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The first set of parks created by the United States government under uniform administration was a set of Civil War battlefields under the control of the War Department, or Army. The first battlefield parks were created in the 1890s and expanded into a much larger system stretching across the country. The Army developed these parks with visitor facilities and extensive memorials and monuments. In 1933 the entire system was transferred to the National Park Service and became part of the national park system. These units had been sought by the Park Service to expand the geographical and thematic diversity of its holdings. This work explores the creation of this system by the Army and what has happened to these units after their absorption into the park system. While most were expanded and became more typical park units, others were removed from the system, leaving two in their original condition.

National park tourism is a critical factor in strengthening national identity. This study explores the construction process of national identity within the context of national parks through tourists' online comments on the Three‐River Source National Park. A semiotic structure—triadic relation—is adopted to explain the signification of national park landscapes. In the first semiotic relationship, the object of the national park landscape refers to a referential symbol. Through abduction, historical associations, object‐related authenticity, and the nationalization of nature are related to each other. In the second relationship, the object in the national park landscape refers to a condensation symbol. Through induction, romantics, existential authenticity, and the naturalization of the nation are related. Finally, we identified two types of landscapes that could interfere with tourists' interpretations: disqualified landscapes and repeated stimuli. These two landscapes were created as noise. We then discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matter and energy fluxes and ecosystem services in streams rely on fungi associated with leaf litter. However, the species diversity of this microbial group may differ between a protected area and its surroundings. Thus, to understand how beta diversity may depend on the conservation status of an area, we aimed to evaluate the structure and diversity (α, β, and γ) of the aquatic fungal community from a subtropical area and how it is distributed in streams from a protected area and from a farmland area. Hence, we compared eight streams inside with eight streams outside of a protected area. This is one of the first studies testing the biotic homogenisation hypothesis for fungi associated with leaf litter in streams. We found new records of fungal species from a global biodiversity hotspot. The gamma diversity of aquatic fungi was surprisingly high. Our analyses indicated a process of environmental homogenisation of streams outside the national park. Intriguingly, neither α nor β diversity differed between areas. Environmental variables presented large differences, especially regarding nutrients, which influence the aquatic fungal community. Altogether, this national park seems to be effective in protecting the environmental heterogeneity of streams to some extent; however, the national park was likely suffering from pollution, which requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Festuca grass, a multipurpose and vital resource, is experiencing crises of sustainability and degradation due to increased demand and mismanagement. Through a survey research approach, this study aimed to develop sustainable management and utilization strategies for Festuca grass. We employed purposive and random sampling techniques for data collection, focusing on the Festuca grass potential in Borena‐Sayint Worehimenu National Park. Interviews, key informant surveys, focus group discussions, and field observations were also conducted. We employed quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques to ensure a comprehensive approach to deriving insights from the collected data. The findings indicate that Festuca grass has a lifespan of two to four years and fully matures within two years. Products derived from Festuca grass vary according to the maturity level. The results also highlight the demand for Festuca grass and the potential availability of market demand. Harvesting frequency, inappropriate management practices, biased resource sharing, and unauthorized exploitation are basic challenges related to grass resource sustainability. The establishment of certified user groups, domestication of private stocks, revision of resource‐sharing protocols, and periodic monitoring are among the possible potential strategic utilization options identified by user groups. A modified strategic framework for the sustainable management and utilization of Festuca grass was developed. This framework outlines four dominant management clusters that are interconnected with each other. Sustainable management of Festuca grass contributes to both environmental conservation and community wellbeing. It advocates for inclusive, community‐based approaches that balance ecological preservation with socioeconomic needs. The sustainability of Festuca grass resources is precarious and could face a significant decline or total loss if the current management practices remain unchanged in the coming decades. To ensure the effective utilization and management of Festuca grass, it is imperative to implement periodic resource monitoring, conduct stakeholder meetings, and apply a sustainable management framework. The responsibility for sustaining Festuca grass resources lies with governmental organizations, academic and research institutions, nongovernmental organizations, professional associations, and user communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological security barrier system is a composite system to maintain ecological security and sustainable development within and outside the region. This system enables the maintenance of the structure and function of the ecosystem in the ecological security barrier region relatively shielded from or minimally impacted by external environmental threats, so that forms a multilevel and orderly stable pattern. Over the period from 2000 to 2020, the ecosystem water conservation function was on the rise, and the soil conservation function, net ecosystem productivity, and habitat quality were generally stable in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Comparing the previous three national parks and four major types of ecological protection and restoration projects, it is proposed to build 13 national parks, about 200 nature reserves and about 250 nature parks on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau by 2035. It is suggested a dynamic adjustment of the ecological protection red line and urban growth boundary according to the construction process of the system of natural protected areas. In the implementation areas of eight major ecological protection and restoration projects, the main position of ecological protection is highlighted, and natural restoration measures and local grassland restoration in some areas are important. The management of different natural protected areas and ecological protection and restoration projects should be place based, and optimizing the ecological security barrier of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau by "working with nature" in accordance with the natural law of environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Transforming ecological value into economic value is an important challenge regarding China's protected natural areas. The key strategy is to develop a regional public brand and increase the premium of eco-products. A brand–quality–price model was proposed to analyze the factors influencing consumers' purchase intention and behavior toward eco-agricultural products from China's protected natural areas. The data came from a questionnaire survey sample of 300 consumers in Zhejiang Province. The results show that there is a gap between purchase intention and actual behavior: (1) For purchase intention, brand awareness, brand trust, perceived quality, and perceived price had significant positive influences. (2) For