conservation Archives - Page 7 of 71 - Resilient Landscapes (RL)

How effective are on-farm conservation land management strategies for preserving ecosystem services in developing countries?: A systematic map protocol

Background
An extensive body of literature in the field of agro-ecology claims to show the positive effects that maintenance of ecosystem services can have on sustainably meeting future food demand, by making farms more productive and resilient, and contributing to better nutrition and livelihoods of farmers. In Africa alone, some research has estimated a two-fold yield increase if food producers capitalize on new and existing knowledge from science and technology. Site-specific strategies adopted with the aim of improving ecosystem services may incorporate principles of multifunctional agriculture, sustainable intensification and conservation agriculture. However, a coherent synthesis and review of the evidence of these claims is largely absent, and the quality of much of this literature is questionable. Moreover, inconsistent effects have commonly been reported, while empirical evidence to support assumed improvements is largely lacking.

Objectives
This systematic map is stimulated by an interest to (1) collate evidence on the effectiveness of on-farm conservation land management for preserving and enhancing ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes, by drawing together the currently fragmented and multidisciplinary literature base, and (2) geographically map what indicators have been used to assess on-farm conservation land management. For both questions, we will focus on 74 low-income and developing countries, where much of the world’s agricultural expansion is occurring, yet 80% of arable land is already used and croplands are yielding well below their potential.

Methods/Design
To this end, reviewers will systematically search bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research from Web of Science, SCOPUS, AGRICOLA, AGRIS databases and CAB abstracts, and grey literature from Google Scholar, and 22 subject-specific or institutional websites. Boolean search operators will be used to create search strings where applicable. Ecosystem services included in the study are pollination services; pest-, carbon-, soil-, and water-regulation; nutrient cycling; medicinal and aromatic plants; fuel wood and cultural services. Outputs of the systematic map will include a database, technical report and an online interactive map, searchable by topic. The results of this map are expected to provide clarity about synergistic outcomes of conservation land management, which will help support local decision-making.

Does the gender composition of forest and fishery management groups affect resource governance and conservation outcomes?: a systematic map

Background
Women often use natural resources differently than men yet frequently have minimal influence on how local resources are managed. An emerging hypothesis is that empowering more women in local resource decision-making may lead to better resource governance and conservation. Here we focus on the forestry and fisheries sectors to answer the question: What is the evidence that the gender composition of forest and fisheries management groups affects resource governance and conservation outcomes? We present a systematic map detailing the geographic and thematic extent of the evidence base and assessing the quality of the evidence, as per a published a priori protocol.

Methods
We screened 11,000+ English-language records in Scopus, CAB abstracts, AGRIS, AGRICOLA, Google Scholar, and Google. The websites of 24 international conservation and development organisations, references of included articles, and relevant systematic reviews were also searched for possible documents. A number of groups and individuals were invited to submit documents through email ‘call outs’. The inclusion criteria were that an article refers to women or gender, forests or fisheries, and a resource management group comparison in a non-OECD country plus Mexico and Chile.

Results
Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Four were qualitative and 13 were quantitative. Forest studies outnumbered fisheries studies 14–3. The majority of the studies came from India and Nepal and focused on forest management. All 17 studies identified improvements in local natural resource governance, and three identified conservation improvements when women participated in the management of the resources. Only two studies, however, were rated as high quality based on study design.

Conclusions
For India and Nepal, there is strong and clear evidence of the importance of including women in forest management groups for better resource governance and conservation outcomes. Outside of India and Nepal, there are substantial gaps in the evidence base, but the South Asian evidence presents a compelling case for extending the research to other geographies to see if similar outcomes exist elsewhere and supports a theory of change linking the participation of women in forestry and fisheries management groups with better resource governance and conservation outcomes.

What evidence exists for the effectiveness of on-farm conservation land management strategies for preserving ecosystem services in developing countries? A systematic map

An extensive body of evidence in the field of agro-ecology claims to show the positive effects that maintenance of ecosystem services can have on meeting future food demand by making farms more sustainable, productive and resilient, which then contributes to improved nutrition and livelihoods of farmers. However, inconsistent effects have commonly been reported, while empirical evidence to support assumed improvements is largely lacking. Overall, a coherent synthesis and review of the evidence of these claims is largely absent from the literature.

