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Biodiversity [eJournal]
The aim of Biodiversity is to raise an appreciation and deeper understanding of species, ecosystems and the interconnectedness of the living world and thereby avoid the mismanagement, misuse and destruction of biodiversity. The Journal publishes original research papers, review articles, news items, opinion pieces, experiences from the field and book reviews, as well as running regular feature sections. Articles are written for a broad readership including scientists, educators, policy makers, conservationists, science writers, naturalists and students. Biodiversity aims to provide an international forum on all matters concerning the integrity and wellness of ecosystems, including articles on the impact of climate change, conservation management, agriculture and other human influence on biodiversity
Irish National Biodiversity Data Centre [Database]
The National Biodiversity Data Centre works to make biodiversity data and information more freely available in order to better understand and assist the protection of Ireland’s biodiversity.
ARROW@TUDUBLIN What will the forests of the future look like? [RTÉ Brainstorm] by Ken Boyle
Over the past one hundred years, two iconic tree species have been lost from European and North American landscapes and a third is about to be lost. Each loss is a set of tragedies: the loss of a species, the loss of habitat, less space for associated plants and animals and the loss of the ways of life associated with the trades and crafts that used these trees.
Publication Date: 2021
ARROW@TUDUBLIN Application of climate-smart forestry - Forest manager response to the relevance of European definition and indicators by E. Bowditch, G. Santopuoli and B. Neroj
Climate change impacts are an increasing threat to forests and current approaches to management. In 2020, Climate-smart Forestry (CSF) definition and set of indicators was published. This study further developed this work by testing the definition and indicators through a forest manager survey across fifteen member European countries. The survey covered topic areas of demographics, climate change impacts, definition and indicators assessment, as well as knowledge and communication. Overall, forest managers considered the threat of climate change to their forests as high or critical and 62% found the CSF definition clear and concise; however, the minority suggested greater simplification or nuance. Indicators were viewed as comprehensive but too numerous to integrate into management activities. Two highest ranking indicators were ‘Trees species composition’, and ‘Erosion protection and maintenance of soil condition’. Many managers were aware of suitable alternative species, but also stressed that greater resources should focus on exploring adaptable provenances. Demonstration sites and interactive guides were ranked highest for communication and dissemination; however, online multimedia tools and workshops were also ranked highly. Local perspectives on providing more relevant CSF ranged from silviculture systems, finance and funding, education and training, and social awareness, to tree species mixes and development of protective functions. In summary, forest managers were generally open to CSF, but required greater guidance and proof of application.
Publication Date: 2022
Genetic diversity of the wild ancient tea tree by F. Wang and X. Cheng
In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of 4 wild ancient tea tree (Camellia taliensis) populations at different altitudes (2,050, 2,200, 2,350, and 2,500m) in Qianjiazhai Nature Reserve, Zhenyuan country, Yunnan province, were investigated using EST-SSR molecular markers to compare their genetic variation against altitude.
Publication Date: 2023
Pest control and pollination cost-benefit analysis of hedgerow restoration in a simplified agricultural landscape by L. A. Morandin, R. F. Long, and C. Kremen
Field edge habitat in homogeneous agricultural landscapes can serve multiple purposes including enhanced biodiversity, water quality protection, and habitat for beneficial insects, such as native bees and natural enemies. Despite this ecosystem service value, adoption of field border plantings, such as hedgerows, on large-scale mono-cropped farms is minimal. With profits primarily driving agricultural production, a major challenge affecting hedgerow plantings is linked to establishment costs and the lack of clear economic benefits on the restoration investment. Our study documented that hedgerows are economically viable to growers by enhancing beneficial insects and natural pest control and pollination on farms. With pest control alone, our model shows that it would take 16 yr to break even from insecticide savings on the US$4,000 cost of a typical 300-m hedgerow field edge planting. By adding in pollination benefits by native bees, where honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.) may be limiting, the return time is reduced to 7 yr. USDA cost share programs allow for a quicker return on a hedgerow investment. Our study shows that over time, small-scale restoration can be profitable, helping to overcome the barrier of cost associated with field edge habitat restoration on farms.
Publication Date: 2016
Building a global biocultural brand to support indigenous landscapes by K. Swiderska, A. Argumedo and G. Dutfield
Indigenous lands and territories are crucial to sustaining much of the
world’s biodiversity and agrobiodiversity, and many of its ecosystem
services. They are also key to climate change adaptation. Yet these
agrobiodiversity-rich landscapes — and the communities who sustain them
— receive very little support. To be sustainable, socioecological production
landscapes such as biocultural heritage territories, cultural landscapes and
indigenous conserved areas must also become economically viable. This
requires developing culturally appropriate sources of income that protect
interlinked biodiversity and cultural (biocultural) heritage. One solution is to
develop a global brand for biocultural products and services, supported by
indigenous labelling and certification. The labelling system should be
designed and managed by indigenous peoples and easily accessible to
them, with some independent verification to provide a guarantee of quality
and authenticity for consumers.
Publication Date: 2019
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
