Environmental impact assessment (EIA), a decision-making process for project appraisal and sustainability adopted globally as an administrative process to identify, predict, evaluate, and monitor projects from their f...Environmental impact assessment (EIA), a decision-making process for project appraisal and sustainability adopted globally as an administrative process to identify, predict, evaluate, and monitor projects from their feasibility, preconstruction, construction, and operation stages to mitigate the adverse impacts and enhance the beneficial impacts for the protection of the affected environment, The study objective is to explore global EIA systems and processes and find shortcomings and implications for making the best instrument or tool to protect the natural environment from man-made activities over the project cycle. For this, the relevant literature on the EIA system and process was reviewed and evaluated through the application of quantitative and qualitative approaches, including the assessment of legal instruments and the adoption of EIA methodologies in developing countries. EIA, initiated in the 1970s in the US and Australia, expanded to developing countries and was amended in East and Southeast Asia from the 1970s to the 2000s. The evaluation assessed that the South Asian countries follow UNEP and IAIA guidelines, utilizing national laws and expert consultations, with screening criteria and administrative processes based on established environmental legislation. Ad hoc, checklist, matrix, network, overlay, cost-benefit analysis, and predictive or simulation in EIA practice are used to assess the environmental impacts of development activities. Failure to recommend major projects undermines public trust and prevents mitigation measures from being implemented. Most developing countries have followed EIA to fulfill the legal requirement with shadow-off monitoring and follow-up rather than to upset, reduce, or compensate for the project impacts as per size, location, and severity of the project area. The research and guidelines outlined in the IAIA principles and process have synthesized the best EIA practices worldwide. Public participation, impact coverage, scientific mitigation, transparent evidence-based approaches, monitoring, follow-up, legitimate approaches, and future appraisal opportunities are major concerns to be included in best EIA practice.展开更多
The article discusses the peculiarities of landscape geography development, types of landscape structure and their types, the essence of cultural landscape and its types, landscape functions and peculiarities of their...The article discusses the peculiarities of landscape geography development, types of landscape structure and their types, the essence of cultural landscape and its types, landscape functions and peculiarities of their definition, the main tasks and challenges of using and managing Georgian landscapes.展开更多
Land tenure is a major determinant of the types of land use in a region or area and, by extension, affects its conservation. Most of the land that falls under public or communal land-tenure systems in developing count...Land tenure is a major determinant of the types of land use in a region or area and, by extension, affects its conservation. Most of the land that falls under public or communal land-tenure systems in developing countries such as Mali faces numerous challenges among them being natural resource overexploitation. This is mainly because the land is openly accessible to all people around it, and thus the tendency to overexploit the land resources leading to degradation, and food and environmental insecurity. In Mali, land ownership falls under three categories: Public or Government, Communal and Private. This study was undertaken to assess the land ownership types in Yanfolia District, Mali, a gold-mining area that lies some 170 km southern east of capital district of Bamako and upstream of Selingué dam on Sankarini River. A social survey of 200 households was done using a structured questionnaire. Additional research instruments were focus group discussion, key informant interviews and observation check-lists. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicated that most of the land under gold-mining was owned by the government followed by community and finally private. There were significant associations between size of land under gold-mining and land tenure types: communal land (<em>χ</em><sup>2</sup> = 30.52;p = 0.000);private land (<em>χ</em><sup>2</sup> = 65.09;p = 0.000) and public or government land (<em>χ</em><sup>2</sup> = 177;p = 0.000). Gold-mining takes place mostly on lands classified under public/government and communal compared to that which takes place on lands classified as private. It is recommended that the relevant Malian governmental regulatory and enforcement agencies implement and enforce existing environmental laws with respect to land and environment. These agencies should adopt participatory and sustainable approaches to land and natural resources management for improved food and environmental security.展开更多
In order to determine the relationship between physiographical factors and regeneration changes in forests, and to improve and model natural regeneration status, Gorazbon district in Kheyrod Forest was selected for th...In order to determine the relationship between physiographical factors and regeneration changes in forests, and to improve and model natural regeneration status, Gorazbon district in Kheyrod Forest was selected for the study. All available regeneration patches in the area were selected. To achieve spatial structure and quantify metrics related to regeneration patches, the analysis of landscape metrics was used. The results show that 692 regeneration patches were identified at the level of different directions. LAND Metric show the most regeneration percent is related to the western (9%), southern (8.66%), flat areas (8.33%), northern (5.68%) and eastern (4.73%), respectively. In total, the patch coverage level percentage was calculated in the landscape (8.31%). The results related to patch shape metric show that most shapes of patches follow polygon structures and do not have fixed shapes. Results related to the average area of the patch metric show that the average level of patches is between 4 and 5 R. The maximum and minimum distance between patches was observed in the survey between 39 and 520 m respectively. According to the results of the distance average between patch metric, the distribution of patches is random in the southern and western directions, flat areas and pile, but it is uniform in northern directions. It should be noted that the distribution and structure of patches in the northern directions has a better distribution and homogeneity than the other directions. Its canals are used as a natural regeneration model to follow the natural phenomena in forest sustainable management.展开更多
