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- Policies slow biological invasions in Europe, but legacies still matterPublication . Canelles, Quim; Pérez-Granados, Cristian; Roura-Pascual, Núria; Biancolini, Dino; Blackburn, Tim M.; Capinha, César; Dawson, Wayne; Essl, Franz; Golivets, Marina; Guénard, Benoit; Hui, Cang; Jeschke, Jonathan M.; Kühn, Ingolf; Latombe, Guillaume; Lenzner, Bernd; Seebens, Hanno; Leung, BrianBiological invasions are a main cause of biodiversity loss, prompting international agreements and national policies aimed at preventing and managing the introduction, establishment, spread, and impacts of alien species. However, whether these measures have effectively reduced invasions remains uncertain. In this study, we compared the absolute number of established alien species and changes in invasion rates, accounting for sampling effort and invasion timing, across European Union (EU) countries and the United Kingdom (UK) with the number and types of policies implemented. Policy effects were analyzed alongside other invasion drivers, including trade, climate, and geography. We demonstrate for the first time that invasive species policies within the EU and the UK had significant protective effects. Notably, these effects were evident only when examining changes in invasion rates, emphasizing the need to consider invasion dynamics and policy timing. These results should encourage countries to continue managing invasions and contribute to refining strategies for managing alien species.
- Patterns and drivers of range filling of alien mammals in EuropePublication . Tedeschi, Lisa; Lenzner, Bernd; Schertler, Anna; Wessely, Johannes; Biancolini, Dino; Capinha, César; Melone, Beatrice; Soria, Carmen Diana; Rondinini, Carlo; Essl, FranzBiological invasions are major drivers of biodiversity change. Alien mammals are par-ticularly concerning in Europe, where their expansion remains unabated, though thedriving factors are still unclear. Well-documented introductions and distributions inthis continent provide a unique opportunity to understand how human activities influ-enced this expansion. We modelled the potential alien ranges of 46 established alienmammals in Europe using species’ introduction localities, residence time, dispersalability, generation length and climatic suitability. We compared potential and observedranges through three range indices: range filling (portion of potential distributionoccupied), overfilling (portion of observed distribution unexpectedly occupied), andunfilling (portion of potential distribution currently unoccupied), and we investigatedthe effects of native range size, introduction pathways (species’ sum of the knownpathways of introduction across the European alien range, spanning 1492–2020), andsocio-economic variables (spanning 1980–2017) on uncovered patterns. We show thatthe median range overfilling value was high (22%), suggesting that alien mammals aresubstantially spreading outside expected distribution areas. Conversely, median valuesof range filling (14%) and unfilling (17%) were lower, suggesting recorded introduc-tions inadequately explain alien mammals’ distributions. Range patterns were stronglyshaped by human population density, which positively influenced all three range indi-ces, driving range patterns and influencing alien mammals’ introduction and establish-ment. In contrast, roads and railways were negatively related to range overfilling andunfilling, as was the number of introduction pathways to range filling and overfill-ing. Ultimately, the role of these socio-economic factors depends on human behav-iour rather than environmental characteristics or species’ ecology. We confirm human agency as an important driver of alien mammals’ distribution and spread in Europe, highlighting that modifying humanattitudes and regulations towards these taxa is key to limiting further spread.
- Statistically-based regional landslide susceptibility assessment in the UNESCO global geopark Caminhos dos Cânions do Sul (Brazil)Publication . Sugiyama, Marina Tamaki de Oliveira; Bonini, José Eduardo; Martins, Tiago Damas; Gomes, Maria Carolina Villaça; Pereira, Susana; Vieira, Bianca CarvalhoThe scenic value of landscapes within Geoparks is often attributed to the geomorphological processes that have shaped them in the past or up to the present day, including landslides. However, these processes also pose significant threats to the integrity of geosites and the safety of visitors, highlighting the need for risk prevention and mitigation plans for geohazards. The Caminhos dos Cânions do Sul Geopark (southern Brazil) lacks landslide inventories and susceptibility maps, essential for conducting practical geohazard risk analyses. This study addresses this gap by compiling a landslide inventory of the major events over the past 30 years, using a rule-based Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) approach, and assessing the susceptibility for four modeling domains within the Geopark using the Information Value method. Seven independent variables (aspect, slope, topographic wetness index, terrain ruggedness index, geomorphons, elevation, and curvature) were selected, resulting in 120 combinations for each modeling domain. For each predisposing factor combination, model performance was assessed using the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve, and the conditional independence of variables was evaluated. The best models for each domain were selected based on the criteria of conditional independence, goodness of fit, and number of variables. The final landslide susceptibility map was produced by merging the best three models’ results. The resulting susceptibility classification indicates that many geosites are located in areas with moderate to very high susceptibility or within zones likely to experience material transport or deposition.
