Conservation and the maintenance of biodiversity in the rangelands

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 157 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Z. Woinarski ◽  
A. Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Environmental Services ◽  
Current Response ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Substantial Loss ◽  
Community Needs ◽  
Clear Goal

There has been substantial loss of biodiversity in the Australian rangelands, and evidence suggests that the attrition is continuing. We argue that rangeland users should be more aware of, and concerned about, this problem: that we are sullying an international asset; that we are undermining the basis of a major rangeland industry, tourism; that we are sabotaging the potential for the development of alternative rangeland uses (most notably sustainable use of native wildlife); that such losses provide evidence that we are poor managers; that such losses diminish our lives; that such losses indicate that at least some of our environments are operating at reduced functionality; and that such losses take away or reduce important and wide-ranging environmental services. This loss is due to a complex array of factors, each affecting different components of biodiversity in different ways. Our responses are generally poorly coordinated across rangeland jurisdictions, and there is uncertainty about responsibilities across different land tenures. Given the diffuse but pervasive nature of the problem and the generally poorly coordinated and non-strategic current response, we suggest that biodiversity conservation needs to be far more clearly and systematically operationalised, that a clear goal for biodiversity conservation in the rangelands (maintenance of viable populations of all native species of plants and animals at appropriate spatial and temporal scales) needs to be developed, and that, from this, the community needs to set explicit targets relating to this goal, at continental, jurisdiction, regional and property scales. While we recognise that our existing knowledge base is imperfect, such limitation should not delay the implementation of these steps. We consider that there is sufficient management expertise to realise a rangeland biodiversity goal. However, there are two more serious impediments in achieving the goal: current lack of resources and of societal agreement.

scholarly journals The Urban River Syndrome: Achieving Sustainability Against a Backdrop of Accelerating Change

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6406
Author(s):  
Martin Richardson ◽  
Mikhail Soloviev
Keyword(s):  
River Restoration ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Similar Type ◽  
Urban River ◽  
Urban Rivers ◽  
River Ecology ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Scales ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Urban River Restoration

Human activities have been affecting rivers and other natural systems for millennia. Anthropogenic changes to rivers over the last few centuries led to the accelerating state of decline of coastal and estuarine regions globally. Urban rivers are parts of larger catchment ecosystems, which in turn form parts of wider nested, interconnected systems. Accurate modelling of urban rivers may not be possible because of the complex multisystem interactions operating concurrently and over different spatial and temporal scales. This paper overviews urban river syndrome, the accelerating deterioration of urban river ecology, and outlines growing conservation challenges of river restoration projects. This paper also reviews the river Thames, which is a typical urban river that suffers from growing anthropogenic effects and thus represents all urban rivers of similar type. A particular emphasis is made on ecosystem adaptation, widespread extinctions and the proliferation of non-native species in the urban Thames. This research emphasizes the need for a holistic systems approach to urban river restoration.

Managing Alien Plants for Biodiversity Outcomes—the Need for Triage

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul O. Downey ◽  
Moira C. Williams ◽  
Leonie K. Whiffen ◽  
Bruce A. Auld ◽  
Mark A. Hamilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Plant Management ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Management Decisions ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Triage System

AbstractRecognition that alien plants pose a significant threat to biodiversity has not always translated into effective management strategies, policy reforms, and systems to establish priorities. Thus, many alien plant management decisions for the protection of biodiversity occur with limited knowledge of what needs to be protected (other than biodiversity in a generalized sense) or the urgency of actions. To rectify this, we have developed a triage system that enables alien plant management decisions to be made based on (1) the urgency of control relative to the degree of threat posed to biodiversity, compared with (2) the likelihood of achieving a successful conservation outcome as a result of alien plant control. This triage system is underpinned by a two-step approach, which identifies the biodiversity at risk and assesses sites to determine priorities for control. This triage system was initially developed to manage the threat posed by bitou bush to native species in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. It has subsequently been improved with the national assessment of lantana in Australia, and the adaptation from a single to multiple alien plant species approach on a regional scale. This triage system identifies nine levels of priority for alien plant management aimed at biodiversity conservation, ranging from immediate, targeted action to limited or no action. The development of this approach has enabled long-term management priorities to be set for widespread alien plants that are unlikely to be eradicated. It also enables control to occur in a coordinated manner for biodiversity conservation at a landscape scale, rather than as a series of individual unconnected short-term actions.

Sustainable use of wild plant species: A research bibliography

Social Change ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 204-221
Author(s):  
Ghazala Shahabuddin
Keyword(s):  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Wild Plant ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Nature Protection ◽  
Plant Resources ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Field Methods

During the last few decades, there has been a growing realisation that biodiversity conservation cannot be successful without the active involvement of the people living close to and dependent on natural ecosystems for their survival and livelihoods. Consequently, there has been a gradual broadening of the global conservation agenda from strict nature protection to include the sustainable use of natural resources, which is now reflected in governmental policy the world over. However, as conservationists strive today towards the harmonisation of people's needs with biodiversity conservation, one of the most elusive, yet critical, goals for them has been the sustainable extraction of plant resources from the wild. Hundreds of plant species continue to be extracted from natural habitats for use as food, medicine, fuel and fodder in households and for commercial sale, both legally and illegally. As a consequence of unmonitored extraction and over-exploitation, many plant species populations are reported to be declining in the wild. In the face of increasing pressure on forest resources, it has become more important than ever before to devise quantitative management policies for sustainable plant use so that both forests and the livelihoods of millions of rural people who are dependent on them, can be sustained. One of the major stumbling blocks for conservationists in developing countries, who are attempting to design and implement sustainable forest management systems, is the lack of information on the state-of-the-art in this field, especially that relating to field methods, data analysis, data recording and monitoring systems. In order to fill this lacuna, a comprehensive bibliography of studies undertaken so far in the science of sustainable use from terrestrial ecosystems is presented here. The scope of this bibliography includes sustainable

scholarly journals New Skills in Education for Biodiversity Conservation in Romania

