Articles

Recent field investigations, performed across some of the less floristically known sectors of Calabria, have led to the discovery of <i>Salsola tragus</i> and <i>Thymelaea gussonei</i>, two new species for the regional vascular flora. By providing crucial biogeographical and taxonomic remarks, this work aims to contribute to the improvement of the knowledge of the rich, diversified and still poorly known native flora of Calabria. The biogeographical value of these new findings underlines the decisive role of field survey in the enhancement of the information on regional biodiversity, the essential basis for every further ecological study and conservation effort.

The Douala-Edea National Park is a coastal protected area that opens to the Atlantic Ocean, and contains an abundant wildlife which finds a privilege habitat there, and certain taxa such as epiphytes, which are of particular interest for conservation. In many tropical forests, vascular epiphytes are one of the richest taxa, with major impacts on the nutrient and hydrological cycles. The aim of this research was to study the effect of the disturbance of habitat on the floristic composition of vascular epiphytes in the Douala-Edea National Park. This study was carried out between January - April 2021 in three types of disturbed habitats at the northern part of the park. Three plots of 100 m × 100 m dimensions were laid out across three ecosystems along the Sanaga river. The sampling method consisted in the direct observation of five adjacent transects of 100 m x 20 m dimensions inside each plot. Epiphytes species were evaluated on all trees of DBH ≥10 cm. Epiphytes' life-forms and the position on the host trees occupied by the epiphytes were also recorded. A total of 18 species belonging to 16 genera and 13 families were identified. <i>Culcasia</i><i> sp.</i> was the most common species with a relative frequency of 30.27%. Biological indicators were represented by Ferns, with four species, and Orchidaceae, with one species<i>.</i><i> </i>The epiphytes species richness was highest in the low disturbed habitat (13 species), and lowest in the highly disturbed habitat (8 species). Strict epiphytes were highly recorded in the low disturbed habitat (6 species), and were absent in the highly disturbed habitat. Hemi-epiphytes were the commonest life-form (12 species) in the highly disturbed habitat, and have been defined as indicators of the perturbation of the habitat. Canopy was mostly sollicitated by epiphytes in the low disturbed habitat (66.25%) than the moderate disturbed habitat (49.85%), and highly disturbed habitat (30.66%). It has been found that the different forest sites have an influence on the typology of epiphytic species, and therefore, epiphytic flora should be managed for the conservation of the biodiversity in tropical forests.

The spiny xeromorphic shrublands on serpentine (cuabales) constitute outstanding plant formations for the conservation of Cuban biodiversity, due to their floristic richness, high number of endemic species and local endemism, as well as their economic, social, cultural value and functions environmental. In the Callejón de Los Patos of Santa Clara, there are relicts of cuabal, although they show a high level of deterioration due to human activity. This article presents the main results of an investigation, which focused on implementing actions for the development of Community Environmental Education, with emphasis on the conservation of cuabal, in Callejón de Los Patos. For the intervention process, the Community Self-Development Methodology was used, which is qualitative par excellence, and the investigative methods: document analysis, participant observation, in-depth, group and structured interviews, drawing directed, the reflective group, techniques group and triangulation of data. The main results of the research are: the diagnosis and implementation of actions, designed from the process of Community Environmental Education, which was developed at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes National Rural School, of said settlement. During the intervention process, the development of cognitive, procedural and attitudinal knowledge for the conservation of cuabal was verified in the schoolchildren, contributing to the strengthening of the school as the most important cultural center of the community, as aspired in the Cuban National Education System.