- Introducing biosensing techniques in urban geography fieldwork activities with studentsPublication . Paiva, Daniel; Mantey, Dorota; Silva, Márcia; Ferreira, Daniela; Boavida-Portugal, Inês; Cachinho, HerculanoWhile biosensing is becoming a popular tool among urban geogra-phers to address the emotional experience of the urban environ-ment, it is also posing significant challenges, as its applicationdemands expertise on technology and human physiology that isnot part of regular curricula in geography courses. Despite this,there is little exploration of how to teach biosensing to urbangeography students. This paper responds to this gap by exploringhow undergraduate urban geography students respond to theintroduction of biosensing techniques in urban geography field-work. Empirically, we draw on two case studies in a European(Warsaw, Poland) and a South American (Cuiaba, Brazil) context.Our findings show how the introduction of biosensing leverageda greater engagement with the body-environment relation in urbanspace, but also sparked a series of technical, methodological, andanalytical challenges for students. With this, we contribute to cur-rent knowledge on the introduction of mobile technologies ingeographical fieldwork. We conclude the paper by providingrecommendations for biosensing training for geographers andfuture research paths on this topic.
- Community Participation in Disaster Risk Management Due to Tailings Dam Failures: The Case of Conceição Do Mato Dentro (MG)Publication . Louzada, Daniela Martins; Mendonça, Marcos Barreto de; Zêzere, JoséThe aim of the present research is to analyze community participation in disaster risk management due to tailings dam failures (DRM-TDF). Conceição do Mato Dentro, Minas Gerais State (Brazil) was used as case study. The aims of the study are to help developing more effective DRM-TDF strategies and to strengthen community participation in decision making, and in mapping and categorizing vulnerabilities (criticality and support capacity) by assessing current practices and prioritizing future strategies. Semistructured questionnaires were applied to community leaders and open interviews were carried out with DRM experts for information collection purpose. The collected responses were categorized based on vulnerabilities by taking into account criticality (communities) and support capacity (public management and mining entrepreneurs). SWOT analysis identified “Weaknesses” (criticality) and “Threats” (support capacity), whereas Pareto analysis highlighted the most critical aspects. The results indicate that public policies and the Brazilian legal framework have made limited contributions toward achieving the Sendai Framework guidelines and the Sustainable Development Goals. A review of current practices is necessary to safeguard the rights of affected communities through their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.
- Assessing the implementation of wildfire mitigation initiatives for the protection of villages in PortugalPublication . Gonçalves, Ana; Oliveira, Sandra; Zêzere, JoséSince 2017, several initiatives have been created in Portugal to enhance wildfire resilience by protecting people and assets, promoting fuel management, and reducing vegetation density and continuity near built-up areas. This study analyzed how the “Safe Villages” and "Safe People" programs, launched in Portugal in 2018, have been implemented in relation to the territorial and demographic characteristics of the villages. For that, eight municipalities were chosen as study area, spanning three Portuguese regions prone to wildfires (Caramulo Mountain, Pinhal Interior Norte Sub-Region, and Algarve). Four biophysical parameters were analyzed (the percentage of critical hazardous area, forest and shrubland cover, slopes over 20◦, and the number of times burned – proxy to burn recurrence) within the Village Protection Zone (100m-buffer surrounding built-up areas), together with population density. To assess the similarity of the analyzed characteristics between villages with and without implemented SV programs, The Mann-Whitney test was employed. A total of 166 SV were analyzed, with Alcoutim being the municipality with the highest number of SV implemented (84). The Mann-Whitney test results reveal no significant differences (p > 0.05) in population density and forest/shrubland percentages between SV and non-SV. However, statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), were found in the percentage of critical area with SV villages showing lower hazard levels (mean < 15 %), and in burn recurrence, with SV villages presenting a higher number of past fires (mean > 0.8 times burned).This suggests that other factors not included in the analysis (historic events and local resources), have contributed to the decision-making process for SV placement. Therefore, a primary objective should be to improve collaboration between entities and local communities to enhance the implementation and operation of such programs.
