Toward a New Protection Paradigm

Author(s):  
Carel P. van Schaik ◽  
Randall A. Kramer

During the past century, the standard measure for safeguarding the maintenance of biodiversity has been the establishment of protected areas in which consumptive uses by humans are minimized. Over the years, the design of protected areas has evolved from the creation of small refuges for particular species to the protection of entire ecosystems that are large enough to maintain most if not all their component species and that are mutually interconnected wherever possible. While many other, equally important, measures are now being contemplated and implemented (e.g., comprehensive land-use planning, sustainable development), protected areas remain the cornerstone of all conservation strategies aimed at limiting the inevitable reduction of this planet’s biodiversity (e.g., World Conservation Strategy, Caring for the Earth, Global Biodiversity Strategy). Existing protected rain forest areas suffer from an array of problems that reduce their effectiveness in a broad conservation strategy. They cover a scant 5 percent of tropical rain forest habitats (WCMC, 1992)— arguably not enough to forestall species extinction, especially since the proportions of areas protected vary appreciably from region to region. Protected areas are often not sited appropriately, and they are often too small to maintain the full diversity of their communities. They will in future be affected by external forces (Neumann and Machlis, 1989), such as changes in local climates caused by extensive deforestation, pollution, or fires emanating from outside; introduced exotic species; and global climate change, which in parts of the tropics will likely manifest itself as an increase in the frequency of long droughts. Fortunately, these existing and anticipated threats are being addressed in some countries and regions by measures such as integrated land-use planning, redesigning parks, and establishing corridors, although ecologists are concerned that not enough is being done (see chapter 3). These shortcomings of protected area networks are significant and need to be redressed, but human activities currently pose far more serious threats to protected areas.

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
DARÍO FERNÁNDEZ-BELLON ◽  
JOHN LUSBY ◽  
JULES BOS ◽  
TONIO SCHAUB ◽  
ALAN MCCARTHY ◽  
...  

Summary Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus and Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus are open-country birds of prey with overlapping distributions. Although both species face similar conservation threats across their ranges, work to date has largely been undertaken at a national scale with few attempts to collate and assess factors relevant to their conservation at an international scale. Here we use an expert knowledge approach to evaluate the impact of conservation threats and the effectiveness of conservation strategies for each species across Europe. We report results of responses to a questionnaire from 23 Hen Harrier experts from nine countries and 12 Short-eared Owl experts from six countries. The majority of responses for both species reported declines in breeding numbers. The perceived impact of threats was broadly similar for both species: ecological factors (predation, extreme weather and prey availability), changes in land use (habitat loss and agricultural intensification) and indirect persecution (accidental nest destruction) were considered to be the greatest threats to breeding Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl. Short-eared Owl experts also highlighted lack of knowledge and difficulties associated with monitoring as a major conservation challenge. Despite broad-scale similarities, geographical variation was also apparent in the perceived importance of conservation threats, with some threats (such as direct persecution, large-scale afforestation or habitat degradation) requiring country-specific actions. Implementation of different conservation strategies also varied between countries, with the designation of protected areas reported as the most widespread conservation strategy adopted, followed by species and habitat management. However, protected areas (including species-specific protected areas) were perceived to be less effective than active management of species and habitats. These findings highlight the overlap between the conservation requirements of these two species, and the need for collaborative international research and conservation approaches that prioritise pro-active conservation strategies subject to continued assessment and with specific conservation goals.


2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Wollenberg ◽  
Bruce Campbell ◽  
Edmond Dounias ◽  
Petrus Gunarso ◽  
Moira Moeliono ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Che Aziz Ali ◽  
Tanot Unjah

Being an oldest landmass with the most complete Paleozoic rock sequence Langkawi archipelago hosts the richest geological diversity and heritage resources in the country. As a popular tourist destination, the scenic beauty has attracted tourists to Langkawi without them realising that the beauty has been created by the islands’ rich geological heritage diversity. To date more than 90 geoheritage sites of highly significant scientific, aesthetic, social or recreational value have been identified. Some of these geoheritage sites have become popular tourist sites. To ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry Langkawi needs to have a comprehensive and practical conservation strategy and mechanism. Without a good conservation policy the geoheritage sites are constantly under threat and under stress due to the need of space for development. To ensure the sustainability of these natural resources it is timely to include geoheritage sites in future land use planning.