purchase behavior, brand awareness, and purchase intention had direct impacts. However, brand trust did not directly affect behavior. (3) Age, monthly income, and marital status had significant effects on purchase intention and behavior. However, purchase intention and behavior were not affected by gender, and the educational level had significant effects on purchase intention but had no significant effects on purchase behavior. (4) Consumers were willing to pay 17.13% more than the price of the ordinary products. This study provides important references for brand development and valuable experience for establishing ecological product value realization mechanisms in other protected natural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem services serve as a bridge between the ecological environment and human society. The quantitative analysis and forecasting of ecosystem services can provide references for regional eco-environmental assessments and land-use planning for the future. In this study, taking Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park (HTRNP) as an example, the value of regulating ecosystem services (RESs) in 2020 was assessed via ArcGIS 10.1 and the InVEST 3.5 model, and the per-unit value of RESs was calculated for different LULC types. In addition, in accordance with the Overall Planning for HTRNP and the objective of optimizing RESs, the value of RESs in short-term (to 2030) and long-term (to 2050) scenarios was forecast via a linear programming model. The results are as follows: (1) The RES value of HTRNP in 2020 was CNY 2090.67 × 108, with climate regulation accounting for the largest proportion; the spatial distribution of RESs in the eastern and central areas was higher than that in the western area, but different indicators of RESs differed in their spatial patterns in varied geographic units. (2) The natural forest ecosystem in HTRNP accounts for 76.94% of the total area but 84.82% of the total value of RESs. The per-unit value is ranked from highest to lowest as follows: montane rainforests > wetlands > lowland rainforests > lowland secondary rainforests > tropical coniferous forests > deciduous monsoon rainforests > tropical cloud forests > shrub forests > timber forests > economic forests > rubber forests > grasslands > farmlands > settlements. (3) In the short-term scenario, the value of RESs is CNY 2216.64 × 108, an increase of CNY 118.97 × 108 compared to 2020, with an increase rate of 5.67%. In the long-term scenario, the value of RESs is CNY 2472.48 × 108, an increase of CNY 374.81 × 108 compared to 2020, with an increase rate of 17.87%. The results reveal the significance of ecosystem services in the national park and can inform more targeted and scientifically sound decision-making in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coarse woody debris (CWD) has historically been extensively utilized in Korea, with significant accumulation occurring mainly after the establishment of protected areas. This study, conducted in Odaesan National Park (designated in 1975), investigated the distribution and characteristics of CWD across five forest types with permanent plots. It also examined the effects of human and natural disturbances on CWD dynamics and evaluated its role in carbon storage. CWD mass varied significantly, ranging from 0.7 Mg ha−1 in Pinus-Quercus (PQ) forests to 31.9 Mg ha−1 in Broadleaved–Abies (BA) forests. The impacts of disturbances shifted markedly before and after the park's designation; prior to this, human activities such as logging substantially affected BA, PQ, and Prunus-Salix (PS) forests, while Quercus-Tilia (QT) forests were primarily impacted by wildfires. After designation, natural disturbances became the primary contributors to CWD accumulation, with a major windstorm in BA forests adding 12.09 Mg ha−1 of CWD (37.8% of the total). Late-successional forests exhibited higher CWD mass, advanced decay stages, and greater diversity, as well as elevated CWD-to-carbon storage ratios, highlighting their role as crucial carbon reservoirs. In light of climate change, these findings emphasize the need for forest management practices that enhance CWD's contributions to biodiversity conservation and carbon storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the economic impact of tourism in Buiratau State National Nature Park (SNNP) by analyzing the direct, indirect, and induced effects of tourist spending through the multiplier effect. Using input–output (I-O) models and primary data from park administrators, local businesses, and national statistics, the research quantifies the economic contributions of tourism to the local economy. In 2023, total tourist spending in Buiratau SNNP amounted to 19,856,520 KZT (41,320.4 USD), generating an overall economic impact of 56,337,037 KZT (117,234.5 USD). The calculated tourist expenditure multiplier is 2.84, and the tourist income multiplier is 2.578. These findings demonstrate the amplification of tourist spending within the regional economy, highlighting the roles of direct revenues from tourist services and indirect benefits from related sectors. This study also explores sustainable tourism development, emphasizing investments in infrastructure and collaboration with local stakeholders. Recommendations include enhancing data collection methods, promoting sustainable tourism practices, and engaging local communities in planning processes. This research is particularly relevant for developing regions, including post-Soviet states, where national parks are centrally managed, providing a framework for optimizing tourism's economic contributions while maintaining conservation goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural landscapes are scenic complexes accessible to the public within national parks. Exploring their aesthetic quality can promote an emotional connection between the public and the landscape, which has a positive significance in enhancing human well-being. In this study, Mount Wuyi National Park in China was considered as the study area, and key dimensions tailored to individual and combined natural landscapes for aesthetic quality evaluation were proposed. Seventeen landscape metrics were selected to comprehensively measure the aesthetic quality level of the natural landscapes within the study area. The results indicated that (1) the spatial distribution of 341 individual natural landscapes exhibited a pattern of denser concentration in the south and east, with a relatively sparse distribution in the north and west. (2) Based on the elements of land cover, vegetation, topography, and landforms, 41 types of combined natural landscapes were identified in Mount Wuyi National Park. (3) Southeastern natural landscapes possess significant advantages in aesthetic service provision, uniqueness, diversity, combination, and coordination, and are concentrated in natural landscapes of high aesthetic quality. Natural landscapes of moderate aesthetic quality were distributed across the northern, southwestern, and some parts of the southeastern areas within the study region. The findings provide a reference for aesthetic quality assessment in natural landscapes at the micro-scale and serve as a basis for the scientific management of natural landscapes in national parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzes the problem of stagnation in the creation of new national parks in Poland, identifying key barriers and proposing solutions. The background to the study refers to the role of national parks in nature conservation, but at the same time highlights the problem of the limited development of the park network in Poland, which remains at 1.05% of the country's area—well below the EU average. The main obstacles identified by the author are the resistance of local governments due to the reduction in forest tax revenues and the differences in salaries between employees of national parks and state forests. Research methods included legal and economic analysis and a review of the literature on national park management. The results indicate that the problem can be solved by adequate financial compensation to local communities and the introduction of a co-management model that integrates the interests of local governments and parks. The article suggests that a