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Restoring stream ecosystem integrity by removing unused or derelict dams has become a priority for watershed conservation globally. However, efforts to restore connectivity are constrained by the availability of accurate dam inventories which often overlook smaller unmapped riverine dams. Here we develop and test a machine learning approach to identify unmapped dams using a combination of publicly available topographic and geospatial habitat data. Specifically, we trained a random forest classification algorithm to identify unmapped dams using digitally engineered predictor variables and known dam sites for validation. We applied our algorithm to two subbasins in the Hudson River watershed, USA, and quantified connectivity impacts, as well as evaluated a range of predictor sets to examine tradeoffs between classification accuracy and model parameterization effort. The random forest classifier achieved high accuracy in predicting dam sites (true positive rate = 89%, false positive rate = 1.2%) using a subset of variables related to stream slope and presence of upstream lentic habitats. Unmapped dams were prevalent throughout the two test watersheds. In fact, existing dam inventories underestimated the true number of dams by ∼80–94%. Accounting for previously unmapped dams resulted in a 62–90% decrease in dendritic connectivity indices for migratory fishes. Unmapped dams may be pervasive and can dramatically bias stream connectivity information. However, we find that machine learning approaches can provide an accurate and scalable means of identifying unmapped dams that can guide efforts to develop accurate dam inventories, thereby informing and empowering efforts to better manage them.

El presente informe presenta los indicadores MBGI a una escala predial para la región Patagónica, y propone una metodología para la toma de información y posterior análisis de los indicadores. En un proceso participativo, entendido como una consulta amplia a expertos y trabajo de taller para la redefinición y priorización de indicadores, y por indicación de la Mesa Nacional MBGI, se generaron los siguientes indicadores de monitoreo a escala predial. El trabajo se llevó adelante con la participación de un grupo diversificado de expertos especialmente seleccionados (ej. INTA, Universidades, CONICET, Direcciones de Bosques, MAyDS, MAGyP). Los indicadores que a continuación se detallan son una guía orientativa y facilitadora para los productores, técnicos y organismos del Estado en el manejo adaptativo de las prácticas MBGI en la región Patagónica. Es decir, los indicadores han sido diseñados como una herramienta para la determinación de las líneas de base a nivel predial, así como para asistir al monitoreo de los planes de manejo, brindando elementos básicos para la interpretación, reflexión y ajuste de las prácticas de manejo implementadas en el campo. La sustentabilidad per se, puede ser un objetivo móvil dados los cambios ambientales y sociales que se producen temporalmente. Sin embargo, es importante resaltar, que existen umbrales que, al ser traspasados impiden el logro de la misma. Este es uno de los principales objetivos del empleo de indicadores, aunque uno de los aspectos más complejos. Tanto evaluar la evolución de los indicadores a través del tiempo, como referir el estado de los mismos a dichos umbrales son las principales funciones de su medición, ya que subrayan las alertas más necesarias a la hora de implementar un manejo adaptativo. Otro aspecto central a tener en cuenta es que el predio debe contar con un área bajo pastoreo, un área de conservación y un área conectora, las que deben estar claramente especificadas, en el espacio. Cada una de ellas posee un objetivo diferente. Por ello, los indicadores deberían reflejar la situación real en cada una en forma independiente, considerando que el valor “deseado” o esperado dependerá del objetivo que esa área deba cumplir. EEA Santa Cruz Fil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Santa Cruz; Argentina. Fil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral; Argentina. Fil: Peri, Pablo Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Fil: Rusch, Verónica Elena. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche. Área Forestal. Grupo de Ecología Forestal; Argentina. Fil: Von Müller, Axel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Esquel; Argentina. Fil: Varela, Santiago Agustin. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche; Argentina Fil: Quinteros, Claudia Pamela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro científico tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia norte; Argentina. Fil: Quinteros, Claudia Pamela. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Centro de investigación Esquel de montaña y estepa patagonica; Argentina. Fil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas (CADIC); Argentina.

