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Diversity
Special Issues
The Human Dimension of Biodiversity Protection
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The Human Dimension of Biodiversity Protection

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Biodiversity Conservation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 10394

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Walter Musakwa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Future Earth & Ecosystem Services Research Group, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
Interests: global environmental change; landscape change; ecosystem services; biodiversity conservation; sustainable livelihoods; sustainable development; climate change; earth observation
Dr. Nelson Chanza

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
Interests: climate change; mitigation and adaptation; resilience; indigenous knowledge systems
Dr. Gaynor Paradza

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Public Affairs Research Institute, 2 Sherwood Road, Forest Town, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
Interests: land; land administration; land resource management; land governance; land acquisition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a forthcoming Special Issue of Diversity entitled The Human Dimension of Biodiversity Protection. The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in 2019 highlighted the important concept of nature’s contributions to people, which complements the ecosystem services approach. Nature’s contributions highlight the importance of culture and indigenous knowledge in maintaining biodiversity. At the same time, nature is in crisis, placing humans and the planet at risk, which is why the Global Goal for Nature: Nature Positive by 2030 was promulgated in 2020. There is no denying that nature must be protected and conserved. Conservation efforts should not only focus on conserving nature but also ensure that human beings benefit as well. Traditionally, conservation efforts have tended to focus on merely protecting nature while neglecting the human dimension. This often results in mistrust between conservation officials and communities, human–wildlife conflict, and poaching, amongst many other conservation challenges. Similarly, local people, communities and indigenous knowledge is often neglected in nature conservation.

Thus, this Special Issue is an opportunity to contribute to research that focus on the human dimension of biodiversity conservation. We are particularly interested in approaches where conservation has enhanced human health and human wellbeing. Likewise, innovative approaches that seek to protect nature and at the same time promote sound business models that enhance sustainable livelihoods are sought. Lastly, we welcome articles that highlight successful conservation where local and indigenous knowledge have been at its core. We encourage authors to highlight case studies on human dimensions of biodiversity conservation at various spatial and temporal scales showing where human dimensions of biodiversity have worked, the challenges, and future trends.

Dr. Walter Musakwa
Dr. Nelson Chanza
Dr. Gaynor Paradza
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • human dimensions
  • biodiversity
  • conservation
  • human health
  • nature
  • human wellbeing
  • sustainable livelihoods
  • business model
  • indigenous knowledge systems

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1065 KiB  
Article
Ecological and Hydrological Indicators of Climate Change Observed by Dryland Communities of Malipati in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe
by Nelson Chanza and Walter Musakwa
Diversity 2022, 14(7), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14070541 - 5 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2192
Abstract
Existing evidence about climate change in Zimbabwe has tended to focus more on elements and events of the climate system, marginalizing changes in the hydrological and ecological system. To contribute to the improved understanding of climate change, this study captured the observations of [...] Read more.
Existing evidence about climate change in Zimbabwe has tended to focus more on elements and events of the climate system, marginalizing changes in the hydrological and ecological system. To contribute to the improved understanding of climate change, this study captured the observations of climate change in Malipati, a remote agrarian dryland area in the Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe. The aim of the study was to gather detailed insights about perceived environmental changes using the evidence drawn from local and indigenous populations who have close interactions with their natural environment. A household questionnaire-based survey with randomly chosen farmers (n = 116) revealed that participants’ observations of changes in hydrological and ecological system were consistent with available evidence of increasing temperatures and little rainfall recorded in the district. Results also showed high sensitivity of the area to climate change that manifest in various indicators: hydrological changes in rivers, streams, swamps, and ground water; and ecological changes through the behaviour of trees, insects, birds, and wild animals. Sex and age of the participants did not influence the way they perceived most of these changes (p > 0.05). However, education and the period of stay in the area were related to the respondents’ perceived changes in river flows and siltation, and the conditions of swamps (p < 0.05). Our study also revealed deeper insights about the human-biodiversity interactions in the face of climate change in unique areas where communities live alongside wildlife. The evidence drawn from local and indigenous populations can be used to inform local-based solutions to the growing problems of climate change and biodiversity loss. Future studies would need to further examine such areas to understand the mitigation and adaptation practices that would promote the sustainable co-existence of humans and wildlife. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Human Dimension of Biodiversity Protection)
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15 pages, 906 KiB  
Article
Opportunities to Improve Eco-Agriculture through Transboundary Governance in Transfrontier Conservation Areas
by Munyaradzi Chitakira, Luxon Nhamo, Emmanuel Torquebiau, James Magidi, Willem Ferguson, Sylvester Mpandeli, Kevin Mearns and Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Diversity 2022, 14(6), 461; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14060461 - 8 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2405
Abstract
Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) are critical biodiversity areas for the conservation and sustainable use of biological and cultural resources while promoting regional peace, cooperation, and socio-economic development. Sustainable management of TFCAs is dependent on the availability of an eco-agriculture framework that promotes integrated [...] Read more.
Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) are critical biodiversity areas for the conservation and sustainable use of biological and cultural resources while promoting regional peace, cooperation, and socio-economic development. Sustainable management of TFCAs is dependent on the availability of an eco-agriculture framework that promotes integrated management of conservation mosaics in terms of food production, environmental protection or the conservation of natural resources, and improved human livelihoods. As a developmental framework, eco-agriculture is significantly influenced by existing legal and governance structures at all levels; this study assessed the impact of existing legal and governance frameworks on eco-agriculture implementation in the Lubombo TFCA that cuts across the borders between Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa. The assessment used a mixed research method, including a document review, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Although the three countries have no eco-agriculture policies, biodiversity practices are directly or indirectly affected by some policies related to environmental protection, agriculture improvement, and rural development. The assessment found that South Africa has the most comprehensive policies related to eco-agriculture; Mozambican policies mainly focus on equity and involvement of disadvantaged social groups, while Eswatini is conspicuous for explicitly making it the responsibility of each citizen to protect and safeguard the environment. The protection of conservation areas is critical to preserving natural habitats and ensuring the continued provision of ecosystem services. The lack of transboundary governance structures results in the Lubombo TFCA existing as a treaty on paper, as there are no clear processes for transboundary cooperation and collaboration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Human Dimension of Biodiversity Protection)
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Review

