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Ecological Wisdom Inspired Restoration Engineering (EcoWISE)
by Abhijit Mukherjee Varenyam AchalThis book focuses on ecological wisdom inspired restoration engineering through theories, hypotheses, policies, practical understanding, and case studies. Understanding nature’s processes is a prerequisite for the healthy and sustainable functioning of a habitable Earth. As such, the book provides a guide for readers seeking to understand and build sustainable, urban socio-ecological systems using restoration technologies based on wisdom. Motivated by recent rapid advances in restoration engineering, such as the role of green building materials in urban infrastructures, and developing sustainable landscapes to benefit the environment, economy and communities, it is an essential reference on the most promising innovative technologies. It discusses engineering methods and practices in the restoration of soil, water, heritage sites, and other ecosystems, as well as the development and applications of green building materials. It presents a holistic and systematic approach that utilizes natural resources and the concept of ecological wisdom to reap sustainable environmental, economic and social benefits to fulfill the concept of living in harmony with nature. This book is a valuable resource for civil- and environmental engineering researchers as well as organizations engaged in eco-restoration practices.
Ecological Wisdom: Theory and Practice (EcoWISE)
by Bo Yang Robert Fredrick YoungThis book offers an introduction to the theory and practice of ecological wisdom (EW). EW is the integration of robust contemporary science with proven cultural and historical practices to identify long-term, sustainable solutions to problems of environmental management and urban design. The book combines theoretical concepts with specific case studies, illustrating the opportunities for interdisciplinary approaches combining historical experience, cultural context, and contemporary science as effective strategies for addressing complex problems confronting metropolitan and rural environmental and resource management in areas such as land use, water management, materials and building engineering, urban planning, and architecture and design. EW transcends the limitations in these fields of the normative approaches of modernity or traditional wisdom by offering a new, synthetic strategy to address socio-ecological issues. By presenting these ideas both theoretically and through existing case studies, the book provides researchers, practitioners and students with a powerful new perspective in developing long-term, resilient solutions to existing socio-environmental challenges. It is intended mainly for those working or interested in the fields of sustainable environmental and resource management, city and regional planning, architecture and design, civil engineering, landscape architecture, and the philosophy of science, particularly those with an ecological or sustainability focus.
Ecological and Digital Transition in Cities: Measuring Ecosystem Services for Urban Planning and Design (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #1272)
by Carmelina Bevilacqua Francesca Moraci Pasquale PizzimentiThis open access book delves into the intersection of ecological, technological, and social dynamics at the core of urban transition and the relevance of urban planning and design in addressing the pressing challenges faced by cities and regions in the 21st century. This book is held at “Networks, Markets & People” Communities, Institutions and Enterprises toward post-humanism epistemologies and AI challenges, May 22–25, 2024, Reggio Calabria, Italy. The papers included in the book follow two main drivers. The first is dedicated to discussing the concept of ecosystem services exploring the role of policy and governance mechanisms in promoting the integration of ecosystem services into urban planning and design practices. The second presents various data-driven perspectives, methodologies, frameworks, and case studies for measuring ecosystem services in cities, ranging from traditional methods to cutting-edge digital mapping and modeling techniques. The book primarily targets academics, researchers, and students (undergraduate, postgraduates, Ph.D. students) providing interesting insights on the topic that can be useful for urban planning and design course in the urban studies, architecture, and engineering fields. It targets also policymakers, experts, professionals, and consultants active in the urban planning and design field involved in managing the transition of regions and cities
Ecological and Health Effects of Building Materials
by Junaid Ahmad Malik Shriram MaratheThis book deals with the present adverse effects of using precarious building materials on the ecology and human health. Also, the detailed discussions on the novel and greener construction materials and their utilization as an alternative to the conventional harmful existing methods and materials are also presented in the subsequent chapters. This book helps to fill the research gaps in the existing prior-art knowledge in the field of sustainable construction and green building materials and methods giving due importance to ecology and health, specifically to the fields of sustainable structural engineering, sustainable geotechnical engineering, sustainable road engineering, etc.This book helps in achieving a sustainable environment through possible adoption of innovative and ecological construction practices. Hence, this book acts as a practical workbook, mainly for the academicians and practicing engineers who are willing to work toward the consecrated building industry.It is a well-established fact that the constructions of the engineering structures consume more and more earth resources than any other human activities in the world. In addition, the construction-related activities will produce several million tons of greenhouse gases, toxic emissions, water pollutants, and solid wastes. This creates a huge impact on environment and causes severe health issues on humans and animals. It is thus important to create an eco-friendly construction environment which can satisfy the ecological and health requirements.