Many global environmental agendas, including halting biodiversity loss, reversing land degradation, and limiting climate change, depend upon retaining forests with high ecological integrity, yet the scale and degree of forest modification remain poorly quantified and mapped. By integrating data on observed and inferred human pressures and an index of lost connectivity, we generate a globally consistent, continuous index of forest condition as determined by the degree of anthropogenic modification. Globally, only 17.4 million km

Many global environmental agendas, including halting biodiversity loss, reversing land degradation, and limiting climate change, depend upon retaining forests with high ecological integrity, yet the scale and degree of forest modification remain poorly quantified and mapped. By integrating data on observed and inferred human pressures and an index of lost connectivity, we generate a globally consistent, continuous index of forest condition as determined by the degree of anthropogenic modification. Globally, only 17.4 million km2 of forest (40.5%) has high landscape-level integrity (mostly found in Canada, Russia, the Amazon, Central Africa, and New Guinea) and only 27% of this area is found in nationally designated protected areas. Of the forest inside protected areas, only 56% has high landscape-level integrity. Ambitious policies that prioritize the retention of forest integrity, especially in the most intact areas, are now urgently needed alongside current efforts aimed at halting deforestation and restoring the integrity of forests globally., Mapping and quantifying degree of forest modification is critical to conserve and manage forests. Here the authors propose a new quantitative metric for landscape integrity and apply it to a global forest map, showing that less than half of the world’s forest cover has high integrity, most of which is outside nationally designed protected areas.

This chapter reports on the general framework for ecosystem integrity monitoring in Canadian national parks with emphasis on the choice of a suite of suitable measures from ecosystem science. Monitoring measures are generally designed to be able to provide information to understand, detect changes and perhaps manage or control a system. The core of the system will be an integrated approach that the people call ecosystem integrity monitoring, an approach which aims to understand changes at the ecosystem level. Key considerations in designing a monitoring program for ecosystem integrity include: Basic deficiencies exist in ecosystem science, Catastrophe and surprise characterize most ecosystems, Stresses on ecosystems operate differently at various spatial and temporal scales, A range of related social factors also must be monitored and Measures must be customized for specific ecosystems. Most of the current monitoring literature is devoted to threat-specific monitoring, such as the impact on ecosystems of heavy metals, ozone or human sewage.

There is a lack of basic information about the Caatinga gallery forests. The aim of the study was to obtain basic information of the Pajeú gallery forest (Pernambuco, Brazil) and offer different ways to restore and conserve it. A characterization of the conservation status and its seed bank was made. The characterization was done using a quality index (QBR index) and an evaluation of land use through satellite images. Research was then conducted on the native plants of the Caatinga riparian forests in order to test active restoration methods in the field. To do so, a multi-criterion analysis was constructed and included all tree and shrub species based on previous local researches and found in literature. After this analysis, some specieswere grown in a plant nursery to test their germination, survival and growth rates for different soils and irrigation frequencies. Finally, transplantation in the gallery forest was evaluated by observing survival and growth rates of different native species that were directly planted in the forest. Our results show that the global QBR was 43.73 and that 73% of lands had either an insufficient (64%) or bad (9%) quality. However, some areas maintained a high biodiversity. We observed 23,651 seed germinations from the seed bank,where most germinations (53%) came from preserved site. Soils collected during the dry season also offered more seedlings (60%) than their rainy season counterparts (40%). As for active restoration, it was observed that some plants are better suited for tree nurseries and transplantation such as Sapindus saponaria, Vitex gardneriana, Celtis iguanaea and that by selecting the correct plants and techniques, the ecosystem can be restored. There is still a long way to restore Pajeú’s gallery forest. But studies like this are essential to increase knowledge of the ecosystem. This study could serve as a reference to design anagement/restoration strategies, prioritize actions and develop public policies that ensure integrity and long-term conservationof the ecosystem and their functions. Faltam informações básicas sobre as florestas de galeria da Caatinga.Os objetivos do estudo foram obter informações básicas da floresta de galeriado Pajeú (Pernambuco, Brasil) e oferecer diferentes maneiras de restaurá-lase conservá-las. Foi realizada a caracterização do estado de conservação e seubanco de sementes. A caracterização foi feita usando um índice de qualidade(índice QBR) e uma avaliação do uso do solo por meio de imagens de satélite.Em seguida, foi realizado um inventário sobre as plantas nativas das matasciliares da caatinga, a fim de testar métodos ativos de restauração nocampo. Para isso, foi construída uma análise multicritério que incluiu todasas espécies de árvores e arbustos, com base em pesquisas prévias locais ecitadas na literatura. Após essa análise, algumas espécies foram cultivadasem um viveiro de plantas para testar sua germinação, sobrevivência e taxasAL decrescimento para diferentes solos e frequências de irrigação. Finalmente, o transplante na floresta de galeriafoi avaliado mediante a observação das taxas de sobrevivência e crescimento de diferentes espécies nativas queforam plantadas diretamente na floresta. Nossos resultados mostram que o QBR global foi de 43,73 e que 73% dasterras tinham qualidade insuficiente (64%) ou ruim (9%), no entanto algumas áreas mantiveram alta biodiversidade.Foram observadas 23.651 sementes germinadas no banco de sementes, em que a maioria das germinações (53%) veiodo local preservado. Os solos recolhidos durante a estação seca também ofereceram mais plântulas (60%) do que osseus homólogos da estação chuvosa (40%). Quanto à restauração ativa, observou-se que algumas plantas são maisadequadas para viveiros e transplantes de árvores como Sapindus saponaria, Vitex gardneriana e Celtis iguanaea eque, selecionando as plantas e técnicas corretas, o ecossistema pode ser restaurado. Há ainda um longo caminho paraa restauração da floresta de galeria do Pajeú. Estudos como este são essenciais para aumentar o conhecimento desseecossistema. Esta pesquisa servirá como referência para orientar estratégias de manejo/restauração, priorizando açõese o desenvolvimento de políticas públicas de conservação a longo termo que garantam a integridade do ecossistemae suas funções

