Biodiversity Conservation in a Changing Climate: A Review of Threats and Implications for Conservation Planning in Myanmar

High levels of species richness and endemism make Myanmar a regional priority for conservation. However, decades of economic and political sanctions have resulted in low conservation investment to effectively tackle threats to biodiversity. Recent sweeping political reforms have placed Myanmar on the fast track to economic development—the expectation is increased economic investments focused on the exploitation of the country’s rich, and relatively intact, natural resources. Within a context of weak regulatory capacity and inadequate environmental safeguards, rapid economic development is likely to have far-reaching negative implications for already threatened biodiversity and natural-resource-dependent human communities. Climate change will further exacerbate prevailing threats given Myanmar’s high exposure and vulnerability. The aim of this review is to examine the implications of increased economic growth and a changing climate within the larger context of biodiversity conservation in Myanmar. We summarize conservation challenges, assess direct climatological impacts on biodiversity and conclude with recommendations for long-term adaptation approaches for biodiversity conservation.     

Balancing Water Resources Development and Environmental Sustainability in Africa: A Review of Recent Research Findings and Applications

Sustainable development in Africa is dependent on increasing use of the continent’s water resources without significantly degrading ecosystem services that are also fundamental to human wellbeing. This is particularly challenging in Africa because of high spatial and temporal variability in the availability of water resources and limited amounts of total water availability across expansive semi-arid portions of the continent. The challenge is compounded by ambitious targets for increased water use and a rush of international funding to finance development activities. Balancing development with environmental sustainability requires (i) understanding the boundary conditions imposed by the continent’s climate and hydrology today and into the future, (ii) estimating the magnitude and spatial distribution of water use needed to meet development goals, and (iii) understanding the environmental water requirements of affected ecosystems, their current status and potential consequences of increased water use. This article reviews recent advancements in each of these topics and highlights innovative approaches and tools available to support sustainable development. While much remains to be learned, scientific understanding and technology should not be viewed as impediments to sustainable development on the continent.     

中国北方城市内河水资源综合利用与调配方案研究——以胶州市城市内河为例

内河是城市的重要组成部分,而伴随着快速城镇化进程,城市内河原有的水文、生态节律都受到很大的扰动。针对胶州市水资源量相对有限、水环境质量较差的现状,以河道生态需水量理论为指导,以期通过实施科学的生态补水,逐步恢复城市内河的生态功能与城市景观功能。结果表明,胶州市城市内河以景观功能为主,经测算其生态需水量为36 486.9m3/d,而根据胶州市的相关发展规划,其污水处理厂中水回用能力为5万m3/d,可以满足生态补水工程的需求;根据生态补水工程实施后的污染物入河情况预测,实施生态补水后,胶州市城市内河水质基本达到《地表水环境质量标准》(GB 3838—2002)Ⅳ类标准,基本可消除水体黑臭等现象。