Open access copy available
Forest and wildlife resource-conservation efforts based on indigenous knowledge: The case of Nharira community in Chikomba district, ZimbabweBACKGROUNDIndigenous Knowledge (IK) plays a significant role in the sustainable management of forest and wildlife resources. In Zimbabwe, most forests and woodlands within communal areas are being successfully managed under the authorities of traditional leaders who base their conservation strategies on their local knowledge as compared with conventional methods such as fencing which bring conflict with the local people. Open access copy available |
Fairly efficient, efficiently fair: Lessons from designing and testing payment schemes for ecosystem services in AsiaBackgroundPayment for Ecosystem Services (PES) is defined as a market-based approach yet the authors argue that it cannot be generalized or implements and often suffers due to the commoditization of these services. Open access copy available |
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) in Latin America: Analysing the performance of 40 case studiesBackgroundPayment of Ecosystem Services (PES), which encourages landowners improve land management through market incentives, has been implemented around the world since the 1990s. This high investment requires an analysis of PES schemes and their outcomes. Goals & MethodsThe goal of the paper is to inform policy and provide decisions makers with insights on PES in order to aid in future design and ensure the success of initiatives. To do this, the authors review 40 cases of PES throughout Latin America based on a consistent set of criteria. Open access copy available |
Adopt a carbon tax to protect tropical forestsBackgroundThe authors states that the halting of deforestation is critical to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, the investment in conservation is lacking. Thus, they call upon countries through out the tropics to adopt a carbon tax, which would serve as a disincentive for companies to continue deforestation. Open access copy available |
Money for Nothing? A Call for Empirical Evaluation of Biodiversity Conservation InvestmentsBackgroundThe authors assert that while the ecological aspects of conservation efforts are highly investigated and supported by empirical evidence, the policy aspects are not. In response, they argue that conservation policy measures must adopt program evaluation methods that would allow one to determine if intervention would be viable. Open access copy available |
A Guide to Selecting Ecosystem Service Models for Decision-Making: Lessons from Sub-Saharan AfricaBackgroundEcosystem services provide critical resources that support human well-being; therefore, managing for them is vital. This report suggests that modeling may be an effective means of informing management when data is lacking, a problem that many developing countries experience. Open access copy available |
Have integrated landscape approaches reconciled societal and environmental issues in the tropics?BackgroundThe author cite that while there has been growing recognition of intergrated landscape approaches, which aims to enhance environmental and social outcomes, there is still a lack of understanding. There has been suggestions that these approaches have been undertherorized and a lack of evidence of its effectiveness. Open access copy available |
Stewardship Success: How Community Group Dynamics Affect Urban Street Tree Survival and GrowthBACKGROUNDUrban street trees provide various benefits. Their establishment has been characterized by low survivals in the past 50 years. Reasons behind the low productivity are bio physical challenges and shortage of funds to take care of the trees. Community groups and home- owners have successfully participated in tree planting programs, however little research has been conducted if there are social factors which contribute to the poor tree survivals and growth. Open access copy available |
Mangroves of Kenya: The effects of species richness on growth and ecosystem functions of restored East African Mangrove standsBackgroundThe authors of the story identify the gaps in long-term studies on the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem services in specific ecosystems. The study focuses on one of these ecosystems: mangroves, examining the effects of species diversity on above ground productivity. Open access copy available |
Vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate change in Central America and Mexico: current knowledge and research gapsBackgroundThis article recognizes that smallholder farmers are both critical to the global agricultural sector yet are one of the most vulnerable populations to climate change. Specifically, farmers in Central America and Mexico are experiences particularly high threats, thus the authors focus on this subgroup. Open access copy available |
