scholarly journals Leveraging Traditional Agroforestry Practices to Support Sustainable and Agrobiodiverse Landscapes in Southern Brazil

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
André Eduardo Biscaia Lacerda ◽  
Ana Lúcia Hanisch ◽  
Evelyn Roberta Nimmo
Keyword(s):  
Forest Cover ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Ilex Paraguariensis ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Traditional Agroforestry ◽  
Agroforestry Practices

Integrated landscape approaches have been identified as key to addressing competing social, ecological, economic, and political contexts and needs in landscapes as a means to improve and preserve agrobiodiversity. Despite the consistent calls to integrate traditional and local knowledge and a range of stakeholders in the process of developing integrated landscape approaches, there continues to be a disconnect between international agreements, national policies, and local grassroots initiatives. This case study explores an approach to address such challenges through true transdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder research and outreach to develop solutions for integrated landscapes that value and include the experience and knowledge of local communities and farmers. Working collaboratively with small-scale agroforestry farmers in Southern Brazil who continue to use traditional agroecological practices to produce erva-mate (Ilex paraguariensis), our transdisciplinary team is working to collect oral histories, document local ecological knowledge, and support farmer-led initiatives to address a range of issues, including profitability, productivity, and legal restrictions on forest use. By leveraging the knowledge across our network, we are developing and testing models to optimize and scale-out agroforestry and silvopastoral systems based on our partners’ traditional practices, while also supporting the implementation of approaches that expand forest cover, increase biodiversity, protect and improve ecosystem services, and diversify the agricultural landscape. In so doing, we are developing a strong evidence base that can begin to challenge current environmental policies and commonly held misconceptions that threaten the continuation of traditional agroforestry practices, while also offering locally adapted and realistic models that can be used to diversify the agricultural landscape in Southern Brazil.

scholarly journals A Framework for Simulating Ecosystem Effects in Data-Poor Small-Scale Fisheries Using Science-Based and Local Ecological Knowledge-Based Models

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel J. Zetina-Rejón ◽  
Gladis A. López-Ibarra ◽  
Lorena Rocha-Tejeda ◽  
Alesa Flores-Guzmán ◽  
Inés López-Ercilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Ecological Indicators ◽  
Marine Ecosystems ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Quantitative Models ◽  
Small Scale Fisheries ◽  
Qualitative Models ◽  
Species Removal

The constant demand for seafood products and the undeniable effects of fishing on marine ecosystems make it urgent to implement an ecosystem approach, even in data-poor scenarios such as small-scale fisheries. Understanding the impacts of fishing is essential for promoting management strategies that prevent irreversible damage to marine ecosystems. Thus, ecosystem quantitative science-based models have been frequently used to evaluate the effects of fishing, although fishers’ local ecological knowledge (LEK) can aid the implementation of qualitative models, particularly in data-poor conditions. Here, we present a framework for simulating and assessing the effects of fishing following two strategies: (1) for both types of models, we simulated species removal scenarios, and (2) for quantitative science-based models, we fitted time series to dynamically assessed impacts. The impacts were analyzed through ecological indicators commonly used for quantitative models, and because these indicators cannot be easily estimated for qualitative models, we propose the use of topological indicators in both types of models. The approach was applied to three case studies of small-scale finfish fisheries in northwestern Mexico. We found that the ecosystem response to species removal was different in each case study and that the target species can play an important role in ecosystems, but their removal does not generate abrupt changes in the ecosystem structure. The quantitative science-based models were able to reproduce the historical catch trends, which allowed us to reveal that changes in ecosystems are indeed influenced by fishing effort but also by underlying primary productivity. Furthermore, topological and ecological indicators showed similar trends in the quantitative models, which suggests that the former could be useful when data-poor conditions allow only qualitative models. This result confirms the relevance of the participation of fishers in generating qualitative models and their decisive role in the discussion of co-management strategies and risk scenarios in a better-informed manner.

scholarly journals The shifting distribution of Mediterranean fishes: a spatio-temporal assessment based on Local Ecological Knowledge .

