This study investigates the role of stable isotope ecology in unconsolidated sediment coastal systems, focusing on scientific production and research trends over time. Existing literature is analyzed to identify knowledge gaps and highlight the significance of stable isotope analysis in understanding coastal ecosystems. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis is employed, utilizing Scopus database to collect and categorize relevant publications on stable isotope ecology. Key indicators are focused on, including publication trends, authorship patterns, and the geographic distribution of research efforts. The temporal scale of studies is systematically analyzed, with attention given to methodological approaches used in these publications. Co-authorships networks and co-occurring keywords are examined to explore the intellectual structure of the field and identify collaborative patterns among authors. Over 140 publications are revealed, attributed to more than 400 researchers, with a significant increase in interest noted over time, particularly in trophic studies involving macrobenthos. Mudflats are identified as a focal point, receiving more attention than sandy beaches. The analysis indicates that seasonality is the predominant temporal scale, while mesoscale studies are observed to be more common in spatial investigations. A plateau in publication growth is noted, probably corresponding with the emergence of alternative methodologies for trophic ecology studies. Major contributions are attributed to France, the United States and Australia. Additionally, fragmented collaboration networks are illustrated through the co-authorship analysis, with limited international engagement among developing nations. Overall, the critical importance of stable isotope ecology in understanding coastal ecosystems is underscored, while the need for methodological diversity and increased collaboration in future research efforts is highlighted.

Resumo As florestas tropicais secas da Nicarágua, localizadas principalmente nas áreas do Pacífico e Centro-Norte, desempenham um papel essencial na manutenção dos recursos naturais como a água e a biodiversidade, agora pressionados pelas mudanças no uso da terra e pelas mudanças climáticas. Esses recursos são essenciais para o bem-estar da população, pois os principais aquíferos do país estão localizados nesta área, juntamente com os serviços ecossistêmicos deste ecossistema florestal agora fortemente fragmentado. A influência contínua das mudanças climáticas, juntamente com as mudanças no uso da terra, causou o crescimento de zonas áridas em toda a América Central. Essas mudanças contínuas no uso da terra estão diminuindo a resiliência às mudanças climáticas presentes e futuras.. São mencionados esforços individuais para uma gestão florestal sustentável, mas, no entanto, há uma necessidade urgente de introduzir uma gestão florestal e de bacias hidrográficas mais ampla e intensiva no âmbito de uma estratégia bem planejada baseada nos resultados da investigação científica. Será sublinhada a importância da inter-relação entre a água e as florestas na gestão de ecossisstemas florestais sustentáveis. Nicarágua CentroNorte, CentroNorte Centro Norte, Norte Centro-Norte biodiversidade bemestar estar população área fragmentado Central futuras futuras. sustentável mas entanto científica interrelação inter relação sustentáveis

Abstract The Tropical Dry Forests of Nicaragua located mainly in the Pacific and Central-North zones play an essential role in maintaining resources such as water and the special biodiversity of this vulnerable ecosystem now under pressure from land-use changes and climate change These resources are essential to the well-being of the population as the main aquifers of the country are located in this area along with ecosystem services of this now heavily fragmented forest ecosystem. The ongoing influence of climate change along with land-use changes have caused the growth of arid zones in all of Central America. These on-going land use changes are lowering the resilience to the present and future climate change. Individual efforts to sustainable management of the forests are mentioned but it is nonetheless urgent to introduce wider and more intensive sustainable forestry and watershed management under a well-planned strategy based on findings of scientific research. The importance of the interrelationship between water and forests in the management of sustainable forest ecosystems will be stressed. CentralNorth North landuse wellbeing well being America going wellplanned planned research stressed

Abstract Introduction: Fragmentation due to the change in land use because of anthropogenic pressures has caused loss of habitats for many bird species, causing from population mobilizations to local extinctions. Níspero in Cañas, is a coastal community in Costa Rica, which presents a mixed landscape, made up of mangrove patches and tropical dry forest, highly vulnerable due to aquaculture, industrialization, and the increase in the cattle frontier. One of the proposed strategies for the conservation of these ecosystems is the sustainable use of natural resources. However, there is still profound lack of knowledge about the bird communities present in these heterogeneous ecological matrices Objective: to characterize the diversity of birdlife in a fragmented landscape. Methods: From July 2018 to January 2019, bird counts were carried out. The sampling sites were classified into four categories: mangrove, pasture, shrimp farms and deciduous forest. General alpha richness, abundance, and diversity were determined for each site. Results: A total 1109 individuals distributed in 42 families, 97 genera and 125 species were registered. The most representative families were Ardeidae and Tyrannidae. Shrimp farms had the highest richness indexes, followed by mangrove and pasture areas. In terms of diversity, no significant differences were found. Conclusion: This first approach demonstrates the importance of efforts to integrate disturbed landscapes into conservation programs, given that they present new ecological configurations that can be exploited by various bird species.

