Biodiversity monitoring and predictions of species occurrence are essential to develop outcome-oriented conservation management plans for endangered species and assess their success over time. To assess distribution and patterns of habitat use of large mammal assemblages in Thailand, with a focus on the endangered dhole (Cuon alpinus), I first implemented a long-term camera-trapping project carried out with park rangers from October 2003 through October 2007 in Khao Yai National Park. This project was extremely successful and may serve as a regional model for wildlife conservation. I found significantly lower relative abundance indices for carnivore species, and collectively for all mammals compared to data obtained in 1999-2000, suggesting population declines resulting from increased human activity. I integrated this data into maximum entropy modeling (Maxent) to further evaluate whether ranger stations reduced poaching activity and increased wildlife diversity and abundances. I then conducted a focused camera trap survey from January 2008 through February 2010 in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary to gather critical baseline information on dholes, one of the predator species that seemed to have declined over time and that is exposed to continued pressure from humans. Additionally, I led a collaborative effort with other colleagues in the field to collate and integrate camera trap data from 15 protected areas to build a country-wide habitat suitability map for dholes, other predators, and their major prey species. The predicted presence probability for sambar (Rusa unicolor) and leopards (Panthera pardus) were the most important variables in predicting dhole presence countrywide. Based on my experience from these different field ecological surveys and endeavors, it became clear that local people's beliefs may have a strong influence on dhole management and conservation. Thus, I conducted villager interview surveys to identify local attitudes towards dholes, document the status of dholes in wildlife sanctuaries adjacent to Cambodia, and determine the best approach to improve local support for dhole conservation before proceeding with further field studies of the species in Thailand. A photograph of a dhole was correctly identified by only 20% of the respondents. My studies provide evidence that some protected areas in Thailand continue to support a diversity of carnivore speices of conservation concern, including clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa), dholes, and small felids. However, dholes' impact on prey populations may be increasing as tiger (Panthera tigris) and leopards are extripated from protected areas. The next step in dhole conservation is to estimate the size and stability of their fragmented populations and also focus on maintaining adequate prey bases that would support both large felids and dholes

