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      • Trusted Partner
        Business, Economics & Law
        September 2020

        Religious Tourism and the Environment

        by Kiran A Shinde, Daniel H Olsen

        The remarkable growth in religious tourism across the world has generated considerable interest in the impacts of this type of tourism. Focusing here on environmental issues, this book moves beyond the documentation of environmental impacts to examine in greater depth the intersections between religious tourism and the environment. Beginning with an in-depth introduction that highlights the intersections between religion, tourism, and the environment, the book then focuses on the environment as a resource or generator for religious tourism and the environment as a recipient of impacts of religious tourism. Chapters included discuss such important areas as disease, environmental responsibility and host perspectives. Covering as many cultural and environmental regions as possible, this book provides: An in-depth, yet holistic view of the relationships between religious tourism and the environment; A conceptual framework that goes beyond listing potential environment impacts; A strong focus on explaining the universality of the deeper environmental issues surrounding sacredness and sacred places. From a global writing team and featuring case studies spanning Europe and Asia, this book will be of great interest to researchers and students of tourism and religious studies, as well as those studying environmental issues.

      • Trusted Partner
        July 2024

        Conservation of Dragonflies

        Sentinels for Freshwater Conservation

        by Michael J Samways

        Dragonflies are among the most familiar and popular of all insects, deeply embedded in human cultural history. They are iconic and tell us much about the environments in which we and they live. Their conservation is an important part of biodiversity conservation. One modern dragonfly species is listed as extinct, with many others currently threatened. It is now essential to increase conservation efforts towards saving these threatened species, with strategies now available for doing this. Recovery of dragonfly populations goes hand in hand with improvements to both freshwater conditions and bank vegetation quality. In contrast, some other dragonfly species have benefitted greatly from human transformation of the landscape, with artificial ponds in particular, increasing the population levels of many species. In turn, climate change is seeing many geographical range shifts. Dragonflies are variously sensitive to the health of freshwater systems, and the quality of vegetation along rivers and around ponds. Dragonflies are excellent indicators in these times of great concern over the quality of our freshwater supplies. Their wide range of sensitivities enables us to measure the extent to which freshwater ecosystems are either deteriorating or are improving when we undertake restoration. They enable us to gauge how well we are conserving freshwaters, whether ponds and lakes, streams or rivers. They are also good umbrellas for many other freshwater inhabitants, which altogether reflect the health of a freshwater system. Conservation of Dragonflies: Sentinels for Freshwater Conservation is for naturalists, citizen scientists, entomologists and conservation scientists, as well as practitioners and policy makers around the world.

      • Trusted Partner
        Technology, Engineering & Agriculture
        August 2020

        The Quest to Conserve Rare Breeds

        Setting the Record Straight

        by Lawrence Alderson

        Since the middle of the twentieth century the world has witnessed a succession of political and social disruptions. Globalisation, technological advancement, climate change, human migration, war and conflict - all have caused major worldwide upheavals. In this light, it's unsurprising that conservation of rare breed animals has been neglected. Yet the preservation of these genetic resources - this biological diversity - is an essential ingredient of sustainable life on Earth, and not something we can afford to lose. This book, straight from the 'horse's mouth' Lawrence Alderson CBE, challenges often repeated 'facts' about livestock farming and argues for a reasoned and evidence-based approach from political and public circles. Correcting misconceptions as he goes, he recounts the creation and development of the rare breed conservation movement, addresses extinctions and genetic safe-guarding measures, and considers where we go from here. Challenged as we are by climate change, sustainability and feeding the world, perhaps it is these endangered animals that hold the answer - perhaps with them, we can adapt to our changing environment and see a way forward to a more certain future.

      • Trusted Partner
        Humanities & Social Sciences
        April 2016

        University engagement and environmental sustainability

        by Michael Osborne, Patricia Inman, Diana Robinson

        Universities have a key role to play in contributing to environmental development and combating climate change. The chapters within this volume detail the challenges faced by higher education institutions in considering environmental sustainability, and provide both a broad view of university engagement and a detailed examination of various projects. As part of this series in association with the Place and Social Capital and Learning (PASCAL) International Observatory, the three key PASCAL themes of place management, lifelong learning and the development of social capital are considered throughout the book. While universities have historically generated knowledge outside of specific local contexts, this book argues that it is particularly important for them to engage with the local community and to consider diverse perspectives and assets when looking at issues within an ecological context. The chapters in this volume provide new perspectives and frames of reference for transforming universities by engaging in the development of resilient communities.