Ecological and Human Health Impacts of Contaminated Food and Environments (Urbanization, Industrialization, and the Environment)
by Ming Hung WongThis book discusses linkages between the natural and disturbed chemical composition of the earth's surface and ecological and human health. It reviews the environmental geochemical cycles of natural elements and persistent toxic substances (PTS) in the environment, highlighting the degradation of soil and water resources due to human activities such as extraction and usage of minerals. There is an attempt to provide evidence concerning the health effects of consuming contaminated food, due to frequent consumption of mercury-laden fish. Lastly, sources, fates, and ecological effects of various PTS are presented, including microplastics and associated chemicals. Details linkages between the natural and disturbed chemical composition of the earth’s surface, and environmental and human health, focusing on food contamination Discusses emerging pollutants with potential widespread hazardous effects such as bisphenol A and phthalates Reviews safe food production and quality, as well as the management, regulation and policies concerning toxic chemicals Contains cutting edge knowledge on safe food production and remediating technologies Describes how geochemical cycling results in food contamination
Ecological and Practical Applications for Sustainable Agriculture
by Rana Pratap Singh Kuldeep Bauddh Sanjeev Kumar John KorstadRampant industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have resulted in increased global environmental contamination. The productivity of agricultural soil is drastically deteriorated and requires a high dose of fertilizers to cultivate crops. To ensure food security, farmers are compelled to apply excess chemical fertilizers and insecticides that contaminate soil, air, and water. Heavy loads of chemical fertilizers not only degrade the quality of agricultural land but also pollute water and air. Use of chemical fertilizers also accelerate the release of greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide and methane along with nutrient runoff from the watershed in to lower elevation rivers and lakes, resulting in cultural eutrophication.Farming practices globally in developed, developing, and under-developing countries should utilize and promote sustainable methods through viable combined environmental, social, and economic means that improve rather than harm future generations. This can include use of non-synthetic fertilizers like compost, vermicompost, slow-release fertilizers, farmyard manures, crop rotations that include nitrogen-fixing legumes. Organic fertilizers like compost and vermicompost improve soil properties like texture, porosity, water-holding capacity, organic matter, as well as nutrient availability. The purpose of this book is to document the available alternatives of synthetic fertilizers, their mode of action, efficiency, preparation methodology, practical suggestions for sustainable practices, and needed research focus. The book will cover major disciplines like plant science, environmental science, agricultural science, agricultural biotechnology and microbiology, horticulture, soil science, atmospheric science, agro-forestry, agronomy, and ecology. This book is helpful for farmers, scientists, industrialists, research scholars, masters and graduate students, non-governmental organizations, financial advisers, and policy makers.
