Articles tagged with Natural Resources Conservation
Research reveals three modes of thought among Finnish forest owners: one views biodiversity loss as an emergency and advocates for radical change, while others see no problem. The study highlights the importance of acknowledging biodiversity loss denial in forestry discussions.
New study reveals tradeoff between water quality and emissions on farms, highlighting potential environmental benefits of conservation practices. Researchers found that split nitrogen applications had no impact on nitrous oxide levels, but cover crops increased emissions by spikes in summer.
A new study found a significant decrease in the development of forest and agricultural land from 2000 to 2015 due to rising gas prices. The research used data from the US Department of Agriculture's National Resources Inventory to analyze county-level land development patterns across the contiguous US states.
Researchers discovered adaptations allowing desert fish to thrive in harsh conditions by maintaining genetic diversity and adapting genes for aridity. This finding challenges the idea that small populations are evolutionary dead ends.
A recent study highlights the need for inclusive forest conservation policies that learn from past mistakes. The researchers argue that top-down approaches can be harmful and accelerate deforestation, instead recommending local social impact assessments and indigenous involvement in policy-making.
Scientists used biologging tech to track three seabird species taking different migration routes from a shared Canadian Arctic nesting location. The study adds evidence linking marine biodiversity in the Arctic region to high seas conservation efforts. Local coastal communities are connected through these Arctic seabirds' migrations.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new bat box design that provides more thermally appropriate roosting spaces for bats. The 'rocket box' style, with modifications to length and insulation, helps reduce the risk of overheating and provides space for bats to move and avoid extreme temperatures.
A major new study found that woodland and hedgerow creation can support higher numbers of pollinators, including bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The survey, which covered hundreds of sites across Wales, revealed the importance of carefully managed habitats in land management incentive schemes.
A new study suggests that larger conservation areas are ineffective in protecting threatened species in central Africa, citing a lack of funding and resource management issues. The research found that broader conservation efforts often led to decreased populations due to the lands being too large to manage effectively.
Researchers have developed a 'time machine' framework that uses artificial intelligence to learn from past environmental changes and predict future biodiversity loss. This framework can help decision-makers prioritize conservation approaches and mitigation interventions, leading to more effective management of ecosystem services.
A new study published in Science assesses updated climate pledges and finds they could limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius with a 34% chance. Even more ambitious targets would increase the likelihood of staying below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Ancient human societies adapted to tropical ecosystem dynamics, revealing their adaptability and resourcefulness. By studying these past interactions with the environment, scientists can better understand how to conserve tropical environments.
In the Brazilian Amazon, small towns are practicing a self-sustaining circular economy by converting waste into inputs for production. The Carauari community produces 100 metric tons of processed fish per year, generating resources from waste that fuel other activities.
A new five-year research project led by Thomas Neeson aims to model the impacts of conservation incentives on farmers in the Red River basin. The study will help understand how voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs can be effectively designed to promote sustainable water use.
A new study maps the location and intensity of key threats to terrestrial amphibians, birds, and mammals, identifying priority areas across the world. Agriculture and logging are pervasive in the tropics, while hunting and trapping is the most geographically widespread threat to mammals and birds.
Researchers argue that current regulations limit environmental groups from conserving natural resources through market mechanisms. By introducing non-use rights, environmentalists can express their values in the marketplace, promoting more sustainable resource management.
Managing 30% of land for conservation could safeguard 70% of terrestrial plant and vertebrate animal species while conserving over 62% of the world's above-ground vulnerable carbon. The study also suggests this approach could safeguard 68% of all clean water resources.
A Yale study has identified significant gaps in biodiversity maps, limiting effective conservation decisions globally. The researchers created regional trends maps to assess the distribution of 31,000 terrestrial vertebrates, highlighting opportunities for citizen scientists and government agencies to support biodiversity monitoring.
A study reveals that birds' eye size reflects their environment, diet, and behavior, providing insights into conservation efforts. The research suggests that larger eyes are associated with closer proximity to the equator and foraging habits near the forest floor.
A new study challenges the effectiveness of current conservation efforts in protected areas, suggesting that 'saving' biodiversity may not be accurately measured. The study's lead author argues that measures such as expanding protected areas and establishing national parks do not necessarily translate to real progress in conservation.