Scattered trees outside of dense, closed-canopy forests are very important for carbon sequestration, supporting livelihoods, maintaining ecosystem integrity, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. In contrast to trees inside of closed-canopy forests, not much is known about the spatial extent and distribution of scattered trees at a global scale. Due to the cost of high-resolution satellite imagery, global monitoring systems rely on medium-resolution satellites to monitor land use. Here we present a globally consistent method to identify trees with canopy diameters greater than three meters with medium-resolution optical and radar imagery. Biweekly cloud-free, pan-sharpened 10 meter Sentinel-2 optical imagery and Sentinel-1 radar imagery are used to train a fully convolutional network, consisting of a convolutional gated recurrent unit layer and a feature pyramid attention layer. Tested across more than 215,000 Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 pixels distributed from -60 to +60 latitude, the proposed model exceeds 75% user's and producer's accuracy identifying trees in hectares with a low to medium density (less than 40%) of tree cover, and 95% user's and producer's accuracy in hectares with dense (greater than 40%) tree cover. The proposed method increases the accuracy of monitoring tree presence in areas with sparse and scattered tree cover (less than 40%) by as much as 20%, and reduces commission and omission error in mountainous and very cloudy regions by nearly half. When applied across large, heterogeneous landscapes, the results demonstrate potential to map trees in high detail and accuracy over diverse landscapes across the globe. This information is important for understanding current land cover and can be used to detect changes in land cover such as agroforestry, buffer zones around biological hotspots, and expansion or encroachment of forests.

The biotic indicators, or bioindicators, constitute a reference that con-tributes to the resolution of different issues associated with the state and evolution of the natural habitats where they are located. The information they provide can be interpreted mainly in terms of sensitivity, tolerance to different types of stress and the integrity of a forest ecosystem. The objective is (commentary 1) to present the characteristics of the bioin-dicators, which are capable of reflecting the ecosystemic integrity and provide valuation references in forest habitats. The attributes were re-ported thanks to the methodological strategy of bibliographic review through a theoretical sampling, taking into account 44 bibliographical sources that covered a time lapse between 1985 and 2016. As a result of the review, there were obtained a total of seventeen prevalent attributes in bioindicator species. Part of the discussions focus on recognizing that the study of bioindicators, and in general the principles associated with bioindication, provide potential criteria to resolve concerns beyond fully biological or ecological aspects and that are relevant in scenarios of environmental economic and/or ecological valuation. Finally, this review concludes that it has been possible to present a consensus of attributes and, at the same time, show some emerging attributes associated with biotic indicators that contribute to the analysis of the selection of bioin-dicator species in different studies.

