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Nature-based tourism is rising in popularity in developing countries. This presents a challenge for protected area (PA) managers forcing them to revisit management strategies to balance revenue generation while maintaining ecological integrity. Identifying tourists' preference for nature-viewing can aid in improved tourism management while simultaneously enhancing visitor experiences. We conducted semi-structured surveys with 516 tourists visiting three popular Indian PAs to understand their nature-viewing preferences. We identified the factors influencing viewing preferences for seven biodiversity categories using recursive partitioning classification trees. We found the biodiversity categories such as charismatic megafauna and landscape to be major tourist-attractants. Despite this, we also found that prior engagement in conservation activities, age, and gender can influence preference for viewing low-profile categories such as herpetofauna and flora. Providing opportunities for people to engage in conservation at different levels of governance and especially for tourists when visiting a PA could increase appreciation for all species and funding available for their conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural disturbance‐based management (NDBM) is hypothesized to maintain managed forest ecosystem integrity by reducing differences between natural and managed forests. The effectiveness of this approach often entails local comparisons of species composition or diversity for a variety of biota from managed and unmanaged forests. Understory vegetation is regularly the focus of such comparison because of its importance in nutrient cycling, forest regeneration, and for wildlife. However, larger scale comparisons between regions with distinct species assemblages may require a trait‐based approach to better understand understory responses to disturbance. We compared the long‐term effects of retention harvesting on understory vegetation in two large experimental study sites located in eastern and western regions of the Canadian boreal forest. These sites included the Sylviculture en Aménagement Forestier Ecosystémique (SAFE) experiment and the Ecosystem Management Emulating Natural Disturbance (EMEND) experiment, located in the eastern and western regions of Canada, respectively. EMEND and SAFE share common boreal understory species but have distinct tree communities, soils, and climate. Both experiments were designed to evaluate how increasing tree retention after harvest affects biodiversity. Here, we examined taxonomic richness, functional diversity, and functional composition (using community trait mean values) of understory plant communities, and also examine intraspecific trait variability (ITV) for five species common and abundant in both experiments. We observed the limited impacts of retention level on richness, functional diversity, and functional composition of understory plants 20 years postharvest. However, ITV of leaf morphological traits varied between retention levels within each experiment, depending on the species identity. Common species had different functional responses to retention level, showing species‐specific reactions to environmental variation. Our result suggests that understory plant communities in the boreal forest achieve resilience to disturbance both in terms of interspecific and intraspecific functional trait diversity. Such diversity may be key to maintaining understory biodiversity in the face of future disturbances and environmental change. Our results reveal the significance of ITV in plant communities for understanding responses to forest harvesting and the importance of choosing appropriate traits when studying species responses to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global policies increasingly focus on the importance of maintaining or improving the integrity of ecosystems, but defining, assessing, and monitoring integrity in marine protected areas (MPAs) remains a challenge. In this paper, we conceptualized ecological integrity along dimensions of heterogeneity and stability containing seven components: physical structure, diversity, function, persistence, resistance, resilience, and natural variability. Through a structured literature search, we identified indicators and metrics used for quantifying ecosystem status components in the marine environment, then reviewed MPA management plans worldwide for inclusion of these components. We evaluated 202 papers applying 83 ecological indicators built from 72 metrics. Ecosystem components were most comprehensively addressed by metrics of taxa presence, organisms count, and area occupied by benthic organisms, and community structure, biomass, and percent cover indicators. Of the 557 MPA management plans we reviewed globally, 93% used at least one ecosystem status term or its synonym in an ecologically relevant context, but 39% did not address any components of stability. In particular, resistance was mentioned in only 1% of management plans, but in some cases it may be inferred from indicators and metrics used to track the best addressed component in management plans, diversity. Plans for MPAs with both an ecological/biological purpose and a research and education purpose contained ecosystem status terms more frequently than other plans, suggesting that engagement with the scientific community may have improved the application of these terms. An improved understanding of how to operationalize and measure ecological integrity can help MPA monitoring and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We live in a world of accelerating ecological devastation, where environmental violence is culturally and economically ingrained in dominant human societies. The term "Anthropocene" implies a threshold has been breached, and suggests radical reassessments of prevailing social, economic, political, and educational systems are needed. Some art teacher education programs in the United States deviate from predominant trends by embracing ecological integration and preparing art preservice teachers to implement ecological and environmental art pedagogies. Such "aberrant" programs offer rich sites to explore for methods that might be emulated beyond these singular cases. In this study, we examined how three U.S. art teacher education programs, identified as having high levels of ecological integration, infused ecological and environmental approaches into their course content and teaching methods. Themes included exposure to relational ways of being, entanglements with the land and community, collective productions of ecological integration, and infusion of art teacher educators' multiple identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Coastal ecosystems are complex and often support a broad spectrum of functions with competing objectives. In addition to their ecological value, they offer socio-economic benefits (i.e., ecosystem services) to coastal communities. One potential way to help address this complexity is to use decision support systems to help natural resources managers understand system dynamics and evaluate strategies to maintain the health and integrity of these ecosystems. This paper presents a roadmap and detailed application of co-production strategies where managers and researchers are fully engaged in a collaborative manner in the design of a decision support tool for coastal ecosystems. It also emphasizes the importance of capturing end-users' (i.e., natural resource managers) priorities to refine the conceptual design of the decision support tool, while maintaining a sound scientific and modeling framework. The case study presented here centers on the Northern Gulf of Mexico, but the concept can be exported globally to other systems. This effort highlights foundational co-production strategies, including transdisciplinary team assembly, a knowledge sharing workshop, Toolbox Dialogue Initiative workshops to facilitate working across disciplines, core team and focus group meetings, and design charrettes. Further, this paper articulates the benefits and difficulties of executing a co-production process through virtual collaborations. • Coastal ecosystem management by co-productive, interdisciplinary design methods. • Co-production design strategies for decision support systems. • Northern Gulf of Mexico natural resource management decision support tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) are among the most numerous and well-studied seabirds in Canada; yet, there is a considerable lack of information concerning the population status of remote Canadian Arctic colonies. The only known colony of Thick-billed Murres in the western Canadian Arctic is located at the coastal cliffs of Cape Parry Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Northwest Territories. Historical estimates at this site range from 125–800 murres between 1953–1980, however, recent population data is lacking. We conducted boat-based photo census surveys between 2002–2021 to provide updated counts of murres at Cape Parry. The number of Thick-billed Murres observed at Cape Parry during our study period ranged from 570 birds in 2002 to 1,358 birds in 2019. Counts suggest the colony at Cape Parry increased considerably since establishment of the Migratory Bird Sanctuary in 1961, with less pronounced growth over the period of our study (2002–2021). As climate change and human activities rapidly transform the Arctic, monitoring and conservation of potentially vulnerable populations, such as the Cape Parry murre colony, will be increasingly important to maintain ecological integrity of marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological integrity of US national parks and other protected areas are under threat in the Anthropocene. For Yellowstone National Park (YNP), the impacts that global change has already had on the park's capacity to sustain its large migratory herds of wild ungulates is incompletely understood. Here we examine how two understudied components of global change, the historical increase in atmospheric CO2 and the spread of nonnative, invasive plant species, may have altered the capacity of YNP to provide forage for ungulates over the last 200‐plus years. We performed two experiments: (1) a growth chamber study that determined the growth rates of important invasive and native YNP grasses that are forages for ungulates under preindustrial (280 ppm) versus modern (410 ppm) CO2 levels and (2) a field study that compared the effect of defoliation (clipping) on the shoot growth of invasive and native mesic grassland plants under ambient CO2 conditions in 2019. The growth chamber experiment revealed that modern CO2 increased the growth rates of both invasive and native grasses, and invasive grasses grew faster regardless of CO2 conditions. The field results showed a continuum of positive to negative responses of shoot growth to defoliation, with a subgroup of invasive species responding most positively. Altogether the results indicated that the historical increase in CO2 and the spread of invasive species, some of which were planted to provide forage for ungulates in the early and mid‐1900s, have likely increased the capacity of forage production in YNP. However, rising CO2 has also resulted in regional warming and increased aridity in YNP, which will likely reduce grassland productivity. The challenge for global change biologists and park managers is to determine how competing components of global change have already affected and will increasingly affect forage dynamics and the sustainability of Yellowstone's iconic ungulate herds in the Anthropocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to show the importance of aquariology to human health, and the importance of Poeciliid fishes to aquarium science, aquariology and the aquarium trade. The aquarium hobby can have a range of positive effects on mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. It provides a unique blend of entertainment, education, and therapeutic benefits for individuals across different age groups. The diversity and genetic plasticity of Poeciliid fish have significantly shaped the aquarium hobby and market. Their vibrant colors, ease of breeding, and