Search Results (829)

Implementing nature-based solutions (NbSs) for wildfire risk management and other hazards has been challenging in emerging economies due to the high costs, the lack of immediate returns on investment, and stringent inclusion criteria set by organizations like the IUCN and domain experts. To address these challenges, this exploratory study proposes a new concept: green/blue initiatives. These initiatives represent intermediate steps, encompassing small-scale, community-driven activities that can evolve into recognized NbSs over time. To explore this concept, experiences related to wildfire prevention in the Biobío region of Chile were analyzed through primary and secondary source reviews. The analysis identified three initiatives qualifying as green/blue initiatives: (1) goat grazing in Santa Juana to reduce fuel loads, (2) a restoration prevention farm model in Florida called Faro de Restauración Mahuidanche and (3) the Conservation Landscape Strategy in Nonguén. They were examined in detail using data collected from site visits and interviews. In contrast to Chile’s prevailing wildfire policies, which focus on costly, large-scale fire suppression efforts, these initiatives emphasize the importance of reframing wildfire as a manageable ecological process. Lastly, the challenges and enabling factors for adopting green/blue initiatives are discussed, highlighting their potential to pave the way for future NbS implementation in central Chile. Full article

Land use/land cover (LULC) change constitutes a critical driver influencing regional carbon cycling processes. Optimizing LULC structures represents a significant pathway toward the realization of carbon neutrality. This study takes Liaoning Province as a case area to analyze LULC changes from 2000 to 2020 and to assess their impacts on land use carbon emissions (LUCE) and ecosystem carbon storage (ECS). To accelerate the achievement of carbon neutrality, four development scenarios are established: natural development (ND), low-carbon emission (LCE), high-carbon storage (HCS), and carbon neutrality (CN). For each scenario, corresponding optimization objectives and constraint conditions are defined, and a multi-objective LULC optimization coupling model is formulated to optimize both the quantity structure and spatial pattern of LULC. On this basis, the model quantifies ECS and LUCE under the four scenarios and evaluates the economic value of each scenario and its contribution to the carbon neutrality target. Results indicate the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the extensive expansion of construction land resulted in a reduction in ECS by 12.72 × 10⁶ t and an increase in LUCE by 150.44 × 10⁶ t; (2) Compared to the ND scenario, the LCE scenario exhibited the most significant performance in controlling carbon emissions, while the HCS scenario achieved the highest increase in carbon sequestration. The CN scenario showed significant advantages in reducing LUCE, enhancing ECS, and promoting economic growth, achieving a reduction of 0.18 × 10⁶ t in LUCE, an increase of 118.84 × 10⁶ t in ECS, and an economic value gain of 3386.21 × 10⁶ yuan. This study optimizes the LULC structure from the perspective of balancing economic development, LUCE reduction, and ECS enhancement. It addresses the inherent conflict between regional economic growth and ecological conservation, providing scientific evidence and policy insights for promoting LULC optimization and advancing carbon neutrality in similar regions. Full article

Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization in western China, which has triggered remarkable land-use changes and habitat degradation, Chengdu, as a developed city in China, plays a demonstrative and leading role in the economic and social development of China during the transition period. Therefore, integrated modeling approaches are required to balance development and conservation. This study responds to this need by conducting a scenario-based assessment of urbanization-induced land-use changes and regional habitat quality dynamics in Chengdu (1990–2030), using the FLUS-InVEST model. By integrating remote sensing-derived land-use data from 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, we simulate future regional habitat quality under three policy scenarios: natural development, ecological priority, and cropland protection. Key findings include the following: (1) From 1990 to 2020, cropland decreased by 1917.78 km², while forestland and built-up areas increased by 509.91 km² and 1436.52 km², respectively. Under the 2030 natural development scenario, built-up expansion and cropland reduction are projected. Ecological priority policies would enhance forestland (+4.2%) but slightly reduce cropland. (2) Regional habitat quality declined overall (1990–2020), with the sharpest drop (ΔHQ = −0.063) occurring between 2000 and 2010 due to accelerated urbanization. (3) Scenario analysis reveals that the ecological priority strategy yields the highest regional habitat quality (HQ_mean = 0.499), while natural development results in the lowest (HQ_mean = 0.444). This study demonstrates how the FLUS-InVEST model can quantify the trade-offs between urbanization and regional habitat quality, offering a scientific framework for balancing development and ecological conservation in rapidly urbanizing regions. The findings highlight the effectiveness of ecological priority policies in mitigating habitat degradation, with implications for similar cities seeking sustainable land-use strategies that integrate farmland protection and forest restoration. Full article