Neotropical forests are extremely diverse ecosystems, listed within the biological hotspots of our planet. However, species from these forests are threatened by diverse anthropogenic activities. Small dung beetles (Scarabaeidae, Aphodiinae) assemblages were studied within different habitats of the Brazilian Amazon. The monitored habitats encompassed the main gradients of disturbance, from pristine to highly anthropogenic situations, with the aim of supporting their use as indicators of neotropical forests’ ecological status. Additionally, seasonal patterns and bait attractiveness were evaluated in the scope of more effective monitoring studies. Our main results demonstrate that the diversity and distribution of small dung beetles along disturbance gradients, represented by the monitored locations, is associated with particular habitats within the forest landscape. Although spatially and temporally restricted, the results of this study highlight the potential of using small dung beetles, due to their sensitivity and habitat specificity, as ecological indicators for assessing the extent of disturbance in neotropical forest landscapes. We also suggest specific techniques and periods to be used in order to increase captures of small dung beetles within the different habitats.

Invasive alien plants (IAPs) pose a threat to ecosystem integrity and generally provide more disservices than services. Acacia mearnsii (black wattle) was introduced to South Africa for its...

Plant pathogens cause significant losses to agricultural yields and increasingly threaten food security1, ecosystem integrity and societies in general2–5. Xylella fastidiosa is one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide, causing several diseases with profound impacts on agriculture and the environment6. Primarily occurring in the Americas, its recent discovery in Asia and Europe demonstrates that X. fastidiosa’s geographic range has broadened considerably, positioning it as a reemerging global threat that has caused socioeconomic and cultural damage7,8. X. fastidiosa can infect more than 350 plant species worldwide9, and early detection is critical for its eradication8. In this article, we show that changes in plant functional traits retrieved from airborne imaging spectroscopy and thermography can reveal X. fastidiosa infection in olive trees before symptoms are visible. We obtained accuracies of disease detection, confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, exceeding 80% when high-resolution fluorescence quantified by three-dimensional simulations and thermal stress indicators were coupled with photosynthetic traits sensitive to rapid pigment dynamics and degradation. Moreover, we found that the visually asymptomatic trees originally scored as affected by spectral plant-trait alterations, developed X. fastidiosa symptoms at almost double the rate of the asymptomatic trees classified as not affected by remote sensing. We demonstrate that spectral plant-trait alterations caused by X. fastidiosa infection are detectable previsually at the landscape scale, a critical requirement to help eradicate some of the most devastating plant diseases worldwide.

Traditional land use may play a key role in conserving and promoting ecosystem integrity. However, little is known about conserving genetic diversity in such traditional management systems. The Brazilian pine (Araucaria angustifolia) is an important element of traditionally managed landscapes in southern Brazil but is currently considered at risk of extinction. In order to assess the contribution of traditional management systems in conserving the Brazilian pine, we compared genetic diversity descriptors between traditionally used and protected populations. To accomplish this, we compared four managed populations against two protected populations in southern Brazil, using allozyme markers to estimate genetic indexes. All studied populations presented similar levels of genetic diversity and magnitude of outcrossing, indicating the potential for conserving the genetic diversity of A. angustifolia populations in traditionally managed land use systems. Traditional management systems should be considered in conservation strategies for Araucaria Forest because they help maintaining the genetic diversity of keystone species, while keeping cultural practices alive.

Stormwater management essentially aims at controlling the surface runoff to reduce water pollution and restore ecosystem integrity. This paper reviews and discusses several optimization problems as...

Riparian zone is crucial to the health of streams and their surrounding environment. A healthy riparian zone can provide food, habitats, protecting water quality and many other ecological functions and environmental benefits. Evaluating riparian quality is essential to achieve and maintain good stream health, as well as to guarantee the ecological functions that riparian areas provide. In this study, we addressed the consistency of characterizing integrality of ecosystem of a riparian zone in Northeast China with physical structural integrality (PSI) and ecosystem service value (ESV), and explored the relationship between the PSI and ESV. The procedures included (1) evaluation of PSI of the riparian zone based on remote sensing; (2) calculation of the riparian ESV based on basic evaluation units (BEUs); (3) exploration of statistical relationships between the PSI and the ESV by the performance of linear regression. The study concluded that the trend of PSI was the same as the ESV, and they were consistent in describing the quantitative trend of the riparian zone’s ecosystem integrity. There was statistically significant correlation (R = 0.66, P