change in the approach of the government administration and a more participatory management model can help to break the stagnation and increase the number of national parks, which is relevant not only for Poland but also for other countries struggling with similar challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of Soil & Water Conservation is the property of Bulletin of Soil & Water Conservation Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are the protected areas for the conservation of wildlife and act as policy tools to sustain biodiversity protection and sustainable application of resources. In the present study the dissemination, qualitative and quantitative valuation of metals at 80 sampling sites of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (GWLS) were evaluated for the first time by employing lichen Heterodermia diademata. The mean concentration of As, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn varied from 0.78–12.05, 5.15–79.42, 0.09–0.84, 4.26–295.31, 7.09–63.47, 12.56–418.90, 0.11–0.99, 0.45–16.85, 1.06–25.66, 0.54–9.07, 6.49–209.18 μg/g dw in the study area. The seven diverse advanced machine learning algorithms were applied to determine precise predictive models for different metals with respect to altitude in the area. The Ridge Regression and Random Forest Regression models displayed the superior linearity between predictions and observations than other models. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient and root mean square error and effects of most influential metal in different altitudes using most effective machine learning algorithm have been studied here. The most influential metals in altered altitudes can be predicted using various machine learning models. In addition, the study provide baseline evidence on the range of metal contamination at different altitudes and emphasised the need to prevention of pollution in GWLS further.Highlights: The status of metal pollution in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (GWLS) area have been presented. Air quality of the forest area of the GWLS have been characterized through heavy metal accumulation in lichens. ML techniques showed a high correlation for heavy metal accumulation in lichen samples with more concentration in lower altitude as compared to higher altitudes. The pollution load of metals in the area resulted from human activity as well as intrinsic air movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geography teacher candidates need to build a pro-environmental attitude to solve critical land issues through the construction of appropriate researchbased solutions. This study aimed to determine the effect of research-based learning conservation on the pro-environmental attitudes of geography teacher candidates toward the preservation of Meru Betiri National Park. The study applied an experimental research design with one group pre-test and post-test. Students of the Department of Geography Education in the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, at the University of Jember were selected as research subjects using purposive sampling. A total of 41 students currently enrolled in environmental geography courses took part in this study. The data on pro-environmental attitudes were collected using a 21-item Likert survey with scales: 1 (strongly disagree), 2 (disagree), 3 (agree), and 4 (strongly agree). The data were tested for normality and homogeneity using a t-test. The results implementation of conservationbased learning had a significant effect on the students' pro-environmental attitudes on critical land in Meru Betiri National Park (p 0.000). Researchbased learning has an impact on student's scientific abilities and actions. Future research on conservation-based learning for sustainable conservation programs is recommended to involve forest farmers combine ecological and economic aspects of degraded lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents novel findings on the Psocoptera (Insecta) fauna of Vietnam, contributing to the understanding of biodiversity in the region. Psocoptera specimens were collected from Tam Dao National Park during October 2023, adding 19 new species to the existing list. These discoveries include species previously unknown to Vietnam and some new to the Indochina Peninsula and continental Asia. Material examination and species identification were conducted following established methodologies, with specimens deposited at the National Museum of Natural History, Sofia, Bulgaria. The findings underscore the importance of continued research efforts in documenting and understanding the psocid fauna of Vietnam, particularly in tropical forest ecosystems.

The support of local stakeholders is crucial for the sustainable tourism management of nature-based destinations (NBDs). Local people near NBDs may have more interaction with wildlife; however, research on local people’s attitudes towards wildlife is surprisingly limited. To explore their liking and willingness to coexist with different wild animals, and the associated influencing factors, we conducted a survey of residents living near Tanjung Piai National Park (TPNP), Johor, Malaysia. Most of the residents had experienced numerous direct encounters with bats and snakes inside TPNP, as well as with wild boar and macaque monkeys outside of the park. The local people showed a high level of liking for animals but a relatively low level of willingness to coexist with them. The results of the statistical models suggest that the liking of animals is significantly influenced by childhood nature experiences and sociodemographic characteristics including sex, education, and the presence of children. Education was an effective factor shaping the preferences of favorable, fairly favorable, and unfavorable animal groups. On the other hand, willingness to coexist with animals was significantly influenced by childhood nature experiences, age, and sex. Age was an effective factor shaping willingness to coexist with favorable, fairly favorable, and unfavorable animal groups; specifically, elderly people showed a low level of willingness to coexist with animals compared to young people. Therefore, we conclude that in addition to providing educational programs for shaping preferences regarding wildlife, careful support and considerable efforts aimed at elderly people are essential to increasing residents’ willingness to coexist with animals to obtain wider support for NBD management.

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (BTS-NP) in East Java, Indonesia showcases a breathtaking volcanic landscape and cultural allure, drawing hundreds of thousands of domestic and international visitors. Recreational activities involving human and animal trampling and motorized-vehicle traffic caused soil disturbance along their networks of paths, trails, or roads, potentially having a detrimental long-term effect on the tourism industry and environmental services provided by the national parks. However, the extent of the impact of these disturbances on soil properties remains unclear. This study assessed the impact of different disturbance intensities, consisting of undisturbed locations as a control (zone 1), low to medium- (zone 2), and high- (zone 3) disturbance intensities on five different BTS-NP tourism hotspots, including Entrance Wonokitri (EW), Whispering Sand (WS), Parking Temple (PT), Teletubbies Hill (TH), and Entrance Bromo Stairs (EB), on soil properties, including soil compaction represented by soil penetration resistance, and soil infiltration. This study revealed that the higher severity impact of recreational activities on soil compaction was parallel with higher disturbance intensity, particularly in EW and TH. In these particular locations, higher soil compaction is significantly linked to lower soil infiltration, thus needing extra attention and protection. Meanwhile, in WS, PT, and EB, soil infiltration was more controlled by the establishment of a cemented topsoil layer consisting of mixed sand, sulfur, and water. Better management strategies, such as the use of proper trails and road infrastructures, particularly on EW and TH, might be relevant to minimize the impact of recreational activities on these ecologically, economically, and culturally important areas.

