Earthworms and agricultural systems: Status of knowledge and research in Canada

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 265-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Tomlin ◽  
C. A. Fox
Keyword(s):  
Species Distribution ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Soil System ◽  
Earthworm Species

Since the ratification of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, there has been increased interest in issues related to biodiversity, particularly with respect to soil biodiversity and the influence of agricultural practices. This paper is one of a series of papers contributing to a state of the art review initiated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on the status of soil biodiversity research in Canada, particularly with respect to agroecosystems. The objectives of this paper are to provide an overview of earthworm species distribution in Canada by province and territory, and to review research that illuminates our understanding of the ecological relationships of earthworms in agricultural systems. Most Canadian earthworm species are considered exotics having generally been dependent on human activity for their introduction and dispersal throughout the Canadian landscape. Twenty-seven earthworm species have been identified so far in Canada; of these, eight species are native to North America. Suggestions for future research on earthworm biodiversity within an agricultural context are discussed including: the need for increased spatial and temporal information on earthworm distributions across Canada, particularly with respect to Canada’s varied agroecosystems and landscapes; information on the ecology of earthworms with respect to their contributions to the soil system and their interactions with other soil fauna; the need for ecosystem process models relating earthworm contributions to soil structure formation and transport of materials and nutrients within the soil system; and the need to determine threshold levels of earthworm species associations in order to optimise effectively their contributions to soil quality and plant growth. To facilitate these studies, expansion of taxonomic expertise and capability across Canada will be required. Key words: Earthworms, agroecosystems, ecology, species distribution, soil biodiversity

Challenges related to soil biodiversity research in agroecosystems - Issues within the context of scale of observation

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 231-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Fox ◽  
K. B. MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Soil Biota ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Anthropogenic Influences ◽  
Soil Functions ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Soil System ◽  
Biodiversity Research ◽  
Research Challenges

Soil biodiversity, the study of the variety of life in the soil, has received increasing attention as an outcome of recent national and international initiatives, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, and various programs related to sustainable development of agroecosystems. The broad objectives of this paper are to set the stage for a “state of the art” review of soil biodiversity research in Canadian agricultural systems, to highlight the relevance of soil biodiversity studies at various scales of observation, to acknowledge the importance of soil biodiversity to the soil system with respect to soil functions, and processes and to suggest research challenges and opportunities. Study scale is of critical importance as it determines both the kind of soil biodiversity information and the feasible level of detail (spatially and temporally). At all scales from global to national to regional to landscape to ecosystems ranging to even fine scales of habitat niches at soil particle level, soil biota respond to the physical, chemical and biological constraints of their environment as mediated by environmental and anthropogenic influences. For example, at the landscape level, there exists a mosaic of ecosystems that can be characterized as a continuum ranging from unmanaged (natural), uncontrolled systems regulated primarily by environmental influences to managed, controlled systems regulated primarily by anthropogenic influences. In agroecosystems, soil biota contribute to the decomposition of crop residues and nutrient cycling, soil aggregation and water infiltration, suppression of soil-borne diseases and pests, and detoxification of chemicals. The intensity and duration of environmental and anthropogenic influences on these soil biota will affect their spatial and temporal distribution within this continuum of ecosystems occurring in the landscape and thereby also affect the extent of their capability for contributing towards soil functions and processes. Within this spatial and temporal context, research challenges are discussed. Key words: Soil biodiversity, scale of observation, agroecosystems, soil quality

scholarly journals Agroforestry Heritage Systems as Agrobiodiversity Hotspots. The Case of the Mountain Oases of Tunisia

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 4054 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Santoro ◽  
Martina Venturi ◽  
Sihem Ben Maachia ◽  
Fadwa Benyahia ◽  
Federica Corrieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Landscape Structure ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Fruit Trees ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Traditional Agricultural Practices

