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Disability (equality) Acts call to provide disabled people accessibility to all buildings. Historic buildings are special types of existing buildings, and these Acts are applied to them. However, Acts and principles of architectural conservation call for minimum change in historic buildings, but minimum change can often not be possible for providing accessibility into or within historic buildings for persons with disability. This paper aims to review the solutions that were applied for providing vertical accessibility into and within historic buildings for wheelchair users from an architectural conservation point of view. The research methodology depended on a literature review. The results of the study demonstrated that the main difficulties are in applying preservation and restoration approaches, whereas the rehabilitation approach is more flexible regarding providing accessibility. Furthermore, the reconstruction approach has some special situations. It is a new construction legally; this means in the re-construction operation of non-exiting historic buildings, the codes of new buildings regarding accessibility should be applied. In general, providing accessibility will contribute to achieving equality for disabled people, transporting furniture to upper floors, and increasing visitors to historic buildings, including elderly people and families with baby prams who will benefit from physical access. The importance of research resides in accessibility in heritage is a new under-research subject. Careful examination of historic buildings' conservation approaches and beneficial accessibility solutions gives lessons learned for intervention and contributes to developing a code of practice for architectural heritage accessibility.

The escalating degradation of ecosystems and the consequent reduction in critical services essential for human communities are global concerns. This study aimed to identify top-priority plants for conservation using a localized conservation priority index (LCPI), customized for the locality. The LCPI, a point scoring method, ranked 50 evaluated species based on criteria such as harvesting risk, economic and cultural use, species distribution, and frequency value. Thirteen species were classified as high priority, requiring stringent harvesting regulations, while the remaining 37 were designated at a medium priority level, allowing specific quotas for harvesting. Notably, all 13 high-priority species exhibited higher harvesting risks. These include Caryota rumphiana Mart., Aquilaria cumingiana (Decne.) Ridl., Cycas riuminiana Regel, Dracaena angustifolia (Medik.) Roxb., Oncosperma tigillarium (Jack) Ridl., Oreocnide rubescens (Blume) Miq., Kleinhovia hospita L., Diospyros blancoi A.DC., Codiaeum sp., Gymnostoma rumphianum (Miq.) L.A.S.Johnson, Caryota cumingii Lodd. ex Mart., Artocarpus rubrovenius Warb., and Palaquium sp. Local communities engage in harvesting all parts of certain plant species. Following the identification of priority plants, geotagging was employed to enhance targeted in situ conservation efforts, providing valuable guidance for local leaders in initiating localized conservation of threatened biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Protected areas (PAs) are often seen as a solution to the biodiversity crisis, however, such conservation intervention can drive environmental change and conflict. Despite being presented as neutral and technically informed, PA establishment is highly political, often concealing social, economic, and political factors. Political ecology research examines how dominant narratives shape PA establishment, helping to better understand multi-layered conflicts involving often marginalized communities, conservation actors and wildlife in East Africa. This paper presents a meta-synthesis of PA expansion in the region, revealing the intricate relationship between conservation and conflict. The analysis identifies four key themes: ‘commodification of wilderness’, ‘the war for biodiversity’, ‘community marginalization on the periphery’, and ‘conservation biopolitics’. By novel utilization of meta-synthesis methodology, this paper contributes two-fold: themes provide nuanced regional understandings of the processes driving conservation conflicts while drawing theoretical insights from case study research which reveal the general applicability of findings from political ecology research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The former HSBC Building, today occupied by Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, is one of the largest iconic buildings on the Bund in Shanghai. Designed by Palmer & Turner in the neoclassic style, the building was completed in 1923. Restoration of the interior of the Chinese Banking Hall, located within the southwestern corner of the building, is now underway. This rectangular room features four columns in the centre and stucco decoration on parts of the walls; the ceiling originally had a distinctive, vibrantly colourful design in a bold mix of Western and Chinese styles. The only extant documentation of the banking hall’s original decoration includes black-and-white photographs and a short, written description. Today, all the plaster surfaces are covered over with several layers of white and cream-coloured paint finishes. A preliminary analysis of the hall’s decorative finishes was conducted to determine the colours, paint materials, and condition of the original paint layers. The investigation revealed that in some sections, the original paint was very brittle. Restoration by exposing the finishes in the entire room (removing the modern layers covering the original one) did not appear feasible. This article investigates the results of the following: assessing the condition of the paint materials; identifying the significance of the decorations; the challenges facing the room’s conservation; and potential conservation options for the room’s decoration.

