Global Trends in Blue Carbon Research in Mangroves

Objective: Identify the central themes and research trends on blue carbon in mangroves through bibliometric analysis of the existing global scientific literature. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 1,128 scientific papers obtained from Scopus for the period 1986-2023 were analyzed. The Bibliometrix package in R studio and VOSviewer were used for processing. Results: Results from a total of 4,602 authors, 94 countries, 64 subject areas and 346 journals indicated an exponential growth (R2= 0.99) in mangrove carbon research. The most productive author, country, subject area, and journal were Lovelock, L. C., United States of America, environmental sciences, and Science of The Total Environment, respectively. The studies focused on four thematic areas: carbon storage, sedimentation, blue carbon dynamics, as well as climate change and anthropogenic impact. Topics related to blue carbon, carbon storage, climate change, restoration and remote sensing are of current interest to the scientific community. Limitations on study/implications: Scopus covers a large number of peer-reviewed journals, but may omit some relevant research on the topic. Although the main research topics were identified, deeper information on each research topic is still needed. Findings/conclusions: The four relevant global issues on blue carbon research in mangroves were identified, which can serve as a roadmap for researchers to orient effort and budget for future scientific research in a timely manner.Objective: To identify the central themes and research trends on blue carbon in mangroves through a bibliometric analysis of the existing global scientific literature. Design/Methodology/Approach: A total of 1,128 scientific documents from the period 1986-2023 were analyzed, obtained from the Scopus database. The Bibliometrix package in R Studio and VOSviewer were used for processing. Results: The results, encompassing 4,602 authors, 94 countries, 64 research areas, and 346 journals, indicated an exponential growth (R² = 0.99) in mangrove carbon research. The most productive author, country, research area, and journal were Lovelock, L. C., the United States of America, environmental sciences, and Science of The Total Environment, respectively. The studies focused on four thematic clusters: carbon storage, sedimentation, carbon dynamics, and climate change and anthropogenic impact. Topics related to blue carbon, carbon stores, climate change, restoration, and remote sensing are currently of significant interest to the scientific community. Study Limitations/Implications: While Scopus covers a vast number of peer-reviewed journals, it may omit some relevant research on the topic. Although the main research themes were identified, more in-depth information on each of them is still needed. Findings/Conclusions: Four globally relevant themes in blue carbon research in mangroves were identified, providing a roadmap for researchers to strategically direct efforts and funding in future scientific investigations

Navigating the science policy interface: a co-created mind-map to support early career research contributions to policy-relevant evidence

The interface between science and policy is a complex space, in theory and practice, that sees the interaction of various actors and perspectives coming together to enable policy-relevant evidence to support decision-making. Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are increasingly interested in working at the science-policy interface to support evidence-informed policy, with the number of opportunities to do so increasing at national and international levels. However, there are still many challenges limiting ECRs participation, not least how such a complex space can be accessed and navigated. While recommendations for engaging at the science-policy interface already exist, a practical ‘map’ of the science-policy interface landscape which would allow for ECR participation in evidence co-production and synthesis in science-policy is missing. With the purpose of facilitating the engagement of ECRs producing biodiversity and ecosystem services policy-relevant evidence at the interface between science and policy, the authors have co-created a ‘mind-map’—a tool to review the landscape of and leverage access to the science-policy interface. This tool was developed through reviewing published literature, collating personal experiences of the ECR authors, and validating against wider peer perspectives in an ECR workshop during the 7th Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). This co-created tool sees ECR engagement in (co-)producing evidence at the science-policy interface as an interaction of three main factors: the environment of the ECR, which mediates their acts of engagement at the science-policy interface leading to outcomes that will ultimately have a reciprocal impact on the ECR’s environment

Engaging at the science-policy interface as an early-career researcher: experiences and perceptions in biodiversity and ecosystem services research

