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Diversity
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Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition
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Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Biodiversity Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 18822

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Alfredo Ortega-Rubio

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Guest Editor
CIBNOR-CONACYT, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Planeación Ambiental y Conservación, Avenida Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo Sta. Rita, La Paz 23090, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Interests: conservation ecology; natural protected areas; ecological restoration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is the second edition of "Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation"; https://www.mdpi.com/journal/diversity/special_issues/socio_ecology.

Due to worldwide co-evolutive reasons, hot spots of biodiversity coincide with hot spots of cultural, and even linguistic, diversity. Therefore, to preserve global biodiversity, socio-ecological studies on local communities must be conducted. These studies must take into account the social, economic and cultural needs and aspirations of the local communities in relation to biodiversity conservation policies. This Special Issue focuses on describing the interactions between the local inhabitants and environmental systems all around the world. It aims to help understand how social groups contextualize ecological knowledge, anthropic activities contribute to modifying the environment, cultural and economic aspects influence the use, management and conservation of their ecological environment, and to understand social phenomena in light of ecological knowledge.

Theoretical, methodological and case studies can be submitted to this Special Issue. Theoretical contributions must discuss the epistemological and historical foundations of the conception of the socio-ecological relationship and describe the evolution of human–nature systems. Methodological contributions must analyze the tools required for the integration of "human" and "natural" dimensions in the management of the environment; the approach of ecosystem services, long-term socio-ecological research and the local governance of common goods must be described. Case Studies in this Special Issue must report on valuable experiences on the retro-interactions of local inhabitants with their environment matrix, incorporating, in relation to biodiversity conservation, the social and economic aspects of local inhabitants with the environmental management and sustainability. This Special Issue will provide a theoretical basis, methodological tools and key case studies, which will contribute to the advancement of the socio-ecological perspectives for biodiversity conservation.  I hope this Special Issue will have a dramatic impact on the next generations of researchers and professionals contributing to biodiversity conservation all over the world.

Prof. Dr. Alfredo Ortega-Rubio
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • socio-ecological
  • ecosystem services
  • biodiversity conservation
  • local inhabitants
  • environmental systems

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1309 KiB  
Communication
Differential Accumulation of Particulate Pollutants in Gills and Gastrointestinal Tracts in Sphoeroides Fish from Tropical and Subtropical Estuaries in Brazil
by Sérgio Murilo de Souza Filho, Marco Tadeu Grassi, Mayara Padovan dos Santos, Juliano Morimoto, Marcelo Soeth and Luís Fernando Fávaro
Diversity 2025, 17(4), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17040300 - 21 Apr 2025
Viewed by 228
Abstract
The widespread use of recyclable materials in contemporary society has led to the accumulation of pollutants in estuaries and marine ecosystems, with potential impacts on biodiversity. This study assessed the abundance and types of particulate pollutants in Sphoeroides fish across two Brazilian estuaries [...] Read more.
The widespread use of recyclable materials in contemporary society has led to the accumulation of pollutants in estuaries and marine ecosystems, with potential impacts on biodiversity. This study assessed the abundance and types of particulate pollutants in Sphoeroides fish across two Brazilian estuaries (tropical and subtropical). Our findings showed that 70 biological samples from fish (92.11%) contained debris, with the tropical estuary exhibiting the highest abundance (n = 499 particles—67% of the total), dominated by laminar (film) particulate pollutants (76.75%). In this estuary, the gill exhibited the highest contamination index, with most particulate pollutants (<1 mm and 1–3 mm) found in 63.6% and 54.5% of samples, respectively. In the subtropical estuary, 246 debris particles (33% of the total) were detected in the biological samples, with 58.5% of particles being of the film type. The gastrointestinal tract had the highest contamination index in this region, with 70.6% of particles in the 1–3 mm size range. These results highlight the pervasive presence of particulate pollutants in estuarine ecosystems and the organ-specific contamination patterns in tropical and subtropical regions, underscoring the ecological risks posed by plastic waste to estuarine biodiversity in hotspot regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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16 pages, 7400 KiB  
Article
Biodiversity and Seasonal Succession of Macrobenthos in Saltmarsh Habitat Adjacent to a Ship-Breaking Area
by M. Shafiqul Islam, Hossain Zamal, Muhammad Shah Alam, Md. Maheen Mahmud Bappy, Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal, M. Belal Hossain and Takaomi Arai
Diversity 2025, 17(4), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17040231 - 25 Mar 2025
Viewed by 582
Abstract
The Fauzderhat coast of Chattogram (Bangladesh) is increasingly affected anthropogenic pressures, necessitating an understanding of its ecological conditions to inform effective ecosystem management. Despite this urgency, the local succession patterns and environmental impacts on macrobenthic communities remain poorly understood. This study examines the [...] Read more.