As a member of the national park, the environmentally responsible behavior of the entrance community residents has an important impact on the ecological protection of the national park. However, there are still insufficient studies on the mechanism of influence of community residents' place attachment on environmentally responsible behavior and the role of environmental commitment. Based on the theory of interdependence, this study explored the impact of residents' place attachment in a national park gateway community on environmentally responsible behavior, and examined the mediating role of environmental commitment. We conducted empirical research on Shuiman gateway community of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest China National Park. Through structural equation modeling, the survey of 375 residents yielded the following conclusions: (1) place dependence indirectly affect environmentally responsible behavior via the mediating effect of place identity; (2) both place dependence and place identity have a positive and significant impact on environmental commitment; (3) environmental commitment has a positive and significant impact on environmentally responsible behavior; (4) the mediating effect of environmental commitment on the impact of place dependence on environmentally responsible behavior is significant and "place identity-environmental commitment" also has a significant mediating effect. Finally, three managerial insights were discussed. This study enriches the connotation and application scope of interdependence theory, explains the different roles of place dependence, place identity, and environmental commitment in the study of environmentally responsible behavior, and provides some inspiration for future research and practice of environmentally responsible behavior. It is helpful for community residents to participate in the ecological environment governance of national parks and achieve sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates how in 1967 South Korea’s local elites, developmental regime, and American park planners jointly designed South Korea’s first national park around Mt. Jiri as a recreational park. In so doing, this article asks what it meant to preserve nature in the 1960s South Korea in the context of the developmental populism of the Park Chung-hee regime and Cold War preservationism. After the end of the Korean War, Mt. Jiri’s forest suffered overlogging by garrisoned soldiers and non-native timber traders. In response, local leadership actively sought to bring in another industry in which they could participate, such as large plantations. By the mid-1960s, several government survey teams explored the mountain, aiming to set up large plantations on Mt. Jiri at the request of local society. However, due to the inhospitable environment to alpine agriculture, the South Korean government abandoned the food colony project and opted instead for a national park in 1965. In this context, the South Korean government designed a new national park to maximize the profit for the government and local society, with consultations with economists of US foreign aid agencies. Paradoxically, this model made Mt. Jiri less attractive to IUCN’s preservationist park planners seeking to establish well-preserved natural reserves in the Third World, and eventually helped the opening of a recreational national park in 1967 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial microbiomes influence global carbon and nutrient cycling as the environment changes. Rain-fed rock basins are ephemeral aquatic systems, potentially subject to extreme environmental stress, that can host a wide variety of biological communities, including bacteria. However, bacterial communities are barely described in these habitats. Here we provide a detailed description on the occurrence, diversity and distribution patterns of the bacterial communities within and between rain-fed granite mountain rock basins located in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, Spain, using high-throughput sequencing of 16S RNA. We recovered a highly diverse community consisting of 3174 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 32 phyla. In total, 50% of OTUs were shared among basins and 6–10% were basin-exclusive OTUs, suggesting a robust global bacterial metacommunity colonizes the basins. The existence of 6% replicate-exclusive OTUs and the fact that at least four replicates were required to catalogue 90% of the basin bacterial community emphasized the heterogeneity of these habitats. Both environmental filtering and random dispersal are likely to be involved in the arrangement of the bacterial communities. The taxa identified in this study are versatile in metabolism, and some have biotechnological potential. The taxonomic affiliation of many of the OTUs found suggests that rain-fed rock basins could be a resource for mining novel bacterial biocompounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas (PA) often adopt buffer zone program to share PA benefit with local people and improve community support for conservation. However, the effectiveness of such policies is still unknown. By utilizing household survey data from six PAs (n = 2,121), we assessed contribution of Nepal's Buffer Zone Program in conservation and sustainable development. While the residents showed limited knowledge about the program's specific details and perceived that the funds were too minimal to have a substantial development impact, those who were aware valued the program. Perceived effect was greater on increasing conservation awareness and improving park-people relationships than reducing human-wildlife conflict or funding development projects. Trust, satisfaction, and perception of the program's contribution varied significantly relative to proximity to PA, history of wildlife damage, PA income, minority status, gender and education. Effectiveness of such programs may be enhanced by investing the fund in mitigating wildlife damage than funding development projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The support of local stakeholders is crucial for the sustainable tourism management of nature-based destinations (NBDs). Local people near NBDs may have more interaction with wildlife; however, research on local people's attitudes towards wildlife is surprisingly limited. To explore their liking and willingness to coexist with different wild animals, and the associated influencing factors, we conducted a survey of residents living near Tanjung Piai National Park (TPNP), Johor, Malaysia. Most of the residents had experienced numerous direct encounters with bats and snakes inside TPNP, as well as with wild boar and macaque monkeys outside of the park. The local people showed a high level of liking for animals but a relatively low level of willingness to coexist with them. The results of the statistical models suggest that the liking of animals is significantly influenced by childhood nature experiences and sociodemographic characteristics including sex, education, and the presence of children. Education was an effective factor shaping the preferences of favorable, fairly favorable, and unfavorable animal groups. On the other hand, willingness to coexist with animals was significantly influenced by childhood nature experiences, age, and sex. Age was an effective factor shaping willingness to coexist with favorable, fairly favorable, and unfavorable animal groups; specifically, elderly people showed a low level of willingness to coexist with animals compared to young people. Therefore, we conclude that in addition to providing educational programs for shaping preferences regarding wildlife, careful support and considerable efforts aimed at elderly people are essential to increasing residents' willingness to coexist with animals to obtain wider support for NBD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of