Developments adjacent to river, over the years, have impacted the ecological systems along riparian zones. This paper is to explore the changes occurring in a populated riparian zone. For over 35 years, the nipah swam...Developments adjacent to river, over the years, have impacted the ecological systems along riparian zones. This paper is to explore the changes occurring in a populated riparian zone. For over 35 years, the nipah swamps along the study site at the edge of Kuching city, Sarawak, Malaysia are subjected to human disturbances. Once a nipah forest is dominated by Nypa fruticans, the study site is being replaced by Sonneratia caseolaris—a mangrove forest. Both plants are indigenous to Southeast Asia region. We observe in the study site that Nypa fruticans, habitually a dominant species, is weakened when human disturbances are high, and leads to event taken over by Sonneratia caseolaris. We point out that Sonneratia caseolaris behaves intrusively rather than neighborly in disturbed systems. Here, we suggest that the plant also has high resistance towards human disturbances. This is a growing behavior contradictory to reports of Sonneratia caseolaris in natural systems.展开更多
This study assessed the nesting patterns oflappet faced vulture inLochinvar National Park, on the Kafue flats,Zambia. Road drives and foot patrols were used to identify and take GPS coordinates of lappet faced vulture...This study assessed the nesting patterns oflappet faced vulture inLochinvar National Park, on the Kafue flats,Zambia. Road drives and foot patrols were used to identify and take GPS coordinates of lappet faced vulture nests. The main objectives of the study were: 1) to obtain basic breeding information of lappet-faced vulture in Lochinvar National Park and the Kafue Flats in general, 2) to determine size of the breeding population in the National Park, 3) todocument distribution of the nesting sites, 4) tofacilitate development of a monitoring programme that would secure the nesting sites from human disturbance, and 5) to determine availability of suitable nesting sites and major threats that may interfere with breeding. Tree species on which nests were found were identified and height of nest above ground was estimated. A total of 22 nests were recorded with 5 (23%) being lappet faced vulture nests on seven species of trees. The mean height for nest placamenet was10 mabove ground. Host tree physiognomy, size and height were important characteristics in nest placement. Large trees of 10mand above are critical in facilitating nest placement and must be protected in identified breeding sites.展开更多
Tlemcen region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with a remarkable vegetal cover. The latter is influenced by the anthropozoological action. For that, we realized a phytoecological study based on the minimu...Tlemcen region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with a remarkable vegetal cover. The latter is influenced by the anthropozoological action. For that, we realized a phytoecological study based on the minimum area classical method [1] which allows us to have a good overview on plant biodiversity and better analyze and interpret the vegetation at different levels (systematic composition;biological, morphological and biogeographical characterizations;stratification;and plant species inventory which we hope comprehensive). The results show that our ecosystems are disrupted because therophytisation, before last vegetation dynamics element [2], settles giving up a few feet of cork and holm oaks species of ancient forest.展开更多
This study concerns the density and biomass of the ichthyoplankton population in the estuaries and mangroves of Sangaréah Bay. The study resulted in the inventory of 5938 individuals divided into 20 families and ...This study concerns the density and biomass of the ichthyoplankton population in the estuaries and mangroves of Sangaréah Bay. The study resulted in the inventory of 5938 individuals divided into 20 families and 30 species, more dominated by the Carangidae, Clupeidae and Sciaenidae, which each account for 10% of the species total population. A high concentration of planktonic ichthyo organisms was observed in the Sonfonia, Samatran, Soumba and Arabanty areas. In short, the constant presence of eggs and larvae of ontogenetic stages make these estuary and mangrove zones environments of advection, migration, ontogenetic development and feeding. Ichthyoplankton is one of the modern tools used in the bio-indication and bio-monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. A diverse population dominated by fish eggs and larvae is a sign that the ecosystems surveyed are functioning properly.展开更多
Maintaining natural habitats is crucial for the preservation of insects and other species that indicate environmental changes. However, the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve and its surrounding farmlands are facing distur...Maintaining natural habitats is crucial for the preservation of insects and other species that indicate environmental changes. However, the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve and its surrounding farmlands are facing disturbance due to human activities, which is putting many wildlife species, particularly larger mammals, at risk. To determine the impact of human activities on butterfly species diversity and abundance in the reserve and its surrounding areas, we conducted a study from November 2021 to October 2023. We collected butterfly data using transect walks and baited traps in two habitat types. Our study yielded 2799 butterfly Individuals ranging in 124 species divided into five families habitat, season, and anthropogenic factors are significant environmental variables influencing species diversity and abundance of butterflies. Therefore, it’s important to protect habitat and dry-season water for the conservation of invertebrates such as butterflies. Our study findings provide essential information for ecological monitoring and future assessment of the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve ecosystem health.展开更多
The concept of virtual water in recent years has been proposed with the world’s water resource consumption management approach. Hashtgerd study area is one of 609 study areas of the country that is located entirely i...The concept of virtual water in recent years has been proposed with the world’s water resource consumption management approach. Hashtgerd study area is one of 609 study areas of the country that is located entirely in Alborz Province. Average annual rainfall in this region was about 200 to 340 mm and the average agricultural production per year was more than one million tons and had more than 16 million cubic meters surplus recovery from underground water resources. The aim of this study is to evaluate resources and amounts of virtual water in the agricultural sector of the study area and its impact on the area water resources balance and ultimately provide solutions to reduce water consumption by the agricultural sector. The most important exported water products in Hashtgerd area in order of importance are peaches and nectarines (33% of water exports), plums (15% of water exports), vegetables (5.14 percent of water exports), cherry (4.7% of water exports) and wheat (6.5 percent of water exports). Virtual water trade balance of agricultural and horticultural products in the digital range is equal to 260+ million cubic meters. Density of agricultural lands can be mentioned as the main reasons for positive balance of virtual water trade in this area.展开更多