adaptability have made them appealing to a broad range of hobbyists, contributing to the growth, diversity, and commercial success of the aquarium industry. The potential for Poeciliids to become invasive highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the proper disposal of unwanted aquarium fish. Releasing non-native species into the wild can have significant ecological consequences and is generally discouraged to protect the integrity of natural ecosystems. Ultimately, ethical considerations in keeping animals in aquariums revolve around balancing the educational, conservation, and entertainment aspects with the welfare and conservation needs of the animals involved. Transparent practices, education, and ongoing efforts to improve standards contribute to the ethical evolution of the aquarium industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic activities have severely degraded the ecological integrity of global freshwater systems. Migratory freshwater fishes are especially threatened by the cumulative effects of multiple stressors and fragmentation, particularly those that impede access to critical habitats. To stimulate the conservation and protection of these species, we propose a "Global Swimways" program to identify rivers that support the migration routes of biologically and/or socioeconomically important freshwater fishes. We test the utility of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List data to support the identification of Global Swimways and present case study regions containing rivers with either high species richness (west‐central Africa and Southeast Asia), high numbers of threatened species (Eastern Europe and Central Asia), or multiple endemic species (the Rift Valley lakes in East Africa). We hope the Global Swimways program will provide metrics that can be used to identify rivers requiring increased protection or restoration, track trends, and stimulate the greater inclusion of migratory freshwater fishes in global policy mechanisms. Front Ecol Environ 2022; [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination of aquatic food webs with nanomaterials poses a significant ecological and human health challenge. Ingestion of nanomaterials alongside food disrupts digestion and impairs physiological processes, with potential consequences for organism fitness and survival. Complex interactions between nanomaterials and biota further exacerbate the issue, influencing life-history strategies and ecosystem dynamics. Accumulation of nanomaterials within autotrophic and detritus-based food webs raises concerns about biomagnification, especially for top-level consumers and seafood-dependent human populations. Understanding the extent and impact of nanomaterial contamination on aquatic biota is crucial for effective mitigation strategies. To address this challenge, we conducted a comprehensive study evaluating the bioaccumulation effects of graphene oxide (GO), a commonly used nanomaterial, within an aquatic food chain. Using a gnotobiotic freshwater microcosm, we investigated the effects of micro- and nano-scale GO sheets on key organisms: green algae (Chlorella vulgaris), brine shrimp (Artemia salina), and zebrafish (Danio rerio). Two feeding regimes, direct ingestion and trophic transfer, were employed to assess GO uptake and transfer within the food web. Direct exposure involved individual organisms being exposed to either nano- or micro-scale GO sheets, while trophic transfer involved a sequential exposure pathway: algae exposed to GO sheets, artemias feeding on the algae, and zebrafish consuming the artemias. Our study provides critical insights into nanomaterial contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Physicochemical properties of GO sheets, including ζ-potential and dispersion, were influenced by salt culture media, resulting in aggregation under salt conditions. Microscopic imaging confirmed the bioaccumulation of GO sheets within organisms, indicating prolonged exposure and potential long-term effects. Notably, biodistribution analysis in zebrafish demonstrated the penetration of nano-sized GO into the intestinal wall, signifying direct interaction with vital organs. Exposure to GO resulted in increased zebrafish mortality and impaired reproductive performance, particularly through trophic transfer. These findings emphasize the urgent need to address nanomaterial contamination in aquatic food webs to protect ecosystem components and human consumers. Our study highlights the importance of developing effective mitigation strategies to preserve the integrity of aquatic ecosystems, ensure resource sustainability, and safeguard human well-being. In conclusion, our study provides crucial insights into the impact of nanomaterial pollution on aquatic biota. By recognizing the challenges posed by nanomaterial contamination and implementing targeted interventions, we can mitigate the adverse effects, preserving the integrity of aquatic ecosystems and safeguarding human health. [Display omitted] • Bioaccumulation and toxicity potential of nano/micro GO dispersion on living organisms is evaluated. • In aquatic media, exposure to GO changes the reproductive capability of D. rerio. • Increasing the salt content of media shifts ξ-potential of GO to positive values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water, a critical resource, confronts significant challenges with respect to its secure utilization and ecological integrity. 0.817 units of drinking water can be saved for every unit of recycled water used, emphasizing the global importance of wastewater recycling for economic and ecological benefits. In poultry production, water consumption per tonne of product varies from 6 to 30 m3, underscoring the significance of recycling livestock wastewater for sustainable development, agricultural efficiency, modernization, and climate change mitigation. The porous structure and surface functional groups of biochar make it a key medium for resource recovery. Utilizing biochar for livestock wastewater treatment can offer both economic and environmental advantages, as it can adsorb certain components from wastewater and transform them into valuable resources. However, there is currently no literature that provides a detailed description of the reuse forms of substances adsorbed and recovered by biochar from livestock wastewater. This paper reviews the utilization of biochar in the treatment of livestock wastewater, with a specific focus on swine wastewater (SW), and outlines future directions for research in the domain of biochar resource recovery. The objective of this review is to heighten awareness of the diverse potential applications of biochar for resource recovery from wastewater, thereby facilitating the further advancement and demonstration of pertinent wastewater treatment technologies. [Display omitted] • Biomagnification heightens the health risks from livestock wastewater. • Biochar needs to be modified to enhance its adsorption properties. • Recycling nutrients from livestock wastewater aids sustainable agricultural progress. • Future research directions for the resource recovery potential of biochar are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the vulnerability of natural heritage in the Northeast Ecuadorian Amazon (NEA), from the perspective of intrinsic vulnerability. Therefore, two proxy indicators of vulnerability were established: (i) the ecological integrity vulnerability index (EIVI), indicating the potential loss of ecological integrity, assessed by protection status (2018); (ii) the biological diversity vulnerability index (BVI), deriving the potential loss of biological diversity, using land cover/land use (2014). Biodiversity values were derived with land cover-related biodiversity data, and (iii) and compared with spatial congruence/correlation between (i) and (ii). The EIVI was directly derived using protection status, which defines vulnerability levels by ranking them according to corresponding levels of anthropic development allowance. A robust relationship between land use classes and species richness was found for both endemic vascular plants in neotropical regions and multi-taxa in tropical forests worldwide, validating the BVI. Furthermore, the moderate spatial correlation between protection status and land cover (r = 0.52) may be partially explained by 3,060 km2 of unprotected primary forest. Overall, 42 % of the NEA have a high degree of congruence between potential biodiversity and protection status. In conclusion, this study provides insights into nature conservation efforts in areas with sparse biodiversity data using readily available geographic information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Political boundaries often do not coincide with ecological boundaries, and it is common for the same physical geographical unit to span multiple countries. Exploring establishing transboundary protected areas and ecological networks can effectively protect the integrity of natural ecosystems separated by political boundaries. Based on the integrated evaluation of ecosystem services function, ecological vulnerability, and ecosystem integrity, this study explored a methodological system for evaluating ecological protection priority areas in transboundary areas and selected the Altai Mountains, which span four countries, contain China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, as a typical case to conduct empirical research. The study found that the extremely important areas of ecosystem services function, ecological vulnerability, and ecosystem integrity showed transboundary contiguous characteristics. Furthermore, weighted overlay analysis identified the spatial distribution pattern of ecological protection priority areas in the Altai Mountains. We suggested establishing transboundary protected areas in the four countries' transboundary areas, building the identified ecological protection priority areas and existing protected areas into a transboundary protected area network, and deepening a multi-party transboundary protection cooperation mechanism. This study can provide a theoretical and practical reference to achieve the 2030 biodiversity conservation goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of aquatic species results from the complex interplay of biotic and abiotic variables, anthropogenic impacts, and scale effects. Using the results of a large-scale fish monitoring survey, we fitted a spatially-explicit Bayesian model to compare a series of a priori models for predicting the occurrence of the Spirlin (Alburnoides bipunctatus), a small freshwater cyprinid fish of conservation concern. The best-fitting model identified an important effect of river basin, flow disruption, and the number of other fish taxa as predictors. Among major river basins, sampling locations in the Vistula Basin were the most likely to support Spirlin, a possible outcome of postglacial colonisation events and less anthropogenic habitat change. The negative association between flow disruption, comprising engineering schemes for flow regulation, river fragmentation caused by obstacles such as dams, and changes to flow due to water abstraction, reflected the Spirlin's requirements for relatively pristine ecological conditions, including flow heterogeneity and access to coarse substrates for spawning. Similarly, a positive association between the occurrence of Spirlin and fish species richness demonstrates the association of this species with aquatic habitats of high ecological integrity. These findings implicate river fragmentation and changes to flow regime as predictors of river habitat integrity and lend support to the proposition that the Spirlin can function as an indicator species for the monitoring and maintenance of the ecological health of river habitats across Europe. Model predictions also point towards the removal of measures that disrupt river flow, combined with restoration of a coarse benthic substrate, as approaches to mitigate declines in populations of Spirlin across Europe. • National monitoring programmes can shed light on species distributions. • Using a Bayesian approach, we modelled the occurrence of the endangered spirlin. • Spirlin proved to be a sensitive indicator of human-mediated disturbance