Search Results (1,541)

Based on a comprehensive review of the current research status of ecological compensation both domestically and internationally, combined with field survey data, this study delves into the issue of multi-stakeholder participation in the ecological compensation mechanisms of the Xin’an River Basin. This research reveals that the joint participation of multiple stakeholders is crucial to achieving the goals of ecological compensation in river basins. The government plays a significant role in macro-guidance, financial support, policy guarantees, supervision, and management. It promotes the comprehensive implementation of ecological environmental protection by formulating relevant laws and regulations, guiding the public to participate in ecological conservation, and supervising and punishing pollution behaviors. The public, serving as the main force, forms strong awareness and behavioral habits of ecological protection through active participation in environmental protection, monitoring, and feedback. As participants, enterprises contribute to industrial transformation and green development by improving resource utilization efficiency, reducing pollution emissions, promoting green industries, and participating in ecological restoration projects. Scientific research institutions, as technology enablers, have effectively enhanced governance efficiency through technological research and innovation, ecosystem value accounting to provide decision-making support, and public education. Social organizations, as facilitators, have injected vitality and innovation into watershed governance by extensively mobilizing social forces and building multi-party collaboration platforms. Communities, as supporters, have transformed ecological value into economic benefits by developing characteristic industries such as eco-agriculture and eco-tourism. Based on the above findings, further recommendations are proposed to mobilize the enthusiasm of upstream communities and encourage their participation in ecological compensation, promote the market-oriented operation of ecological compensation mechanisms, strengthen cross-regional cooperation to establish joint mechanisms, enhance supervision and evaluation, and establish a sound benefit-sharing mechanism. These recommendations provide theoretical support and practical references for ecological compensation worldwide. Full article

The ongoing decade of UN restoration matches with the European goal of bringing nature back into our lives, including in urban systems, and Nature Restoration Regulation. Within such a framework, this work is aimed at highlighting the ecological rationale and strategic value of an NRRP measure devoted to forest restoration in Italian Metropolitan Cities, and at assessing respective preliminary results. Therefore, the measure’s overarching goal (not to create urban parks or gardens, but activate forest recovery), geographic extent and scope (over 4000 ha and more than 4 million planted trees and shrubs across the country), plantation model (mandatory use of native species consistent with local potential vegetation, density of 1000 seedlings per ha, use of at least four tree and four shrub species in each project, with a minimum proportion of 70% for trees, certified provenance for reproductive material), and compulsory management activities (maintenance and replacement of any dead plants for at least five years), are herein shown and explained under an ecological perspective. Current implementation outcomes were thus assessed in terms of coherence and expected biodiversity benefits, especially with respect to ecological and biogeographic consistency of planted forests, representativity in relation to national and European plant diversity, biogeographic interest and conservation concern of adopted plants, and potential contribution to the EU Habitats Directive. Compliance with international strategic goals and normative rules, along with recognizable advantages of the measure and limitations to be solved, are finally discussed. In conclusion, the forestation model proposed for the Italian Metropolitan Cities proved to be fully applicable in its ecological rationale, with expected benefits in terms of biodiversity support plainly met, and even exceeded, at the current stage of implementation, especially in terms of the contribution to protected habitats. These promising preliminary results allow the model to be recognized at the international level as a good practice that may help achieve protection targets and sustainable development goals within and beyond urban systems. Full article

It is crucial to clarify the grassland carrying capacity (CC) and the balance between grass and livestock under different scenarios for ecological protection and sustainable development in the Three River Headwaters Region (TRHR). This study focused on the TRHR and used livestock data, MODIS Net Primary Productivity (NPP) data, and artificial supplementary feeding data to analyze grassland CC and explore changes in the grass–livestock balance across various scenarios. The results showed that the theoretical CC of edible forage under complete grazing conditions was much lower than that of crude protein under nutritional carrying conditions. Furthermore, without increasing the grazing intensity of natural grasslands, artificial supplementary feeding reduced overstocking areas by 21%. These results suggest that supplementary feeding effectively addresses the imbalance between forage supply and demand, serving as a key measure for achieving sustainable grassland livestock husbandry. Despite the effective mitigation of grassland degradation in the TRHR due to strict grass–livestock balance policies and ecological restoration projects, the actual livestock CC exceeded the theoretical capacity, leading to overgrazing in some areas. To achieve desired objectives, more effective grassland management strategies must be implemented in the future to minimize spatiotemporal conflicts between grasses and livestock and ensure the health and stability of grassland ecosystems. Full article