In light of the importance of seeds germinative phase in the progress of later stages of development of any particular plant species in semi-arid and arid area, it is essential to study the germinative behavior and to...In light of the importance of seeds germinative phase in the progress of later stages of development of any particular plant species in semi-arid and arid area, it is essential to study the germinative behavior and to evaluate the tolerance of a perennial halophyte of Amaranthacaea family, Arthrocnemum glaucum (Del.) Ung. during this crucial phase. A study is devoted to this species seeds germination, which although it’s a mandatory halophyte, it’s less tolerant to salt stress in germination’ phase. Germinative tests are carried out in laboratory, on seeds putted in Petri dishes placed at different temperatures. They enable us to determine the optimal germination temperature, which is 40°C while the cold one (5°C) completely inhibits it. The seeds of Arthrocnemum glaucum show an optimum germination of 44% in distilled water (NaCl 0 mm) similar to glycophytes but they differ in their ability to germinate at higher salinities. Beyond 300 mM germination is completely inhibited. Prior to break dormancy seeds, a cold treatment at 5°C has been achieved;the germination capacity of the seeds increases with the duration of the cold treatment. It increases from 30% after 2 weeks of treatment to 80% after a treatment of 27 weeks.展开更多
In the cities of Algeria, Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is the mosquito which presents most interest because of its wide geographical distribution and of its abundance which engender a strong nuisance. Besides...In the cities of Algeria, Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is the mosquito which presents most interest because of its wide geographical distribution and of its abundance which engender a strong nuisance. Besides, its role of vector of the virus West Nile arouses a particular interest in the Mediterranean Basin. These insects are generally controlled by conventional insecticides for the greater part, chemicals which cause in the long term side effects (effects on the not aimed bodies and the resistance of the aimed species). A research for the effect of the bioinsecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (granulated commercial shape in 200 IUT1/mg) was realized on préimaginales populations of the artificial deposits sites (taken directly of them natural the deposits sites) and cleansed populations (stemming from a breeding) having never been handled previously, taking into account local weather and physico-chemical conditions. Analyses of variance, allowed to determine the combined effect of the factor measure and of the factor time which by increasing, increase the efficiency of the product. The results of the rates of mortalities registered after treatment allowed to loosen the DL50 and the DL90 for every embryonic stage. From the results, we estimated the degree of sensibility of the larva populations of Culex pipiens which have proved heterogeneous in partial tolerance in Bacillus thuringiensis for the populations of the sensitive artificial and homogeneous the deposits sites for those stemming from the breeding.展开更多
Mark-recapture models are extensively used in quantitative population ecology, providing estimates of population vital rates, such as survival, that are difficult to obtain using other methods. Vital rates are commonl...Mark-recapture models are extensively used in quantitative population ecology, providing estimates of population vital rates, such as survival, that are difficult to obtain using other methods. Vital rates are commonly modeled as functions of explanatory covariates, adding considerable flexibility to mark-recapture models, but also increasing the subjectivity and complexity of the modeling process. Consequently, model selection and the evaluation of covariate structure remain critical aspects of mark-recapture modeling. The difficulties involved in model selection are compounded in Cormack-Jolly-Seber models because they are composed of separate sub-models for survival and recapture probabilities, which are conceptualized independently even though their parameters are not statistically independent. The construction of models as combinations of sub-models, together with multiple potential covariates, can lead to a large model set. Although desirable, estimation of the parameters of all models may not be feasible. Strategies to search a model space and base inference on a subset of all models exist and enjoy widespread use. However, even though the methods used to search a model space can be expected to influence parameter estimation, the assessment of covariate importance, and therefore the ecological interpretation of the modeling results, the performance of these strategies has received limited investigation. We present a new strategy for searching the space of a candidate set of Cormack-Jolly-Seber models and explore its performance relative to existing strategies using computer simulation. The new strategy provides an improved assessment of the importance of covariates and covariate combinations used to model survival and recapture probabilities, while requiring only a modest increase in the number of models on which inference is based in comparison to existing techniques.展开更多
In the purpose of defining typical urban water management challenges in coastal lowlands in the context of global climate change, a comparative study was conducted between two coastal new towns respectively located in...In the purpose of defining typical urban water management challenges in coastal lowlands in the context of global climate change, a comparative study was conducted between two coastal new towns respectively located in the Netherlands and Northern China. Comparative method is applied to define main functioning patterns of urban water systems in the two cases, then computer simulations were used to furthercompare drainage capacity in order to reveal the trends of urban water management. Major resulthas shown that Almere in the Netherlands generally more advanced in urban water management asmultiple functioning patterns are available.Strong dykes maintain competence for land subsidence and sea level rise. Open water system decreases local runoff and increaseswater retention level. Systematic control ofsluicesand locks which serve for shipping and waterfront landscaping are simultaneously isolating contaminants from outer water body. Tianjin Eco-city in China has shown both strengths and weaknesses. It takes large amount of reclaimed water as main landscaping water source, which adapts to local water pollution and shortage while requires highly centralized facilities. Large water body is reserved and huge scale underground drainage system built, but it is still vulnerable to heavy storms due to the lack of efficient surface water drainage system. Coastal line control does not adequately prevent from increasing storm surge risks in the future. SWMMsimulations have supported the viewpoint ofdistributed surface water with a higher efficiency for storm drainage. Meanwhile, surface water system returns more added values to urban development. The study is corresponding well with the theory of water sensitive city. As a conclusion, urban water system should always incorporate methods to achieve higher system resilience based on multiple functioning patterns.展开更多