Accurately evaluating ecosystem status is vital for effective conservation. The Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the global standard for assessing the risk of ecosystem collapse. Such tools are particularly needed for large, dynamic ecosystem complexes, such as the Indian Sundarbans mangrove forest. This ecosystem supports unique biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions, but like many mangrove forests around the world is facing substantial pressure from a range of human activities. Holistic, standardised and quantitative environment risk assessment frameworks are essential here, because previous assessments have either been qualitative in nature, or have generally considered single threats in isolation. We review these threats and utilise the RLE framework to quantitatively assess the risk of ecosystem collapse. Historical clearing and diminishing fish populations drove a status of Endangered (range: Vulnerable to Endangered), and ongoing threats including climate change and reduced freshwater supply may further impact this ecosystem. However, considering recent change, the outlook is more optimistic. Mangrove extent has stabilised, and analysis of mangrove condition highlights that only a small proportion of the forest is degraded. Using the RLE provides an authoritative avenue for further protection and recognition of the issues facing this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also identify knowledge and data gaps in the Sundarbans that are likely common to coastal systems globally. By articulating these and presenting opportunities and recommendations, we aim to further the conservation goals of the IUCN and the implementation of its new assessment framework.

Das vorliegende Themenheft „Ethik der Integrität“ (Herausgeber: Stefan Knauß, Universität Erfurt) der Zeitschrift für Praktische Philosophie (ZfPP) vereint Beiträge aus der Rechts-, Moral- und Umweltphilosophie, die sich mit den deskriptiven und normativen Möglichkeiten und Grenzen von „Integrität“ beschäftigen. Die Untersuchung von Integrität nimmt dabei die Anwendung des Konzepts auf menschliche Personen und nichtmenschliche Naturwesen wie Tiere, Pflanzen und Ökosysteme in den Blick. Integrität impliziert im weitesten Sinne die Annahme, Wesen könnten und sollten als „ganze“ betrachtet, auch gegen innere und äußere Widerstände in der Lage sein, gemäß ihrer eigenen „Zwecke“ zu verfahren. Zwar taucht integritas bereits bei Cicero in De officiis und bei Thomas v. Aquin in Summa theologiae vereinzelt auf, doch nimmt die Begriffsverwendung vor allem in der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts zu. Es scheint offenkundig ein Bedürfnis danach zu bestehen, z.T. recht unterschiedliche Phänomene als „Ganzheiten“ zu beschreiben und deren „Intaktheit“ positiv zu bewerten. Personen sollten hiernach in elementaren, ihre Identität dennoch im umfassenden Sinne betreffenden Aspekten in „Übereinstimmung“ mit sich selbst leben können. Die Integrität der Natur wird in wichtigen klimapolitischen Verträgen wie dem Abkommen von Paris (2015) sowie bei der Kodifizierung der Rechte der Natur z. B. in der Verfassung von Ecuador (2008) als Wert normativ vorausgesetzt. Das naturwissenschaftliche Paradigma des Anthropozäns verwendet ebenfalls eine umfassende Perspektive auf Mensch und Natur, die auch als Plädoyer für die Schutzwürdigkeit der Erde als „ganzer“ ausgedeutet wird. Noch wissen wir nicht, ob dem Konzept der Integrität im 21. Jahrhundert eine ähnliche „Karriere“ bevorsteht, wie sie der Begriff der Würde im 20. Jahrhundert erlebt hat. Dieses Heft ist ein Versuch, die verschiedenen Verwendungskontexte zu überblicken und einige stichprobenartig zu überprüfen. The present special issue “Ethics of Integrity” (editor: Stefan Knauß, University of Erfurt) of the Zeitschrift für Praktische Philosophie (ZfPP) combines contributions from legal, moral and environmental philosophy that deal with the descriptive and normative possibilities and limits of “integrity”. The investigation of integrity focuses on the application of the concept to human persons and non-human natural beings such as animals, plants and ecosystems. In the broadest sense, integrity implies the assumption that entities, each considered as a whole, are able to, and should, proceed according to their own “purposes”, even against internal and external resistance. Integritas appears occasionally already in Ciceros De officiis and Aquinass Summa theologiae, but the use of the term increased especially in the second half of the 20th century. There seems to be a need to describe quite different phenomena as “wholes” and to evaluate their “intactness” positively. According to this perspective, people should be able to live in “congruence” with themselves as regards the basic aspects of their identity. The integrity of nature represents a significant value in international climate policy treaties such as the Paris Agreement (2015) and in the codification of the rights of nature, e.g. in the constitution of Ecuador (2008). The scientific paradigm of the Anthropocene also takes a holistic view of man and nature, which is also interpreted as a plea for the protection of the earth as a whole. We do not yet know whether the concept of integrity will have a “career” in the 21st century, similar to the concept of dignity in the 20th century. This special issue is nevertheless an attempt to offer an overview of the various contexts in which it is deployed and to investigate in particular moral integrity in virtue ethics as well as plant ethics, and to consider the position of ecocentrism in environmental ethics and the rights of nature. (VLID)5807632