Ecologically Based Municipal Land Use Planning
by William B HonachefskyIn the decades following the first Earth Day in 1970, a generation has been enlightened about the unspeakable damage done to our planet. Federal, state, and local governments generated laws and regulations to control development and protect the environment. Local governments have developed environmental standards addressing their needs. The result-an ecologically incongruous pattern of land development known as urban sprawl.Local land use planners can have a greater effect on the quality of our environment than all of the federal and state regulators combined. Historically, they have existed on the periphery of land management. The author suggests that federal and state environmental regulators need to incorporate local governments into their environmental protection plans. Ecologically Based Municipal Land Use Planning provides easily understood, nuts and bolts solutions for controlling urban sprawl, emphasizing the integration of federal, state, and local land use plans.The book discusses ecological resources and provides practical solutions that municipal planners can implement immediately. It discusses the most recent scientific data, how to extract what is important, and how to apply it to the local land planning process. The author includes the application of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to problem solving.Despite compelling evidence and sound arguments favoring the implementation of an ecologically sensitive approach to land use planning, municipal planners, in general, remain skeptical. It will take considerably more encouragement and education to win them over completely. Ecologically Based Municipal Land Use Planning makes the case for sound land use policies that will reduce sprawl.
Ecologically Based Pest Management: New Solutions for a New Century
by Committee on Pest Pathogen Control through Management of Biological Control Agents Enhanced Cycles Natural ProcessesWidespread use of broad-spectrum chemical pesticides has revolutionized pest management. But there is growing concern about environmental contamination and human health risks--and continuing frustration over the ability of pests to develop resistance to pesticides. In Ecologically Based Pest Management, an expert committee advocates the sweeping adoption of ecologically based pest management (EBPM) that promotes both agricultural productivity and a balanced ecosystem. This volume offers a vision and strategies for creating a solid, comprehensive knowledge base to support a pest management system that incorporates ecosystem processes supplemented by a continuum of inputs--biological organisms, products, cultivars, and cultural controls. The result will be safe, profitable, and durable pest management strategies. The book evaluates the feasibility of EBPM and examines how best to move beyond optimal examples into the mainstream of agriculture. The committee stresses the need for information, identifies research priorities in the biological as well as socioeconomic realm, and suggests institutional structures for a multidisciplinary research effort. Ecologically Based Pest Management addresses risk assessment, risk management, and public oversight of EBPM. The volume also overviews the history of pest management--from the use of sulfur compounds in 1000 B.C. to the emergence of transgenic technology. Ecologically Based Pest Management will be vitally important to the agrichemical industry; policymakers, regulators, and scientists in agriculture and forestry; biologists, researchers, and environmental advocates; and interested growers.
Ecologically Based Weed Management: Concepts, Challenges, and Limitations
by Nicholas E. Korres Ilias S. Travlos Thomas K. GitsopoulosEcologically Based Weed Management Protect crop yields and strengthen ecosystems with this essential guide Research into weed management is an increasingly critical component of both environmental stewardship and food production. The potential cost of weed propagation can be measured in crop yield reductions, under-nourished populations, stymied economies, and more. The propagation of herbicide-resistant weed populations means that purely chemical weed management is no longer viable; food production can now be secured only with an ecological approach to weed control. Ecologically Based Weed Management details such approaches and their potential to manage weeds across a range of agricultural and environmental contexts. It emphasizes the deployment of ecological principles to prevent weed infestations, reduce crop losses, and strengthen ecosystems. In a time when growing population and changing climates are placing enormous pressure on global food production, this approach to weed management has never been more vital. Ecologically Based Weed Management readers will also find: A global team of expert contributors to a multidisciplinary approach Detailed discussion of topics like herbicide limitation, integrated weed management, and more Insights pertinent to agriculture, academia, government, industry, and more Ecologically Based Weed Management is ideal for researchers in agriculture chemistry, weed science, agronomy, ecology, and related fields, as well as for regulators and advanced students.
Ecologically Mediated Development: Promoting Biodiversity Conservation and Food Security (Sustainable Development and Biodiversity #41)
by Hanuman Singh Jatav Tatiana Minkina Vishnu D. RaiputThis edited volume addresses the critical need to balance biodiversity preservation with ensuring a nutritious and ample food supply for the growing global population. It emphasizes how conserving biodiversity enhances agricultural resilience, promotes sustainable food production, and safeguards food security for present and future generations. The book explores the complex interdependence between biodiversity and food security, identifying both challenges and threats, presenting solutions and strategies, and examining the roles of policies, governance, regulations, and international agreements. It highlights the importance of fostering research and raising awareness to promote sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity conservation, and equitable resource access essential for long-term food security. The book includes real-world case studies and examples from different regions to demonstrate successful initiatives and the impact of biodiversity conservation on local food systems. This book provides a platform for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and ideas on integrating biodiversity conservation into food security initiatives. It is a compilation of information by the experts and will be useful for researchers in the fields of botany, agriculture, nutrition, policy making and biotechnology.