The objective of this research is to lift the dormancy of seeds of S. kunthianum in with a view to domesticating them. In this experiment, we used the soaking of seeds in sulfuric acid for different durations (10 min,...The objective of this research is to lift the dormancy of seeds of S. kunthianum in with a view to domesticating them. In this experiment, we used the soaking of seeds in sulfuric acid for different durations (10 min, 30 min and 1 h). The treated seeds were sown in transparent germinators. The explants obtained were then transplanted into pots containing five types of substrate (black earth, fine sand, sawdust, mixtures 1/1 of sawdust/black earth and 1/1 of sawdust/fine sand). This second test made it possible to determine the rate of germination on the substrate. The results obtained compared to those of the control showed a clear reduction in the latency time or germination time (62 hours) instead of 6 days (control), in the germination time 3 days/7 days (control) and a very high germination rate (100%). At the 5% threshold, soaking for 10 min and 30 min (100%) is the best result on the germination of S. kunthianum seeds. Soaking for 1 hour gives (7%) very low. After transplantation of the explants, the percentages obtained independently of the treatments show that the 1/1 mixtures of sawdust/black earth (75.19%), black earth (73.33%) and sawdust/fine sand (66.30%) have a higher performance than the others. The type of germination is epigeal. This work makes it possible to domesticate S. kunthianum in Chad.展开更多
A nonlinear dynamic simulative model has been discussed with variable cycles of entire world per capita ecological footprint taken from 1961 to 2003. The model was further classified and decomposed and extracted by th...A nonlinear dynamic simulative model has been discussed with variable cycles of entire world per capita ecological footprint taken from 1961 to 2003. The model was further classified and decomposed and extracted by the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method. To deal with the problems proposed in the Living Planet Report 2006, three ecological footprint scenarios are presented. Simulative numerical values of the three global per capita (GPC) ecological footprint scenarios are also analyzed based on the simulative model. The results show that: 1) The clear varying cycle of global per capita EF growth is 4.6 years, 9.5 years, 19.5 years and 41 years over the last 42 years;2) According to the business-as-usual scenario, if the global per capita increases positively with the constant growth, it is expected that GPC EF would be 3.262 gha in 2050. Assuming global per capita biocapacity (BC) to be 1.236 gha, global per capita ecological deficit (ED) would increase from 0.4 gha in 2003 to 2.026 gha in 2050;3) The slow-shift scenario shows global per capita EF would decrease from 2.23 gha in 2003 to 1.619 gha in 2080 and 1.406 gha in 2100, if the negative annual change rate of it is 0.447 percent. Global per capita ED would decrease from 0.4 gha in 2003 to 0.222 gha in 2080 and 0.038 gha in 2100, if global per capita BC is 1.397 gha;4) The rapid-reduction scenario depicts global per capita EF would decrease to 1.414 gha in 2050, if the negative annual change rate is 0.842% from 2003 to 2050. Assuming global per capita BC to be 1.461 gha, global per capita ecological reserve (ER) would be 0.047 gha, and overshoot would be eliminated in 2050. Global per capita EF would decrease to 1.054 gha in 2100, if the negative annual change rate is 0.438% from 2050 to 2100. Assuming global per capita BC to be 1.474 gha, GPC ER would be 0.420 gha. Then, wild species of the planet will be allocated nearly 28.5% of the planet’s biological productivity, which coincides with the results of Living Planet Report 2006.展开更多
Ambient concentrations of H<sub>2</sub>S were determined by modeling the H<sub>2</sub>S emissions dispersion for three sites located in the surroundings of oil and gas maritime terminal at the ...Ambient concentrations of H<sub>2</sub>S were determined by modeling the H<sub>2</sub>S emissions dispersion for three sites located in the surroundings of oil and gas maritime terminal at the southeast of Mexico. Hazard quotient is reported for different age groups. Paraiso City in Tabasco State reported the highest values for over 19 years old group (0.49). It was concluded that there was no threat to human health due to H<sub>2</sub>S emissions derived from the maritime terminal for the studied sites.展开更多
The extraction of large boulders from coastal reefs for construction of harbours and coastal protection has led to habitat degradation for local fish populations through the destruction of cavernous reefs and changes ...The extraction of large boulders from coastal reefs for construction of harbours and coastal protection has led to habitat degradation for local fish populations through the destruction of cavernous reefs and changes in macroalgal cover resulting from a loss of substrate. The temperate reef at L?s? Trindel in Kattegat, Denmark, has now been re-established with the aim of restoring the reef’s historical structure and function. The effects of the restoration on the local fish community are reported here. Fishing surveys using gillnets and fyke nets were conducted before the restoration (2007) and four years after the restoration of the reef (2012). Species of the family Labridae, which have a high affinity for rocky reefs, dominated both before and after the restoration. Commercially important species such as cod Gadus morhua, and saithe Pollachius virens, occurred infrequently in the catches in 2007 but were significantly more abundant in the catches in 2012. Cods were especially attracted to the shallow part of the reef that was restored by adding stones. For some species, such as ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta, and cod, the proportion of larger individuals increased after the restoration. The findings highlight the importance of reef habitats for fish communities and the need for their protection.展开更多
Prescribed fire produced a landscape with two types of severely burned patches: charred shrub patches and charred patches with tree trunks at the center. Soil nematodes were more abundant in burned and unburned junipe...Prescribed fire produced a landscape with two types of severely burned patches: charred shrub patches and charred patches with tree trunks at the center. Soil nematodes were more abundant in burned and unburned juniper (Juniperus monosperma) tree patches than in yucca-shrub patches. There were no differences in nematode abundance between burned and unburned patches during the late spring and summer samples. Nematode abundance was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in unburned patches than in burned patches in the early spring samples, reflecting large differences in soil moisture between unburned and burned patches. There were no differences in soil nematode abundance between burned and unburned patches at oneyear post-burn and three-year post-burn sites. When all samples were pooled, taxonomic diversity, ecological indices, and abundance of trophic groups (bacteria-feeders, fungi-feeders, and omnivore-predators) were higher in unburned than burned patches. These results suggest that the long-term (up to three years post-burn) effects of fire on soil nematodes are indirect, i.e., by loss of tree canopies, litter accumulation, and shrub foliage, which affects soil temperatures and water redistribution.展开更多
