A Systematic Comparison of Cultural and Ecological Landscape Corridors in Europe

Landscape corridors are narrow strips of land that differ from the matrix on either side. In addition to providing connectivity between fragmented landscapes, these corridors serve scenic, cultural, social, ecological, and recreational purposes. We systematically reviewed reports and studies related to 92 cultural and ecological landscape corridors in Europe, focusing, in particular, on their planning and management, problems addressed, approaches and tools used, stakeholders involved and spatial scales. Biodiversity conservation was found to be the most frequently stated aim (67% of the cases), followed by recreation and tourism (62%). The planning processes for cultural and ecological landscape corridors were dominated by similar, quite narrow, stakeholder groups, but via a wide variety of approaches and tools. Ecological corridors existed at larger and more variable scales relative to cultural landscape corridors. Significant differences were found in many aspects of the two types of corridors, although a complete separation of the two categories was difficult since most of the cases reviewed were designed to serve multiple aims. We close the paper by making a few recommendations for decision makers concerning future corridor planning.

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Assessment Method and Scale of Observation Influence Ecosystem Service Bundles

Land ◽

10.3390/land9100392 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 392

Author(s):

Santiago Madrigal-Martínez ◽

José Luis Miralles i García

Keyword(s):

Land Use ◽

Ecosystem Services ◽

Land Use Planning ◽

Ecosystem Service ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Assessment Method ◽

Fine Grid ◽

Integrated Method ◽

The Matrix ◽

Planning Processes

The understanding of relationships between ecosystem services and the appropriate spatial scales for their analysis and characterization represent opportunities for sustainable land management. Bundles have appeared as an integrated method to assess and visualize consistent associations among multiple ecosystem services. Most of the bundle assessments focused on a static framework at a specific spatial scale. Here, we addressed the effects of applying two cluster analyses (static and dynamic) for assessing bundles of ecosystem services across four different scales of observation (two administrative boundaries and two sizes of grids) over 13 years (from 2000 to 2013). We used the ecosystem services matrix to model and map the potential supply of seven ecosystem services in a case study system in the central high-Andean Puna of Peru. We developed a sensitivity analysis to test the robustness of the matrix. The differences between the configuration, spatial patterns, and historical trajectories of bundles were measured and compared. We focused on two hypotheses: first, bundles of ecosystem services are mainly affected by the method applied for assessing them; second, these bundles are influenced by the scale of observation over time. For the first hypothesis, the results suggested that the selection of a method for assessing bundles have inferences on the interactions with land-use change. The diverse implications to management on ecosystem services support that static and dynamic assessments can be complementary to obtain better contributions for decision-making. For the second hypothesis, our study showed that municipality and grid-scales kept similar sensitivity in capturing the aspects of ecosystem service bundles. Then, in favorable research conditions, we recommend the combination of a municipal and a fine-grid scale to assure robustness and successfully land-use planning processes.

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Establishment of the ecological environmental map for Hoa binh town based on the study of ecological landscape and ecological environment

Vietnam Journal of Earth Sciences ◽

10.15625/0866-7187/25/2/11901 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 185-189

Author(s):

Nguyễn Thế Thôn

Keyword(s):

Ecological Environment ◽

The Matrix ◽

Ecological Landscape ◽

Environmental Map ◽

Hoa Binh

Based on the ecolandscape theory and using the Map Info software, the author has established the ecological environmental map for Hoa Binhtown. In this map all of natural environmental components, poilution, degradation, catastrophe and break-down of environment are described.Annotation of the map have two parts : 1) the ecolandscape (ecological environment of the territory) is described with matrix ; 2) the pollution,degradation, catastrophe and break-down of environment are described with description table and that is under the matrix.

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Imaging Spectroscopy for Conservation Applications

Remote Sensing ◽

10.3390/rs13020292 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 292

Author(s):

Megan Seeley ◽

Gregory P. Asner

Keyword(s):

Remote Sensing ◽

Decision Making ◽

Case Studies ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Imaging Spectroscopy ◽

Remote Sensing Data ◽

Decision Makers ◽

High Spectral Resolution ◽

Conservation Areas ◽

Broad Array

As humans continue to alter Earth systems, conservationists look to remote sensing to monitor, inventory, and understand ecosystems and ecosystem processes at large spatial scales. Multispectral remote sensing data are commonly integrated into conservation decision-making frameworks, yet imaging spectroscopy, or hyperspectral remote sensing, is underutilized in conservation. The high spectral resolution of imaging spectrometers captures the chemistry of Earth surfaces, whereas multispectral satellites indirectly represent such surfaces through band ratios. Here, we present case studies wherein imaging spectroscopy was used to inform and improve conservation decision-making and discuss potential future applications. These case studies include a broad array of conservation areas, including forest, dryland, and marine ecosystems, as well as urban applications and methane monitoring. Imaging spectroscopy technology is rapidly developing, especially with regard to satellite-based spectrometers. Improving on and expanding existing applications of imaging spectroscopy to conservation, developing imaging spectroscopy data products for use by other researchers and decision-makers, and pioneering novel uses of imaging spectroscopy will greatly expand the toolset for conservation decision-makers.