Biodiversity is related to a global problem: its destruction, a fact supported by scientific authorities. It is not trivial that educational dimension has been contemplated as one of the strategies for its conservation. Since 1992 global initiatives such as the Convention on Biological Diversity postulates concepts that linked education and nature conservation. The main objective of this research work is to test the level of assimilation of extracurricular scientific knowledge by primary school pupils. The method chosen for the content was, on the one hand, a master class intervention with an interactive presentation on a digital whiteboard. Third cases were chosen. Each case consisted of a presentation of the current status of a species of fauna present in Spain. On the second part, students were asked to write an essay and to illustrate the experience during the presentation. Regarding the essays, students showed that they were more attracted to the first species that was presented (Iberian lynx) in a proportion of over 45% of cases. The “Endangered species” concept appeared in more than 77% of the texts reviewed. In terms of drawings, almost 55% of the responses seem to devote more attention to the second species described (<i>Testudo graeca</i>). An attempt was made to offer rigorous, structured information related to different aspects of natural reality in order to contemplate the broadest possible vision. The example of an instructional intervention presented here aims to be an alternative to other transmissive teaching models. Likewise, the linking of abstract concepts with socio-cultural reality proved to be a successful strategy to reinforce knowledge about natural biodiversity, endangered species or threat factors.

Beaches are known for their ability to provide people with several services – these are generally referred to as ‘ecosystem services’ and they have been identified as one of the ways through which nature relates to humans. However, beaches in Nigeria are challenged by mismanagement caused by anthropogenic factors. It is expected that people will demonstrate a certain amount of dedication to protecting this ecosystem to address this issue. Sometimes, a person's commitment to conservation is based on the advantages they anticipate or are currently experiencing from the ecosystem, which are a result of their socioeconomic traits. Against this backdrop, this study captured individuals’ commitment as their Willingness to Pay (WTP) for these ecosystem services, assessed their level of awareness of the various ecosystem services provided by beaches and investigated the impact of socioeconomic factors on participants’ willingness to pay. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a total of 221 responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression and content analysis. The results revealed that the cultural service provided by beaches was the most common ecosystem service identified by the participants. Furthermore, most of the participants were willing to pay less than $3 for beach maintenance while the major determinants of WTP were age, household size and education. This study recommended that the government should work with other stakeholders to set up programs that would boost people’s awareness of ecosystem services provided by beaches as well as reiterate the need to maintain this ecosystem to ensure continued enjoyment of the services provided.

This position paper discusses indigenous water resource conservation practices and modern methods to address challenges in Akwamu traditional area in the Eastern region of Ghana. Africa is bedeviled with environmental crisis in this 21st century, and this has been a major concern to environmental conservationists. In Ghana, one of such environmental crisis is pollution of water bodies as a result of indiscriminate human activities. Some have argued that non-recognition of indigenous knowledge in the management of water resources has been one of the major challenges of water resource crisis in Africa and Ghana is no exception. In the life and thought of indigenous people of Ghana, studies confirm that conservation of water resources is enforced through traditional religiously governed norms which have stood the test of time before formal institutions responsible for biodiversity conservation were established by government. Using Akwamu traditional area in Ghana as a case, this study explores how the indigenous people manage water bodies and to find out the possibility of incorporating indigenous knowledge practices and modern methods to address the current water resource problems in Ghana. Primary and secondary sources are employed for data collection. The study is carried out within the concept of ‘worldview’ to understand how indigenous people manage the environment through their indigenous belief systems. The findings are that; indigenous knowledge practices are potential tools for addressing water resource crisis in Ghana. The study also indicates that if indigenous knowledge practices are used alongside with the modern methods in water resource management, our water resource problems would be minimized if not totally solved in Africa.

