Articles tagged with Natural Resources Conservation
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.
A new study published in PNAS found that social norms have significant impacts on the sustainability of conservation investments. The research showed that people are more likely to enroll in conservation programs if their neighbors do so, highlighting the power of peer pressure in environmental behavior.
The new management plan for Panama's Coiba National Park and World Heritage site identifies seven terrestrial zones and two marine areas. Nearly $11 million will be sought to establish public outreach and resource management programs.
The inaugural issue of Ecopsychology, a new peer-reviewed online journal, chronicles the transdisciplinary endeavor of ecopsychology and its role in advancing psychological practice in an ecological context. The journal examines the link between human health, culture, and environmental issues.
A UK study shows that predicting population spread and conserving habitats can help threatened species survive environmental change. The silver-spotted skipper butterfly's recovery over 18 years highlights the importance of preserving chalk grasslands in southern England.
A study found that over 80% of major armed conflicts from 1950-2000 occurred in biodiversity hotspots, which are also home to the world's poorest people. The regions are essential for both biodiversity conservation and human well-being.
The Indonesian government and World Wildlife Fund announce a commitment to protect Sumatra's forests and critical ecosystems, home to endangered species. The agreement aims to restore ecosystems and promote sustainable development on the island.
Researchers found that hotel bathroom signs focusing on environmental benefits were less effective than those highlighting participation rates, increasing reuse rates from 35.1% to 44.1%. Normative messages about the norm, which was never used by hotel chains, also spurred significant increases in towel re-use.
Key stakeholders in Belize's cruise industry have agreed to an environmental action plan to protect the country's coral reefs and natural heritage. The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism practices and reduce the industry's footprint on the environment.
Researchers from the University of Vermont argue that peace parks can be a powerful tool in war zones, effectively resolving conflicts between Ecuador and Peru, Tanzania and Mozambique. By focusing on shared environmental concerns, such as desertification or water depletion, peace parks promote cooperation and mutual respect.
The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program supports innovative research in conservation, environmental science and park management. Eight scholarships were awarded to doctoral students from the Americas to conduct research critical to national parks.
Carlos Manuel Rodriguez is recognized for his significant advances in terrestrial and marine conservation during his tenure as Costa Rica's environment minister. The Blue Moon Fund awarded him the $150,000 prize to support his work on advancing ecosystem services policy and practice.
The program will focus on training field workers, park managers, and community leaders in environmental conservation and management. Yale University has received a $4.8M gift from the Lisbet Rausing Charitable Fund to develop a systematic, integrated program of training and education in tropical regions.
The Aldo Leopold Leadership Program provides mid-career academic scientists with critical skills to communicate effectively with decision makers and the media. The fellowship program, founded in 1998, aims to improve policymaking through sound information conveyed clearly and accurately.
The Canon National Parks Science Scholars Program has inducted its ninth class of students, who will conduct research on critical scientific problems affecting national parks. The program awards scholarships to support graduate students' education and research expenses for three years.
The BP Conservation Programme has announced a new five-year initiative to support global biodiversity conservation. The program has provided annual support to teams of conservationists for 15 years, with past projects describing approximately 25 species new to science and influencing local community environmental awareness.
A study by Dr Helen Newing found that government development policies are the main threat to forest conservation projects, rather than local communities. Community-led conservation approaches have been successful in protecting biodiversity, but lack of government support and bureaucratic hurdles hinder their effectiveness.
The NY Academy of Sciences' Harbor Consortium recommends minimizing mercury emissions from coal combustion to reduce pollution in the New York/New Jersey harbor watershed. The group cites a direct link between atmospheric releases and mercury levels in fish, emphasizing the need for a national and international commitment.
Research supports ranches as effective biodiversity protectors, surpassing nature reserves. Ranches showed higher ground- and shrub-nesting bird densities compared to rural developments and nature reserves.
Gretchen Daily has been selected as a Nature Conservancy senior scholar, working with researchers from Stanford and the Nature Conservancy to develop market-based approaches to conservation. The project aims to make conservation more profitable and central to human activities.
A Michigan researcher has developed practical suggestions to balance tourism with bird conservation in the Pantanal. Stakeholders' perceptions of a wading bird colony as a community resource have been studied, leading to implemented measures such as staffed observation posts and guided tours.
A new study reveals that well-intentioned conservation programs in the Amazon are insufficient to offset the destruction from agriculture, timber, and mining. The researchers project devastating impacts on biodiversity, climate change, and global warming if current trends continue.
Partners in Amphibians and Reptile Conservation (PARC) received an Environmental Merit Award from the US Environmental Protection Agency Region 4. The organization, formed in 1999, has made significant contributions to long-term conservation of amphibians, reptiles, and their habitats through public/private partnerships.
A more thorough evaluation of energy costs can increase the value of an energy conservation project, allowing companies to carry out plans that might otherwise appear too expensive. By considering overlooked savings such as reduced maintenance and internal costs, energy managers can recoup costs faster.
The Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation awards $150,000 to ten ocean ambassadors from five continents tackling pressing issues like marine pollution and coastal conservation. The 2000 recipients will conduct interdisciplinary projects applying sound science to urgent challenges.
A symposium on bioprospecting was held at the American Society for Microbiology meeting, exploring microbial diversity and the search for novel natural products. Experts discussed the potential of bioprospecting to develop new drugs and chemicals, as well as its role in conservation and cultural diversity.
A team led by Penn State's Ken Tamminga is using a new approach to regenerate the Nine Mile Run area in Pittsburgh, highlighting the potential of resilient species like Ailanthus and African dung beetles. The project aims to enhance biodiversity and reintroduce native species to create a more sustainable ecosystem.
The Wildlife Conservation Society will use the grant to conduct research in three distinct ecosystems and educate decision-makers about strategies to protect natural systems. The funding aims to safeguard areas within 100 miles of New York City, benefiting both people and wildlife.
The newly designated Masoala National Park will protect a unique ecosystem with rare species such as the red-ruffed lemur and serpent eagle. The park blends conservation with sustainable land use and local community development, ensuring long-term preservation of the region's biodiversity.
The Next Generation Project aims to refloat the US environmental policy debate with fresh thinking and new directions. A comprehensive compendium of ideas will be released at a workshop in Yale Law School, contributing to this fall's state and federal election campaigns.