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This book presents interdisciplinary advances in theory and practice pertaining to rural sustainability and sets forth an action research agenda and policy prescriptions to support rural sustainability with special emphasis on the Accession Countries to the EU. The book will address four themes. The first theme describes recent developments in tools and approaches to linking science, policy and management for biodiversity conservation improvement and their role in the transition to rural sustainability. The second is on challenges for biodiversity conservation in rural areas in Europe and North America as EU enlargement comes to be a reality. The third covers comparing and contrasting case study applications in biodiversity conservation from NATO and NATO partner countries. The last identifies new opportunities for re-structuring science, policy and management to improve biodiversity conservation in rural areas in the context of an enlarged European Union.

IOS Press is an international science, technical and medical publisher of high-quality books for academics, scientists, and professionals in all fields.

Some of the areas we publish in:

-Biomedicine
-Oncology
-Artificial intelligence
-Databases and information systems
-Maritime engineering
-Nanotechnology
-Geoengineering
-All aspects of physics
-E-governance
-E-commerce
-The knowledge economy
-Urban studies
-Arms control
-Understanding and responding to terrorism
-Medical informatics
-Computer Sciences ... Read more

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Biological diversity, or "biodiversity," refers to the variety of all life on earth, and the complex relationships among living things, and between living things and their environment. Biodiversity includes genetic variety, species diversity, and variability in communities, ecosystems and landscapes. Biodiversity sustains the environments in which we live and on which our lives and those of every other living creature on Earth depend. Thanks to biodiversity, we are able to obtain such necessary goods as food, clothing, medicine, and fuel. Equally important are the ecosystem services that biodiversity provides, such as clean air and drinkable water. Conservation scientists have identified a number of universal threats to biodiversity: habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, pollution, overpopulation, overexploitation and consumption, and global climate change. This book examines critical issues in this field from researchers around the globe. ... Read more

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Biological diversity, or 'biodiversity', refers to the variety of all life on earth, and the complex relationships among living things, and between living things and their environment. Biodiversity includes genetic variety, species diversity, and variability in communities, ecosystems and landscapes. Biodiversity sustains the environments in which we live and on which our lives and those of every other living creature on Earth depend. Thanks to biodiversity, we are able to obtain such necessary goods as food, clothing, medicine, and fuel. Equally important are the ecosystem services that biodiversity provides, such as clean air and drinkable water. Conservation scientists have identified a number of universal threats to biodiversity: habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, pollution, overpopulation, overexploitation and consumption, and global climate change. This new book examines critical issues in this field from researchers around the globe. ... Read more

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The international botanical community recognizes that plants create the ecological habitat for all terrestrial organisms. This title compiles the knowledge on various aspects of biodiversity. ... Read more

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This book focuses on biological diversity, or "biodiversity", which refers to the variety of all life on earth, and the complex relationships among living things, and between living things and their environment. Biodiversity includes genetic variety, species diversity, and variability in communities, ecosystems and landscapes. Biodiversity sustains the environments in which we live and on which our lives and those of every other living creature on Earth depend. Thanks to biodiversity, we are able to obtain such necessary goods as food, clothing, medicine, and fuel. Equally important are the ecosystem services that biodiversity provides, such as clean air and drinkable water. Conservation scientists have identified a number of universal threats to biodiversity: habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, pollution, overpopulation, overexploitation and consumption, and global climate change. ... Read more

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This revised second edition provides an introductory guide through the maze of interdisciplinary themes that comprise 'biodiversity.' It combines biological sciences with insights into the origins, variety and distribution of biodiversity, analysis of the social and political context, and the threats to, and opportunities for, the survival of natural systems.

Whilst retaining its existing structure, this updated new edition reflects advances that have demonstrated the importance of living systems as drivers of environmental services vital to human health and security. The final chapter has been revised to tackle more explicitly the contrasting approaches to conservation, and throughout, the book has been updated to reflect new research and developments.

With highly original international case studies and ample illustrations to explain difficult topics clearly, this excellent book remains the only introductory text which brings together the full range of theory and practice of ‘biodiversity’ and ‘conservation’.