Understanding alpine plants’ survival and reproduction is crucial for their conservation in climate change. Based on 423 valid distribution points, this study utilizes the MaxEnt model to predict the potential habitat and distribution dynamics of Leontopodium nanum under both current and future climate scenarios, while clarifying the key factors that influence its distribution. The primary ecological drivers of distribution are altitude (2886.08 m–5576.14 m) and the mean temperature of the driest quarter (−6.60–1.55 °C). Currently, the suitable habitat area is approximately 520.28 × 10⁴ km², covering about 3.5% of the global land area, concentrated mainly in the Tibetan Plateau, with smaller regions across East and South Asia. Under future climate scenarios, low-emission (SSP126), suitable areas are projected to expand during the 2050s and 2070s. High-emission (SSP585), suitable areas may decrease by 50%, with a 66.07% reduction in highly suitable areas by the 2070s. The greatest losses are expected in the south-eastern Tibetan Plateau. Regarding dynamic habitat changes, by the 2050s, newly suitable areas will account for 51.09% of the current habitat, while 68.26% of existing habitat will become unsuitable. By the 2070s, newly suitable areas will rise to 71.86% of the current total, but the loss of existing areas will exceed these gains, particularly under the high-emission scenario. The centroid of suitable habitats is expected to shift northward, with migration distances ranging from 23.94 km to 342.42 km. The most significant shift is anticipated under the SSP126 scenario by the 2070s. This study offers valuable insights into the distribution dynamics of L. nanum and other alpine species under the context of climate change. From a conservation perspective, it is recommended to prioritize the protection and restoration of vegetation in key habitat patches or potential migration corridors, restrict overgrazing and infrastructure development, and maintain genetic diversity and dispersal capacity through assisted migration and population genetic monitoring when necessary. These measures aim to provide a robust scientific foundation for the comprehensive conservation and sustainable management of the grassland ecosystem on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Full article

Urban coral reefs in Jakarta Bay and the Thousand Islands, Indonesia, are chronically exposed to land-based pollution and increasing thermal stress. These reefs—including the site of Indonesia’s first recorded coral bleaching event in 1983—remain highly vulnerable to climate-induced disturbances. During the fourth global coral bleaching event (GCBE), we recorded selective bleaching in the region, associated with a Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) value of 4.8 °C-weeks. Surveys conducted in January 2024 across a shelf gradient at four representative islands revealed patchy bleaching, affecting various taxa at depths ranging from 3 to 13 m. A follow-up survey in May 2024, which tracked the fate of 42 tagged bleached colonies, found that 36% had fully recovered, 26% showed partial recovery, and 38% had died. Bleaching responses varied across taxa, depths, and microhabitats, often occurring in close proximity to unaffected colonies. While some corals demonstrated resilience, the overall findings underscore the continued vulnerability of urban reefs to escalating thermal stress. This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated national strategy—not only to monitor bleaching and assess reef responses, but also to strengthen protection measures and implement best-practice restoration. Such efforts are increasingly critical in the face of more frequent and severe bleaching events projected under future climate scenarios. 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

While water conservancy projects continuously enhance flood control and resource allocation capabilities, the adverse impacts on basin systems, particularly the structural disruption of surface water–groundwater continuity, have become increasingly pronounced. Therefore, establishing quantitative assessment of water system connectivity as a critical foundation for optimizing spatial water distribution, maintaining ecohydrological equilibrium, and enhancing flood–drought regulation efficacy is important. Focusing on the regulated reaches of the Panjiakou, Daheiting, and Taolinkou reservoirs in the Luan River Basin, this study established and integrated a three-dimensional assessment framework that synthesizes hydrological processes, hydraulic structural effects, and human activities as three fundamental drivers, and employed the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to develop a quantitative connectivity evaluation system. Results indicate that water conservancy projects significantly altered basin connectivity: surface water connectivity decreased by 0.40, while groundwater connectivity experienced a minor reduction (0.25) primarily through reservoir seepage. Consequently, the integrated surface–groundwater system declined by 0.39. Critically, project scale governs surface connectivity attenuation intensity, which substantially exceeds impacts on groundwater systems. The comprehensive assessment system developed in this study provides theoretical and methodological support for diagnosing river connectivity, formulating ecological restoration strategies, and protecting basin ecosystems. Full article

This study proposes a design method for near-slope roads along multi-level slopes that integrates excavation requirements and post-construction ecological restoration through sprayed eco-protection. Firstly, the design principles and procedural steps for near-slope roads are established. The planar layouts of multi-level slopes are categorized, including mixing areas, turnaround areas, berms, and access ramps. Critical technical parameters, such as curve radii and widths of berms and ramps, as well as dimensional specifications for turnaround areas, are systematically formulated with corresponding design formulas. The methodology is applied to the ecological restoration project of multi-level slopes in the Huamahu mountainous area, and a comparative technical-economic analysis is conducted between the proposed design and the original scheme. Results demonstrate that the optimized design reduces additional maintenance costs caused by near-slope roads by 6.5–8.0% during the curing period. This research advances the technical framework for multi-level slope governance and enhances the ecological design standards for slope protection engineering. Full article