Ecologically-based Integrated Pest Management
by Opender Koul Gerrit W. CuperusIntegrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to manage pests through biological, cultural, physical and chemical means in order to minimize economic and environmental injury caused by such pests. Any comprehensive IPM programme requires an understanding of the ecological relationships between crops, pests, natural enemies and the environment. This book presents a series of review chapters on ecologically-based IPM. Topics covered range from the ecological effects of chemical control practices to the ecology of predator-prey and parasitoid-host systems.
Ecologies of Creative Music Practice: Mattering Music
by Matthew LovettEcologies of Creative Music Practice: Mattering Music explores music as a dynamic practice embedded in contemporary ecological contexts, one that both responds to, and creates change within, the ecologies in which it is created and consumed. This highly interdisciplinary analysis includes theoretical and practical considerations – from blockchain technology and digital platform commerce to artificial intelligence and the future of work, to sustainability and political ecology – as well as contemporary philosophical paradigms, guiding its investigation through three main lenses: How can music work as a conceptual tool to interrogate and respond to our changing global environment? How have transformations in our digital environment affected how we produce, distribute and consume music? How does music relate to matters of political ecology and environmental change? Within this framework, music is positioned as a starting point from which to examine a range of contexts and environments, offering new perspectives on contemporary technological and ecological discourse. Ecologies of Creative Music Practice: Mattering Music is a valuable text for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers and practitioners concerned with producing, performing, sharing and listening to music.
Ecologies of Faith: Spiritual Growth through Online Education
by Stephen D. Lowe Mary E. LoweMany Christian institutions have embraced new technologies, especially online education. But is it possible for us to grow spiritually through our digital communities? Steve Lowe and Mary Lowe, longtime proponents of online education, trace the motif of spiritual growth through Scripture and consider how students and professors alike might foster digital ecologies in which spiritual transformation can take place.
Ecology and Management of Blackbirds (Icteridae) in North America
by George M. Linz Michael L. Avery Richard A. DolbeerShortlisted for the 2018 TWS Wildlife Publication Awards in the edited book category The various species of new world blackbirds, often intermingled in large foraging flocks and nighttime roosts, collectively number in the hundreds of millions and are a dominant component of the natural and agricultural avifauna in North America today. Because of their abundance, conspicuous flocking behavior, and feeding habits, these species have often been in conflict with human endeavors. The pioneering publications on blackbirds were by F. E. L. Beal in 1900 and A. A. Allen in 1914. These seminal treatises laid the foundation for more than 1,000 descriptive and experimental studies on the life histories of blackbirds as well as their ecology and management in relation to agricultural damage and other conflicts such as caused by large winter roosting congregations. The wealth of information generated in over a century of research is found in disparate outlets that include government reports, conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journals, monographs, and books. For the first time, Ecology and Management of Blackbirds (Icteridae) in North America summarizes and synthesizes this vast body of information on the biology and life histories of blackbirds and their conflicts with humans into a single volume for researchers, wildlife managers, agriculturists, disease biologists, ornithologists, policy makers, and the public. The book reviews the life histories of red-winged blackbirds, yellow-headed blackbirds, common grackles, and brown-headed cowbirds. It provides in-depth coverage of the functional roles of blackbirds in natural and agricultural ecosystems. In doing so, this authoritative reference promotes the development of improved science-based, integrated management strategies to address conflicts when resolutions are needed.
