Abstract Effective conservation and sustainable management require metrics that capture the coupled dynamics of biological and cultural systems. Quantifying and mapping this biocultural diversity remains difficult due to its multidimensional and context-dependent nature. This study introduces the Biocultural Index for Refugia Exploration (BIRE), an integrative spatial approach combining biological and socio-cultural variables to map biocultural […]
ABSTRACT The new agricultural policies demanded by the European Union recognize that biodiversity and agriculture are interdependent. Regenerative agriculture (RA) has emerged as a valuable alternative to conventional agriculture, creating multifunctional landscapes, promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, as well as human well-being. In the largest area of almond farms in Spain, we […]
Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored societies’ need for education and preparedness in addressing global environmental and health crises. Raising public awareness of the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health is essential to engaging the public in environmental conservation and disease prevention. The One Health approach offers a holistic and multidisciplinary view for tackling challenges related to […]
Abstract Biocultural diversity reflects the interplay among biological and cultural diversity within social-ecological systems, shaped by human societies’ unique interactions with nature. This concept encompasses diverse knowledge, beliefs, practices, and values linked to local biodiversity. Despite its growing relevance, research gaps persist, including the need for theoretical clarity and a broader empirical application. To examine […]
Abstract Social media platforms like X (Twitter) have become indispensable tools for health promotion, particularly during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, by facilitating vital communication among the public, researchers, and health professionals. These platforms enable the viral spread of information, thereby amplifying its impact and potentially improving health outcomes. Misinformation can also spread rapidly, […]
Abstract Understanding how people perceive and value urban nature is essential for developing inclusive and climate-adaptive planning strategies, particularly in semi-arid cities where ecological and social values challenge conventional “green” urban nature models. This study focused on exploring residents’ perceptions of urban nature in the city of Almería, Spain, one of the driest areas in […]
first_page settings Order Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Deployment of Solar Energy at the Expense of Conservation Sensitive Areas Precludes Its Classification as an Environmentally Sustainable Activity Abstract Solar energy (SE) is essential for the decarbonization of our economy and for energetic transition. Solar energy can be a sustainable economic activity, as long as a balance […]
Abstract The identification and location of groundwater-dependent ecosystems are the first steps in protecting and managing them. Such identifications are challenging where the surface expressions of groundwater are not obvious. This work presents a remote-sensing-based approach to infer the groundwater dependence of semiarid shrubs from their association with fractures that facilitate root access to groundwater. […]
Abstract During the last century, the abandonment of traditional dryland farming and pastures in the Mediterranean basin promoted the development of ambitious afforestation programs causing a drastic transformation of the landscape. Afforestation programs were usually accomplished without considering the potential ecological impacts on the recipient ecosystems. Forest streams rely on terrestrial organic detritus, so their […]
Abstract Conservation biology faces the challenge of safeguarding the ecosystem functions and ecological processes (the water cycle, nutrients, energy flow, and community dynamics) that sustain the multiple facets of biodiversity. Characterization and evaluation of these processes and functions can be carried out through functional attributes or traits related to the exchanges of matter and energy […]
