The status and role of genetic diversity of trees for the conservation and management of riparian ecosystems: a European experts' perspective

Riparian vegetation supports high biodiversity providing many services and is, therefore, an important landscape element. Riparian ecosystems are subject to numerous pressures leading to population decline and genetic erosion of riparian plants. This may have cascading effects at various ecosystem levels, including decreasing ecosystem services, so identifying the current status of genetic diversity of riparian tree species is vital to improve the effectiveness of restoration efforts. We aimed to elicit expert views on the status and importance of genetic diversity of tree species, and conservation needs across European riparian ecosystems. Sharing of such information among researchers, managers and policymakers has the potential to enhance ecological restoration and management of riparian ecosystems. We identified experts in riparian genetic resources conservation and management across Europe. These included stakeholders with different perspectives, ranging from researchers to practitioners. We designed a set of questionnaires where our identified experts were asked to answer questions related to the status and conservation of genetic diversity of riparian tree species in their respective countries. Specifically, we asked about societal awareness, legislative tools, good practices and conservation or restoration projects accounting for intraspecific genetic diversity and differentiation of tree species in riparian ecosystems. Questionnaire responses were analysed and discussed in light of the scientific literature to define needs and priorities related to the management and conservation of genetic diversity of riparian tree species. The experts recognized that a combination of in situ and ex situ measures and/or integrative conservation of riparian ecosystems is the most appropriate option for conserving the genetic diversity of riparian tree species. Simultaneous application of conservation measures at the level of priority species, identified by experts, and protection of riparian areas are required. Synthesis and applications. This study revealed the importance of recognizing the ecological processes that shape the genetic diversity of riparian tree species in hydrographic networks (dendritic spatial configuration, specific patterns of gene flow among riparian populations, fragmentation of river by dams) but also the need to overcome socio-economic barriers, such as lack of policy priority, deficiency in funding and weak legislation framewor

Developments in Structuring of Reformed Theology:The Synopsis Purioris Theologiae (1625) as Example

The Synopsis Purioris Theologiae (1625), an influential handbook of Reformeddogmatics, began as a cycle of disputations. A comparison of it with the cyclesthat were held previously in Leiden reveals some shifts in the structure of Reformeddogmatics. After introducing the Synopsis, this paper highlights thefunction of prolegomena, the place of predestination, and the relationship betweenthe magistrate and eschatology. It concludes that the choices made in theSynopsis illustrate tensions in Reformed theology. After the conflict with theRemonstrants it became urgent to carefully define the character of theology inthe prolegomena, to relate predestination to the person and work of Christ, andto connect the task of the magistrate to the doctrine of the church

Citizen science breathes new life into participatory agricultural research : A review

Participatory research can improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and scope of research processes, and foster social inclusion, empowerment and sustainability. Yet despite four decades of agricultural research institutions exploring and developing methods for participatory research, it has never become mainstream in the agricultural technology development cycle. Citizen science promises an innovative approach to participation in research, using the unique facilities of new digital technologies, but its potential in agricultural research participation has not been systematically probed. To this end, we conducted a critical literature review. We found that citizen science opens up four opportunities for creatively reshaping research: i) new possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration, ii) rethinking configurations of socio-computational systems, iii) research on democratization of science more broadly, and iv) new accountabilities. Citizen science also brings a fresh perspective on the barriers to institutionalizing participation in the agricultural sciences. Specifically, we show how citizen science can reconfigure cost-motivation-accountability combinations using digital tools, open up a larger conceptual space of experimentation, and stimulate new collaborations. With appropriate and persistent institutional support and investment, citizen science can therefore have a lasting impact on how agricultural science engages with farming communities and wider society, and more fully realize the promises of participation

From landscape resources to landscape commons: focussing on the non-utility values of landscape

Landscape is increasingly conceptualized as a resource. We argue that although a resource-based approach may be positive in terms of conservation outcomes, focusing on use value does not do sufficient justice to the many complex facets of landscape. Reiterating the Florence Declaration on Landscape, which considers that “landscape is a common good”, we suggest that the conceptualization of landscape as a commons will resolve the discrepancy. However, a conceptual shift towards a more holistic commons-based approach requires a detailed understanding of the different values of landscape. Based on a phenomenological conceptualization of the landscape, this article explores the theoretical roots of the definition of the different values of landscape. It distinguishes between use, existence (e.g. aesthetic) and intrinsic values. This exercise is not an end in itself, but is intended to establish a theoretical framework promoting a dialogue between these values and show how they complement each other. A precise understanding of the different landscape values contributes not only to the conceptualization of landscape as a commons, but also to a better understanding of real-life landscape conflicts. Drawing on the empirical example of the Lavaux UNESCO World Heritage Site in Switzerland, the article demonstrates that, in practice, landscape conservation projects that avoid deadlock succeed in striking a balance between the three conceptions of landscape value