Farmers’ indigenous knowledge of tree conservation and acidic soil amendments: The role of “baabbo” and “Mona” systems: Lessons from Gedeo community, Southern Ethiopia

The purpose of the study was mainly to document the farmer’s indigenous knowledge (IK) systems on tree conservation and farming practices. The research further assesses the traditional way of soil acidity amendment in highland (dega) agroecological zone. This study combines broadly qualitative methods of anthropological approach to document farmers’ IK in tree conservation, and acidic soil amendments. Data were collected by using the semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, participatory observation, and focused group discussion. The semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 60 respondents in different agroecological zones to assess the traditional farming practices and tree conservation. The study revealed that, farmers had entrenched and sound local knowledge of tree conservation and acidic soil amendment practices. The “baabbo” and “Mona” are traditional ways of tree conservation and soil acidity amendment practices in mid-land and highland agroecological zones, respectively. The “baabbo” is native and multipurpose tree conservation and retaining traditions on farms. The farmers are deliberately retained indigenous “baabbo” trees in and around the farms for various benefits (such as shading, soil fertility, flooding control, fuelwood, constructions, and fodder). The main and first benefit of “baabbo” conservation is ”shading for crop productivity’’ ranked followed by uses for “soil fertility’’, “fuelwood’’, and ”construction materials’’ and ”cultural values’’. In addition, “mona” is an indigenous way of soil acidity amendment with indigenous fertilizer (organic) in highland agroclimate area (Dega). It is bedding places for animals (cattle and horses) which built near to farmer’s houses or farm-fields for collection of indigenous fertilizer (animal manure). This traditional approach of acidic soil amendment is enabling the farmers to sustain their livelihoods under unfavorable condition without adversely affecting the environment. Therefore, ‘mona’ as well as ‘baabbo’ is an indigenous farming practice that had used by local people to improve their livelihoods and novel approaches to maintain environmental sustainability.

Laikipia County Environment Action Plan (CEAP) 2025-2029 [Abridged Version]

The development of this plan is anchored on participato ry approaches, incorporating insights from communities, NGOs, technical experts, private sector, and policymakers. It aligns with frameworks such as the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, (EMCA) 1999 (Revised 2015), Kenya’s Vision 2030, the County National Climate Change Action Plans. Through this integrated approach, we reaffirm our resolve to build a resilient and prosperous Laikipia that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Is certification associated with better forest management and socioeconomic benefits?: a comparative analysis of three certification schemes applied to Brazil nuts in Western Amazonia

Nontimber forest product (NTFP) certification has potential to promote sustainable harvest and to bolster rural livelihoods. This research compares environmental and socioeconomic benefits of Brazil nut certification for 231 producers in 17 communities in the trinational border region of Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru during the 2006-2007 harvest. Specific objectives were: (1) to analyze differences in “best management practices” between certified and noncertified producers; (2) to identify socioeconomic benefits associated with certified nuts; and (3) to explore producer perceptions of nut certification. Organic and Fairtrade certification were associated with better postharvest practices and higher prices, while Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification was related to preharvest planning. Certification was viewed most positively in Bolivia, where producers gleaned financial and social benefits, moderately in Peru, and least positively in Brazil, where benefits were lower or nonexistent. Partnerships with cooperatives, donors, government, and nongovernmental organizations were essential to maximize conservation and development objectives.

