Abstract Monkey mortality in Costa Rica is due, in most cases, to anthropogenic factors, such as deforestation, forest fragmentation, lack of tree connectivity, and tourism development in most coastal areas. The latter factor has caused the death of at least 450 monkeys per year due to electrocution, as a result of the increase in electrical wiring that has arisen in the different regions with urban development. Faced with this threat, proposals have been developed to avoid the danger, such as the construction of appropriate passage infrastructure for monkeys, the placement of insulated wiring, and the protection of electrical transformers. Using the morphometric measurements of the four species of monkeys native to Costa Rica (Alouatta palliata, Ateles geoffroyi, Saimiri oerstedii, and Cebus imitator), a model of safe and functional aerial passages or bridges for them was designed, the foundations of which are discussed in this article.

Resumen La mortalidad de los monos en Costa Rica se debe, en la mayoría de los casos, a factores antropogénicos, como la deforestación, la fragmentación de los bosques, la falta de conectividad arbórea y el desarrollo turístico en la mayoría de las zonas costeras. Este último factor ha provocado la muerte de al menos 450 monos por año debido a la electrocución, a raíz del aumento del cableado eléctrico que ha surgido en las diferentes regiones con desarrollo urbanístico. Ante esta amenaza se han elaborado propuestas para evitar el peligro, como la construcción de infraestructura de paso apropiada para los monos, la colocación de cableado aislado y la protección de los transformadores eléctricos. Utilizando las medidas morfométricas de las cuatro especies de monos nativas de Costa Rica (Alouatta palliata, Ateles geoffroyi, Saimiri oerstedii y Cebus imitator), se diseñó un modelo de pasos aéreos o puentes seguros y funcionales para ellos, cuyos fundamentos se discuten en el presente artículo.

Bulk precipitation (BP) samples were collected at two coastal urban sites and two montane Atlantic Forest (400 and 1000 m altitude) areas in southeastern Brazil from August 2008 to August 2009. These samples were analyzed for the major inorganic ions (H+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl- and SO42-) found in rainwater. The concentrations of inorganic nitrogen species (NH4+, NO3- and NO2-) were compiled from a previous study. The volume-weighted mean (VWM) concentrations of inorganic ions differed spatially, with higher values at the coastal urban and coastal periurban sites. On a molar basis, Cl- and Na+ together comprised 60% of the total inorganic constituents at the coastal urban site and 34-42% at the other three sites, as it is the closest to the ocean. Magnesium was also primarily associated with sea-salt aerosol. Non-sea-salt (nss) fractions of K+, Ca2+ and SO42- comprised 68-93% of their VWM concentrations, indicating the contribution of natural (mostly biogenic) and anthropogenic (SO2 oxidation for the latter) sources. Finally, we found that the acidity of BP at the four sampling sites is primarily controlled by the NH4+, nss-Ca2+, nss-SO42-, and NO3- ions, resulting in VWM pH values ranging from 5.60 (lower montane forest) to 5.98 (coastal periurban site). (BP 400 (40 100 altitude 200 2009 H+, H (H+ Na K K+ Ca2 Ca Mg2 Mg Mg2+ Cl SO42 SO rainwater NH4 NH (NH4+ NO3 NO NO2 NO2- study volumeweighted volume weighted (VWM spatially basis 60 3442% 3442 34 42% 42 34-42 ocean seasalt sea salt aerosol Nonseasalt Non nss (nss 6893% 6893 68 93% 93 68-93 mostly biogenic SO2 (SO latter sources Finally NH4+ nssCa2+, nssCa2 nssCa nss-Ca2+ nssSO42, nssSO42 nssSO , nss-SO42- 560 5 5.6 lower forest 598 98 5.9 site. . site) 40 (4 10 20 H+ (H SO4 (NH4 6 344 3 4 34-4 689 9 68-9 nssCa2+ nss-Ca2 nssSO4 nss-SO42 56 5. 59 ( 1 2 (NH 34- 68- nss-Ca nss-SO4 nss-SO

