The second-longest European river after the Volga, the Danube is one of the world’s most important rivers in terms of its geographical and historical significance. In recent history, it has served as a major international waterway and numerous cities, including four capitals, have been founded on its banks. The 2826km-long Danube has a watershed measuring 801,093 km2 that is now shared between 19 countries, from its source in the Black Forest to the Black Sea, into which it pumps an average of 827 km3 of water a year. This book describes and explains key landscape values interactions (geographical, cultural and natural heritage). It also identifies the threats and various types of human impact affecting this system in all the countries of the Danube River Basin, based on the investigations and perspectives of a team of experienced naturalists, and in the context of the early 21st century, in which the human-nature relationship is still far from balanced. These studies demonstrate how biodiversity, conservation and ecological studies can help us successfully promote mutual cooperation and combine our efforts to address problems as a responsible continent.
This book provides a detailed evaluation of the hydro-ecological characteristics of the Western Balkans, an area characterized by still preserved inland waters and fish resources important for the European continent, as well as the biodiversity of inland waters important for the planet Earth. Freshwater ecosystems cover only 1% of the Earth's surface; however, they are a habitat for about 40% of fish species. At the same time, inland fisheries make less than 12% of the world's global fish catch, with 43% coming from low-income and food-deficient countries (Africa, South America, Southeast Asia). In Europe, the Western Balkans have significant fishing waters and fish resources, including the Middle Danube drainage (Sava, Drina, Velika Morava river systems), large ancient lakes (Skadar/Shkodra, Ohrid, Prespa, Dojran), and the Adriatic basin characterized by endemic and commercially important species. However, in contrast to the high fishing potential in a significant part of the Western Balkans, diverse and specific political, economic, and social factors largely had a negative impact on the state of fish resources. This volume is multidisciplinary and provides a sound knowledge base for scientific and practical fisheries. In addition, it may be a valuable guide for managers and conservationists worldwide to adapt methods and procedures for the ecological sustainability of fish resources under specific local, natural, and socio-economic conditions. Finally, the content is a good reference for natural sciences and agriculture students studying fish, fish resources, and fisheries sciences. It would improve their knowledge and perspectives on the challenges of sustainable use and conservation of inland water resources.
This book provides essential information and recent findings on hydro-environmental issues in the Lower Danube River, particularly its hydrological and hydromorphological processes; physico-chemical features; climate and water-related hazards; and not only the biodiversity and quality but also the sustainable management and governance of its hydro-environment. Accordingly, it presents a broad range of scientific information on the lower sector of the second-longest river in Europe, which holds major economic importance and has been severely impacted by human pressures, especially since the second part of the last century. The engineering works (e.g. dams, reservoirs, levees, channelization, etc.) on the Danube and its tributaries, despite their benefits to society, have altered its flow and significantly reduced its sediment load, with consequences for hydromorphological processes and aquatic ecosystems. These ecosystems have also been affected by pollution from various sources. To promote sustainable management of the Danube River and its watershed, several strategies and measures have been developed by a number of institutions, from the European level to the national and regional levels (commissions, national authorities, non-governmental organizations, etc.). Compared to the upper and middle sectors of the Danube, the lower sector has received less attention in the international scientific literature in terms of hydro-environmental issues. The book fills this gap and provides current and original insights and findings from recent studies conducted by scientists from three countries drained by the Lower Danube River and its tributaries: Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia. This unique book will be of great scientific interest to professional engineers, policy planners and policymakers in the three countries mentioned above, helping them to implement their own sustainable development plans. It also offers a valuable resource for graduate students, researchers and stakeholders.
This open access book surveys the frontier of scientific river research and provides examples to guide management towards a sustainable future of riverine ecosystems. Principal structures and functions of the biogeosphere of rivers are explained; key threats are identified, and effective solutions for restoration and mitigation are provided. Rivers are among the most threatened ecosystems of the world. They increasingly suffer from pollution, water abstraction, river channelisation and damming. Fundamental knowledge of ecosystem structure and function is necessary to understand how human acitivities interfere with natural processes and which interventions are feasible to rectify this. Modern water legislation strives for sustainable water resource management and protection of important habitats and species. However, decision makers would benefit from more profound understanding of ecosystem degradation processes and of innovative methodologies and tools for efficient mitigation and restoration. The book provides best-practice examples of sustainable river management from on-site studies, European-wide analyses and case studies from other parts of the world. This book will be of interest to researchers in the field of aquatic ecology, river system functioning, conservation and restoration, to postgraduate students, to institutions involved in water management, and to water related industries.
The 7-volume Encyclopedia of Biodiversity, Second Edition maintains the reputation of the highly regarded original, presenting the most current information available in this globally crucial area of research and study. It brings together the dimensions of biodiversity and examines both the services it provides and the measures to protect it. Major themes of the work include the evolution of biodiversity, systems for classifying and defining biodiversity, ecological patterns and theories of biodiversity, and an assessment of contemporary patterns and trends in biodiversity. The science of biodiversity has become the science of our future. It is an interdisciplinary field spanning areas of both physical and life sciences. Our awareness of the loss of biodiversity has brought a long overdue appreciation of the magnitude of this loss and a determination to develop the tools to protect our future. Second edition includes over 100 new articles and 226 updated articles covering this multidisciplinary field— from evolution to habits to economics, in 7 volumes The editors of this edition are all well respected, instantly recognizable academics operating at the top of their respective fields in biodiversity research; readers can be assured that they are reading material that has been meticulously checked and reviewed by experts Approximately 1,800 figures and 350 tables complement the text, and more than 3,000 glossary entries explain key terms
The authors in this volume make a case for LTSER’s potential in providing insights, knowledge and experience necessary for a sustainability transition. This expertly edited selection of contributions from Europe and North America reviews the development of LTSER since its inception and assesses its current state, which has evolved to recognize the value of formulating solutions to the host of ecological threats we face. Through many case studies, this book gives the reader a greater sense of where we are and what still needs to be done to engage in and make meaning from long-term, place-based and cross-disciplinary engagements with socio-ecological systems.