Die Verfassung von Ecuador (2008) enthält als weltweit erste Rechte der Natur (engl. Rights of Nature, „RoN“). Natur wird neben Menschen und Körperschaften als Rechtsträger benannt (Art. 10). Ihr wird ein Recht auf Existenz und Regeneration (Art. 71) zugesprochen, das unabhängig von menschlichen Rechten gilt (Art. 72) und von allen Menschen weltweit eingeklagt werden darf (Art. 73). Die Verfassung stützt sich auf den indigenen Naturbegriff Pachamama und erläutert deren Schutzanspruch durch das andine Konzept des Guten Lebens (span. buen vivir). Die Umweltethik (Environmental Ethics) bezeichnet ein holisitisches Naturverständnis als „Ökozentrismus“, wenn der Natur als überindividueller Ganzheit ein irreduzibler Schutzstatus zugesprochen wird. Der umweltethische Ökozentrismus der Verfassung von Ecuador lässt sich erfolgreich gegen drei Kritiken verteidigen. Ökozentrische Positionen seien, 1) unvereinbar mit dem methodischen Individualismus der Menschenrechte. Ökosysteme selbst seien 2) „bloß“ vom menschlichen Beobachter abhängige Entitäten, die 3) über kein inhärentes Kriterium für Schädigungen verfügten. Die Konkretisierung des Ökozentrismus in Bezug auf die Verfassung von Ecuador erlaubt drei Thesen: 1) Der Schutz der Natur als überindividueller Ganzheit darf nicht als alleiniges ethisches Prinzip (monistischer Holismus) missverstanden werden. Innerhalb eines pluralistischen Holismus besitzt der Ökozentrismus nicht per se Vorrang gegenüber den Interessen individueller Naturwesen und juristischer Personen. 2) Da Ökosysteme im Gegensatz zu individuellen Naturwesen keine ontologisch selbstständigen Entitäten sind, lassen sich deren Rechte nicht analog zu denen natürlicher Personen begründen. Die Environmental Personhood (Gordon 2018) ist gemäß der Association Theory der Rechtspersönlichkeit als ein menschliches Konstrukt zu verstehen (Miller 2019). 3) Der Maßstab für die Schädigung von Ökosystemen kann nicht als ein der Natur inhärentes, objektives Kriterium „aufgefunden“ werden. Ökologische Schäden an der „Integrität, Stabilität und Schönheit“ (Leopold 1949) der Natur sind vielmehr Schäden an menschlichen Werten. Als solche entspringen sie im Falle der ecuadorianischen Verfassung vor allem nichtinstrumentellen menschlichen Bezugnahmen auf die Natur. Der Natur wird hierbei eudaimonistischer Wert und moralischer Selbstwert zugeschrieben (Potthast et al. 2007). The constitution of Ecuador (2008) is the first in the world to contain the Rights of Nature (“RoN”). Nature is named as a legal entity next to people and corporations (Art. 10). It is granted a right to existence and regeneration (Art. 71), which applies independently of human rights (Art. 72) and can be claimed by all people worldwide (Art. 73). Although the constitution is based on the indigenous concept of nature pachamama and the well-being of nature is framed within the Andean concept of good life (span. buen vivir), there are great similarities to positions of environmental ethics. The holistic understanding of nature is similar to ecocentrism, as nature as a supra-individual whole is assigned an irreducible protective status. The ecocentrism of the constitution of Ecuador can be defended against the following three criticisms: Ecocentrism seems to be incompatible with the methodological individualism of human rights. Since ecosystems are at least partly dependent on the human observer they lack ontological stability. Furthermore ecosystems dont provide an inherent criterion for damage. The concretization of ecocentrism in relation to the constitution of Ecuador allows three theses: 1) The protection of nature as a supra-individual whole must not be misunderstood as the sole ethical principle (monistic holism). Within a pluralistic holism, ecocentrism does not per se take precedence over the interests of individual natural beings and legal persons. 2) Since, in contrast to individual natural beings, ecosystems are not ontologically independent entities, their rights cannot be justified analogously to those of natural persons. 3) According to the Association Theory of legal personality (Miller 2019). The environmental personhood (Gordon 2018) has to be understood as a human construct The yardstick for the damage to ecosystems cannot be “found” as an objective criterion inherent in nature. Rather, ecological damage to the “integrity, stability and beauty” (Leopold 1949) of nature is damage to human values. As such, in the case of the Ecuadorian constitution, they arise primarily from non-instrumental human references to nature. Eudaimonistic value and moral selfworth are ascribed to nature (Potthast et al. 2007). (VLID)5807669