The sixth IPCC report states that a proper conception of climate justice that can address the complexity of the phenomenon of anthropogenic climate change as a whole requires considering not only one but rather three dimensions of justice today: redistributive, procedural, and recognition dimensions. In this article, my focus is on exploring the latter dimension, drawing special attention to climate policies addressing cultural-identity issues. In the first section, I illustrate how climate policies can be connected to discriminatory practices against minority cultures and their identities. To do so, I take the struggles of Black movements against environmental racism and the struggles of Indigenous peoples against a colonialist cultural heritage as case studies. In the second section, I look into the most advanced normative model to address the dimension of recognition, its advantages, and how it addresses the so-called ‘institutionalization of cultural patterns’ in climate policies: the Nancy Fraser model. Finally, in the third section, I investigate an aspect that remains open. It concerns the matter of how to use institutional authority to ‘deinstitutionalize’ non-ecological cultural patterns, while respecting pluralism and avoiding falling into the risks of institutional paternalism. today redistributive procedural article culturalidentity identity issues section identities so studies advantages socalled called institutionalization patterns Finally open ‘deinstitutionalize deinstitutionalize nonecological non ecological paternalism

Abstract Introduction: Aquatic birds (AB) are usually associated with wetlands, which provide refuge, food, and/or nesting sites for resident and migratory species. Despite their ecological importance, there is little knowledge on AB in some tropical environments, such as those found on the Colima coast. Objective: To investigate the spatial and temporal composition of the AB community in Juluapan Lagoon, Colima, Central Mexican Pacific. Methods: Monthly counts were conducted between June 2017 and May 2018 during low-tide conditions to record habitat use by AB. Species richness and bird counts were obtained to compare sampling areas; mean richness and number of individuals were compared between seasons. Results: We detected 53 species and 5 750 individuals. The highest species richness and relative abundance values were obtained in winter at the lagoon area farthest from the connection with the marine system, where anthropogenic activity is lower. Diversity was greater in zones 2 and 3 in spring, summer, and fall. Muddy flats were the most used environment, and the most frequent activity was resting. Nesting activity was only recorded in the middle of the lagoon at the mangrove during spring. “Shorebirds” and “waders” were the most dominant groups in the bird community of the Juluapan lagoon. Conclusions: This coastal wetland is a site of great biological importance for aquatic birds; thus, conservation measures should be implemented, and there should be a continuous study of the effects of anthropogenic pressure.

Resumen Introducción: Las aves acuáticas (AA) son usualmente relacionadas a los humedales debido a que éstos funcionan como sitios de refugio, alimentación y anidación de diferentes especies residentes y migratorias. Sin embargo, el conocimiento sobre las aves acuáticas en algunos humedales es nulo. Objetivo: Investigar la composición espacio-temporal de la comunidad de AA en la laguna Juluapan, Colima, en el Pacífico Central Mexicano. Métodos: Entre junio de 2017 y mayo de 2018 se llevaron a cabo conteos mensuales en condiciones de marea baja para registrar el uso de hábitat de las AA. Se obtuvieron valores de riqueza de especies y número de individuos para realizar comparaciones entre zonas de muestreo, así como el promedio del número de especies y número de individuos para comparaciones entre temporadas. Resultados: Se registraron un total de 53 especies y 5 750 individuos. Los valores de riqueza de especies y densidad de individuos fueron más altos durante invierno, en la zona más alejada al ambiente marino, donde la actividad antropogénica es menor. La diversidad tuvo valores más altos en la zona 2 y 3, durante primavera, verano y otoño. El ambiente más explotado por las aves fueron las planicies lodosas; y el descanso fue la actividad más frecuente. Asimismo, la actividad de anidación sólo se registró en el manglar de la zona media durante primavera. Las “aves playeras” y “aves zancudas” fueron los grupos más predominantes en la comunidad de aves de la laguna Juluapan. Conclusiones: Este humedal costero es un sitio de gran importancia biológica para aves acuáticas, por lo que resulta necesario la implementación de medidas de conservación, así como el estudio de los efectos por la presión antropogénica.

Abstract Background: Many landscapes, both natural and anthropogenic, are dominated by degraded soils that have low phosphorus availability due to low overall phosphorus concentration or to phosphorus sequestration by iron-rich minerals. Questions and / or Hypotheses: Does the application of low molecular weight organic acids improve phosphorus availability and plant growth in phosphorus-poor soils, and is this effect modulated by ectomycorrhizal fungi? Studied species / data description /Mathematical model: Pinus pseudostrobus and its ectomycorrhiza Pisolithus arhizus, in addition to six sodium salts of organic acids. Study site and dates: The experiment was carried out in a shade house (35 % shade) in Morelia, Michoacán in 2015. Methods: We conducted experiments with Pinus pseudostrobus and its ectomycorrhiza Pisolithus arhizus in addition to six sodium salts of organic acids. Sodium salts of citrate, oxalate, acetate, tartrate, succinate and malate were added to the soil at 0, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 micromolar concentrations. Results: The salts of the organic acids-particularly tartrate and malate-solubilized phosphorus and improved plant growth after 12 months in the absence of P. arhizus. When plants were inoculated with P. arhizus, the effect of most organic acids was either detrimental or non-significant. However, citrate, tartrate and succinate improved biomass and morphological parameters. Conclusions: These results suggest that adding appropriate organic acids to heavily degraded soils can aid P. pseudostrobus establishment and its benefits are higher than the association with mycorrhiza for young plants during the initial stages of fungal colonization.