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Azzurro ◽  
Valerio Sbragaglia ◽  
Jacopo Cerri ◽  
Michel Bariche ◽  
Luca Bolognini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Global Ocean ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Spatio Temporal

A major problem worldwide is the rapid change in species abundance and distribution, which is rapidly restructuring the biological communities of many ecosystems under changing climates. Tracking these transformations in the marine environment is crucial but our understanding is often hampered by the absence of historical data and by the practical challenge of survey large geographical areas. Here we focus on the Mediterranean Sea, a region which is warming faster than the rest of the global ocean, tracing back the spatio-temporal dynamic of species, which are emerging the most in terms of increasing abundances and expanding distributions. To this aim, we accessed the Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) of small-scale and recreational fishers reconstructing the dynamics of fish perceived as ‘new’ or increasing in different fishing area. Over 500 fishers across 95 locations and 9 different countries were interviewed and semi-quantitative information on yearly changes in species abundance was collected. Overall, 75 species were mentioned by the respondents, being the most frequent citations related to warm-adapted species of both, native and exotic origin. Respondents belonging to the same biogeographic sectors described coherent spatio-temporal dynamics, and gradients along latitudinal and longitudinal axes were revealed. This information provides a more complete understanding of recent bio-geographical changes in the Mediterranean Sea and it also demonstrates that adequately structured LEK methodology might be applied successfully beyond the local scale, across national borders and jurisdictions. Acknowledging this potential through macro-regional coordination, could pave the ground for future large-scale aggregations of individual observations, increasing our potential for integrated monitoring and conservation planning at the regional or even global level.

scholarly journals Integrating science and citizen science: the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) sustainable fishery of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alpina Begossi ◽  
Svetlana V. Salivonchyk
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Small Scale Fisheries ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Dusky Grouper ◽  
Sustainable Fishery

AbstractWe followed landings of dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus, from 2013 to 2019. We observed 1,896 individuals of dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus, in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, from September 2013 to February 2019. The total weight of the catches was 6,065.57 kg, with an average of 1,442.50 kg/year and a std of 147.30 kg.We integrated fishers in our study through citizen science (CS): individuals were trained to monitor grouper gonads and supplied information on fishing spots and prices. After comparing catch curves (based on weight) and curve prices (in the Brazilian monetary currency of reals), our results showed that catches in the Copacabana fishery have been stable (the results of the Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant difference for either the weight of the catches or the average prices of dusky groupers in the years compared). Copacabana has been a sustainable fishery when considering its catches of dusky grouper. This is a very important result for conservation and management, considering the importance of small-scale fisheries in terms of their low fishing efforts and their possible effects on vulnerable species, as well as their ecological and economic importance in developing countries. Citizen science, alomng with local ecological knowledge, helps integrate research and fisheries as well as researchers and fishers and allows for larger sampling efforts and management training for fishers.

Using local ecological knowledge of Fishers to infer the impact of climate variability in Galápagos’ small-scale fisheries

Marine Policy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 121 ◽  
pp. 104195
Author(s):  
Leticia Maria Cavole ◽  
Solange Andrade-Vera ◽  
José R. Marin Jarrin ◽  
Daniela Faggiani Dias ◽  
Octavio Aburto-Oropeza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Variability ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Small Scale Fisheries ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals The Endangered Coastal Fishers along the Coast of the Archipelago Sea

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 5-35
Author(s):  
Kirsi Sonck-Rautio
Keyword(s):  
Political Ecology ◽  
Fisheries Management ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Great Cormorant ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Small Scale Fisheries ◽  
Current State ◽  
Fishing Sector