The degradation of the natural resources in Algeria nowadays remains a major constraint for the agrosilvopastoral development. Indeed, the area of Beni Saf is confronted with many problems such as the anthropozoic pre...The degradation of the natural resources in Algeria nowadays remains a major constraint for the agrosilvopastoral development. Indeed, the area of Beni Saf is confronted with many problems such as the anthropozoic pressure which does not make it possible to keep balance between the exploitation of the natural resources and their regenerations in time and space. Following the example results obtained through a floristic study by the factorial analysis of correspondences (F A C), concerning the identification of anthropozoogenes species such as: Chamaerops humilis, Asphodelus microcarpus, Withania frutescens, Calycotome spinosa, Asparagus albus;furthermore, the calculation of the disturbance index which marks the rate of therophytisation which is about 68%, that one finds it very high. These indices show a disturbance and an imbalance of the plant formation of the zone of study, caused by the high anthropozoogene pressure. Vis-a-vis this threat, it is essential to propose a possibility of intervention for a durable management of these spaces.展开更多
文摘Environmental impact assessment (EIA), a decision-making process for project appraisal and sustainability adopted globally as an administrative process to identify, predict, evaluate, and monitor projects from their feasibility, preconstruction, construction, and operation stages to mitigate the adverse impacts and enhance the beneficial impacts for the protection of the affected environment, The study objective is to explore global EIA systems and processes and find shortcomings and implications for making the best instrument or tool to protect the natural environment from man-made activities over the project cycle. For this, the relevant literature on the EIA system and process was reviewed and evaluated through the application of quantitative and qualitative approaches, including the assessment of legal instruments and the adoption of EIA methodologies in developing countries. EIA, initiated in the 1970s in the US and Australia, expanded to developing countries and was amended in East and Southeast Asia from the 1970s to the 2000s. The evaluation assessed that the South Asian countries follow UNEP and IAIA guidelines, utilizing national laws and expert consultations, with screening criteria and administrative processes based on established environmental legislation. Ad hoc, checklist, matrix, network, overlay, cost-benefit analysis, and predictive or simulation in EIA practice are used to assess the environmental impacts of development activities. Failure to recommend major projects undermines public trust and prevents mitigation measures from being implemented. Most developing countries have followed EIA to fulfill the legal requirement with shadow-off monitoring and follow-up rather than to upset, reduce, or compensate for the project impacts as per size, location, and severity of the project area. The research and guidelines outlined in the IAIA principles and process have synthesized the best EIA practices worldwide. Public participation, impact coverage, scientific mitigation, transparent evidence-based approaches, monitoring, follow-up, legitimate approaches, and future appraisal opportunities are major concerns to be included in best EIA practice.
文摘The article discusses the peculiarities of landscape geography development, types of landscape structure and their types, the essence of cultural landscape and its types, landscape functions and peculiarities of their definition, the main tasks and challenges of using and managing Georgian landscapes.
文摘Land tenure is a major determinant of the types of land use in a region or area and, by extension, affects its conservation. Most of the land that falls under public or communal land-tenure systems in developing countries such as Mali faces numerous challenges among them being natural resource overexploitation. This is mainly because the land is openly accessible to all people around it, and thus the tendency to overexploit the land resources leading to degradation, and food and environmental insecurity. In Mali, land ownership falls under three categories: Public or Government, Communal and Private. This study was undertaken to assess the land ownership types in Yanfolia District, Mali, a gold-mining area that lies some 170 km southern east of capital district of Bamako and upstream of Selingué dam on Sankarini River. A social survey of 200 households was done using a structured questionnaire. Additional research instruments were focus group discussion, key informant interviews and observation check-lists. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicated that most of the land under gold-mining was owned by the government followed by community and finally private. There were significant associations between size of land under gold-mining and land tenure types: communal land (<em>χ</em><sup>2</sup> = 30.52;p = 0.000);private land (<em>χ</em><sup>2</sup> = 65.09;p = 0.000) and public or government land (<em>χ</em><sup>2</sup> = 177;p = 0.000). Gold-mining takes place mostly on lands classified under public/government and communal compared to that which takes place on lands classified as private. It is recommended that the relevant Malian governmental regulatory and enforcement agencies implement and enforce existing environmental laws with respect to land and environment. These agencies should adopt participatory and sustainable approaches to land and natural resources management for improved food and environmental security.
文摘In order to determine the relationship between physiographical factors and regeneration changes in forests, and to improve and model natural regeneration status, Gorazbon district in Kheyrod Forest was selected for the study. All available regeneration patches in the area were selected. To achieve spatial structure and quantify metrics related to regeneration patches, the analysis of landscape metrics was used. The results show that 692 regeneration patches were identified at the level of different directions. LAND Metric show the most regeneration percent is related to the western (9%), southern (8.66%), flat areas (8.33%), northern (5.68%) and eastern (4.73%), respectively. In total, the patch coverage level percentage was calculated in the landscape (8.31%). The results related to patch shape metric show that most shapes of patches follow polygon structures and do not have fixed shapes. Results related to the average area of the patch metric show that the average level of patches is between 4 and 5 R. The maximum and minimum distance between patches was observed in the survey between 39 and 520 m respectively. According to the results of the distance average between patch metric, the distribution of patches is random in the southern and western directions, flat areas and pile, but it is uniform in northern directions. It should be noted that the distribution and structure of patches in the northern directions has a better distribution and homogeneity than the other directions. Its canals are used as a natural regeneration model to follow the natural phenomena in forest sustainable management.