to rivers. • Supporting heterogeneous river environments represents a key management goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological carbon sinks play a crucial role in global carbon cycling and climate mitigation, making their effective management essential. This study develops a novel risk zoning and multifactor analysis framework for ecological carbon sink management in Yunnan Province, China, a region recognized for its ecological diversity and carbon sequestration potential. Our results reveal that high-priority ecological carbon sink zones, mainly in the southwest and western regions, cover 20% of the total area and contain over 60% of the province's carbon stocks. In contrast, high-risk zones, primarily in urbanized regions, show a reduction in carbon sequestration, with emissions exceeding 25.7 million kg due to urban development and landscape degradation. The analysis delineated five distinct risk zones; urgent intervention zones, risk control zones, priority restoration zones, long-term conservation zones, and integrated management zones. Notably, urgent intervention and priority restoration zones, while representing just 9.6% of the area, are critical for protecting over 40% of the carbon sequestration potential. The comprehensive risk zoning framework, combining principal component and canonical correspondence analysis (PCA-CCA), effectively integrates landscape indicators, socio-economic factors, and natural elements. Our innovative, data-driven approach offers strategic insights into managing carbon sinks while balancing ecological integrity and socioeconomic needs, providing a replicable model for ecosystem management. The framework presented in this paper. [Display omitted] • Created a zoning framework combining carbon sink priorities with landscape risks for precise ecological risk management. • Established a zoning matrix for differentiated strategies to enhance carbon sink conservation and mitigate ecological risks. • Integrated PCA and CCA for assessing ecological carbon sinks, revealing impacts from landscape and socio-economic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algal blooms represent a pivotal ecological phenomenon in marine ecosystems, exerting significant influence on energy transfer, material cycling, and ecological structure and function. The frequent occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) directly jeopardizes ecosystem integrity, compromises food safety, and challenges the sustainability of food supply, thereby affecting socio-economic development and human well-being. In recent decades, technological advancements in in-situ monitoring and remote sensing have greatly improved our capacity to monitor the oceans, providing unparalleled opportunities for not only the detection of algal blooms but also their dynamic processes and mechanisms. However, monitoring programmes are not always capable of covering the temporal and spatial scale of algal blooms, especially in open water ecosystems. Therefore, it remains essential to utilize models for interpreting observational results. In this review, we evaluated recent studies on models of algal blooms, which can be categorized into three main types: conceptual models, empirical-statistical models (from simple machine learning models to state-of-the-art deep learning models), and mechanistic models (process-based models). We reviewed the development and refinement of representative cases for each model type and compared their applicability, strengths, and limitations. Subsequently, we summarized the applications of these models in exploring algal bloom dynamics, short-term forecasting (a few days to seasonal), and long-term predictions (interannual or longer). We also proposed several recommendations for how algal bloom modeling can move forward: 1) Integrate various automated monitoring platforms and remote sensing techniques to obtain more comprehensive data for model validation; 2) Develop more powerful deep learning models to fully exploit their immense potential in algal bloom prediction; and 3) Incorporate molecular ecology and omics technologies to enhance parameterization schemes for numerical models. [Display omitted] • This review assesses the progress and application of conceptual, empirical, and mechanistic models in algal blooms. • Conceptual models serve as simplified frameworks for understanding the formation and dynamics of algal blooms. • Machine learning and deep learning models significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of algal bloom prediction. • Mechanistic models reveal a wide range of physical and ecological dynamics of algal blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of considering ecological connectivity in the design of marine protected areas (MPAs) and ecologically coherent networks of protected areas across coasts and oceans has risen in prominence with the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This short communication highlights key messages emerging from a specialist conference session on marine connectivity by members of the IUCN-WCPA Marine Connectivity Working Group at the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) in Vancouver in 2023. We consider the importance of spatial and temporal scale, knowledge and data gaps and some of the technological and scientific advances that are generating insights into species movements that can inform the ecologically meaningful design of protected areas for effective conservation of ecosystem integrity, biodiversity and the flow of ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global increase in electronic waste (e-waste) has led to a rise in informal recycling, emitting hazardous heavy metals (HMs) that threaten human health and ecosystems. This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of HM levels in dry deposition and soils at proximity of forty (40) informal e-waste recycling sites across Pakistan, between September 2020 to December 2021. Findings reveal that Zn (1410), Pb (410) and Mn (231) exhibited the higher mean deposition fluxes (μg/m2.day), derived from air samples, particularly in Karachi. Similarly, soils showed higher mean concentrations (μg/g dw) of Mn (477), Cu (514) and Pb (172) in Faisalabad, Lahore, and Karachi, respectively. HMs concentrations were found higher in winter or autumn and lower in summer. In addition, HM levels were significantly (p = 0.05) higher at recycling sites compared to background sites year-round, highlighting the e-waste recycling operations as the major source of their emissions. The I geo index indicated moderate to extremely contaminated levels of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Ni in Karachi, Lahore and Gujranwala. Ingestion was found as a leading human exposure route, followed by dermal and inhalation exposure, with Pb posing the greatest health risk. The Cumulative Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) model suggested moderate to low cancer risks for workers. Strategic interventions recommend mitigating health and environmental risks, prioritizing human health and ecosystem integrity in Pakistan's e-waste management. [Display omitted] • Informal e-waste recycling in Pakistan emits Zn, Mn, Pb, harming health/ecosystems. • Heavy metal concentration in air and soil for Karachi were the highest and warrant further attention. • Heavy metals in air exhibited seasonality and peaked in autumn/winter. • High human exposure estimates for Pb highlight the need for improved e-waste management in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the clearance of native forests and native vegetation for plantation establishment, otherwise known as forest conversion, in the state-owned plantations of New South Wales, Australia. It begins by describing Australia's forests, plantations, and forest conversion, continues with an outline of the history of public hardwood plantations in New South Wales, and explores the regulatory frameworks that allow this practice to happen, and the responses adopted by non-state environmental governance systems, notably forest certification, to address this problem. The paper presents a case study analysis of conversion in the hardwood plantations of northern NSW, and concludes that the current regulatory environment facilitates deforestation, with cumulative impacts at the landscape level, and that without government intervention, efforts to prevent this by non-state action will only be partially successful, leading to ongoing habitat and species loss. The failure of existing legislative and regulatory frameworks to adequately acknowledge, define, and prohibit conversion will remain an impediment to sustainable forest management, as the entry of such timber into the market contaminates supply chains, resulting in considerable reputation risk. Reform is needed in both public and private governance systems to ensure strong governance, effective planning, and ecosystem integrity at the landscape level. Recommendations are provided for policymakers. • A new methodology to identify original forest inside plantation areas via historical aerial imagery. • A detailed evaluation of a range of spatial datasets demonstrating the increase of plantation cover, potentially at the expense of native forest. • A case study identifying that forest conversion has occurred in public hardwood plantations managed by the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales. • There is an urgent need to undertake reform to ensure New South Wales does not fall foul of the EUDR, or the Glasgow Declaration. • More research is needed to determine how significant these conversion events are , and the impacts on flora and fauna, notably the koala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural habitats on private lands are potentially important components of national biodiversity conservation strategies, yet they are being rapidly lost to development. Conservation easements and other means of protecting these habitats have expanded in use and will be most effective if they target private lands of highest biodiversity value and risk of loss. We developed a Biodiversity Conservation Priority Index (BCPI) based on ecological value and risk of habitat loss for remaining areas of natural vegetation cover (NVC) in the northwestern United States and addressed two questions: (1) Which remaining NVC on private lands is the highest priority for biodiversity conservation based on ecological value and risk of development? And (2) are conservation easements in NVC placed preferentially in locations of high biodiversity conservation priority? Drawing on the concept of ecological integrity, we integrated five metrics of ecological structure, function, and composition to quantify ecological value of NVC. These included net primary productivity, species richness, ecosystem type representation, imperiled species range rarity, and connectivity among "Greater Wildland Ecosystems." Risk of habitat loss was derived from analysis of biophysical and sociodemographic predictors of NVC loss. Ecological value and risk of loss were combined into the BCPI. We then analyzed spatial patterns of BCPI to identify the NVC highest in biodiversity conservation priority and examined the relationship between BCPI and conservation easement status. We found that BCPI varied spatially across the study area and was highest in western and southern portions of the study area. High BCPI was associated with suburban and rural development, roads, urban proximity, valley bottom landforms, and low intensity of current development. Existing conservation easements were distributed more towards lower BCPI values than unprotected NVC at both the study area and region scales. The BCPI can be used to better inform land use decision making at local, regional, and potentially national scales in order to better achieve biodiversity goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Studies generally focused on terrestrial systems (89%) compared to aquatic systems (11%). • Trees were the most frequently reported vegetation type studied followed by generic vegetation, grassland, forest, and aquatic vegetation. There was a lack of detail on plant species with gaps in aquatic species data. • Few studies reported on the use of nature-based