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The article examines certain problems of legal regulation of security activities. It was established that scientists do not pay enough attention to the problems of legal regulation of security activities under martial law conditions. The purpose of the research is to establish separate problems of legal regulation of security activities in the conditions of martial law and to formulate a proposal for its solution. To realize the aim of the article, certain scientific methods are used: dogmatic one - to analyze normative legal acts in the sphere of security activities; dialectical method allows to carry out a study of the sphere of legal regulation of security activities in Ukraine through the prism of its interdisciplinary nature; the deductive method makes it possible to draw final conclusions; the induction method is used when generalizing the problems of the practical activities of security personnel; analysis and synthesis make it possible to break down the indicated problems of security activity into components and propose directions for its solution. The study claims that security activities in Ukraine are carried out in extremely difficult military conditions, which negatively affect the subjects of security activities. It is established that the state has an obligation to respond urgently to such challenges and to eliminate the shortcomings of security activities' legal regulation. It is concluded that the normative definition of the types of security activities (property protection and protection of an individual) allows us to talk about the insufficient legal regulation of other actions that can be assessed as security activities. It is proposed that the Law of Ukraine «On Security Activities» dated March 22, 2012 provide for other types of security activities: provision of information services for the protection of individuals and property of individuals and legal entities; carrying out investigative actions to prevent the negative direct influence of factors (activity or inaction) of an illegal nature on the object of protection»; installation and/or use of security technical means; implementation of technical protection of information at the security facility. It is established that other regulations of the Law of Ukraine «On Security Activities» dated March 22, 2012, which relate to the powers of security personnel during the performance of functional duties, also require changes. It has been concluded that the security personnel's authority to use firearms needs to be reviewed. The research proposes specific regulatory changes that will allow security personnel to use firearms during security activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

That is why a new document was introduced, which aims to form a systemic vision of reconstruction -- the Comprehensive Recovery Program. As a result, strategic and spatial planning of the development of communities and regions should be more synchronized and effective. In this context, the comprehensive recovery program will be a key document. It integrates spatial and strategic planning, and in the future can become the basis for new urban planning documentation and territorial development strategies. In addition, the integrated rehabilitation program should promote the implementation of such modern approaches as rational spatial planning, permanent urban mobility, barrier-free, inclusive, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. It was also concluded that spatial planning contributes to attracting investments, fighting corruption, automating processes, supporting business and granting permits. Spatial planning is a key element in the post-war reconstruction process. It also acts as a catalyst for the development of urban planning, land, nature protection and other cadastres and registers, which are filled thanks to the creation of appropriate spatial documentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We celebrate the 100th anniversary of Thomas Van der Hammen (1924–2010). His career is a model of explorative environmental research in nearly all ecosystems of northern South America. He introduced palynological research into South America. As a PhD student he studied changes of climate, vegetation and landscape during the Lateglacial in Twente, eastern Netherlands. He continued his career in 1952 at the Geological Survey of Colombia with research, and teaching palynology and palaeobotany. He studied sediment archives from the Cretaceous to the Quaternary palynologically. He explored the potential of developing an understanding of the Quaternary history of neotropical ecosystems, the response to ice-ages in particular. In 1959 he returned to Leiden University where he succeeded professor Florschütz. In 1966 he was appointed at the University of Amsterdam and continued training Colombian and Dutch PhD students in studying the history of climate, flora and vegetation of northern South America, Amazonia and the Netherlands. He organised unparalleled transect studies through the Colombian Andes and collected a wealth of evidence in support of an elevational sequence of biodiversity. During decades Thomas skilfully used opportunities for research in academia as well as in industry. He gave structure for research at universities, municipalities, musea, ministries, and nature conservations. After his retirement he lived in Colombia. His country estate became a central meeting place where students, scientists, farmers, mayors, and even Ministers of State discussed the environmental past and future of Colombian ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A standardised monitoring is indispensable to identify trends of insect populations. However, until recently, a systematic monitoring of insects in Germany was missing. Therefore, the German federal ministry for the environment funded the conceptualisation of an insect monitoring scheme. Here, we inform about the general concept and structure of the German insect monitoring scheme (GIMS) and the steps taken and still to be taken for the implementation of the scheme. A first step was the development of the objectives, general concept und structure of the GIMS in close collaboration with the nature conservation authorities at the national and federal state levels, as the latter are responsible for the implementation of nature conservation-related monitoring schemes. The GIMS is structured into two sections: section 1 'Monitoring of common insects' and section 2 'Monitoring of rare insects'. Both sections contain modules that focus on selected aspects of insect diversity. In section 1, insect communities of the wider countryside will be monitored. Section 2 focuses on insect communities in rare habitats and species of high conservation value (e.g. threatened species). The next step was to develop standardised sampling methods for the modules in collaboration with experts and the nature conservation authorities. Wherever appropriate, synergies with other monitoring schemes were created, e.g. for combined analyses with environmental variables. Parallel to the development of the concept, several federal states have already implemented selected modules of the GIMS. Furthermore, the module 'Grasshoppers in grasslands' was tested during a pilot phase. By using the data from the pilot phase and the High Nature Value Farmland Monitoring scheme the relationship between high nature value farmland and grasshopper diversity was evaluated. This indicated the great potential of using synergies among monitoring schemes for joint data analyses and showed that it is worth exploring such approaches in greater depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change requires major mitigation efforts, mainly emission reduction. Carbon sequestration and avoided deforestation are complementary mitigation strategies that can promote nature conservation and local development but may also have undesirable impacts. We reviewed 246 articles citing impacts, risks, or concerns from carbon projects, and 78 others related to this topic. Most of the impacts cited focus on biodiversity, especially in afforestation projects, and on social effects related to avoided deforestation projects. Concerns were raised about project effectiveness, the permanence of carbon stored, and leakage. Recommendations include accounting for uncertainty, assessing both mitigation and contribution to climate change, defining permanence, creating contingency plans, promoting local projects, proposing alternative livelihoods, ensuring a fair distribution of benefits, combining timber production and carbon sequestration, ensuring sustainable development and minimizing leakage. A holistic approach that combines carbon sequestration, nature conservation, and poverty alleviation must be applied. The potential occurrence of negative impacts does not invalidate carbon projects but makes it advisable to conduct proper environmental impact assessments, considering direct and indirect impacts, minimizing the negative effects while maximizing the positive ones, and weighing the trade‐offs between them to guide decision‐making. Public participation and transparency are essential. