Natural forest and restoration activties in western Rwanda. Principles for natural resource management can serve many different purposes: they can simplify processes, facilitate negotiation processes between stakeholders, guide concrete action on the ground, and – in the best case – they can form the basis for success. Such principles also exist for ecosystem restoration. Proper ..read more

A recent study by Dabard et al. explores sustainability innovations in Biosphere Reserves, revealing six archetypes of transformative change. These include community-based efforts, technological solutions, and others, each targeting different leverage points for impact. The findings highlight the potential for a more resilient, equitable future by embracing diverse sustainability approaches that work harmoniously with nature ..read more

Source: Pixabay Coasts provide special habitats for a wide variety of life forms. They also protect against erosion caused by storm surges and other large waves such as tsunamis. However, whether in Europe, Southeast Asia or Africa – coastal ecosystems are threatened worldwide due to anthropogenic sustainability crises such as the climate crises or pollution ..read more

Source: Pixabay The Pinova Festival is the crowning glory of a module of the sustainability science minor at the Leuphana University. For two years, the students intensively researched biodiversity at a local orchard, surpassing themselves and their lecturers in the process. At the end of January 2024, the current cohort presented their research results in ..read more

Dr. Felipe Benra, a research associate at Leuphana University, recently completed fieldwork in southern Chile. The study focused on the conservation and restoration efforts of working landscapes, involving 100 interviews with landowners. The research aims to understand the connection between social and ecological factors to facilitate restoration. This insightful work shows promising potential for future experiments ..read more

The Greater Mahale Ecosystem in western Tanzania is a haven for diverse wildlife, but human activities threaten its delicate balance. Habitat degradation impacts the distribution and behavior of species, emphasizing the need for species-specific conservation strategies. Urgent action and evidence-based wildlife management policies are crucial for the future health of Tanzania’s wildlife ..read more

A guest article by Lucia Snyderman, Vermont, USA Figure 1. The Great Auk Are we in the midst of a sixth mass extinction? Species extinction has largely been driven by environmental change over geological timescales, with the K-Pg extinction (the one that killed off the dinosaurs) being a notable event where a large diversity of ..read more

Coffee production in Bolivia involves speciality coffee production in agroforestry systems, earning farmers premium prices. A recent study found that both environmental and socioeconomic factors influence tree diversity on these farms. Altitude, slope, and soil characteristics promote diversity, while useful products besides coffee impact tree selection. This highlights the need for holistic agricultural management considering both factors ..read more

Source: Pixabay The trend is downwards – also in Tanzania: wildlife populations have declined over the past, and oftentimes so also in protected areas. A team from Leuphana University and international collaborators investigated in how far wildlife trends showed effectiveness of protected areas in Western Tanzania. To obtain current estimates, they conducted line transect surveys ..read more

Prologue Scientists, armed with advanced modeling techniques, embark on a digital safari. They have unearthed an ancient map of once invisible trails that are now laid bare, waiting to tell their story. Chapter 1: Elephants as architects In the vast expanse of the African savannah, a tale of conservation innovation and the pursuit of preserving ..read more