Effective water governance is essential for sustainable development amidst water scarcity challenges in semi-arid regions like Esmeraldas Province, which has substantial agrotourism potential. Yet, fragmented governance and chronic water shortages threaten its viability. Using a mixed-method approach, this study analyzed how sustainable water governance can support agrotourism development in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. This study combined policy gaps analysis, stakeholder surveys (policymakers, farmers, community leaders, and tourism operators), and water availability using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) from 1980 to 2022. The results revealed a lack of policy regulation and water infrastructure as the major governance gaps that need more intervention. The survey respondents indicated that water is mainly used for domestic and economic activities and the conservation of natural ecosystems. The SPEI revealed a significant drought trend falling below −3, with severe drought years coinciding with many crop losses and a fall in tourism. This study highlights the interconnection between water governance and agrotourism in Esmeraldas, Ecuador, proposing a strategic framework that incorporates adaptive governance principles and inclusive participation mechanisms, emphasizing targeted capacity building to strengthen water management practices and enhance the Sustainable Development Goals for agrotourism resilience. Full article

As distant hybridization has profound implications for evolutionary biology, aquaculture, and biodiversity conservation, this study aims to elucidate patterns of maternal inheritance, genetic divergence, and phylogenetic relationships by synthesizing mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) data from 74 distant hybrid fish species. These hybrids span diverse taxa, including 48 freshwater and 26 marine species, with a focus on Cyprinidae (n = 35) and Epinephelus (n = 14), representing the most frequently hybridized groups in freshwater and marine systems, respectively. Mitogenome lengths were highly conserved (15,973 to 17,114 bp); however, the genetic distances between hybrids and maternal species varied from 0.001 to 0.17, with 19 hybrids (25.7%) showing distances >0.02. Variable sites in these hybrids were randomly distributed but enriched in hypervariable regions, such as the D-loop and NADH dehydrogenase subunits 1, 3 and 6 (ND2, ND3, and ND6) genes, likely reflecting maternal inheritance (reported in Cyprinus carpio × Carassius auratus). Moreover, these genes were under purifying selection pressure, revealing their conserved nature. Phylogenetic reconstruction using complete mitogenomes revealed three distinct clades in hybrids: (1) Acipenseriformes, (2) a freshwater cluster dominated by Cypriniformes and Siluriformes, and (3) a marine cluster comprising Centrarchiformes, Pleuronectiformes, Scombriformes, Cichliformes, Anabantiformes, Tetraodontiformes, Perciformes, and Salmoniformes. The prevalence of Cyprinidae hybrids underscores their importance in aquaculture for hybridization, where traits such as rapid growth and disease resistance are enhanced. In contrast, marine hybrids are valued for their market value and adaptability. While mitogenome data robustly support maternal inheritance in most cases, exceptions suggest complex mechanisms, such as doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI), in distantly related crosses. Moreover, AT-skew of genes in hybrids revealed a paternal leakage of traits in mitogenomes. This study also highlights ecological risks, such as genetic swamping in native populations, emphasizing the need for responsible hybridization practices. These findings advance our understanding of the role of hybridization in fish evolution and aquaculture, providing a genomic framework and policy recommendations for optimizing breeding programs, hybrid introduction, and mitigating conservation challenges. Full article

This paper investigates the cultural landscapes established by nineteenth-century German immigrants in South Australia and the southern Riverina of New South Wales, with particular attention to settlement patterns, architectural traditions and toponymic transformation. German immigration to Australia, though numerically modest compared to the Americas, significantly shaped local communities, especially due to religious cohesion among Lutheran migrants. These settlers established distinct, enduring rural enclaves characterized by linguistic, religious and architectural continuity. The paper examines three manifestations of these cultural landscapes. A rich toponymic landscape was created by imposing on natural landscape features and newly founded settlements the names of the communities from which the German settlers originated. It discusses the erosion of German toponyms under wartime nationalist pressures, the subsequent partial reinstatement and the implications for cultural memory. The study traces the second manifestation of a cultural landscapes in the form of nucleated villages such as Hahndorf, Bethanien and Lobethal, which often followed the Hufendorf or Straßendorf layout, integrating Silesian land-use principles into the Australian context. Intensification of land use through housing subdivisions in two communities as well as agricultural intensification through broad acre farming has led to the fragmentation (town) and obliteration (rural) of the uniquely German form of land use. The final focus is the material expression of cultural identity through architecture, particularly the use of traditional Fachwerk (half-timbered) construction and adaptations such as pug-and-pine walling suited to local materials and climate. The paper examines domestic forms, including the distinctive black kitchen, and highlights how environmental and functional adaptation reshaped German building traditions in the antipodes. Despite a conservation movement and despite considerable documentation research in the late twentieth century, the paper shows that most German rural structures remain unlisted and vulnerable. Heritage neglect, rural depopulation, economic rationalization, lack of commercial relevance and local government policy have accelerated the decline of many of these vernacular buildings. The study concludes by problematizing the sustainability of conserving German Australian rural heritage in the face of regulatory, economic and demographic pressures. With its layering of intangible (toponymic), structural (buildings) and land use (cadastral) features, the examination of the cultural landscape established by nineteenth-century German immigrants adds to the body of literature on immigrant communities, settler colonialism and landscape research. Full article