the structural trunk condition is fundamental in determining the risk to people and urban infrastructure. The objectives were: 1) to evaluate indicators of the presence and severity of internal decomposition of the trunk of ash (Fraxinus uhdei) in the Molino de Flores Netzahualcóyotl National Park, 2) to determine the association between the basic visual level of risk and the severity of decay, and 3) determine the external visual characteristics of the tree that influence the probability of the presence of internal trunk decay. The risk of 50 trees was evaluated using the Porkorny method and the presence of decay was determined using a resistograph in two areas of the trunk: 30 cm (Base) and 1.3 m (DN) height from the ground. The severity of decay was determined by the sound wood- stem radius ratio. In general, the presence of internal decomposition was 30 %, being more frequent and severe in the base area than in the DAP. There is a moderate negative association between decay severity and risk rating. Finally, the presence of external visual indicators of decay at the base of the trunk and the presence of exposed roots with lesions are the two factors that predict the presence of internal decay of the ash tree trunk. These results contribute to the generation of more accurate ratings in basic level risk assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflicts arising from human activities and biodiversity value affect the conservation efficacy of protected areas. Resolving these conflicts requires conservation‐compatible livelihoods, such as through agroecology. Here, we built a comprehensive social–psychological framework to explore and understand farmers' intentions to adopt agroecological approaches in tea management in Wuyishan National Park, China.We extended the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by integrating household livelihood assets (LAs) as a material precondition for the social–psychological decision‐making process. We proposed geographical location (GL) and livelihood strategy (LS) as moderating factors for this agroecology intention. We collected 369 valid household samples through structured interviews. We then used partial least square‐structural equation (PLS‐SEM) modelling to explore the determinants that affect tea farmers' agroecological intentions.Livelihood assets were a material foundation influencing the intention to adopt agroecology and were also mediated by three psychological constructs to take effect. Perceived behavioural control explained the largest proportion of the variance for intention and exerted the most significant mediation effects. Subjective norm was another vital independent predictor and exerted a positive influence on both perceived behavioural control and attitude. The direct and mediating impacts of attitude on the intention were weaker but showed that farmers' ecological rationality outweighed value rationality.Livelihood strategies measured by operational scale and livelihood diversity were able to moderate farmers' psychology. Subjective norm had positively significant influence on perceived behavioural control and attitude, indicating that social support to farmers enhanced their feeling of control over adopting agroecology and that important referent groups as sources of information helped farmers' attitude formation. Perceived behavioural control positively and significantly influences farmers' attitudes as well.Synthesis and applications. Our findings provide evidence of the necessity to optimise rural farmers' livelihood assets to enhance their confidence and control over agroecology. Resolving the conservation‐development dilemma in protected areas through agroecology should aim at comprehensive support that respects bioculture and improves farmers' ability. We suggest knowledge co‐production of traditional wisdom and modern technologies, reducing management costs and risks, strengthening park‐people communication and diversifying incentives to farmers with different livelihood strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of human activity in national parks and their surrounding areas with natural landscapes is an important factor in the formulation of strategies for the protection and management of protected areas. From an integrated ecological and social perspective, this study aims to develop a human–land coupling model to reveal the ecological threats of human activities to national park and their surrounding areas under rapid urbanization. We first established a four-quadrant model based on the coupling relationship between human activity intensity (HAI) and the landscape pattern index (LPI). On this basis, we analyzed the spatial coupling characteristics of these indices from 2000 to 2020, preliminarily assessed the human–land relationship in Lushan National Park and its surrounding areas (LNPSA), and then explored the driving factors of the coupling relationship. The results show the following. (1) The proportion of regions with high and extremely high human activity intensity increased from 6.02% to 16.41% over the past two decades. These regions are mainly distributed in the surroundings of Lushan National Park, showing a gradually spreading trend to the core protected area. (2) The surroundings had higher landscape fragmentation, landscape diversity, and total variation in the landscape pattern compared with the core protected area. (3) Vegetation coverage and distance to Lushan have the most significant effect on the human–land coupling relationship in LNPSA, and human activity and natural evolution together shape the characteristics of this relationship in the study area. (4) Utilizing administrative divisions as the fundamental framework, the study area is delineated into four distinct zones based on the results of the human–land coupling analysis—harmonious development zones, stable transformation zones, environmental regulation zones, and risk prevention zones—with tailored optimization strategies proposed for each zone's characteristics. These findings can facilitate the optimized formulation of schemes for different regions and provide a comprehensive methodology to guide the planning and management of natural protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation easements (CEs) are used as a conservation mechanism to conserve the biodiversity and ecosystem on private land, and are receiving increasing attention around the world. Most of the literature mainly focused on the contribution of CE to private land conservation in the U.S. and other countries, while its role in collective land conservation remains underreported. China planned to build the world's largest national parks (NPs) and faced the conflict between nature conservation and social development. As a private and voluntary conservation tool, CEs have the potential to fill the conservation gap, reduce conservation costs, promote adaptive management, and incentivize sustainable national park construction. We reviewed the recent CE practices in Qianjiangyuan, Wuyishan and Nanshan National Parks. The local government and NP administration drove its practices in China's NPs, whereas non-profit organizations have few opportunities to participate. Furthermore, due to the current legislation's lack of explicit specifications regarding CEs, the provisions outlined in the CE agreement were insufficiently constructed and did not align with the unique circumstances of the park. Thus, the implementation of the National Park Act serves as a fitting means to introduce the CE in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFinding an appropriate environmental communication format to enhance tourists’ willingness to pay (WTP) for wildlife tourism destinations is a cost-effective and accessible method to mitigate human–wildlife conflict. However, there is limited research on this topic. This study addresses the critical issue of