Effective knowledge exchange at science-policy interfaces (SPIs) can foster evidence-informed policy-making through the integration of a wide range of knowledge inputs. This is especially crucial for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services (ES), human well-being and sustainable development. Early-career researchers (ECRs) can contribute significantly to knowledge exchange at SPIs. Recognizing that, several capacity building programs focused on sustainability have been introduced recently. However, little is known about the experiences and perceptions of ECRs in relation to SPIs. Our study focused on SPI engagement of ECRs who conduct research on biodiversity and ES, as perceived and experienced. Specifically, we addressed ‘motivations’, ‘barriers’ and ‘opportunities and ‘benefits’. A total of 145 ECRs have completed the survey. Our results showed that ECRs were generally interested to engage in SPIs and believed it to be beneficial in terms of contributing to societal change, understanding policy processes and career development. Respondents perceived lack of understanding about involvement channels, engagement opportunities, funding, training, perceived credibility of ECRs by other actors and encouragement of senior colleagues as barriers to engaging in SPIs. Those who have already participated in SPIs generally saw fewer barriers and more opportunities. A key reason for dissatisfaction with experience in SPIs was a lack of impact and uptake of science-policy outputs by policymakers–an issue that likely extends beyond ECRs and implies the need for transformations in knowledge exchange within SPIs. In conclusion, based on insights from our survey, we outline several opportunities for increased and better facilitation of ECR engagement in SPIs. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Comparison of the Growth and Survival of the Japanese Oyster Crassostrea Gigas in the Community of Sauzoso in the Bay of La Paz B.C.S in two Seasons

El presente estudio se enfocó en la evaluación de la sobrevivencia y crecimiento del ostión japonés en la comunidad de El Sauzoso (ES), ubicada en la Bahía de La Paz, Baja California Sur, México. El estudio se llevó a cabo durante dos temporadas: la cálida (TC) que abarcó el periodo de junio a noviembre de 2022; la fría (TF) de febrero a junio de 2023. Los resultados muestran que la temporada fría se destacó como el periodo más propicio para el cultivo de ostión en esa área, ya que se el porcentaje de supervivencia fue de 40% mientras que la temporada cálida de 10%, para el crecimiento en la TF fue de altura 30 mm, longitud 85 mm y grosor 49 mm, mientras que para la TC fue de altura 24 mm, longitud 60 mm y grosor 47 mm. Estos hallazgos ofrecen valiosa información que permitirán mejorar la técnica y la producción acuícola del cultivo de ostión japonés en la región de ES, y quizá poder implementar en conjunto con la comunidad, producción comercial.The present study focused on the evaluation of survival and growth of the Japanese oyster in the El Sauzoso (ES) community, located in the Bay of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The study was carried out over two seasons: the warm season (TC) which covered the period from June to November 2022, and the cold season (TF) from February to June 2023. The results show that the cold season stood out as the most favorable period for oyster cultivation in that area, with a survival rate of 40%, while the warm season had a survival rate of 10%. In TF, the oysters reached a height of 30 mm, a length of 85 mm, and a thickness of 49 mm, whereas in TC, they had a height of 24 mm, a length of 60 mm, and a thickness of 47 mm. These findings provide valuable information that will help improve the aquaculture techniques and production of Japanese oyster cultivation in the ES region and may even enable collaborative commercial production with the community

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Engaging at the science-policy interface as an early-career researcher:experiences and perceptions in biodiversity and ecosystem services research

Effective knowledge exchange at science-policy interfaces (SPIs) can foster evidence-informed policy-making through the integration of a wide range of knowledge inputs. This is especially crucial for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services (ES), human well-being and sustainable development. Early-career researchers (ECRs) can contribute significantly to knowledge exchange at SPIs. Recognizing that, several capacity building programs focused on sustainability have been introduced recently. However, little is known about the experiences and perceptions of ECRs in relation to SPIs. Our study focused on SPI engagement of ECRs who conduct research on biodiversity and ES, as perceived and experienced. Specifically, we addressed ‘motivations’, ‘barriers’ and ‘opportunities and ‘benefits’. A total of 145 ECRs have completed the survey. Our results showed that ECRs were generally interested to engage in SPIs and believed it to be beneficial in terms of contributing to societal change, understanding policy processes and career development. Respondents perceived lack of understanding about involvement channels, engagement opportunities, funding, training, perceived credibility of ECRs by other actors and encouragement of senior colleagues as barriers to engaging in SPIs. Those who have already participated in SPIs generally saw fewer barriers and more opportunities. A key reason for dissatisfaction with experience in SPIs was a lack of impact and uptake of science-policy outputs by policymakers–an issue that likely extends beyond ECRs and implies the need for transformations in knowledge exchange within SPIs. In conclusion, based on insights from our survey, we outline several opportunities for increased and better facilitation of ECR engagement in SPIs

Navigating the science policy interface: a co-created mind-map to support early career research contributions to policy-relevant evidence

