Search Results (130)

The intersection of sports and natural forests and green spaces represents an emerging interdisciplinary field with implications for public health, environmental science, and sustainable land management and refers to the variety of cultural ecosystem services demanded by people from ecosystems. This manuscript presents a systematic bibliometric and thematic analysis of 148 publications for the period 1993–2024 identified through Web of Science and Scopus, aiming to evaluate the current state of research on sports activities conducted in natural forest environments. Findings indicated a marked increase in scientific interest of this topic over the past two decades, with key contributions from countries such as England, Germany, China, and the United States. Researchers most frequently examined sports such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and orienteering for their capacity to provide physiological and psychological benefits, reduce stress, and enhance mental well-being. The literature analysis highlights ecological concerns, particularly those associated with habitat disturbance, biodiversity loss, and conflicts between recreation and conservation. Six principal research themes were identified: sports in urban forests, sports tourism, hunting and fishing, recreational sports, health benefits, and environmental impacts. Keyword and co-authorship analyses revealed a multidisciplinary knowledge base with evolving thematic focuses. In conclusion, the need for integrated approaches that incorporate ecological impact assessment, stakeholder perspectives, and adaptive forest governance to ensure sustainable recreational use of natural forest ecosystems is underlined. Full article

National parks represent a global initiative for biodiversity conservation and environmentally sustainable societal development, with China having launched its own national park program. The establishment and operation of these parks significantly impact local residents’ livelihoods. Based on DFID’s Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, an assessment tool introduced by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) for evaluating the livelihood standards of residents, this study constructs a structural equation modeling (SEM) framework to analyze how national parks affect residents’ livelihoods, discussing livelihood risk management and feasible capacity-building interventions. Focusing on the Northeast Tiger and Leopard National Park as a case study, the research reveals that indirect wildlife-inflicted damage poses more pronounced negative impacts on local communities than park establishment policies. Both regulatory land-use restrictions and wildlife conflicts disrupt land-based livelihood activities, ultimately affecting residents’ livelihood stability. Mitigation requires comprehensive measures, including retaining essential farmland; providing vocational skill training; offering specialized loans; diversifying employment channels; and improving compensation mechanisms to safeguard residents’ livelihood security. Full article

National parks serve as critical spatial units for conserving ecological baselines, maintaining genetic diversity, and delivering essential ecosystem services. However, accelerating socio-economic development has increasingly intensified the conflict between ecological protection and transportation infrastructure. Ecologically sustainable transportation planning is, therefore, essential to mitigate habitat fragmentation, facilitate species migration, and conserve biodiversity. This study examines the Giant Panda National Park and its buffer zone, focusing on six mammal species: giant panda, Sichuan snub-nosed monkey, leopard cat, forest musk deer, rock squirrel, and Sichuan takin. By integrating Maxent ecological niche modeling with circuit theory, it identified ecological source areas and potential corridors, and employed a two-step screening approach to design species-specific wildlife crossings. In total, 39 vegetated overpasses were proposed to serve all target species; 34 underpasses were integrated using existing bridge and culvert structures to minimize construction costs; and 27 canopy bridges, incorporating suspension cables and elevated pathways, were designed to connect forest canopies for arboreal species. This study established a multi-species and multi-scale conservation framework, providing both theoretical insights and practical strategies for ecologically integrated transportation planning in national parks, contributing to the synergy between biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals. Full article

Global biodiversity is in crisis, with wildlife populations declining 69% since 1970 (WWF). Preserving and restoring ecosystems is essential for sustaining life on Earth. However, many countries rely on market-based instruments like biodiversity offsets, despite little evidence of their effectiveness. This study critically examines biodiversity offsets, identifying institutional, data, ecological, economic, and social failures that undermine their success. Using Indonesia, a global biodiversity hotspot, as a case study, we develop an econometric model to analyze key drivers of deforestation. The findings reveal that biodiversity offset schemes are fundamentally flawed: they lack scientific credibility, rely on arbitrary ratios, lack auditing and transparency, create value conflicts, and fail to achieve “No Net Loss” even over a 100-year timeframe. Offsets do not compensate for lost biodiversity, especially for affected communities, and are rarely supported by ecosystem mapping or robust valuation metrics. Without major reforms, they cannot halt or reverse biodiversity loss. A stronger, evidence-based approach is urgently needed. Rather than relying on ineffective offset schemes, the global community must prioritize genuine ecosystem restoration and sustainable conservation strategies to protect biodiversity for future generations. Full article

Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) efforts are critical for sustainable natural resource governance in Northwest Ethiopia. This study investigated the various aspects of CBFM, emphasizing practical implementation in the context of the Awi Administrative Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was handed out to 412 farmers across three districts—Dangila, Fagita Lokoma, and Banja. The quantitative data was analyzed using the Likert scale with SPSS version 23 software. Findings indicate that insufficient financial support (44%), limited community participation (30%), and weak institutional arrangements (19%) are the major factors impeding effective CBFM, with statistically significant regional variation (χ² = 242.8, df = 3, p = 0.000). On the other side, increased awareness and international support (34%) and enhanced local participation (36%) were the leading facilitators (χ² = 512.05, df = 11, p = 0.000). We look at the practical aspects of CBFM, from community-led conservation efforts to sustainable harvesting techniques, emphasizing the importance of indigenous knowledge alongside modern methodologies. The CBFM project in the northwest part of Ethiopia have facilitated biodiversity protection and environmental resilience by integrating local perspectives with broader developmental goals. However, obstacles such as land tenure, resource conflicts, and capacity restrictions continue, requiring adaptive methods and legislative reforms. This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable natural resource management by offering empirical insights into the dynamics of CBFM in the Awi administrative zone of northwest Ethiopia. Full article

This study, taking Anhui Province as a case study, systematically evaluated the spatiotemporal differentiation characteristics of six ecosystem services (biodiversity maintenance, water yield, carbon fixation, vegetation net primary productivity (NPP), soil retention, and crop production) from 2000 to 2020 through the integration of multi-stakeholder decision-making preferences and the Marxan model. Four conservation scenarios (ecological security priority, social benefit orientation, minimum cost constraint, and balance synergy) were established to explore the spatial optimization pathways of ecological protection zones under differentiated policy objectives. The findings indicated that: (1) The ecosystem services in Anhui Province exhibited a “low north and high south” spatial gradient, with significant synergies observed in natural ecosystem services in the southern Anhui mountainous areas, while the northern Anhui agricultural areas were subjected to significant trade-offs due to intensive development. (2) High service provision in the southern Anhui mountainous areas was maintained by topographic barriers and forest protection policies (significant NPP improvement zones accounted for 50.125%), whereas soil–water services degradation in the northern Anhui plains was caused by agricultural intensification and groundwater overexploitation (slight soil retention degradation covered 24.505%, and water yield degradation areas reached 29.766%). Urbanization demonstrated a double-edged sword effect—the expansion of the Hefei metropolitan area triggered suburban biodiversity degradation (significant degradation patches occupied 0.0758%), while ecological restoration projects promoted mountain NPP growth, highlighting the necessity of synergizing natural recovery and artificial interventions. (3) Multi-scenario planning revealed that the spatial congruence between the ecological security priority scenario and traditional ecological protection redlines reached 46.57%, whereas the social benefit scenario achieved only 12.13%, exposing the inadequate responsiveness of the current conservation framework to service demands in densely populated areas. This research validated the technical superiority of multi-objective systematic planning in reconciling ecological protection and development conflicts, providing scientific support for optimizing ecological security patterns in the Yangtze River Delta region. Full article

Marine biodiversity is of critical importance to global ecosystems. The Indo-Pacific Convergence Zone (IPCZ), a global marine biodiversity hotspot, faces escalating threats from human activities and climate change. This underscores the pressing need to develop effective conservation strategies for marine biodiversity in the IPCZ. This study integrates spatial analysis of ecological sensitivity (coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass) and anthropogenic pressures (shipping/fishing intensity) to identify biodiversity hotspots and conservation gaps. Using datasets from UNEP-WCMC, OBIS, and Global Fishing Watch, we applied GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation to 5408 grid cells (0.5° resolution) across the IPCZ. Results revealed that 14.7% of the study area constitutes biodiversity hotspots, primarily in coastal Philippines, Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, and northern Australia. However, only 6% of the IPCZ is currently protected, with merely 13.88% of hotspots overlapping existing marine protected areas (MPAs). Anthropogenic pressure hotspots (e.g., Malacca Strait) showed limited spatial overlap with biodiversity hotspots, suggesting species displacement from high-disturbance zones. Priority conservation areas were delineated by balancing ecological significance and economic activity conflicts. We propose targeted strategies, including buffer zones, seasonal no-take areas, and green shipping technologies, to reconcile conservation with sustainable development. This framework provides actionable insights for enhancing MPA networks in biogeographic transition zones. Full article