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1812–1838. © 2024 SETAC Key Points: Forestation and avoided deforestation projects, proposed as a complementary climate change mitigation strategy, have numerous positive impacts but may also have unintended effects, as well as concerns related to effectiveness, permanence, and leakage.Impacts on biodiversity and hydrology are frequently cited in afforestation projects, whereas social impacts are cited in relation to avoided deforestation projects.Carbon projects need proper environmental impact assessments, considering direct and indirect impacts, minimizing the negative effects while maximizing the positive ones, and weighing the trade‐offs between them to guide decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating human pressures on natural ecosystems necessitate urgent and effective conservation strategies to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem functions. This review explored current techniques for mapping human pressure, with a particular focus on their application in nature conservation, especially within protected areas (PAs). Specifically, we analyzed the impacts of seven major types of human pressures on nature conservation within PAs. Additionally, we discussed four key methods for mapping human pressure, including land use intensity, human footprint, digital human footprint, and other proxies, examining their distinct characteristics and respective advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, our research explored the application of human pressure mapping for nature conservation, assessing its suitability for conservation applications and delineating directions for future work. These insights contributed to better support nature conservation and the management of PAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many mountain woodlands across the globe have undergone anthropogenic degradation with negative implications for the ecological and socioeconomic systems dependent on them. Montane willows are arctic‐alpine species of high nature conservation concern within the altitudinal treeline. Scotland has been pioneering the restoration of montane willow scrub for three decades following widespread loss linked particularly to overgrazing by sheep and deer since the eighteenth century. In the 1990s, the total area of montane willows throughout the country was less than 10 ha, with most remaining populations highly fragmented, in rapid decline, and restricted to inaccessible cliffs. Subsequently, montane willow scrub restoration has been part of an overall 2659 ha area managed for the recovery of mountain woodlands in Scotland. By May 2023, 396,868 montane willows were planted in projects encompassing large‐scale habitat creation, relict population reinforcement by genetic rescue, fencing, and landscape‐scale management for low‐density deer populations. This review summarizes restoration methods and outcomes with case study examples to promote conservation evidence and research on plant growth and survival, planting sites, associated biodiversity, molecular ecology, genomics, and long‐term population sustainability. With the potential for montane scrub restoration to be widely expanded, improved connectivity to revive a treeline mosaic shaped by regeneration will tackle biodiversity loss and help mitigate climate change impacts on a national scale. However, caution must be applied to creating definitions of distinct habitats for restoration that are based on non‐natural or ecologically degraded systems. These experiences are particularly relevant to montane and circumpolar regions with strongly modified landscape histories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible protective armors are found in large animals such as fish skins, snake skins, and pangolin scales. For small-sized invertebrates, such armors are paid less attention and overlooked. Chitons, a type of marine mollusk, possess mineralized armors covering the whole dorsal body. The dorsal scales in the girdle tissue are well known, in this study, we reported hidden mineralized scales in the ventral side of chiton Acanthopleura loochooana girdles for the first time. The ventral surface is covered with scales with ca. 40 μm in length, forming continuous but overlapped scales. Additionally, scales are formed from aragonitic spicule-like and square-like scales, embedded in the cuticle layer. Nanoindentation testing results showed that the hardness and elastic modulus of ventral scales were ∼20 % higher compared to those in the dorsal scales, exhibiting good hardness and wear resistance. The combination of the ventral scales and cuticle, along with the regular arrangement of ventral scales, may allow chitons to simultaneously address complex and variable attachment interfaces while also providing wear-resistant protection. This study provides insights for designing protective structures that balance flexibility and durability. Biomineralization is universal in nature and provides protection and support for animals. However, mineralization of dermal skin is not commonly seen. Herein, for the first time, we reported hidden minerals covering the whole ventral side of skin in a small marine animal, chitons. Calcium carbonate minerals are arranged regularly and manifest different morphology in different regions. Additionally, these minerals are embedded in a continuous cuticle layer covering the whole animal. The material also indicates a higher wear-resistant property. This study extends our understanding of the diverse functionality of biominerals and provides a prototype for designing wear-resistant materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the complex relationship between residents and national parks in a top nature-based destination, Poland's Tatra and Podhale region. Utilizing a door-to-door survey of 511 respondents from 26 towns around Tatra National Park (TNP), the research employs two-step structural equation modeling and fsQCA to analyze how place attachment and preferences for nature protection strategies interact. Contrary to the widely held view that tourism development positively influences attitudes toward national parks, we found tourism growth in the communities surrounding TNP impacts how these communities relate to the protected area. The study concludes that for TNP to gain broader community support, it is crucial to convey to residents their essential role as a tourism asset. This finding has wider implications for how national parks and adjacent communities can coexist harmoniously in areas experiencing rapid tourism expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital games are an increasingly dominant form of digital entertainment with billions of players globally. While most of these games have a commercial focus, fields like public health and education have seen a growth of “serious games,” which aim to solve real world problems. In the context of biodiversity conservation, mobile games have been controversial, with some raising concerns around the way digital channels risk replacing the very nature they portray, therefore deepening a “nature‐deficit disorder.” We ran a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of the mobile game “Kākāpō Run” on pro‐environmental behaviors amongst a cohort of 200 participants in New Zealand. Kākāpō Run was developed by a UK conservation charity, and aims to increase the support for Kākāpō conservation, as well as to increase pro‐environmental behaviors linked to Kākāpō conservation. Study participants completed a 10‐minute questionnaire before spending 1 hour playing their assigned mobile game over seven days. This was monitored by asking participants to share screenshots of their app usage for the duration of the experiment. After this, all participants re‐took the questionnaire. We found a positive impact across some knowledge and attitudes questions, behavioral intentions linked to willingness to volunteer time and support policies aiming to remove invasive predators, as well as manage pet cats actively. However, we found no change in willingness to donate or actual donations. This research showcases both the potential of mobile games for conservation outreach and marketing, and the importance of rigorous impact evaluation. We call for conservationists engaged in designing and promoting mobile games to approach game design and evaluation in a more research‐centered way to help develop an evidence base around the intended and unintended consequences of game playing. This mainstreaming of gaming science across conservation will be critical to allow mobile games to realize their potential as a leading communication channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populist radical right parties are on the rise all over Europe. Recent literature investigates their effects on environmental policy, however, often applying an overly broad perspective on the policy area and neglecting causal mechanisms. This article addresses both gaps in an in‐depth case study of partisan effects on Swedish environmental policy in the wake of increasing populist radical right influence. A novel data approach deriving party positions and policy output from the hard figures of budget proposals between 2001 and 2023, allows a nuanced analysis of environmental policy and its subsectors (e.g., nature conservation and climate mitigation). In summary, a traditional partisan effect is confirmed as a major explaining factor for environmental policy change, while the effect unfolds through altered coalition formation strategies leading to the exclusion of “green voices.” This brings to the fore interactive environmental policy effects of the populist radical right and center‐right parties in the context of changing party competition constellations more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1992 and 1993, some 25 phytosociological surveys were conducted within the ecological network formed by remnants of the Fagne-Famenne species-rich semi-natural meadows. From 2022 to 2024, a small number of these meadows were revisited in order to assess their state of conservation, and new phytosociological surveys of the constituting