This study provides extensive taxonomic data on the floristic composition and assessment of the biodiversity that exists on the semi-natural Shahjalal University of Science & Technology campus. Using statistical information gathered through surveys carried out over a one-year period, this study presents a thorough analysis of the relationship between stakeholder perceptions of the biodiversity and composition of herbs, shrubs, and climbers on the campus. In total, 55 students, 15 teachers, and 10 staff from the campus took part in the survey. Most respondents are not entirely satisfied with the campus' biodiversity. They value green spaces and see them as critical to the campus' atmosphere as well as to the university's reputation. A total of 181 species under 160 genera and 84 families were identified with the help of Bangladesh National Herbarium. Moreover, the local names of some species were also found by the local people. This study demonstrated that out of 181 plant species, 66% of them were herbaceous, followed by 29% of shrubs and 5% of climbers. Axonopus compressus was the species that was most prevalent on the campus. Asteraceae, which had 18 species, was the most numerous family, followed by Poaceae (17 species) and Leguminosae, which had 13 species. As a result, when compared to other areas, the study area is floristically rich in climbers, shrubs, and herbs due to the sheer quantity of distinct plant species it contains. One globally vulnerable (VU) (Araucaria heterophylla) and one near-threatened (NT) (Platycladus orientalis) shrub were found in this campus area. All species have value in terms of the economy or the environment, but they are mostly used as grasses, weeds, ornamentals, medicinal plants, forage, fodder, and vegetables. By improving the current management and implementing the essential policies and methods, this region might become a superb campus-based center for the protection of biodiversity.

Nowadays, much attention is paid to the increase in abiotic stress caused by climate change. Salt stress is one of the major limiting factors threatening the majority of plant species, such as Moringa tree.

This study aims to assess the optimum use of biochar to alleviate the salinity stress-induced effects on the germination and growth of Moringa oleifera. To achieve our objective, biochar was applied at 5, 10 and 15% rates and saline substrate was applied at several concentrations (5g, 10g, 15g/l NaCl). Our data showed that under the control condition (absence of salt), seed germination occurred earlier in soil amended with 5% of biochar compared to that in control soil (without biochar). It is crucial to note that the germination of Moringa seeds was reduced by 50% when the soils were amended with a rate of biochar of more than 10%. Moreover, in soil with increased salt stress levels, amendment with 10% of biochar enhanced germination. Furthermore, the leaflet number and seedling height were progressively reduced with the increase in the biochar amount in the soil. However, under th salt condition, 5% of biochar is efficient to alleviate the observed negative effect of salt on growth. In fact, the morphological aspects and growth of M. oleifera seedlings are diminished by biochar rates higher than 5%. It is demonstrated that salinity stimulated several adaptive responses such as antioxidant activity and a strong accumulation of secondary metabolites.

Concerning soil physical properties, regardless of culture condition, soil humidity is increased by the presence of biochar. Meanwhile, the soil's electric conductivity is reduced by the addition of a rate of 10% of biochar under control conditions.

We can suggest that biochar application at rate of 5% is recommended as an optimal level to enhance soil fertility, attenuate the negative effects of salt, stimulate germination and enhance the growth of Moringa oleifera under salt stress conditions.

Wildfires are an escalating global threat, particularly during summer periods, jeopardizing ecosystems and human activities, with evident consequences across multiple regions worldwide. Forest wildfires, in particular, demand urgent attention due to their profound impact on environmental and socioeconomic systems. The study of forest wildfires is crucial for understanding and mitigating their adverse effects, but such combined fire-impacts phenomena are complex and challenging to study.

The consequences of forest wildfires include altered hydrological processes, which increase the risk of flash floods in downstream areas during extreme storm events. In this study, we address this often-overlooked issue by simulating a real flash-flood event that occurred after a forest wildfire in a Greek case study. We assess the flood inundation of an extreme storm that took place after the wildfire, and estimate the associated direct economic damages.

We employ a combination of multiple methods and tools, including: a) the atmospheric model WRF-ARW to represent the real storm; b) remote sensing techniques to assess the burn extent and severity, in order to mode the different catchment properties in pre-fire and post-fire conditions, as well as the flood extent; c) the 2D HEC-RAS hydraulic-hydrodynamic model to simulate the flood extent and water depth; and d) a coupled semi-automated AI-based approach alongside an economic routine to estimate the flood’s damages in terms of affected properties and road closures.

The results indicate that the impact of forest wildfires can significantly influence flood response and risk in downstream areas. The direct economic damages are substantial, affecting multiple sectors and infrastructure systems.

It is crucial to better understand the influence of forest wildfires on flooding dynamics and develop portfolios of proactive measures to address these increasing risks.