文摘Developments adjacent to river, over the years, have impacted the ecological systems along riparian zones. This paper is to explore the changes occurring in a populated riparian zone. For over 35 years, the nipah swamps along the study site at the edge of Kuching city, Sarawak, Malaysia are subjected to human disturbances. Once a nipah forest is dominated by Nypa fruticans, the study site is being replaced by Sonneratia caseolaris—a mangrove forest. Both plants are indigenous to Southeast Asia region. We observe in the study site that Nypa fruticans, habitually a dominant species, is weakened when human disturbances are high, and leads to event taken over by Sonneratia caseolaris. We point out that Sonneratia caseolaris behaves intrusively rather than neighborly in disturbed systems. Here, we suggest that the plant also has high resistance towards human disturbances. This is a growing behavior contradictory to reports of Sonneratia caseolaris in natural systems.
文摘This study assessed the nesting patterns oflappet faced vulture inLochinvar National Park, on the Kafue flats,Zambia. Road drives and foot patrols were used to identify and take GPS coordinates of lappet faced vulture nests. The main objectives of the study were: 1) to obtain basic breeding information of lappet-faced vulture in Lochinvar National Park and the Kafue Flats in general, 2) to determine size of the breeding population in the National Park, 3) todocument distribution of the nesting sites, 4) tofacilitate development of a monitoring programme that would secure the nesting sites from human disturbance, and 5) to determine availability of suitable nesting sites and major threats that may interfere with breeding. Tree species on which nests were found were identified and height of nest above ground was estimated. A total of 22 nests were recorded with 5 (23%) being lappet faced vulture nests on seven species of trees. The mean height for nest placamenet was10 mabove ground. Host tree physiognomy, size and height were important characteristics in nest placement. Large trees of 10mand above are critical in facilitating nest placement and must be protected in identified breeding sites.
文摘Tlemcen region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with a remarkable vegetal cover. The latter is influenced by the anthropozoological action. For that, we realized a phytoecological study based on the minimum area classical method [1] which allows us to have a good overview on plant biodiversity and better analyze and interpret the vegetation at different levels (systematic composition;biological, morphological and biogeographical characterizations;stratification;and plant species inventory which we hope comprehensive). The results show that our ecosystems are disrupted because therophytisation, before last vegetation dynamics element [2], settles giving up a few feet of cork and holm oaks species of ancient forest.
文摘This study concerns the density and biomass of the ichthyoplankton population in the estuaries and mangroves of Sangaréah Bay. The study resulted in the inventory of 5938 individuals divided into 20 families and 30 species, more dominated by the Carangidae, Clupeidae and Sciaenidae, which each account for 10% of the species total population. A high concentration of planktonic ichthyo organisms was observed in the Sonfonia, Samatran, Soumba and Arabanty areas. In short, the constant presence of eggs and larvae of ontogenetic stages make these estuary and mangrove zones environments of advection, migration, ontogenetic development and feeding. Ichthyoplankton is one of the modern tools used in the bio-indication and bio-monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. A diverse population dominated by fish eggs and larvae is a sign that the ecosystems surveyed are functioning properly.
文摘Maintaining natural habitats is crucial for the preservation of insects and other species that indicate environmental changes. However, the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve and its surrounding farmlands are facing disturbance due to human activities, which is putting many wildlife species, particularly larger mammals, at risk. To determine the impact of human activities on butterfly species diversity and abundance in the reserve and its surrounding areas, we conducted a study from November 2021 to October 2023. We collected butterfly data using transect walks and baited traps in two habitat types. Our study yielded 2799 butterfly Individuals ranging in 124 species divided into five families habitat, season, and anthropogenic factors are significant environmental variables influencing species diversity and abundance of butterflies. Therefore, it’s important to protect habitat and dry-season water for the conservation of invertebrates such as butterflies. Our study findings provide essential information for ecological monitoring and future assessment of the Mpanga/Kipengere Game Reserve ecosystem health.
文摘The concept of virtual water in recent years has been proposed with the world’s water resource consumption management approach. Hashtgerd study area is one of 609 study areas of the country that is located entirely in Alborz Province. Average annual rainfall in this region was about 200 to 340 mm and the average agricultural production per year was more than one million tons and had more than 16 million cubic meters surplus recovery from underground water resources. The aim of this study is to evaluate resources and amounts of virtual water in the agricultural sector of the study area and its impact on the area water resources balance and ultimately provide solutions to reduce water consumption by the agricultural sector. The most important exported water products in Hashtgerd area in order of importance are peaches and nectarines (33% of water exports), plums (15% of water exports), vegetables (5.14 percent of water exports), cherry (4.7% of water exports) and wheat (6.5 percent of water exports). Virtual water trade balance of agricultural and horticultural products in the digital range is equal to 260+ million cubic meters. Density of agricultural lands can be mentioned as the main reasons for positive balance of virtual water trade in this area.