Ecology and Management of Forest Soils
by Dan Binkley Richard F. FisherContemporary soil science and conservation methods of effective forestry Forests and the soils that serve as their foundation cover almost a third of the world’s land area. Soils influenced by forest cover have different properties than soils cultivated for agricultural use. Ecology and Management of Forest Soils provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the composition, structure, processes, and management of the largest terrestrial ecosystem. From composition and biogeochemistry to dynamics and management, this essential text enables readers to understand the vital components of sustainable, long-term forest soil fertility. The interaction of trees, animals, microbes, and vegetation alter the biology and chemistry of forest soils—these dynamics are also subject to human management, requiring conservationists to be conversant in the philosophy and methods of soil science. Now in its fifth edition, this classic text includes new coverage of uptake of organic nitrogen in forests, 15N retention studies, the effects of N additions on C accumulation, evidence-based examples of the dynamics of soils, and more. Extensive updates and revisions to topics such as spatial implications of megafires, long‐term organic matter accumulation, soil characterization, and molecular soil measurement techniques reflect contemporary research and practices in the field. This informative overview of forest soils integrates clear and accurate descriptions of central concepts and logically organized chapters to provide readers with foundational knowledge of major soil features, processes, measurement techniques, and management methods. This authoritative survey of the management and ecology of forest soils: Offers full-color photographs and illustrations, real-world examples and case studies, and clear overviews to each topic Presents up-to-date and accessible coverage of contemporary forest science literature and research Addresses topical issues relevant to areas such as ecology, forest management, conservation, and government policy Provides a comprehensive, global perspective on forest soils, from tropical to temperate to boreal Presents balanced coverage of soil science principles and their practical application to forest management Ecology and Management of Forest Soils offers students in areas of soil science and forestry, natural resource and environmental management, ecology, agronomy, and conservation an invaluable overview of the field, while providing forestry professionals an efficient and current work of reference.
Ecology and Management of Tidal MarshesA Model from the Gulf of Mexico
by Charles L. CoultasThis is a major compendium of the existing knowledge of the ecology and management of tidal marshes by some of the leading experts in the field. The major theme of the book is the interconnectedness of the marsh, plants, marine organisms, soils and geology, energy and money flow, and legal and management effects on the system.Emphasis is placed throughout on the fact that nature has provided a free service that can either be maintained and enhanced by man or destroyed and forever lost. At a time of declining fisheries, this book points the way to management strategies that are needed to effect improvement.
Ecology in Transport: Problems and Solutions (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #124)
by Aleksander SładkowskiThis book analyzes how transport influences the ecology of various regions. Integrating perspectives and approaches from around the globe, it examines the use of different types of engines and fuels, and assesses the impact of vehicle design on the environment. The book also addresses the effect of the transport situation in agglomerations on their environmental safety. Various types of environmental impacts are considered, from traditional emissions to noise and vibration. Presenting scientific advances from 7 European countries, the book appeals to experts, teachers and students, as well as to anyone interested in the environmental aspects of the transport industry.
Ecology of Angola: Terrestrial Biomes and Ecoregions
by Brian John HuntleyThis open access book richly illustrates the first, and comprehensive, account of the country’s biomes and ecoregions, the driving forces that account for their diversity and vulnerability, and the ecological principles that provide an understanding of the patterns and processes that have shaped landscapes, ecoregions, and ecosystems. Angola encompasses the greatest diversity of terrestrial biomes and is the second richest in terms of ecoregions, of any African country. Yet its biodiversity and the structure and functioning of its ecosystems are largely undocumented. The author draws on personal field observations from over 50 years of involvement in ecological and conservation studies in Angola and across Southern Africa. The vast recent literature published by researchers in neighboring, better resourced countries provides depth to the accounts of ecological principles and processes relevant to Angola and thus contributing to the understanding and sustainable management of its natural resources.