Resumen Introducción: La fragmentación debido al cambio de uso de suelos por presiones antropogénicas ha provocado pérdida de hábitats para muchas especies de aves, causando desde movilizaciones poblacionales hasta extinciones locales. Níspero de Cañas, es una comunidad costera de Costa Rica, que presenta un paisaje mixto, compuesto por fragmentos de mangle y bosque seco tropical, altamente vulnerables debido a la acuicultura, industrialización y aumento de la frontera ganadera. Una de las estrategias propuestas para la conservación de estos ecosistemas es el uso sostenible de los recursos naturales. Sin embargo, aún hay profundo desconocimiento de las comunidades de aves presentes en estas matrices ecológicas heterogéneas. Objetivo: caracterizar la diversidad de la avifauna en un paisaje fragmentado. De julio del 2018 a enero del 2019, se llevaron a cabo conteos mensuales de aves. Los sitios de muestreo se clasificaron en cuatro categorías: mangle, potrero, camaroneras y bosque caducifolio. Se determinó la riqueza, abundancia y diversidad alfa general para cada sitio. Resultados: Se registraron 1109 individuos distribuidos en 42 familias, 97 géneros y 125 especies. Las familias más representativas fueron Ardeidae y Tyrannidae. Las camaroneras presentaron los mayores índices de riqueza, seguido del mangle y los potreros. En términos de diversidad no se encontraron diferencias significativas. Conclusión: Este primer abordaje evidencia la importancia de los esfuerzos por integrar paisajes perturbados a los programas de conservación, ya que presentan configuraciones ecológicas nuevas que pueden ser aprovechadas por diversas especies de aves.

Resumen Introducción: la Serranía de los Yariguíes, ubicada en el centro del departamento de Santander, constituye uno de los ecosistemas estratégicos más relevantes del oriente de los Andes colombianos. Sin embargo, no hay información actualizada que describa cómo la deforestación y la sobreexplotación han afectado las coberturas de los ecosistemas de la microcuenca la Cinco Mil. Objetivo: establecer el cambio en las coberturas del suelo de la microcuenca la Cinco Mil para el periodo 2010-2016. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un análisis multitemporal, a partir de la información disponible en el Sistema de Información Geográfica para la Planeación y el Ordenamiento Territorial Nacional del Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi, técnicas de clasificación visual a partir de imágenes de satélite y la metodología de tabulación cruzada desarrollada por Robert Pontius. Resultados: Las categorías de bosque denso y bosque fragmentado presentaron el mayor cambio total en una proporción de 11,79 % (1.178,79 ha) y 14,72 % (1.472,21 ha) respectivamente. Conclusiones: adelantar procesos de reconocimiento en campo, que permitan caracterizar las áreas naturales protegidas de los Yariguíes a través de sus pobladores, con el fin de identificar iniciativas que contribuyan a la conservación de los servicios ecosistémicos.

Resumo Introdução: a Serranía de los Yariguíes, localizada no centro do departamento de Santander, constitui um dos ecossistemas estratégicos mais relevantes do leste dos Andes colombianos. No entanto, não há informações atualizadas que descrevam como o desmatamento e a sobreexploração afetaram a cobertura do ecossistema da microbacia do Cinco Mil. Objetivo: constatar a alteração da ocupação do solo da microbacia La Cinco Mil para o período 2010-2016. Materiais e Métodos: esta pesquisa foi realizada uma análise multitemporal, com base nas informações disponíveis no Sistema de Informação Geográfica de Planejamento e Ordenamento Territorial Nacional do Instituto. Geográfico Agustín Codazzi, técnicas de classificação visual a partir de imagens de satélite e a metodologia de tabulação cruzada desenvolvida por Robert Pontius. Resultados: os resultados foram obtidos mostram que a cobertura florestal densa sofreu uma variação de 11,79 %, em decorrência do desenvolvimento de atividades antrópicas. Conclusões: realização de processos de reconhecimento em campo, que permitam caracterizar as áreas naturais protegidas dos Yariguíes por meio de seus habitantes, a fim de identificar iniciativas que contribuam para a conservação dos serviços ecossistêmicos.

Abstract Introduction: Yariguíes's mountain range, located in the center of the department of Santander, constitutes one of the most relevant strategic ecosystems in the eastern Colombian Andes. However, there is no updated information that describes how deforestation and overexploitation have affected the ecosystem coverage of the Cinco Mil micro-basin. Objective: establish the change in the land cover of the Cinco Mil micro-basin for the 2010-2016 period. Materials and Methods: a multi-temporal analysis was carried out, based on the information available in the Geographic Information System for Planning and the National Territorial Ordering of the Agustín Codazzi Geographical Institute, techniques of visual classification based on satellite images and the cross-tabulation methodology developed by Robert Pontius. Results: The dense forest and fragmented forest categories presented the highest total change in a proportion of 11.79 % (1,178.79 ha) and 14.72 % (1,472.21 ha) respectively. Conclusions: advance reconnaissance processes in the field, which allow characterizing the protected natural areas of the Yariguíes through their inhabitants, in order to identify initiatives that contribute to the conservation of ecosystem services.