effectively communicating environmental values to tourists. By incorporating framing effect theory, narrative transportation theory, and affect theory, it investigates the impact of text and image communication messages on tourists’ WTP for wildlife tourism destinations in China, which is an emerging but under-explored market. The study used a 2 (narrative text vs. non-narrative text) × 3 (no image vs. positive image vs. negative image) between-subjects factorial experimental design with Chinese tourists for the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park. The results revealed that narrative texts and negative images have a significant positive influence on WTP, while the moderating effect of negative images is significant and negative, and empathy with nature mediates these effects. This study is the first to reveal the impact of affect framing on tourists’ WTP for wildlife tourism destinations from the perspective of environmental communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing pressure from society on naturally valuable areas means that the entities managing these areas are obliged to implement sustainable development plans that, on the one hand, ensure the preservation of natural values, and on the other hand, meet the needs of local communities and tourists in relation to various forms of recreation. Choosing the optimal strategy for managing naturally valuable areas (e.g. zoning or channeling human traffic) and educating the public to minimize the impact on the ecosystem requires access to objective data. While knowledge about the natural resources of protected areas is extensive and constantly updated, and the dynamics of various processes are monitored, information about the societal mobility in natural areas is rare. In some Polish national parks, permanent traffic monitoring is also absent. An example of such a park is the Kampinos National Park (KPN), located near Poland’s largest city. It is estimated that around 1.5 million people visit the park every year. Considering the estimated volume of recreational traffic in KPN and the lack of permanent on-ground monitoring, this study decided utilized available data from the STRAVA portal, covering the period from 2019‑2023, to determine: 1. The spatial distribution of activities by STRAVA users, categorised by activity type: walking, running, and cycling. 2. The traffic volume outside of the linear facilities designated for this purpose by the Director of the National park (marked hiking and cycling trails). All linear facilities (available and unavailable for tourist traffic) in the KPN area, as recorded in the OpenStreetMap (OSM) database, were analyzed. The data provided by STRAVA was analyzed in detail on an annual basis, broken down by type of activity(running, walking, cycling, electric bicycle). The analysis covered the years 2019‑2023. Maps showing the intensity of use of OSM segments were created, categorized into 10 deciles (deciles 1‑3 indicating low activity level, deciles 4‑6 medium activity level, deciles 7‑9 high activity level, and decile 10 the highest activity level). Daily activity density was also calculated for each basic field activity taking place outside the designated linear objects. Density was calculated using the following formula: Sum (number of activities x object length)/(sum (object lengths) x number of days in the analysis period). The quantification of linear objects in terms of intensity of use showed that, regardless of activity type (walking, running, cycling), the most intensively used linear objects in the park are located in the eastern part bordering the capital, Warsaw. The highest level of activity (10th decile, i.e. the number of activities in the range 15061‑88305) were recorded on 839 linear objects, 4.9% of which were not open to traffic. Spatial patterns differed among cyclists, walkers and runners. Activities such as walking or running were registered by STRAVA users on 90.6% of the linear objects in the OSM database. No unavailable linear object was used at the highest activity level. Overall, the highest activity level (9481‑13080 activities) was recorded on only 57 linear objects. Cycling was recorded on 96.8% of all OSM linear objects entered into the OSM database. The highest activity (12541‑82275 activities) was recorded on 4.6% of them (37 linear objects). It is clear that STRAVA users in KPN recorded cycling activities much more frequently than walking or running. This paper presents the possibility of using STRAVA data to map the spatial distribution of traffic on linear objects in KPN. An activity intensity map developed based on actual data on the use of individual facilities can be an important element in supporting decisions related to public access to the park. In the future, quantitative data should be complemented by qualitative research that completes the knowledge of the factors determining the selection of park areas for recreational purposes, the reasons for migration from designated facilities, and societal expectations regarding the development of the recreational park while considering nature conservation. Further work should also focus on creating a model that explains the relationship between STRAVA data volumes and actual use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted on the butterfly fauna in two distinct conservation gradient landscapes within the Manas Biosphere Reserve. A total of 250 butterfly species were documented, representing 140 genera distributed among six different families. Raimona National Park boasting the highest level of protection, it exhibited lower species richness, documenting 228 species in contrast to Chirang Reserve Forest, which recorded 243 species. Among the butterflies in both protected areas, the Nymphalidae family exhibited the highest number of genera, totaling 47, followed by Lycaenidae with 38 genera, Hesperiidae with 34 genera, Pieridae with 13 genera, Papilionidae with 7 genera, and Riodinidae with 2 genera. Remarkably, seven species fall within the categories of both Schedule-I and Schedule-IV, while an additional 41 species listed in Schedule-II are granted federal protection. Considering the situation, the government should seriously consider integrating the reserve into the national park. This move would significantly bolster the protection and preservation of the butterfly habitat and its diverse ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest ecosystems are facing increasing challenges like natural disturbances. Despite positive disturbance impacts on the diversity of several taxonomic groups, there are still concerns, whether the drastic canopy opening can lead to a turnover from forest to open habitat species.We sampled arthropods along a disturbance gradient in Norway spruce (Picea abies)‐dominated protected areas across Central Europe using Malaise traps and metabarcoding.To analyse changes in arthropod communities in terms of forest affinities along the disturbance gradient, we explored the potential of a list of forest affinities (LFA) that provides information about species affinities from closed forest to open habitats.Our results show that the mean forest affinity decreased with increasing disturbance severity. This trend was accompanied by a decrease in forest‐associated species as well as community shifts for open and mixed habitat species. Responses varied between taxa and were most apparent in Coleoptera.Overall, the changes did not come with a complete replacement of forest specialists by species with higher affinities for mixed and open landscapes nor a drastic loss of forest species. Furthermore, we observed severely disturbed plots with a high mean forest affinity and vice versa, which calls for further studies using these kinds of species classifications.The LFA can provide additional information how species associated with forests habitats can react to environmental changes