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Multi-level social-ecological networks in a payments for ecosystem services programme in central Veracruz, Mexico

Environmental Conservation ◽

10.1017/s0376892920000478 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Alfonso Langle-Flores ◽

Adriana Aguilar Rodríguez ◽

Humberto Romero-Uribe ◽

Julia Ros-Cuéllar ◽

Juan José Von Thaden

Keyword(s):

Ecosystem Services ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Payments For Ecosystem Services ◽

Collaboration Network ◽

Governmental Organizations ◽

Social Ecological ◽

Non Governmental Organizations ◽

Conservation Activity ◽

Ecological Importance ◽

Hydrological Services

Summary Payments for ecosystem services (PES) programmes have been considered an important conservation mechanism to avoid deforestation. These environmental policies act in social and ecological contexts at different spatial scales. We evaluated the social-ecological fit between stakeholders and ecosystem processes in a local PES programme across three levels: social, ecological and social-ecological. We explored collaboration among stakeholders, assessed connectivity between forest units and evaluated conservation activity links between stakeholders and forest units. In addition, to increase programme effectiveness, we classified forest units based on their social and ecological importance. Our main findings suggest that non-governmental organizations occupy brokerage positions between landowners and government in a dense collaboration network. We also found a partial spatial misfit between conservation activity links and the forest units that provide the most hydrological services to Xalapa. We conclude that conservation efforts should be directed towards the middle and high part of the Pixquiac sub-watershed and that the role of non-governmental organizations as mediators should be strengthened to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the local PES programme.

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Cultural Landscape Preservation and Social–Ecological Sustainability

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13052593 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 2593

Author(s):

María Fe Schmitz ◽

Cristina Herrero-Jáuregui

Keyword(s):

Cultural Landscape ◽

Cultural Landscapes ◽

Ecological Sustainability ◽

Ecological Processes ◽

Sustainable Systems ◽

Social Ecological ◽

Landscape Preservation

Cultural landscapes are the result of social–ecological processes that have co-evolved throughout history, shaping high-value sustainable systems [...]

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Legal and Organizational Framework for the use of Geoweb Methods for Public Participation in Spatial Planning in Poland: Experiences, Opinions and Challenges

Quaestiones Geographicae ◽

10.2478/quageo-2018-0032 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 37 (3) ◽

pp. 163-175

Author(s):

Edyta Bąkowska-Waldmann ◽

Cezary Brudka ◽

Piotr Jankowski

Keyword(s):

Public Participation ◽

Case Studies ◽

Spatial Planning ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Local Authorities ◽

Planning Processes ◽

Organizational Framework ◽

Public Consultations

Abstract Geoweb methods offer an alternative to commonly used public participation methods in spatial planning. This paper discusses two such geoweb methods – geo-questionnaire and geo-discussion in the context of their initial applications within the spatial planning processes in Poland. The paper presents legal and organizational framework for the implementation of methods, provides their development details, and assesses insights gained from their deployment in the context of spatial planning in Poland. The analysed case studies encompass different spatial scales ranging from major cities in Poland (Poznań and Łódź) to suburban municipalities (Rokietnica and Swarzędz in Poznań Agglomeration). The studies have been substantiated by interviews with urban planners and local authorities on the use and value of Geoweb methods in public consultations.

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Application of Combinatorial Techniques to the Ghanaian Board Game Zaminamina Draft

European Journal of Pure and Applied Mathematics ◽

10.29020/nybg.ejpam.v12i1.3308 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 159-175

Author(s):

Elvis Kobina Donkoh ◽

Rebecca Davis ◽

Emmanuel D.J Owusu-Ansah ◽

Emmanuel A. Antwi ◽

Michael Mensah

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Mathematical Models ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Board Game ◽

Rational Decision ◽

Way Of Life ◽

Mathematical Technique ◽

Contemporary Culture ◽

Conflict And Cooperation ◽

The Matrix

Games happen to be a part of our contemporary culture and way of life. Often mathematical models of conflict and cooperation between intelligent rational decision-makers are studied in these games. Example is the African board game ’Zaminamina draft’ which is often guided by combinatorial strategies and techniques for winning. In this paper we deduce an intelligent mathematical technique for playing a winning game. Two different starting strategies were formulated; center starting and edge or vertex starting. The results were distorted into a 3x3 matrix and elementary row operations were performed to establish all possible wins. MatLab was used to distort the matrix to determine the diagonal wins. A program was written using python in artificial intelligence (AI) to help in playing optimally