Resumen Antecedentes: Actualmente muchos paisajes están dominados por suelos degradados con baja disponibildiad de fósforo, debido a una baja concentración en el suelo o al secuestro del fósforo por minerales ricos en hierro. Preguntas: ¿Los ácidos orgánicos pueden aumentar la disponibilidad de fósforo y el crecimiento de plantas en suelos bajos en fósforo? De ser así, ¿estos efectos están modulados por hongos ectomicorrícicos? Especies de estudio: Pinus pseudostrobus y su hongo ectomicorrícico Pisolithus arhizus. Sitio y años de estudio: El experimento se realizó en una casa de sombra (35 % de sombra) en Morelia Michoacán en 2015. Métodos: Realizamos dos experimentos con Pinus pseudostrobus y su hongo ectomicorrícico Pisolithus arhizus adicionando seis sales de ácidos orgánicos. Las sales de citrato de sodio, oxalato de sodio, acetato de sodio, tartrato de sodio, succinato de sodio y malato de sodio se añadieron en las siguientes concentraciones 0, 4, 8, 16, 32 y 64 micromolar. Resultados: Las sales orgánicas, particularmente tartrato y malato, solubilizaron el fósforo e incrementaron el crecmiento de las plantas después de 12 meses en ausencia de P. arhizus. En los pinos inoculados con P. arhizus, solamente el citrato, tartrato y succionato aumentaron la biomasa y algunos caracteres morfológicos. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados sugieren que añadir los ácidos orgánicos apropiados a suelos severamente degradados, pueden ayudar en el establecimiento de los pinos y sus efectos positivos fueron mayores que la asociación con micorrizas para plantas durante las etapas iniciales de colonización por los hongos.

Abstract: Background: High-severity fires are serious anthropogenic threats to forests, as they can cause forest degradation on unrecoverable scales. Therefore, understanding the patterns and drivers of post-fire regeneration is essential to designing restoration proposals. Hypotheses: After a high-severity fire, we expected greater species richness and abundance of individuals in flat sites than in hillside sites since seeds, nutrients, and organic matter accumulate in flat landforms. Compared to some Pinus species, Quercus species are more drought-tolerant after a forest fire and, therefore, they are expected to dominate post-fire chronosequences. Study site: The study was conducted in the “La Primavera” Flora and Fauna Protection Area. Methods: We sampled vegetation and microenvironmental variables from 2021 to 2022 at 18 sites located on flat and hillside areas, at 3, 9, and ≥ 20 years since the last high-severity forest fires (TSF). Results: The richness of woody and herbaceous species was higher at 3 TSF and 9 TSF. The topographic condition did not significantly drive the richness and abundance of woody species, but richness and abundance of herbaceous species were significantly greater in flat sites. The oak tree Quercus resinosa Liebm. was the dominant species throughout the chronosequence. Conclusions: Quercus resinosa represents a foundational species for recovering forest structure and composition. Flat sites may act as regeneration nuclei, but hillside sites require greater restoration efforts.

Resumen: Antecedentes: Los incendios de alta severidad representan graves amenazas antropogénicas para los bosques, ya que pueden causar la degradación forestal a escalas irrecuperables. Por lo tanto, comprender los patrones y los impulsores de la regeneración post-incendio es esencial para diseñar propuestas de restauración. Hipótesis: Después de un incendio de alta severidad, esperamos una mayor riqueza de especies y abundancia de individuos en sitios planos que en sitios de ladera, ya que las semillas, los nutrientes y la materia orgánica se acumulan en zonas planas. En comparación con algunas especies de Pinus, las especies de Quercus son más tolerantes a la sequía post-incendio forestal y, por lo tanto, se espera que dominen en las cronosecuencias post-incendio. Sitio de estudio: El estudio se realizó en el Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna “La Primavera”. Métodos: Muestreamos la vegetación y variables microambientales de 2021a 2022 en 18 sitios planos y de ladera, a los 3, 9 y ≥ 20 años desde el último incendio forestal de alta severidad (TDF). Resultados: La riqueza de especies leñosas y herbáceas fue mayor a 3 TDF y 9 TDF. La condición topográfica no determinó significativamente la riqueza y abundancia de especies leñosas, pero la riqueza y abundancia de especies herbáceas fueron significativamente mayores en sitios planos. El encino Quercus resinosa Liebm. fue la especie más dominante a lo largo de la cronosecuencia. Conclusiones: Quercus resinosa representa una especie fundacional para la recuperación de la estructura y composición del bosque. Los sitios planos pueden actuar como núcleos de regeneración, pero los sitios de ladera requieren mayores esfuerzos de restauración.