solutions and of these 80% only focused on a single nature-based solution. • There is a need for well-structured longitudinal experimental data to assess the functioning and ecosystem service provisioning of urban green infrastructure and vegetation. • There are still many research and geographical discrepancies that need to be addressed, these include a lack of good evidence for native species at local scales. The use of plants in cities and the ecosystem services they provide has attracted increased attention both publicly and within the research literature. Increasingly, the value of urban green and blue space is being recognised for its multiple benefits to human wellness and ecological integrity. A quantitative assessment of studies considering nature-based solutions and ecosystem services can identify the current evidence‐base for improving the provisioning of plant ecosystem services management and understanding barriers to adoption of nature-based solutions. Here, we provide a systematic review of the literature to characterise the current state of research on ecosystem service provision by urban blue and green space. We identified 684 relevant studies on urban plant literature and extracted key research themes. Studies were generally focused on terrestrial systems (89%) compared to aquatic systems such as blue space (11%). Geographically most studies were focused on Europe (39%), Asia (23%), and N. America (22%). Trees were the most frequently reported vegetation type studies (29%) followed by generic vegetation (20%), grassland (11%), forest (7%), and aquatic vegetation (5%). Many studies were short (41%), collecting data only over a single year or single field season. Many of the long-term studies are concerning land use/land cover change. Most studies (64%) were conducted for less than five years. The most-reported methodology was remote sensing technology (15%), followed by field surveys (8%), stakeholder surveys (6%), and ecosystem service models (5%). The most-reported ecosystem service types were regulation and maintenance (54%), cultural (28%), and provisioning (16%). Only a small number of studies looked solely at disservice (1%) or discussed ecosystem services in generic terms. Disservices were reported in only 16% of studies with the greatest single category of a disservice being biogenic volatile organic compounds and allergenic potential. Few studies (13%) reported on the use of nature-based solutions and these 80% only focused on a single nature-based solution. There was a lack of detail on plant species, 68% (n = 468) did not list the species studied. We conclude that there is a broad spectrum of research on urban vegetation services, overall, the focus of the literature is uneven. Research should seek to examine the species-specific responses to urbanisation and counter geographic disparities. There is also a need for longitudinal experimental data to identify the functioning and ecosystem service provision of green infrastructure in both urban green and blue space and factors that influence performance over policy- and management-relevant timescales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global environmental changes, including landscape fragmentation, are threatening the integrity of ecosystems and reducing their capacity to deliver ecosystem services. Spatial configuration of a green network supports ecological functions and services, that depend on living organisms and material movements across the landscape. It is important to study the structure of green infrastructure networks and to develop robust methodologies that can inform future planning. In this paper we describe a framework for connectivity analysis and enhancement within the green infrastructure networks. We review and combine methods to map and analyse the current spatial network configuration of green elements, in order to identify the key nodes and links that can maintain connectivity and consequently support the benefits provided across the landscape. The study explores the creation of network scenarios and the improvement or reduction of connectivity by adding, preserving, or removing corridors and core areas. Methods include morphological spatial pattern analysis, landscape connectivity metrics and graph theory elements. The analysis has been applied in the Northern Italian Plain, considering green riparian zones and the protected areas as elements of the network. The results show that this method can be used to analyse the status of green infrastructure networks and to identify the main needs for maintaining and improving network connectivity. This is important in the current context of change, as it may support decision-makers in developing tailored adaptation strategies that exploit nature-based solutions to reduce the risks caused by the major drivers of change. [Display omitted] • Green infrastructure network tackle ecosystems fragmentation and services provision. • Spatial configuration and connectivity influence ecosystem services and functions. • We review and combine methods to analyse green infrastructure network connectivity. • The framework allows to identify key nodes and links to maintain ecological connectivity. • Landscape planning and management should consider green infrastructure connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for targeted restoration in regions where ecosystem integrity has become compromised is now widely recognised. Local community views, alongside those of other stakeholders, should be incorporated into transparent decision-making to ensure conservation/restoration activities are successful. We used a structured decision-making approach, working with stakeholders and local communities, to pose and answer the following question for Kenya's Central Highlands: " what future land-use options [2030] are feasible for the study region, which is most preferable, how does this vary between different stakeholder groups, and what values drive these preferences? ". We engaged with 51 individuals from six stakeholder groups (Big Farms , Conservationists , Counties , Forest Users , Pastoralists , Smallholders). As individuals, the stakeholders held significantly different values for provisioning, cultural, regulation and maintenance ecosystem services. However, following consensus-building activities within the six groups, shared values and perspectives emerged. The future land-use option of habitat conservation/restoration was preferred by the majority of stakeholder groups, although one (Big Farms) favoured increased plantation forestry. Water resource management was also prioritised consistently. By using structured decision-making, we demonstrate that ecosystem restoration is compatible with the views and values of smallholders and forest users, as well as those with a direct interest in conservation. Structured decision-making processes can facilitate stakeholders with disparate views to work towards a consensus regarding future land-use options, aiding environmental planning and implementation. • Ecosystem restoration is needed for biodiversity and ecosystem function recovery. • Structured decision-making is a transparent way to account for stakeholder values. • Individuals in Kenya's Central Highlands valued ecosystem services differently. • Water management and restoration emerged as priorities from consensus-building. • Structured decision-making helped those with disparate views reach near consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuarine systems often have degraded ecology and functioning due to the multiple interacting stressors that they face. While conventional management might address such a situation with narrow focus, ecosystem based management provides a more holistic and adaptive option allowing for multiple objectives and values. Such an approach has some commonality with that of the Indigenous Māori of New Zealand, who have holistic, interconnected and intergenerational aspirations. In this study we utilised Te-Rerenga-Parāoa, Whangārei Harbour, Aotearoa New Zealand as a case study to explore how ecological and Māori knowledge systems and approaches may align to address complex multi-stressor and multi-value scenarios common to estuarine systems. To achieve this we co-developed a Bayesian network heuristic modelling tool which provided a probabilistic framework to consider the relationship between stressors and the outcome states for ecological function and cultural values. The process of model development itself was a rewarding exercise of joint learning. For example, this process illustrated that while western ecological values can focus on endpoints such as abundance, cultural values were more diverse, experiential in nature, with value often centred on a cultural practise being enabled, not just the ecological component the value was connected to. Once the model was developed we considered three specific scenarios relating to harbour dredging, environmental degradation from land use changes, and fishery extraction. Model predictions for these scenarios generally matched expectations, but were generic in nature and could therefore benefit from more specificity relating to aspects such as spatial scale and context around cultural interpretation. Overall, the model demonstrated generic utility as an interactive educational tool for resource managers considering the broader impacts (on ecology and cultural values) of major societal challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant impacts of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) on riverine ecosystems underscores the critical need to identify the primary nutrient source areas in watersheds. This study aims to unravel the influences of terrain and land use types on mean monthly TN (TNM) and mean monthly TP (TPM) export across varying catchment resolutions in the Qiantang River Watershed of China. The findings of this study illuminated the critical role of topography in understanding nutrient dynamics, wielding a profound influence over water flow patterns and nutrient dispersion. Both land slope and Stream Power Index (SPI) displayed substantial negative correlations (r < −0.6) with TNM and TPM concentrations, whereas the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) showed positive correlations with the nutrient indexes. In addition to terrain characteristics, impervious land surfaces had a positive correlation with nutrient concentrations, while grassland and forest areas exhibited negative correlations. Results further underscored the substantial influence of catchment resolution on correlations between watershed properties and riverine nutrient concentrations. It was imperative to choose an effective catchment resolution in watershed delineation – not too coarse, nor too fine – to accurately capture the topographic and land use impacts on nutrient dynamics. With the most appropriate catchment size (Catchment 700 km2), the critical pollution source areas for TN and TP pollution were identified, and thus could be used to guide future pollution reduction efforts. The study not only highlights the importance of identifying an appropriate catchment size for water pollution, but also emphasizes the necessity of effectively extracting critical pollution source areas to mitigate water nutrient pollution and increase the ecological integrity of the Qiantang River Watershed. [Display omitted] • Both topography and land use significantly correlated with riverine nutrients. • The catchment resolutions shape the pollution source areas of nutrients. • Impervious lands were the most critical nutrient sources in the watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It is the first time to quantify ecosystem services of National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest for seven different regions in 2000, 2010 and 2019. • The establishment of the national park effectively improved ecosystem services. • National park had the main ecosystem services of water conservation, carbon storage and oxygen release, while showed considerable spatial heterogeneity. • Conservation priorities were assigned to natural forests in high-altitude areas, mostly in central parts of the national park. Hainan island in south China harbours vast areas of virgin forests, with