- Microclimate simulation and lichen-based validation analyzing street trees' impact on atmospheric pollutant dispersion at the urban canyon scalePublication . Girotti, Carolina; Matos, Paula; Shimomura, Alessandra R. Prata; Kurokawa, Fernando Akira; Correia, Ezequiel; Lopes, AntónioThis study investigates the impact of street trees on air pollutant concentrations, specifically NO₂ and PM10, in urban environments using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with ENVI-met software. The study explores how different levels of tree cover influence the dispersion of atmospheric pollutants, focusing on three scenarios: current tree cover, complete removal of street trees, and a 50 % reduction in tree cover. Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon, known for its high tree density, serves as the study site. To ensure the accuracy of the simulations, the method was validated using air quality data from a local monitoring station, supplemented by an analysis of lichen diversity on 80 trees, a common biomonitor for pollution. The results indicate that both NO₂ and PM10 concentrations are higher under tree canopies, with the greatest increase observed on the windward side of the avenue. Specifically, PM10 levels rose by up to 2.97 %, and NO₂ by up to 25.84 % in the scenario with the highest tree cover. Moreover, the study highlights that street trees have a more significant effect on NO₂ concentrations compared to PM10. The findings suggest that, in this specific case—where there is a high density of trees and low wind speed— reducing tree coverage and improve permeability to the wind, could improve pollution dispersion. This study provides key findings into the complex role of urban trees in air quality and offers a foundation for future research into the modelling of additional pollutants, such as PM2.5 and ozone, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their impacts on urban air quality.
- Indoor thermal comfort in informal settlements: a case study of Mafalala, MaputoPublication . Correia, Ezequiel; Henriques, Cristina DelgadoThe rapid urbanization of African cities has intensified economic disparities, leading to residential segregation and inadequate housing conditions. This study examines indoor thermal comfort in the Mafalala neighborhood of Maputo, Mozambique, highlighting the severe impact of poor housing on residents’ well-being. For the first time, indoor temperature and humidity were measured and thermal comfort was assessed based on data collected from five dwellings during two campaigns in 2023. Results reveal significant thermal discomfort, particularly during the hot season. The widespread use of galvanized steel sheets for roofing and some walls exacerbates indoor temperatures, with some dwellings reaching up to 49°C during hot spells. While concrete block dwellings provide higher thermal inertia, they remain vulnerable due to poor insulation and ventilation. Using the Adaptive Comfort Model and Physiological Equivalent Temperature to assess thermal comfort and physiological stress, the analysis shows that dwellings are uncomfortable most of the time, exposing residents to moderate to extreme heat stress. Findings highlight the need for materials with higher thermal inertia, enhancing insulation, adequate ventilation, and shading solutions.
- We propose! Ethnoknowledge in schoolsPublication . Sobrinho, José Falcão; Falcão, Cleire Lima da Costa; Claudino, Sérgio; Araújo, Raimundo Lenilde de; Carvalho, Bruna Lima; Fernandes, Nayane de Barros Sousa; Silva, João Bandeira da; Alves, Vanessa CamposEthnoknowledge has become an approach used in schools to better understand the conceptual bases for understanding content. This is in line with the Nós Propomos Project, which has a territorial citizenship dimension. Together, they constitute the applicability of knowledge in a Basic Education school in the city of Sobral, Ceará, together with researchers from Academia. On this occasion, the study of the environment from the perspective of the Brazilian semiarid region was addressed, especially the local one. It was possible to address topics from the daily lives of the students, these high school students, who brought up the local problems experienced by the community and the possible answers to the problems. Workshops and field visits were held, accompanied by debates among the participants. The result was the expression by the students regarding their position on the issues involving the semiarid environment and its potentialities and weaknesses.the semi-arid environment and its potentialities and weaknesses.
- Relato de experiência docente no exterior: Investigação na interface Educação e GeografiaPublication . Souza, Sonara da Silva; Lastória, Andrea Coelho; Claudino, SérgioO presente trabalho caracteriza-se como um relato de experiência sobre o Programa de Doutorado Sanduíche no Exterior (PDSE), da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). O relato aborda atividades de uma investigadora vinculada à Universidade de São Paulo e à Universidade de Lisboa, referentes ao período de quatro meses. O texto possibilita compreender algumas características sobre o referido programa, envolvendo o processo seletivo e a proposta investigativa. Explicita, também, atividades realizadas pela bolsista no exterior, reflexões sobre sua vivência investigativa e apontamentos sobre os benefícios e os desafios passíveis de enfrentamento em ações de internacionalização.