens, invasive pathogenic organisms as well as the causative agents of harmful phytoplanktonic blooms were identified in this marine ecosystem. Most of the identified pathogens have a crucial impact on the aquacultural sector or affect to relevant species in the marine ecosystem, such as diatoms. Moreover, pathogens with medical and veterinary importance worldwide were also found, as well as pathogens that affect diatoms. The evaluation of the health of a marine ecosystem that directly affects the aquacultural sector with a zoonotic concern was performed with the metabarcoding assay.

scholarly journals SUPPORTING OF SUSTAINABLE USE OF TERRITORIES AND OBJECTS OF THE NATURAL RESERVE FUND ON THE BASIS OF THE "GREEN ECONOMY"

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (4(69)) ◽  
pp. 112-123
Author(s):  
A.I. MARTIENKO ◽  
H.O. TIUTIUNNYK ◽  
K. KUZMOVA
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Ecological Network ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Natural Reserve ◽  
Reserve Fund

Topicality. "Green economy" is an integral part of sustainable development of society and aims at raising the standards of human life on the basis of preservation of the environment and more effective use and protection of natural resources. One of the economic and ecological priorities of the "green economy" is to ensure the sustainable use of the territories and objects of the nature reserve fund. In order to assess the results of implementation the "green economy"objectives for sustainable development of these territories, it is necessary to develop a system of indicators and determine the extent of their implementation in Ukraine.Aim and tasks. The purpose of the article is to develop a system of indicators for assessing the sustainable use of territories and objects of nature reserve fund and analysis of their achievements in Ukraine. The main tasks of the article are: definining the methodological approaches to the formation of assessment indicators system based on economic&ecological and technical indicators of the protected areas status; assessment the implementation of green economy model in Ukraine on the basis of developed indicators of sustainable development.Research results. The analysis of sustainable development indicators showed positive trends in the growth of the total area of protected areas, in particular in the mountainous regions (Lviv, Zakarpattia, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi), and the ecological network for more than half during the last decades. The biodiversity of the natural reserve fund of Ukraine is characterized by more than four thousand species of plants in these territories, the economic development of which takes into account the features of natural objects and aimed at their conservation.Conclusions. In Ukraine, there are ongoing measures to achieve the objectives of the "Green Economy", in particular, there is a positive dynamics in increasing the territories and objects of nature reserve fund, including in mountainous regions and the ecological network. The results of solving the problem of preservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems are practically closer to the target landmarks. The institutional environment and the system of public administration and administration of the formation of nature reserve fund should develop in the direction of ensuring the fulfillment of the priority goals of the "green economy". An analysis of allocation the financial resources for conservation, restoration and improvement of the territories and objects state of Ukrainian nature reserve fund showed that there are trends in increasing their volumes and prospects of achieving the "green economy" benchmarks in this area.

Evaluation and analysis of riparian vegetation through satellite images

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xana Alvarez ◽  
Paula Rivas ◽  
Carolina Acña-Alonso ◽  
Enrique Valero
Keyword(s):  
Riparian Vegetation ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Satellite Images ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Water Security ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Freshwater Ecosystems ◽  
Political Agenda

<p>One of the main goals of the EU political agenda, supported by the green agenda, and one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. Within these ecosystems is the riparian vegetation, an essential element in river ecosystems that influences the processes related to the surface and underground flow, modifying the temperature and humidity, it also functions as a filtering tool for the water. The riparian vegetation has been degraded as a cause of changes in land use, or the increase in population. In order to guarantee the biodiversity of ecosystems, as well as guarantee water security, it is necessary to explore environmental governance solutions. In this sense, new technologies can be useful tools that facilitate their characterization. For this reason, the feasibility of using satellite images has been evaluated to characterize the degradation of the riparian vegetation, facilitating decision-making by the administration. In this way, the improvement of riparian vegetation can be promoted, as a nature-based solution (NBs) with multiple environmental, social and economic benefits. Nowadays, there are multiples indices for determining the quality of riparian vegetation but all of them involve a high time, technical and economic effort. The implementation of solutions based on satellite images will improve and facilitate these actions. For this purpose, the images from the WorldView 2 satellite were analysed. The treating these images through geographic information systems, a scale is obtained that adapts to existing indices. With these new methods it would no longer be necessary to visit all the sample points, thus reducing the time to obtain results. The verification of the data obtained through the mapping of images (Riparian Strip Quality Index) was compared with data taken in the field (QBR index), obtaining a value of 92% of truthfulness, and a Kappa coefficient of 0.88 (very good). In other words, a methodology with high concordance with the data collected in situ was obtained. The application of this index through satellite images will facilitate the environmental governance of multiple ecosystems. Providing tools to implement best practices allowing an improvement of the NBs. In this way, biodiversity will be improved, and water quality will be improved, guaranteeing or improving water security, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.</p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document