文摘In light of the importance of seeds germinative phase in the progress of later stages of development of any particular plant species in semi-arid and arid area, it is essential to study the germinative behavior and to evaluate the tolerance of a perennial halophyte of Amaranthacaea family, Arthrocnemum glaucum (Del.) Ung. during this crucial phase. A study is devoted to this species seeds germination, which although it’s a mandatory halophyte, it’s less tolerant to salt stress in germination’ phase. Germinative tests are carried out in laboratory, on seeds putted in Petri dishes placed at different temperatures. They enable us to determine the optimal germination temperature, which is 40°C while the cold one (5°C) completely inhibits it. The seeds of Arthrocnemum glaucum show an optimum germination of 44% in distilled water (NaCl 0 mm) similar to glycophytes but they differ in their ability to germinate at higher salinities. Beyond 300 mM germination is completely inhibited. Prior to break dormancy seeds, a cold treatment at 5°C has been achieved;the germination capacity of the seeds increases with the duration of the cold treatment. It increases from 30% after 2 weeks of treatment to 80% after a treatment of 27 weeks.
文摘In the cities of Algeria, Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is the mosquito which presents most interest because of its wide geographical distribution and of its abundance which engender a strong nuisance. Besides, its role of vector of the virus West Nile arouses a particular interest in the Mediterranean Basin. These insects are generally controlled by conventional insecticides for the greater part, chemicals which cause in the long term side effects (effects on the not aimed bodies and the resistance of the aimed species). A research for the effect of the bioinsecticide Bacillus thuringiensis (granulated commercial shape in 200 IUT1/mg) was realized on préimaginales populations of the artificial deposits sites (taken directly of them natural the deposits sites) and cleansed populations (stemming from a breeding) having never been handled previously, taking into account local weather and physico-chemical conditions. Analyses of variance, allowed to determine the combined effect of the factor measure and of the factor time which by increasing, increase the efficiency of the product. The results of the rates of mortalities registered after treatment allowed to loosen the DL50 and the DL90 for every embryonic stage. From the results, we estimated the degree of sensibility of the larva populations of Culex pipiens which have proved heterogeneous in partial tolerance in Bacillus thuringiensis for the populations of the sensitive artificial and homogeneous the deposits sites for those stemming from the breeding.
文摘Mark-recapture models are extensively used in quantitative population ecology, providing estimates of population vital rates, such as survival, that are difficult to obtain using other methods. Vital rates are commonly modeled as functions of explanatory covariates, adding considerable flexibility to mark-recapture models, but also increasing the subjectivity and complexity of the modeling process. Consequently, model selection and the evaluation of covariate structure remain critical aspects of mark-recapture modeling. The difficulties involved in model selection are compounded in Cormack-Jolly-Seber models because they are composed of separate sub-models for survival and recapture probabilities, which are conceptualized independently even though their parameters are not statistically independent. The construction of models as combinations of sub-models, together with multiple potential covariates, can lead to a large model set. Although desirable, estimation of the parameters of all models may not be feasible. Strategies to search a model space and base inference on a subset of all models exist and enjoy widespread use. However, even though the methods used to search a model space can be expected to influence parameter estimation, the assessment of covariate importance, and therefore the ecological interpretation of the modeling results, the performance of these strategies has received limited investigation. We present a new strategy for searching the space of a candidate set of Cormack-Jolly-Seber models and explore its performance relative to existing strategies using computer simulation. The new strategy provides an improved assessment of the importance of covariates and covariate combinations used to model survival and recapture probabilities, while requiring only a modest increase in the number of models on which inference is based in comparison to existing techniques.
文摘In the purpose of defining typical urban water management challenges in coastal lowlands in the context of global climate change, a comparative study was conducted between two coastal new towns respectively located in the Netherlands and Northern China. Comparative method is applied to define main functioning patterns of urban water systems in the two cases, then computer simulations were used to furthercompare drainage capacity in order to reveal the trends of urban water management. Major resulthas shown that Almere in the Netherlands generally more advanced in urban water management asmultiple functioning patterns are available.Strong dykes maintain competence for land subsidence and sea level rise. Open water system decreases local runoff and increaseswater retention level. Systematic control ofsluicesand locks which serve for shipping and waterfront landscaping are simultaneously isolating contaminants from outer water body. Tianjin Eco-city in China has shown both strengths and weaknesses. It takes large amount of reclaimed water as main landscaping water source, which adapts to local water pollution and shortage while requires highly centralized facilities. Large water body is reserved and huge scale underground drainage system built, but it is still vulnerable to heavy storms due to the lack of efficient surface water drainage system. Coastal line control does not adequately prevent from increasing storm surge risks in the future. SWMMsimulations have supported the viewpoint ofdistributed surface water with a higher efficiency for storm drainage. Meanwhile, surface water system returns more added values to urban development. The study is corresponding well with the theory of water sensitive city. As a conclusion, urban water system should always incorporate methods to achieve higher system resilience based on multiple functioning patterns.
文摘The objective of this research is to lift the dormancy of seeds of S. kunthianum in with a view to domesticating them. In this experiment, we used the soaking of seeds in sulfuric acid for different durations (10 min, 30 min and 1 h). The treated seeds were sown in transparent germinators. The explants obtained were then transplanted into pots containing five types of substrate (black earth, fine sand, sawdust, mixtures 1/1 of sawdust/black earth and 1/1 of sawdust/fine sand). This second test made it possible to determine the rate of germination on the substrate. The results obtained compared to those of the control showed a clear reduction in the latency time or germination time (62 hours) instead of 6 days (control), in the germination time 3 days/7 days (control) and a very high germination rate (100%). At the 5% threshold, soaking for 10 min and 30 min (100%) is the best result on the germination of S. kunthianum seeds. Soaking for 1 hour gives (7%) very low. After transplantation of the explants, the percentages obtained independently of the treatments show that the 1/1 mixtures of sawdust/black earth (75.19%), black earth (73.33%) and sawdust/fine sand (66.30%) have a higher performance than the others. The type of germination is epigeal. This work makes it possible to domesticate S. kunthianum in Chad.