2019 ◽  
pp. 200-219
Author(s):  
Eduina Bezerra França

RESUMO:No Brasil, a gestão de unidades de conservação ainda é pouco discutida no sentido de governança, e ao mesmo tempo direciona olhares para aplicação de metodologias e políticas de ordenamento territorial que venham a mitigar os conflitos e efetivar práticas mais participativas. O objetivo do artigo é compreender as implicações do ordenamento territorial e da gestão de UC em ambientes costeiros, tendo como referência empírica a APA de Piaçabuçu, Litoral Sul de Alagoas. A metodologia utilizou basicamente os seguintes instrumentos: levantamento bibliográfico e documental, visita de campo e entrevista com gestores. Para análise e interpretação dos resultados optou-se pelo decálogo proposto pelo geógrafo espanhol Barragán Muñoz (2014) que permite valorar os ambientes geográficos e sistematizar um modelo de governança eficaz na costa. Em suma, a dinâmica territorial da APA de Piaçabuçu passa por problemas que dificultam o trabalho da gestão e necessita de parcerias que atentem para a governança e inclua as esferas antenadas com a organização do território.Palavras-chave: Ordenamento Territorial; Unidade de Conservação; Litoral. ABSTRACT:In Brazil, the management of conservation units is still little discussed in the sense of governance and, at the same time, it directs approaches to the application of territorial planning methodologies and policies that will mitigate conflicts and effect more participatory practices. The objective of this article is to understand the implications of land use planning in the APA of Piaçabuçu, Litoral Sul de Alagoas. The methodology used basically the following instruments: bibliographical and documentary survey, field visit and interview with managers. For governance analysis in UC, the decalogue proposed by the Spanish geographer Barragán Muñoz (2014) was used to assess geographic environments and systematize an effective governance model on the coast. In short, the territorial dynamics of the APA in Piaçabuçu are affected by problems that hamper the work of management and require partnerships that jeopardize governance and include the spheres with the organization of the territory.Keywords: Territorial Planning; Conservation Unit; Coast.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-40
Author(s):  
F.A. Rosete Vergés ◽  
Gustavo Martín Morales ◽  
M.F. Onofre Villalva

The present work raises the importance of land use planning for the global climate change adaptation in coastal municipalities, in particular against the effects caused by natural hazards associated with climate change. The first part presents the current situation of the main land use planning instruments in the coastal municipalities of Mexico, in the second part the current environmental situation in said municipalities is presented, identifying the degree of their transformation, the alteration of the ecosystems in the context of watersheds, the impact on the drainage network and mangrove losses. Under these circumstances, and taking into account that the future climate scenarios indicate an increase in the intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones, most of the coastal municipalities are in a situation of very high to medium vulnerability. The third part of the text presents the concrete action that coastal municipalities can take to be more resilient in the face of the challenges posed by global climate change. These actions can be grouped into four major thematic groups: Implementation of an early warning system based on a municipal information system, conserving the first defense barrier (dunes, mangroves and coastal lagoons) against cyclones and storm tides, decrease the vulnerability of infrastructure, productive systems and population, and restoration and conservation of ecosystems with a productive approach to lessen the impact of extreme events.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Dilek Tezel ◽  
Saban Inam ◽  
Sultan Kocaman

The determination of protected area (PA) boundaries and the level of restrictions is very important for sustainable conservation, and such decisions must involve biodiversity data and assessment. In a PA, the consensus of the government and the locals is crucial to ensure protection–use balance. The PA restrictions constrain legal human activities, and the boundary determination and the restrictions should be based on various scientific analyses to achieve consensus. In this study, a GIS-based approach is proposed to utilize the biodiversity data for efficient conservation and land use planning in Kas-Kekova PA, which is among the most important PAs in Turkey. Spatial analysis methods, i.e., kernel density estimation, natural breaks classification and integrated density index, were performed for the assessment of the habitat networks using georeferenced biodiversity datasets, and the results were evaluated with respect to the actual land use data and the land ownership pattern. The developed spatial analysis approach is efficient to produce the conservation base maps required for regional land use planning, for defining sustainable conservation strategies, and to provide a widely accepted base for land use planning and biodiversity monitoring in the PA; although careful investigations and expert opinions are still required for data deficient areas.