Preliminary pruning programme for Tectona grandis plantations in Costa Rica

End-users’ requirements for fast-grown Tectona grandis timber include straight bole with least taper, reduced flutes and buttresses as well as wood free of knots. In Costa Rica and many other tropical countries, no official classification norms have been developed to differentiate wood quality improvements obtained from pruning. The aim of this research was to study the structure and composition of the crown biomass in order to develop a simple and practical pruning programme for T. grandis in Costa Rica. Regardless of site, the results indicate that the first pruning in T. grandis should be carried out when trees reach a total height of between 4 and 5 m, pruning up to 2-3 m. In a second intervention, trees should be pruned up to 4-5 m when the stand reaches between 9 and 10 m of total height. Finally, in a third intervention, all the branches up to 7 m should be pruned when trees reach 12 m of total height. According to the present results, the pruning of T. grandis in Costa Rica can be economically feasible for rotations of 15 years and more, if performed adequately and with precise timing.

Implications of human-nature interactions for livelihoods andconservation in Kasungu, Malawi

Effective conservation strategies require a comprehensive understanding of human-nature relationships, including the factors driving these interactions. Without this context, interventions risk being impractical or ineffective, potentially leaving both people and nature worse off.
We used mixed methods to understand human-nature interactions in Kasungu, Malawi. We specifically examined people’s use of natural resources and perceptions of wildlife conservation and their implications for livelihoods and conservation.
Over 90% of participants reported collecting natural resources such as firewood, grass, medicinal plants and fruits to support their livelihoods. While most resources were collected for household use, some served both income generation and domestic purposes. Kasungu National Park plays a critical role in providing resources, though harvesting is illegal, alongside neighbouring farms and community forests. Households near the park, women and those of lower economic status were more likely to rely on the park for resources. Additionally, crop and livestock loss experiences were linked to higher resource collection rates.
Participants generally expressed positive attitudes towards wildlife and conservation. However, certain factors including proximity to the park, women, food insecurity, and crop and livestock loss were linked to negative attitudes.
Our findings offer valuable insights for the design and implementation of conservation initiatives and policies, particularly in communities heavily dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods. Conservation programmes and policies around protected areas should capitalise on the existing positive attitudes towards nature by fostering better community engagement. Locally led, inclusive and nature-positive programmes could simultaneously benefit conservation efforts and improve livelihoods.

A tropical case study of tree diversity and productivity relationships in mixed species plantations in protected areas

Degradation of tropical forest is considered as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity conservation. Such losses are mainly due to agricultural expansion and overharvesting of economically important trees. To enhance scientific understanding, this paper investigates the relationship between tree diversity and productivity in 58 mixed species plantations in protected tropical areas as a case study. We measured overall diversity using species richness and productivity using stand basal area and mean annual increment of stand basal area. Our research shows a negative relationship between tree diversity and productivity. These findings suggest that mixed species plantations should not be implemented if the main purpose is to consider the productivity of forest stands.

Sustainable Palm Oil Certification: Do Forest Reserves Designated using “High Carbon Stock” Approaches within Palm Oil Plantations Support Mammal Conservation?

Studies to date indicate that palm oil plantations support a lower diversity of wildlife compared to other land uses. Programs for certified palm oil have been established in order to increase environmental sustainability of palm oil production, reduce adverse environmental effects, and encourage “wildlife friendly” palm oil plantations. Certification requires palm oil companies to set aside forest reserves based on High Conservation Value (HCV). A High Carbon Stock (HCS) approach also has been used voluntarily by some palm oil companies to prioritize their designated forest reserves. We use camera trapping to investigate mammalian occupancy and diversity in oil palm plantations and HCS and HCV forest reserves in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. We found significantly lower mammalian species richness in plantations relative to forest reserves, and the differences between mammal communities in palm oil and forest were much stronger in this study than in previous studies. None-the-less, within forest reserves, most mammalian species were found in low abundance. No correlation was found between mammal abundance and carbon stocks in forest reserves, but there was a significant correlation between mammal abundance and forest reserve size. Size of remnant forest fragments was the most important variable explaining the presence of large mammals. Our results suggest that designating forest reserves based on carbon stocks alone will not be sufficient to conserve mammalian biodiversity in palm oil landscapes. In contrast, the size of the forest patch should be considered when designating forest reserves. In my study area, most forest reserves currently are small and have poor long-term prospects for maintaining large mammals.

Stay ahead of the curve