Au Québec, le statut de paysage humanisé a été adopté en 2002 et, en 2021, l’ouest de l’île Bizard a été le premier territoire à recevoir le statut de paysage humanisé projeté. Ce statut vise à protéger la biodiversité qui découle de l’agriculture et des bocages datant du régime français sur le territoire de l’île. Avant l’adoption du statut de paysage humanisé, la protection des milieux agricoles a fait l’objet de plusieurs lois, politiques ou de projets d’aménagement. Malgré la multiplication des plans, les terres agricoles continuent d’être reprises à des fins de développement et continuent de perdre leur usage agricole. Selon nous, le statut de paysage humanisé propose un changement de paradigme où la perception du territoire comme ressource doit faire place au territoire comme paysage. En nous penchant sur le cas du paysage humanisé projeté de l’île Bizard, nous souhaitons explorer comment le statut de paysage humanisé s’articule à la loi sur la protection des terres et des activités agricoles (LPTAA) pour la protection des paysages agricoles. Comment le statut permet-il de protéger les usages agricoles en considérant le changement de paradigme ? Est-ce que le rôle des agriculteurs doit changer pour atteindre les objectifs du statut et, si oui, comment le plan de conservation propose-t-il d’accompagner ce changement de rôle ? L’analyse de la documentation issue de consultations publiques, les documents du paysage humanisé projeté ainsi que les règlements municipaux en parallèle avec la LPTAA a permis de constater que le statut de paysage humanisé ne rend pas explicite ce changement de rapport au territoire. L’articulation entre ce type d’aire protégée et la LPTAA est complexe, car les deux outils ont des visions divergentes de la conservation. Au niveau du ministère de l’Environnement (MELCC), responsable du statut de paysage humanisé, les pratiques de conservation préservationnistes et la mentalité de la gestion du territoire comme une ressource sont encore fortement ancrées. Ainsi, le statut de paysage humanisé n’agit pas directement pour la conservation des usages agricoles et pourrait même devenir un frein. Cependant, le statut permet à la communauté locale et à la Ville de Montréal de réfléchir et de se donner des objectifs en matière de conservation du paysage à long terme qui peuvent porter fruit si la sensibilisation des propriétaires et du public conduit à la création d’initiatives de conservation volontaires. La gouvernance du projet et les ressources disponibles pour la mise en œuvre du projet seront cruciales pour le développement du projet. L’une des lacunes du projet selon nous est le manque de connaissances détaillées à propos des activités humaines, de la biodiversité et des interactions entre ces deux dimensions cruciales du projet. Le rôle des agriculteurs est peu défini, mais une connaissance plus fine et spatialisée des pratiques agricoles bénéfiques et compatibles avec la biodiversité viendrait grandement préciser ce rôle et permettrait une meilleure conservation du paysage agricole. Dans le contexte de l’île Bizard, ces derniers ne semblent pas conscients de leur rôle de gardiens du paysage et de la biodiversité qui y est associée. / In Quebec, the “humanized landscape” (paysage humanisé) status was introduced in 2002 and in 2021. The western part of l’île Bizard was recognized as the first protected area of that type. This project is aimed at protecting the bocage landscape created by the agricultural practices dating back to the first French settlement on the island and the biodiversity that is associated with those practices. Before the adoption of this status, the protection of agricultural and rural areas was the subject of multiple laws, policies or planning projects. In spite of all these measures, agricultural land keeps losing ground to urban sprawl. According to our research, the humanized landscape status proposes a new paradigm in urban planning where the territory isn’t viewed as a resource, but as a landscape. Through a case study of the Île-Bizard humanized landscape project, we want to explore how the new protected area proposes to preserve the agricultural activities within this new framework of landscape protection. How is the status linked to the existing Loi pour la protection des terres et des activités agricoles (LPTAA)? What role do farmers have to play in this transition, and if their role has to change, how will this change be managed within the project’s framework? The review of documents pertaining to the humanized landscape project, the results of the public consultation and the municipal bylaws in relation to the LPTAA has led us to conclude that the project doesn’t render the paradigm shift explicitly. The links in between the LPTAA and the humanized landscape status are complex because each has a different vision for the preservation of agricultural land. Furthermore, the ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte aux changements climatiques de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), which is responsible for the application of the status, is entrenched in preservationist conservation practises and a framework that views the territory as a resource. Thus, the humanized landscape doesn’t directly act to protect the agricultural activities and could even become an impediment. However, the status may allow the local community and the city of Montreal to reflect and to devise plans and objectives through which long-term landscape conservation may be achieved. In order to do so, raising awareness with landowners and the public and fostering a culture of stewardship towards the protection of the environment and the landscape will be necessary. Also, ensuring that the project properly managed and funded are crucial to the achievement of conservation objectives. As of now, the role of farmers is poorly defined and more knowledge needs to be acquired about agricultural practices and their interactions with the biodiversity of the island. This may allow more precise interventions and offer a clearer picture of the responsibilities of farmers regarding the protection of biodiversity. Within the Île-Bizard humanized landscape project, farmers and landowners don’t seem conscious of their role as stewards of the land.

The spread of Community-based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) programs can be attributed to the failure of top-down approaches and the development of more equitable governance strategies. A CBNRM approach seeks to fulfill dual objectives by balancing environmental conservation goals and local livelihood opportunities. This thesis analyzes how the implementation of CBNRM programs at Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve (MSDR) influences the available livelihood opportunities for local communities. Data was gathered through document analysis and online qualitative interviews and questionnaires with MSDR's staff, directly involved with these programs. The study found that trust, empowerment, and engagement are crucial for the effective implementation of these programs. By including local knowledge, promoting community participation and organization, providing continuous training, and having an ongoing evaluation and adaptation approach when managing resources, MSDR balances conservation goals with local development. Additionally, results indicate that the existing challenges are related to the efficacy of policy and legislative frameworks at the local and national levels, which complicates the work of implementing organizations. The findings suggest that a participatory approach to conservation can lead to positive outcomes, highlighting the importance of sustainable development within protected areas. These results have implications for future CBNRM projects and deepen our understanding of the intrinsic relationship between nature conservation and local livelihoods.