1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 311
Author(s):  
W.H. Butler

The Australian petroleum industry has been involved in environmental planning and has developed an awareness of multiple land use over the past twentyfive years, more particularly over the past decade. This is in accord with the World Conservation Strategy and the National Conservation Strategy for Australia upon which the Australian State and Territory conservation strategies are based.As the term implies, multiple land use means a sharing of the land. The range of uses includes reserves, heritage areas, agriculture, urban and suburban development and mining. To achieve multiple land use requires the restoration of the environment to its pre-development state as quickly as possible so that both uses can be maintained. This requires that the new user assess the impact of his development well before it begins. This assessment is normally achieved through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Environmental Review and Management Plan (ERMP). Most operators are familiar with these requirements.This paper deals primarily with the restoration of the existing environment. Restoration is achieved by preserving, to the greatest extent possible, the vegetation and topsoil which are stripped from the development area. As little stockpiling as possible is done and the topsoil, mixed with the broken down vegetation, is returned as quickly as possible. In this way the contained seed load and nutrient values are not lost and regeneration results.Apart from the practical aspects there is a need for the workforce involved to understand what they are conserving and why they are conserving it. A delicate balance exists in nature wherein the surviving plants and animals are able to cope with natural disasters. Management plans must include the principle that the collective impact of a new development will at no time exceed the impact of natural catastrophes.


Author(s):  
Randall A. Kramer ◽  
Carel P. van Schaik

Tropical rain forests are disappearing rapidly as a result of increasing human encroachment. During the past century, tropical rain forests have been reduced to about half of their original area. And the rate of deforestation is accelerating, fueled by population growth in developing countries and resource demands in the developed countries. The remaining forests are subject to increasingly intensive human use. Deforestation, fragmentation, and exploitation cause a plethora of problems, including soil erosion; siltation of rivers, lakes, and estuaries; increased flooding and droughts; release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere; and loss of species. In recent years, these problems have become the subject of international concern. This book focuses on the loss of biodiversity in tropical rain forests and on the role of protected areas in stemming the loss. This chapter examines the meaning of biodiversity and the history of the park movement in the tropics. What began as protection of habitat through the exclusion of people has transformed into sustainable use of biological resources. This new emphasis provides local control of important resources and greater income, but does it conserve habitat and species? We will argue that a renewed focus on protected areas as the primary storehouse of biodiversity is needed. We will also make the case for a focus on the tropical rain forest biome and will conclude with an overview of the rest of the book. In its strict sense, biodiversity refers to the “variety and variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes in which they occur” (Office of Technology Assessment, U.S. Congress, 1987:3). This definition can be extended both downward to cover genetic variability within a species and upward to include habitat and ecosystem diversity. practical terms, however, biodiversity is most profitably expressed as species diversity (weighted for rarity, endemism, and taxonomic distinctiveness, if necessary) at the landscape level (see chapter 6). We adopt this definition of biodiversity. During the past few years, attempts to link rain forest protection with sustainable development have led to a noticeable expansion of the meaning of the phrase “biodiversity conservation.”


Author(s):  
Che Aziz Ali ◽  
Tanot Unjah

Being an oldest landmass with the most complete Paleozoic rock sequence Langkawi archipelago hosts the richest geological diversity and heritage resources in the country. As a popular tourist destination, the scenic beauty has attracted tourists to Langkawi without them realising that the beauty has been created by the islands’ rich geological heritage diversity. To date more than 90 geoheritage sites of highly significant scientific, aesthetic, social or recreational value have been identified. Some of these geoheritage sites have become popular tourist sites. To ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry Langkawi needs to have a comprehensive and practical conservation strategy and mechanism. Without a good conservation policy the geoheritage sites are constantly under threat and under stress due to the need of space for development. To ensure the sustainability of these natural resources it is timely to include geoheritage sites in future land use planning.


2015 ◽  
pp. 17-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phonpat Hemwan

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) process as implemented through the Joint Management of Protected Areas (JoMPA) project. This article analyzes the process of local land use planning using PGIS through demarcation of special use zones. This was demonstrated to be a crucial process in the implemen-tation of conservation projects. Implementation of PGIS involves several operational steps, broughttogether in this study using the method of action research. It is based on collaborative partici-pation by stakeholders in the local area, leading all stakeholders to effective co-management of resources. The means of PGIS is also discussed here as a set of key tools, comprising geo-information acquisition and analysis tools. They are used mainly as participatory and interactive tools for communication and decision-making in collaborative planning or public meetings. The results of this implementation indicated that villagers could clearly understand the boundaries of land use areas, and the community regulations to facilitate practical co-management of land use by all local stakeholders. In addition, this study evaluates intensities of participation in 3 dimensions: facilitation, mediation and empowerment. This integrated approach including participatory local land use planning with PGIS is useful to identify problems in protected areas and also to develop strategies and solutions in partnership with local communities and external stake-holders, that together lead to a co-management approach for protected areas.


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