Ecology of Central European Non-Forest Vegetation: Volume Ii
by Christoph Leuschner Heinz EllenbergThis handbook in two volumes synthesises our knowledge about the ecology of Central Europe's plant cover with its 7000-yr history of human impact, covering Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia. Based on a thorough literature review with 5500 cited references and nearly 1000 figures and tables, the two books review in 26 chapters all major natural and man-made vegetation types with their climatic and edaphic influences, the structure and dynamics of their communities, the ecophysiology of important plant species, and key aspects of ecosystem functioning. Volume I deals with forests and scrub vegetation and analyses the ecology of Central Europe's tree flora, whilst Volume II is dedicated to the non-forest vegetation covering mires, grasslands, heaths, alpine habitats and urban vegetation. The consequences of over-use, pollution and recent climate change over the last century are explored and conservation issues addressed.
Ecology of Himalayan Treeline Ecotone
by Rajesh Joshi S P Singh Zafar Ahmad ReshiThis book brings together comprehensive multi-disciplinary knowledge on diverse aspects of the Himalayan treeline ecotone which is considered one of the most sensitive ecosystems to climate change. The contents of this book are based on the results of extensive research and provide a holistic understanding of the treeline ecotone in Himalaya. The book will serve as an important reference manual and a textbook on treeline ecology. The book is unique in the sense that it provides an engaging account of almost all the aspects of the treeline ecotone, such as taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic species diversity, temperature lapse rates, tree phenology, water relations, and stress physiology, tree ring width chronology, and climate relationships and the role of treeline ecotone in human sustenance in the Indian Himalayan region The treelines in the Himalaya, being the highest in the Northern Hemisphere (up to 4900 m), are among the least investigated systems and hence this book is timely and fills all-important knowledge gaps vis-à-vis treeline shifts, physiognomic, structural, and functional changes in mountain landscapes and ecosystems, particularly under the changing climate This book, for the first time, summarizes evidence-based knowledge about various aspects of treeline ecotone in Himalaya that was largely generated through a well-coordinated a team science approach. The book will be of interest to ecologists, climatologists, dendrochronologists, foresters, plant physiologists and resource managers and policy planners for a better understanding of the organization and dynamics of this fragile ecosystem in relation to climate change and other anthropogenic stresses that are rampant in the Himalaya. The book lays a solid foundation for further investigation of the ecology and dynamics of the treeline ecotone in the Himalayas and provides a rationale for pursuing a team science approach for macroecological investigations.
Ecology of Leaf Longevity
by Kihachiro Kikuzawa Martin J. LechowiczLeaf longevity is a fundamental process underlying patterns of variation in foliar phenology and determining the distinction between deciduous and evergreen plant species. Variation in leaf longevity is associated with a wide array of differences in the physiology, anatomy, morphology and ecology of plants. This book brings together for the first time information scattered widely in the botanical literature to provide a clear and comprehensive introduction to the nature and significance of variation in leaf longevity. It traces the development of ideas about leaf longevity from the earliest descriptive studies to contemporary theory of leaf longevity as a key element in the function of leaves as photosynthetic organs. An understanding of variation in leaf longevity reveals much about the nature of adaptation at the whole plant level and provides fundamental insights into the basis of variation in plant productivity at the ecosystem level. The analysis of leaf longevity also provides a process-based perspective on phenological shifts associated with the changing climate. Readers will find this an informative synthesis summarizing and illustrating different views in a readily accessible narrative that draws attention to a central but too often unappreciated aspect of plant biology. The nature and causes of seasonal patterns in the birth and death of individual plant leaves are essential to the understanding of the health of plant communities, biomes, and consequently our planet.