association were performed. One of the sites thus evaluated is the Natagora nature reserve, Les Tournailles, near Sart-en-Fagne, and the analysis of the results is the object of this note. Considered are the total species richness of the association, its richness in characteristic species and its syntaxonomic position. The species-rich semi-natural meadow is also compared with a neighbouring species-poor improved and intensified meadow in terms of species richness and soil chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human interaction with nature often exhibits negative aspects, such as vandalism, which involves the destruction of or damage to property. Unfortunately, very little is known about the extent, causes, and frequency of this phenomenon. Therefore, in this paper, we investigate a scale of vandalism in studies using nest-boxes in Poland. Data from published papers (n = 256) indicated that researchers are aware of the devastation and destruction of nest-boxes, but often lacking detailed reports. We further validated this data through emails or phone calls to the authors. Surprisingly, only 14 (5.5%) papers mentioned vandalism, and during interviews, we found that vandalism occurred in 51.7% of studies. In response to vandalism, researchers have taken measures to reduce the scale of damages, such as hanging boxes far from paths and roads, placing them above 3 m from the ground, or, more recently, using security cameras. Although vandalism was quite common, its scale was rather marginal, with some local exceptions. For a better understanding of this phenomenon, we suggest including more detailed information on vandalism in future papers, which could aid in the interpretation of scientific data, as well as in nature conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding mechanisms stabilizing ecosystem functions, such as primary production, is crucial for forecasting global environmental responses. While biological diversity is expected to enhance stability through compensatory reactions to environmental changes, empirical evidence is lacking, especially in old‐growth forests vital for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Moreover, whether increased niche complementarity and stronger intraspecific than interspecific competition are key mechanisms promoting compensatory dynamics and stabilizing ecosystem functions in diverse forests remains unexplored.This study investigates productivity and stability in temperate old‐growth forests over 20 years at community and individual levels. Analysing 4380 trees in a 4‐ha plot in northern Japan with over 35 tree species, structural equation models evaluated the effects of biodiversity and average asynchrony in species fluctuations (compensatory dynamics) on productivity stability across 100 m2 grid quadrats. Functional traits and taxonomic diversity represented species complementarity and the insurance effect. Temporal growth correlations between conspecific and heterospecific neighbours and neighbourhood effects on growth performance indicated intra‐ and interspecific interactions at the individual level.Communities with greater stability exhibited higher diversity and asynchronous species fluctuations, suggesting that compensatory dynamics buffer community productivity against environmental variability. The inverse relationship between tree size variation and stability indicates that communities with less pronounced size and abundance hierarchies have more efficient compensatory mechanisms, ensuring stable forest functioning.The absence of negative temporal correlations in biomass production among heterospecific neighbours suggests the limited significance of interspecific competition in compensatory dynamics. Conversely, positive correlations among conspecific neighbours and their suppressed growth in dense conspecific patches highlight the importance of conspecific negative density‐dependent mechanisms in sustaining tree species diversity and ensuring stable productivity.Synthesis: The study underscores the critical role of tree species richness in stabilizing ecosystem functioning via asynchronous growth in one of the world's most diverse temperate forests. Stronger intraspecific than interspecific competition helps prevent single‐species dominance, maintaining diversity and productivity stability. Despite occasional destabilization from size‐asymmetric interspecific competition, species‐trait complementarity enhances stability by promoting overall biomass production. This study highlights the importance of overall diversity for the stability of forest productivity, with implications for nature conservation and ecosystem functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-scale owners constitute an essential share of private forest ownership, and their decision-making significantly affects nature conservation and landscape formation. From economic and environmental viewpoints, forest owners’ associations are one of the most effective ways to manage small-scale forest property. Using the example of the Czech Republic, this paper focuses on small-scale forest associations’ potential in sustainable forest management. For the qualitative study, the authors interviewed small-scale owners to elicit how they perceived joint management through associations and what they considered their most significant benefits and values. The findings indicate that although small-scale owners realize the importance of associations for joint forest management, they are reluctant to join or form them. Their restraints mainly result from insufficient awareness. Improving the communication strategy amongst forest policy players with small-scale owners as stakeholders on the one side and state authorities on the other is vital. The positive approach could also be reached by inevitable changes in legislation and subsidy schemes because, as they are set now, they provide little opportunity for small-scale owners to associate. The findings, however, indicate a shift from small-scale owners perceiving the forest purely economically to understanding its socio-ecological values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concern for the environment and social support for the protection of nature are crucial in times of climate change and environmental degradation. This article compares the evolution of concern about environmental protection in Spain and in the European Union over the last two decades, examining the effect of various sociodemographic, political-ideological and values-based variables. Data from five Eurobarometers conducted before, during and after the Great Recession were analysed using the optimal scaling technique. Support for protection has been high in the past two decades, but declined during the crisis. The results show: a) little influence of socio-demographic factors, except for education level; b) a moderate impact of ideology; and c) a strong association between beliefs about the human-nature relationship and environmental concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Global urbanisation reduces greenery and species richness (biodiversity) and limits opportunities for most children to gain experiences of nature. Disconnecting children from nature has implications for their play, health, well‐being, and comprehension of ecological systems, as well as their engagement with the environment as adults.In the competition for land for built infrastructure, the preservation of remaining greenery is essential to fulfill multiple functions. One way forward is to look for synergies between conservation of biodiversity and children's need for outdoor environments of high quality.In this paper, we synthesize the existing literature on how to understand the many interfaces between children and nature, suggesting perspectives and tools for the management and design of nature‐based play settings. We frame this transdisciplinary perspective using 'play biotopes', as a conceptual framework in which both children's play and species are taken into account.We exemplify how the play biotope framework can be put into practice as part of (1) an overall approach to landscapes made more useful to both children and other species, (2) affordances for play in nature such as branches from dead wood, and (3) a design process of a playground by giving input to nature‐based solutions.A conclusion is that play biotopes as a conceptual framework within nature‐based solutions can help increase play and biodiversity by promoting structures for climbing, making huts and biotopes otherwise overlooked in urban planning. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's interactions with nature are important mediators of health benefits and future relationships with nature and conservation. However, there are growing concerns that children are becoming disconnected from nature as societal changes make natural environments and their affordances less accessible. There is now a need to explore ways to reconnect children to nature.We evaluated bird feeding as an environmental education intervention on species knowledge, attitudes towards birds and well‐being of children (aged 10–11 years) in 14 urban and rural schools across three city regions. We used surveys to investigate the role of urbanisation and socio‐economic factors in children's relationships with nature and possible modulating effects on the intervention response.Local nature, close to the children's homes, was associated with better well‐being and modulated the effect of the intervention on species knowledge: children from areas with less local nature gained more from the project. Urbanisation per se had no direct impacts but did correlate with the types of affordances associated with nature by the children, suggesting differences in how urban and rural children utilise nature.We found that socio‐economic factors impacted pre‐existing species knowledge and attitudes towards nature. Higher education was associated with better species knowledge. Higher income correlated with children participating in more outdoor activities, which subsequently correlated with more positive attitudes towards birds. Species knowledge also correlated with positive attitudes. We found large differences in the intervention impact between schools, likely explained by a pivotal role of teachers facilitating nature interactions in school‐based projects.Our findings show that bird feeding has potential as an intervention to connect children with nature, but ecological and social contexts moderate its efficacy. Local greenspace and socio‐economics influenced children's relationships with nature in both urban and rural areas, indicating that local conditions rather than urbanisation levels govern connection to nature. Role models appeared crucial, suggesting that specialised environmental education organisations have significant potential to enhance nature connection through interventions, particularly in areas with low socio‐economic levels and sparse nature. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gross ecosystem product (GEP) is the aggregate economic value of the final goods and services of the ecosystem produced within a given area, providing a potentially effective means of linking nature protection and restoration to development.In this study, we calculated the values and distribution of biodiversity, GEP and gross domestic product (GDP) in the 547 counties of Southwestern China, a biodiversity hotspot. We then divided the region into nine types of area based on spatial correlations between the three indicators.Areas with high biodiversity, GEP per km2 and GDP per capita were mainly found in and around the large cities of Kunming, Chengdu and Guiyang, reflecting a reasonably high degree of coupling coordination between ecosystems and the local economy.Contrary to our hypotheses, areas with high biodiversity do not necessarily have high GEP, and regions with high GDP do not inherently have low biodiversity. This suggests that synergies exist between biodiversity conservation and economic development, and that increasing the value of material and non‐material services in GEP could improve this alignment.Based on our findings, we argue that GEP can act as a bridge between biodiversity conservation and economic development. Understanding the interactions between biodiversity, GEP and GDP can inform the design of effective policies. In particular, we suggest that sustainable agricultural intensification and forestry along with ecotourism offer promising pathways for advancing nature‐positive development in this ecologically critical region. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse forest landscapes contribute to reaching various forest policy goals. Understanding how the diversity of forests in a landscape is distributed among forest properties and how it is related to biogeographical and ownership factors can be helpful for effective policy implementation. We created a forest characteristics-based typology of non-industrial private forest properties aiming to capture the between-property forest diversity in a municipality in southern Sweden, and studied how it was related to owner age and gender, landscape position, and storm damage. Using public data of forests and latent profile analysis, we detected five clusters of properties. Four clusters differed mainly by age structure and species composition. One of them was clearly marked by a high proportion of young mixed forest following severe storm damage >15 years prior. The fifth cluster was marked by a greater occurrence of nature conservation agreements and conservation value forests. Conifer-dominated properties were larger than broadleaf-dominated properties. Owner age only slightly differed between clusters, being higher for properties characterized by a prevalence of older coniferous or by noble broadleaved forests and nature conservation. Properties in the latter cluster were more often owned by women and located close to lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In recent decades, the integration of horses (Equus ferus) in European rewilding initiatives has gained widespread popularity due to their potential for regulating vegetation and restoring natural ecosystems. However, employing horses in conservation efforts presents important challenges, which we here explore and discuss. These challenges encompass the lack of consensus on key terms inherent to conservation and rewilding, the entrenched culture and strong emotions associated with horses, low genetic diversity and high susceptibility to hereditary diseases in animals under human selection, as well as insufficient consideration for the social behaviour of horses in wild‐living populations. In addition, management of wild‐living horses involves intricate welfare, ethics and legislative dimensions. Anthropocentric population‐control initiatives may be detrimental to horse group structures since they tend to prioritise individual welfare over the health of populations and ecosystems. To overcome these challenges, we provide comprehensive recommendations. These involve a systematic acquisition of genetic information, a focus on genetic diversity rather than breed purity and minimal veterinary intervention in wild‐living populations. Further, we advise allowing for natural top‐down and bottom‐up control – or, if impossible, simulating this by culling or non‐lethal removal of horses – instead of using fertility control for population management. We advocate for intensified collaboration between conservation biologists and practitioners and enhanced communication with the general public. Decision‐making should be informed by a thorough understanding of the genetic makeup, common health issues and dynamics, and social behaviour in wild‐living horse populations. Such a holistic approach is essential to reconcile human emotions associated with horses with the implementation of conservation practices that are not only effective but also sustainable for the long‐term viability of functional, biodiverse ecosystems, while rehabilitating the horse as a widespread wild‐living species in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm swamp forests are wetland ecosystems typical of the Brazilian Cerrado, which in recent decades have undergone intense changes due to land use alterations and climate change. As a result of these disturbances, many palm swamps have been experiencing significant drying, which can also affect adjacent vegetation. In the present study, we evaluated whether the drying of palm swamps affects the structure of plant–herbivore networks located in adjacent savanna areas in Brazil. Our results show that savanna areas adjacent to dry zones of palm swamps have fewer interactions, fewer interacting species, and a less specialized topology, which corroborates our expectations. Our findings indicate that the drying of palm swamps also has propagated impacts on adjacent savanna vegetation, impairing more specialized interactions in these environments. On the other hand, contrary to expectations, plant–herbivore networks in dry zones displayed higher modularity, lower nestedness and lower robustness than those in wet zones, suggesting that in dry environments, species tend to compartmentalize their interactions, even with lower interaction specialization. This is the first study to investigate the impacts of environmental drying on the structure of plant–herbivore networks in tropical ecosystems, highlighting the complexity of these effects and their differential impact on specialized and generalized interactions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective conservation and management strategies in the face of ongoing environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of strategic psychology‐based marketing techniques for increasing public support for conservation is poorly understood. We assessed how such techniques affect support for tropical rainforest restoration with a controlled online experiment with 1166 nationally representative residents of the United Kingdom. We tested whether support increased when adding ecosystem service (ES) framings to typical nongovernmental organizations’ (NGOs) biodiversity‐focused messages that emphasize benefits to UK residents or people living near the tropical restoration site and a dynamic social norm nudge that emphasized increasing popularity of environmental restoration. We considered how respondents’ psychological traits (nature connection, self‐efficacy, psychological benefits of supporting charities, awareness of environmental degradation in the Global South, and climate change skepticism) influenced responses. Outcomes included respondents’ reported advertisement sufficiency, sympathetic attitudes, behavioral support, and financial support. The study population typically found advertisements sufficient and exhibited sympathetic attitudes and financial, but not behavioral, support. Younger people exhibited greater conservation support than older respondents. Messages framed solely on biodiversity conservation were as effective as those highlighting additional ES benefits received by UK residents and people near the tropical restoration site. This suggests that framing around ESs, rather than nature's intrinsic value, may not strengthen public support for conservation. The dynamic social norm nudge had perverse effects. It reduced perceived