      • Trusted Partner
        Biology, life sciences
        August 2020

        Key Questions in Ecology

        A Study and Revision Guide

        by Paul A. Rees

        An understanding of ecology is an important requirement of a wide range of academic areas, including biology, zoology and environmental science. This book is a study and revision guide for students following programmes of study in which ecology is an important component. It contains 600 multiple-choice questions (and answers) set at three levels - foundation, intermediate and advanced - and grouped into 10 major topic areas: · The history and foundations of ecology · Abiotic factors and environmental monitoring · Taxonomy and biodiversity · Energy flow and production ecology · Nutrient and material cycles · Ecophysiology · Population ecology · Community ecology and species interactions · Ecological genetics and evolution · Ecological methods and statistics The book has been produced in a convenient format so that it can be used at any time in any place. It allows the reader to learn and revise the meaning of ecological terms, the basic processes operating in ecosystems, the dynamics of populations, ecological genetics and the process of evolution, the methods used in ecological surveys, and much more. The structure of the book allows the study of one topic area at a time, progressing through simple questions to those that are more demanding. Many of the questions require students to use their knowledge to interpret information provided in the form of graphs, data or photographs, providing a useful tool for independent study.

      • Trusted Partner
        Technology, Engineering & Agriculture
        December 2021

        Conservation Agriculture in Africa

        Climate Smart Agricultural Development

        by Saidi Mkomwa, Amir H Kassam

        Tillage agriculture has led to wide-spread soil and ecosystem degradation globally, and more particularly in the developing regions. This is especially so in Africa where traditional agricultural practices have become unsustainable due to severe exploitation of natural resources with negative impacts on the environment. In addition, agriculture in Africa today faces major challenges including increased costs, climate change effects and a need for more sustainable production intensification methods. Conservation (no-tillage) agriculture has emerged as a major alternative sustainable agriculture practice in Africa and has spread to many African countries in the past decade as more development and research has enabled its extension and uptake. This landmark volume is based on the material presented at the Second Africa Congress on Conservation Agriculture which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, 9-12 October 2018. The main theme of the Congress was: Making Climate Smart Agriculture Real in Africa with Conservation Agriculture: Supporting the Malabo Declaration and Agenda 2063. The Congress was aligned to mobilize stakeholders in all agriculture sectors to provide development support, impetus and direction to the vision and agenda for transforming African agriculture as set out by the Malabo Declaration and Agenda 2063. This book is aimed at all agricultural stakeholders in the public, private and civil sectors in Africa engaged in supporting the transformation of conventional tillage agriculture to Conservation Agriculture. This includes: researchers, academics, students, development stakeholders and policy makers as well as institutional libraries across the world.

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        November 2023

        Crop Pollination by Bees, Volume 2

        Individual Crops and their Bees

        by Keith S Delaplane

        Since the second half of the 20th Century, our agricultural bee pollinators have faced mounting threats from ecological disturbance and pan-global movement of pathogens and parasites. At the same time, the area of pollinator-dependent crops is increasing globally with no end in sight. Never before has so much been asked of our finite pool of bee pollinators. This book not only explores the evolutionary and ecologic bases of these dynamics, it translates this knowledge into practical research-based guidance for using bees to pollinate crops. It emphasizes conserving wild bee populations as well as culturing honey bees, bumble bees, and managed solitary bees. To cover such a range of biology, theory, and practice from the perspectives of both the pollinator and the crop, the book is divided into two volumes. Volume 1 focuses on bees, their biology, coevolution with flowering plants, foraging ecology and management, and gives practical ways to increase bee abundance and pollinating performance on the farm. Volume 2 (this volume) focuses on crops, with chapters addressing crop-specific requirements and bee pollination management recommendations. Both volumes are essential reading for farmers, horticulturists and gardeners, researchers and professionals working in insect ecology and conservation, and students of entomology and crop protection.