Grassland communities consist primarily of perennial herbaceous species, with grasses forming a dominant or significant component. These ecosystems have been utilised for economic purposes since the earliest periods of human history. In the natural environment, they fulfil numerous critical functions that, despite increasing awareness of climate change, often remain undervalued. Grasslands contribute directly to climate regulation, air purification, soil conservation, flood mitigation, and public health—all of which positively affect the well-being of nearby populations. Moreover, they satisfy higher-order human needs known as “cultural” services, providing aesthetic enjoyment and recreational opportunities. These services, in tangible terms, support the development of rural tourism. The objective of this study was to examine the perception of cultural ecosystem services provided by different types of grassland communities—meadows, pastures, and lawns. The study employed a structured questionnaire to evaluate the perceived significance and functions of these communities. Respondents assessed their aesthetic and recreational value based on land-use type. To quantify these dimensions, the study applies the Recreational and Leisure Attractiveness Index (RLAI), the Aesthetic Attractiveness Index (AAI), ranking methods, and contingent valuation techniques. Based on the respondents’ declared WTP (willingness to pay) and WTA (willingness to accept) values, statistically significant differences in the perceived value of land-use types were identified. Lawns were rated highest in terms of recreational attractiveness, meadows in terms of aesthetics, while pastures achieved the highest economic values. Significant differences were also observed depending on respondents’ place of residence and academic background. The results indicate that the valuation of cultural services encompasses both functional and psychological aspects and should be integrated into local land-use and landscape planning policies. Full article

The rapid growth in plastic consumption, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has led to a significant increase in plastic waste, posing a major environmental challenge. Developing an integrated circular economy framework for nanomaterial-enhanced recycled PET (nrPET) can be a promising approach to address this issue and advance sustainable and resilient road construction practices. This comprehensive review examines the current use of rPET in road construction, its existing limitations, and the role of nanomaterials in enhancing the performance of these materials. The review explores the mechanisms by which nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanosilica, and clay nanoplatelets, can improve the properties of rPET, leading to more durable, weather-resistant, and cost-effective road materials. Furthermore, the review analyzes the environmental and sustainability benefits of using nrPET in road construction, focusing on carbon footprint reduction, conservation of natural resources, and alignment with circular economy principles. The potential for job creation, social benefits, and support for circular economy initiatives are also discussed. The review then delves into the challenges associated with the implementation of this framework, including technical barriers, economic and market barriers, regulatory and policy challenges, and environmental and safety considerations. Strategies to address these challenges, such as advancements in nanotechnology, scaling up circular economy models, and fostering collaborative research, are presented. Finally, the article proposes a framework and outlines future directions and research opportunities, emphasizing the exploration of emerging nanomaterials, scaling up circular economy models, and encouraging collaborations between researchers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and communities. Full article

Guadua amplexifolia J. Presl is a Neotropical bamboo native to southern Mexico through Central America to Colombia, where it thrives in riparian zones of the San Jorge River basin. Despite its ecological and socio-economic importance, its environmental dynamics and provision of ecosystem services remain poorly understood. This study (1) quantifies spatial and temporal land use/cover changes in the municipality of Montelíbano between 2002 and 2022 and (2) evaluates the ecosystem services that local communities derive from in 2002, 2012, and 2022, and they were classified in QGIS using G. amplexifolia. We applied a supervised classification of Landsat imagery (2002, 2012, 2022) in QGIS, achieving 85% overall accuracy and a Cohen’s Kappa of 0.82 (n = 45 reference points). For the social assessment, we held participatory workshops and conducted semi-structured interviews with artisans, fishers, authorities, and NGO representatives; responses were manually coded to extract key themes. The results show a 12% decline in total vegetated area from 2002 to 2012, followed by an 8% recovery by 2022, with bamboo-dominated stands following a similar pattern. Communities identified raw material provision (87% of mentions), climate regulation (82%), and cultural–recreational benefits (58%) as the most important services provided by G. amplexifolia. This is the first integrated assessment of G. amplexifolia’s landscape dynamics and community-valued services in the San Jorge basin, highlighting its dual function as a renewable resource and a natural safeguard against environmental risks. Our findings offer targeted recommendations for management practices and land use policies to support the species’ conservation and sustainable utilization. Full article