Traditional agricultural systems are receiving increasing attention at the international level due to their multifunctional role. The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) aims to identify agricultural systems of global importance, preserve landscape, agrobiodiversity and traditional knowledge and apply the principles of dynamic conservation to promote sustainable development. Biodiversity associated to traditional agricultural practices is particularly important, especially in difficult environments, like traditional oases, for ensuring food and nutrition to local communities. We documented landscape and biological diversity associated with traditional agricultural practices in three traditional oases in Tunisia, through a landscape analysis based on land-use survey, and an assessment of cultivated species. Results show that the landscape structure is dominated by agricultural land uses and characterized by a high level of diversification. Agrobiodiversity is high: we identified 20 varieties of date palm, 21 species of fruit trees, 21 vegetable species and two fodder crops. Results highlighted that traditional oases, as other agroforestry and agricultural heritage systems, continue to play a crucial role in maintaining genetic resources and agrobiodiversity. Farmers who, all over the world, still cultivate applying traditional practices are the main actors that practice a real conservation of genetic resources and diversity by maintaining traditional cultivars and a diversified landscape structure. Our methodology, based on the combined assessment of land uses and agrobiodiversity, can be replicated in other agricultural heritage systems to evaluate and measure possible transformations and identify the best strategies for their preservation.

scholarly journals Activities of Environmental Convention-Secretariats: Laws, Functions and Discretions

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3116
Author(s):  
Volker Mauerhofer
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Multilateral Environmental Agreements ◽  
Legal Norms ◽  
Wild Fauna ◽  
Operating Rules ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Functional Areas

Multilateral Environmental Agreements—MEAs—are indispensable legal frameworks for environmental sustainability and also define the operating rules of their implementation bodies (“Secretariats”). The contribution assesses in how far the norms defining Secretariats’ functions differ and also reflect on actual functions for three MEAs, namely (1) the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora-CITES (1973), (2) the Convention on Biological Diversity—CBD (1992), and (3) the Convention on Migratory Species—CMS (1979). It does so by comparative legal interpretation of the main norms of these MEAs laying down the functions of its respective Secretariats as well as an in-depth review of academic literature about these functions. The results for these three conventions divide into nine functional areas and show an unexpectedly wide range of different functions laid down in the conventions as well as extensive variety in the discretion for many of these functional areas. Some potential explanations of these formal differences are provided. The paper further finds that actually executed functions may not be fully covered by the underlying legal norms but rather by “flexible” highest governing bodies of MEAs and concludes that occasionally an unusual legislative style was chosen, and shows potential solutions and future research directions.

scholarly journals Indigenous Participation and the Incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge and Perspectives in Global Environmental Governance Forums: a Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Zurba ◽  
Anastasia Papadopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Global Environmental Governance ◽  
Global Environmental ◽  
Indigenous Participation

AbstractGlobal environmental governance (GEG) forums, such as those convened through the United Nations, result in the development of monumental guiding frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Conference of Parties (COPs) Aichi and post-2020 targets. The ratification of policy frameworks by member and/or signatory states can result in major shifts in environmental policy and decision-making and has major implications for Indigenous communities. In this article, we present systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature on Indigenous participation in GEG forums, and focus on the specific questions: (1) what GEG forums include Indigenous participation and (2) how do Indigenous peoples participate in GEG forums, including how their perspectives and knowledges are framed and/or included/excluded within governance discussions, decisions, and negotiations. We provide a bibliometric analysis of the articles and derive seven inductively determined themes from our review: (1) Critical governance forums and decisions; (2) inclusion and exclusion of Indigenous voices and knowledge in GEG forums; (3) capacity barriers; (4) knowledge hierarchies: inclusion, integration, and bridging; (5) representation and grouping of Indigenous peoples in GEG; (6) need for networks among and between Indigenous peoples and other governance actors; and (7) Indigenous peoples influence on GEG decisions and processes. Our findings can be used to improve GEG forums by contributing to the development strategies that address the barriers and inequities to meaningful and beneficial Indigenous participation and can contribute to future research that is focused on understanding the experiences of Indigenous peoples within GEG forums.

scholarly journals Applications of Biological Diversity Information Systems towards Conservation at Lawachara National Park in Bangladesh

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-104
Author(s):  
Md. Rahimullah Miah ◽  
Alexander K. Sayok ◽  
Ahi Sarok ◽  
Mohammad Belal Uddin
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
National Park ◽  
Data Exchange ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Strategic Action ◽  
Essential Information