Ecology of Macrofungi: An Overview (Progress in Mycological Research)
by Sunil Kumar Deshmukh Kandikere R. SridharMacrofungi have significant importance in human health, particularly in nutrition, medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and industries. They occupy a variety of ecosystems such as terrestrial (agricultural lands, forests and deserts), freshwater (bogs and marshes) and maritime (mangroves and coastal sand dunes) habitats. Their ecosystem services like nutrition (humans and animals), medicinal pursuits (antibiotics and pharmaceuticals) and bioremediation (degradation of xenobiotics and insect control) potential are dependent on their diversity and ecological conditions. Macrofungal ecology serves as the basis for nutraceutical values, agricultural benefits, plant productivity, environmental protection and industrially valued biocomposites. This book focuses on various aspects of macrofungal distribution in diverse habitats, participation in organic matter decomposition, ectomycorrhizal associations and participation in biogeochemical cycles. This book reviews the current developments in macrofungal ecology in different habitats and their benefits. Due to the topics dealt with on macrofungal diversity, distribution, dynamics, lifestyles, ecosystem or substrate preferences and ecosystem services, this book is valuable to mycologists, botanists, zoologists, ecologists, foresters, geneticists, agronomists and field biologists.
Ecology of Streams and Rivers
by Eugene AngelierAiming to describe the role of dominant ecological factors and of human activities on the organisms of running water and the functioning of the ecosystem, this work covers the few European water courses that are well known in ecological studies.
Ecology of Threatened Semi-Arid Wetlands
by David G. Angeler Salvador Sánchez-CarrilloPlaying a critical role in both influencing climate change and mitigating its impacts, the world's diverse wetlands have become one of the world's most threatened ecosystems as unsustainable land-use practices coupled with irrational use of water have already resulted in large-scale wetlands loss and degradation. To develop sound management and conservation schemes to assure wetlands sustainability in the long term requires long-term understanding of wetlands ecology. Yet until now, long-term interdisciplinary research into these systems has been limited to only a few systems from tropical or temperate climates (such as the Florida Everglades, and Czech biosphere reserve). This new book adds to the existing wetlands literature, providing a unique reference in basic and applied Mediterranean wetland ecology, based on results from long-term interdisciplinary research at the RAMSAR and UNESCO Biosphere site, of Las Tablas de Daimiel, Spain. Dating back to the early 1990s the research highlights changes in the biotic and abiotic environment in response to cumulative anthropogenic stressors, and provide guidance on applying this understand to sound management and conservation. With particular relevance to researchers dealing with semi-arid wetlands in the Mediterranean and elsewhere, as well as to resource managers, the book discusses the complexity of the interacting abiotic and biotic environment across different spatial and temporal scales and across various levels of biological hierarchy is highlighted, and reveals how management based on poor knowledge causes more damage than repair. The book will be of interest to researchers interested in freshwater ecology, hydrobotany, hydrology, geology, biogeochemistry, landscape ecology and environmental management.
Ecology of Tropical Cities, Volume I: Natural and Social Sciences Applied to the Conservation of Urban Biodiversity
by Piotr Tryjanowski Fabio Angeoletto Mark D. E. FellowesThis contributed volume addresses the global scale of urbanization and its impacts on biodiversity. By adding human capital, cities are incubators for new ideas and technologies, creating the possibility for socially and environmentally sensitive growth, but this is rarely seen. Urban ecology, an essential field that supports planning based on environmental perspectives, is a new science in tropical countries. This book discusses the social inequity embedded in tropical cities and explores how this inequity also materializes in biodiversity, with poor neighborhoods of tropical cities lacking sufficient access to green space, and therefore reduced access to the benefits of nature, and poor support for biodiversity. With the current biodiversity crisis, the traditional approach to protecting pristine areas is insufficient. The chapters in this volume illustrate how tropical cities can act as spaces for biological conservation. Ecological literacy can help cities reconcile the needs of both people and of nature. This book compiles studies by experts from more than 100 institutions and 29 countries on the ecology and biodiversity of tropical cities at multiple scales and applies their studies to urban planning and management. The audience for this book includes researchers, students, and professionals working on environmental, social, economic, cultural, political, architectural, and development projects in urban areas, offering a deep and timely discussion of their influence on the fauna and flora of tropical cities.