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19 pages, 3227 KiB  
Review
Research Status and Trends of Agrobiodiversity and Traditional Knowledge Based on Bibliometric Analysis (1992–Mid-2022)
by Yiling Liu, Xiaodong Ren and Fengqiong Lu
Diversity 2022, 14(11), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14110950 - 5 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2233
Abstract
Traditional knowledge is a favored research area in agrobiodiversity conservation at home and abroad, and plays a vital role in the sustainable use of ecosystems, livelihood support, and food security. In this paper, the WoS Core Collection was used as the data source [...] Read more.
Traditional knowledge is a favored research area in agrobiodiversity conservation at home and abroad, and plays a vital role in the sustainable use of ecosystems, livelihood support, and food security. In this paper, the WoS Core Collection was used as the data source to statistically analyze the literature on the topic of agrobiodiversity and traditional knowledge research. The results show the following: (1) The number of articles published in agrobiodiversity and traditional knowledge research has been increasing annually. (2) The United States is the most influential country in this field of research, and other leading countries include India, Mexico, Germany, and Italy. (3) The existing research is mainly in the field of natural science, and the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine is the most crucial journal in terms of the number of articles published. (4) Neither authors nor institutional collaboration networks have formed a close transnational collaboration network. (5) Popular research in this area includes the conservation of local varieties, agricultural landscape changes, livelihood support, and agroforestry systems. (6) In addition to the ongoing focus on natural ecological aspects of research, future research will focus more on cultural and social benefits. Finally, we propose to enhance the exploration of quantitative analysis research methods, strengthen interdisciplinary research exchanges, expand the breadth of disciplinary research, strengthen stakeholder cooperation, and promote the construction of relevant policies and regulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Human Dimension of Biodiversity Protection)
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22 pages, 3611 KiB  
Review
Ecosystem Services in Southern Africa: Current and Emerging Trends—A Bibliometric Review
by Nesisa Analisa Nyathi, Walter Musakwa, Ruth Delzeit and Nikolaus J. Kuhn
Diversity 2022, 14(5), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/d14050359 - 3 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2435
Abstract
The assessment of ecosystem services (ESs) is important for Africa’s sustainability and progress. Healthy ecosystems benefit humans in various forms; however, continuous anthropogenic activities have led to rapid alterations in their compositions, structures and functions worldwide. Due to the lack of understanding on [...] Read more.
The assessment of ecosystem services (ESs) is important for Africa’s sustainability and progress. Healthy ecosystems benefit humans in various forms; however, continuous anthropogenic activities have led to rapid alterations in their compositions, structures and functions worldwide. Due to the lack of understanding on the role of ES assessment in southern Africa, many ES assessment practices and methodologies have been widely debated Thus, a bibliometric analysis of ESs in southern Africa was conducted for the period of 1996–2021, to present the key features of ES assessment practices and methodologies and reveal evolutionary trends in this field. The results showed that in southern Africa, not many ES assessment studies have been published; however, South Africa was the most productive country in terms of author collaboration and publication output. Other leading countries in this field include the UK, USA, Germany and Australia. The most productive institutions in southern Africa are located in South Africa, and are the University of Cape Town, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Rhodes University, the University of KwaZulu Natal, and the University of Stellenbosch. The five funding institutions that are most active in supporting ES assessment in southern Africa are European. The main publishers of the research are either American or European and include the highly influential publishers Elsevier, Wiley, MDPI, Springer Nature and Resilience Alliance. VOS Viewer was employed as a visual analysis tool and CiteSpace as a graphic analysis tool to conduct the bibliometric analysis. A key conclusion is that most authors use qualitative methods to assess people’s livelihoods and wellbeing as they relate to provisional and cultural services, while remotely sensed imagery is used as a key tool to assess the spatial extent of provisional and regulating services. Research recommendations include promoting a transdisciplinary approach in ES assessment in southern Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Human Dimension of Biodiversity Protection)
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