The environmental heterogeneity caused by altitude can lead to trade-offs in nutrient utilization and allocation strategies among plant organs; however, there is still a lack of research on the nutrient variation in the “flower–leaf–branch–fine root–soil” systems of native shrubs along altitude gradients in China’s unique karst regions. Therefore, we analyzed the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) contents and their ratios in flowers, leaves, branches, fine roots, and surface soil of Hypericum kouytchense shrubs across 2200–2700 m altitudinal range in southwestern China’s karst areas, where this species is widely distributed and grows well. The results show that H. kouytchense organs had higher N content than both global and Chinese plant averages. The order of C:N:P value across plant organs was branches > fine roots > flowers > leaves. Altitude significantly affected the nutrient dynamics in plant organs and soil. With increasing altitude, P content in plant organs exhibited a significant concave pattern, leading to unimodal trends in the C:P of plant organs, as well as the N:P of leaves and fine roots. Meanwhile, plant organs except branches displayed significant homeostasis coefficients in C:P and fine root P, indicating a shift in H. kouytchense’s P utilization strategy from acquisitive-type to conservative-type. Strong positive relationships between plant organs and soil P and available P revealed that P was the key driver of nutrient cycling in H. kouytchense shrubs, enhancing plant organ–soil coupling relationships. In conclusion, H. kouytchense demonstrates flexible adaptability, suggesting that future vegetation restoration and conservation management projects in karst ecosystems should consider the nutrient adaptation strategies of different species, paying particular attention to P utilization. Full article

Exploring the evolution of ecosystem services value (ESV) and its drivers is pivotal for optimizing the land-use structure and improving the value of ecosystem services. Using the 1980–2020 land-use/land-cover (LULC) dataset of the Mu Us Sandy Land, this study quantitatively evaluated ESV through LULC change, analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of ESV and its driving forces. The results showed that (1) the LULC changes were stable from 1980 to 2020, and the ESV showed a slight downward trend in general. Grassland and water ecosystem services predominantly influenced ecosystem service function value fluctuations across the study area. (2) ESV demonstrated strong positive spatial autocorrelation, with high-value areas concentrated primarily in Red Alkali Nur, Dawa Nur, Batu Bay, and Ulanmulun Lake and low-value areas mainly distributed in unused land and certain agricultural zones. (3) The land-use degree and human activity intensity index were the main factors leading to the differentiation of ESV. The synergistic effects of human activities, landscape pattern changes, and natural factors led to the spatial differentiation of ESV in the study area. Beyond artificial ecological restoration projects, policies for ecosystem service management should pay more attention to the role of geodiversity in service provision. Full article

The conservation and restoration of water-gilded wooden cultural heritage, such as polychrome sculptures, frames, panels, altarpieces, etc., requires the use of fillers that guarantee structural stability, physicochemical and mechanical compatibility with the original support, and the ability to adapt to dimensional movements induced by thermo-hygrometric variations. This study, conducted as part of the DorART Project, analyzed the behavior of nine formulations, both commercial and non-commercial, selected through a review of the state-of-the-art specialized literature, along with the use of participatory science, which focused on the practices and materials most commonly used by professionals in the field. The experimental design was based on three types of specimens: two with wooden supports, selected for evaluating their interaction with the original material and with the traditional water gilding technique, and a third type for analyzing the individual behavior of the tested materials. Analyses of adhesion, tensile strength, Shore C hardness, gloss, abrasion test results, wettability, pH changes, and chemical composition were performed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed significant differences depending on the type of curing used and the composition and aging behavior of the specimen. Some of the fillers demonstrated improved compatibility with water-based gilding, facilitating workability and providing structural strength. M3 and M9 demonstrated an optimal balance of workability and aging stability. The results of this study can help restorers select materials based on their specific needs, considering the requirements of mechanical adaptation to the substrate, compatibility, and durability. Full article

Machine learning (ML) has established itself as an innovative tool in sustainable forest management, essential for tackling critical challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Through the analysis of large volumes of data from satellites, drones, and sensors, machine learning facilitates everything from precise forest health assessments and real-time deforestation detection to wildfire prevention and habitat mapping. Other significant advancements include species identification via computer vision and predictive modeling to optimize reforestation and carbon sequestration. Projects like SILVANUS serve as practical examples of this approach’s success in combating wildfires and restoring ecosystems. However, for these technologies to reach their full potential, obstacles like data quality, ethical issues, and a lack of collaboration between different fields must be overcome. The solution lies in integrating the power of machine learning with ecological expertise and local community engagement. This partnership is the path forward to preserve biodiversity, combat climate change, and ensure a sustainable future for our forests. Full article