Abstract Forming social capital for collective appropriation encourages the conservation of socially-owned forest ecosystems. In Mexico, social ownership accounts for 60% of forest ecosystems, in which individual and collective mixtures of appropriation coexist. Through collective action, the organization of work, the kinship ties embedded in it and their expression in individual and collective areas in five ejidos in Tabasco and Chiapas were studied, in order to examine the territorialization of social capital for community forest appropriation. The results reflect an incipient process of building social capital for collective action and a fragmented community structure.

Resumen Formar capital social para la apropiación colectiva favorece la conservación de los ecosistemas forestales de propiedad social. En México, la propiedad social alberga 60% de los ecosistemas forestales, y en éstos coexisten mezclas individuales y colectivas de apropiación. Mediante la acción colectiva, se estudió la organización del trabajo, los lazos de parentesco inscritos en ella y su expresión en ámbitos individuales y colectivos en cinco ejidos de Tabasco y Chiapas, con objeto de examinar la territorialización del capital social para la apropiación forestal comunitaria. Los resultados reflejan un incipiente proceso de construcción del capital social para la acción colectiva y una estructura comunitaria fragmentada.

Resumo As florestas tropicais constituem um dos mais importantes ecossistemas mundiais e a perda da diversidade biológica é uma das grandes preocupações. Para avaliar a influência do tamanho, grau de perturbação e isolamento dos remanescentes florestais na composição e diversidade do estrato arbóreo, nós estudamos sete remanescentes florestais situados na costa do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil, três de tamanho médio (24-63 ha) e quatro pequenos (5-11 ha). Um total de 443 espécies em 60 famílias e 185 gêneros foi registrado, sendo Myrtaceae, Lauraceae e Fabaceae as famílias mais ricas em espécies. Os resultados mostraram áreas de alta diversidade α (α= 34.86-75.69) e um declínio ligeiramente maior de similaridade com a distância entre as áreas estudadas. O tamanho do remanescente não explicou a variação na composição de espécies e nós encontramos correlação entre o nível de perturbação e a composição florística. Os remanescentes apresentaram baixa similaridade florística, fortemente influenciada pelo grau de perturbação. A relação entre riqueza de espécies e tamanho da área e isolamento não foi significativa. Os resultados sugerem que a perturbação influencia, de forma considerável, a composição e diversidade e confirma a importância da inclusão de remanescentes de tamanho médio e pequeno para a conservação da diversidade de florestas tropicais.

Abstract Tropical forests are one of the most important ecosystems and loss of biological diversity in these is a major concern. We studied seven forest remnants on the coast of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil, three medium-sized (24-63 ha) and four small (5-11 ha), to assess the influence of size, degree of disturbance and isolation on composition and diversity of the tree layer. A total of 443 species in 60 families and 185 genera were recorded, with Myrtaceae, Lauraceae and Fabaceae being the most species-rich families. The results showed areas of high α-diversity (α= 34.86-75.69) and a slightly greater decline of similarity with distance between the study areas. Remnant size not explained the variation in the species composition and we found correlation between the level of disturbance and the floristic composition. The remnants had low floristic similarity, strongly influenced by the degree of disturbance. Results suggest that disturbance influences composition and diversity and confirm the importance of including both medium-sized and small remnants in the conservation of tropical forest diversity.

Abstract Tropical moist forests are complex and diverse ecosystems threatened by human-induced disturbance. Despite recent advances in the study of the impact of land-use change on mammal diversity, there is a lack of research about which factors affect mammal assemblages within fragmented landscapes in Colombia. Herein, we investigate how medium and large-bodied mammals in a fragmented landscape respond to landscape characteristics, identifying how they affect species richness and functional diversity. We sampled eight forested patches in the Middle Magdalena Valley in central Colombia and modeled mammal functional diversity (functional dispersion and evenness) and species richness as a function of landscape variables (i.e., patch size, patch shape, landscape connectivity, and forest fragmentation). Forest fragmentation was the most important variable explaining mammal species richness and functional diversity (measured as functional dispersion). Species richness, functional dispersion, and the number of functional groups were increased in less fragmented forest patches. Conversely, functional evenness exhibited the opposite trend. Taken together, these results show that mammal assemblages in forest patches within forest-dominated neighborhoods support both a higher diversity and a broader spectrum of ecological functions but are less resilient to environmental perturbations. We highlight the importance of forest cover for providing critical habitat for both generalized and specialized mammals in fragmented landscapes. Overall, our findings reinforce the importance of defining conservation actions for minimizing the impact of human activities on the remaining native forests, as they are fundamental for maintaining wild mammals and the ecological processes in which they participate.