Verlorenvlei is a globally important RAMSAR wetland on the arid west coast of South Africa. A prolonged drought between 2016 and 2021 and increasing competition for water from the agricultural sector resulted in extremely low water levels. We used historical aerial and satellite imagery from 1942 and rainfall and water level data for the past 50 years, to assess habitat changes within the estuarine functional zone of the Verlorenvlei Estuarine Lake. Prior to the drought, lake water levels and water surface area remained stable (1113 ± 27 ha (SE)). Since then, there has been a 64% decrease in open water area, exposing 193 ha of sandbanks, of which 190.9 ha were hyper-sulfidic pyrite-rich. The water in the lower lake was hypersaline (>100), and in the middle, it was acidic (pH<3). The low water level plus sediment and nutrient input from surrounding agriculture resulted in a localised increase in reeds. Additional pressures, such as fires, have reduced the above-ground biomass of reeds and sedges, potentially altering surface morphology and reducing stored carbon. Despite flooding and filling up in June 2023, the lake remained in an acidic state (3.9-4.3). Similar low-lake level, hypersaline and acidic conditions are predicted to become more common under future climate change scenarios where aridity and extreme weather events are anticipated. Inflow of fresh water into the estuary and control of farming practices are required to keep the Verlorenvlei in a functional state, with long-term monitoring necessary to assess the ecological condition in response to restoration actions. SIGNIFICANCE: We assessed the habitat changes in Verlorenvlei, an estuarine lake on the arid west coast of South Africa. Estuarine lakes are scarce, and an extended drought greatly reduced the water surface area, exposing hyper-sulfidic pyrite-rich soils, leading to lake acidification and a negative response from biota. Competition for water from agribusiness and the burning of reeds are added pressures. Subsequent heavy rains have been slow to buffer lake acidity, and the impacts thereof serve as a warning for the management of similar ecosystems and their ecological water requirements, especially under climate change where extreme weather conditions, increased aridity and competition for water are realities.

ABSTRACT. Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) seagrasses are composed of three genera and four species: Halophila baillonii, Halodule beaudettei, Halodule wrightii, and Ruppia maritima. These are colonizing seagrass species and meadows in the ETP can be ephemeral. Current seagrass distribution in this region remains unknown, with verified extant presence at a limited number of locations and mapping heavily reliant on historical reports. Suitable environmental conditions for seagrasses in the ETP consist of sheltered bays <10 m depth with fine sediment, 19-35 salinity, 26-32°C temperature, and water transparency of up to 10 m Secchi depth. In this region, seagrass organic carbon (OC) biomass pools (<0.2 Mg ha-1) have been reported from three locations, while sediment bulk density (<1.4 g mL-1) and OC (<24 Mg ha-1) have been reported from eight locations, all found on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Recent blue carbon reports from the ETP have not been included in global assessments to date. OC sequestration and sediment accumulation rates are currently unknown. Seagrasses provide key ecosystem services yet they are also threatened by anthropogenic and natural stressors. Seagrasses have already disappeared from two locations within the ETP, with restoration efforts currently underway on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This overview of our current understanding of seagrasses in the ETP and their services highlights the need for further research in this understudied region.

The Groot Aub (GA) settlement depends entirely on groundwater for domestic purposes and other development activities. Development activities are mainly agriculture, such as animal husbandry, chicken farming and crop farming using irrigation. However, these activities have the potential to contaminate the groundwater system. A total of 87 groundwater samples were collected from the boreholes in the study area during the dry and wet season. Water quality parameters (pH, salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC) and hydrochemistry (Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, and HCO3- > SO4(2-) > Cl-) of 5 boreholes and 1 reservoir tank were analysed. The dominant cations were attributed to cation exchange processes as a coupled exchange of Na+ + K+ replacing Ca2+; and Na+ replacing Mg²+ ions in the rock-water interactions. The HCO3- anion is attributed to underlying rich carbonate rocks in the study area and chemical reactions between groundwater and silicate minerals. TDS ranged from 639.01 to 1 998.96 mg/L. The microbial levels as indicated by heterotrophic plate count (HPC) values exceed the limits imposed by the local Namibian and WHO drinking water regulations. The Piper diagrams showed a mixed water type of mainly HCO3- and SO4(2-)anions and Na+ and Ca2+ > Mg2+ cations. The study shows that the elemental composition of the groundwater is impacted significantly by primarily anthropogenic activities and secondarily geogenic processes. Based on the results of this study it is recommended that a buffer zone be created between human activities and production boreholes to avoid further groundwater contamination.