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COMPUTATIONAL MICROSTRUCTURE-BASED ANALYSIS OF RESIDUAL STRESS EVOLUTION IN METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITE MATERIALS DURING THERMOMECHANICAL LOADING

Facta Universitatis Series Mechanical Engineering ◽

10.22190/fume201228011b ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 241

Author(s):

Ruslan Balokhonov ◽

Varvara Romanova ◽

Eugen Schwab ◽

Aleksandr Zemlianov ◽

Eugene Evtushenko

Keyword(s):

Residual Stress ◽

Metal Matrix ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Matrix Composites ◽

Two Phase ◽

Irregular Shapes ◽

The Matrix ◽

Stress Formation ◽

Mechanical Fragmentation

A technique for computer simulation of three-dimensional structures of materials with reinforcing particles of complex irregular shapes observed in the experiments is proposed, which assumes scale invariance of the natural mechanical fragmentation. Two-phase structures of metal-matrix composites and coatings of different spatial scales are created, with the particles randomly distributed over the matrix and coating computational domains. Using the titanium carbide reinforcing particle embedded into the aluminum as an example, plastic strain localization and residual stress formation along the matrix-particle interface are numerically investigated during cooling followed by compression or tension of the composite. A detailed analysis is performed to evaluate the residual stress concentration in local regions of bulk tension formed under all-round and uniaxial compression of the composite due to the concave and convex interfacial asperities.

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A Social-Ecological Analysis of Urban Tree Vulnerability for Publicly Owned Trees in a Residential Neighborhood

Arboriculture & Urban Forestry ◽

10.48044/jauf.2019.002 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 45 (1) ◽

Author(s):

James Steenberg ◽

Andrew Millward ◽

David Nowak ◽

Pamela Robinson ◽

Sandy Smith

Keyword(s):

Tree Mortality ◽

Urban Forest ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Land Uses ◽

Forest Change ◽

Social Ecological Systems ◽

Residential Neighborhood ◽

Social Ecological ◽

Vulnerability Indicators

The urban forest is a valuable ecosystem service provider, yet cities are frequently degraded environments with a myriad of stressors and disturbances affecting trees. Vulnerability science is increasingly used to explore issues of sustainability in complex social-ecological systems, and can be a useful approach for assessing urban forests. The purpose of this study was to identify and explore drivers of urban forest vulnerability in a residential neighborhood. Based on a recently published framework of urban forest vulnerability, a series of indicators of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity that describe the built environment, urban forest structure, and human population, respectively, were assessed for 806 trees in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Tree mortality, condition, and diameter growth rates were then assessed using an existing 2007/2008 inventory. A bivariate analysis was first conducted to test for significant relationships of vulnerability indicators with mortality, condition, and growth. A multivariate analysis was then conducted using multiple linear regression for the continuous condition and growth variables and a multilayer perceptron neural network for the binary mortality variable. Commercial land uses and commercial buildings adjacent to trees consistently explained higher mortality rates and poor tree conditions. However, at finer spatial scales it is important to differentiate between different causes and correlates of urban forest decline within commercial land uses. Tree species, size, and condition were also important indicators of vulnerability. Understanding the causes of urban forest change and decline are essential for developing planning strategies to reduce long-term system vulnerability.

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Mismatches in spatial scale of supply and demand and their consequences for local welfare in Scottish aquaculture

Anthropocene Coasts ◽

10.1139/anc-2018-0025 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 261-278 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Tim O’Higgins ◽

Karen Alexander ◽

Marcello Graziano

Keyword(s):

Systems Approach ◽

Spatial Scales ◽

Supply And Demand ◽

Ecological Systems ◽

Ecological Resilience ◽

Resource Exploitation ◽

Salmon Aquaculture ◽

Social Ecological ◽

Blue Growth ◽

Marine Areas

Mismatches in spatial scales, or spatial disconnections between causes and effects of ecosystem degradation, can reduce resilience in social–ecological systems. These mismatches can be particularly disruptive in coastal and marine areas, where multiple social and ecological systems are multi-layered. Scotland’s Western Isles have a history of local resource exploitation to meet extra-regional, larger-scale demands, which has resulted in a long process of socio-demographic decline. Salmon aquaculture is a major and expanding industry in the area, often linked to “Blue Growth”. The expansion of this industry operates within and contributes to create several scale mismatches. Combining a systems approach across nested scales with a classification of scale mismatches, this work analyses the characteristics of the Western Isles salmon aquaculture industry, and it explores effects on social–ecological resilience. An extent scale mismatch between the global stocks of fishmeal species and the local capacity to respond to fluctuations is identified. The implications for this mismatch for the Western Isles are discussed. Some potential policy arrangements for incorporating matched spatial scales are considered.

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