Recent field investigations, performed across some of the less floristically known sectors of Calabria, have led to the discovery of Salsola tragus and Thymelaea gussonei, 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. Culcasia sp. 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. 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 (Testudo graeca). 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 work presents the results of an ethnobotanical research carried out in the territory of Serre Calabre, province of Vibo Valentia (Calabria, southern Italy). In this territory, the bond between the residents and the rural environment is still strong, because the small urban centers are placed in a predominantly agricultural and forestry environment still managed in a traditional way. The survey took place between January 2019 and July 2021. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with locals. As many as 17 informants were interviewed and a total of 185 interviews were recorded. Plant specimens were collected under the indication of the informants and then deposited at the herbarium of the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria (REGGIO). The data were stored on a digital database and then statistically analyzed some synthetic indexes have also been calculated, such as Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and the Cultural Importance Index (CI). The investigation allowed to identify 84 taxa belonging to 39 different families, among which the most represented are Lamiaceae (23 interviews, 9 taxa), Asteraceae (22 interviews, 12 taxa). The identified taxa were prevalently cited for alimentary (46 interviews, 32 taxa) and healing (55, 27) uses. The results obtained show how the traditional knowledge about plants in the Serre Calabre area is still alive, however it is exclusive heritage of elderly people and often only in one or just a few informants. In fact, many practices are no longer in use and will not be transferred to the new generations.

Starting with Planck scale it is developed the Relativistic Radial Density Theory (RRDT). 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 κ. Using RRDT, 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 (QFT) and the General Theory of Relativity (GTR) 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 RRDT?

Calabria is a floristic hotspot just at the center of Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, an increasing number of alien plant species threats this natural heritage, exactly while the crucial role of botany in secondary schools of Italy has been definitely dismantled. Calabrian Native Project is an environmental education project planned by Istituto Tecnico Agrario of Catanzaro that, reintroducing some key concepts of botany and biogeography, allowing pupils to experience a botanical excursion in the close-to-the-school Mediterranean Biodiversity Park, gives them the opportunity to become acquainted with both native and alien species. Pupils are asked to collect native plant propagules and to seed or cultivate the material in the school greenhouses, and to take care of these plants until their use. The prevalent outdoor and laboratory approach to the issue of bioinvasions, make the project very effective. This feature, with the low cost and reduced technology inputs, make the project highly replicable in other contexts, just focusing appropriate target species.

Anthyllis hermanniae subsp. brutia, 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 Pinus halepensis subsp. halepensis. Local population of this invasive alien species, deriving from planted individuals, is now invading the A. hermanniae subsp. brutia habitat. Chorological and ecological data here provided should hopefully steer further population dynamics investigation as well as any urgent environment management actions.

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.

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 Hyperico constanzae-Danthonietum domingensis, the alliance Hieracio domingensis-Deschampsion domingensis, the order Danthonietalia domingensis, and the class Deschampsio-Danthonietea domingensis. 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.

Quantitatively, this study aimed to determine the abundance and diversity of the insect fauna that visits the staminate and pistillate flowers of Cocos nucifera. The study was conducted at an experimental plantation belonging to the Coconut Research Programme (CRP) of the Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), to provide diagnostic support for the Cape St. Paul Wilt Disease (CSPWD) at Asebu in the Central Region of Ghana. The populations of coconut palms represented the dwarf type with few tall ecotypes. Five Insects were randomly chosen with newly opened inflorescences. Observations and collections of insect visitors to coconut flowers were made once a week on 30 newly opened inflorescences, five from each batch within the plantation. Specimens of the data were deposited in the official insect collection and processed at the laboratory of the Entomology Museum of the Department of Conservation Biology and Entomology, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The study indicated that 9 different species of insects were identified to be the true fauna that visited the staminate and pistillate flowers of C. nucifera Ethiosciapus sp., Sarcophaga sp., Scolia dubia, Lucilia sp., Ornidia sp., Apis melifera, Dactylurina standingeri, Red Ant and Black Ant. These insects were observed in all the six batches considered and were available at all times of the day. Most of the insects were observed in the early morning from 6 am - 9 am followed by the evening 4 pm –7 pm. The abundance of insect visitors was low during the mid-day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) in all six batches during high temperatures. The results of this study revealed that there were abundances of Ethioscipus sp. was the least abundant in all the batches followed by Scolia dubia then Sarcophaga sp. Red Ants had the highest abundance in most of the Batches thus becoming the most abundant insect that forage the coconut inflorescence at the Asebu plantation. The bees, Apis melifera and Dactylurina standingeri were the most abundant species after the Red Ants. All these groups of insects were not considered in the study and it is recommended that further studies consider such visitors to observe which insects are doing what on the inflorescence. The range for the ‘time of day for’ of the study was mostly diurnal (morning 6 am-9 am, afternoon 11 am-2 pm and evening 4 pm7 pm). There was no observation made of the pollination system or activities of these insect visitors nocturnally. There may be high pollination activities of these insects during the late evenings. It is recommended that future work should incorporate the late evening period to observe an abundance of diurnal insect visitors of the coconut inflorescences.Keywords: Insect, Fauna, Staminate, Pistillate Flowers, Cocos nucifera

Biodiversity Conservation is a priority issue for the scientific community, and a main subject in the Biology and Geology curriculum at secondary school level in Spanish Educational System. In the present didactic proposal, we use the demographic monitoring of an endangered plant species to illustrate a research tool for estimates of biodiversity loos in nature, the local endemic Astragalus tremolsianus Pau. The aim of the proposal is to bring students closer to a real experience, which brings together knowledge of Biology, Algebra and Trigonometry, through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Showing a census to monitor the populations of a threatened high mountain flora species into the classroom is an innovative teaching activity that combines and uses knowledge from different disciplines, as well as demonstrating a real application of the knowledge acquired. The use of mathematical tools encompasses a number of skills that require the application of mathematical principles and processes in the scientific context. The introduction of the structure of scientific texts is another positive aspect of this didactic experience.

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.

A phytosociological review is carried out of the pine forest formations on the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola (Caribbean), due to the diversity of soils and environments. We collected 10 plant associations belonging to the class Byrsonimo-Pinetea caribaea growing on siliceous, calcareous and sandy substrates and 21 associations on special, serpentine and ophite substrates and on ultramafic rocks belonging to the class Caseario crassinervis-Pinetea cubensis, exclusive to Cuba; while the association of pine forests on serpentines in Hispaniola is included in the class Phyllantho orbicularis-Neobracetea valenzuelanae with a Caribbean distribution. The comparative phytosociological and statistical study reveals phytosociological anomalies in the inclusion of various syntaxa, and in the description of other syntaxa according to the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (ICPN). We therefore propose a change in status for several of the subassociations described: subass. ilicetosum repandae: syn. var. con Ilex repanda; subass. schmidtottietosum shaferi: syn. var. with Schmidtottia shaferi; subass. acrosynanthetosum trachyphylli: syn. var. with Acrosynanthus trachyphyllus; subass. psychotrietosum grandis: var. con Psychotria grandis; subass. notodonetosum roigii: syn. var. with Notodon roigii. We also propose a nomen novum: jaquinietosum oxhyphyllae Reyes & Acosta 2012 ex Cano et al. hoc loco.

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.