ABSTRACT Amazonia (defined herein as the Amazon basin) is home to the greatest concentration of biodiversity on Earth, providing unique genetic resources and ecological functions that contribute to ecosystem services globally. The lengthy and complex evolutionary history of this region has produced heterogeneous landscapes and riverscapes at multiple scales, altered the geographic and genetic connections among populations, and impacted rates of adaptation, speciation, and extinction. In turn, ecologically diverse Amazonian biotas promoted further diversification, species coexistence, and coevolution, with biodiversity accumulating over tens of millions of years. Important events in Amazonian history included: (i) late Cretaceous and early Paleogene origin of major rainforest plant and animal groups; (ii) Eocene-Oligocene global cooling with rainforests contracting to tropical latitudes separating Atlantic coastal and Amazonian rainforests; (iii) Miocene uplift of central and northern Andes that separated Pacific coastal and Amazonian rainforests, spurred formation of mega-wetlands in the western Amazon, and contributed to the origin of the modern transcontinental Amazon River; (iv) late Neogene formation of the Panamanian Isthmus that facilitated the Great American Biotic Interchange; (v) Pleistocene climate oscillations followed by late Pleistocene-Holocene human colonization and megafaunal extinctions; and (vi) modern era of widespread anthropogenic deforestation, defaunation, and ecological transformations of regional landscapes and global climates. Amazonian conservation requires decade-scale investments into biodiversity documentation and monitoring to leverage existing scientific capacity, and strategic habitat planning to allow continuity of evolutionary and ecological processes now and into the future. defined basin Earth globally scales populations adaptation speciation extinction turn diversification coexistence coevolution years included i (i groups ii (ii EoceneOligocene Eocene Oligocene iii (iii megawetlands mega wetlands River iv (iv Interchange v (v PleistoceneHolocene Holocene extinctions vi (vi deforestation defaunation climates decadescale decade scale capacity future

RESUMEN La Amazonía (definida como la cuenca amazónica) concentra la mayor biodiversidad de la Tierra, proporcionando recursos genéticos y funciones ecológicas únicas que contribuyen a los servicios ecosistémicos a nivel mundial. La compleja historia evolutiva de esta región produjo paisajes heterogéneos a múltiples escalas geográficas, alteró las conexiones geográficas y genéticas entre las poblaciones e influyó en las tasas de adaptación, especiación y extinción. Las biotas amazónicas, ecológicamente diversas, promovieron una mayor diversificación, coexistencia de especies y coevolución, acumulando biodiversidad a lo largo de decenas de millones de años. Acontecimientos importantes en la historia de la Amazonía incluyeron: (i) orígenes durante el Cretácico tardío y el Paleógeno temprano de los principales grupos de plantas y animales; (ii) enfriamiento global del Eoceno-Oligoceno, contrayendo los bosques a latitudes tropicales y separando los de la costa Atlántica de los amazónicos; (iii) levantamiento de los Andes centrales y del norte en el Mioceno, separando las selvas tropicales de la costa del Pacífico y de la Amazonía, estimulando la formación de megahumedales en la Amazonía occidental y contribuyendo al origen del moderno Río Amazonas transcontinental; (iv) formación del istmo de Panamá durante el Neógeno tardío, facilitando el Gran Intercambio Biótico Americano; (v) oscilaciones climáticas del Pleistoceno seguidas por la colonización humana y las extinciones de megafauna; (vi) era moderna de deforestación antropogénica generalizada, defaunación y transformaciones ecológicas de paisajes regionales y climas globales. La conservación de la Amazonía requiere inversiones por décadas en la documentación y el seguimiento de la biodiversidad para impulsar la capacidad científica existente, así como la planificación estratégica del hábitat para permitir la continuidad de los actuales y futuros procesos evolutivos y ecológicos. definida amazónica Tierra mundial adaptación extinción amazónicas diversas diversificación coevolución años incluyeron i (i animales ii (ii EocenoOligoceno, EocenoOligoceno Eoceno Oligoceno, Oligoceno Eoceno-Oligoceno amazónicos iii (iii Mioceno transcontinental iv (iv Americano v (v megafauna vi (vi generalizada globales existente ecológicos