Starting with Planck scale it is developed the Relativistic Radial Density Theory (<i>RRDT</i>). In this theory, the Planck and gravitational parameters can be described as the functions of the radial mass (energy) density value. This density is maximal at the minimal radius and minimal at the maximal radius. This conclusion is based on the fact that the ratio of Planck mass and Planck length (radius) is constant. These radiuses can be described as the function of the energy conservation constant <i>κ</i>. Using <i>RRD</i><i>T</i>, it is possible to develop the connections between Planck’s and gravitational parameters as function of the maximal and minimal radial mass (energy) density values. In that sense, the gravitational length, time, energy and temperature can be presented as the function of the Planck length, time, energy and temperature, respectively. This opens possibility to merge of Quantum Field Theory (<i>QFT</i>) and the General Theory of Relativity (<i>GTR</i>) at the quantum scale in gravitational field. The existence of the maximal radial mass (energy) density value at the minimal radius in gravitational field means that no singularity in that field. Further, the existence of the minimal radial mass (energy) density value at the maximal radius in gravitational field means that no infinity in that field. It follows the postulation: the most minimal radius in a gravitational field belongs to the minimal mass (energy). Since the Planck mass is not the minimal mass in space-time, the Planck length/radius is not the minimal length/radius in the space-time. If the calculated minimal (or maximal) radius is the bigger than the related official radius it means that there exists a dark matter in this object. In that sense, the black holes are presenting the state of the matter at the minimal radius where we have the maximal radial mass (energy) density value. Further, the maximal possible radius of the matter is presenting the state with the minimal radial mass (energy) density value. Thus, the maximal and minimal radial mass (energy) density values are constants and conserved items. Now the question is: do motion of the Universe follows the <i>RRD</i><i>T</i>?

<i>Anthyllis hermanniae</i> subsp. <i>brutia</i>, is an Italian endemic shrub occurring just in one locality by the Calabrian Ionian coast in southern Italy. Objective of this study is to provide data on population numbers, demography and ecology, as well as to identify the main threats on the long term conservation of the target taxon. The survey has been carried out through field census work, sampling biometric and dendrometric data, and applying simple statistics. The population, counting totally 962 individuals, is divided in two stands concentrated in the central part of the distribution area. It is restricted to a narrow belt on the inland part of the dune slope encompassed between an artificial pine forest at the dune top, and the dune-specialized vegetation on the slope. Some biometric insights, such as stem diameter, plant height and number of annual rings, suggest the role of micro-ecology in individual shaping. The most relevant threating factor for the long term conservation of this rare taxon is the rapidly spreading <i>Pinus halepensis</i> subsp. <i>halepensis</i>. Local population of this invasive alien species, deriving from planted individuals, is now invading the <i>A. hermanniae</i> subsp. <i>brutia</i> habitat. Chorological and ecological data here provided should hopefully steer further population dynamics investigation as well as any urgent environment management actions.

Skew-symmetric differential forms possess properties that enable one to carry out a qualitative investigation of the equations of mathematical physics and the foundations of field theories. In the paper we call attention to a unique role in field theory of closed exterior skew-symmetric differential forms, which correspond to conservation laws for physical fields (to conservative quantities). At the same time, it was shown that such closed exterior forms can be derived from skew-symmetric differential forms, which follow from the mathematical physics equations describing material media such as thermodynamic, gas-dynamic, cosmic media. This points a connection the field theory equations with the mathematical physics equations. Such connection discloses the properties and specific features of field theory.

The main energy conservation opportunities in a dairy plant are in refrigeration, and steam generation. This paper aims to identify potential energy and water savings and opportunities to improve the thermal efficiency of a fluid milk processing plant, using energy analysis and Heat Integration methods. Methodologies for energy analysis and Pinch Analysis with the use of HENSAD and Aspen Energy Analyzer are applied. The main specific energy consumptions are defined as indicators of the progress of improved energy efficiency. The determination of energy performance indicators and energy targets of the heat exchanger network, as well as its design, allowed identifying opportunities for improvement to reduce fuel and water consumption through heat recovery in the milk pasteurization process. Current hot and cold utilities duties are satisfied, for a minimum allowable temperature difference of 20 °C. Total annual savings of 60 t of fuel oil and 15,800 m³ of water allow assessing the feasibility of an investment project for improved heat recovery.