rich biodiversity and is included in the globally important Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. In 2018, a national park covering an area of 4269 km2 of the island was proposed to conserve its rainforest ecosystem integrity and authenticity. In this study, using an integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs (InVEST) model, a revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE), a net primary productivity transformation formula, and the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model, we quantified five ecosystem services, i.e. water conservation, soil retention, carbon storage, oxygen release and biodiversity maintenance. The data of five ecosystem services was recorded in the year 2000, 2010 and 2019, for seven regions of the national park including Mt. Jianfeng (JFL), Mt. Bawang (BWL), Mt. Diaoluo (DLS), Mt. Limu (LMS), Mt. Yingge (YGL), Mt. Wuzhi (WZS), and Maorui Forest Farm (MR). Then, we determined the importance of each of the ecosystem services for each region. Finally, we determined conservation priority sites of every regions respectively for each ecosystem service by comparing conservation efficiencies with the help of ordered weighted averaging. We found that total and mean amounts of five ecosystem services in the national park had declined in 2010 but increased in 2019, indicating the establishment of the national park effectively improved ecosystem services. Over 65 % areas of the national park exhibited dominant ecosystem services of water conservation, carbon storage and oxygen release. Soil retention was relatively uniform in seven regions, whereas the water conservation was concentrated in the eastern part of the national park, i.e. YGL, LMS, WZS and DLS. Carbon storage and oxygen release were highest at the central part of the national park including WZS, DLS, YGL, BWL, and MR, while biodiversity maintenance was the top ecosystem service for WZS, DLS, BWL and MR. Conservation priorities were assigned to natural forests in high-altitude areas in WZS, DLS, YGL, BWL, and MR, mostly in central parts of the national park. These results revealed the spatiotemporal pattern of ecosystem services and conservation priorities. It is helpful to facilitate precise management of this newly established national park. The innovative approach identifies key ecosystem services and their trade-offs to pinpoint conservation areas, offering valuable insights for the management of other national parks and protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projecting land-use allocation under various scenarios can be useful for reconciling conflicts between urbanization, food security, and ecological integrity throughout landscapes, but existing approaches often fail to capture the interactions in land systems that occur across scales and within and between hierarchical jurisdictions of societal organization. This article introduces a cross-scale functional and structural approach for balancing trade-offs in landscape planning and sustainable land management at multiple levels, based on the principles of multifunctional suitability. Using Heilongjiang Province in China as a case, we simulate four landscape scenarios that progressively consider cross-scale and inter-regional trade-offs more broadly, as well as local suitability. In the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, no multifunctionality objectives are considered at any level; in the own-provincial scale (OPS) scenario, intra-province multifunctionality objectives are considered; the national and provincial scales (NPS) scenario considers multifunctionality within and beyond the province; while the desired land-use (DLU) scenario balances cross-scale multifunctionality while also optimizing for local functional suitability. Promoting multifunctionality as desirable, and evaluated based on minimizing functional land loss, the DLU scenario significantly outperforms the BAU scenario. The results indicate that the DLU scenario outperforms BAU, OPL, and NPS in optimizing urban and cropland layout, and preserving ecosystem integrity. It reduces high-quality arable land loss by 6.5% and minimizes the impact on ecological function areas by 12%, surpassing the BAU scenario. In contrast to the OPS and NPS scenarios, the DLU scenario exhibits a 6% and 2% increase in population and economic agglomeration within the Harbin-Daqing-Suihua (HDS) city cluster, a pivotal component of the national urbanization strategy. Furthermore, it enhances grain production capacity in the national grain-producing area, the Sanjiang Plain (SJP), with 9% and 12% boosts, respectively. Additionally, the DLU scenario expands the ecologically significant area, showing a 3.6% and 1% improvement in the Greater and Lesser Khingan Mountains (GLKM), nationally vital ecological service function areas. These advantages of the DLU scenario are expected to become more pronounced over time. The novel theoretical approach and modelling framework introduced in this study can serve as inspiration elsewhere for reconciling future land-use trade-offs and planning decisions across scales. • A novel theoretical approach is introduced for balancing trade-offs in sustainable land management at multiple levels. • This theoretical approach is proposed based on local suitability, regional responsibility, and higher-level goals. • Ordered allocation of functional and structural parameters depends on multi-functional suitability and zoning. • Desirable scenarios consider constraints at three levels: national, provincial, and intra-provincial functional subdivisions. • Four scenarios that progressively consider cross-scale, inter-regional trade-offs and local suitability are compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvesting tree species for local and commercial use can lead to habitat losses potentially affecting ecosystem dynamics and the biodiversity of temperate forests. For example, selective extraction of conifer species in Sierra Juárez (Mexico) has led to a loss of ecologically significant species such as oaks. This study examines the impact of three different management systems (viz., local use, silvicultural development, and clear-cutting) on oak populations in silvicultural areas of Sierra Juarez (Oaxaca, Mexico). Changes in oak abundance and structure over time were investigated from evidence for size-classified stumps and resprouts. The results revealed significant differences in abundance, size structure and spatial distribution among oak trees between periods and management systems. Thus, local use caused no substantial decrease in oak density, but reduced tree mean diameter, whereas silvicultural management considerably decreased oak density, and clear-cutting reduced both oak density and mean diameter. Based on the results, forest management practices to be adopted in the framework of conservation strategies should be designed with provision for oak life history and habitat heterogeneity. As also shown by the results, differences in harvesting practices result in dissimilar impacts on oak populations and emphasize the need for conservation efforts to preserve the ecological integrity of forests. • Oak stump analysis is a potential tool to assess short- and medium-term ecosystem changes. • Management practices influence the density and average diameter of oaks. • Different management methods have a direct impact on the structural diversity of the forest. • Local use stands out for having minimal impact on oak populations. • Underscores the urgent need to protect oak communities' diversity and structural integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the Huang-Huai Plain and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, which are populated with numerous small and medium-sized cities, have emerged as critical regions for future urbanization. As a result, these regions face significant ecological risks due to this rapid urbanization. This study employs the concept of the ecological security pattern (ESP), which synergizes landscape patterns and ecological processes by emphasizing ecological connectivity. This integration facilitates a balance between ecosystem protection and economic development. Utilizing Suizhou as a case study, a framework for establishing an ESP in rapidly urbanizing small and medium-sized cities is proposed, with the aim of addressing the ecological challenges posed by rapid urbanization. A principal component of this framework involves optimizing the identification of ecological sources. The ordered weighted average (OWA) method was used to accurately pinpoint areas of significant ecological services while considering necessary trade-offs. Furthermore, the ecological sensitivity and landscape connectivity were integrated to identify ecological sources. Subsequently, ecological corridors, totaling an area of 416.08 km2 and a length of 211.43 km, were delineated using circuit theory. In Suizhou, extensive urban development, particularly in the central area, has notably disrupted the ecological continuity between the northern and southern regions. A multifactorial superposition analysis was conducted to locate potential ecological sources and identify prevalent ecological issues, leading to the formulation of targeted strategies for resolution. If certain potential areas are modeled as optimized ecological sources, it is projected that the number of ecological sources will increase to 46, covering an area of 3090.4 km2; the length of ecological corridors will also increase to 799.8 km. This expansion will significantly enhance both network density and corridor connectivity. Therefore, the development of green infrastructure is recommended to improve ecological sensitivity and resilience in urbanized areas. Additionally, a focus on enhancing ecological bottleneck areas within corridors to facilitate species connectivity is emphasized. The approach and findings of this study have broad implications for other rapidly urbanizing small and medium-sized cities. • Optimized framework for building ecological security patterns in rapidly growing cities. • Evaluate and extract ecological sources from multiple perspectives. • Assessing priority areas for ecological restoration and proposing specific directions for optimization. • Restoration of source areas and protection of critical corridors are priorities for regional ecological security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality and quantity of Mongolia's water resources are being degraded by ineffective water-management. There is no widely accepted biomonitoring system for Mongolia, only hydrological and chemical monitoring, with limited relevance for living organisms. Therefore, this study has aimed to develop a Mongolian-specific multimetric index and biocriteria applicable to the biological assessment of Mongolian streams. A total of 66 stream sites in northern Mongolia were selected representing different gradients of land use. In total, 30 candidate metrics representing the following four categories of ecological condition were used: diversity/richness, composition/abundance, trophic status, and tolerance/sensitivity. The resulting candidate metrics were evaluated using a stepwise procedure for metric variability, redundancy, sensitivity, and responsiveness to environmental gradients. According to the Mann-Whitney U test, 21 metrics showed statistically significant differences between the reference and impaired groups (P < 0.05). A metric showed interquartile overlap and thirteen metrics were redundant based on Spearman's correlation analysis (r > 0.8). Finally, five metrics were retained and included in the multimetric index system and all clearly distinguished reference and impaired sites. Then the range of the multimetric index score (numerical value 0–1) was subdivided into five categories (reference/excellent ≥ 0.8, good < 0.8 to ≥ 0.6, moderate < 0.6 to ≥ 0.4, poor < 0.4 to ≥ 0.2, severe < 0.2) related to level of impairment. Thus, this multimetric index successfully distinguished reference from impaired conditions, demonstrating its applicability for northern Mongolian stream assessment. Hence, the Mongolian-specific Macroinvertebrate Multimetric Index (MMI-MON) can be used as a principal assessment tool for assessing waterways