Abstract The research presents a compilation of the strategies for the handling and management of mercury (Hg) carried out by Japan as a promoter and manager of the Minamata Convention. This agreement was established to reduce anthropogenic mercury emissions and prevent pollution worldwide. Article 14 of the agreement focuses on cooperation between the governments involved and provides technical assistance. That is why the activities were developed in the training course “Capacity building for the ratification and implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury” carried out in Japan, in which representatives from Ecuador, China, Sudan, Brazil, and Armenia. Ecuador is one of the countries that ratified this agreement in 2013, which is why it is necessary to understand the efforts developed by other countries, with a practical perspective, to know their feasibility and implementation in the long term in the national territory. This study describes the activities implemented in Japan, such as processing contaminated waste in the company Nomura Kohsan Co., Ltd. (Hokkaido), to know high-tech centers such as the National Institute for Minamata Disease (NIMD) and the Ministry of the Environment (MEGJ), and a tour of the environmental restoration project in Minamata Bay. The results demonstrate that the actions and policies adopted in Japan have considerably reduced Hg emissions, maintaining them at stable levels, which ratifies compliance with the different articles outlined in the Minamata Convention. Although efforts have been made in Ecuador to combat illegal mining where Hg and assist in mining districts, it is still among the most polluting countries in the region. Private and government entities must put effort into action plans to mitigate pollution and carry out periodic monitoring of emissions of this metal.

Resumen La investigación presenta una recopilación de las estrategias en el manejo y gestión del mercurio (Hg) que realiza Japón como promotor y gestor del Convenio de Minamata. Este acuerdo fue establecido para reducir las emisiones antropogénicas de mercurio y prevenir su polución a nivel mundial. El artículo 14 del convenio establece la cooperación entre los gobiernos involucrados y la prestación de asistencia técnica. Es por ello que las actividades se desarrollaron en el curso de capacitación “Capacity building for ratification and implementation of Minamata Convention on Mercury”, llevado a cabo en Japón, en el cual participaron representantes de Ecuador, China, Sudán, Brasil y Armenia. Ecuador es uno de los países que ratificó en el 2013 este convenio, por lo cual es necesario comprender los esfuerzos desarrollados por otros países, desde una perspectiva práctica, para poder conocer su factibilidad y ser implementadas a largo plazo en el territorio nacional. Se describen las actividades implementadas, en Japón, como la recolección y procesamiento de residuos contaminados en la empresa Nomura Kohsan Co., Ltd. (Hokkaido), visita a centros de alta tecnología como el Instituto Nacional para la Enfermedad de Minamata (NIMD) y el Ministerio del Ambiente (MEGJ), y recorrido por el proyecto de restauración ambiental en la bahía de Minamata. Los resultados demuestran que las acciones y políticas adoptadas en Japón han reducido considerablemente las emanaciones de Hg llegando a mantenerlas en niveles estables, lo que ratifica el cumplimiento de los distintos artículos expuestos en el Convenio de Minamata. A pesar de que en Ecuador se han hecho esfuerzos para mitigar el uso de Hg, aun así, se encuentra entre los principales países contaminantes de la región. Las entidades privadas y gubernamentales deben esforzarse en planes de acción para mitigar la contaminación y llevar a cabo monitoreos periódicos de las emisiones de este metal.

Resumen El Pico de Orizaba es un área natural protegida en la que destacan bosques de Pinus hartwegii sometidos a presiones naturales y antrópicas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar los parámetros dasométricos de ocho rodales con cuatro exposiciones (N, S, E y O) y dos altitudes (3 700 y 3 900 m). Se ubicaron áreas con cobertura representativa y se establecieron tres sitios de dimensiones fijas de 1 000 m2 por cada combinación de exposición-altitud. La obtención de información se complementó con imágenes de un vehículo aéreo no tripulado (VANT). Se obtuvo mayor densidad de arbolado (593 árboles ha-1) en la combinación E-3 700 y la mínima en la zona O-3 900 (113 árboles ha-1). Los extremos de área basal mínima (11.9 m2 ha-1) y máxima (35.2 m2 ha-1) correspondieron a las combinaciones S-3 900 y E-3 700, respectivamente. El área basal y volumen disminuyeron con la altitud. La estructura horizontal mostró mayor número de individuos en categorías diamétricas bajas (10-40 cm) y la estructura vertical en las de 25 a 30 m de altura. La prueba de Kruskal-Wallis evidenció diferencias significativas entre las ocho combinaciones para las variables diámetro (DN), altura total (AT) y volumen (VOL), cuya reducción más notable fue sobre la exposición sur al incrementar la altitud de 3 700 a 3 900 m, lo que indica que la combinación S-3 900 es menos favorable para el crecimiento del arbolado. Las combinaciones exposición-altitud con parámetros dasométricos superiores y más potencial de crecimiento fueron N-3 700, E-3 700, S-3 700 y O-3 900.