In Cuba, the great diversity and high endemism of the plant formations on serpentine stand out. Cuabales (scrub xeromorphic thorny on serpentine) present important natural values for the sustainability of Cuban biodiversity, but with a high degree of vulnerability. Although there are currently several investigations into the flora and vegetation of these ecosystems, there is a scientific vacuum on the conservation of these plant formations, from the social point of view. In the Callejón de Los Patos of Santa Clara, there is a cuabal, although it presents a high level of deterioration, due to anthropic activity. This research focused on assessing environmental management for the sustainability of the cuabal of Callejón de Los Patos of Santa Clara. The methodological perspective that predominated in the research process was qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data was incorporated to better visualize the trend in the analysis of the results. The investigative methods used were: observation, document analysis, in-depth and structured interviews. The diagnosed results showed insufficient knowledge, in the inhabitants of Callejón de Los Patos, related to the cuabal, its sustainability, and its importance. The absence of collective projection of actions to mitigate environmental problems identified in the settlement, that affect the deterioration of said plant formation was detected; results demonstrate poor environmental management for the sustainability of cuabal.

The reduction of the native forests coverage in mainland Portugal increased in the past centuries, leading to a marked decrease in biodiversity in general, especially on typical species of mature forest environments. However, urban biodiversity seems to resist more effectively than rural to disturbances due to the lower incidence of fires, as well as to agriculture expansion. Thus, in this work, we analyzed the dynamics of the natural vegetation potential in each biogeographic sector, and selected, based on the evolutionary stages of the vegetation, a set of priority taxa for conservation. The criteria used are intended to highlight plants with ornamental value, but at the same time, some of them have high patrimonial value, belonging to the Red List of Vascular Flora of Mainland Portugal or protected by Annexes II, IV and V of the Sectorial Plan of the Natura 2000 Network at the European level. Our analysis resulted in the identification of 62 plants that can be increased in public spaces in order to improve their conservation status. For each biogeographic sector, the plants best adapted to the local edaphoclimatic conditions are presented. Forest habitats can now, through micro-reserves in urban areas, ensure their long-term conservation and greater awareness among the population. An integrated planning, where the socio-ecological strategy is designed for the long term, will benefit the quality of life of citizens in an urban environment. Furthermore, the creation of micro-reserves in urban parks (gardens) can prevent the extinction of many botanical values in the landscapes of the western Mediterranean Basin.

This study took place in the Far North region of Cameroon. The general objective was to assess the floristic diversity of the undergrowth of Agrosystems in <i>Azadirachta</i><i> </i><i>indica</i>. The data were collected in 100 m long by 20 m wide transects surveyed in plantations of different ages. In total, 5 transects were carried out, ie a total area of 1 ha per site. The sampling bands were established using the compass, decameter, GPS and wires. The experimental set-up used was a 5-repetition split plot. A total of 7689 individuals divided into 9 families, 13 genera and 16 species have been identified. <i>Guiera</i><i> </i><i>senegalensis</i> and <i>Piliostigma</i><i> </i><i>thonningii</i> are the most common in terms of relative abundance. The analysis of the Family Importance Index (VIF) shows overall that the Combretaceae, and Mimosaceae are the most important in ecological terms. While those of the species show that <i>Guiera</i><i> </i><i>senegalensis</i>, <i>Combretum</i><i> </i><i>micranthum</i> and <i>Acacia</i><i> </i><i>nilotica</i> finally for the genera, it is Acacia, Guiera and Combretum which contains the most important ecological indices. The overall density of species within the plots varies between 129 and 105 ind / ha. The basal area varies from 2.02 to 3.88 m² / ha. The Importance Value Index (IVI) is of the order of 300 in the different plots. The floristic diversity of the undergrowth of Agrosystems (average ISH> 2) shows homogeneity and an even distribution between the different plots. Plots with similarity indices of less than 50% do not meet floristic affinity while similarity indices are high in plots with floristic affinities greater than or equal to 50%. The diameter structure showed a predominance of young individuals. This information drawn from the conclusion of the present study shows that they constitute an important argumentation of the advantages so that the services of agricultural development should be interested in the conservation and valuation of such an agroforestry system for the protection of the environment against the climate change mitigation and sustainable development of local communities.