social norms and most outcome variables. Alternative dynamic norm nudges warrant testing, but our results support research suggesting dynamic norm nudges can be ineffective when associated with activism, challenging their use by conservation NGOs. Psychological benefits of supporting charities and perceived self‐efficacy increased support for advertisements, highlighting the benefits of including impact statements relating respondents’ support to specific outcomes. Climate change skepticism decreased support, whereas nature connection and perceived static social norms increased it, highlighting the need to increase nature connection and pro‐environmental social norms to elevate public support for conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Further global warming is projected to increase coastal erosion. Therefore, coastal protection is being intensified with a strong emphasis placed on environmental biotechniques. One such activity is anti-erosion planting using alien plant species. The aliens penetrate from the plant species into the natural ecosystems, reducing their biodiversity and ecosystem services. Parallel to coastal protection, measures for nature conservation are undertaken to eliminate invasive aliens from the natural ecosystems that take over. Such actions are featured in the master plans drafted for the Natura 2000 sites on the south Baltic coast. Although there is no sufficient scientific evidence, Salix acutifolia willow used in anti-erosion plantings was considered a neophyte invading white and grey dune habitats and reducing their biodiversity. The master plans mandated the elimination of the willow without considering the role of its spontaneous locations in providing erosion-control services. In 2017–2023, research was undertaken on the south Baltic coast (Wolin Island) on the arguments behind such a radical conservation action. We present the results of these studies. We consider the elimination of S. acutifolia from its spontaneous locations as a reduction in both its erosion-control services and the willow's role in nature conservation. We present some principles for action in case of a conflict between coast protection and nature conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the legal issue of recognizing nature as a subject of rights within the current legal framework, highlighting a paradigm shift in the protection of nature in Ecuador. With the 2008 Constitution, nature transitioned from being an "object of protection" to an entity with its own rights. The ruling 1185-20-JP/21 is used as a case study to analyze these legal and practical implications. The ruling deals with the violation of rights due to irrigation projects without adequate environmental consultation, emphasizing the importance of ecological flow. The Constitutional Court reaffirms the interdependence between the rights of nature and human rights, highlighting the need for a systemic approach to environmental protection. Key legal and jurisprudential precedents are reviewed to contextualize this recognition, evaluating its impact on the legal system and environmental protection, and analyzing the enforceability of these rights through judicial mechanisms. The ruling establishes a crucial precedent for the sustainable management of natural resources and reinforces the importance of protecting the rights of nature to ensure a sustainable future for all generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey berry, also known as Solanum torvum Swartz, is native to Africa, Asia and South America. This tropical plant of the family Solanaceae has versatile uses in both food and medicine in tropical and subtropical countries. It has been employed in traditional medicine all over the world. Chemical composition of this fruit, its pharmacological properties as ascertained through scientific investigations and its clinical applications are discussed. S. torvum contains numerous important metabolites such as saponins steroids and flavonoids, which function as antioxidants, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiulcer, antianxiety and immunomodulators. Various notable roles in ethnomedicinal uses and approaches as a traditional medicinal herb. These have been found in large amounts and have various functions, including antioxidant properties against cardiovascular diseases and immune-modulating activities. Notably leaves extracts, fruits etc. have beneficial therapeutic traits. For a long time now, "Solanum torvum" has been used to treat numerous conditions such as fever, wounds, etc. Research backs up these traditional uses by pointing out the plant's blood pressure management, kidney protection nature, and immune-boosting capabilities. The review summarizes the importance of ethnobotany, its chemical composition, and the scientifically proven pharmacological activities of S. torvum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective conservation of wildlife requires current and accurate range maps of a species' distribution. While maintaining these resources can be challenging, especially for poorly documented species, the map is important for scientists, land managers, and decision makers alike. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is a leading information source on the global extinction risk status of flora and fauna and provides current range maps for use in wildlife conservation and listing decisions. Chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis), a declining aerial insectivore whose contemporary range includes North and South America, is a near-threatened species according to IUCN, but its range map excludes areas known to support breeding populations. Here we compiled occurrence of Chuck-will's-widow within the state of Illinois across 6 data sources over a 65+ year period to highlight the occurrence of the species throughout the region. Although excluded from the current IUCN range map, we documented 947 occurrences of the species within Illinois since 1957. Through the use of minimum convex polygons (MCP), we report consistent and stable occurrence of Chuck-will's-widow, with the composite MCP ranging across the southern half of the state. Our results suggest that Chuck-will's-widow distribution within Illinois is not a result of recent colonization nor a climatic-induced shift in the species' distribution, but rather likely an underreporting of the species. This research illustrates how nocturnal or otherwise difficult to detect species may be widely underrepresented in public biodiversity databases and, as a result, have several gaps in their IUCN range maps. In addition to eBird and GBIF, we therefore encourage the inclusion of researchers and land managers along the range boundaries in the development of IUCN range maps, as local knowledge may be needed to fully describe the distribution of declining and underrepresented species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify the glandula uropygialis's macroanatomical and histological structure in male and female birds (stork, goose, eagle, pigeon, crow and sparrowhawk) that belong to different populations. A total of 58 specimens were used in the study. The study materials were delivered to our laboratory by nature conservation and national parks, and no animals were euthanised for this study. The longitudinal and transversal lengths, dorsoventral heights and feather length of the glandula uropygialis and papilla uropygialis were measured with a digital calliper. Haematoxylin–eosin and Masson trichrome staining were performed for histological examinations. The shape of the glandula uropygialis was found to be pear‐shaped in pigeons and sparrowhawks, heart‐shaped in geese, kidney‐shaped in eagles and oval‐fascule‐shaped in storks. In the crow, the shape of the glandula uropygialis was different from the other species in that it was located dorso‐caudally. Histomorphological examination of the glands of these species revealed that the gland generally consisted of two lobes, right and left, surrounded by connective tissue from the outside. The parenchyma of these lobes consisted of tubulo‐alveolar secretory glands with a radial arrangement from the periphery to the centre. The glands within the lobes differed from the periphery to the centre and although the general histomorphological appearance was similar between bird species, some differences were observed between species. Similar stromal structure was observed in all bird species evaluated in the study. However, the reticular connective tissue forming the roof of the gland was found to be more developed in pigeons, especially in Masson's trichroma staining. The degenerative layer in the glands was more prominent in the eagle, followed by the goose and crow. Although a common general histological structure was observed among bird species, simple histomorphological differences were found between these formations, but no differences were found between the sexes. The results obtained will be compared with the findings of the aves class and will provide a data source for this special gland specific to birds. It is thought that the results obtained may help to determine the functional properties of the gland and contribute to the science of ornithology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rising concerns over the failed outcomes of global conservation strategies and the militarization of environmental monitoring and enforcement, there is an urgent need for decolonizing nature conservation. This article examines the position of Indigenous peoples as rights-and-knowledge-holders in this discourse and the vital role they play in biodiversity conservation globally. I present a 2018 case study of the Kogui