Green construction in infrastructure projects has emerged as a crucial approach for reducing environmental impacts, yet its implementation is fraught with numerous uncertainties. To assess the capacity to maintain and restore green construction performance in complex environments, this study proposes the concept of Green Construction Performance Resilience (GCPR) for infrastructure projects and develops methodologies for its management and optimization. This study constructs a project network based on the labeled property graph (LPG) technique and demonstrates its dynamic evolution throughout the entire project lifecycle. A series of indicators for quantifying GCPR are constructed and applied, enabling the quantification of green construction performance resilience in infrastructure projects. An optimization method for GCPR based on genetic algorithms is proposed. Finally, the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed methodologies are validated through the analysis of real-world infrastructure project cases. The results demonstrate that the project network model can comprehensively capture the complexity of large-scale infrastructure projects, and that the GCPR indicators effectively measure green construction performance resilience, providing valuable decision-making support for project managers. The optimization algorithm has been validated and shown to improve the GCPR level of the project. This study enriches interdisciplinary research on project resilience and project complexity theory and provides project managers with quantitative analysis and visualization tools to facilitate the attainment of green construction performance objectives in infrastructure projects and accelerate the transition towards low-carbon practices. Full article

The intensifying global climate warming caused by human activities poses severe challenges to ecosystem stability. Constructing an ecological security pattern can identify ecological land supply and an effective spatial distribution baseline and provide a scientific basis for safeguarding regional ecological security. This study analyzes land-use data from 2000 to 2020 for Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The PLUS model was utilized to project land-use potential for the year 2030. The InVEST model was employed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of habitat quality in the study area for both 2020 and 2030, thereby pinpointing ecological sources. Critical ecological restoration zones were delineated by identifying ecological corridors, pinch points, and barrier points through the application of the Minimum Cumulative Resistance model and circuit theory. By comparing ecological security patterns (ESPs) in 2020 and 2030, we proposed a dynamic restoration framework and optimization recommendations based on habitat quality changes and ESPs. The results indicate significant land-use changes in the eastern part of Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture from 2020 to 2030, with large-scale conversion of grasslands into bare land, farmland, and artificial surfaces. The ecological security pattern is threatened by risks like the deterioration of habitat quality, diminished ecological sources as well as pinch points, and growing barrier points. Optimizing the layout of ecological resources, strengthening barrier zone restoration and pinch point protection, and improving habitat connectivity are urgent priorities to ensure regional ecological security. This study offers a scientific foundation for the harmonization of ecological protection and economic development and the policy development and execution of relevant departments. Full article

The Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), often referred to as the “Third Pole” of the world, harbors alpine grassland ecosystems that play an essential role as global carbon sinks, helping to mitigate the pace of climate change. Nonetheless, alterations in natural environmental conditions coupled with escalating human activities have disrupted the seasonal growth cycles of grasslands, thereby intensifying degradation processes. To date, the key drivers and lifecycle dynamics of Grassland Depletion across the QTP remain contentious, limiting our comprehension of its ecological repercussions and regulatory mechanisms. This study comprehensively investigates grassland degradation on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau, analyzing its drivers and changes in ecological suitability during the growing season. By integrating natural factors (e.g., precipitation and temperature) and anthropogenic influences (e.g., population density and grazing intensity), it examines observational data from over 160 monitoring stations collected between the 1980s and 2020. The findings reveal three distinct phases of grassland degradation: an acute degradation phase in 1990 (GDI, Grassland Degradation Index = 2.53), a partial recovery phase from 1996 to 2005 (GDI < 2.0) during which the proportion of degraded grassland decreased from 71.85% in 1990 to 51.22% in 2005, and a renewed intensification of degradation after 2006 (GDI > 2.0), with degraded grassland areas reaching 56.39% by 2020. Among the influencing variables, precipitation emerged as the most significant driver, interacting closely with anthropogenic factors such as grazing practices and population distribution. Specifically, the combined impacts of precipitation with population density, grazing pressure, and elevation were particularly notable, yielding interaction q-values of 0.796, 0.767, and 0.752, respectively. Our findings reveal that while grasslands exhibit superior carbon sink potential relative to forests, their productivity and ecological functionality are undergoing considerable declines due to the compounded effects of multiple interacting factors. Consequently, the spatial distribution of ecologically suitable zones has contracted significantly, with the remaining high-suitability regions concentrating in the “twin-star” zones of Baingoin and Zanda grasslands, areas recognized as focal points for future ecosystem preservation. Furthermore, the effects of climate change and intensifying anthropogenic activity have driven the reduction in highly suitable grassland areas, shrinking from 41,232 km² in 1990 to 24,485 km² by 2020, with projections indicating a further decrease to only 2844 km² by 2060. This study sheds light on the intricate mechanisms behind Grassland Depletion, providing essential guidance for conservation efforts and ecological restoration on the QTP. Moreover, it offers theoretical underpinnings to support China’s carbon neutrality and peak carbon emission goals. Full article