A new study from the University of Illinois and The Ohio State University reveals that farmers care more about soil health than scientists and conservation professionals think. Farmers prioritize soil health at a higher level (8.5 out of 10) than academics and NRCS professionals expected (4.9 and 5.7, respectively).
A new rapid assessment framework offers a simple tool to facilitate climate-informed conservation and nature-based solutions. The '5Ws' framework helps practitioners consider the what, when, where, why, and who of climate-informed action, enabling them to adapt investments in reforestation, fire management, and habitat protection.
A University of Queensland and Nature Conservancy study reveals that women's voices are critically lacking in conservation, with gender discrimination being systemic and consistent. The research found positive impacts when women were involved in conservation, but existing gender roles and dynamics limit their participation.
A new species, Tegula kusairo, has been identified from the edible marine snail genus Tegula, distinct from the common T. xanthostigma. The two species differ in shell color, habitat usage patterns, and geographical distribution.
A research team at FAU has developed an intelligent camera that achieves high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution. The camera can precisely determine material properties and depth, opening up new applications in autonomous driving, environmental protection, and agriculture.
A new Amazon study suggests that by redesigning conservation projects to consider both freshwater and land species, big positive gains can be made for critical freshwater ecosystems. Conservation efforts could deliver up to 600% more protection for these ecosystems without negatively affecting land species.
Researchers found that shared values are insufficient for mutual trust between stakeholders; beliefs and emotions play a stronger role. Improved awareness of each other's views and emotions can benefit collaboration and find solutions to the conflict.
A study found that conservation messaging is lacking in mainstream wildlife-based tourism operations, failing to provide information on wildlife conservation and opportunities for tourist action. The researchers propose a toolbox of ideas to improve conservation messaging using five principles: promote positive messaging, provide actio...
A UMass Amherst study explores 'name bias' in seafood choices by testing students' taste preferences for local whitefish alternatives. The research aims to promote sustainable seafood options and increase demand for locally sourced fish.
Researchers found elevated levels of heavy metals and signs of illness in green sea turtle populations affected by human activity. The study suggests a link between environmental toxins and poor health, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.
Researchers found that human-centered design approaches minimize costs by creating programs seen as desirable from the start. The approach considers both resource needs and participant needs during program design, increasing participation rates among fishers in Chile.
A new study published in Ecology and Society explores a conservation method that empowers indigenous peoples by focusing on their traditional skills and knowledge. By adopting an assets-based approach, researchers found that local communities can manage natural resources sustainably, protecting the rainforest ecosystem.
A recent study reveals that education and knowledge have little impact on individual behavior when it comes to major issues like the environment and personal health. Conservationists were found to behave in a marginally 'greener' manner, but with surprisingly modest differences compared to economists and medics.
A diverse group of experts is advocating for a marine code of conduct to address human rights violations and promote socially responsible decision-making in ocean conservation. The recommended principles include indigenous rights, food security, inclusivity, and transparency.
Children from island locations in the Bahamas prefer invasive species like feral cats and pigs, while mainland children prefer mammals. Island children also show a greater preference for native species, highlighting the need to consider human factors in conservation decisions.
A new study using mathematical modeling found that societies divided into multiple groups are more likely to conserve natural resources and survive than those without sub-group divisions. This is because each group can learn from the successes and failures of others, leading to better institutions for managing resources.
A new study led by the Northeast Climate Science Center at UMass Amherst offers a framework for conserving areas naturally buffered from climate change. The researchers provide specific steps for identifying and managing climate change refugia, which can serve as short-term sanctuaries for species of conservation concern.
Researchers found that animal sign-based methods are more reliable than direct encounters in estimating wildlife populations. This study highlights the importance of using alternative assessment methods to ensure accurate conservation status assessments and protect local communities.
Researchers argue that network governance models can help big conservation alliances govern themselves and strengthen connections through communication. This approach emphasizes inclusivity, allowing disparate stakeholders to envision common goals and choose metrics for measuring progress.
A University of Georgia study suggests that ecotourism and natural resource conservation can work together to protect sensitive ecosystems. The study proposes a symbiotic relationship where increased conservation leads to higher economic value for natural landscapes, ultimately benefiting both ecotourists and local communities.
A recent study from Australia found that urban environments contain disproportionately more threatened protected species in a given area than non-urban environments. Cities consistently supported a greater number of protected species than other areas, showcasing the importance of cities in tackling biodiversity loss.