The conservation of biodiversity and the balance between ecological and societal needs are critical but often contested global issues. Wildlife-vehicle collision (WVC) on vital infrastructure, especially linear infrastructure, remains a persistent challenge from policy to practice and poses a serious life-threatening implication to humans and other non-human lives. Addressing this issue effectively requires solutions that provide win-win outcomes from both ecological and societal perspectives. This study critically analyzes a decade of roadkill incidents along Nepal’s longest East-West national highway, which passes through a biologically diverse national park in the western Terai Arc Landscape Area (TAL). Findings are drawn from field-based primary data collection of the period 2012–2022, secondary literature review, key informant interviews, and spatial analysis. The study reveals significant variations in roadkill incidence across areas and years. Despite Bardia National Park being larger and having a higher wildlife density, Banke National Park recorded higher roadkill rates. This is attributed to insufficient mitigation measures and law enforcement, more straight highway segments, and the absence of buffer zones between the core park and adjacent forest areas—only a road separates them. Wild boars (Sus scrofa) and spotted deer (Axis axis), the primary prey of Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), were the most frequently road-killed species. This may contribute to human-tiger conflicts, as observed in the study areas. Seasonal trends showed that reptiles were at higher risk during the wet season and mammals during winter. Hotspots were often located near checkpoints and water bodies, highlighting the need for targeted mitigation efforts such as wildlife crossings and provisioning wildlife requirements such as water, grassland, and shelter away from the regular traffic roads. Roadkill frequency was also influenced by forest cover and time of day, with more incidents occurring at dawn and dusk when most of the herbivores become more active in search of food, shelter, water, and their herds. The findings underscore the importance of road characteristics, animal behavior, and landscape features in roadkill occurrences. Effective mitigation strategies include wildlife crossings, speed limits, warning signs, and public education campaigns. Further research is needed to understand the factors in driving variations between parks and to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Full article

The Boronia Ridge palusmont, Walpole, in southern Western Australia, is situated in the most humid part of the State. It was a unique hilltop wetland complex and the only one of its type in the State. On its margins, the area also supports the ancient sedge Reedia spathacea, a Gondwanan relict endemic to humid southern Western Australia and the Walpole region and a plant that was ultimately recognised as being of national significance and protected under Australia’s strongest conservation law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act (1999). However, prior to the geoheritage and biodiversity values of the area being known, in the late 1980s, a pristine scenic area west of Walpole, adjacent to the Walpole River and Walpole Inlet, classified as a Class A national park, was earmarked for urban development, in spite of there being “very little demonstrated requirement for land in Walpole”. This appeared to be as a result of poor land-use planning, since the urbanisation proposed was to be located on the Walpole River delta and wetlands. Urban infrastructures would also impact on adjoining wetlands and the Walpole Inlet System. With new information available in relation to the soils, wetlands, and environmental values of the area, in 1993, community groups and scientists combined, at a public Local Government meeting, to demonstrate that the proposed urban development, referred to as Lot 650, and later Boronia Ridge, with its above-land surface wastewater treatment, was inappropriate, both from an engineering perspective and due to the high conservation values of the area. With the support of the local government of the day and expert scientists who confirmed local concerns, the community engaged in a 7-year conflict with the development proponent, government agencies involved in decision making, and politicians of the day. Ultimately, the use of state-of-the-art science and traditional geomorphic, stratigraphic, hydrological, and geoheritage principles failed to prevent the urbanisation of the area in favour of preserving the whole area as a wetland complex. The following three reasons for this failure are identified: 1. political, rather than science-based decision making, 2. government agencies staffed without the necessary training in biological or earth sciences to make informed decisions, and 3. little attention to environmental concerns due to a bias towards development. Walpole, with its population of 400, moved from a low priority on the wastewater treatment priority list in Western Australia to a high priority on the deep sewerage priority list to accommodate a proposed residential development. Full article

The widespread practice of deliberate human displacement for biodiversity conservation remains a contentious issue in the Anthropocene era. This study explores the ecological impacts of conservation-led resettlement (ER) in Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), a biodiverse region under significant conservation and development pressures. Although ER aims to enhance ecological integrity, the role of displacement in conservation has been understudied. Using case studies from the TAL, we examined ecological indicators in vacated settlement areas within parks and newly resettled sites outside protected zones. Data were collected through a review of secondary literature, 240 household interviews, 5 focus group discussions, 25 key informant interviews, and multiple field visits across resettlement sites. Between 1973 and 2019, TAL gained 922.52 sq. km of core protected areas (displacing over 4800 households) and dispossessed communities from 2120.12 sq. km of buffer zones, significantly expanding protected areas and upgrading conservation standards from IUCN category IV to II. This contributed to the recovery of key species such as tigers, rhinos, and elephants. However, resettlements, often located along critical biological corridors and buffer zones, led to habitat fragmentation, endangering the gene pool flow and creating isolated habitats. Results show that, in general, most ecosystem and environmental variables were perceived significantly different (p < 0.05) among resettled communities in the study area. The cultural and land-based attachments of displaced communities were overlooked. These findings highlight the risks of short-term resettlement planning, which can exacerbate pressures on critical corridors, escalate human–wildlife conflicts, and provide a clear indication of the trade-off between conservation benefits and social costs. Full article

