Ecosystem services were mapped and valued in a participatory process that included designing spatially-explicit scenarios of future human uses throughout Belize’s coastal zone. To understand the implications of different development scenarios, the team used InVEST models to map future value of coastal protection, recreation, and fisheries services. The resulting Plan can help the people of Belize plot a wiser course for managing the incredibly valuable resources their ocean and coast provide.

The Grenadines MarSIS illustrates how a participatory geographic information system (PGIS) approach supported the development of demand-driven information on marine resources and spatial uses of the transboundary Grenada Bank. Stakeholder engagement not only increased understanding and provided useful and publicly accessible information, but also created ownership of information produced and validated the role of participation in research and governance.

The new integrated spatial plan of Bontang City has been adopted by the local parliament in 2012 and is being implemented in parts. It now includes both land and marine areas with its mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds located within four miles from the shoreline. It is the first example of the implementation of the Indonesian Law No 26/2007 on Spatial Planning and Law No 27/2007 on Coastal Area and Small Islands Management to be applied in coastal districts/cities in Indonesia.

In many developing countries, the expansion of the agricultural frontier and its effects on natural ecosystems have led societies to discuss the need for curbing the growth of production activities. This creates a paradox given that these countries, in turn, require more production to rebuild their national economy. In this respect, ProYungas Foundation has developed the concept of “Protected Productive Landscape”, which derives from the Category V of the IUCN (“Protected Landscape”). But the novel part of this idea is that it puts production activities as the central point in the generation of economic, technical and political resources necessary for the preservation of the natural environment where these production activities take place. This concept places the production sector as the focal point of action, shifting it from the “problem side” to the “solution side”.  Currently, more than 300,000 hectares are being managed under this concept in critical ecosystems (Yungas and Chaco) in northern Argentina and Paraguay.

Ecosystem services were mapped and valued in a participatory process that included designing spatially-explicit scenarios of future human uses throughout Belize’s coastal zone. To understand the implications of different development scenarios, the team used InVEST models to map future value of coastal protection, recreation, and fisheries services. The resulting Plan can help the people of Belize plot a wiser course for managing the incredibly valuable resources their ocean and coast provide.

The Grenadines MarSIS illustrates how a participatory geographic information system (PGIS) approach supported the development of demand-driven information on marine resources and spatial uses of the transboundary Grenada Bank. Stakeholder engagement not only increased understanding and provided useful and publicly accessible information, but also created ownership of information produced and validated the role of participation in research and governance.

Surexploitées pour le marché asiatique, les holothuries blanches à mamelles (Holothuria fuscogilva) sont désormais reconnues vulnérables (liste rouge de l’UICN) et sont inscrites à la CITES (Annexe II). Pour participer à la conservation de cette espèce, il est primordial de comprendre le comportement de l’animal dans son milieu sauvage, sa distribution et son stock. L’étude se déroule à Vairao (côte sud-ouest de Tahiti), où est basée l’écloserie d’holothurie. Les évaluations sous-marines ont permis de localiser 10 sites propices à l’agrégation de l’espèce. Ces sites représentent 15% de la surface totale du lagon et sont catégorisés en 3 types de zones géomorphologiques : les abords de passe, les chenaux profonds et la pente interne du lagon. Les résultats démontrent une densité de 53 ind./Ha aux abords de passe, 41 ind./Ha dans les chenaux et 125 ind./Ha aux pentes internes, soit une densité moyenne comprise entre de 65 ind./ Ha (estimation basse) et 73 ind./Ha (estimation haute).

The project addresses the dilemma of finding an economically viable grain crop that would not sacrifice food production for wildlife/biodiversity benefits. With the use of the non-GMO grain crop, spelt (Triticum aestivum subsp. Spelta), an alternative vegetation type on land can aid and maximize habitat value for rare grassland species and increase biodiversity on the landscape while also providing the producer with an economical food crop. The project results indicate that biodiversity increased and from an agricultural standpoint spelt was a more economical crop than hay.

Solution is undertaken using scientific fruit plant propagation and conducting innovative top-wedge grafting of (tree tomato) tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) terminal bud stick scion into its poisonous wild relative  bug weed rootstock tolerant to drought and resistant to soil borne diseases and pests as well as having longer roots  than tamarillo and stronger ones. Both plants belong to Solanaceae plant family, hence grafting the two plants is compatible and methodology transforms bug weed (Solanum mauritianum) as required. This innovation has therefore created food, agriculture and economic opportunities by using grafting methodology to transform the poisonous bug weed into agro biodiversity resources problem globally. Innovation is expected to contribute to feeding the ever growing world population that is expected to be nine billion by 2050.