Insects are an important component of the ecosystem and fast dwindling of its diversity is reported globally. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed a total of 77,435 species of insects between 1996 and 2020, of which 18,180 (23.47%) species are reported to be threatened and the majority of threatened species was reported in Odonata followed by Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. Out of 1843 species listed as critically endangered, endangered, extinct, extinct in wild and vulnerable, from the literature it was found that 596 are predators, 40 are pollinators, 164 are saprophagous, 620 are herbivores, 272 are omnivores, 137 are parasites and 14 are unknown. This study provides concise information on insect diversity, global threat status and major driving factors for population decline, which will be helpful in determining the priority insect groups that require conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most distinctive types of murals is the canvas-Marouflaged murals. In the direction of managing purposeful and long-term canvas-Marouflaged murals studies, Proper protection of these Artworks. In order to properly protect these works and analyze conservation studies and future measures, it is necessary to explore the conservation approaches of these paintings in the cultural context. Therefore, in this research, we have tried to review the results of protective measures and interventions on canvas-Marouflaged murals and easel paintings; As well as reviewing conservation and restoration experiences in Iran, Introduce conservation approaches In order to be able to rely on it, the correct interventions as well as the correct analysis of the actions of previous years and periods on such works. The aim of this research, acquisition of indigenous knowledge, and protection of canvas-Marouflaged murals of the Islamic period also, the analysis of protective interventions on these works is in Iran. As a result of this research, the conservation approaches of canvas-Marouflaged murals were defined in two parts: interventional protection and preventive protection in order to get the best results from it. Considering each of the approaches, we must pay attention to the dual nature of canvas-Marouflaged murals and take the necessary measures according to the conditions of the effect.

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are frequently being used for various ailments since time immemorial by a vast range of human communities. The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), which forms part of one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots, is known for its rich and unique biodiversity elements. In last decades, plant-based medicines have gained popularity over synthetic pharmaceutical products as they are retained less harmful. However, increased demand of these plant-based medicinal products has caused over-harvesting, unmonitored trade, habitat destruction and anthropogenic pressure on MAPs. In view of their importance, the present study aims to document the diversity of threatened plants in IHR that are medicinally important, their distribution in 12 Himalayan states and suggest conservation measures. A total of 112 plant species were documented of which 19 species were found to be in high-risk categories viz. critically endangered (seven), endangered (seven) and vulnerable (five) as per IUCN. Distribution, life-forms, medicinal values, plant parts used, threat categories, population trends, market value and conservation approaches of the species are also presented. The study strongly recommends prohibition of unmanaged extraction of medicinally important threatened plants from the wild and encourages their cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anastelosis, which is defined as the reassembly of a structure by bringing together its existing original fragments, is a technique of conservation and presentation in archaeological sites. The aim of this study is to contribute to the conservation and presentation of the structures and to determine the basic principles to be considered during the implementation by analysing and evaluating the anastelosis implementation at temple structures in Western Anatolia, Turkey. The authors examined on-site evidence, archival and literature review. Analysis criteria were determined as emphasis of the structure within site scale and in original state, structural and visual integrity of the monument, authenticity, reliability, distinguishability, visual and material compatibility, reversibility and re-treatability. As a result, it was pointed out that the principles of reversibility/re-treatability and distinguishability should be managed while providing reliability, compatibility/structural and visual integrity in line with the preservation of authenticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding key aspects of the biology and ecology of chondrichthyan fishes (sharks, rays, and chimeras), as well as the range of threats affecting their populations is crucial given the rapid rate at which some species are declining. In the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP), the lack of knowledge, unreliable (or non-existent) landing statistics, and limited enforcement of existing fisheries regulations has hindered management and conservation efforts for chondrichthyan species. This review evaluated our current understanding of Costa Rican chondrichthyans and their conservation status. Specifically, we (1) provide an updated checklist on the species richness, habitat use, and distribution patterns, (2) summarize the most relevant chondrichthyan studies (scientific publications, theses, and official technical reports), (3) identify knowledge gaps, (4) discuss fisheries-related threats, and (5) highlight the management challenges and research needs to effectively protect their populations. A total of 99 chondrichthyan species are formally recorded in Costa Rican waters, from which 15% are threatened with extinction and 41% are “Data Deficient” based on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. A total of 121 studies were published between 1891 and 2017; 82% in the Pacific (24% from Isla del Coco) and only 18% from the Caribbean Sea. These results highlight the need to redirect research efforts on specific taxonomic groups and geographic regions (i.e., Caribbean). Based on our review, improving the quality and quantity of fisheries landing statistics, as well as determining the degree of overlap between chondrichthyans and Costa Rican fisheries remains a priority. We proposed an adaptive management framework for chondrichthyan fisheries in data-poor countries where management goals/targets are clearly defined. This framework could strengthen the conservation of chondrichthyan populations in Costa Rica and the region.