The Fauzderhat coast of Chattogram (Bangladesh) is increasingly affected anthropogenic pressures, necessitating an understanding of its ecological conditions to inform effective ecosystem management. Despite this urgency, the local succession patterns and environmental impacts on macrobenthic communities remain poorly understood. This study examines the saltmarsh bed macrobenthos in Fauzderhat, documenting 81,724 individuals from 54 species. These include ten families and twenty-two species of annelids, ten and twelve species of arthropods, and ten and eleven species of mollusks, as well as six and nine species from different phyla. Seasonality showed significantly different patterns of changes, with the number of species and abundance peaking during the monsoon (53 species) and post-monsoon (21,969) conditions, respectively, and being lowest in the post-monsoon condition (39 species) and winter (18,265 individuals). Species richness, diversity, and evenness were significantly higher in monsoon and lower in post-monsoon conditions, with the differences being only significant in the former. Cluster analysis and line graphs indicated that average species abundance was lowest post-monsoon, increased through the winter and pre-monsoon conditions, then declined again during monsoon conditions. SIMPER analysis revealed the highest dissimilarity between pre-monsoon and post-monsoon conditions while winter and post-monsoon conditions showed the lowest dissimilarity of microbenthic assemblages. Correlation coefficients showed the macrobenthos were positively correlated with soil salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH, while they were negatively correlated with sand, Inundation Period, and nutrients. CCA showed that monsoon conditions (higher water temperature, inundation period, and tidal height) created unfavorable environments for most species, except for several species. Conversely, winter favored species like M. oligobranchia. Post-monsoon nutrient levels increased stress, reducing species presence, while pre-monsoon conditions supported balanced diversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 1794 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Financing for Biodiversity Conservation in Mexico: Links Between Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation Funds
by Miriam Sosa and Antonina Ivanova
Diversity 2025, 17(3), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17030185 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 841
Abstract
At COP16 in Cali, Colombia, significant progress was made in biodiversity conservation efforts. In this regard, financing has been considered a key issue for achieving the objectives. The overview of Mexico’s experience with biodiversity finance in this study presents the experience of an [...] Read more.
At COP16 in Cali, Colombia, significant progress was made in biodiversity conservation efforts. In this regard, financing has been considered a key issue for achieving the objectives. The overview of Mexico’s experience with biodiversity finance in this study presents the experience of an emerging economy, which must finance pressing development priorities and biodiversity and climate action at the same time. Therefore, it is very important to find synergies in the available finance and look for new innovative options. The large overlap between the climate and biodiversity agendas and the international commitments derived from these also presents an opportunity to accelerate biodiversity funding. The methodology applied is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The study presents the national strategy on biodiversity in Mexico (ENBioMex), the financial needs of the country, and the existing biodiversity financing, stressing the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), and the Adaptation Fund in Mexico. The discussion section centers on analyzing the existing results and outlining some proposals to enhance the existing instruments, looking for innovation and synergies. In the authors’ opinion, the financing of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) is the main instrument that can link biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change impacts, at the same time providing a sustainable way of life and guaranteeing the well-being of communities, but it is not adequately used. Finally, we present some concluding remarks and future research topics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 2758 KiB  
Article
Phytosociological Research and Meaningful Learning: Constructivist Approaches for Teaching Vegetation
by Ana Cano-Ortiz, Carmelo Maria Musarella and Eusebio Cano
Diversity 2025, 17(3), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17030172 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 488
Abstract
Phytosociology reached its peak development during the 20th century, particularly after 1992 with the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive, which incorporated plant associations into habitat classifications. The objective of this study is to assess the diversity of Mediterranean grasslands using the phytosociological [...] Read more.