The concept of food and nutritional security refers to the ability of all people at all times to have physical and income access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active healthy life. It requires food being available enough, stable and accessible; without which inevitably leads to malnourishment that hinders individual performance.  

Any enhancement of the food security calls for farmers’ sensitization and encouragement to adopt strategic methods that will not only cater to food and nutritional security but also income at a household level and sound management of the environment.

Climate change will affect availability, stability, utilization, and access to food security …(UN-ESCAP: Agriculture and Food Security, Asia)

When we farm in a way that maximizes the amount of carbon captured in our crops, and we return as much of that carbon as possible to the soil, we can effectively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the soil.

Groasis Ecological Water Saving Technology consists of 5 steps that can be taken together or each step individually. It works according to the ‘Triple 90 benefits‘: 90% less water use, 90% cheaper and +90% survival rate. The steps are 1) Stimulating rainwater infiltration in the soil through making 15 kms of mini-terraces per hour with the Terracedixx / 2) Digging planting holes with the Capillary drill that keeps the soil capillary system intact / 3) Using Growmaxx mycorrhizae to help improve the function of or replace fertilizers / 4) Using the intelligent bucket Growboxx® plant cocoon and 5) Using the Growsafe plant protector against goats/ sheep. The technology allows to plant productive trees (orchards, timber, medicines, fodder) in combination with vegetables. They produce food and create short term revenues that allow to finance the technology through microcredit. The technology can be used by literate and illiterate, is gender neutral and does not require cultural adaptation.

The world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier reef, is an extremely biodiverse habitat. The corals that comprise the reef are the backbone of the ecosystem that many marine animals depend on. Ocean currents drive the population dynamics of corral and the entire reef system. Connection of fishing zones to no-take zones and connection between inshore and offshore habitats along with zones of high larvae dispersal would be the most effective way to conserve the delicate reef habitat. Without data on larvae dispersal, it was critical to determine the best spots for connectivity. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) was substantially rezoned and expanded in 2003, based on systematic planning principles. Eleven biophysical operating principles (BOPs) were devised to protect representative examples of each of the GBR’s 70 bioregions. The maintenance of connectivity was also an explicit goal of the marine park – both the total size of the no-take marine reserves and their individual locations were considered.

The solution aims at sustainable development in coastal areas of the East Asian Seas region by reducing and preventing impacts of natural disasters, climate change and sea level rise. It provides references and capacity building for national and local authorities in coastal and marine spatial planning. National adaptation activities and best practices for capacity building and field application tailored to needs and priorities of each country are provided.

Ecosystem services were mapped and valued in a participatory process that included designing spatially-explicit scenarios of future human uses throughout Belize’s coastal zone. To understand the implications of different development scenarios, the team used InVEST models to map future value of coastal protection, recreation, and fisheries services. The resulting Plan can help the people of Belize plot a wiser course for managing the incredibly valuable resources their ocean and coast provide.

The Grenadines MarSIS illustrates how a participatory geographic information system (PGIS) approach supported the development of demand-driven information on marine resources and spatial uses of the transboundary Grenada Bank. Stakeholder engagement not only increased understanding and provided useful and publicly accessible information, but also created ownership of information produced and validated the role of participation in research and governance.

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is an amazing natural treasure and one of the most precious ecosystems on Earth. In light of increasing pressures, and concerns raised by the World Heritage Committee on the impacts of development, the GBRMPA and other government agencies undertook a comprehensive strategic assessment, taking a look at the Reef’s values, the threats to those values and what is needed to manage and protect them.

Due to increasing pressure on vulnerable natural resources from tourism, local development, and climate change, state government planners in Melekeok (Palau) have identified a need to prioritize land use planning. A 3D model of the state was created using a participatory process, utlizing the knowledge of all demographic sectors of the community. The end result is a 12’ x 10.5’ x 6” model of that serves as a tool to help guide decision makers and community members how to plan for climate change adaptation, manage natural resource, and address land zoning issues. 

This solution addresses the complexities of having multiple jurisdictions and interests involved in co-managing a very large and diverse area. Today complementary management and planning provisions apply in virtually all marine waters within the GBR, irrespective of the jurisdictional responsibility.