No description available.

Several studies in the field of outdoor recreation management and planning have used computer simulation modeling to demonstrate its utility as a tool to help managers monitor encounters and similar visitor use-related indicators of quality. However, previous applications of computer simulation modeling to outdoor recreation planning and management have generally done little to assess the reliability, or precision, of model estimates. The purpose of this research is to explore several questions concerning the reliability of computer simulation model estimates for monitoring wilderness solitude-related indicators of quality. In particular, can reliable estimates of solitude-related indicators be generated for low use recreation environments, such as backcountry and wilderness areas? Is there a spatial component to questions about the reliability of computer simulation estimates for low use visitor landscapes? The research presented in this thesis examines the reliability of computer simulation estimates of wilderness solitude indicators that account for the timing and location of hiking and camping encounters in the backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This study was designed to model visitor use and inter-group encounters in the Cosby and Big Creek areas of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which are located within the park's proposed wilderness area. Two primary types of information about visitor use in the study area were collected to construct the computer simulation model in this study. First, information was gathered about the amount of visitation to the study area; second, information was collected about visitors' travel routes within the study area. Three alternative methods were used to estimate the number of replications needed to obtain desired levels of precision for the visitor-based and spatially based computer simulation model outputs. The results suggest that computer simulation models of visitor use can generate precise estimates for a small to moderate number of visitor-based and spatially-based outputs. However, there are constraints to generating precise estimates of use-related outputs as the number of outputs estimated simultaneously becomes large. This challenge is particularly pronounced in cases where at least some of the outputs are derived for low use attractions, trails, or camping locations. / Master of Science

[pt] O tema central deste trabalho refere-se aos princípios e valores do montanhismo, destacando as contribuições das suas entidades representativas para a sustentabilidade de Unidades de Conservação (UCs). O maior enfoque é dado à atuação e experiência da Federação de Esportes de Montanha do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FEMERJ), instituição que atualmente compõe diversos Conselhos Gestores de UCs e tem se mostrado como efetiva parceira voluntária da gestão de áreas naturais. Com o objetivo de fornecer um conjunto de informações estruturadas sobre assuntos relevantes para praticantes de esportes de aventura e contribuir para o protagonismo do segmento dos montanhistas em fóruns de discussões que afetam políticas públicas, esta pesquisa é baseada na análise de dados históricos, legislações e outros documentos técnicos e científicos que tratam de: a) mínimo impacto em ambientes naturais; b) auto-regulamentação do esporte; c) direito ao risco; e d) direito ao acesso. Ao final de cada capítulo são elencadas recomendações para os diferentes atores dentre os montanhistas e gestores de órgãos públicos, as quais podem servir de base para consolidar boas práticas em ambientes naturais e perpetuar a cultura de montanha. A partir dos levantamentos e reflexões deste estudo, percebe-se que o montanhismo, além de uma prática esportiva, é um estilo de vida que favorece a sustentabilidade e a conservação das áreas montanhosas. É possível, portanto, conciliar o uso público em UCs com a conservação da natureza. / [en] The central theme of this work refers to the principles and values of mountaineering, highlighting the contributions of the representative entities for the sustainability of Protected Areas (PAs). The greatest focus is given to the performance and experience of the Federation of Mountain Sports of the State of Rio de Janeiro (FEMERJ), an institution that currently is part of several Management Councils of PAs and has shown itself to be an effective voluntary partner in the management of natural areas. With the objective of providing a set of structured information on matters relevant to practitioners of adventure sports and contributing to the protagonist of the mountaineering segment in discussion forums that affect public policies, this research is based on the analysis of historical data, legislation and other technical and scientific documents dealing with: a) minimal impact on natural environments; b) self-regulation of sport; c) right to risk; and d) right to access. At the end of each chapter, recommendations are listed for the different actors among mountaineers and managers of public organizations, which can serve as a basis for consolidating good practices in natural environments and perpetuating the mountain culture. From the surveys and reflections of this study, it is clear that mountaineering, in addition to being a sport, is a lifestyle that favors the sustainability and conservation of mountainous areas. It is therefore possible to reconcile public use in PAs with nature conservation.