Both fortress and community-based approaches to conservation have shown poor (sometimes negative) results in terms of environmental protection and poverty reduction. Either approach can also trigger grassroots resistance. This article is centered on an allegedly ′community-based′ conservation and development project (and its successive follow-ups) intended to create a national park in Guinea-Bissau. It discusses how external agents have constructed the need for intervention, and explores the negative consequences of the practical solutions adopted for a non-existing problem, as well as the on-going shifting and multiple responses of local people. The article aims to demonstrate that supposedly community-based approaches can be as authoritarian and ineffective as fortress conservation, and that resistance generated by them can be fruitless in terms of collective empowerment and welfare, while also being harmful for the environment. The only genuine winner is the aid industry.

Both fortress and community-based approaches to conservation have shown poor (sometimes negative) results in terms of environmental protection and poverty reduction. Either approach can also trigger grassroots resistance. This article is centered on an allegedly 'community-based' conservation and development project (and its successive follow-ups) intended to create a national park in Guinea-Bissau. It discusses how external agents have constructed the need for intervention, and explores the negative consequences of the practical solutions adopted for a non-existing problem, as well as the on-going shifting and multiple responses of local people. The article aims to demonstrate that supposedly community-based approaches can be as authoritarian and ineffective as fortress conservation, and that resistance generated by them can be fruitless in terms of collective empowerment and welfare, while also being harmful for the environment. The only genuine winner is the aid industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transylvania is a distinctive cultural area of eastern Europe, with a diverse heritage due to its multi-ethnic and multi-denominational character. A significant part of Transylvanian built heritage is decorated with painted carpentry work. Most of this belongs to sacred interiors and includes items such as coffered ceilings, pulpits and their testers, stalls, pew and gallery parapets, communion tables, hymnal stands, and doors. They are mainly made from softwood and painted in a glue-based technique with ornamental patterns and motifs. A chronological overview of the painted coffered ceilings of the region is given. The works of the eighteenth-century Umling painter-carpenter workshop are then presented. Found in over 40 Transylvanian churches, this corpus of works is outstanding both in terms of the quality and number of items. The study provides an overview of this heritage, its technical and scientific study, its present condition, complex decay processes, and conservation treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against a background of continuing loss of biodiversity, it is argued that for the successful conservation of threatened plant species we need to ensure the more effective integration of the various conservation actions employed, clarify the wording of the CBD targets and provide clearer operational guidance as to how they are to be implemented and their implementation monitored. The role and effectiveness of protected areas in conserving biodiversity and in particular plant species in situ are discussed as are recent proposals for a massive increase of their extent. The need for much greater effort and investment in the conservation or protection of threatened species outside protected areas where most plant diversity occurs is highlighted. The difficulties involved in implementing effective in situ conservation of plant diversity both at an area- and species/population-based level are discussed. The widespread neglect of species recovery for plants is noted and the desirability of making a clearer distinction between species recovery and reintroduction is emphasized. Key messages from a global overview of species recovery are outlined and recommendations made, including the desirability of each country preparing a national species recovery strategy. The projected impacts of global change on protected areas and on species conservation and recovery, and ways of addressing them are discussed.