The solution addresses stakeholder participation for planning and management of Israel’s marine space. An interactive web GIS platform has been developed to visualize the spatial distribution of different resource use in Israel’s marine waters to promote awareness of the marine environment. It also addresses the issues of transparency and knowledge dissemination. Stakeholders are actively involved in the planning process and accompanied by local and international scientific advisory committees.

The solution targets protection of iconic surf breaks in Peru. In absence of national, spatial coastal-marine planning strategies in a country rich in marine resources and beautiful coastal sceneries, SPDA´s initiative to protect surf breaks has stimulated positive responses from users: surfers, visitors, local fishing communities, tourist operators and sporting and local authorities.  SPDA´s  Act for Your Wave Initiave, is always received positively and receives media attention and citizen support and is the enabling platform for the solution. 

An ecosystem valuation analysis of St Maarten’s coral reefs quantifies the value of these ecosystems. The results were used to support the establishment of St Maarten’s first Marine Protected Area and to implement further management actions connected to the MPA. Moreover, the results were incorporated in climate change response strategies. The communication of the valuation’s outcome supports awareness rising among coastal communities and a growing understanding of the importance of coral reefs.

The new integrated spatial plan of Bontang City has been adopted by the local parliament in 2012 and is being implemented in parts. It now includes both land and marine areas with its mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds located within four miles from the shoreline. It is the first example of the implementation of the Indonesian Law No 26/2007 on Spatial Planning and Law No 27/2007 on Coastal Area and Small Islands Management to be applied in coastal districts/cities in Indonesia.

In Stuttgart, important green belts and green divides stretch between the built-up settlement areas, mitigating the climate heat stress. Greenery now covers more than 60% of the area. Furthermore, over 39% of Stuttgart’s surface area has been put under the protection of nature conservation orders. Incorporating these as important features in a Land Use Plan along with green belt policy are the most promising areas of municipal influence in respect of their impact on urban climatology and climate protection.

The Monitoring Manual for Summer and Winter Pastures (Etzold & Neudert 2013; Etzold et al. 2015) in the Greater Caucasus introduces a simple practical pasture assessment and monitoring tool for resource managers. Combined with basic socio-economic information (number of livestock, herding organization, grazing management) comprehensive recommendations for sustainable pasture management can be derived to maintain and enhance the condition of pastures in the future. The approach can be adapted to various ecological and socio-economic settings and was applied in all three South Caucasian countries, e.g. AM (Sisian, Gorayk), AZ (Ismayilli, Saatli, Gakh), GE (PA of Borjomi-Kharagauli, Lagodekhi, Tusheti and Vashlovani). Initially developed as a simple physical assessment approach a combination with remote sensing and GIS technology improves the overall assessment, in particular through more accurate data and assessment opportunities.

The Kromme Rijn area is a dynamic cultural landscape, shaped by multiple uses and different elements of typical Dutch landscapes. Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park within this landscape includes important forest areas and biodiversity values, but is also of historical and recreational significance. The region needs to be multifunctional given the dense population and many expectations towards the landscape, but different use interests are not always compatible.

In order to develop new solutions, identify new directions for policy and help society move towards synergetic options, an „inclusive conservation“ approach is being applied. As a first step, different visions for the use and development of the landscape have been identified through stakeholder interviews. These will provide the basis for modelling the consequences of these different stakeholder vision. Finally, stakeholders will discuss the visions and their consequences, deciding on a joint vision and pathways towards it.

Ecosystem services were mapped and valued in a participatory process that included designing spatially-explicit scenarios of future human uses throughout Belize’s coastal zone. To understand the implications of different development scenarios, the team used InVEST models to map future value of coastal protection, recreation, and fisheries services. The resulting Plan can help the people of Belize plot a wiser course for managing the incredibly valuable resources their ocean and coast provide.

In many developing countries, the expansion of the agricultural frontier and its effects on natural ecosystems have led societies to discuss the need for curbing the growth of production activities. This creates a paradox given that these countries, in turn, require more production to rebuild their national economy. In this respect, ProYungas Foundation has developed the concept of “Protected Productive Landscape”, which derives from the Category V of the IUCN (“Protected Landscape”). But the novel part of this idea is that it puts production activities as the central point in the generation of economic, technical and political resources necessary for the preservation of the natural environment where these production activities take place. This concept places the production sector as the focal point of action, shifting it from the “problem side” to the “solution side”.  Currently, more than 300,000 hectares are being managed under this concept in critical ecosystems (Yungas and Chaco) in northern Argentina and Paraguay.