Offshore wind farm (OWF) construction in the UK is progressing rapidly alongside increasing spatial pressures on marine ecosystems and social and economic activities. A need for increased protection of habitats, species and ecological processes that support environmental and economic benefits is being met by designation of marine protected areas (MPAs). Mitigation and spatial planning solutions are required to enable protection of vital ecological habitats, features and processes and support sustainable economic development. A potential solution is to co-locate OWFs and MPAs. This study uses a multi-disciplinary approach to examine if evidence on the environmental effects of existing OWFs and associated effects on fishing activity (as an existing resource use) benefits MPA goals. Through a systematic review and meta-analyses of existing data, knowledge of OWF effects on species abundance and economic effects on fishing were identified as key evidence gaps. The ecological evidence need was approached through a case study of ecological effects of North Hoyle OWF, North Wales, UK, using existing pre and post-construction monitoring data, as well as primary baited remote underwater video data, collected 5 years later (8 years post-construction). Results suggested habitat and species recovered to a stable state that showed some community differences to pre-construction conditions. The presence of OWF monopiles is likely to have increased existing heterogeneity of substratum and increased opportunities for scavenging species. Species benefitting and disadvantaged by habitat provided within the OWF reflected meta-analyses trends. Extended baseline monitoring to provide confident identification of natural levels of variation in sediment and fauna was lacking. Analysis of fishing activity and landings before and after OWF construction in three UK case study regions approached effects on resource users. Fishing activity in the three case study areas showed broad scale similarity to national trends. Small-scale activity patterns indicated greater reductions in mobile (towed) fishing gear effort near to operating OWFs than in static gear activity (using pots or static nets). Semi-structured interviews conducted with fishermen in each region revealed loss of ground and disruption as negative effects from OWFs, in addition to existing pressures. Benefits including habitat creation and species augmentation, as well as reduction of cumulative lost ground, were identified by fishermen from co-location of MPAs and OWFs. Ecological effects of OWFs suggested benefits from habitat creation, species augmentation and potential for protection of sandbank habitats between monopiles. Mitigation requirements were identified to maximise these potential benefits to an MPA network.

就地保育被認為是保育生物多樣性的重點工作之一，而設置保護區是最常見的就地保育做法。本文的研究重點在於如何提昇保護區規劃的效率，內容可分為兩大部份。第一部份為回顧用於保護網絡規劃的保護區選擇問題理論相關研究，將研究演進方向分為保育目標、保育成本與限制條件、演算法、空間配置及有效棲地四類進行探討。第二部份為兩個個案分析。個案一為台灣保護網絡規劃研究，利用三種不同的規劃方式來尋找不同水準保育經費限制下，能使保育目標（受保護物種數）極大化的保護區組合。結果發現以OSL演算法配合互補性原則的規劃方式最佳，無論在何種保育目標水準之下其成本均是最低的。個案二為陽明山國家公園北部保護網絡規劃研究，比較考慮保護區以外土地使用類型對保育的貢獻與否，對物種存活率總和－保育成本間的關係的影響。結果發現在保育水準（物種存活率總和）很低時，兩者達到相同的保育水準所需的成本相差很多。比較保護所有棲地和將所有棲地作為農地兩種情況，假設農地對物種保育有所貢獻時，保護所有棲地能使物種存活率總和提高約1.1；若假設農地對物種保育沒有貢獻，則保護區棲地能使物種存活率總和提高約5.2。