Customer Reviews (1)

A fine introductory textbook which should be standard reading for students
I was pleasantly surprised by the second edition of this book from the Routledge Introductions to Environment Series (and not just because, unexpectedly, I appeared in one of the photos!). In recent years there has been a plethora of texts on one or other of these subjects (biodiversity and conservation) and many have tended to be, if not repetitive, somewhat clichéd and tedious to read. I admit, though, that in view of the magnitude of the impediments to our successful custodianship of the world's natural diversity, it is hard not to sound cynical or hectoring when writing about its loss. Here the author redistributes praise and blame where it is due without an excess of accusatory finger-wagging. The book is nicely divided into a manageable five theme-based chapters and is presented in a nice size and format (yes, size matter in books, too). I do dislike books that are divided into two columns of text per page.
The term biodiversity arose in the mid 1980s and since then there has been a fairly rapid acceptance of the concept and absorption of the term into the global vocabulary (though only very recently was it acknowledged in the Microsoft Word spell check!). Chapter one leads with this conceptual history, including the 1992 Rio Summit and the continuing post Rio degradation of the environment. The importance of biodiversity is emphasised and an overview of the history of life is followed by the central issue: extinction. The author explains that this is a natural phenomenon. However, the situation today is that of an anthropogenic-induced catastrophe where extinctions leave already stressed species in degraded or polluted habitats, leading to what has been termed `the extinction vortex'. The global loss of amphibians and the bleaching of tropical coral reefs may well be grim indicators of this effect.
Patterns of diversity arise through the interaction of ecological and evolutionary processes. The second chapter gives a summary overview of the concepts of the complex discipline of ecology, including an update of the more recent developments and paradigms. The evolution of diversity follows, again a neat résumé with key concepts in bold type (many reiterated in a useful Glossary at the end). The chapter finishes with the role of species in ecosystem health.
Chapter three begins by defining types of biodiversity, and then attempts to quantify what exists, a singularly complicated and often conjectural task that, as a result, probably here suffers from a surfeit of tables and charts. When the author looks at the distribution and patterns of biodiversity, it is good to read about species richness, endemicity and biodiversity `hotspots', a more recent emphasis in conservation planning.
Chapter four concentrates on the reason why we are concerned about the world's biodiversity in the first place: its accelerating extinction rate. Be prepared for the usual unremitting litany of woe through a maze of supporting statistics as we head inexorably to the Earth's sixth mass extinction, this time the result of human impact (habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation). Before the chapter is out the author begins the unenviable task of putting an economic value on biodiversity, which, as you may already have calculated in your head, is 33 trillion US dollars! The final chapter assesses the response to the impending disaster as we trawl through the bewildering complexity of conservation options and efforts, sounding ever more corporate, and recognising that even some of the more idealistic initiatives begun in the 1990s have failed, as local communities appeared to benefit very little from their involvement. In some ways, the most important lesson learnt is that biodiversity is not another branch of biology but encompasses politics, economics, culture, society and history. Science alone cannot solve the problem of the depletion of the world's biodiversity. Hope lies in the recognition that a global, multi-faceted approach is what is needed, even if it is unpalatable for many that biodiversity will need to be viewed as a resource. The book finishes with a nicely balanced look at the role of zoos and botanical gardens in conservation planning with the author stating that it was childhood visits to London Zoo which had first stimulated his interest in wildlife. They did mine, too.
A fine introductory textbook which should be standard reading, if it isn't already, for students new to the discipline, or for those requiring revision or interested in the current zeitgeist.
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In this steadfast and yet witty guide, biologist John Spicer examines biodiversity, giving the reader an insight into the myriad of organisms that surround us. ... Read more

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This book brings together a selection of original research articles that address biodiversity and conservation in plantation forests. Although such forests are perhaps the ‘poor cousins’ of the species richer natural and semi-natural forests, they can still make a significant contribution to biodiversity conservation. This is particularly the case in regions that have lost much of their natural forest cover. Comparatively few studies have previously attempted to examine the biota associated with plantation forests and, as a result, some conservation needs and opportunities highlighted here have not been adequately recognised. Conversely, plantations have sometimes been a direct cause of natural habitat loss, and greater awareness is required to avoid this with future afforestation projects. The contributions in this volume provide new information about a wide range of taxa from lichens to primates, from various temperate and tropical regions around the world, in the context of plantation forestry, combined with suggestions for forest management at both stand and landscape levels, to improve biodiversity conservation. The findings are equally of interest to the scientific community, policy makers and forest managers. The topical examples of applied conservation issues will make the volume also highly valuable for use in conservation biology courses. Reprinted from Biodiversity and Conservation, volume 17 No. 5 (2008).