文摘A nonlinear dynamic simulative model has been discussed with variable cycles of entire world per capita ecological footprint taken from 1961 to 2003. The model was further classified and decomposed and extracted by the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method. To deal with the problems proposed in the Living Planet Report 2006, three ecological footprint scenarios are presented. Simulative numerical values of the three global per capita (GPC) ecological footprint scenarios are also analyzed based on the simulative model. The results show that: 1) The clear varying cycle of global per capita EF growth is 4.6 years, 9.5 years, 19.5 years and 41 years over the last 42 years;2) According to the business-as-usual scenario, if the global per capita increases positively with the constant growth, it is expected that GPC EF would be 3.262 gha in 2050. Assuming global per capita biocapacity (BC) to be 1.236 gha, global per capita ecological deficit (ED) would increase from 0.4 gha in 2003 to 2.026 gha in 2050;3) The slow-shift scenario shows global per capita EF would decrease from 2.23 gha in 2003 to 1.619 gha in 2080 and 1.406 gha in 2100, if the negative annual change rate of it is 0.447 percent. Global per capita ED would decrease from 0.4 gha in 2003 to 0.222 gha in 2080 and 0.038 gha in 2100, if global per capita BC is 1.397 gha;4) The rapid-reduction scenario depicts global per capita EF would decrease to 1.414 gha in 2050, if the negative annual change rate is 0.842% from 2003 to 2050. Assuming global per capita BC to be 1.461 gha, global per capita ecological reserve (ER) would be 0.047 gha, and overshoot would be eliminated in 2050. Global per capita EF would decrease to 1.054 gha in 2100, if the negative annual change rate is 0.438% from 2050 to 2100. Assuming global per capita BC to be 1.474 gha, GPC ER would be 0.420 gha. Then, wild species of the planet will be allocated nearly 28.5% of the planet’s biological productivity, which coincides with the results of Living Planet Report 2006.
文摘Ambient concentrations of H<sub>2</sub>S were determined by modeling the H<sub>2</sub>S emissions dispersion for three sites located in the surroundings of oil and gas maritime terminal at the southeast of Mexico. Hazard quotient is reported for different age groups. Paraiso City in Tabasco State reported the highest values for over 19 years old group (0.49). It was concluded that there was no threat to human health due to H<sub>2</sub>S emissions derived from the maritime terminal for the studied sites.
基金funded by the EU LIFE project“Rebuilding of Marine Cavernous Boulder Reefs in Kattegat(Blue Reef)”.LIFE06 NAT/DK/000159by the National Program for Coastal Recreational Fisheries“marinfiskepleje”.
文摘The extraction of large boulders from coastal reefs for construction of harbours and coastal protection has led to habitat degradation for local fish populations through the destruction of cavernous reefs and changes in macroalgal cover resulting from a loss of substrate. The temperate reef at L?s? Trindel in Kattegat, Denmark, has now been re-established with the aim of restoring the reef’s historical structure and function. The effects of the restoration on the local fish community are reported here. Fishing surveys using gillnets and fyke nets were conducted before the restoration (2007) and four years after the restoration of the reef (2012). Species of the family Labridae, which have a high affinity for rocky reefs, dominated both before and after the restoration. Commercially important species such as cod Gadus morhua, and saithe Pollachius virens, occurred infrequently in the catches in 2007 but were significantly more abundant in the catches in 2012. Cods were especially attracted to the shallow part of the reef that was restored by adding stones. For some species, such as ballan wrasse Labrus bergylta, and cod, the proportion of larger individuals increased after the restoration. The findings highlight the importance of reef habitats for fish communities and the need for their protection.
文摘Prescribed fire produced a landscape with two types of severely burned patches: charred shrub patches and charred patches with tree trunks at the center. Soil nematodes were more abundant in burned and unburned juniper (Juniperus monosperma) tree patches than in yucca-shrub patches. There were no differences in nematode abundance between burned and unburned patches during the late spring and summer samples. Nematode abundance was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in unburned patches than in burned patches in the early spring samples, reflecting large differences in soil moisture between unburned and burned patches. There were no differences in soil nematode abundance between burned and unburned patches at oneyear post-burn and three-year post-burn sites. When all samples were pooled, taxonomic diversity, ecological indices, and abundance of trophic groups (bacteria-feeders, fungi-feeders, and omnivore-predators) were higher in unburned than burned patches. These results suggest that the long-term (up to three years post-burn) effects of fire on soil nematodes are indirect, i.e., by loss of tree canopies, litter accumulation, and shrub foliage, which affects soil temperatures and water redistribution.
文摘The degradation of the natural resources in Algeria nowadays remains a major constraint for the agrosilvopastoral development. Indeed, the area of Beni Saf is confronted with many problems such as the anthropozoic pressure which does not make it possible to keep balance between the exploitation of the natural resources and their regenerations in time and space. Following the example results obtained through a floristic study by the factorial analysis of correspondences (F A C), concerning the identification of anthropozoogenes species such as: Chamaerops humilis, Asphodelus microcarpus, Withania frutescens, Calycotome spinosa, Asparagus albus;furthermore, the calculation of the disturbance index which marks the rate of therophytisation which is about 68%, that one finds it very high. These indices show a disturbance and an imbalance of the plant formation of the zone of study, caused by the high anthropozoogene pressure. Vis-a-vis this threat, it is essential to propose a possibility of intervention for a durable management of these spaces.