La surexploitation des ressources halieutiques a conduit à une crise majeure du secteur de la pêche professionnelle. Dans ce contexte, les pêcheries artisanales, et notamment les pêcheries aux petits métiers côtiers, apparaissent comme des modes d'exploitation potentiellement durables des ressources côtières. La diversité des engins utilisés et des espèces ciblées rend néanmoins complexe le suivi de cette composante importante de la pêche professionnelle. L'activité de pêche artisanale reste ainsi très peu évaluée en Méditerranée, et notamment à l'échelle d'une Aire Marine Protégée (AMP). Les AMP sont pourtant de plus en plus utilisées comme des outils de gestion de ces pêcheries, les effets des différentes mesures de gestion mises en place étant à même de bénéficier aux pêcheurs professionnels. A l'heure où le nombre d'AMP se multiplie, il apparaît alors nécessaire pour les gestionnaires comme pour les scientifiques de disposer d'indicateurs permettant de suivre l'activité de pêche professionnelle sur le territoire d'une AMP, et d'évaluer les effets de la gestion sur cette activité. Un protocole d'enquête pour le suivi de la pêche artisanale aux petits métiers côtiers a ainsi été mis en place entre juillet 2009 et juin 2010 au sein du Parc Marin de la Côte Bleue (PMCB), AMP méditerranéenne française comprenant deux réserves marines d'âge et de taille différents. Les données récoltées ont permis d'identifier sept métiers principaux pratiqués par les pêcheurs du PMCB, et de les caractériser par un groupe d'espèces cibles, un engin, un territoire et une période de pêche. L'effort de pêche et les captures ont alors pu être estimés à partir de ces métiers. / The overexploitation of fishery resources has led to a major fisheries crisis. In this context, artisanal fisheries, and in particular small-scale coastal fisheries, appear as relevant alternatives for a sustainable use of coastal resources. But the diversity of fishing gears and targeted species diversity make it difficult to assess this important component of the commercial fishery. Hence, the activity of small-scale artisanal fishing remains poorly known in the Mediterranean Sea and few studies focus on an assessment of this activity at the scale of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). MPAs are yet more and more used as management tools for these fisheries, as protection effects and targeted access regulations may benefit to commercial fishers. As many MPAs are going to be established in the short term, it seems necessary for managers and for scientists, to have indicators to monitor the artisanal small-scale coastal fishing activity within an MPA, and to estimate the effects of MPA management on this activity. A field protocol was defined and implemented between July 2009 and June 2010 within the Parc Marin de la Côte Bleue (PMCB), a French Mediterranean MPA including two marine reserves of different age and size. The collected data allowed identifying seven main métiers within the PMCB, and characterizing them by group of target species, type of gear, fishing grounds and fishing periods. Fishing effort and catch were estimated. In the Côte Bleue area, 3 512 fishing trips and 4645 fishing operations were performed by 30 active boats during the studied period, for a total of 10 300 km of immersed nets.

The aim of dissertation is to elaboration model of komplex school excursion for interactive students work with usage natural places of Czech karst. Next point is creating a set of learning excercises in practical application knowledges from natural branches and for confirm keys competenses of students middle schools. An educational potential of a choosen area was evaulated on the bases of aims mentioned earlier, a model of complex school excursion using conservation area Czech karst was developed and tested The excursion takes place in the village Svatý Jan pod Skalouand it uses set of worksheets. - version for season autumn and spring. An evaluation folloving the excursion is done as a form of a student conference. Particular educational aims were applied during the excursion. Evaluation of the worksheets follows and designs of changes of teaching tasks in the worksheets are proposed. Results of dissertation are processed concept of complex school excursion with methodical material and with set of worhsheets version for season spring, autumn, and winter. Based on the evaulation of the komplex school excursion in conservation area Czech karst, results of worksheets and results from the conference, it is possible to deduce, that the addition of excursion as a teaching form is benefitial to students....