beyond increasing amounts of deadwood resources. Using additional trapping methods and determination techniques might increase the explanatory power of such analyses along ecological gradients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important issues considered in ecotoxicology is the elevated accumulation of different elements in soil as a consequence of anthropogenic activities. In this paper, determination of nine elements in soil obtained from three different forest complexes (sycamore, beech, and spruce) in urbanized and non-urbanized regions of Tatra National Park is presented. Additionally, a comprehensive presentation of detailed results of correlation analyses between individual elements in accordance to each valley, as well as to selected species of trees, is shown. Speciation studies included chemical forms of the following elements: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co. Soil extracts were obtained in accordance with Rudd’s methodology and all species were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The study compares the content of selected chemical forms (exchangeable and adsorbed, organic solutions and carbonates) of chosen metals in soil of four valleys of Tatra National Park: Chochołowska, Strążyska, Mała Łąka, and Kościeliska. The first three (group A) are considered as non-urbanized areas, whereas the last four (group B), on the account of many home fireplaces located there, as urbanized areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moorland plateau is the defining landscape of the North York Moors National Park in England. It reflects the everyday management decisions of land managers and the complex web of power relations between multiple stakeholders. The moorland is a contested, shared space that poses questions over access, habitat conservation, biodiversity, grouse shooting, land management, and ultimately, the purpose of National Park landscapes. This article draws upon a mixed methods approach and a heritage-landscape perspective to analyse community viewpoints of the management, use, and ownership of this landscape and to demonstrate how power relations frame human-nature synergies in the Park. In doing so, the article highlights new ways that North York Moors communities could be better represented in discussions on how landscapes are perceived, valued, and managed. It proposes a system that amalgamates key decision makers and residents and, therefore, involves a wider range of stakeholders in the landscape decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's national park establishment aims to achieve a balance between ecological conservation and regional development. This study adopts a production–living–ecological (PLE) space perspective to evaluate the park's impact. By quantifying changes and employing a combination of geographic detector and coupling coordination degree analyses, this research explores the dynamics of habitat quality and PLE space within the Wuyishan region, alongside their interrelationships. The national park's influence on the surrounding area exhibits spatial heterogeneity, evident both within and beyond park boundaries, as well as across different counties. Despite the concentration of PLE changes in the park's vicinity, particularly in densely populated urban areas, the influence of the national park on the local area is random and primarily at a low level. Importantly, the ecological space exhibits substantial changes, mirroring improvements in habitat quality. Furthermore, the coupling coordination between habitat quality changes and PLE space changes exhibits remarkable spatial variations. The complex interrelationships among PLE space necessitate a coordinated approach to their development for effective national park management. Ultimately, this investigation provides a novel perspective for the assessment of Wuyishan National Park's conservation effectiveness, contributing practical value for future endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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National parks are critical components of protected areas and are drawing increased global attention. Clear and rational boundaries may provide a scientific foundation for the sustainable protection and management of these areas. However, criteria for feasible national park delimitation and techniques for resolving conflicts between socioeconomic development and environmental protection are still poorly defined, particularly regarding integrity during park establishment. Consequently, a systematic analytical framework is essential for advancing research and practice. This study developed a systematic framework to determine the spatial boundaries, using the Kunlun Mountain region in China as a case for empirical analysis. Key issues in national park development—ecology and management—were systematically integrated into this framework. Most importantly, spatial connectivity, a critical concern in national park planning, was thoroughly considered for improving integrity optimization, an aspect often overlooked in previous delimitation studies. The results demonstrated that our framework effectively identified potential national park boundaries, achieving a balance between development and conservation. Furthermore, core protected and general control areas were delineated to support differentiated management approaches. This framework offers a scientific foundation for policymakers and managers to pursue sustainable protection and management of national parks.

While achieving ecological protection, the construction of national park inevitably has an impact on livelihood capital of original residents. Determining livelihood impact of national parks is essential for harmonizing ecological protection and livelihood development. In this study, we have conducted a field survey of 247 households in bordering villages of Qilian Mountain National Park (QMNP). We used difference-in-difference model (with fixed effect and with score propensity matching) to evaluate the net impact of the pilot construction of QMNP on livelihood capital of original residents. The results showed that the pilot construction of QMNP has no significant impact on the total livelihood capital of original residents. Specifically, the impact of the pilot construction of QMNP on natural capital and physical capital was negative. Households inside the pilot area experienced more significant reductions in grassland area, arable area and the scale of large livestock production. At the same time, we also observed a significant increase in social capital. This should be the result of increasing the diversity of livelihoods or changing livelihood strategies. The ecological compensation system close to the needs of residents and the rational development of economic activities in the general control area will help to achieve the balance between ecological protection and livelihood development in QMNP. Our study results can provide a reference for evaluating the effects of national park construction and improving policy design.

This research focused on evaluation of Cross River National Park as a catalyst for community livelihood sustenance, Nigeria. Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used to obtained primary data. Reconnaissance survey was conducted for one month in the National park to assess the situation on ground and with the aid of a check-list. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to analyzed the data obtained from the study. Results findings shows that the current programs aimed at the development of the park's management were insufficient. To mitigate tensions between the park management and the communities, it is imperative to explore alternative livelihood options, with livestock rearing emerging as a viable avenue. This approach would provide the communities with improved economic opportunities.