Many regions of the Great Lakes now see recurring cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), with documented repercussions for ecosystem services, public health, and ecosystem integrity. Early detection and comprehensive monitoring of cyanoHABs are fundamental to their effective management and mitigation of detrimental impacts. Satellite remote sensing has provided the means by which algal blooms in the Great Lakes can be observed with unprecedented frequency and spatial coverage. Algorithms have been developed and validated; fully automated data processing streams have been rendered operational; and stakeholders have been engaged in order to develop user-friendly end products. Such products have been integral in providing near-real-time monitoring of bloom conditions, documenting spatiotemporal trends, improving understanding of environmental drivers of blooms, and guiding nutrient management actions. In this chapter we present background information on remote sensing of algal blooms, document the current state of knowledge with a focus on Lake Erie, and discuss remote sensing products available to the Great Lakes community.

Spätestens mit der 1992er Rio Declaration on Environment and Development hat sich der Begriff „Ökosystemintegrität“ (ecosystem integrity) als Leitprinzip internationaler Umweltpolitik etabliert. Seinen Ursprung hat dieser Begriff in Bestrebungen in Kanada und den USA, mit Hilfe der positiven Konnotationen des aus der menschlich-sozialen Sphäre stammenden Begriffs der „Integrität“ die Wertschätzung und den Schutz von Natur zu fördern. Die Kombination mit dem Begriff „Ökosystem“ ergibt sich aus der Absicht, eine zugleich integrativ-holistische und naturwissenschaftlich-empirische Bewertungsmöglichkeit zu etablieren anstelle einer entweder naturwissenschaftlich-reduktionistischen oder spirituell-holistischen Betrachtungsweise. In diesem Aufsatz wird zunächst der Entstehungskontext des Begriffs der Ökosystemintegrität beleuchtet, um dann vier konkurrierende Begriffsbestimmungen vorzustellen: Ökosystemintegrität als Fähigkeit eines Ökosystems, (i) seinen ursprünglichen Zustand, (ii) seine intrinsische Funktionalität bzw. innere Zweckmäßigkeit (Vollkommenheit) oder (iii) seine extrinsische Funktionalität bzw. äußere Zweckmäßigkeit (Nützlichkeit) aufrechtzuerhalten, sowie (iv), übergeordnet, ökologische Integrität als transpersonal-planetarisches Bewusstsein der Eingebundenheit des Menschen in das planetarische Ökosystem. Diese vier Konzepte werden zunächst deskriptiv im Hinblick auf die ihnen zugrunde liegenden naturwissenschaftlichen Theorien und naturtheoretischen Prämissen sowie auf ihren normativen Gehalt analysiert. Dann wird normativ ihre Eignung als umweltethisches Leitprinzip geprüft. Epistemologische Kriterien für die Auswahl dieser vier Begriffsbestimmungen waren: Werden Ökosysteme bzw. Ökosystemintegrität im Sinne eines ontologischen Realismus als beobachterunabhängige oder aber im Sinne eines ontologischen Konstruktivismus als beobachterabhängige Entitäten bzw. Eigenschaft begriffen? Was wird als Referenz dafür angesehen, ob etwas abträglich für Ökosystemintegrität ist? Vor allem in normativer Hinsicht ist die Frage relevant: Werden Menschen bzw. Gesellschaften als getrennt von oder als Teile von Ökosystemen bestimmt? Gewählt wurden diese Kriterien, weil sie entscheidende Prämissen der vielen verschiedenen Konzepte von Ökosystemintegrität erschließen, die in umweltethischer Hinsicht normativ wirksam werden. Die vorliegende Analyse zeigt, dass alle vier Konzepte von „Ökosystemintegrität“ mit schwerwiegenden Einwänden konfrontiert und als umweltethisches Leitprinzip problematisch sind vor allem, weil sie auf fragwürdigen ontologischen Voraussetzungen basieren. Since at least the 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the concept of “ecosystem integrity” has become established as a guiding principle of international environmental policy. The origins of this concept lie in efforts in Canada and the US to promote the appreciation and protection of nature by applying the positive connotations of