in northern Mongolia and possibly throughout the country, detecting future changes and providing valuable information for land-use management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems of Mongolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need for natural area managers to better quantify the results of management actions and the potential of sites for restoration. Detailed botanical and zoological surveys and monitoring are the most valuable scientifically but require significant cost and expertise that often are not practical to accomplish at scale. To bridge this gap between rigorous monitoring and assessment, and relying on very subjective judgements of natural community condition, we developed a natural community health index model for natural tallgrass prairie communities in the unglaciated ecoregions of Missouri. Here we relate the development of this index, its field application, and its strengths and limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Forest ecosystems are shaped by internal dynamics and external factors like forest management. A modified physical appearance of ecosystems may affect the short- and long-term provision of ecosystem goods and services (EG&S) from forests. Ecosystem functioning research provides powerful tools for both, the mechanistic description of ecosystem dynamics and the normative assessment of the value of ecosystems. Holistic insights into the functioning of ecosystems require interdisciplinary projects. However, disciplinary differences in terminology and implicit underlying assumptions about relationships between descriptive ecosystem characteristics and their relevance for society may lead to misunderstandings hindering conceptual integration of disciplines. This highlights the need for a common language in ecosystem functioning research. Here, we provide a classification scheme of different types of ecosystem characteristics applicable across disciplines. We introduce a terminology that unambiguously differentiates between normative and descriptive uses of the terms 'ecosystem function', 'ecosystem functioning' and 'ecosystem goods and services'. Based on this terminology, we propose a framework facilitating the explicit communication of hypotheses, underlying assumptions, analyses and conclusions belonging to three different aspects of ecosystem functioning: (1) mechanistic ecosystem functioning, (2) supplying ecosystem functioning and (3) ecosystem integrity. 'Mechanistic ecosystem functioning' addresses relationships and interactions between purely descriptive ecosystem characteristics and their dependence on external factors. 'Supplying ecosystem functioning' translates descriptive ecosystem characteristics into benefits for society in providing EG&S. 'Ecosystem integrity' assesses the capabilities of ecosystems to provide EG&S in the long term. We further propose the use of a mathematical interpretation of the term 'ecosystem function' as 'characteristic A is the function of characteristics B, C, ..., X'. This definition clearly accounts for complex relationships between ecosystem characteristics and avoids ambiguity inherent in the discrimination of 'ecosystem-functions' and other ('non-functional') ecosystem characteristics. Our approach will increase understanding across disciplines and foster joint syntheses by providing a unified framework for interdisciplinary studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing robust systems for monitoring and evaluating water quality is crucial for assessing ecosystem integrity and the impacts of human activities on nature. It also enables the assessment of water management effectiveness, governance systems, and the design and evaluation of public policies. However, designing such monitoring programs is complex due to multiple constraints like eco-hydrological knowledge, economic resources, human capital availability, and governance dynamics. This study combines quantitative and qualitative analyses (virtual watershed methodologies, empirical modeling, and theoretical frameworks of water governance) to evaluate the robustness of water quality monitoring systems and identify strengthening alternatives (including institutional design and public policy). The inter and transdisciplinary strategy is tested in the evaluation of eutrophication processes in Uruguay. Major spatial patterns of water quality at a national scale were identified, highlighting the influence of land use, soil types, point sources of pollution, and livestock on nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. Current monitoring efforts and spatial coverage fall short of adequately addressing water management needs, especially in Uruguay's socio-economic context. Based on the weaknesses identified, an increase in the number of stations (and their spatial distribution) is proposed to have a better representation of biogeophysical and socio-economic conditions diversity. The challenge involves an important transformation (i.e. establishing a network system of public institutional nodes at national and regional levels) due to the country's centralism, fragmented water governance system, and scarce economic assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rampant and unregulated development of natural landscapes has depleted vital environmental resources, degraded ecosystems, and diminished the allure of ecotourism. Identifying natural spaces suitable for tourism development using a holistic approach that evaluates surrounding ecosystem structure and function is therefore imperative to safeguarding ecological integrity and fostering sustainable economic progress. Leveraging the InVEST model and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), we assessed the spatial distribution of natural landscape resources and the density of ethnic minority villages to identify potential areas suitable for ecotourism development within the fragile Karst Region of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (QMDA), southeastern Guizhou Province, China. Results showed that habitat quality in QMDA was relatively high, with high-quality habitat (Class V) covering 19,554.76 km2, accounting for 65% of the total study area. Optimal natural landscape resources gravitated predominantly towards Liping and Rongjiang, collectively occupying 16% and 12% of the total optimal natural landscape resources, respectively. A total of 3439.95 km2 of potential natural resource development space was identified, with a discernible spatial distribution where the western region of the study area surpassed the eastern counterpart, and the southern region exceeded the northern expanse. The potential development space of tourism resources spanned a cumulative area of 1245.84 km2, located predominately in Kaili, and Danzhai, accounting for 26% and 16% of the total potential development space of tourism resources, respectively. To ensure sustainable use of ecological and cultural assets in QMDA, it is recommended that zoning and regulatory measures that encompass both ecological and touristic domains be enacted. Our findings contribute to a scientific foundation for the pursuits of ecological preservation and the administration of tourism planning for QMDA. • Rampant and unregulated development deplete natural resources, degrade ecosystems, and diminish ecotourism allure. • Identifying tourism development space using contemporary approaches is crucial for maintaining ecological integrity and promoting sustainable economic progress. • Utilizing InVEST and KDE, we identified 3439.95 km2 of potential natural resource development space (11% of the study area) in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (QMDA). • Zoning and regulation measures that integrate ecological and tourism interests are recommended to ensure the sustainable use of QMDA's ecological and cultural assets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overexploitation of sandy beaches by tourism reduces ecological integrity, rendering natural conditions unsatisfactory for the needs of the population and resulting in negative socio-economic impacts. In this context, the assessment of tourist carrying capacity aims to support beach management from a social, environmental, and economic perspective. The objective of this study was to estimate the tourist carrying capacity at nine beaches in the states of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Espírito Santo (ES), southeastern Brazil. The physical carrying capacity was calculated based on the available space for recreation in scenarios of one user per 5 m2 and 10 m2. Subsequently, limiting environmental factors for recreational use such as sunlight, precipitation, strong winds, tidal range, and temperature were considered, supporting the calculation of the tourist carrying capacity. For the calculation, management conditions (infrastructure and services) were estimated based on the scoring of 69 indicators, included in the international beach quality program called Blue Flag and in the main instrument for coastal management in Brazil, the Orla Project. At RJ beaches, the carrying capacity was not exceeded in the scenario of one user per 10 m2, except in the central region with a higher tourist appeal. In ES state, the results indicated overload for all beaches in the central southern region; for example, one received six times more users than its tourist capacity. Overall, the highest percentages of management capacity were recorded at beaches with Blue Flag certification. The beaches that require the most improvements in coastal management are those located in regions with lower Human Development Index (HDI) and farther from major urban centers. The results suggest priority management actions and guide efforts towards potential beach certification. The management of services, infrastructure, and overload highlights the need for preventive measures to avoid the tourism paradox, including loss of environmental quality and revenue. Moreover, the flexibility of this evaluation tool allows for its application in beaches of any country. The integration of tourist carrying capacity and assessment of the coastal scenario provides a more comprehensive and effective framework for the sustainable management of beaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism is a rapidly developing industry in ecologically sensitive remote areas, especially in developing countries. Although a lucrative livelihood alternative, it is often responsible for degrading the environment and stratifying the socio-economic setup, if not managed prudently. We assessed the impact of tourism on ecological integrity and local livelihood in wetlands of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS), Indian Trans-Himalaya. Change in behaviour of wetland birds was studied using flight initiation distance (FID) approach to understand the ecological sensitivity of CWLS. We evaluated livelihood contribution of tourism and attitude of local people towards tourism as a futuristic livelihood opportunity using questionnaire-based interviews and focus group discussions. Although traditional communities of CWLS see tourism as a livelihood opportunity; they are still sceptical about its effectiveness and indicated leakage of tourism benefits. People were also dubious about its impact on their socio-cultural and environmental structure. FID estimates have shown level of sensitivity among wetland birds towards presence of tourists. We recommend, site-specific FID based 'minimum approach distances' of most sensitive species for delineating buffers around wetlands to ensure no disturbance to waterbirds. Community managed nature-based tourism is suggested to maximise the tourism benefits to local people. Prototypical sustainable tourism activities should be endorsed in the region that can elicit advancement of local economy and efficacy of conservation efforts. • Tourism a lucrative livelihood, if imprudently managed degrades socio-ecological set-up. • In CWLS, wetland-centric tourism is increasing socio-ecological vulnerabilities. • Locals doubt tourism sustainability owing to negative impacts and economic leakage. • FIDs of sensitive species may be used for delineating no activity buffer zones. • Community-led-nature-based tourism will be high-value