Integrated Methodological Approach for the Documentation of Marine Priority Habitats and Submerged Antiquities: Examples from the Saronic Gulf, Greece

The rising human activities and resource exploitation have increased pressure in the coastal zone and the marine environment, risking the very existence of Marine Priority Habitats (MPH) and Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH). The delimitation of these two priority areas in a time- and cost-effective way is essential for the sustainable management and exploitation of sea resources and natural-cultural heritage preservation. We propose an Integrated Methodological Approach for the Detection and Mapping of MPH and UCH. To achieve this, we used a downscale methodological approach of increasing spatial resolution based on three main methodological axes: (i) desk-based research, (ii) marine geophysics/seafloor classification, and (iii) in-depth visual inspection/3D mapping. This methodological scheme was implemented at the Saronic Gulf and focused on Aegina island. The methodology proposed, which combines existing and new techniques, proved successful in detecting and mapping the MPH and UCH in detail, while it compiled the information necessary for the establishment of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) maps. Finally, the MSP map constructed for the Saronic Gulf demonstrated the lack of holistic coastal zone management plans due to impacts on UCH linked to anthropogenic intervention and the sparsity of marine habitats owing to marine pollution.

Anthropogenic restocking of gharial individuals prevents genetic isolation of gharial population in Girwa River, India by geographic barriers imposed by a barrage

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a critically endangered fresh water crocodile endemic to the Indian subcontinent. The species has suffered > 95% decline in population and habitat size. A small population of gharials comprising of 50 breeding adults is resident in a 20 Km stretch of the River Girwa in Katerniaghat wildlife sanctuary, India. Gharials in this 20 Km stretch have been genetically isolated since 1976 by a barrage that functions as a barrier to gene flow. A captive rear and release program has been initiated since 1979 under Project Crocodile for restocking declining wild gharial populations. Thousands of gharial eggs were collected from gharial populations at Girwa and Chambal Rivers. Hatchlings from the collected eggs were captive reared at a common location in Kukrail Gharial Centre, India and released back to multiple gharial populations including the isolated population at Girwa. This restocking programme was not preceded by a genetic screening of captive animals or wild populations to identify genetic diversity and genetic structure of both captive and wild animals. In this study we investigate whether release of captive reared gharials into the resident population at Girwa River has prevented genetic isolation caused due to barriers imposed by the barrage. Using a combination of empirical analysis using microsatellite markers and a systematic review of data from previous workers on molecular characterization of gharial populations, we analysed genetic differentiation in gharial populations at Girwa and Chambal. We found similar genetic variability in gharial populations of Girwa and Chambal. There was low inter population genetic differentiation and evidences of genetic migration between the two populations. Our findings indicate that anthropogenic intervention via release of captive animals has compensated for the genetic isolation in Girwa population caused by the barrage.

The local implications of a macrostrategy on the villagers and the environment

Nature subcontracted mankind for temporary management stipulating a rigor that does not disregard the smallest details because this is where the difference between perfection and riskiness lies, which inevitably leads to disasters. It establishes binding general rules and local imperatives to be fulfilled otherwise it takes back the reins. For this reason, anthropic macrostrategies must frame their priorities and objectives according to a sustainable social-ecosystem. Here, we evaluate the environmental effect of the triggered landuse change of the metropolis-portuary-industrial park of Tangier (Strait of Gibraltar) on ecosystem services (i.e. vegetation and water) and anticipate their interactions with indigenous villagers. We established a multifactorial analysis including long-term (1985-2021) land-use dynamic assessment, 16-years pixel-based Mann-Kendall phenological trend, EPM soil erosion modelling and assessment of the total volumes of the detached soil, and an NDVI/NDWI monthly drought monitoring. Later, we compared these outcomes with a social survey with 171 households to analyze their living conditions, and their environmental perception and attitude. We have observed that anthropogenic intervention is the precursor of erosion which is likely to worsen natural weaknesses, which are already at the origin of a massive potential loss of soil estimated at 1.2 kg/m²/year. We correlated the negative phenological trend with the lane of the roads and infrastructure and we observed that severe drought episodes are long, frequent and at short intra and interannual intervals. We found a statistically significant association between the low level of education and the rural seclusion with the environmental degradation and the unavailability of water which can evoke serious risks. We anticipate the urgent need for an inclusive reform that implements a behavioral culture, encourages education, and creates social facilitation to build an upward spiral that produces better conditions and more opportunities for the rural society. Broadly, Managers should integrate scientific instructions to master the details and continuously improve macrostrategies to achieve integral and lasting success.

The MOSE Machine: An anthropological approach to the building of a flood safeguard project in the Venetian Lagoon

This article reconstructs and analyses the reactions and perceptions of fishers and inhabitants of the Venetian Lagoon regarding flood events, ecosystem fragility and the safeguard project named MOSE, which seems to be perceived by residents as a greater risk than floods. Throughout the complex development of the MOSE project, which has involved protracted legislative and technical phases, public opinion has been largely ignored, local knowledge neglected in favour of technical agendas and environmental impact has been largely overlooked. Fishers have begun to describe the Lagoon as a ‘sick’ and rapidly changing organism. These reports will be the starting point for investigating the fishers’ interpretations of the environmental changes they observe during their daily fishing trips. The cause of these changes is mostly attributed to the MOSE’S invasive anthropogenic intervention. The lack of ethical, affective and environmental considerations in the long history of the project has also led to opposition that has involved a conflict between local and technical knowledge.