      • Trusted Partner
        Economics
        February 1998

        Economics of Landscape and Wildlife Conservation

        by Edited by S Dabbert, A Dubgaard, Martin Whitby

        In recent years landscape and wildlife conservation has attracted increased attention from environmentalists and policy-makers. There have been policies within the European Union aimed at conserving wildlife and landscape in Europe for more than a decade and appraisal of these policies is opportune. A workshop was therefore held at the University of Hohenheim in September 1996 to examine critical issues associated with these policies. This workshop was one of a series, each focusing on a key theme as part of the EU Concerted Action, “Policy measures to control environmental impacts from agriculture”. This book presents a selection of revised papers from this workshop. The overall perspective is an economic one, with several chapters reviewing analytical methods, economic valuation of the benefits of agricultural landscapes and the costs and benefits of wildlife conservation. These are set in the context of the Common Agricultural Policy and environmental policies in the EU. The book represents important reading for agricultural and environmental economists, as well as those concerned with ecology and conservation.

      • Trusted Partner
        Insects (entomology)
        June 2007

        Insect Conservation Biology

        by Edited by Alan J A Stewart, Timothy R New, Owen T Lewis

        In an age of unprecedented human impact on the environment, insect conservation biology is of increasing importance. Due to their abundance, diversity and rapid response to environmental changes, insects are also valuable indicators of wider biodiversity, and make excellent models for conservation research and monitoring. Over 50 international experts have contributed to this authoritative and up-to-date compendium, covering many topics including climate change, habitat management, ecosystem processes, conservation genetics, impact of GM technology, and the integration of insects into wider conservation agendas.

      • Trusted Partner
        Botany & plant sciences
        December 2011

        Agrobiodiversity Conservation

        Securing the Diversity of Crop Wild Relatives and Landraces

        by Edited by Nigel Maxted, Mohammad E Dulloo, Brian V Ford-Lloyd, Lothar Frese, José M Iriondo, Miguel A. A. Pinheiro de Carvalho.

        Based on the 2010 conference 'Towards the establishment of genetic reserves for crop wild relatives and landraces in Europe', this book is the cutting edge discussion of agrobiodiversity conservation. By considering the benefits of understanding and preserving crop wild relatives and landraces, it encompasses issues as wide-ranging and topical as habitat protection, ecosystem health and food security. Focusing on Europe, but globally relevant, Agrobiodiversity Conservation is ideal for postgraduate students of conservation and environmental studies, conservation professionals, policy makers and researchers.

      • Trusted Partner
        Environmental science, engineering & technology
        December 2013

        Conservation Agriculture

        Global Prospects and Challenges

        by Edited by Ram Jat, Kanwar L Sahrawat, Amir H Kassam

        The book covers the spread of conservation agriculture (CA) to regions including Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Australia, Europe and emerging CA destinations in Asia and Africa. Topics covered include the various components of CA, and how their individual and combined implementation influence productivity, soil health and environmental quality under diverse edaphic and climatic conditions. The book will be useful to teachers, researchers, extensionists, farmers, and students interested in environmental quality.

      • Trusted Partner
        Business, Economics & Law
        March 2019

        Private Sector Tourism in Conservation Areas in Africa

        by Susan Snyman, Anna Spenceley

        In Africa's protected areas, tourism involves numerous stakeholders interacting in various partnerships and relationships. These stakeholders include governments, communities, NGOs, the private sector, and academics. Through the use of extensive case studies from throughout Africa this book presents guidelines to ensure optimal benefits for stakeholders as well as promoting the sustainability of tourism in Africa. It includes descriptions of the various models/options for the private sector to engage in tourism in conservation areas in Africa including, amongst others, pure private sector ownership, joint ventures, tripartite agreements and government leases. The processes used to develop these partnerships - from start to finish - are covered, as well as best practices for the private sector engaging in tourism. The book provides guidance on assessing what private sector tourism options are most suitable based on guidelines of conditions and desired outcomes promoting the long-term sustainability of African tourism in protected areas.