A domain of practical learning over the theoretical is provided in this work, for this several places of natural interest have been studied (Natural Parks), a quality pedagogical training is obtained, through which the students of Vocational Training and Primary and Secondary Education Teachers obtain competences in the management of natural spaces, which are of interest for conservation, competences in flora, plant communities, habitats and interpretation of the landscape. The learning is eminently practical, which allows trained personnel to enter the labor market. The study of natural spaces has been carried out using direct observation techniques, with the participation of specialist teachers in various fields, because the interpretation of vegetation, habitats and landscape requires multidisciplinary techniques. For this, teaching methodologies in Botany are used, how have the phytosociological sampling techniques been; Geology, Edaphology, and Climatology, in the latter case creating future predictive models that allow the student to make decisions about the management of a territory; this study has made it possible to carry out a comprehensive interpretation of the natural environment, with a notable pedagogical improvement in learning.

Although there are numerous studies on the floristic composition of the Andean and Caribbean grasslands, there are limited information from a phytosociological point of view. This work therefore aims to highlight the differences in this important vegetation type in these two biodiversity hotspots to gain a better understanding of their floristic and vegetational richness. The floristic composition of Andean grasslands (Ecuador) and the island of Hispaniola is also studied. The reason for this comparative analysis of Andean and Caribbean territories is their tropical character and their bioclimatic similarities. The comparative analysis of Peruvian Andean and Colombian grasslands is based on floristic knowledge from the literature, our inventories on the island of Hispaniola, and the works of Peguero. We applied the phytosociological methodology of Braun-Blanquet and the code of phytosociological nomenclature. We performed a statistical analysis to verify the differences between both community types using the statistical packages PAST© and CAP3. The comparative analysis of Andean and Caribbean grasslands shows a clear floristic and biogeographical differentiation and reveals that the only ecological character they share is their high-mountain attribute. In the Caribbean these communities are found only on the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic) in the Central biogeographic sector, Central subprovince, Hispaniola province. These grasslands are exclusive to Hispaniola and have a high rate of endemics. We propose the following new syntaxa: the association <i>Hyperico constanzae-Danthonietum domingensis</i>,<i> </i>the alliance<i> Hieracio domingensis-Deschampsion domingensis</i>, the order<i> Danthonietalia domingensis, </i>and the class <i>Deschampsio-Danthonietea domingensis.</i> We found high biodiversity values for Andean and Caribbean areas. This is due to the intense anthropic activity on the island of Hispaniola, which has led to a high percentage of naturalized plants.

The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical composition and micrographic charac-teristics of the plants consumed by Okapia johnstoni. The results indicate that each plant species has characteristic microscopic elements for its identification. These plants are rich in phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, coumarins, terpenoids and iridoids. Alchornea cordifolia is richer in total polyphenols (198.53±3.39 mg GAE/g DM) followed respectively by Musanga cer-copioides (91.87±6.71 mg GAE/g DM), Macaranga spinosa (59.65±6.54 mg GAE/g DM), Ficus val-lis-choudae (46.37±2.43 mg GAE/g DM), Cola acuminata (38.83±4.04 mg GAE/g DM), Pycnanthus angolensis (31.96±3.45 mg GAE/g DM), Alstonia boonei (31.55±1.60 mg GAE/g DM) and Trilepisium madagascariensis (25.18±0.99 mg GAE/g DM). As for flavonoids, the highest content is obtained in T. madagascariensis followed respectively by A. boonei, Pycnanthus angolensis, Cola acuminata, M. spinosa, F. vallis-choudae, M. cercopioides and A. cordifolia. The difference in the content of secondary me-tabolites is justified by the fact that their expression in the plant is a function of both abiotic and biotic factors and the specificity of each plant species linked to its genetic make-up. The charac-terization of these chemical compounds is necessary for the formulation of herbal medicines for the management of Okapi ex situ or for human health. Also, the microscopic profiles of the leaves powder of the studied plant species provide relevant information, which may be helpful for the plant authentication and for quality control of raw material.