RESUMEN Este artículo es una revisión bibliográfica sobre las funciones ecológicas que caracterizan a los bambúes, por las cuales merecen un mayor reconocimiento e inclusión en los programas de restauración ecológica. Los bambúes son un grupo de plantas muy diverso, de amplia distribución geográfica y económicamente importante. Aunque son más reconocidos por los usos comerciales, su potencial de uso en programas de restauración ecológica es prometedor, ya que pueden ser eficientes en la prestación de varios servicios ambientales relacionados con el suelo, el agua y el secuestro de carbono. Su rápido crecimiento, junto con su capacidad para controlar la erosión y mantener el agua a nivel del suelo, así como para proporcionar nutrientes mediante la descomposición de la hojarasca, convierte a los bambúes en un grupo valioso para la recuperación de áreas degradadas y para la restauración productiva de ecosistemas, en particular a través de sistemas agroforestales. Los enfoques agroforestales pueden combinar diferentes especies de bambú con otros cultivos, para satisfacer las necesidades humanas y generar a la vez beneficios para los ecosistemas. De manera similar, los bosques o plantaciones de bambúes, junto con sistemas agroforestales mixtos, pueden actuar como áreas de conexión y corredores biológicos, en paisajes muy fragmentados, proporcionando refugio y alimento para una amplia diversidad de organismos. A pesar de las percepciones de que los bambúes pueden ser invasivos, las pruebas para apoyar esto son limitadas. Recomendamos una evaluación cuidadosa de las características biológicas de las especies de bambúes seleccionadas, antes de su implementación en proyectos de restauración productiva y de recuperación de los servicios ambientales.

ABSTRACT This article is a bibliographic review on the ecological functions that distinguish bamboos, for which they deserve greater recognition and inclusion in ecological restoration programs. Bamboos are a highly diverse, geographically widespread and economically important plant group. Although they are more recognized by commercial uses, their potential for use in ecological restoration programs is promising, as they can be effective in delivery of several environmental services related to soil, water and carbon sequestration. Their rapid growth, along with their abilities to control erosion and maintain water at soil level, as well as provide nutrients by litterfall decomposition, make them a valuable group for recovery of degraded areas and in productive restoration of ecosystems, in particular via agroforestry systems. Agroforestry approaches can combine different bamboo species with other crops, to meet human needs while generating benefits for ecosystems. Similarly, bamboo forests or plantations together with mixed agroforestry systems can act as stepping-stones and biological corridors, in very fragmented landscapes by providing shelter and food for a wide diversity of organisms. Despite perceptions that bamboos can be invasive, evidence to support this is limited. We recommend careful evaluation of the biological characteristics of bamboo species selected, prior to deployment in productive restoration projects and for the recovery of environmental services.

Abstract: Current northernmost distribution of the Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is not defined precisely; mentioned to be located “at the Serranía del Perijá” without accurate/confirmed distribution records, and placed by the IUCN at the Serranía de Portuguesa (Venezuela). There is an information gap on the fragmentation of the Andean bear associated ecosystems (Andean forest and Paramo) throughout its distribution in Colombia and Venezuela. The aim of this study is to provide precise knowledge on the current northernmost distribution of the Andean bear in South America at the Serranía del Perijá, besides quantifying spatial trends of the fragmentation of its associated ecosystems at the eastern and western slopes. Confirmed distribution records were obtained from field surveys (2009 to 2016), literature, scientific collections and biodiversity databases. The fragmentation degree of Andean bear associated ecosystems was characterized using FRAGSTATS (V 4.2) software with satellite images from 2008. A current population block with at least three sectors of incidence is present along both slopes of the Serranía del Perijá. Although the Colombian slope comprises greater raw area of Andean bear associated ecosystems, it is highly fragmented and isolated. Core area analysis (extracting a disturbance buffer of 1,000 m into the border of each patch) exhibits a Venezuelan slope maintaining greater amount of Andean bear associated ecosystems at few, large and less fragmented patches. This study extends the distribution of the species 180 km until the north of the Serranía del Perijá (regarding the current distribution recognized by the IUCN) and provides the northernmost confirmed distribution records for South America: Barrancas (Colombia) and Mara (Venezuela) municipalities. This study provides the first fine-scale information on Andean bear associated ecosystems fragmentation for Colombia and Venezuela, with traceable landscape measurements permitting future long-term comparative analyses. A high fragmentation degree of the Andean bear associated ecosystems is present at the Colombian slope of the Serranía del Perijá due to extensive legal and illegal agricultural activities and wood extraction. The lack of information about the Andean bear distribution and its associated ecosystems fragmentation could be putting the survival of local populations at risk, while a clear knowledge on these issues could generate planned conservation actions by the governmental environmental authorities.