      • Trusted Partner
        Geography & the Environment

        Series of the National Zoological Museum of China for Wildlife Ecology and Conservation: Birds

        by Jia Chenxi

        This is a comprehensive and lavishly illustrated reference to the birds. The book provides authoritative and systematic accounts of bird families, covering form and function, distribution, diet, behavior and ecology, conservation and status. A number of superb color photos reveal the enormous diversity of birds in their natural habitats. 内容简介 本书讲述鸟类的生存状态和生态研究,生存的策略、觅食的策略、繁殖的策略、筑巢的策略。保护鸟类和鸟类生存环境,和森林有关系,和生态有关系,和地球有关系,和人类的生存有关。

      • Trusted Partner
        Geography & the Environment

        Series of the National Zoological Museum of China for Wildlife Ecology and Conservation: Insects

        by Liang Hongbin

        Dr. Liang Hongbin highlights the biology of insects, supplying an in-depth treatment of the classification, ecology and conservation. In recent years, Chinese insect photographers develop the field investigations by cameras, contributing to this book that we can see a lot of pictures of insects in China. 内容简介 昆虫是地球上最昌盛的动物类群,已知种类超过100万种,约占整个动物种类的四分之三。在我们周围,常见的昆虫有蝴蝶、蜻蜓、蜜蜂、苍蝇、蚊子、蝗虫、天牛等等,这些虫子千姿百态,形态各异,有些有美丽的翅膀,有些有坚硬的外壳,有些性情温顺,有些凶猛异常。那么,你究竟对昆虫有多了解呢?本书带你走进昆虫世界,领略昆虫世界的精彩。

      • Trusted Partner
        Science & Mathematics
        December 2016

        Conservation Agriculture for Africa

        Building Resilient Farming Systems in a Changing Climate

        by Amir H Kassam, Amir H Kassam, Saidi Mkomwa, Saidi Mkomwa, Theodor Friedrich, J N Blignaut, H Boulal, Roland Bunch, Trent W Bunderson, Dennis Garrity, Oussama El Gharras, Mohammed El Mourid, Mphatso Gama, Zwide D Jere, Josef Kienzle, Jaap Knot, Erna Kruger, Peter Kuria, Baqir Lalani, Simon Lugandu, Brand Mbale, Charles Midega, Michael Misiko, Zeyaur Khan, Obedi Mkandawire, Alice Murage, Richard M. Museka, Weldone Mutai, Blessings M. Mwale, Spencer W.D. Ng’oma, John M. Paul, John A. Pickett, Jimmy Pittchar, Brian G. Sims, Hendrik J. Smith, Phillip Tembo, Christian Thierfelder, Patrick C. Wall, Reynolds K. Shula, Peter Dorward, Jose Dambiro