Abstract The interface between science and policy is a complex space, in theory and practice, that sees the interaction of various actors and perspectives coming together to enable policy-relevant evidence to support decision-making. Early Career Researchers (ECRs) are increasingly interested in working at the science-policy interface to support evidence-informed policy, with the number of opportunities to do so increasing at national and international levels. However, there are still many challenges limiting ECRs participation, not least how such a complex space can be accessed and navigated. While recommendations for engaging at the science-policy interface already exist, a practical ‘map’ of the science-policy interface landscape which would allow for ECR participation in evidence co-production and synthesis in science-policy is missing. With the purpose of facilitating the engagement of ECRs producing biodiversity and ecosystem services policy-relevant evidence at the interface between science and policy, the authors have co-created a ‘mind-map’—a tool to review the landscape of and leverage access to the science-policy interface. This tool was developed through reviewing published literature, collating personal experiences of the ECR authors, and validating against wider peer perspectives in an ECR workshop during the 7th Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). This co-created tool sees ECR engagement in (co-)producing evidence at the science-policy interface as an interaction of three main factors: the environment of the ECR, which mediates their acts of engagement at the science-policy interface leading to outcomes that will ultimately have a reciprocal impact on the ECR’s environment

HIV Drug Resistance in Adults Initiating or Reinitiating Antiretroviral Therapy in Uruguay—Results of a Nationally Representative Survey, 2018–2019

The first nationally representative cross-sectional HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) survey was conducted in Uruguay in 2018–2019 among adults diagnosed with HIV and initiating or reinitiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). Protease, reverse transcriptase, and integrase genes of HIV-1 were sequenced. A total of 206 participants were enrolled in the survey; 63.2% were men, 85.7% were >25 years of age, and 35.6% reported previous exposure to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. The prevalence of HIVDR to efavirenz or nevirapine was significantly higher (OR: 1.82, p 10%) of HIVDR to efavirenz highlights the need to accelerate the transition to the WHO-recommended dolutegravir-based ART. Access to dolutegravir-based ART should be prioritised for people reporting previous ARV drug exposure

Disentangling ‘ecosystem services’ and ‘nature’s contributions to people’

People depend on functioning ecosystems, which provide benefits that support human existence and wellbeing. The relationship between people and nature has been experienced and conceptualized in multiple ways. Recently, ecosystem services (ES) concepts have permeated science, government policies, multi-national environmental agreements, and science–policy interfaces. In 2017, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) introduced a new and closely related concept–Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP). The introduction of NCP has sparked some lively discussion and confusion about the distinguishing characteristics between ES and NCP. In order to clarify their conceptual relation, we identify eleven specific claims about novel elements from the latest NCP literature and analyze how far ES research has already contributed to these corresponding conceptual claims in the existing ES literature. We find a mixed-picture, where on six specific conceptual claims (culture, social sciences and humanities, indigenous and local knowledge, negative contributions of nature, generalizing perspective, non-instrumental values and valuation) NCP does not differ greatly from past ES research, but we also find five conceptual claims (diverse worldviews, context-specific perspective, relational values, fuzzy and fluid reporting categories and groups, inclusive language and framing) where NCP provides novel conceptualizations of people and nature relations

Disentangling ‘ecosystem services’ and ‘nature’s contributions to people’

People depend on functioning ecosystems, which provide benefits that support human existence and wellbeing. The relationship between people and nature has been experienced and conceptualized in multiple ways. Recently, ecosystem services (ES) concepts have permeated science, government policies, multi-national environmental agreements, and science–policy interfaces. In 2017, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) introduced a new and closely related concept – Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP). The introduction of NCP has sparked some lively discussion and confusion about the distinguishing characteristics between ES and NCP. In order to clarify their conceptual relation, we identify eleven specific claims about novel elements from the latest NCP literature and analyze how far ES research has already contributed to these corresponding conceptual claims in the existing ES literature. We find a mixed-picture, where on six specific conceptual claims (culture, social sciences and humanities, indigenous and local knowledge, negative contributions of nature, generalizing perspective, non-instrumental values and valuation) NCP does not differ greatly from past ES research, but we also find five conceptual claims (diverse worldviews, context-specific perspective, relational values, fuzzy and fluid reporting categories and groups, inclusive language and framing) where NCP provides novel conceptualizations of people and nature relations