Phytosociology reached its peak development during the 20th century, particularly after 1992 with the implementation of the EU Habitats Directive, which incorporated plant associations into habitat classifications. The objective of this study is to assess the diversity of Mediterranean grasslands using the phytosociological methodology, focusing specifically on the PBTs and BsHl associations. Although both types of grasslands are of interest for livestock farming, we emphasize those belonging to Poetea bulbosae (PbTs), which are included in the priority habitat 6220 and are of high value for sheep grazing. The results indicate that Vca-Vco = 0.390 for PBTs and 0.525 for BsHl, the latter due to the absence of companion species diversity in BsHl. A strong linear correlation was observed for both associations, with R2 > 0.8 for PbTs and R2 > 0.9 for BdHl. Given the importance of grassland diversity research, its teaching should be predominantly practical and conducted outside the classroom. To achieve this, an inquiry-based constructivist methodology is employed, which is particularly suitable for learning the phytosociological method, allowing students to take ownership of their learning process. The aim of this teaching approach is to expose students to field research methodologies, enhancing their scientific training. The results are highly positive, with a 100% success rate in students’ comprehension of the two grassland types after the teaching-learning process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 1154 KiB  
Article
Understanding Wildlife Biodiversity Awareness: Rural Children’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Conservation in the Selva Maya
by Jonathan Pérez-Flores and Jorge Omar López-Martínez
Diversity 2025, 17(3), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17030152 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 834
Abstract
We live in an era where future generations are experiencing a serious loss of knowledge, sensitivity, and interest in biodiversity. This situation is thought to be unique to urbanised countries with limited green spaces. However, with the increasing urbanisation of rural areas, it [...] Read more.
We live in an era where future generations are experiencing a serious loss of knowledge, sensitivity, and interest in biodiversity. This situation is thought to be unique to urbanised countries with limited green spaces. However, with the increasing urbanisation of rural areas, it is necessary to investigate what is happening in places of high biodiversity. In this study, we investigated the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of children and adolescents in the rural municipality of José María Morelos in southeastern Mexico. We analysed 1119 drawings by 117 children in their first three years of school and interviewed 280 students in their last three years of primary, secondary and high school. Younger children drew more native species, with the majority being mammals. Of the students surveyed, secondary school students had the highest level of species knowledge and considered deer and jaguar to be the most important species. They considered hunting to be the main cause of animal depletion and had a positive attitude towards nature conservation. Based on our findings, we recommend that educational strategies be implemented at all school levels to promote knowledge of the less emblematic species that inhabit the Selva Maya. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 1154 KiB  
Article
Beauty Bias? Exploring the Influence of Attractiveness on Conservation Intentions for Plants and Their Pollinators
by Pavol Prokop, Simona Todáková and Jana Fančovičová
Diversity 2025, 17(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010071 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 884
Abstract
Plants are an essential component of ecosystems; however, their significance is frequently underestimated, resulting in less effective conservation efforts. One approach to address plant blindness (PB) or plant awareness disparity (PAD) is to establish connections between plants and animals, as animals inherently attract [...] Read more.
Plants are an essential component of ecosystems; however, their significance is frequently underestimated, resulting in less effective conservation efforts. One approach to address plant blindness (PB) or plant awareness disparity (PAD) is to establish connections between plants and animals, as animals inherently attract more human attention. In this study, we employed an online questionnaire to manipulate visual materials featuring plant flowers alone, plant flowers accompanied by pollinators, and pollinators in isolation. We assessed participants’ willingness to protect (WTP) and the perceived attractiveness of both plants and their pollinators. Our findings revealed that pollinators presented alone received higher WTP scores than plants. Moreover, the visual association between pollinators and plants enhanced WTP plants. Conversely, plants were consistently perceived as more attractive than pollinators, irrespective of whether the flowers were displayed alone or alongside pollinators. The perceived attractiveness of both plants and pollinators was significantly correlated with WTP. Notably, colourful pollinators such as Selasphorus rufus, Vestiaria coccinea, and Danaus plexippus positively influenced WTP plants, while the remaining five species (predominantly invertebrates) did not exhibit a similar effect. We propose that establishing a connection between visually appealing pollinators and plants can help mitigate PB/PAD. These pollinators should be utilised as umbrella species to enhance human attention and interest in pollination processes and plant biology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 8318 KiB  
Article
Effects of Flow Velocity on the Dynamics of Juvenile Fish Habitats in River Meanders of the Irtysh River
by Andrey A. Chemagin, Elena I. Popova and Martin Schletterer
Diversity 2025, 17(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010068 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 939
Abstract
Understanding the spatial distribution of freshwater fish in heterogeneous aquatic environments is crucial for understanding riverine ecosystems and the rational use of aquatic biological resources. This study investigates the distribution patterns of juvenile fish in the lower reaches of the Irtysh River, including [...] Read more.