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This work addresses some of the key questions related to biosafety, enviromental impact issues and ethical issues affected by the advent of biotechnology in agriculture. Biotechnology is poised to change the field of agriculture and this work explores its potential. ... Read more

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Corridor Ecology presents guidelines that combine conservation science and practical experience for maintaining, enhancing, and creating connectivity between natural areas with an overarching goal of conserving biodiversity. It offers an objective, carefully interpreted review of the issues and is a one-of-a-kind resource for scientists, landscape architects, planners, land managers, decision-makers, and all those working to protect and restore landscapes and species diversity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Corridor Ecology
I highly recommend Corridor Ecology for anyone who is interested in corridors, land fragmentation, and species conservation.It is the most comprehensive literature I have come across in terms of the role of corridors, corridor design and implementation.As a current graduate student working on a corridor project, this book has been incredibly helpful in planning my field work in ground truthingLeast-Cost path corridors.Especially the chapter, Corridor Quality: Continuity, Composition, and Dimension.It has really helped me understand better how to evaluate potential corridors. My advisor has been so impressed with the book that she is going to order some for the library and a biodiversity center that is being set up at campus.I also feel that this would be an excellent text for conservation courses as it covers issues such as metapopulation theory, edge effects and focal species considerations.The book also covers issues and potential problems that need to be dealt with when designing a corridor, which is very valuable.I also think this would be a excellent source for land management agencies and the Department of Transportation to utilize. The authors do an excellent job in bringing together all aspect of corridor ecology by utilizing the most current literature, valuable study cases along with their incredible field and research experience.

Tanya Diamond
M.S. Candidate
San Jose State University

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Aspects of African Biodiversity brings together 26 contributors from nine African countries - Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, Botswana, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Sudan - plus the UK and Brazil.

The chapters cover topics such as making the best use of the diversity of Africa’s plants in agriculture and medicine whilst benefiting communities in Africa; natural products; analysis and the environment; water quality; dealing with waste; biofuels; understanding crop protection chemicals in the African context; agricultural practices for Africa; farm animals; conservation and the impact of tourism on biodiversity.

The book provides a valuable overview of several aspects of biodiversity in Africa.

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A Practitioner's Guide to Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation brings together knowledge and experience from conservation practitioners and experts around the world to help readers understand the global challenge of conserving biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems. More importantly, it offers specific strategies and suggestions for managers to use in establishing new conservation initiatives or improving the effectiveness of existing initiatives.

The book: offers an understanding of fundamental issues by explaining how ecosystems are structured and how they support biodiversity; provides specific information and approaches for identifying areas most in need of protection; examines promising strategies that can help reduce biodiversity loss; and describes design considerations and methods for measuring success within an adaptive management framework.

The book draws on experience and knowledge gained during a five-year project of The Nature Conservancy known as the Freshwater Initiative, which brought together a range of practitioners to create a learning laboratory for testing ideas, approaches, tools, strategies, and methods.

For professionals involved with land or water management-including state and federal agency staff, scientists and researchers working with conservation organizations, students and faculty involved with freshwater issues or biodiversity conservation, and policymakers concerned with environmental issues-the book represents an important new source of information, ideas, and approaches.

Product Description
This volume highlights aspects and approaches to questions on the development and findings of biotic indicator (systems), considering the complex problems of conversion into practice. Biotic indication in relation to sustainable land use and biodiversity is discussed from many angles.

Covered in this volume are the following topics:

• Political requirements and statements on biotic agri-environmental indicators;


• Requirements regarding agri-environmental indicators from a scientific as well as an applied point of view;


• Scientific reviews and critical discussions of "state of the art" knowledge regarding several kinds of agri-environmental indicators for biodiversity and/or sustainable agriculture;


• Original experiments on certain aspects regarding indication of biodiversity in agroecosystems;


• Practical experience with the application and suitability of agri-environmental indicators (as far as they are already established);


• Conceptions and models to show the economic effects and possibilities of practical application of such indicators.
  