'Humanity has been gambling for generations with the extent to which it can degrade nature and continue to prosper. Now the environmental debt is being called in and the ability of international diplomacy and law, government policy and political will to deal with the issues is being tested. Conservation, Biodiversity and International Law is a must read for any practitioner in the high-stakes business of restoring our ability to live in harmony with the natural world that sustains us.' – Alastair Morrison, Department of Conservation, New Zealand 'Biodiversity is the cornerstone of life – our plants, animals, and ecosystems are essential for livelihoods and have shaped our culture and traditions around the world. However our precious biodiversity is at risk as never before. Global targets to reduce biodiversity loss have not been met and we continue to lose biodiversity at an unprecedented rate. In fact we are currently in the middle of an extinction crisis and scientists have advised that one species from our planet is being lost every 38 minutes! The nature of this crisis and the actions taken to address it are clearly and articulately put forward in this landmark book by Professor Al Gillespie. This book is particularly useful in documenting the many policy and legal actions that have been taken to address these issues, and how the application of these instruments can be improved. Although focused on the law, the book covers a range of disciplines including science, philosophy and policy which lay the foundation for international law. This book makes a major and highly valued contribution to the disciple of environmental law and policy and is an invaluable reference for policy makers, practitioners and academic audiences.' – David Sheppard, CEO of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) 'This book is written by a prominent and influential scholar who also has the benefit of first hand knowledge of practical working of environmental regimes, having participated in several important negotiations. Gillespie's monograph therefore stands out among other publications on the subject of conservation, combining thoughtful and scholarly approach to issues raised with un-parallel insights into the working of environmental law and the conservation of biodiversity. The book is very original in its presentation of this subject, especially in the selection of topics and the approach which is not only legal but also scientific, philosophical and political. This book is evidence of the great erudition of the author not only in the field of conservation but also in international environmental law and general international law, an example of which can be his analysis of the precautionary principle, trade and a very complex issue of the exception for indigenous peoples and science. Mention also must be made of his detailed approach to various multilateral treaty regimes such as Ramsar Convention and the World Heritage Convention. Gillespie wrote an exceptional book which is a must for international layers, both practitioners and scholars. It is a thought-provoking, very well researched and original monograph, which due to its all- encompassing approach will retain its importance for a very long period of time.' – Malgosia Fitzmaurice, Queen Mary, University of London, UK 'A major work: this book provides a comprehensive picture of the international legal challenges of natural heritage conservation. Truly an indispensable tool for policy-makers, experts and students. The book offers a complete guide to the complex world of treaties that regulate conservation at the global scale.' – Francesco Bandarin, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture This important and timely book provides a rigorous overview of the defining issues presently facing conservation at international level. The author provides detailed coverage of topics ranging from the classification of species right through to access and benefit sharing, drawing on his personal experience at intergovernmental level. Each question is examined through the prism of dozens of treaties and hundreds of decisions and resolutions of the key multilateral regimes, and the law in each area is supplemented by the necessary considerations of science politics and philosophy – providing much-needed context for the reader. Combining expert scholarship and first-hand insight, Conservation, Biodiversity and International Law will be an invaluable resource for researchers and practitioners in international environmental law, as well as providing an accessible guide for students.
Rivers of Europe, Second Edition, presents the latest update on the only primary source of complete and comparative baseline data on the biological and hydrological characteristics of more than 180 of the highest profile rivers in Europe. With even more full-color photographs and maps, the book includes conservation information on current patterns of river use and the extent to which human society has exploited and impacted them. Each chapter includes up to 10 featured rivers, with detailed information on their physiography, hydrology, ecology/biodiversity and human impacts. Rivers selected for specific coverage include the largest, the most natural, and those most affected by humans. This book provides the most comprehensive information ecologists and conservation managers need to better assess their management and meet the EU legislative good governance targets. - Includes comparison photos of rivers, along with information on the history and management of each river - Presents summary information on hydrological, ecological and freshwater biodiversity patterns and trends of each river - Highlights environmental issues of great importance to citizens and governments, including fragmentation by dams, pollution, introduction of nonnative species and reductions in biodiversity
In The Future of the Global Church, Patrick Johnstone, author of six editions of the phenomenal prayer guide, Operation World, draws on his fifty years experience to present a breathtaking, full-color graphical and textual overview of the past, present and possible future of the church around the world.
This new edition of an established textbook provides a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to rivers, lakes and wetlands, and was written as the basis for a complete course on freshwater ecology. Designed for undergraduate and early postgraduate students who wish to gain an overall view of this vast subject area, this accessible guide to freshwater ecosystems and man's activities will also be invaluable to anyone interested in the integrated management of freshwaters. The author maintains the tradition of clarity and conciseness set by previous editions, and the text is extensively illustrated with photographs and diagrams. Examples are drawn from the author's experience in many parts of the world, and the author continues to stress the human influence. The scientific content of the text has been fully revised and updated, making use of the wealth of data available since publication of the last edition. Professor Brian Moss is a lecturer in Applied Ecology at the University of Liverpool, and has written three previous editions of this well-established textbook.