This study explores spiritual resilience as a mechanism for sustaining cultural landscapes, focusing on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Studenica Monastery (Serbia). By analysing the monastery’s sacred network, which includes monasteries, hermitages, and churches, the study demonstrates how material heritage (architecture, art), intangible practices (monastic life, liturgy, traditional crafts), and the natural environment (UNESCO MaB Golija–Studenica Biosphere Reserve) form a cohesive system of resilience. The concept of spiritual resilience is examined as a dynamic process that links sacred architectural structures and enduring religious practices with authentic land use preserved over centuries. We have utilised a methodological framework combining historical mapping, GIS viewshed analysis in spatial planning, and multidisciplinary data synthesis (historical, architectural, artistic, ecological, ethnographic) with resilience indicators aligned with the UNESCO’s Cultural Landscape approach. The findings reveal that Studenica’s sacred network operates as a coupled socio-ecological system. Spiritual practices, including annual processions and land stewardship rituals, have been identified as key factors in enhancing biodiversity conservation while mitigating land-use conflicts. Historical mapping has been used to highlight the overlap between sacred sites and protected ecological zones, reflecting traditional stewardship practices. By reframing heritage as an adaptive process where spirituality serves as a conduit between tradition and innovation, the study proposes replicable strategies for UNESCO sites worldwide. The concept of sacred landscapes as resilience hubs is furthered by alignment with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Full article

The Amazonian region comprises a set of ecosystems that play an essential role in stabilizing global climate and regulating carbon and water cycles. However, several environmental issues of anthropogenic origin threaten climate stability in this region: agribusiness, illegal mining, illegal timber exports, pesticide use, and biopiracy, among others. These actions lead to deforestation, soil erosion, fauna biodiversity loss, water resource contamination, land conflicts, violence against indigenous peoples, and epidemics. The present study aims to feature the current degradation process faced by the Amazonian biome and identify strategic alternatives based on science to inhibit and minimize the degradation of its biodiversity and water resources. This applied research, based on a systematic review, highlighted the complexity, fragility, and importance of the functioning of the Amazonian ecosystem. Although activities such as mining and agriculture notoriously cause soil degradation, this research focused on the scenarios of biodiversity and water resource degradation. The dynamics of the current Amazon degradation process associated with human activity and climate change advancement were also described. Ultimately, the study emphasizes that, given the invaluable importance of the Amazon’s biodiversity and natural resources for global climate balance and food and water security, anthropogenic threats endanger its sustainability. Beyond the well-known human-induced impacts on the forest and life, the findings highlight the need for strategies that integrate forest conservation, sustainable land management, and public policies focused on the region’s sustainable development. These strategies, supported by partnerships, include reducing deforestation and burning, promoting environmental education, engaging local communities, enforcing public policies, and conducting continuous monitoring using satellite remote sensing technology. Full article

Social conflict over rangeland-use priorities, especially near protected areas, has long pitted environmental and biodiversity conservation interests against livestock livelihoods. Social–ecological conflict limits management adaptation and creativity while reinforcing social and disciplinary divisions. It can also reduce rancher access to land and negatively affect wildlife conservation. Communities increasingly expect research organizations to address complex social dynamics to improve opportunities for multiple ecosystem service delivery on rangelands. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), an area of the western US, long-standing disagreements among actors who argue for the use of the land for livestock and those who prioritize wildlife are limiting conservation and ranching livelihoods. Researchers at the USDA-ARS US Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) along with University and societal partners are responding to these challenges using a collaborative adaptive management (CAM) methodology. The USSES Rangeland Collaboratory is a living laboratory project leveraging the resources of a federal range sheep research ranch operating across sagebrush steppe ecosystems in Clark County, Idaho, and montane/subalpine landscapes in Beaverhead County, Montana. The project places stakeholders, including ranchers, conservation groups, and government land managers, in the decision-making seat for a participatory case study. This involves adaptive management planning related to grazing and livestock–wildlife management decisions for two ranch-scale rangeland management scenarios, one modeled after a traditional range sheep operation and the second, a more intensified operation with no use of summer ranges. We discuss the extent to which the CAM approach creates opportunities for multi-directional learning among participants and evaluate trade-offs among preferred management systems through participatory ranch-scale grazing research. In a complex system where the needs and goals of various actors are misaligned across spatiotemporal, disciplinary, and social–ecological scales, CAM creates a structure and methods to focus on social learning and land management knowledge creation. Full article