The study investigates a framework for Integrated Biological Diversity Information Systems (BDIS) with relevant rules and regulations that emphasize the need for interdisciplinary research collaborations at national, regional and global scales on nature conservation mechanisms at Lawachara National Park (LNP) in Bangladesh. To date, Bangladesh has no Integrated National Biodiversity Database with Clearing House Mechanisms. So, there is a lot of nature conserving problems faced on biodiversity management systems. The study integrates technological information from stakeholders like park manager, biological diversity specialists, network officers, ecological specialists, policy-makers, wildlife managers, academicians and relevant bodies. The study represents the uniqueness of the tools used to enhance conservation professionals on the national biodiversity strategic action plan through existing policies and technology, literature reviews, observations, interviews and reconnaissance findings. Approximately 64% of the respondents agreed for the development of Biological Diversity Information Systems (BDIS) for conserving nature at LNP. The study describes the essential information needed for comprehensive data exchange, data indexing, web-publication and reports on Convention on Biological Diversity with the help of Resources Information Management System. Finally, the study suggests future research trajectories using a new collaborative approach to drive the methodological agenda and recommends ways to further incorporate the information systems integrating next generations’ biodiversity conservation perspectives.  

scholarly journals Responsible Use of Medicinal Plants for Cosmetics

HortScience ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (8) ◽  
pp. 985-991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara M. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Plant Material ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Round Table ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
International Treaties ◽  
Medicinal Plant Extracts

Medicinal plant extracts are widely used as active ingredients in cosmetics. Plant material can come from a variety of sources, including commercial production horticulture and wild harvest in developing countries. Sustainably produced plant material does not threaten biodiversity, release pollution, compete with the food supply, or exploit local people. International treaties like the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity and CITES (Washington Convention) and regulations like Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) have been established to guide sustainable sourcing and production of plant material. Non-profit organizations like the Round Table Sustainable Palm Oil have been organized to create sustainability standards. Once a reliable and sustainable supply chain has been established, cosmetic companies must be aware of regulations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and international regulatory agencies that guide the marketing of cosmetics with medicinal plant ingredients. Efficacy claims should be supported with evidence and cannot state that the product treats medical conditions. In the end, responsibly sourced medicinal plants can bring economic benefit to producers, processors, and marketers.

Is there a lifeguard at the genepool?

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dian L. Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Animal Genetic Resources ◽  
Animal Diversity

Modern agricultural practices have led to a decline in our farm animal genetic resources. Changes in the environment or society demands for more ecologically sustainable production systems may require breeds other than those in common use today. Although definitions of levels of concern differ, Canada has a number of endangered breeds which are of cultural and historical interest and which may be useful in future niche markets. Canada has formally ratified the international convention on biological diversity, but funding cuts have jeopardised national programs. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations has the mandate to establish an international program for conserving domestic animal diversity and its sustainable use. A major initiative has been the establishment of a data base and training information available through the World Wide Web. New technologies such as microsatellite markers and mathematical modelling offer promise for integration with more traditional live animal conservation methods and are now being incorporated into conservation schemes in a number of countries. Canadian groups involved in livestock and poultry genetic resource conservation must continue to interact to ensure a coordinated approach. Key words: Biodiversity, breed conservation, animal genetic resources

Genetic erosion over time of rice landrace agrobiodiversity

2008 ◽  
Vol 7 (02) ◽  
pp. 163-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian V. Ford-Lloyd ◽  
Darshan Brar ◽  
Gurdev S. Khush ◽  
Michael T. Jackson ◽  
Parminder S. Virk
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Genetic Erosion ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
The Future ◽  
Genetic Level ◽  
Loss Of Genetic Diversity

Changes in global biodiversity at the genetic level have proved difficult to determine for most organisms because of lack of standardized, repeated or historical data; this hampers the attempts to meet the convention on biological diversity (CBD) 2010 targets of reducing loss of genetic diversity, particularly of crop species. For rice, where germplasm and genetic data have been collected throughout South and Southeast Asia over many decades, contrary to popular opinion, we have been unable to detect a significant reduction of available genetic diversity in our study material. This absence of a decline may be viewed positively; over the 33-year timescale of our study, genetic diversity amongst landraces grown in traditional agricultural systems was still sufficiently abundant to be collected forex situconservation. However, if significant genetic erosion does take place in the future as a result of accelerating global warming and/or major changes in land use or agricultural practices, will it be catastrophic or gradual, and how will it be detected? We have shown a strong link between numbers of landraces collected (and therefore extant) and genetic diversity; hence, we have a clear indicator to detect loss of genetic diversity in the future. Our findings lend considerable support forex situconservation of germplasm; the more than substantial genetic resources already in genebanks are now safe. On the other hand, it is the germplasm growing in farmers' fields, continually adapting genetically to changing environmental conditions and evolving novel genetic forms, whose future has been much less certain but can now be effectively monitored using our criteria.

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