The small-scale fisheries of the Finnish archipelago are in crisis. Three major problems were identified during an ethnographic study of the different stake- holders in the fishing sector: the grey seal, the great cormorant, and regulation of pikeperch harvesting. Within the framework of political ecology, develop- ments in the current state of the fisheries are examined and the policy-mak- ing processes are analysed. Additionally, the notion of knowledge and the role of both scientific knowledge and local ecological knowledge in the context of fisheries management and fisheries management science are discussed.

scholarly journals Abundance patterns at the invasion front: the case of Siganus luridus in Linosa (Strait of Sicily, Central Mediterranean Sea)

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Azzurro ◽  
Giulio Franzitta ◽  
Marco Milazzo ◽  
Michel Bariche ◽  
Emanuela Fanelli
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Depth Range ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Underwater Visual Census ◽  
Strait Of Sicily ◽  
Temporal Windows

The dusky spinefoot (Siganus luridus) has spread through much of the eastern Mediterranean since its introduction in 1920. In the present study, we monitored the abundance of this invader around the island of Linosa (Strait of Sicily), where the species was first recorded in 2003. Data were periodically collected along two temporal windows, 2005–06 and 2012–15, by both underwater visual census and surface snorkelling. Local ecological knowledge was investigated to gain complementary information. Both approaches highlighted significant proliferation of this tropical invader, with an average abundance of 0.36 individuals per 250m2 across the 0–30-m depth range. Dense aggregations of more than 100 adult individuals were observed in September 2015, and a coherent spatial structure at the small scale (<1km) was demonstrated. Considering the biogeographical relevance of this population, located at the western edge of its exotic distribution, these findings can be taken as a valuable case study for understanding invasion processes in the marine environment.

scholarly journals Fishers and groupers (Epinephelus marginatus and E. morio) in the coast of Brazil: integrating information for conservation

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alpina Begossi ◽  
Svetlana Salyvonchyk ◽  
Branko Glamuzina ◽  
Shirley Pacheco de Souza ◽  
Priscila F. M. Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Knowledge ◽  
Rio De Janeiro ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Red Grouper ◽  
Dusky Grouper

Abstract Background Groupers are a vulnerable but economically important group of fish, especially for small-scale fisheries. We investigated catches and local ecological knowledge (LEK) of diet, habitat, and past fishing experiences. Methods Landings, prices, interviews, and restaurants demand for two species, Epinephelus marginatus (dusky grouper) and Epinephelus morio (red grouper), were registered. Results We visited 74 markets and 79 sites on the coast of Brazil in 2017–2018, and we interviewed 71 fishers: Bahia (NE), Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (SE), and Santa Catarina (S). The landings sampled of dusky grouper (2016–2017) in Rio de Janeiro were: n = 222, size 38–109 cm, weight 1–24 kg, average 3.84 kg; in São Paulo, São Sebastião were: n = 47, size 39–106 cm, weight 2–8 kg, average of 2.77 kg; and at Santos: n = 80, 26–120 cm, weight 0.36–15 kg, average 2.72 kg. Red grouper was observed in markets in the northeastern Brazil. We did not observe Epinephelus marginatus from Bahia northward; a maximum size of 200 cm was reported south of the Bahia, besides Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo coasts, 20 years ago (or longer) by 12 fishers. Local knowledge of fishers was important for grouper data of habitat and diet; the reproduction period was identified by fishers as September to March. Conclusions Groupers can be considered as a cultural and ecological keystone species. We suggest protective measures: 1) fishing zoning, 2) islands (MPAs) with the surveillance of fishers, 3) late Spring and early Summer as key periods for management (grouper reproduction), 4) studies on grouper larvae, 5) mapping of fishing spots, 6) studies on local knowledge. Collaboration with small-scale fishers and local knowledge could contribute to low-conflict management measures. In that regard, integrative models of management from Latin America, by using local knowledge and citizen science, could produce successful grouper management for Brazilian data-poor fisheries, a contrasting reality to the Mediterranean areas. Finally, the distribution of E. marginatus in Brazil leave us with questions: a) Have dusky groupers disappeared from Bahia because of a decline in the population? b) Was it uncommon in Northeast Brazil? c) Did changes in water temperatures forced a movement southward?