Abstract Pico de Orizaba is a natural protected area with Pinus hartwegii forests subjected to natural and anthropogenic pressures. The objective of this study was to compare the mensuation parameters of eight stands with four exposures (N, S, E, and W) at two different altitudes (3 700 and 3 900 m). Areas with representative coverage were located and three sites of fixed dimensions of 1 000 m2 were established for each exposure-altitude combination. The collected information was complemented with images from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The highest tree density (593 trees ha-1) was obtained in the E-3 700 combination, and the lowest, in the W-3 900 area (113 trees ha-1). The extremes of minimum (11.9 m2 ha-1) and maximum (35.2 m2 ha-1) basimetric area corresponded to combinations S-3 900 and E-3 700, respectively. The basimetric area and volume decreased with the altitude. The horizontal structure showed a greater number of individuals in low diameter categories (10-40 cm), and the vertical structure in the 25 to 30 m height categories. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences between the eight combinations for the diameter (DN), total height (TA) and volume (VOL) variables. The most notable reduction was on the southern exposure, as the altitude increased from 3 700 to 3 900 m, indicating that the S-3 900 combination is less favorable for tree growth. The exposure-elevation combinations with superior mensuration parameters and more growth potential were N-3 700, E-3 700, S-3 700, and W-3 900.

Abstract (Introduction): Floodplain vegetation plays an important role in providing ecosystem services such as carbon capture and cycle regulation; hence, the need arises to assess its condition. (Objective): To analyze the vegetation structure of the “complejo cenagoso de Zapatosa” (CCZ), propose the Floodplain Vegetation Quality Index (FVQI), and evaluate vegetation quality. (Methodology): Rectangular plots of 500 m2 in 12 sampling sites were defined; richness, composition, and structure analysis were conducted. The FVQI, a modification of the River Vegetation Quality Index (QBR), is proposed, and CCZ vegetation quality is calculated using the proposed index. (Results): 48 species were found; most are native, and two are endemic. Of these, 32 are categorized as Least Concern (LC). The proposed FVQI evaluates the naturalness of continental wetland vegetation formations, vertical stratification, longitudinal connectivity, presence of native species, and anthropogenic alterations affecting the ecosystem; 66 % of the evaluated sites showed good vegetation quality, with slight transformation. (Conclusions): An assessment of floodplain vegetation in lentic ecosystems was conducted using the FVQI index. This index, along with structural analysis, provided information on the current state of vegetation and the degree of naturalness of vegetation formations. This study offers a more comprehensive view of ecosystem health and quality, crucial for their conservation and proper management.

Resumen (Introducción): La vegetación inundable desempeña un papel importante en la provisión de servicios ecosistémicos como la captura de carbono y la regulación de su ciclo; por esto surge la necesidad de evaluar su estado. (Objetivo): Analizar la estructura de la vegetación del complejo cenagoso de Zapatosa (CCZ), proponer el índice de calidad de la vegetación inundable (ICVI) y evaluar la calidad de la vegetación. (Metodología): Se definieron parcelas rectangulares de 500 m2 en 12 sitios de muestreo y se realizó el análisis de riqueza, composición y estructura. Se propone el ICVI, una modificación del índice de calidad de vegetación de ribera (QBR) y se calcula la calidad de la vegetación del CCZ con el índice propuesto. (Resultados): Se encontraron 48 especies; la mayoría nativas y 2 endémicas. De estas, 32 se categorizan en preocupación menor (LC). El ICVI evalúa la naturalidad de las formaciones vegetales de humedales continentales, la estratificación vertical, conectividad longitudinal, presencia de especies autóctonas y las alteraciones antrópicas que afectan el ecosistema. El 66 % de los sitios presentaron una calidad buena, con una ligera transformación. (Conclusiones): Se llevó a cabo una evaluación del estado de la vegetación inundable en ecosistemas lénticos utilizando el índice ICVI, que, junto con el análisis estructural, permitió obtener información sobre el estado actual de la vegetación y el grado de naturalidad de las formaciones vegetales. Este estudio proporciona una visión más completa de la salud y la calidad de los ecosistemas, lo que es fundamental para su conservación y manejo adecuado.