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 336-344
Author(s):  
Maria-Mihaela Antofie ◽  
Camelia Sand Sava
Keyword(s):  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Native Species ◽  
International Level ◽  
The Public ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Biology Curriculum

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to analyse political and regulatory frameworks for connecting education and environment authorities in order to reveal opportunities for introducing new activities based on living organisms into the biology curriculum. The article is also proposing a conceptual framework for capacity building based on the analysis of relevant results at the international level, regarding the experiential learning process. Based on the results of this analysis Romania has the capacity to implement new activities under the public curricula for biology in order to support the development of new skills for ensuring biodiversity conservation as a whole. Moreover, at least three native species, domesticated or wild, may become subjects for next activities development under the existing curricula.

scholarly journals Tourism for sustainable development goals (SDGs) achievement in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Anowar Hossain Bhuiyan Bhuiyan ◽  
Md. Abud Darda
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sustainable Tourism ◽  
Sustainable Consumption ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Tourism Development ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Sustainable Tourism Development

In line with the global goals for sustainable development (SDG goals), UNWTO has emphasized sustainable tourism development for achieving SDGs targets in the member countries. Bangladesh has already identified tourism as a thrust sector for the development of the country. The present study identifies the opportunities and contributions of tourism activities for achieving SDGs in Bangladesh. This study analyses the existing tourism policies and plans, government regulations, reports, and SDG related practices to attain the objectives. It is observed that SDG goals number 8, 12, and 14 are directly related to tourism. Furthermore, tourism can contribute to achieving some other SDG goals, like 3, 11, and 15. The study reveals that the contributions of tourism to GDP and employment are in an increasing trend. Sustainable Consumption and Production practices are encouraging the tourism businesses to include nature and biodiversity conservation in their management plans. Marine tourism development in the Bay-of-Bengal can play a positive role in reducing the negative impact of climate change and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The study reveals that sustainable tourism development through cultural, religious, and archeological features can make Dhaka a stable and sustainable city. The study shows that sustainable tourism development in protected areas can ensure the preservation of forest areas, protect biodiversity conservation and provide sustainable use of natural resources. Sustainable tourism development can ensure long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits to all stakeholders to contribute a sustainable development in Bangladesh.

scholarly journals Payments for Environmental Services: A New People Centric Approach for Biodiversity Conservation in Nepal

1970 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-103
Author(s):  
Lina Chalise
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Environmental Services ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Payments For Environmental Services ◽  
Preliminary Stage ◽  
Payment For Environmental Services ◽  
Global Biodiversity

Payment for Environmental Services (PES) in its preliminary stage is gaining much attention. The worth of many valuable environmental services is undermined from centuries due its free access. But now with the advancing time the blind conservation practices seem to be unreal. Thus, PES mechanism provides an attractive and convincing package in conservation and valuation of most of the indirect services of environment. This is a review article based on the introductory queries on emerging issue of valuation of environmental services via PES mechanism. Key Words: Environmental services, Global biodiversity, Conservation practices DOI: 10.3126/init.v2i1.2529 The Initiation Vol.2(1) 2008 pp99-103

The BioRap Biodiversity Assessment and Planning Study for Papua New Guinea

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel P. Faith ◽  
H. A. Nix ◽  
C. R. Margules ◽  
M. F. Hutchinson ◽  
P. A. Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Papua New Guinea ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Opportunity Costs ◽  
Strong Argument ◽  
Priority List ◽  
Net Benefits ◽  
Forestry Production

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has an incredible variety of land and marine ecosystems, including many components of biodiversity that are unique in the world. PNG's land mass constitutes less than one percent of the world's land area, yet estimates suggest that the country has more than 5% of the world's biodiversity. PNG has been recognized therefore as an important region for biodiversity conservation (see Alcorn 1993; Beehler 1993 and references within). Recently, Conservation International (CI) has recognized PNG as one of the small number of critical tropical forest areas for conservation efforts. That priority reflects not just PNG's unique biodiversity but also the fact that sustainable use of PNG's natural resources has become an important issue, particularly relating to its large mineral deposits, oil and natural gas reserves, agricultural potential, and forestry production potential. CI's perspective highlights important principles of conservation priority. PNG, like the other tropical wilderness areas on its priority list, is regarded as an opportunity for effective conservation at relatively low cost, given that these wilderness regions are still largely intact and have low human population density. In our view, realizing such opportunities requires good planning. Biodiversity conservation in PNG can imply low realized opportunity costs or quite high realized opportunity costs, depending on whether biodiversity planning is used to find a balance among society's competing needs through tradeoffs. PNG is a region worthy of urgent conservation planning attention because potential high net benefits for society may be needlessly foreclosed through inefficient planning that does not address conflicts among various needs of society. The risk of losing those potential net benefits is a strong argument for conservation investment in PNG.

scholarly journals Molecular tools and DNA barcoding for conservation

Lankesteriana ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Gigot
Keyword(s):  
Dna Barcoding ◽  
Biodiversity Conservation ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Molecular Tools ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
The World

The Darwin Initiative (DI) for the Survival of Species promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of resources around the world (http://www.darwin.gov.uk). 

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document