Evaluation of the land use evolution near solid waste landfills using a new weighted environmental index based on GIS techniques

<p>Land use in the nearby of a Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfill can be strongly affected by the waste management tasks (transport, landfilling and closure). Effects extend from the phases prior to the construction of the landfill until years after the completion of the landfilling process in areas located beyond the perimeter of the plot occupied by the landfill. In this work a new methodology for the analysis of land use change over time is presented. The methodology is based on the use of a new environmental index named WEI (Weighted Environmental Index). WEI is based on the use of GIS techniques accounting for different information sources (digital cartography, aerial photographs and satellite images). WEI assigns environmental values to land use based on the degree of anthropogenic intervention and its occupation surface. A georeferenced multitemporal statistical analysis is performed considering the values of WEI previously assigned to every land use. The methodology has been applied to analyze the land use change near the main MSW landfills of Valencia Region (Spain) where landfilling is currently the only waste disposal technique available. Data have been obtained from the Spanish Land Occupation Information System (SIOSE) public database and integrate GIS information about land use/land cover on an extensive, high-detailed scale. Results demonstrate the application of the WEI to real case studies and the importance of integrating statistical analysis of WEI evolution over time to arrive at a better understanding of the socio-economic and environmental processes that induce land-use change.</p>

BOAL (WALLAGO ATTU) FISH ABANDONMENT IN KELEGHAI RIVER, WEST BENGAL: AN IDEA BASED CLARIFICATION

Aquatic freshwater fish diversity immensely declines from several native places in West Bengal. Lots of freshwater fish have been extricated and some become endangered or vulnerable in condition as well as in Keleghai river. Aquatic ecosystem meltdown or crisis due to anthropogenic intervention resulted disappearance of eco-sensitive species. Such, appearance of Boal (Wallago attu) fish in this river was very common but now it’s very amazing to see or to catch it. The number of this species decreased radically before some decades. The present study conducts an empirical investigation to find out the reasons are behind it. Lacking of printed information, the work concentrated on knowledge and perception of experienced fisherman for understanding the fact by interviewing method. After qualitative investigation, the study recommends that simplification of food web in this aquatic ecosystem is the major cause of abandonment of Attu fish in this river. Other important causes are advance unethical fishing techniques, habitat loss, and enormous use of chemical pesticide and fertilizer in wetlands.

Assessment of Landslides Susceptibility in Giri Watershed, Northwest Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh, India

The slope instability in the Himalayan terrain is a common phenomenon which is caused by a combination of the ongoing seismicity and climate variability (extreme weather evets). In addition to this, in the last few decades, the anthropogenic intervention in the form of various developmental activity (roads, hydropower projects, expansion of urban sectors etc.) have posed serious threat to slope stability. In this study we have evaluated the terrain status for landslide susceptibility in a monsoon fed Giri Watershed. An attempted has been made to decouple various causative factors of landslides susceptibility of the region using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Employing the Frequency ratio and the information value methods, the study observe that increasing incidences of landslides occur along the drainage in the lower valley sides, along the linear developmental activities and settlement areas. Further the study observed a broad correlation between rock formation, lineaments, vegetation types, and slope steepness.

Structural Characteristics of Natural Limestone Forests in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserves, Vietnam

An ecological understanding of natural forests after anthropogenic intervention is important for sustainable forest management. This study analyzed the overstory characteristics (species composition, growth, and diameter distribution) and regeneration (species richness, density, and height distribution) in natural limestone forests in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam. Data were collected in nine study plots established in selective-logged (SLF), clear-cut (CCF), and unlogged (UF) forests. Results indicated that the overstory characteristics of SLF and CCF were lower than that of UF (species richness was 33 in UF, 20 in SLF, and 16 in CCF; DBH was 20.6 ±13.7 cm in UF, 16.9 ±9.7 cm in SLF, and 10.5 ±3.8 cm in CCF; Basal area was 38.2 m2 ha-1 in UF, 24.0 m2 ha-1 in SLF, and 11.4 m2 ha-1 in CCF). For regeneration, species richness also varied from UF (25) to SLF (13) and CCF (5), while seedling density reversely increased. We concluded that a 20-year restoration was insufficient for artificially disturbed forests to recover their ecological functions, regardless of logging intensities and techniques applied.

Analysis of Human Activity Impact on Flash Floods in China from 1950 to 2015

An early warning of a flash flood is essential to prevent the general public from the hazardous flooding events, however, the rapid variation of human activities has led to the uncertainty of risk in prone areas. The lack of a systematic record of flash flood events introduces challenges to flash flood-related research. Herein, we map spatial and temporal variations in flash floods in China from 1950 to 2015 and establish a general ordered logit model in a geographic information environment to estimate the association between the occurrence of flash flood events and natural conditions and the variation of human activities at the watershed level. The results showed that precipitation is an important cause of flash flooding, and demonstrate that anthropogenic intervention (heavy rainfall, density of villages, and vegetation cover) in the environment affect the likelihood of flash floods. We found that the likelihood of flash floods in China may increase with the air quality worsening and that the occurrence of flash floods is strongly correlated with vegetation cover. Our findings suggest a need for further investigation of the link between air quality and flash flooding in flood-prone areas.