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This volume presents the four sub-themes of the 38th European Marine Biology Symposium. These are patterns and processes, assessment, threats and management and conservation. Understanding the functioning of marine ecosystems is the first step towards measuring and predicting the influence of Man, and to finding solutions for the enormous array of problems we face today. The papers in this book represent current research and concerns about Marine Biodiversity in Europe.

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Increasing concern surrounding the loss of natural forests and the decline in biodiversity has lead to a rise in research and policy initiatives in recent years. However, interest has focused primarily on lowland tropical rainforests. Tropical montane and temperate rainforests, which face similar pressures from human activities and play major roles in the livelihood of rural communities, are often ignored. Biodiversity Loss and Conservation in Fragmented Forest Landscapes is the product of over 10 years of intensive field research into the changing montane and temperate rainforests of Mexico and South America. By concentrating on these largely overlooked environments, the studies reported allow for comparative analysis across areas and help identify how human disturbance has impacted the biodiversity of all forest types. Chapters incorporate features of landscape ecology, floristic biodiversity, conservation and policy and vary from in-depth investigations of a single study area to integrated examinations across regions. ... Read more

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With the continual growth of the world's urban population, biodiversity in towns and cities will play a critical role in global biodiversity. This is the first book to provide an overview of international developments in urban biodiversity and sustainable design. It brings together the views, experiences and expertise of leading scientists and designers from the industrialised and pre-industrialised countries from around the world. The contributors explore the biological, cultural and social values of urban biodiversity, including methods for assessing and evaluating urban biodiversity, social and educational issues, and practical measures for restoring and maintaining biodiversity in urban areas. Contributions come from presenters at an international scientific conference held in Erfurt, Germany 2008 during the 9th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biodiversity. This is also Part of our Conservation Science and Practice book series (with Zoological Society of London). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Book fills a research gap in sustainable design
I'm about halfway through the book. As a design practitioner, I'm finding a wealth of material that supports my intuitive observations, e.g that brownfields and certain cultural sites have relatively high urban biodiversity and are potential bd sources within the urban matrix. The science is not too difficult for amateurs to tackle and much of the data is presented visually, a help. I recommend it to anyone involved ingreen infrastructure, sustainable site design or urban lands conservation.
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Report from the Committee on Noneconomic and Economic Value of Biodiversity. Reviews how scientific knowledge about these values could be applied to management of biological resources. Uses case studies. Advises managers on how to improve their decisions using information about the value of biodiversity. Softcover. ... Read more

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Explains in non-technical terms how economic cost-benefit analysis techniques can be applied to biodiversity loss, and how they can provide a measurement for the efficiency of conservation efforts. The author has also written "Blueprint for a Green Economy". ... Read more

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A new ark is needed. With the extinction of perhaps 50,000 species per year, we are at a critical juncture in history. Ominous storm clouds have gathered to threaten humanity's most basic resource of all, the diversity of life on earth. And the danger facing us--the possibility of losing forever hundreds of thousands of species with whom we share this planet--is magnified by the fact that this rapid decline of global biodiversity is too vast to be handled solely by states or their existing international institutions. Michael Gunter suggests that a fundamentally different route is needed to stem the ongoing extinction crisis.In an eye-opening appraisal of the current threat to global biodiversity, one that truly approaches a deluge of biblical proportions, he concludes that nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are the best and perhaps only actors situated to negotiate the powerful array of political and economic interests involved in species loss as well as species preservation.

Showing how NGOs fit into the landscape of international biodiversity protection and what makes them so effective, Gunter's innovative work demonstrates that NGOs provide invaluable assistance by fostering fundamental linkages between domestic and international, ecological and economic, and short- and long-term considerations. Such linkages are strategic. They defuse special-interest political agendas and open up avenues for discussing biodiversity issues worldwide.In short, they help build the next ark.

Gunter focuses on the symbiotic relationship between a handful of specific mainstream and participatory strategies employed by a diverse group of well-known environmental NGOs (Sierra Club, World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International and Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund, to name but a few). Determining which strategies work and which do not, this text offers a detailed prescription for how NGOs can improve their species protection efforts. It looks at how NGOs work within the system. It looks at how NGOs work with people. And it looks at how NGOs must work on themselves. While scholars have previously outlined the essential functions of NGOs, Building the Next Ark is the first to look at how their day-to-day operations translate into truly effective biodiversity protection. ... Read more