Indigenous peoples of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia, one of the last remaining examples of a sustainable biocultural system. My results demonstrate that the success of the Kogui is largely defined by their: (a) nature-based cosmovision, (b) strong cultural identity related to that cosmovision, and (c) functioning governance system ordered by Natural Law. These findings stand as beacons to reframe the nature conservation paradigm and help humanity re-find and re-connect with our place in, and relationship with, both the material and non-material worlds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among gastrointestinal nematodes, Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi) Cobb (order Strongylidae; family Trichostrongylidae) is one of pathogenic and economic importance in domestic and wild ruminants, including the European bison, Bison bonasus Linnaeus (order Cetartiodactyla; family Bovidae); a species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Carabus granulatus Linnaeus (order Coleoptera; family Carabidae) is one of the most prevalent species of ground beetle, inhabiting a wide range of terrestrial ecosystems in Poland. Twenty‐six ground beetles of this species inhabiting the Białowieża Primeval Forest in eastern Poland were screened for the presence of DNA of pathogenic gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants. Extracted DNA was sequenced and compared to reference sequences. In six insects, the presence of H. contortus DNA was detected. The obtained nucleotide sequences were homologous to each other and to the majority of the published DNA sequences of H. contortus isolates. The sequences were also identical to a sequence of H. contortus isolated from European bison in Poland. The study provides the first molecular evidence of the presence of H. contortus DNA in C. granulatus. The finding suggests that ground beetles may play a role in the transmission dynamics of this parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Convention on Biological Diversity's post-2020 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) includes targets to formally protect thirty percent of Earth by 2030 and stimulate financialization of biodiversity conservation. This paper foregrounds potential risks and limitations of the GBF in Thailand. It examines the historical context of state-run protected areas, including their role in facilitating state territorialization and dispossession, political and cultural persecution, and deleterious economic agendas. It then shows that implementation in Thailand could displace residents of more than 200 villages and supplant roughly forty percent (3,951 square kilometers) of all state-registered community forest lands, which provide various livelihood, cultural, and conservation benefits. The paper challenges three assumptions: that parties to the Convention will recognize the rights and agency of Indigenous Peoples and local communities; that state-run protected areas are managed for biodiversity conservation and not for economic growth; and that perpetual economic growth and modernization are compatible with conservation. Effective and equitable conservation in Thailand and elsewhere requires more socially and ecologically responsive community rights-based approaches that empower (rather than supersede) customary institutions and transcend unsustainable political-economic imperatives for privatization and perpetual economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of our study was the changes in the composition of semi-natural dry grasslands in Hungary. Maintaining the favorable condition of grasslands is not only important from a theoretical nature conservation point of view, but it also has important economic implications. Since these valuable habitats were created with the help of humans, their preservation also requires active treatment. Our current experiment was aimed at investigating the suppression of tall grass, Calamagrostis epigejos L. Roth. In Hungary, in the Cserhát Mountains, eight permanent plots were mown twice a year. We surveyed the vegetation twice a year between 2001 and 2011. The effects of treatment were studied with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). After 10 years, the C. epigejos cover of the mown plots decreased significantly, from the initial average of 62.38 to 7.50%. Surprisingly, we noticed a decrease in the control plots as well. While percentage cover of C. epigejos decreased in all plots, the decrease was significantly stronger in the mown plots. Regular treatment caused an increase in the number of species and diversity. Species richness increased continuously in both treatment types, which indicates the combined effect of vegetation succession and treatment. The biomass growth of other Poaceae and Fabaceae species, which are important from a grassland management perspective, was also facilitated by mowing. Our results allow us to conclude that long-term regular mowing is recommended for preservation from the perspective of the richness and variety of grassland management functional groups and the functioning of the ecosystem in semi-arid regenerating grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global environmental crisis needs fundamental changes in people's attitudes and behaviors towards sustainability. The Bodogol Nature Conservation Education Center (PPKAB) in Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park has significant potential to support environmental education but remains underutilized due to a lack of integration with school curricula. The research problem is that PPKAB’s programs are not fully integrated, leading to suboptimal use and stagnant development. Purpose: This study aims to develop a synergy between PPKAB’s environmental education programs and the Independent Curriculum for junior high schools. Design/Methodology: The Study is a quantitative and descriptive qualitative. Utilizing the Analysis of Operational Areas and Natural Tourism Objects and Attractions (ADO- ODTWA) method, and involving ten including academics, business, community, government and media, the study assessed the feasibility and developed a synergy matrix. Findings/Result: The findings indicated a feasibility score of 76,3%, suggesting suitability for developing educational programs. The research recommends developing two environmental education synergy programs, namely School Visit Synergy and School Visits, to complement the independent curriculum at junior high school (SMP). Conclusion: As a conclusion, it is highly advised integrating PPKAB’s programs with school curricula to improve environmental education quality at the junior high level. This research produced significant results in environmental education. Originality/Value (State of the art): The added value of this research is that it emphasizes the business potential of ecotourism in supporting local economies and conservation efforts through strategic partnerships and innovative program development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though many studies have been thus far devoted to landscape services (LS) or vulnerability assessment (VA) alone, the relationship between these two concepts has been less investigated. The current study attempts to model the spatial relationship between LS and VA in the Tarhan area (west of Iran). For this purpose, a combination of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), remote sensing (RS), and geographic information system (GIS) techniques are applied to assess vulnerability. Variogram models and geostatistical simulations are used for mapping and evaluating landscape services. Moreover, the geographically weighted regression (GWR) is operated to predict the relationship between LS and VA. The results indicate that landform and socioeconomic variables are also two main factors shaping variations in VA. As well, the levels of services provided in the possible landscape are affected by the vulnerability. The assessment accordingly establishes that natural and cultural values have significant effects on services, in terms of their spatial distribution and nature. Exploring the relationship between LS and VA correspondingly depicts that VA has a direct influence on the capacity and entity of LS provision (adjusted R2 = 0.67). The outcomes of the study provide a foundation for nature management and conservation, although it is less able to analyze the trade-off between ecosystem degradation and future development trends. The nexus of LS and future ecological processes in an integrated system can be thus the subject of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National parks play a crucial role in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity while facing challenges in balancing nature conservation and economic development. However, because of the difficulty in the unified simulation of natural protection functions and regional socioeconomic development, there is a lack of integrated prediction research on the comprehensive development pathways of national parks and their surrounding areas. This study adopts the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) framework that links climate change research with socioeconomic development paths, taking China's first national park—Sanjiangyuan National Park—region as an example, to conduct research on the synergistic development path of regional socioeconomic development and national parks. The model design includes five typical paths to cover a wide range of socioeconomic development possibilities. These paths are based on different assumptions, including factors such as population growth, economic development, energy