What are some of the sustainable practices in tourism and wildlife conservation?

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DESERTIFICATION  Desertification is a form of  land degradation occurring in arid, semiarid and dry subhumid areas of the world. It is a process where in fertile lands become arid through land mismanagement or climate changes. Many deserts in the world are man-made. Desertification is taking place much faster worldwide than historically and usually arises from the demands of increased populations that settle on the land in order to grow crops and graze animals. These susceptible dry lands cover 40 percent of the earth’s surface and puts at risk more than 1 billion people who are dependent on these lands for survival. Around 80 % of the productive land in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world is estimated to be converting into deserts and around 600 million people are threatened by desertification (according to UN EP). Globally around 2 billion acres of land have become deserts in the past 50 years.  The current rate of desertification is around 15 million acres per year, the worst being in sub-saharan Africa. Thar desert in Rajasthan covers about 12,000 hectares of land. Causes of desertification: 1. Overgrazing: By pounding the soil with their hooves, livestock compact the substrate, increase the proportion of fine material, and reduce the percolation rate of the soil, thus encouraging erosion by wind and water. Grazing and the collection of firewood reduce or eliminate plants that help to bind the soil.2. Increased population: Livestock pressure on marginal lands accelerates desertification.3. Deforestation practices: Loss of vegetation results in surface run off as there are no plants to bind the soil and resulting in soil erosion and depletion of nutrients.Increased food production from marginal lands in arid or semi- arid areas.Irrigation projects in areas with no drainage facility.4. Shifting of sand dunes by wind storms Effects:  A major impact of desertification is biodiversity loss, and loss of productive capacity, such as the transition from grassland dominated by perennial grasses to one dominated by perennial shrubs. In extreme cases, it leads to the destruction of lands’ ability to support life. But all is not lost we still have time to combat and control the rate of desertification through... 1. Afforestation and planting of soil binding grasses can check soil erosion, floods and water logging.2. Crop rotation and mixed cropping improve the fertility of the soil. It would increase production which can sustain large population.3. Desertification can be checked by artificial bunds or covering the area with proper type of vegetation.4. Shifting of sand can be controlled by mulching (use of artificial protective covering.)5. Salinity of the soil can be checked by improved drainage. Saline soil can be recovered by leaching with more water, particularly where water table of the ground is not very high.

Hello members i would like to know if there's anyone who has been successful in breeding cheetahs and striped hyenas in captivity, if yes can you share you observation and knowledge. Thanks

The global understanding of Traditional Ecological Knowledge related to the management and conservation of frankincense trees in Somalia remains limited, particularly considering the highly context-specific nature of TEK. This research aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge by enhancing our understanding of the role played by Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the management and governance of frankincense fields in northeastern Somalia. The primary objective of this study is to identify and describe the key components of local knowledge that regulate harvesting practices, with the overarching goal of ensuring the long-term survival and productivity of frankincense trees in the country. The findings highlight valuable insights into the interplay between local knowledge and the conservation of frankincense trees in northeastern Somalia, bridging the gap between scientific understanding and indigenous wisdom. However, we would love to hear your experiences, insights, and best practices from other regions for the sustainable governance of frankincense fields. Please reach out for further details: abdirisak@speciessaviour.orghttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02748

The SDGs (17 goals) and 169 targets are the pulse and heartbeat of the world, but being regarded as concepts for those highly placed top government officials and not as issues to be discussed and handled by the common people and citizens of the society. In your opinion, how are fairing with the SDGs and what are the new approaches and methods being deployed unlike during the MDGs   

Hi all Sustainable use of Natural resources is a center point of discussion in the present environmental & climate change context. What is sustainable use: In my opinion "Use of Natural resources in such a way that the resources are available to both present and future generations along with ways and means to conserve and multiply. What is the role of Individuals: It starts with me. Self introspection tells your behaviour towards the sustainability. How much water daily I am using, how much food I am wasting, How much pollution I am creating and so on... What is the role of NGOs: Primarily to create awareness among the people about the affects of un sustainable use of Natural resources. Identification of donors and projects to be undertaken. Role of Educational institutions: Invention of new technologies to disposal of waste, recycling. Improving water table methods,reforestation & creating carbon sinks methods etc.. Role of Government: Allocation of budgetary funds to the priority projects. Framing guidelines & regulations. Imposing taxes for discouraging un sustainable usage.