Resumen: La distribución más septentrional actual del oso andino (Tremarctos ornatus) no está definida con precisión; generalmente se le localiza “en la Serranía del Perijá” sin registros precisos/confirmados, y la UICN la ubica en la Serranía de Portuguesa (Venezuela). Existe un vacío de información de la fragmentación de los ecosistemas asociados al oso andino (bosque Andino y Páramo) en Colombia y Venezuela. El objetivo de este estudio es brindar conocimiento preciso sobre la distribución más septentrional del oso andino en Suramérica en la Serranía del Perijá, además de cuantificar las tendencias espaciales de la fragmentación de sus ecosistemas asociados en las vertientes occidental y oriental. Los registros de distribución confirmados se obtuvieron de exploraciones de campo (2009 to 2016), literatura, colecciones científicas y bases de datos de biodiversidad. El grado de fragmentación de los ecosistemas asociados al oso andino se caracterizó utilizando el software FRAGSTATS (V 4.2) con imágenes satelitales del 2008. Un bloque poblacional actual con al menos tres sectores de incidencia está presente en ambas laderas de la Serranía del Perijá. Si bien la vertiente colombiana presenta una mayor área en bruto de los ecosistemas asociados del oso andino, está altamente fragmentada y aislada. Análisis de área de nucleo (extrayendo un área de influencia de perturbación de 1,000 m desde el borde de cada parche) exhiben que la vertiente venezolana contiene una mayor cantidad de ecosistemas asociados al oso en pocos parches, grandes, y menos fragmentados. Este estudio extiende la distribución de la especie 180 km hasta el norte de la Serranía del Perijá (en relación con la distribución actual reconocida por la UICN) y proporciona los registros de distribución mas septentrionales confirmado para Sudamérica: municipio de Barrancas (Colombia) y Mara (Venezuela). Este estudio proporciona la primera información a escala fina sobre la fragmentación de los ecosistemas asociados al oso andino para Colombia y Venezuela, con mediciones espaciales del paisaje monitoreables, permitiendo análisis comparativos a largo plazo. Un alto grado de fragmentación de los ecosistemas asociados al oso andino está presente en la vertiente colombiana de la Serranía del Perijá debido a actividades agrícolas legales e ilegales y extracción de madera. La falta de información sobre la distribución del oso andino y la fragmentación de sus ecosistemas asociados podría poner en riesgo la supervivencia de las poblaciones locales, mientras que un conocimiento claro sobre estos temas podría generar acciones de conservación planificadas por parte de las autoridades ambientales gubernamentales.

RESUMEN El cambio en el uso del suelo y el fuego como mecanismo utilizado para el mismo han creado perturbaciones ecológicas a grandes escalas, como lo son la fragmentación y aislamiento de ecosistemas importantes en paisajes tropicales. En el presente estudio, analizamos los cambios de uso del suelo entre los años 2012-2016 y los eventos de fuego entre los años 2016-2018, para identificar la dinámica de cambio espaciotemporal en la Serranía de la Lindosa, Guaviare, a partir de información oficial y sensores remotos. Para 2016 la cobertura boscosa se redujo en un 17 % correspondiendo con el aumento de vegetación secundaria y pastizales en el área. Los focos de fuego detectados estuvieron concentrados en el noroeste y sureste de la serranía, puntos coincidentes en zonas de bosque primario y zonas de pastizal consolidadas. Estos resultados indican que existe un proceso activo de deforestación en la serranía, que fragmenta la matriz boscosa dejando parches de bosque aislados, lo cual tendría repercusiones sobre la biodiversidad allí presente. Asimismo, la sinergia entre dicho proceso y el uso de fuego se muestra como amenaza constante, a diferentes escalas, sobre los diferentes ecosistemas. Esta información se presenta como herramienta para elaborar estrategias puntuales para evitar mayores repercusiones negativas sobre la serranía, que actualmente se encuentra en estado vulnerable.

ABSTRACT The change in land use and fire as a mechanism used for this change, have created ecological disturbances at large scales, such as the fragmentation and isolation of essential ecosystems within tropical landscapes. In the present study, we analyze the land-use changes along 2012-2016 and fire events between 2016-2018, to identify the dynamics of spatial-temporal change in the Serranía La Lindosa, Guaviare using official information and remote sensors. Forest cover was reduced by 17 %, during 2012-2016, corresponding to an increase in secondary vegetation and pastures in the area. The fire-hotspots detected were concentrated on the northwest and southeast of the mountain range, coinciding with areas of primary forest and consolidated pasture areas. These results show that there is an active process of deforestation in La Lindosa, leaving a fragmented matrix and isolated forest patches, which would have repercussions on the local biodiversity. Besides, the synergy between this process and the use of fire, represent a constant threat, at different scales, on the different ecosystems. This information is presented as a resource to elaborate punctual strategies in order to avoid greater negative repercussions on the mountain range area, which is currently in a vulnerable state.

Resumen La relación entre salud y ambiente ha sido explorada desde antiguas y nuevas tradiciones de conocimiento. De manera particular, este artículo explora las formas de pensamiento subyacentes a la relación entre salud y ambiente característica del mundo moderno, mediante el uso de la hermenéutica como método para indagar la concepción de la realidad propia de la razón moderna occidental, que impregna las teorías y los conceptos expresados en las prácticas dentro de los ecosistemas y en la salud humana. A partir de fuentes empíricas y conceptuales seleccionadas dentro del amplio espectro de publicaciones científicas y de otros saberes, se configuró el escenario más apropiado que evidencia los cambios en la relación entre cultura y naturaleza. Esta selección se orientó por criterios históricos y de diversidad de perspectivas disciplinares que abarcan los dos polos de la relación. La hermenéutica ontológica reintroduce al ser humano en la naturaleza y permite reinterpretar la relación entre salud y ambiente como indivisible, para contrastarla con las categorías del entendimiento fragmentado propio de la razón occidental. Esta comprensión alternativa y relacional identifica en la salud el simbolismo que crea y alimenta relaciones de reciprocidad y solidaridad, teniendo en cuenta lo afectivo en la vida cotidiana y la configuración del ambiente como una realidad privilegiada dentro de un conjunto de posibilidades que celebran la vida y el cuidado. El lenguaje constituye lo que somos y crea relaciones que conectan nuestro interior con otras personas y con los ecosistemas, para superar el dualismo heredado de dos grandes órdenes en oposición: cultura y naturaleza. De esta manera, una razón simbólica o relacional nos aproxima a comprensiones de complejidad y hace posible trasladar al futuro nuestra propia interpretación de la relación entre salud y ambiente, para resolver la crisis ambiental y evitar que se repita. Descriptores: hermenéutica ontológica, ambiente, semiología, salud.