The study offers significant findings that illuminate the main motivational factors for tourists to visit sustainable ecological destinations, specifically national parks. The research deals with the issue of sustainable tourism and its connection with environmental factors and the preferences of tourists. The aim of the study is to identify motivational elements encouraging entry into sustainable ecological destinations and participation in sustainable tourism with an accent on environmental protection. The research methodology includes data collection through the author's questionnaire. Based on the data from the author's questionnaire, the four most important motivation factors of the respondents can be identified: the beauty of the landscape, avoiding stress, escaping from crowds and interest in local culture and gastronomy. These results clearly show that tourists interested in sustainable tourism with an emphasis on the ecological pillar are motivated by the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, local culture, and cuisine, as well as escape from the stress and crowds of traditional tourist destinations. The finding that tourists are willing to pay the entrance fee to national parks under certain conditions (for example, the use of funds for environmental protection, etc.) has important implications for the management policy of national parks.

Understanding and predicting tourists’ intention to return to a destination is a fundamental factor for the success of a tourism destination. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the influence of perceived quality, perceived value, and satisfaction on the intention to return to the national park of tourists. The research utilizes a convenient sampling method with direct interview techniques to collect research data. The achieved sample size is 308 tourists who have visited and experienced tourism services at national parks in the Mekong Delta region, Vietnam. Applying a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study has proven that perceived quality positively influences satisfaction, enhancing the intention to return to national parks of tourists. Additionally, perceived value also has a positive impact on satisfaction, contributing to promoting the intention to return to national parks. Finally, the research has revealed a positive correlatio n between satisfaction and the intention to return to national parks of tourists.

Background: As a psychological construct, inspiration has not received extensive examination in the outdoor literature. Inspiration can be characterized in terms of evocation, motivation, and transcendence. Purpose: This qualitative study explored the experience of inspiration in response to natural landscapes utilizing Bergson's qualitative multiplicity, the experience of co-occurring heterogeneous elements. Methodology/Approach: Survey respondents participated in a traveling field course visiting 19 U.S. National Parks in 2015 (n = 15, 26 days) and 14 parks in 2017 (n = 15, 18 days). Respondents described inspirational experiences in each park. Findings/Conclusions: Qualitative analysis of responses revealed a characteristic pattern: landscape features, landscape qualities, and affective responses. Participants cited vertical features, vastness, and beauty as triggers of inspiration, and characterized inspiration in terms of awe, wonder, and sublimity. Implications: This study describes inspiration in the outdoors, with implications for planning direct experiences of natural landscapes to maximize inspiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Park tourist facility managers need to understand guests' preferences for elements of the accommodation experience to provide an ideal mix of attributes. Hedonic pricing models were used earlier to estimate the implicit effect of facilities' characteristics on room rates. But these models do not account for possible spatial variations in the relationships. This study assessed the global and spatial influence of facilities' attributes on room rates in Amboseli, Tsavo East, and Tsavo West National Parks, the three contiguous most visited parks in Kenya, an important wildlife tourism destination, using data from on–line and geographical information systems. Results of the global model indicate that the availability of buffet breakfast, bathrobes, plunge pools, and ecolodge designs positively influences room rates, while the distance to aesthetic appreciation hotpots inversely correlates to rates. The spatial model uncovering non–stationarity in estimating the effects of facilities' attributes on room rates, predicts that the causal effects are better in particular places. It also revealed that particular facility attributes influenced room rates more strongly than others. The results of the global model can help park managers design destination marketing programmes while the facilities may use the spatial model to derive indices for product design and marketing decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trip cost indirectly reflects the perceived value (PV) related to a tourist destination, which can be influenced by knowledge, motivation, and behavior. This research investigated the relationship between PV and pro-environmental behavior (PEB). Moreover, the influence of environmental knowledge and motives on PEB was ascertained. Hikkaduwa National Park, Sri Lanka, was considered as a case study, and 235 visitors were interviewed for data collection. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was developed based on the proposed hypotheses. The average individual cost of traveling of local tourists is USD 4.7, which reflects the PV. The results revealed that motivation directly and indirectly impacts PV, and PEB positively influences PV. Environmental knowledge does not positively influence either PEB or PV. Motivating individuals to participate in environment-related activities is important for encouraging PEB and positively impacting value perception. As PEB influences PV in ecotourism areas, eco-friendly individuals will visit these areas as they value them more. Anthropogenic impacts are minimized if the visitors are environmentally friendly. Accordingly, this study highlights the desirability of promoting ecotourism and PEB for the environmental sustainability of marine habitats. The management of ecotourism destinations can develop strategies to use PEB to ensure the long-term survival of these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to determine the efficiency of a rainwater treatment installation located near the farm buildings of Roztocze National Park (RNP), Poland. The rainwater treatment system, consisting of two polypropylene filters, one activated carbon filter and a UV lamp, was examined. Samples of raw and treated rainwater were collected once a month from June to December 2023. The study shows that average efficiency of pollutant removal in the analysed rainwater treatment system was not very high and amounted to 38.8% for ammonia, 29.6% for turbidity, 27.9% for NO2, 19.8% for NO3, and 6.9% for copper. The low efficiency values can be explained by the low concentration of these parameters in rainwater from the tanks. The efficiency of removing microbiological contaminants was very high and ranged from approximately 98% to 100%. It was shown that the UV lamp ensures very good disinfection of rainwater. The study shows that rainwater treated using filtration and disinfection (UV lamp) can be used for watering the Polish Konik horses living in the park, as well as for washing vehicles, watering green areas, or flushing toilets. The present findings can be used in the design of a new system for managing rainwater that is planned to be built in the RNP's Animal Breeding Centre, as well as to prepare other rainwater systems, especially in protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]