Elephants exhibit remarkable cognitive and social abilities, which are integral to their navigation, resource acquisition, and responses to environmental challenges such as climate change and human–wildlife conflict. Their capacity to acquire, recall, and utilise spatial information enables them to traverse large, fragmented landscapes, locate essential resources, and mitigate risks. While older elephants, particularly matriarchs, are often regarded as repositories of ecological knowledge, the mechanisms by which younger individuals acquire this information remain uncertain. Existing research suggests that elephants follow established movement patterns, yet direct evidence of intergenerational knowledge transfer is limited. This review synthesises current literature on elephant navigation and decision-making, exploring how their behavioural strategies contribute to resilience amid increasing anthropogenic pressures. Empirical studies indicate that elephants integrate environmental and social cues when selecting routes, accessing water, and avoiding human-dominated areas. However, the extent to which these behaviours arise from individual memory, social learning, or passive exposure to experienced individuals requires further investigation. Additionally, elephants function as ecosystem engineers, shaping landscapes, maintaining biodiversity, and contributing to climate resilience. Recent research highlights that elephants’ ecological functions can indeed contribute to climate resilience, though the mechanisms are complex and context-dependent. In tropical forests, forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) disproportionately disperse large-seeded, high-carbon-density tree species, which contribute significantly to above-ground carbon storage. Forest elephants can improve tropical forest carbon storage by 7%, as these elephants enhance the relative abundance of slow-growing, high-biomass trees through selective browsing and seed dispersal. In savannah ecosystems, elephants facilitate the turnover of woody vegetation and maintain grassland structure, which can increase albedo and promote carbon sequestration in soil through enhanced grass productivity and fire dynamics. However, the ecological benefits of such behaviours depend on population density and landscape context. While bulldozing vegetation may appear destructive, these behaviours often mimic natural disturbance regimes, promoting biodiversity and landscape heterogeneity, key components of climate-resilient ecosystems. Unlike anthropogenic clearing, elephant-led habitat modification is part of a long-evolved ecological process that supports nutrient cycling and seedling recruitment. Therefore, promoting connectivity through wildlife corridors supports not only elephant movement but also ecosystem functions that enhance resilience to climate variability. Future research should prioritise quantifying the net carbon impact of elephant movement and browsing in different biomes to further clarify their role in mitigating climate change. Conservation strategies informed by their movement patterns, such as wildlife corridors, conflict-reducing infrastructure, and habitat restoration, may enhance human–elephant coexistence while preserving their ecological roles. Protecting older individuals, who may retain critical environmental knowledge, is essential for sustaining elephant populations and the ecosystems they influence. Advancing research on elephant navigation and decision-making can provide valuable insights for biodiversity conservation and conflict mitigation efforts. Full article

UNESCO’s dual designations of Biosphere Reserves (BRs) and Global Geoparks (UGGps) offer unique opportunities for integrating biodiversity and geodiversity conservation with sustainable development. This study investigates the synergies and conflicts between these designations at Mount Hakusan, Japan, the country’s only site with overlapping BR and UGGp territories. Employing qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and document analysis, the research highlights key governance challenges, conservation impacts, and community engagement outcomes. Findings highlight key synergies, including enhanced global recognition, collaborative educational initiatives, and the potential for interdisciplinary conservation efforts. However, the study also identifies significant conflicts, such as governance inefficiencies, budgetary constraints, and tensions between biodiversity conservation and geotourism priorities. While the BR framework emphasizes ecosystem protection, the UGGp’s focus on geotourism can create challenges in balancing conservation with economic development. Furthermore, low public awareness and limited youth engagement pose barriers to fully realizing the potential benefits of both designations. Recommendations are provided for integrated management strategies, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration, and enhancing community participation to align conservation and tourism objectives. The study enhances the understanding of managing Multi-Internationally Designated Areas (MIDAs) and offers practical strategies to support global conservation and sustainable development initiatives. Full article