Abstract The relationship between health and environment has been explored from the perspective of both ancient and new traditions of thought. This article specifically examines the modern forms of thought underlying the relationship between health and environment, using hermeneutics as the method to inquire into the conception of reality of modern Western reason, which permeates the theories and concepts expressed in practices within ecosystems and the field of human health. The most adequate scenario to show the changes in the relation between culture and nature was selected on the basis of empirical and conceptual sources drawn from the broad spectrum of scientific publications and other types of knowledge. That selection was guided by historical criteria, as well as by diverse disciplinary perspectives that include both terms of the relation. Ontological hermeneutics reinserts the human being in nature and makes it possible to reinterpret the relationship between health and environment as indivisible, in order to contrast it with the categories of fragmented understanding typical of Western reason. This alternative and relational understanding identifies in health the symbolism that creates and nurtures relations of reciprocity and solidarity, taking into account the affective aspects of everyday life and the configuration of the environment as a privileged reality within the set of possibilities that exalt life and care. Language constitutes us as what we are and creates relations that connect our inner self with other persons and with ecosystems, in order to overcome the dualism inherited from two great opposite orders: culture and nature. Thus, a symbolic or relational reason facilitates the understanding of complexity and makes it possible to orient our own interpretation of the relation between health and environment toward the future, in order to solve the environmental crisis and prevent its repetition.

Resumo A relação entre saúde e ambiente tem sido explorada no âmbito de antigas e novas tradições de conhecimento. De maneira particular, este artigo explora as formas de pensamento subjacentes nessa relação, característica do mundo moderno, mediante o uso da hermenêutica como método para questionar a concepção da realidade, própria da razão moderna ocidental, que impregna as teorias e os conceitos expressos nas práticas dentro dos ecossistemas e na saúde humana. A partir de fontes empíricas e conceituais, selecionadas de publicações científicas e de outros saberes, foi configurado o cenário mais apropriado que evidencia as mudanças na relação entre cultura e natureza. Essa seleção foi orientada por critérios históricos e de diversidade de perspectivas disciplinares que abrangem os dois polos da relação. A hermenêutica ontológica reintroduz o ser humano na natureza e permite reinterpretar a relação entre saúde e ambiente como indivisível, para contrastá-la com as categorias do entendimento fragmentado próprio da razão ocidental. Essa compreensão alternativa e relacional identifica na saúde o simbolismo que cria e alimenta relações de reciprocidade e solidariedade, considerando o afetivo na vida cotidiana e a configuração do ambiente como uma realidade privilegiada de um conjunto de possibilidades que celebram a vida e o cuidado. A linguagem constitui o que somos e cria relações que conectam nosso interior com outras pessoas e com os ecossistemas, para superar o dualismo herdado de duas grandes ordens em oposição: cultura e natureza. Dessa maneira, uma razão simbólica ou relacional nos aproxima de compreensões de complexidade e torna possível transferir ao futuro nossa própria interpretação da relação entre saúde e ambiente, para resolver a crise ambiental e evitar que seja repetida.

Resumen Los bosques montanos son uno de los biomas más devastados del Neotrópico aunque proporcionan valiosos servicios ecológicos al suministrar agua a los asentamientos humanos y proteger contra la erosión y los deslaves. En algunas instancias, para mantener esos servicios ecológicos, los bosques destruidos son reemplazados por plantaciones forestales en áreas considerables de varios países. Aunque existen unos pocos estudios comparativos en a lo largo del norte de la Cordillera Andina, las extrapolaciones son difíciles debido a que estos son altamente específicos debido al entorno ambiental, edad de las plantaciones, y a la especie de conífera dominante. Nosotros analizamos y comparamos la diversidad y estructura de la vegetación, la biogeoquímica y los servicios ecológicos proporcionados por un bosque montano y una plantación de pino adyacente en un área protegida de Venezuela. Los suelos del bosque nativo contienen 60 % más de nitrógeno y 54 % más de carbono que los de la plantación. Como consecuencia de la forma de vida de los pinos y de su composición foliar, la biomasa aérea y el contenido de nutrientes en la hojarasca seca son mayores en la plantación dando como resultado que la plantación contiene 30 % MgC ha-1 más que el bosque. La estructura del dosel influencia la hidrología de ambos ecosistemas mediante diferencias en la penetración del agua de lluvia. La mayoría de los servicios son de menor valor ecológico en la plantación de pino. Sin embargo, esta ofrece servicios que no existirían en su ausencia. En regiones montañosas, las plantaciones de coníferas fueron establecidas para mejorar la provisión de agua y estabilizar los suelos. Sin embargo, nuestros resultados sugieren que las plantaciones pueden proporcionar corredores ecológicos que conecten bosques nativos fragmentados. Nuestro estudio, al proveer un ejemplo adicional de dinámica ecológica comparada, expone las diferencias en servicios ecológicos proporcionados por un bosque montano y una plantación de pino y proporciona información para establecer políticas de conservación y manejo de recursos naturales en extensas áreas neotropicales.