        Tillage agriculture has led to widespread soil and ecosystem degradation globally. This is especially so in Africa where traditional and modern tillage-based agricultural practices have become unsustainable due to severe disturbance and exploitation of natural resources, with negative impacts on the environment and rural livelihoods. In addition, agriculture in Africa today faces major challenges including increased costs of production and energy, the effects of climate change, and the lack of an effective paradigm for sustainable intensification, especially for small- and medium-size holdings. Africa is facing a serious challenge to food security and as a continent has not advanced towards eradicating hunger. In addition, the population is still growing much faster than on most other continents. This pressure has led to the emergence of no-till conservation agriculture as a serious alternative sustainable agriculture paradigm. In Africa, in recent years, conservation agriculture techniques and methods have spread to many countries, as greater development, education and research effort are directed towards its extension and uptake. This book is aimed at agricultural researchers and scientists, educationalists, and agricultural service providers, institutional leaders and policy makers working in the fields of sustainable agriculture and international development, and also at agroecologists, conservation scientists, and those working on ecosystem services. This book: · Focuses on research and development initiatives in Africa aimed at building resilient farming systems based on conservation agriculture principles and practices. · Summarises the status of conservation agriculture in Africa today and prospects for its future development in Africa as a basis for sustainable agriculture intensification. · Describes case studies showing the performance of conservation agriculture in Africa. ; Tillage agriculture has led to widespread soil and ecosystem degradation. This book reviews research and development initiatives in Africa aimed at building resilient farming systems. It summarises the status of conservation agriculture today, discusses prospects for future development and provides case studies showing its performance in Africa. ; 1: Conservation Agriculture in Africa: An Overview2: Weather-Proofing Agriculture with Conservation Agriculture3: Conservation Agriculture: Growing more with less – the future of sustainable intensification4: Empowering Smallholder Farmers with Profitable and Sustainable Farming using Conservation Agriculture – the Case of East Africa5: Implementing the Principles of Conservation Agriculture in Malawi: Crop Yields and Factors Affecting Adoption6: Innovation Systems and farmer perceptions regarding Conservation Agriculture in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique7: Conservation Agriculture in North Africa: Experiences, Achievements and Challenges8: How Can We Cover Millions of Hectares with Conservation Agriculture in Africa?9: Climate-Smart push-pull - A conservation agriculture technology for food security and environmental sustainability in Africa10: How to Make Conservation Agriculture Ever Green11: Mechanization of smallholder Conservation Agriculture in Africa: contributing resilience to precarious systems12: Conservation Agriculture in South Africa: Lessons from Case Studies13: Extending Conservation Agriculture benefits through Innovation Platforms14: Summing Up

      • Trusted Partner
        Tourism industry
        October 2010

        Conservation Tourism

        by Ralf C Buckley, James Guy Castley, Julianna Priskin, Augustina Barros, Fiona Clare Morrison, Zhong Linsheng

        The effects of tourism on the ecology and natural environment of tourist destinations are hotly debated and research has expanded in the field of ecotourism and sustainability. This book considers the positive contributions that tourism can make to the conservation of global biodiversity by reviewing and analysing the economic and political contributions of tourism to conservation through establishment of private game and wildlife reserves, lodges and tourist facilities. Featuring 100 international case studies from private marine reserves to bird watching lodges, this book covers key topics including sources of capital and operational funding, corporate and organisational structure, marketing strategies, primary conservation outcomes and spin-off effects, links to public protected areas, future plans and global trends.

      • Trusted Partner
        Business, Economics & Law
        December 2018

        World Heritage Sites

        Tourism, Local Communities and Conservation Activities

        by Takamitsu Jimura

        Heritage is a growing area of both tourism and study, with World Heritage Site designations increasing year-on-year. This book reviews the important interrelations between the industry, local communities and conservation work, bringing together the various opportunities and challenges for different destinations. World Heritage status is a strong marketing brand, and proper heritage management and effective conservation are vital, but this tourism must also be developed and managed appropriately if it is to benefit a site. As many sites are located in residential areas, their interaction with the local community must also be carefully considered. This book: - Reviews new areas of development such as Historic Urban Landscapes, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Memory of the World and Global Geoparks. - Includes global case studies to relate theory to practice. - Covers a worldwide industry of over 1,000 cultural and natural heritage sites. An important read for academics, researchers and students of heritage studies, cultural studies and tourism, this book is also a useful resource for professionals working in conservation, cultural and natural heritage management.

      • Trusted Partner
        January 2018

        Conservation, Revised Edition

        Protecting Our Plant Resources

        by Anne Maczulak, Ph.D.

        Conservation refers to the careful and controlled use of natural resources for the purpose of extending the time they are available as well as retaining biodiversity. Conservation does not prevent the loss of plants, trees, land, water, or habitat; it simply slows the rate of degradation of these things. This updated eBook explores aspects of conservation, particularly the conservation of plant life upon which ecosystems are built. Though students with an interest in ecology assume conservation is a worthwhile endeavor in sustaining the environment, conservation has had a rocky history. Conservation, Revised Edition provides an overview of the successes and failures in striving to protect living natural resources that predate humans on their home continents. Chapters include: Forests and the Water Cycle Analyzing Threats to Forests Tropical Forest Preservation Temperate and Boreal Forest Preservation Desertification Saving Riparian Habitats Reducing Wood Waste.

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