Quasi-isometric groups with no common model geometry

A simple surface amalgam is the union of a finite collection of surfaces with precisely one boundary component each and which have their boundary curves identified. We prove if two fundamental groups of simple surface amalgams act properly and cocompactly by isometries on the same proper geodesic metric space, then the groups are commensurable. Consequently, there are infinitely many fundamental groups of simple surface amalgams that are quasi-isometric, but which do not act properly and cocompactly on the same proper geodesic metric space.Comment: v2: 19 pages, 6 figures; minor changes. To appear in Journal of the London Mathematical Societ

Hyperbolic groups that are not commensurably coHopfian

Sela proved every torsion-free one-ended hyperbolic group is coHopfian. We prove that there exist torsion-free one-ended hyperbolic groups that are not commensurably coHopfian. In particular, we show that the fundamental group of every simple surface amalgam is not commensurably coHopfian.Comment: v3: 14 pages, 4 figures; minor changes. To appear in International Mathematics Research Notice

The role of Tibetan Buddhism in environmental conservation under changing socio-economic conditions in China

The failure of and conflict related to environmental conservation projects can be partly attributed to the lack of attention paid to the social and cultural systems of the people involved. Combining social and ecological methods, and a case study in Daocheng (Tibetan: Dabpa) County, Sichuan Province, this thesis explores how Tibetan Buddhism shapes human relations with the natural environment in the context of social and economic changes under the economically liberalised Chinese state. Using interviews and participant observation, I find Tibetans to be orientating themselves towards the environment by means of local cosmology incorporating gods and spirits in the landscape, ideas of karma, and Buddhist moral precepts. I question the concept of the sacred by highlighting differential ritual attention paid towards local gods, and their uncertain boundaries. Using the concept of authority, I explore how religion, the state, and economic markets are shaping relationships with the environment. Ritual authority lent weight to understandings of local gods, and politicised environmentalist discourse transported through global connections was beginning to give new meaning to the environment. State environmental regulations were reinforced by alignment with religious norms and monastic involvement in forest protection, although there were contested ideas regarding state tree planting policies. The booming trade in caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) has exacerbated resource conflict, and changed consumption patterns and norms on sacred land. Using quantitative recall data from households, I explore access to provisioning ecosystem services contrasting subsistence and market based products. Access was structured according to wealth indicating community heterogeneity, although there was high dependence on caterpillar fungus for livelihoods across all households. Direct use surveys of firewood collection show that representations of local gods did not consistently translate into spatially defined areas of non-extraction, and instead illustrate the dynamic nature of sacred sites interacting with social and political systems through history. I set the case study in its wider geographical and policy context to show that sacred sites exist across Daocheng, but have different histories and ecological constitutions. The wider perspective demonstrates the issue of scale in environmental studies, and the need for conservation interventions that span levels of governance. I reflect on the implications of the research on conservation, highlighting the value of anthropological research for nuanced, collaborative and locally appropriate practice, and I lastly explore opportunities for future work in Daocheng

Religious Relationships with the Environment in a Tibetan Rural Community : Interactions and Contrasts with Popular Notions of Indigenous Environmentalism

Acknowledgments: We thank Beijing Forestry University, our field assistants Tashi Rabden, Pema Dechin, Tsewang Chomtso and Gele Chopel for their invaluable help, the Forest Bureau of Daocheng county for permission and support, and the people of Samdo for their hospitality and participation. The research was funded by the ESRC and the World Pheasant Association. This paper is a contribution to Imperial College’s Grand Challenges in Ecosystems and the Environment initiative. Two anonymous reviewers gave valuable comments on the manuscript.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Evaluating the multiple benefits of a sustainable drainage scheme in Newcastle, UK

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Blue-Green infrastructure (BGI) provide a range of environmental, economic and social benefits in addition to managing water quantity and quality. Recognition of the multifunctionality of SuDS and BGI, and the specific benefits that may accrue to different beneficiaries, may facilitate partnership working towards multifunctional infrastructure that meets the strategic objectives of public and private organisations. We evaluate the multiple benefits of the Killingworth and Longbenton surface water management scheme, a Partnership Project in NE England jointly funded by Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency and North Tyneside Council. Using CIRIA’s Benefits of SuDS Tool (BeST) and the Blue-Green Cities Multiple Benefits GIS Toolbox, we a) quantify and monetise six key benefits, b) assess two qualitative benefits, c) illustrate the spatial distribution of five non-flood benefits, and d) highlight locations with the greatest opportunity for multi-beneficial intervention. The Killingworth and Longbenton scheme generates; significant flood damage reduction benefits; improves water quality, habitat size, carbon sequestration, attractiveness of the area and property prices (amenity), and; reduces noise pollution. Utilisation of these complementary tools for multiple benefit evaluation shows promise as an aid to facilitate partnership working towards implementation of multifunctional SuDS and BGI

Why gender matters for biodiversity conservation

Addressing gender inequality in biodiversity conservation is fundamental to meeting the goals and targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, and building synergies with the Sustainable Development Goals. There are positive outcomes for nature, equity and sustainability, and for overall community wellbeing when women access and control biodiversity and natural resources, can benefit equally from nature, and participate meaningfully in biodiversity-related decision making. This briefing provides evidence of the value of integrating gender into conservation interventions, suggesting that Parties to the CBD should therefore prioritise the gender-responsive implementation of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, using the Gender Plan of Action as a guiding mechanism. It identifies key avenues for effective action on the ground, based on evidence from successful interventions

Evaluating the multiple benefits of a sustainable drainage scheme in Newcastle, UK

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and Blue-Green infrastructure (BGI) provide a range of environmental, economic and social benefits in addition to managing water quantity and quality. Recognition of the multifunctionality of SuDS and BGI, and the specific benefits that may accrue to different beneficiaries, may facilitate partnership working towards multifunctional infrastructure that meets the strategic objectives of public and private organisations. We evaluate the multiple benefits of the Killingworth and Longbenton surface water management scheme, a Partnership Project in NE England jointly funded by Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency and North Tyneside Council. Using CIRIA’s Benefits of SuDS Tool (BeST) and the Blue-Green Cities Multiple Benefits GIS Toolbox, we a) quantify and monetise six key benefits, b) assess two qualitative benefits, c) illustrate the spatial distribution of five non-flood benefits, and d) highlight locations with the greatest opportunity for multi-beneficial intervention. The Killingworth and Longbenton scheme generates; significant flood damage reduction benefits; improves water quality, habitat size, carbon sequestration, attractiveness of the area and property prices (amenity), and; reduces noise pollution. Utilisation of these complementary tools for multiple benefit evaluation shows promise as an aid to facilitate partnership working towards implementation of multifunctional SuDS and BGI