the term “integrity” familiar from the human-social sphere. The combination of “integrity” with the term “ecosystem” aimed to establish a simultaneously integrative-holistic and scientific-empirical assessment instead of an either scientific-reductionist or spiritual-holistic approach. In this essay, the origins of the concept of ecosystem integrity are explored. Four competing meanings of “ecosystem integrity” are distinguished: ecosystem integrity as the capacity of an ecosystem to maintain (i) its original state, (ii) its intrinsic functionality or internal purposiveness (perfection), or (iii) its extrinsic functionality or external outer purposiveness (usefulness), and (iv), at a higher level, “ecological integrity” means a transpersonal- planetary awareness of humans involvement in the planetary ecosystem. These four meanings are analyzed descriptively in terms of their underlying scientific theories and assumptions about nature as well as their normative content. They are then analyzed normatively in terms of their suitability to serve as guiding principle for environmental ethics. A set of epistemological criteria are used to assess the four meanings. Are ecosystems or ecosystem integrity considered in each case to be observer- independent (ontological realism) or observer-dependent (ontological constructivism)? What is considered in each case to be the role of detrimental effects upon ecosystem integrity? Particularly in normative terms the following criterion is also relevant: are humans or societies assumed to be separate from or part of ecosystems? These criteria reveal crucial premises of the different concepts of ecosystem integrity which then become normatively effective in terms of environmental ethics. The present analysis demonstrates that all four meanings of “ecosystem integrity” face serious objections and are problematic as guiding principles of environmental ethics above all because each rests on questionable ontological assumptions. (VLID)5807660

Shrublands in Mediterranean‐type ecosystems worldwide support important ecosystem services including high levels of biodiversity and are threatened by multiple factors in heavily used landscapes. Use, conservation, and management of these landscapes involve diverse stakeholders, making decision processes complex. To be effective, management and land use decisions should be informed by current information on ecosystem quality and resilience. However, obtaining this information is often a challenge due to the extent of landscapes involved. Here we present a conceptual integrity monitoring framework based on simple easily observable ecosystem components readily understood by nonspecialists. Community integrity is defined by plant functional group based on relative proportion of shrubs and nonnative annual grasses. The ability to use these straightforward metrics results from four factors: relatively good alignment of characteristic bird, mammal, and insect communities with shrub cover, positive feedback between annual grasses and short fire intervals, the inhibitory effect of annual grasses on shrub seedling establishment, and similar functional group response to different disturbances. Two additional metrics, indicator species and shrub species diversity, capture subtle yet persistent signatures of disturbance on integrity not reflected in functional group composition. The framework is designed to: categorize habitats into ecosystem integrity classes, forecast likely integrity class changes caused by threats and environmental conditions, and provide a simple reporting mechanism that can be overlain with data on conservation status and vulnerabilities. The proposed framework includes a pilot phase to validate empirical relationships, thresholds, and sampling efficiency. The accessibility of these metrics to nonspecialists is anticipated to enhance communication among stakeholders and thus facilitate problem solving. Leveraging monitoring and mapping programs driven by other needs (e.g., species conservation and fire management) affords meaningful opportunities to offset program costs.