This study aimed to assess the floristic composition, vegetation structure and species associations of Cashew agro-ecosystems in the North region of Cameroon. The data were collected in 100 m x 20 m transect methods. An analysis of the data collected in the field was conducted around the diversity and richness of the flora, but also the structure of Cashew agro-ecosystems. For the analyzes of vegetation structure, tree density, basal area and biovolume were calculated. The inventory included trees with a dbh greater than or equal to 5 cm on an area of ​​1 ha per plot. The experimental device installed is a complete random Fisher block with five repetitions. A total of 7849 individuals in 17 families, 20 genera and 38 species were recorded<i>. </i>Species Important value of vegetation cover indicated that <i>Diospyros </i><i>mespiliformis</i><i>, </i><i>Anogeissus</i><i> </i><i>leiocarpus</i><i>, Annona senegalensis and Terminalia </i><i>laxiflora</i> are the most represented. Combretaceae are the most ecologically important families. Additionally, the grouping of species into four subdivisions showed that the Shannon diversity index varies from 2.18 ± 0.09 - 3.47 ± 0.17 bits, Pielou index vary from 0.98 ± 0.01 - 0.99 ± 0.01, Simpson's index ranges from 0.70 ± 0.18 - 0.93 ± 0.11, density ranges from 102 ± 1.92 - 128 ± 6.36 indiv/ha, basal area ranges from 2.02 ± 0.31 - 12.68 ± 2.01 m²/ha, biovolume ranges from 11.58 ± 1.29 - 68.03 ± 13.21 m<SUP>3</SUP>/ha. The Sörensen similarity index is very high with floristic affinities greater than or equal to 90%. The diameters and heights structure show a predominance of young individuals for the diameter and height classes on all plots. The most represented species associations are legumes (<i>Arachis </i><i>hypogeae</i>: 40.54%) and native fruit trees (<i>Vitellaria </i><i>paradoxa</i>: 15%). These results show the contribution of Cashew agro-ecosystems in biodiversity conservation.

The present study aimed to verify the floristic composition in two distinct areas: reforestation with Eucalyptus and degraded area subjected to fire. Plots of 0.5 m x 0.5 m were demarcated, distributed in transect in the two analyzed areas, were carried out. The analyzed aspects were the following: plant species variability, fresh mass, dry mass and litter. The results showed that the cultivation with eucalyptus was the one with the highest amount of plant species, reaching the number of 17 species, while in the degraded area 11 different species were found. In terms of fresh and dry mass, there was no observed difference between areas. In relation to litter, the cultivation with eucalyptus had the highest weight. It is concluded that the cultivation with eucalyptus showed the highest number of plant species and amount of litter; as for the fresh and dry mass, there were an equivalence in the results of the two areas.

After the outbreak of the covid-19 disease in the world of human life, living organisms and their environment were affected in various ways. The outbreak of the covid-19 virus has posed many opportunities and challenges to the world environment. This article aims to investigate the effects of the outbreak of covid-19 disease on the environment. This research has studied the effects of the covid-19 virus on the environment through library and review methods. It has been studied and analyzed in the form of articles and related researches. The results of published sources show that quarantine and the requirement of humans to stay at home to break the covid-19 transmission chain caused the animals to feel safe, move out of their natural territory and into urban and rural areas. Reducing noise and air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing vehicle traffic and shutting down factories are other positive effects of the covid-19 outbreak that has helped improve air quality and reduce global warming. In addition to these positive effects, reducing conservation activities during the Covid-19 era in some areas has increased habitat destruction and poaching. Increasing household and hospital waste production, increasing the consumption of plastics and disposable materials, and decreasing waste recycling are the negative effects of the covid-19 virus epidemic, which, by destroying resources, puts pressure on the environment. Increased consumption of detergents and disinfectants will have many detrimental effects on the environment. In general, the positive effects of the covid-19 virus on the temporary and short-term environment seem to be small compared to the long-term consequences. Therefore, by overcoming covid-19, we should focus on rebuilding society and a healthy economy, and by fully understanding the opportunities and threats of this virus, we should consciously train environmental behaviors.