ABSTRACT The livestock productive landscape encompassing Playada, La Piedad, San Francisco, and La Rafaela estates in the western region of Paraguay emerges as a representative model with capabilities for both production and conservation of ecosystem services. Through categorization using ArcGIS 10.3, it was identified that grasslands and savannas cover approximately 35% of the total area, around 5,716 hectares. The study, based on landscapescale homogeneity, allowed for the analysis of physical characteristics, distribution, coverage, and anthropogenic pressures in five Homogeneous Environmental Units (HEUs). The characterization of ecosystem services revealed that forest remnants provide regulation, provisioning, and cultural services, while grasslands are the primary providers of supporting services. Technical profiles were generated for each HEU, and conservation strategies such as agroforestry systems and land planning, derived from sustainable production, were proposed for the benefit of both producers and ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of understanding the dynamics of productive landscapes for resource optimization and long-term sustainability.

RESUMEN El paisaje productivo ganadero en las fincas Playada, La Piedad, San Francisco y La Rafaela, región occidental de Paraguay, se erige como modelo representativo con aptitudes para producción y conservación de servicios ecosistémicos. Mediante categorización con ArcGIS 10.3, se identificó que los pastizales y sabanas cubren aproximadamente el 35% del área total, alrededor de 5,716 hectáreas. El estudio, basado en homogeneidad a escala paisaje, permitió analizar características físicas, distribución, cobertura y presiones antrópicas en cinco Unidades Ambientales Homogéneas (UAH). La caracterización de servicios ecosistémicos reveló que los remanentes boscosos proveen servicios de regulación, provisión y culturales, mientras que los pastizales son los principales proveedores de servicios de soporte. Con fichas técnicas para cada UAH, se propusieron estrategias de conservación como sistemas silvopastoriles y planificación predial, derivadas de la producción sostenible, en beneficio de productores y ecosistemas, subrayando la importancia del conocimiento de la dinámica de paisajes productivos para la optimización de recursos y la sostenibilidad a largo plazo.

Resumo O artigo tem como objetivo avaliar a evolução histórica dos estudos da paisagem cultural em Cuba, bem como suas tendências e perspectivas classificatórias. Neste estudo foi utilizada uma metodologia de pesquisa documental, apoiada em diversos procedimentos, tais como a coleta e leitura ativa das fontes documentais sobre o tema em questão, análise interna e externa das informações obtidas e sua síntese, processamento textual e generalização. A revisão realizada permitiu identificar as principais tendências no estudo geográfico da paisagem cultural de Cuba: 1) paisagem cultural como paisagem antropogênica e 2) paisagem cultural como patrimônio. Também são apresentadas perspectivas classificatórias para o estudo da paisagem cultural em Cuba, baseadas na análise das propostas predominantes no âmbito nacional e internacional.

Abstract This article aims to assess the historical evolution of cultural landscape studies in Cuba and their trends and classificatory perspectives. This study used a documentary research methodology supported by diverse procedures, such as compilation and active reading of documentary sources on the subject in question, internal and external analysis of the information obtained and its synthesis, textual processing, and generalization. This revision facilitated the determination of the main tendencies in the geographical study of Cuba’s cultural landscape: 1) cultural landscape as anthropogenic landscape and 2) cultural landscape as heritage. It also presents classificatory perspectives for studying cultural landscape in Cuba based on the analysis of the predominant proposals in the national and international scope.

Resumen El artículo que se presenta tiene como objetivo la valoración de la evolución histórica de los estudios del paisaje cultural en Cuba, así como sus tendencias y perspectivas clasificatorias. En este estudio se utilizó una metodología de investigación documental; apoyada en diversos procedimientos, tales como: recopilación y lectura activa de las fuentes documentales sobre el tema en cuestión; análisis interno y externo de la información obtenida y su síntesis; procesamiento textual y generalización. La revisión realizada permitió la determinación de las principales tendencias en el estudio geográfico del paisaje cultural de Cuba: 1) paisaje cultural como paisaje antropógeno y 2) paisaje cultural como patrimonio. También se presentan perspectivas clasificatorias para el estudio del paisaje cultural en Cuba, sustentadas en el análisis de las propuestas predominantes en el ámbito nacional e internacional.