use, technological progress, and policy choices. By applying scenario planning methods, optimal development pathways are identified based on environmental, economic, and social priorities. The results show that GDP growth is fastest under the sustainable development and fossil fuel development pathways. By 2050, the population difference under different pathways will approach 100,000, and the GDP gap will be close to CNY 200 billion. This study provides valuable insights for the planning, decision-making, and management of Sanjiangyuan and similar national parks and their surrounding areas, contributing to the promotion of sustainable ecological and economic development of national parks and their regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the context of the preservation of the environment and the sustainable management of the resources, States have made commitments more and more difficult to hold. In Cameroon in particular, the permanent forest domain is undergoing the onslaught of riparian populations in search of well-being. They are illegally exploiting wood, clearing for farming, hunting and fishing taking advantage of authorities' failure who are unable to monitor conservation projects. The forest reserve of Ottotomo assigned to the production of timber for one part and nature conservation for the other has been successively managed by several institutions. The transition breaks between these funding institutions favours looting. Field surveys and satellite image (Landsat) processing are used to assess the dynamics that this reserve has undergone since 2002 marking the end of field surveillance activities. The lack of clarification of the property of the State which has not obtained the approval of the population to decide the protection of this space prevents a synergy of actions for the conservation project. More than half part of the reserve's forest cover has been lost in the last 30 years. The example of the Ottotomo reserve reflects the damage and threats suffered by protected areas in Cameroon, especially in areas submitted to urban influences. It is now necessary to reorient the management policies of Cameroon's permanent forest estate by extracting them from the field of the commons which promotes their rapid looting. The benefits of monetizing ecosystem services would greatly help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study concerns waste and wastewater management in municipalities located within borders of national parks in Poland. In the case, the desired direction of development is understood as undertaking pro-environmental measures, such as: the development of a collective sewage network and household sewage treatment facilities in place of holding tanks, and organized waste management, effective segregation of generated waste for future reutilization. The analysis is based on statistical data for the years 2019-2022 obtained from the local data bank. The multi-criteria analysis involved following stages: calculation of selected diagnostic variables for each municipality, normalization of indicators for the selected features to achieve their comparability, designation of a synthetic indicators describing the rate of wastewater and waste management. The obtained synthetic indictors enable to determine groups and types of municipalities related to the level of waste and wastewater management and to set up their spatial distribution within national parks. Six administrative units (11,7%) exhibit high-level waste management and above-average wastewater management. The largest group of the municipalities (57%) consists of units rated as average. No correlation can be observed between the level of waste and sewage management in individual municipalities and their location within the boundaries of a particular national park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt marshes in the southern North Sea are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wadden Sea, the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world. They provide a very high nature value while significantly contributing to coastal flood and erosion risk management as a nature-based element of flood and erosion risk management systems for densely populated coastal areas. Climate change-induced sea-level rise is a significant concern: an integrated approach to salt marsh management adapted to the effects of climate change necessitates an understanding of the impact of different management strategies. This review commences with a description of the biogeomorphological conditions and processes in salt marshes for a better understanding of the natural dynamics and how they are influenced by management and climate change. Next, the impact of salt marshes on hydrodynamic processes and their role as nature-based elements of flood and erosion risk management is presented; management options and implementation methods are discussed and analysed concerning coastal flood management and nature conservation requirements. In conclusion, targeted salt marsh management needs to consider the initial conditions and the development aims of the specific site are integrated into a conceptual framework. Salt marshes have the potential to adapt to sea-level rise, thereby contributing to the long-term protection of coastal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) consists of many functional groups containing oxygen that helps in its chemical modifications. Thus, we have explored the synthesis, and corrosion inhibition application of n-butylamine (nBA) functionalized GO, i.e., GO-nBA for N80 steel in the acidizing environment (15 % HCl). NMR and TEM characterized the GO-nBA. The performance of GO-nBA was evaluated via chemical and electrochemicals methods that are supported by surface examination techniques. The PDP results supports the mixed nature of protection ability of GO-nBA. Additionally, the excellency of GO-nBA is confirmed by the value of 93.93 % efficiency. The surface study furthermore represents smooth texture with the addition of GO-nBA. The computational analysis reveals excellent inhibitive performance of GO-nBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite changing paradigms in nature conservation, protected areas, such as national parks, remain key tools for nature conservation. Today, protected areas are perceived as socio-ecological systems, therefore using an ecosystem services approach may help in their designation. Here, we focus on the planned Turnicki National Park located in the far eastern part of the Polish Carpathian Mountains and conflict between proponents of the park establishment and local stakeholders. We used an ecosystem services-driven questionnaire survey among local communities to analyze interactions between the perception of ecosystem services and opinions about national parks, and the role of social and economic status in shaping these opinions. We found links between opinions towards national parks and other factors: age, life span in a municipality, level of education, and an average net income. Respondents who perceived benefits from nature were more positive towards national parks in general and the Turnicki National Park specifically; however, those who prioritized provisioning services were more skeptical. Also, we distinguished four Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis models which describe factors shaping opinions on national parks, respectively. The study has shown that the ecosystem services lens perspective can help in exploring the factors crucial while establishing the protected areas in specific social and economic context. The main implication for the study is careful consideration of the role of national park to protect the local environment in harmony with social needs and economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central European peatlands are critically endangered by climate change, eutrophication, disturbed water regime and inappropriate management. This leads to their degradation, which affects all components of these habitats including fungi, and significantly fungi participating in the carbon cycle such as saprotrophs, mycorrhizal symbionts and parasites. Nature conservation efforts focus mainly on macrofungi, especially ‘fungi important for nature conservation’ (FINC) which are rare or associated with endangered habitats. To find out whether standard environmental DNA (eDNA) sequencing methods can be used to monitor the effect of peatland degradation on FINC and fungal communities, we established pairs of plots in degraded and well-preserved parts of ten peatlands in the Třeboň Protected Landscape Area (Czech Republic). Peatland degradation was locally caused by a combination of different factors (water level and chemistry) followed by vegetation succession, whose effect on fungi was evaluated using multivariate analyses. A total of 28 FINC species were detected using macrofungal surveying, whereas 25 were found using eDNA of Sphagnum and peat (Illumina sequencing of ITS2). These two methods agreed on 13 predominantly abundant FINC species, most of which grew in both well-preserved and degraded plots. However, their sensitivity to the studied degradation could not be assessed due to the low abundance of most species. Fungal communities found on the basis of both methods (macrofungal survey, eDNA) were affected by water chemistry, whereas a significant effect of vegetation and locally expansive plants was demonstrated only in fungal communities found using macrofungal survey. Optimisation (e.g. specific primers) for local conditions leading to a better FINC capture must be carried out if eDNA is to be used in the practice of evaluating management effects on peatlands.