The Ecological Society of America will create a new network for 21st century STEM professionals in environmental biology with an innovative mindset. The project aims to prepare students for rapidly evolving career tracks and addresses NSF's goal of building the professional STEM workforce for tomorrow.
A new paper suggests that conservation organizations need to be bolder in their adaptation efforts due to the rapid ecological changes caused by climate change and other global changes. By adapting like the organisms they seek to protect, these organizations can conserve something that won't stay still.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new approach to assess the long-term impact of conservation efforts by considering human behavior and ecological gains. The study uses an agent-based modeling approach to simulate how conservation policies can affect outcomes over decades.
A new paper highlights repeated correlations between human-caused changes to natural systems and human health outcomes, including cardiopulmonary disease, Chagas disease, malaria exposure, and iron deficiency anemia. The study proposes a research framework to strengthen the scientific underpinnings of both public health and environment...
The US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA, and FEMA invested over $51 million in restoring the 2011 flood-damaged Birds Point-New Madrid floodway. Experts recommend revising the comprehensive plan to integrate levee engineering with ecological infrastructure to mitigate future flooding.
A growing field of study, ecopsychology examines the psychological, spiritual, and therapeutic aspects of human-nature relationships. It highlights various approaches to integrate psychology and environmental content in education, promoting students' appreciation for the link between their well-being and the natural world.
The US Department of the Navy has initiated a project to conserve the fadang tree species in Guam, with over 90% of trees killed by invasive insects. The partnership between the Navy and University of Guam aims to develop strategies for successful cycad transplantation and conservation.
Conservationists hope that Cambodia's vultures can come back from the brink as a study reveals critical steps towards saving these scavengers. The creation of new feeding stations and restoration of wildlife populations represent next important steps in vulture conservation.
Thomas Lovejoy, a renowned George Mason University professor, received the prestigious Blue Planet Prize for his pioneering work in biodiversity science and conservation. He was recognized for his groundbreaking research on habitat fragmentation and its impact on global environmental problems.
Environmental anthropologist Kenny Broad and underwater photographer Wes Skiles were named Explorers of the Year for their work documenting Blue Holes in the Bahamas. Musician Jack Johnson received the Arts Ambassador for the Environment Award, while IBM was recognized for its research partnership with National Geographic.
A special issue of Ecopsychology explores how women's interactions with nature affect their sense of self, body image, and environmental drive. Women who spend time in natural settings tend to have better body images and distance themselves from societal beauty standards.
Conservation programs in China's Wenchuan County preserved forest cover after the 2008 earthquake, protecting endangered species like the giant panda. The research found that expansive national conservation efforts reduced natural disaster damage and human impacts.
A new USDA study shows that less than 25% of non-federal rangelands have significant land degradation, while nearly 50% are affected by invasive non-native grasses and shrubs. The research provides valuable information for conservation efforts and sets a baseline for monitoring western rangeland health.
A recent article in Ecopsychology explores the catastrophic psychological responses to the BP Gulf oil spill, predicting long-lasting effects of chronic depression, withdrawal, and lack of functioning. The disaster is likely to stimulate renewed environmental activism and changes in attitudes and behaviors.
Sahotra Sarkar, a philosopher at the University of Texas at Austin, is working with Conservation International and energy companies to develop environmentally conscious development plans. His approach prioritizes local values and biodiversity protection, rejecting the 'fortress model' of preservation.
Leading researchers discuss challenges of identifying and protecting vulnerable species amidst unprecedented climate change, covering topics such as vegetation distributions, bird, insect, and marine populations. The collection provides insights into the responses of corals, amphibians, and other organisms to environmental changes.
The publication of the Tehran Declaration on Human Rights and the Environment 2009 has brought attention to the human rights and environmental nexus during COP-15 negotiations. The declaration aims to encourage representatives to give significant emphasis to the environment and human rights nexus.
A pilot project in Sequim, Wash., uses NASA satellites and sensors to predict daily river flow with higher accuracy. This helps regional natural resource managers assess the abundance of water resources.
Researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa conclude that shark cage diving enterprises in Hawaii have a negligible effect on public safety. The study analyzed logbook data from two Oahu operations and found no increase in shark attacks since cage diving began.