low-impact model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire severity and herbivory by wild and domestic ungulates can strongly influence regeneration and recruitment of plant species. Importantly, the effects of herbivores on recruitment of plants is predicted to vary depending on the level of fire severity that an area experiences and habitat use of wild and domestic ungulates. In particular, two foundational plant species, quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii), are widespread fire-adapted trees that support unique ecological communities; yet little is known about how fire severity and herbivory by ungulates potentially interact and shape their regeneration and recruitment. We studied aspen and Gambel oak regeneration and recruitment in relation to fire severity, topography, and habitat use by wild ungulates (elk and deer) and domestic livestock (cattle) across a forested region experiencing a large mixed-severity wildfire (10 years post fire). We predicted that plant regeneration and recruitment would increase with fire severity, but that recruitment would also be influenced by habitat use of ungulates. For aspen and Gambel oak, there was a strong positive relationship between regeneration and recruitment with fire severity. In addition, as the proportion of saplings that were browsed increased, plant recruitment decreased. However, the effects of herbivory on recruitment of resprouting trees in our study depended on the level of fire severity and habitat use of ungulates. Regeneration and recruitment of aspen and Gambel oak were greatest in areas experiencing moderate to high fire severity, and were absent or at low levels in areas that were unburned or experienced low fire severity (which would reduce availability of stems to be browsed). However, in higher fire severity areas there was variability in recruitment, depending on intensity of herbivore habitat use. Our study indicates that some fire-adapted plant species, such as aspen and Gambel oak, are most likely to recruit and promote the integrity and resilience of ecological communities in areas where (1) the positive effects of mixed-severity fire occur over sufficiently broad spatial extents and (2) the negative effects of herbivory by ungulates are reduced, especially in areas of lower fire severity, or where high-severity fires are smaller in size. • Regeneration and recruitment of aspen and Gambel oak increased with fire severity. • Plant recruitment decreased with increasing proportion of browsed saplings. • Aspen recruitment declined with ungulate herbivory in higher fire severity areas. • Plant regeneration and recruitment also varied by topographic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecologists and policymakers strive to develop and optimize ecological networks (ENs) to prevent landscape fragmentation. However, the role of the cluster structure for ENs is often overlooked. In this study, we established a cluster management mode of ENs in Wuhan Metropolis (WHM), with a focus on dividing ENs based on identified clusters and implementing differentiated optimization, protection, and strengthening measures. First, we developed an optimization method to solve the defects of layout (connectivity blind areas) and quality (barriers and pinch points) for the initially constructed ENs. The results showed that the connectivity blind areas of ENs were significantly shrunk after layout optimization. Meanwhile, ENs after quality optimization avoided rugged, redundant or obstructive corridors, while narrow corridors were also given priority protection. Second, the Infomap algorithm was applied to identify 33 clusters of optimized ENs in WHM. Finally, we evaluated EN clusters to provide guidance and bases for the cluster management mode of ENs. The results indicated that centrality indicators can be applied to evaluate the protection importance for ecological edges within clusters, and connectivity indicators can be used to evaluate the protection importance and strengthening potential for ecological edges between clusters. We assert that incorporating the cluster management mode of ENs into future ecological protection plans is essential for maintaining ecological integrity and connectivity. • A cluster management mode for ecological networks (ENs) was developed. • An optimization method was developed to solve defects for initial ENs. • The Infomap algorithm was applied to identify the cluster structure of ENs. • The protected and strengthened components between and within clusters were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used a recently published, open‐access data set of U.S. streamwater nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations to test whether watershed land use differentially influences N and P concentrations, including the relative availability of dissolved and particulate nutrient fractions. We tested the hypothesis that N and P concentrations and molar ratios in streams and rivers of the United States reflect differing nutrient inputs from three dominant land‐use types (agricultural, urban and forested). We also tested for differences between dissolved inorganic nutrients and suspended particulate nutrient fractions to infer sources and potential processing mechanisms across spatial and temporal scales. Observed total N and P concentrations often exceeded reported thresholds for structural changes to benthic algae (58, 57% of reported values, respectively), macroinvertebrates (39% for TN and TP), and fish (41, 37%, respectively). The majority of dissolved N and P concentrations exceeded threshold concentrations known to stimulate benthic algal growth (85, 87%, respectively), and organic matter breakdown rates (94, 58%, respectively). Concentrations of both N and P, and total and dissolved N:P ratios, were higher in streams and rivers with more agricultural and urban than forested land cover. The pattern of elevated nutrient concentrations with agricultural and urban land use was weaker for particulate fractions. The % N contained in particles decreased slightly with higher agriculture and urbanization, whereas % P in particles was unrelated to land use. Particulate N:P was relatively constant (interquartile range = 2–7) and independent of variation in DIN:DIP (interquartile range = 22–152). Dissolved, but not particulate, N:P ratios were temporally variable. Constant particulate N:P across steep DIN:DIP gradients in both space and time suggests that the stoichiometry of particulates across U.S. watersheds is most likely controlled either by external or by physicochemical instream factors, rather than by biological processing within streams. Our findings suggest that most U.S. streams and rivers have concentrations of N and P exceeding those considered protective of ecological integrity, retain dissolved N less efficiently than P, which is retained proportionally more in particles, and thus transport and export high N:P streamwater to downstream ecosystems on a continental scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vast boreal biome plays an important role in the global carbon cycle but is experiencing particularly rapid climate warming, threatening the integrity of valued ecosystems and their component species. We developed a framework and taxonomy to identify climate‐change refugia potential in the North American boreal region, summarizing current knowledge regarding mechanisms, geographic distribution, and landscape indicators. While "terrain‐mediated" refugia will mostly be limited to coastal and mountain regions, the ecological inertia (resistance to external fluctuations) contained in some boreal ecosystems may provide more extensive buffering against climate change, resulting in "ecosystem‐protected" refugia. A notable example is boreal peatlands, which can retain high surface soil moisture and water tables even in the face of drought. Refugia from wildfire are also especially important in the boreal region, which is characterized by active disturbance regimes. Our framework will help identify areas of high refugia potential, and inform ecosystem management and conservation planning in light of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing nonpoint sources of nutrients and sediments is the primary challenge for improving conditions in the Susquehanna‐Chesapeake basin. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are widely used indicators of stream ecological integrity, but the relationship between nutrient runoff and macroinvertebrate response remains indistinct. Logistical and financial hurdles hinder collection of high‐resolution empirical nutrient data, but landscape‐based models like the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) offer a more practical approach. Nutrient runoff was simulated with SWAT for a small, upland, agricultural Pennsylvania watershed. Three levels of ecological assessment were used to interpret SWAT results. Macroinvertebrate communities (intensive) were sampled at 14 sites and described using an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI). Biological integrity was moderately degraded in many reaches. The Stream–Wetland–Riparian (SWR) Index (rapid) and landscape metrics (remote) also indicated prevalent agricultural stressors. Baseflow nitrate grab samples, collected once per season, showed no significant relationship with IBI score. Thirty spatiotemporal scales of nutrient data were extracted from SWAT for phosphorus, nitrate, and organic nitrogen. Best subsets regression was performed on IBI scores using SWAT, land cover, and SWR variables. Results were significant (p <.001) with high R2 values (84.8 and 86.2), signifying a negative relationship between instream nutrient concentration and IBI score. This study demonstrates the viability of SWAT as an alternative to in‐field nutrient sampling, the value of spatiotemporal scale in model outputs, and the importance of site condition variables in relating nutrients to stream ecological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the midst of the profound geological and ecological change of the Anthropocene, scholars in the field of art education have proposed modes of art education responsive to ecological concerns. This study examined how art teacher education programs in the United States prepare art teachers to engage with ecological issues and implement ecological pedagogies. It utilized a descriptive survey design that involved large-scale surveys of art teacher education faculty and preservice art teachers. These data provide opportunities to acknowledge the general state of art teacher education while also recognizing what is pedagogically possible. We conclude that while the discipline has demonstrated growth in ecological integration, it could go much further in orienting itself ecologically. We expect this research to contribute to debates on the role of art education in responding to global concerns and the discipline's ability to evolve in the midst of sweeping change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Understory species presence and response depend on the analysed landscape scale. • Forest understory assemblages varies at within a single forest type in a region. • Sharing species among different ecosystem types reduces local extinction hazards. • Particular and complementary strategies should be implemented for conservation. Understory vegetation is essential to forest functioning, integrity and provision of ecosystem services, but forest management often overlook understory conservation. As species distribution depends on many drivers, and diversity indicators varied with scales, it is difficult to define appropriate strategies for conservation, even in a single forest type. Moreover, many understory plant species occurred at both forests and non-forest ecosystems, and the assemblage could vary at sub-regional scales. Then, forest specialist species may not be similarly threatened in different ecosystem types or sub-regions. Therefore, we wonder if the variation of the understory plant assemblage of a single forest type at a sub-regional scale occurs in different forest types; how do vary the understory species assemblages compared to non-forest ecosystems at each sub-region; and how do vary the management effects