Abstract Global urbanisation reduces greenery and species richness (biodiversity) and limits opportunities for most children to gain experiences of nature. Disconnecting children from nature has implications for their play, health, well‐being, and comprehension of ecological systems, as well as their engagement with the environment as adults. In the competition for land for built infrastructure, the preservation of remaining greenery is essential to fulfill multiple functions. One way forward is to look for synergies between conservation of biodiversity and children's need for outdoor environments of high quality. In this paper, we synthesize the existing literature on how to understand the many interfaces between children and nature, suggesting perspectives and tools for the management and design of nature‐based play settings. We frame this transdisciplinary perspective using ‘play biotopes‘, as a conceptual framework in which both children's play and species are taken into account. We exemplify how the play biotope framework can be put into practice as part of (1) an overall approach to landscapes made more useful to both children and other species, (2) affordances for play in nature such as branches from dead wood, and (3) a design process of a playground by giving input to nature‐based solutions. A conclusion is that play biotopes as a conceptual framework within nature‐based solutions can help increase play and biodiversity by promoting structures for climbing, making huts and biotopes otherwise overlooked in urban planning. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract Palm swamp forests are wetland ecosystems typical of the Brazilian Cerrado, which in recent decades have undergone intense changes due to land use alterations and climate change. As a result of these disturbances, many palm swamps have been experiencing significant drying, which can also affect adjacent vegetation. In the present study, we evaluated whether the drying of palm swamps affects the structure of plant–herbivore networks located in adjacent savanna areas in Brazil. Our results show that savanna areas adjacent to dry zones of palm swamps have fewer interactions, fewer interacting species, and a less specialized topology, which corroborates our expectations. Our findings indicate that the drying of palm swamps also has propagated impacts on adjacent savanna vegetation, impairing more specialized interactions in these environments. On the other hand, contrary to expectations, plant–herbivore networks in dry zones displayed higher modularity, lower nestedness and lower robustness than those in wet zones, suggesting that in dry environments, species tend to compartmentalize their interactions, even with lower interaction specialization. This is the first study to investigate the impacts of environmental drying on the structure of plant–herbivore networks in tropical ecosystems, highlighting the complexity of these effects and their differential impact on specialized and generalized interactions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective conservation and management strategies in the face of ongoing environmental changes.

Abstract Climate change significantly impacts the distribution of woody plants, indirectly influencing the dynamics of entire ecosystems. Understanding species' varied responses to the environment and their reliance on biotic interactions is crucial for predicting the global changes' impact on woodland biodiversity. Our study focusses on Dicranum viride, a moss of conservation priority, and its dependence on specific phorophytes (host trees). Using species distribution modelling (SDM) techniques, we initially modelled its distribution using climate-only variables. As a novel approach, we also modelled the distribution of the main phorophyte species and incorporated them into D. viride SDM alongside climate data. Finally, we analysed the overlap of climatic and geographic niches between the epiphyte and the phorophytes. Inclusion of biotic interactions significantly improved model performance, with phorophyte availability emerging as the primary predictor. This underscores the significance of epiphyte-phorophyte interactions, supported by substantial niche overlap. Predictions indicate a potential decline in the suitability of most of the current areas for D. viride, with noticeable shifts towards the northern regions of Europe. Our study underscores the importance of incorporating biotic interactions into SDMs, especially for dependent organisms. Understanding such connections is essential to implement successful conservation strategies and adapt forest management practices to environmental changes.

Bulgaria has one of the richest biodiversity in Europe. To conserve it the state has built a network of national protected areas and included it in the Natura 2000 European ecological network. In attempts to create a vital example for sustainable local development Bulgarian NGOs demonstrate that protected areas are not prohibited for any human activities, but can be prerequisite for such development. This idea became the main mission of one particular project, managed by several NGOs, which aims to show that creating a protected area could be a guarantee of the establishment of a successful model for local people, for business and for the environment. The text will explore whether the project achieves its aims, whether there are clashes between cultural models of developmentalism and environmentalism, what social impact protected areas have on local entrepreneurs, and what their perceptions are of linking nature conservation to economic development. It will present different perspectives, both those of entrepreneurs who are part of the project network, and those of others who are not.

On April 26, 2024, the the Karazin Institute of Environmental Sciences hosted the III International Internet Conference "Current issues of Formal and Non-Formal Education in Environmental Monitoring and Conservation", organized by the Department of Environmental Monitoring and Conservation. The conference featured presentations on the following topics: The impact of military operations on the environment and ways of post-war revitalization of natural complexes; Problems and prospects of reserve management in Ukraine and the world; Environmental monitoring: science, education, practice; Formal and non-formal education in reserve management; The Chornobyl disaster: consequences of the tragedy and warnings for the future. Three reports-presentations of the certificate educational programs of the Institute of Ecology of Karazin University (speakers O. Gololobova, A. Kleshch and S. Burchenko) deserve special attention.

1950- og 1960-talet var ei tid med store kraftutbyggingsprosjekt i Noreg. Samstundes vaks motførestillingane mot dei omfattande vasskraftutbyggingane. I denne artikkelen følgjer eg utviklinga av eit stort kraftutbyggingsprosjekt i Sogn som ikkje vart realisert. Ei hovudproblemstilling er å syna kvifor prosjektet havarerte. Bakgrunnen for planane var lokalt behov for straum og ei moderat utbygging, men som resultat av den nasjonale kraftpolitikken vart planane kraftig utvida, i eit samarbeid mellom det lokale kraftselskapet A/S Årøy og det statseigde aluminiumsverket Årdal og Sunndal Verk. I artikkelen drøftar eg motsetningar mellom lokale behov og den nasjonale kraftpolitikken. Planane la opp til massive naturinngrep i to låglandsvassdrag og skapte stort lokalt engasjement; sentrale naturvernorganisasjonar var likevel fråverande. I artikkelen dokumenterer eg den lokale motstanden, som var ein viktig grunn til at planane til slutt vart skrinlagde. Saka er eit tidleg døme på konflikt mellom kraftpolitikk og verneinteresser, illustrerer utviklinga av naturvernet på 1960-talet og syner korleis NVE, den statlege etaten som forvalta kraftpolitikken, sleit med å ta inn over seg dei nye haldningane til naturen, som også manifesterte seg i lovverket. Konfliktane utbyggingssaka skapte, har klare parallellar til konfliktar knytt til våre dagars vindkraftutbygging.