Azadirachta indica was designated the "Tree of the 21st century" by the United Nations, as it is believed to be the largest natural depository of bioactive phytochemicals. This study investigates genetic variability among 152 Candidate Plus Trees (CPTs) of A. indica selected from three agro-climatic zones (ACZs) in eastern India: the Lower Gangetic Plains (ACZ III), Middle Gangetic Plains (ACZ IV), and the Eastern Plateau and Hills region (ACZ VII). Phenotypic characters, fruit and seed morphology, kernel oil content (KOC), and azadirachtin concentration (AC) were assessed to characterize the genetic diversity. Significant variation was observed across all parameters among individual CPTs. Girth at breast height ranged from 0.9 to 2.8 m, tree height from 6 to 16m, and crown volume from 146.95 to 2339.86 m³. Fruit length varied from 13.55 to 21.55 mm and seed length from 9.21 to 17.37 mm. KOC ranged from 36.51 to 58.86%, with a mean of 47.22% (±0.4), while AC showed extreme variability (19.46–1823.45 μg/g seed). KOC exhibited strong positive correlations with crown diameter (R=0.57, P≤0.001) and crown volume (R=0.45, P≤0.001). Interestingly, AC did not correlate significantly with any studied parameter, suggesting a high genotype×environment (G×E) interaction for this trait. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (P<0.05) between ACZs, but only for some traits. Cluster analysis using Ward's minimum variance criterion based on Euclidean square (D²) distances performed in RStudio grouped the CPTs into five clusters as per pooled effects of all parameters. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters III and V (7.703), indicating a potential for heterosis in hybridization between these groups. Each cluster contained CPTs from all three ACZs, suggesting uniformly distributed variation across the study area rather than zone-specific patterns. This study provides valuable insights for improvement programs of the species and emphasizes the need for further research, including progeny trials, to comprehensively understand the genetic variability of A. indica in eastern India.

The land use sector assumes a pivotal role in global efforts to combat climate change, particularly as outlined within the Paris Agreement, EU climate regulations, and overarching net zero targets. Agroforestry systems, by capitalizing on the interplay between trees and agricultural endeavors, offer numerous advantages, including carbon sequestration, soil preservation, and biodiversity enhancement. Windbreaks are integral components of Hungarian agricultural landscapes. An enhanced agroforestry subsidy system could positively influence windbreak expansion, highlighting the need to assess their carbon sequestration potential. As part of the ForestLab project at the University of Sopron, we study how agroforestry systems contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Building upon the work of Király et al. [1], we evaluate the implications of doubling the windbreak plantation area in Hungary by projecting its total carbon sequestration and annual climate change mitigation potential up to 2050. For modeling purposes, we use the recently developed Windbreak module of the Forest Industry Carbon Model.

Our projections indicate that newly established windbreak plantations, covering 14,256 hectares, could sequester 913 kilotons of carbon by 2050. The average annual climate change mitigation potential of these plantations is estimated at 144 kilotons of CO₂ equivalent, with the majority of carbon sequestration occurring in the biomass pool. This potential represents 2% of the total annual carbon sequestration in the land use sector as reported by the Hungarian Greenhouse Gas Inventory.

Our findings emphasize that agroforestry practices can cultivate resilient and productive agricultural landscapes while contributing to national climate change mitigation efforts and sustainable development goals.

[1] Király, Keserű, Molnár, Szabó, Borovics (2024): https://doi.org/10.3390/f15010063.

This article was made in frame of project TKP2021-NKTA-43, which has been implemented with support provided by the Ministry of Culture and Innovation of Hungary from the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund, financed under the TKP2021-NKTA funding scheme.

Bringing ecology closer to territorial management is fundamental to achieving a sustainable approach. It is a challenge to reconcile intensified agricultural production with the conservation of biodiversity and related ecological processes. As the magnitude of threats to biodiversity becomes increasingly recognized, the need for effective management inside and outside protected areas is evident. Management decisions have a direct impact on resources, so they must be based on rigorous evidence and scientific information. Some of the objectives considered are to recognize the most characteristic qualities in terms of management strategies for conservation areas; to distinguish the matrices in which they may be immersed; and to contemplating land-sparing and land-sharing models and their influence. To integrate diverse experiences of protected area management in Latin America with landscape analysis according to the land-sharing and land-sparing models, a comprehensive search for relevant articles was conducted. The Mendeley search engine was used and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology was implemented for article selection. Protected areas are essential conservation strategies. Effective management is crucial for achieving conservation goals, considering not only biodiversity but also cultural diversity, social development, and the sustainability of communities in direct and constant contact with them. In this context, we recognize two models, land-sharing and land-sparing, which contribute to landscape heterogeneity and diversity. Although this quality enhances diversity in the studied matrices, there is debate about which model is more recommendable for biodiversity conservation and productive activities, as they impact the balance of socio-ecosystems differently, both positively and negatively.