scholarly journals Quantifying local ecological knowledge to model historical abundance of long-lived, heavily-exploited fauna

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9494
Author(s):  
Michelle-María Early-Capistrán ◽  
Elena Solana-Arellano ◽  
F. Alberto Abreu-Grobois ◽  
Nemer E. Narchi ◽  
Gerardo Garibay-Melo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Green Turtle ◽  
Local Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Population Trends ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Ecological Knowledge ◽  
Catch Per Unit Effort ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Abundance Data

Deriving robust historical population trends for long-lived species subject to human exploitation is challenging in scenarios where long-term scientific data are scarce or unavailable, as often occurs for species affected by small-scale fisheries and subsistence hunting. The importance of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) in data-poor scenarios is increasingly recognized in conservation, both in terms of uncovering historical trends and for engaging community stewardship of historic information. Building on previous work in marine historical ecology and local ecological knowledge, we propose a mixed socio-ecological framework to reliably document and quantify LEK to reconstruct historical population trends. Our method can be adapted by interdisciplinary teams to study various long-lived taxa with a history of human use. We demonstrate the validity of our approach by reconstructing long-term abundance data for the heavily-exploited East Pacific green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Baja California, Mexico, which was driven to near extinction by a largely unregulated fishery from the early 1950s to the 1980s. No scientific baseline abundance data were available for this time-frame because recent biological surveys started in 1995 after all green turtle fisheries in the area were closed. To fill this data gap, we documented LEK among local fishers using ethnographic methods and obtained verified, qualitative data to understand the socio-environmental complexity of the green turtle fishery. We then established an iterative framework to synthesize and quantify LEK using generalized linear models (GLMs) and nonlinear regression (NLR) to generate a standardized, LEK-derived catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) time-series. CPUE is an index of abundance that is compatible with contemporary scientific survey data. We confirmed the accuracy of LEK-derived CPUE estimates via comparisons with fisheries statistics available for 1962–1982. We then modeled LEK-derived abundance trends prior to 1995 using NLR. Our model established baseline abundance and described historical declines, revealing that the most critical (exponential) decline occurred between 1960 and 1980. This robust integration of LEK data with ecological science is of critical value for conservation and management, as it contributes to a holistic view of a species’ historic and contemporary conservation status.

(A review) Vegetation and biotopes of the National Park “Narochansky” with the Map of terrestrial vegetation (S. 1 : 60 000) and the Map of biotopes (S. 1 : 60 000)

2019 ◽  
pp. 68-72
Author(s):  
E. A. Volkova
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Practical Importance ◽  
Vegetation Mapping ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Terrestrial Vegetation ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
National Academy Of Sciences ◽  
Experimental Botany ◽  
High Level

A monograph “Vegetation and biotopes of the “Narochansky” National Park was published in Minsk, Belarus in 2017, edited by A. V. Pugachevsky (Grummo et al., 2017). It includes the Map of terrestrial vegetation (S. 1 : 60 000) and the Map of biotopes (S. 1 : 60 000). Some small-scale maps such as the Map of changes in forest cover of the “Narochansky” National Park for the period 1985–2016, the Map of forest loss in the “Narochansky” National Park for the period 1985–2016 and a series of inventory and analytical maps on the basin of the Naroch Lake are given. This monograph can be considered as a small regional Atlas with detailed explanatory texts to the maps. It presents the experience on vegetation mapping accumulated in the Laboratory of Geobotany and Vegetation mapping of the Institute of Experimental Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. Despite some critical comments, mainly concerning the biotope map, this publication of Belarusian geobotanists deserves an approval. They received the full answers to the questions posed: “What do we protect?” and “What is a current state of the vegetation of the National Park and the main trends of its dynamics? Cartographic design is made at a high level; the maps have both scientific and practical importance in the planning of environmental and economic activities.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document