Understanding the spatial distribution of freshwater fish in heterogeneous aquatic environments is crucial for understanding riverine ecosystems and the rational use of aquatic biological resources. This study investigates the distribution patterns of juvenile fish in the lower reaches of the Irtysh River, including hydrodynamic conditions during different water level regimes. With hydroacoustic surveys, we assessed fish density and distribution in two wintering riverbed depressions during the spring flood and summer low water period. The main fish aggregations consisted of Cyprinidae and Percidae, with juveniles predominantly occupying areas with reduced flow velocities (0.15–0.75 m s−1). Correlation analysis showed strong direct relationships between the area occupied by juvenile carp and perch and zones with specific flow velocities. The study highlights that hydrodynamic characteristics, particularly flow velocity, are key factors influencing the distribution and aggregation of juvenile fish. These findings underscore the importance of considering hydrodynamic factors and species-specific traits in understanding fish distribution patterns and in managing freshwater ecosystems effectively. This research contributes to the understanding of the multifunctional roles of riverbed depressions in supporting juvenile fish populations and emphasizes the importance of hydroacoustics to predict fish distributions in dynamic aquatic environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 3020 KiB  
Article
Bayesian Inference of Human-Made Hazards in Networks of Island Wetlands: The Case of the Aegean Archipelago
by Cleo M. Gaganis and Andreas Y. Troumbis
Diversity 2025, 17(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17010054 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1488
Abstract
This research aims to provide guidelines using probabilistic methods to understand better the dominant characteristics of the 824 under-pressure wetlands on 75 islands within Greece and to inform future conservation efforts. Identifying the characteristics and types of anthropogenic pressures is crucial for developing [...] Read more.
This research aims to provide guidelines using probabilistic methods to understand better the dominant characteristics of the 824 under-pressure wetlands on 75 islands within Greece and to inform future conservation efforts. Identifying the characteristics and types of anthropogenic pressures is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. The study employs power-law modeling to validate the natural size distribution of wetlands, naïve Bayesian inference to model human impacts, and the epsilon statistic to assess wetland sensitivity to specific pressures, addressing potential sampling biases. Power-law modeling reveals a natural heavy-tailed distribution of wetland sizes, highlighting the ecological significance of larger, rarer systems. Naïve Bayesian inference indicates that agriculture and transportation are the predominant pressures affecting natural coastal wetlands. The epsilon statistic further differentiates wetland sensitivity, identifying estuaries, lagoons, and marshes as particularly vulnerable. By profiling the most vulnerable wetlands using these methods, the research provides a framework for assessing anthropogenic impacts and informing targeted conservation and management strategies to protect these vital ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 8669 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Relationship between Ecosystem Services and Sustainable Development Goals for Ecological Conservation: A Case Study in the Hehuang Valley of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
by Hejie Wei, Ke Wang, Yu Ma, Qingxiang Meng, Yi Yang and Mengxue Liu
Diversity 2024, 16(9), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16090553 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2689
Abstract
With the increase in human activities and the acceleration of urbanization, over-exploitation of natural resources has led to a decline in ecosystem services (ESs), subsequently affecting the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). As the key ecological zone of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the stability [...] Read more.