Fire is a natural element in ecosystems around the world. It plays a crucial role in the evolution of landscapes and the maintenance of biodiversity; Madeira island has a vast forest patrimony, with 58,294 hectares subdivided between forests, herbaceous areas, and other wooded regions. One of the main risks on the island is rural fires. To combat this phenomenon, starting in 2015 (during the critical fire period), the Regional Government implementedan operational program to combat rural fires, focusing on patrolling, surveillance, and direct combat. All teams record the current status on a tablet and communicate via radio. These records are monitored daily and in real time. The layout of burned areas (greater than 1ha) are carried out in collaboration with government entities. We intend to present the results of the last 9 years. Ignition sources are divided into several categories, namely forestry—305; bush—621; authorized controlled burns—373; unauthorized controlled burns—3145; andagricultural—263. One of the lessons is that the south coast of the island has more ignition points than the north coast; however, despite a smaller number of ignitions on the north coast, the recurrence since 2018 has been constant, and the consequences that may arise are very worrying. Urban or peri-urban fires occur in situations of introduced vegetation and ecosystems that have been greatly altered by humans. Madeira’s ecosystem did not evolve with the presence of fire, so it was not part of the landscape's evolution process. Rural fires effectively entered areas of native vegetation and destroyed the original vegetation. Human intervention to control fires and suppress their spread alters the frequency and intensity of natural fires, disturbing the ecological balance. The protection and adequate management of natural areas adjacent to urban areas are essential to preserve fire ecology and fire-adapted biodiversity.

Ghana is a developing country with 8 million hectares of forest cover, 35% of the total land. Based on the National Determined Contributions (NDCs), Ghana has been committed to reducing its emissions by 15% and 30% if external funds exist. This policy seems good but would harm Ghana's development and food security. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate Ghana's decision making in NDCs and recommend a policy for mitigating global warming without prejudicing developed countries, especially Ghana. This research uses spatial analysis with a time series of forest cover in Ghana and economic analysis with a literature review. SWOT analysis was also conducted to complement this research. This research shows that Ghana's carbon emission per capita is only 0.62 metric tons, while the world's average carbon emission per capita is 4.54 metric tons. It is unfair for Ghana to hold up its development to decrease its carbon emission, which is already 80% lower than the world's average carbon emission per capita, and Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is only USD 2,500 . Furthermore, the results show that Ghana's agricultural land area is only 4% of its total land, while the world’s average agricultural land area is 38%. The extensification of agricultural land still needs to be completed to fulfill food security in Ghana, as the population keeps increasing every year, reaching almost 34 million people in 2024. This research recommends that climate justice needs to be served. Ghana's development must not be sacrificed, and the decision maker must have the courage to reject potentially detrimental policies. The policy of NDCs needs to be re-evaluated and revised. To achieve climate change mitigation with fairness, every country needs to emit their emission with a specific number. Climate change mitigation will become an endless debate if not appointed and managed.

Earth observation capacity, used to monitor forest ecosystems and characterize forest disturbances using satellite Earth observation data, has improved over the past few years, with the development of many algorithms that exploit dense time series at high spatial resolutions. In particular, a significant contribution to land monitoring is offered by Copernicus Sentinel-2 and cubesat satellite constellations, whose high revisit frequency, observation scenario, and guaranteed continuity have encouraged the development of operational monitoring services, also supporting sustainable ecosystem management. In particular, PlanetScope satellite constellation, consisting of more than 200 cubesat satellites, is able to image all Earth land nearly with daily frequency. Virtual constellations of satellites, integrating multiple sensors, allow for the generation of denser vegetation indices using a time series, helping to improve vegetation time trajectories, augment phenology estimation accuracy, and consequently enhance the monitoring capacity of forest ecosystems .
This research study compared and integrated a time series of various vegetation indices calculated from satellite Earth observation acquisitions over forest areas from Sentinel-2 MSI and PlanetScope DOVE and SuperDove satellite sensors. Time series were used to estimate phenological metrics and monitor the post-fire vegetation recovery of forest located at distinct phytoclimatic belts. Technical issues related to the use of virtual constellations of satellites, like radiometric normalization and spatial co-registration, were evaluated and discussed.
Results indicate that the exploitation of the medium-term time series of vegetation indices estimated from satellite data is a suitable tool that can be used to identify, describe, and monitor vegetation post-fire dynamics in ecosystems disturbed by wildfires. This research study demonstrates the ability of virtual satellite constellations to strengthen forest monitoring, highlighting the suitability of proposed approaches to develop operational services for supporting forests ecosystems surveillance, especially under climate change scenarios, supporting sustainable ecosystem management.

Mangrove ecosystems, often referred to as “blue carbon”, play a significant role in storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change. However, human-induced activities are endangering their carbon sequestration potential, particularly along the Pacific coast of Colombia. This study aims to quantify carbon stocks in mangrove soils along the Colombian Pacific coast. This quantification will serve as a foundation for monitoring potential future changes in these stocks due to regional transformations. Data from multispectral sensors, including Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2A, from 2014 to 2021 were integrated using a machine learning (ML) methodology. The efficacy of the model was assessed using the coefficient of determination (R²) and root mean square error (RMSE). The extreme gradient-boosted regression model (XGBoost) applied to the Landsat 8 dataset yielded optimal values of R² = 0.825 and RMSE = 1.748 Mg C ha-1 for soil organic carbon (SOC). According to the model, the estimated SOC content varied from 0.524 Mg C ha-1 at a depth of 0–15 cm to 263.2 Mg C ha-1 at depths ranging from 50–100 cm within the mangrove forests. The results underscore the importance of machine learning and remote sensing as effective tools for establishing a rapid and reliable reference base. This will enable the prioritization of conservation efforts related to soil resources in mangrove ecosystems.