on different forest types in a local scale within different sub-regions. For this, we studied understory vegetation richness and cover in three Nothofagus forest types and three non-forest ecosystems across four sub-regions of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. We evaluated correlations, nestedness, relational patterns (by Non-metrical multidimensional scaling-NMS and Multi-response permutational procedure-MRPP) and Indicator Species Analysis-ISA, for 229 vascular plants distributed in 554 plots. Regarding local scale, we asssesed two main productive managements: timber harvesting in N. pumilio and livestock use in N. antarctica forests. Understory assemblages varied within each single forest type among different sub-regions (p < 0.033 for all MRPP), and different indicator plant species occurred at different geographic zones for two forest types (e.g., Adenocaulon chilen sis in SE for N. pumilio forests, and Cotula scariosa in NW for N. antarctica forests), but not in forests with a nested understory distribution pattern (N. betuloides). Ecosystem types shared a high quantity of species (>40 %), except in SE zone. However, all ecosystem types significantly differed in every zone (p < 0.025), except grasslands and shrublands in NW (p = 0.165). Grasslands stand out as the species richest ecosystem in NW, SW and SE zones (between 62 and 123 spp.), highlighting their importance for conservation. Landscape heterogeneity emerged as an important mechanisms enriching species richness from neighbouring habitats, while in managed stands, resource availability seemed the main driver. Regarding the local scale, higher impacted by harvested condition in N. pumilio forests showed differences with less impacted conditions despite the zone, with some common indicator species (e.g., Taraxacum officinale). However, differences between aggregate retention and primary forests depends on the locality. Concerning N. antarctica forests, livestock homogeneizes the assemblages between zones, although indicator species remains different across zones, with dominance of exotics introduced for forage in NE (e.g., Poa pratensis). The presence of the same species in forests and non-forest ecosystems reduce the local extinction hazards in Tierra del Fuego. However, conservation strategies should be implemented at every sub-region. New natural reserves could be an alternative for conservation in zones without natural reserves, but complemented with land-sharing in managed forests. The consideration of potential differences among geographic zones could bring a more clear alternative to improve conservation at sub-regional scales where the same forest type cover large regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership is one of 28 programs in the United States Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program (NEP) charged with developing and implementing comprehensive plans for protecting and restoring the biological integrity and beneficial uses of their estuarine systems. The Partnership has recently updated their comprehensive management plan to include restoration targets for coastal habitats, and as part of this effort, the program explored how to better demonstrate that recovery of ecological integrity of degraded ecosystems also provides ecosystem services that humans want and need. An essential step was to identify key stakeholders and understand the benefits important to them. The primary objective of the study presented here was to evaluate variability in beneficial uses of estuarine habitats across coastal communities in Massachusetts Bays. We applied a text mining approach to extract ecosystem services concepts from over 1400 community planning documents. We leveraged a Final Ecosystem Goods and Services (FEGS) classification framework and related scoping tool to identify and prioritize the suite of natural resource users and ecosystem services those users care about, based on the relative frequency of mentions in documents. Top beneficiaries included residents, experiencers and viewers, property owners, educators and students, and commercial or recreational fishers. Beneficiaries had a surprising degree of shared interests, with top ecosystem services of broad relevance including for naturalness, fish and shellfish, water movement and navigability, water quality and quantity, aesthetic viewscapes, availability of land for development, flood mitigation, and birds. Community-level priorities that emerged were primarily related to regional differences, the local job industry, and local demographics. Identifying priority ecosystem services from community planning documents provides a starting point for setting locally-relevant restoration goals, designing projects that reflect what stakeholders care about, and supporting post-restoration monitoring in terms of accruing relevant benefits to local communities. • Text mining was used to extract community priorities from >1500 documents. • Final Ecosystem Goods and Services (FEGS) concepts were used to derive search terms. • Top ecosystem services had relevance to many different types of resource users. • Community FEGS profiles were driven by regional and local differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers increasingly consider the systematic integration of green infrastructure (GI) concepts in urban planning as an essential approach to tackle significant current and future challenges. Cities in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face rapid urbanization, unregulated land-use practices, and poor enforcement of policies. These cities struggle to address the depletion and degradation of existing GI that increases their vulnerability to climatic hazards that threaten ecosystem integrity, and compromise human health. This paper draws on a review of policy documents, semi-structured interviews with metro officials, and cross-sector focus group discussions to explore ways to operationalize GI spatial planning and design on the ground. Through a case study of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa, which takes a public-private co-development approach, we investigate the uptake of GI planning principles, the challenges, and local proposals for GI applications. In conjunction with the literature, we discuss the alternatives at hand. The local policy documents reflected many planning principles anchored in the Global North literature. Together with public and private partners, we co-developed four locally informed GI objectives: environmental protection, safety, joint ownership, and collaborative governance. We co-identified local planning principles and three strategies for operationalizing GI planning, including working with conventional planning, greater flexibility and creativity, and cross-sectoral collaboration. The findings suggest that collaborative strategies that allow greater access and the active, diverse use of GI could provide much-required cross-sectoral care and management. The real challenge is the establishment of such participatory partnerships as mechanisms to consolidate diverse priorities and co-develop technical and financial alternatives. • Adapt and advance green infrastructure for sub-Saharan African cities. • Develop novel GI planning principles and objectives for the Global South context. • Co-creation workshop for planning principles held across-sectors. • Green infrastructure planning and operationalization issues are distinguished. • Green infrastructure operationalization strategies are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the important role of wetlands in our society, they are continuously threatened by human activity. In Canada, the critical loss of these habitats has fostered the application of preventive measures to at least reduce, if not avoid, their accelerated disappearance. In order to implement adequate environmental practices to protect these ecosystems, managers need to have a global knowledge of their situation. In this context, Web Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer the possibility to visualize and share multiple integrated data as well as geoprocessings that can provide essential information to understand the relative risks wetlands are undergoing. In this work, we present the extension of an existing open source Web-GIS platform to manage wetlands in the province of Quebec, eastern Canada. The current platform offers new systematic and generalist spatial processing tools inspired on the metapopulation theory and on the concept of ecological integrity to evaluate changes in landscape that could affect wetlands systems. These new functionalities provides more compact and valuable information about wetlands' state that can inform decision-making in conservation of these habitats and biodiversity. The functions proposed can be used by different type of users without any particular or specific knowledge. • Evolution of an open-source Web-GIS prototype to support wetlands management. • Indicators inspired on the metapopulation theory are integrated into the Web-system. • Impact of landscape features on wetlands is measured via an integrity indicator. • More compact and valuable information about wetlands' state can be obtained. • Different end-users without any specific knowledge can benefit from the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Scotland's National Marine Plan (NMP) consists of various objectives and policies which aim to support sustainable development within the marine environment while upholding the integrity of the ecosystem through the adoption of an 'ecosystem approach to planning'. While this approach is not new, momentum has been gaining in research for accounting for the relationships between physical, chemical, and biological elements, functions, and processes of an ecosystem in marine spatial planning. Given that the NMP is under statutory review in 2017–2018 following three years since its publication, the outputs of this paper aim to inform the review by exploring how national and sectoral objectives and policies address ecosystem service sections and phases by using the UK National Ecosystem Assessment classification system as a reference. The analysis demonstrates that cultural benefits are the most accounted for, while the cultural final services which underpin such benefits are the least accounted for. Furthermore, there are no national objectives or policies which account for provisioning final services. The paper provides 12 distinct policy recommendations to enhance the uniformity of ecosystem services in the NMP. Highlights • Of the 187 objectives and policies, 77 (41.2%) reference Ecosystem Services. • No national objectives or policies account for provisioning final services. • Every Principle and theme account for every ecosystem service section and phase. • Cultural benefits demonstrate the greatest occurrence. • Cultural final services demonstrate the least occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study, undertaken in the state of Kerala, India, documented 111 Indigenous Crop Production Practices (ICPPs; traditional practices) for banana and most of the practices were registered in the technology dimensions of seeds and seedlings (19%), manuring (19%), and planting in main field (15%). Of the 111 practices, 35 were selected for analysis of rationality, and for knowledge and adoption among farmers. Of the 35 practices, 27 (77%) were rated as rational and the scientific rationale/operational principles were elucidated in the study, revealing a strong scientific base for these practices. The knowledge of and the adoption of these traditional practices by farmers was found to be good. The effectiveness of the practices, as perceived by the farmers who had adopted them, were analysed for 21 practices, and it was found that majority (86%) of the traditional practices for banana production were effective. The study revealed that many indigenous practices for banana were both rational and effective. These practices require urgent attention in order to integrate them with modern technologies, which in turn would promote sustainable crop production and maintenance of ecosystem integrity. Abbreviation: ITK: indigenous technical knowledge [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]