Abstract Montane forests are one of the most decimated of Neotropical biomes even though they provide a suite of valuable ecosystem services such as provision of water to lowland settlements and prevention of erosion and mudslides. In some instances, to restore these and other ecosystem services, degraded montane forests are replaced by exotic tree plantations, which cover sizeable areas in several countries. Despite their importance for assessment of ecological services and for intrinsic ecological value, comparative studies of paired native montane forest and conifer plantation are scarce along the Northern Andean Cordillera. Additionally, extrapolations are challenging because each pair of communities is highly site specific due to environmental setting, age and density of plantation, and reforestation species. Here, we assess and compare structure, biogeochemistry and ecosystem services provided by closely positioned native forest and pine plantation from a protected montane area in Venezuela. Soil nutrients and soil carbon content were 60 and 54 % respectively higher in the forest. As consequence of pine’ growth form and leaf biochemistry, aboveground biomass and litter mass, as well as nutrient content and carbon stocks, were higher in the plantation. This results in the plantation storing 30 % more MgC ha-1 than the nearby forest. Canopy structure and litter properties influence the hydrology of both ecosystems through differences in rain throughfall. Most of the ecosystem services itemized are superior in the native forest, with exception that the younger plantation sequesters more carbon. An additional service provided by plantations might be that of ecological corridors that connect fragmented native forests. Our study, a specific case of nutrient and carbon cycling dynamics in paired montane forests and pine plantations, provides another set of data for the design of policy and management of considerable areas in the Neotropics with established conservation plantations.

ABSTRACT Populations of wild papaya that grow in their areas of natural reproduction are of high ecological value. In Cuba, the metapopulation was fragmented into subpopulations that grow isolated, generally, in ecosystems belonging to river watersheds. These plants constitute a source of genes of great value for the genetic improvement of the species, fauna food and for the restoration, conservation and balance of the ecosystems; however, in different geographical regions they are seriously threatened. In this sense it is necessary to collect data in situ, which are repeatable over time and allow detecting temporary changes in population parameters. The objective of this study was to estimate the population size of the wild papaya in the Almendares-Vento watershed, its distribution in the Habana-Matanzas mountain range ecosystem and the conservation state of the plants. Field expeditions were conducted to identify and evaluate wild papaya plants. In the rainy season, pre-germinated seeds collected in situ were dispersed, and the population was monitored. The prospecting confirmed the presence of wild papaya in three areas of the Havana-Matanzas mountain range, the conservation state of the plants, the population reproduction and its phenological phases. However, anthropic impacts that affect its conservation were detected. In addition, Toxotrypana Curvicauda was identified as the most important pest of wild papaya in situ. The dispersion of pre-germinated seeds in the rainy season was effective in increasing the population of wild papaya in the short term.

RESUMEN Las poblaciones de papayo silvestre que crecen en sus áreas de reproducción natural, son de alto valor ecológico. En Cuba la metapoblación se fragmentó en subpoblaciones que crecen aisladas, generalmente, en ecosistemas pertenecientes a cuencas hidrográficas. Estas plantas constituyen una fuente de genes de gran valor para el mejoramiento genético de la especie, alimento de la fauna y para la restauración, conservación y equilibrio de los ecosistemas; sin embargo, en diferentes regiones geográficas se encuentran seriamente amenazadas. En este sentido es necesario recopilar datos in situ, que sean repetibles en el tiempo y permitan detectar cambios temporales en los parámetros poblacionales. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo, monitorear la poblacional de papayo silvestre en la cuenca Almendares-Vento, para estimar su tamaño, distribución en el ecosistema cordillera Habana-Matanzas y estado de conservación. Además, evaluar descriptores de interés para el mejoramiento genético de la especie. Se realizaron expediciones de campo para identificar y evaluar las plantas de papayo silvestre. En la estación de lluvias, se dispersaron semillas pregerminadas colectadas in situ, y se les dio seguimiento a la población. La prospección permitió confirmar la presencia del papayo silvestre en tres áreas de la cordillera Habana-Matanzas, el estado de conservación de las plantas, la reproducción de la población y sus faces fenológicas. Sin embargo, se detectaron impactos antrópicos que afectan su conservación. Además, se identificó la Toxotrypana curvicauda como la plaga de mayor importancia del papayo silvestre in situ. La dispersión de semillas pregerminadas en el periodo de lluvias resultó efectiva para incrementar la población de papayo silvestre a corto plazo.