Rural areas around the world are increasingly dealing with energy and environmental challenges. These challenges are particularly acute in developing countries, where persistent reliance on traditional energy sources—such as wood fuel—intersects with concerns about forest conservation and energy sustainability. While wood fuel use is often portrayed as unsustainable, it is important to acknowledge that much of it remains ecologically viable and socially embedded. This study explores the role of rural entrepreneurs in shaping low-carbon transitions at the intersection of household energy practices and environmental stewardship. Fieldwork was carried out in four rural Zambian communities in 2016 and complemented by 2024 follow-up reports. It examines the connections between household energy choices, greenhouse gas emissions, and forest resource dynamics. Findings reveal that over 60% of rural households rely on charcoal for cooking, with associated emissions estimated between 80 and 150 kg CO₂ per household per month. Although this is significantly lower than the average per capita carbon footprint in industrialized countries, such emissions are primarily biogenic in nature. While rural communities contribute minimally to global climate change, their practices have significant local environmental consequences. This study draws attention to the structural constraints as well as emerging opportunities within Zambia’s rural energy economy. It positions rural entrepreneurs not merely as policy recipients but as active agents of innovation, environmental monitoring, and participatory resource governance. A model is proposed to support sustainable rural energy transitions by aligning forest management with context-sensitive emissions strategies. Full article

Traditional villages are critical to preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable rural development. This study evaluates the development potential of 47 traditional villages in Jilin Province from the perspectives of spatial planning, architectural conservation, and rural real estate revitalization. A Development Potential Assessment (DPA) framework is constructed based on five dimensions: geographical position, cultural resources, socio-economic factors, natural ecology, and living environment. The AHP-entropy weighting method is applied to ensure objectivity in scoring, while kernel density analysis and coefficient of variation techniques identify spatial patterns and internal disparities. To further inform strategic planning and targeted investment, an Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) model is introduced, aligning resource advantages with development performance. Key findings include the following: (1) significant spatial heterogeneity, with higher potential concentrated in the southeast and lower levels in the northwest; (2) cultural and socio-economic dimensions are the most influential factors in differentiating development types; and (3) a subset of villages shows a disconnect between resource endowment and realized potential, indicating the need for tailored design interventions and investment strategies. This research offers a visual and data-driven basis for differentiated revitalization strategies, integrating urban science methods, architectural thinking, and real estate development logic. It supports refined policy implementation, spatial design decisions, and the activation of underutilized rural assets through context-sensitive planning. Full article

The Three Gorges Reservoir Area in China presents a critical conflict between industrial development and ecological conservation. It functions as a key hub for water management, energy production, and shipping, while also serving as a vital zone for ecological and environmental protection. Focusing on Zigui County, this study developed a 16-indicator evaluation system integrating geological, ecological, and socioeconomic factors. It utilized the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), coefficient of variation (CV), and the Real-Coded Accelerating Genetic Algorithm-Projection Pursuit (RAGA-PP) model for evaluation, the latter of which optimizes the projection direction and utilizes PP to transform high-dimensional data into a low-dimensional space, thereby obtaining the values of the projection indices. The findings indicate the following: (1) The RAGA-PP model outperforms conventional AHP-CV methods in assessing Zigui County’s eco-geological environment, showing superior accuracy (higher Moran’s I) and spatial consistency. (2) Hotspot analysis confirms these results, revealing distinct spatial patterns. (3) From 2000 to 2020, “bad” quality areas decreased from 17.31% to 12.33%, while “moderate” or “better” zones expanded. (4) This improvement reflects favorable natural conditions and reduced human impacts. These trends underscore the effectiveness of China’s ecological civilization policies, which have prioritized sustainable development through targeted environmental governance, afforestation initiatives, and stringent regulations on industrial activities. Full article

The eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) has shown a marked population increase in the past decades in Hungary. The breeding range is expanding towards homogeneous agricultural habitats of the Hungarian Plain, where the already existing and recently growing infrastructural network is thought to be one of the main factors limiting distribution. We used data from 508 breeding attempts between 1989 and 2008 to assess the effects of infrastructural networks on breeding distribution. We constructed a single cumulative infrastructure effect (CIE) variable based on the avoidance of different infrastructure types by eagles in the past 20 years. Conditional autoregressive models were built in a Bayesian framework to quantify the effects of infrastructures on the spatial breeding pattern in a pre-defined core study area. Both multivariate and CIE models were able to classify the presence of breeding attempts with high accuracy. The CIE variable was used to build a predictive distribution model for the Hungarian Plain. The results suggest that infrastructure has a significant local effect but does not necessarily hinder the future range expansion of imperial eagles, as two-thirds of the prediction area seems to be suitable for the species. The methods and results described enable conservation managers and policy makers to assess the trade-off between infrastructural development and nature conservation priorities. Full article

Scientific research in Amazonia plays a fundamental role in identifying pathways to sustainable development for the region, addressing the challenges posed by climate change, preserving its unique ecosystems, and aligning with societal challenges and rights advocated by its diverse populations. This paper encompasses a broad range of scientific publications, spanning from 1977 to 2024, and highlights key research areas, analyzing their results and trends to inform future developments. It also identifies areas that require deeper investigation. The results emphasize a focus on agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences. On the other hand, there is a need for more extensive research within the social sciences. As shown, research on indigenous land rights, cultural heritage, and the socio-economic impacts of environmental disruptions is essential for developing comprehensive conservation strategies. Furthermore, research on governance, policy, and socio-political dynamics in Amazonia can provide innovative approaches to addressing the challenges and opportunities for its people, biodiversity, and role in climate regulation, as demonstrated by the findings. The strategic research fields identified in this paper provide a guide for future studies and policy development aimed at protecting the forest and its inhabitants. This study emphasizes the need for approaches that integrate both natural and social sciences as essential for addressing the complex ecological and socio-economic challenges that continue to shape the contemporary research landscape. Furthermore, this paper highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among Amazonian countries and research institutions in achieving these goals. In this context, reinforcing long-term, large-scale research programs such as the LBA (Large-Scale Biosphere–Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia) and the Scientific Panel for the Amazon (SPA) are crucial to advancing integrated, policy-relevant science for the sustainable future of the region. Full article

Research on the supply–demand relationships of ecosystem services (ESs) in alpine pastoral regions remains relatively scarce, yet it is crucial for regional ecological management and sustainable development. This study focuses on the Sanjiangyuan Region, a typical alpine pastoral area and significant ecological barrier, to quantitatively assess the supply–demand dynamics of key ESs and their spatial heterogeneity from 2000 to 2020. It further aims to elucidate the underlying driving mechanisms, thereby providing a scientific basis for optimizing regional ecological management. Four key ES indicators were selected: water yield (WY), grass yield (GY), soil conservation (SC), and habitat quality (HQ). ES supply and demand were quantified using an integrated approach incorporating the InVEST model, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), and spatial analysis techniques. Building on this, the spatial patterns and temporal evolution characteristics of ES supply–demand relationships were analyzed. Subsequently, the Geographic Detector Model (GDM) and Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model were employed to identify key drivers influencing changes in the comprehensive ES supply–demand ratio. The results revealed the following: (1) Spatial Patterns: Overall ES supply capacity exhibited a spatial differentiation characterized by “higher values in the southeast and lower values in the northwest.” Areas of high ES demand were primarily concentrated in the densely populated eastern region. WY, SC, and HQ generally exhibited a surplus state, whereas GY showed supply falling short of demand in the densely populated eastern areas. (2) Temporal Dynamics: Between 2000 and 2020, the supply–demand ratios of WY and SC displayed a fluctuating downward trend. The HQ ratio remained relatively stable, while the GY ratio showed a significant and continuous upward trend, indicating positive outcomes from regional grass–livestock balance policies. (3) Driving Mechanisms: Climate and natural factors were the dominant drivers of changes in the ES supply–demand ratio. Analysis using the Geographical Detector’s q-statistic identified fractional vegetation cover (FVC, q = 0.72), annual precipitation (PR, q = 0.63), and human disturbance intensity (HD, q = 0.38) as the top three most influential factors. This study systematically reveals the spatial heterogeneity characteristics, dynamic evolution patterns, and core driving mechanisms of ES supply and demand in an alpine pastoral region, addressing a significant research gap. The findings not only provide a reference for ES supply–demand assessment in similar regions regarding indicator selection and methodology but also offer direct scientific support for precisely identifying priority areas for ecological conservation and restoration, optimizing grass–livestock balance management, and enhancing ecosystem sustainability within the Sanjiangyuan Region. Full article