With the increase in human activities and the acceleration of urbanization, over-exploitation of natural resources has led to a decline in ecosystem services (ESs), subsequently affecting the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). As the key ecological zone of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the stability and enhancement of ESs in the Hehuang Valley are crucial for achieving SDGs and biodiversity conservation. This study quantifies nine SDGs for the Hehuang Valley in the last twenty years. Four ecological models were utilized to compute key ESs: net primary productivity (NPP), water yield, soil retention, and sand fixation. Panel data were analyzed using a coupling coordination model to quantify the relationship between ESs and sustainable development level (SDL) in each county. Additionally, the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model was employed to examine the correlation between ESs and SDL. The results indicate the following: (1) During the period, NPP and water yield first increased and then decreased. The capacity for soil retention and sand fixation showed an overall increase, highlighting substantial variability among counties in their ability to deliver these ESs. (2) The SDL of counties in the Hehuang Valley increased, with Xining City showing slightly higher SDL than other counties. (3) The overall coupling coordination degree among NPP, water yield, soil retention, sand fixation, and SDL in the Hehuang Valley exhibited an upward trend in the last twenty years. SDL demonstrated the highest coordination degree with NPP, followed by soil retention, water yield, and sand fixation. (4) Most counties in the Hehuang Valley exhibited a lag in SDL relative to NPP, water yield, and soil retention in the last twenty years. In the early stage, sand fixation and SDL were primarily lagging in SDL, while in the late stages, sand fixation lagged behind SDL. (5) During the period, there was an increasing negative correlation observed between the four ESs and SDL. The positive contribution of NPP and sand fixation in some counties gradually shifted to a negative effect, and the negative effect of water yield and soil retention on SDL intensified. The impact of human activities on ecosystem function hindered local SDL. This study offers scientific theoretical backing and practical recommendations for promoting SDL and biodiversity conservation in the Hehuang Valley. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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Review

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21 pages, 941 KiB  
Review
Human Communities in Protected Natural Areas and Biodiversity Conservation
by Elizabeth Olmos-Martínez, Heidi Leticia Romero-Schmidt, María del Carmen Blázquez, Camilo Arias-González and Alfredo Ortega-Rubio
Diversity 2022, 14(6), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14060441 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7813
Abstract
Using socioecological concepts and within a historical biodiversity conservation context, this research study reviews the main interactions between human communities and protected natural areas (PNAs) to describe their different stages over time and assess the implications arising from climate change. The review suggests [...] Read more.
Using socioecological concepts and within a historical biodiversity conservation context, this research study reviews the main interactions between human communities and protected natural areas (PNAs) to describe their different stages over time and assess the implications arising from climate change. The review suggests that both society and governments have raised awareness and interest regarding the importance of biodiversity conservation. The interactions of human communities in these areas have had different effects on biodiversity use, management, and conservation. Local communities have historically developed traditional uses of natural resources that allow them to remain over time and conserve them. Thus, the interest in PNAs as a conservation instrument has increased worldwide. Regarding climate change, this study found evidence indicating that PNAs may act as buffer barriers to prevent biodiversity loss and mitigate the impacts of extreme events; nevertheless, a great variation can be expected. The magnitude of the impacts on human communities, levels of vulnerability, and resilience capacity of PNAs facing climate change (CC) rely on many factors, such as location, extent, composition, management, and ecology of a given protected area. Therefore, the new scenarios that CC may bring are challenging current systematic conservation planning and traditional management methods of the natural resources that are vital for people. Finally, the authors suggest that society is increasingly aware of PNAs as one of the best tools humans have to prevent biodiversity loss, and potentially buffer the effects of CC. These increases in social awareness of biodiversity conservation importance and PNAs are gratifying and spread optimism about the future that next generations may face. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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Other

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23 pages, 25460 KiB  
Essay
How Ancient Trees and Botanical Indicators Evidence Both Change and Continuity
by Ian D. Rotherham
Diversity 2025, 17(2), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17020118 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1033
Abstract
Knowledge of ancient trees and tree-forms helps inform understanding of landscape continuity and change. Information analysis of tree-form and growth rates may be combined with precise aging through dendro-chronology and carbon dating. Until recently, much of the information has been neglected, and indeed, [...] Read more.
Knowledge of ancient trees and tree-forms helps inform understanding of landscape continuity and change. Information analysis of tree-form and growth rates may be combined with precise aging through dendro-chronology and carbon dating. Until recently, much of the information has been neglected, and indeed, there was an absence of accepted methodologies. Assessments of both coppice trees and pollards, for example, now suggest that trees achieve great age (for example, 500 years+ to 1500 years or more). These trees reflect both natural processes and human management. Examined within a robust conceptual and analytical framework, these trees generate insight into landscape evolution over centuries. Tree analysis combined with archival sources and site archaeological information, including mapping of ‘botanical indicator species’, soils, and other sediments, generate reliable timelines of human–environment interactions. Drawing together diverse approaches and insights into landscape evolution helps the formulation of new concepts of historical ecology and environmental history. Importantly, such emerging paradigms trigger new ways to demonstrate how understanding past landscape evolution both informs knowledge of contemporary ecologies and may guide future site planning. However, there is a rider to these observations since case studies in Great Britain highlight the vulnerability of such historic landscapes and show how they are being rapidly erased from the countryside. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socioecology and Biodiversity Conservation—2nd Edition)
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