Resumo: Objetivo Os rios são conectados longitudinalmente através do fluxo de água e as dimensões espaciais dos efeitos das mudanças na vegetação ripária local ainda são pouco compreendidas. Mudanças recentes na Lei de Proteção da Vegetação Nativa permitem a redução de faixas laterais de proteção e anistia para a remoção de vegetação ciliar, o que pode aumentar a fragmentação da vegetação nativa, especialmente para riachos da Mata Atlântica. Métodos Apresentamos dois estudos de caso realizados em um riacho que drena uma paisagem fragmentada na Mata Atlântica. O riacho flui através de duas transições abruptas (floresta-pasto-floresta) e investigamos até que ponto os efeitos a montante de uma determinada condição ribeirinha poderiam ser detectados a jusante para um conjunto de variáveis. Resultados Os efeitos da cobertura da terra se propagaram a jusante tanto nas comunidades de algas como nas de macroinvertebrados e, para algumas variáveis de interesse, esses efeitos podem se estender até um km a jusante da transição. Conclusões Há uma necessidade de entender como a distribuição dos remanescentes florestais ciliares contribui para manter a resiliência aos impactos na escala de bacias.

Abstract: Aim Rivers are linked longitudinally via the flow of water and the spatial dimensions of the changes in local riparian vegetation are still poorly understood. Recent modifications to the Native Vegetation Protection Law allow reduction of lateral buffer strips and amnesty for riparian vegetation removal, which might increase the fragmentation of native riparian vegetation, especially for Atlantic Rainforest streams. Methods We present two case studies conducted in a stream draining a fragmented landscape in the Atlantic Rainforest. The stream flows through two abrupt transitions (forest-pasture-forest) and we investigated how far the upstream effects of a given riparian condition could be detected in the downstream reach for a suite of variables. Results We show that the effects of land cover propagate downstream for both algal and macroinvertebrate communities. For some variables of interest, these effects might extend up to a km downstream from the transition. Conclusions There is a need to understand how the distribution of riparian forest remnants contribute to maintaining watershed-scale resilience to impacts.

RESUMO Na região cafeeira (900-2.000 m de altitude) dos Andes colombianos, os remanescentes florestais correspondem, principalmente, a fragmentos dominados pela espécie de bambu Guadua angustifolia Kunth (Guadua). Essas florestas altamente fragmentadas são encontradas em paisagens com alto grau de transformação devido à atividade agrícola e à expansão urbana. Com o objetivo de contribuir para o conhecimento das características ecológicas dessas florestas, a estrutura e composição florística (diversidade alfa, beta e gama) de sete fragmentos florestais localizados nas bacias mediana (Quindío) e inferior do rio La Vieja (Risaralda) foram estudadas. Foram observados 70.961 indivíduos e 172 espécies pertencentes a 54 famílias. Cinquenta por cento das famílias foram representadas por uma só espécie, e as famílias Araceae e Leguminosae mostraram a maior riqueza taxonômica, com 21 e 14 espécies, respectivamente. Os índices de diversidade para essas florestas revelaram valores comparáveis a ecossistemas de florestas tropicais (valores de Shannon-Weiner entre 3.167 e 3.798). De modo semelhante, a análise de agrupamento (baseada em distâncias euclidianas) mostrou que os povoamentos apresentam similaridade abaixo de 0,65 (65 %), associada às 35 espécies reportadas, em sete fragmentos que caracterizam uma composição florística variada. Essa descoberta indica que estes fragmentos não devem ser vistos como unidades isoladas, mas como locais inseridos em uma paisagem regional diversificada. Isso representa habitats importantes para essas espécies, os quais são capazes de manter níveis significativos de diversidade, mesmo sob condições de manejo.

ABSTRACT In the coffee region (900-2,000 m a.s.l.) of the Colombian Andes, the forest remnants correspond mainly to fragments dominated by the bamboo species Guadua angustifolia Kunth (Guadua). These highly fragmented forests are found in landscapes with a high degree of transformation due to the agricultural activity and urban expansion. With the purpose of contributing to the knowledge of the ecological characteristics of these forests, the floristic structure and composition (alpha, beta and gamma diversity) of seven forest fragments located in the middle (Quindío) and lower basins of the La Vieja river (Risaralda) were studied. A total of 70,961 individuals and 172 species belonging to 54 families were found. Fifty percent of the families were represented by only one species, and the families Araceae and Leguminosae showed the highest taxonomic richness, respectively with 21 and 14 species. The diversity indices for these forests revealed values comparable to those of tropical forest ecosystems (Shannon-Weiner values between 3,167 and 3,798). Likewise, the cluster analysis (based on Euclidean distances) showed that the stands present a similarity below 0.65 (65 %), associated with the 35 species reported, in seven fragments that characterize a varied floristic composition. This finding implies that these fragments should not be seen as isolated units, but as sites embedded in a diverse regional landscape. This represents important habitats for these species, which are capable of maintaining significant levels of diversity, even under management conditions.