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ECOSYSTEMS - Free permanent exhibit!
Immerse yourself in a desert environment, complete with live tortoises, chuckwallas and scorpions. Discover how such desert species are adapted to their surroundings and how scientists study them. Keep an eye out—before you leave, you just might witness a flash flood, a powerful reminder of the role water plays in desert ecosystems.
Florida's appeal is linked to its unique geology and the biodiversity that developed under these conditions. Statewide, its natural resources are threatened by habitat fragmentation, wasteful consumption, pollution, and exotic invasive plant and animal species. A long view will be critical to preserve the rare magic of Florida's ecosystems.
In a matter of mere miles, the rolling foothills of farmland lead into the steep rock mountains and glaciers.
The Serengeti ecosystem is a geographical region in Africa. It is located in north Tanzania and extends to south-western Kenya. It spans some 30,000 km2. The Kenyan part of the Serengeti is known as Maasai (Masai) Mara.
The Serengeti hosts the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world, which helps secure it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world.The Serengeti is also renowned for its large lion population and is one of the best places to observe prides in their natural environment.
The region contains the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and several game reserves.
Students find a wealth of inspiration for their Plan of Concentration in the local landscape, such as this field study of the impact of ice storms on forest ecology.
Student from the Honduran Institute of Radio Education (IHER) in the process of reforestation of the areas surrounding the El Coyolar dam curtain. November 2023. Credit: Gerardo A. Moya / UNDP Honduras
Work around the local nursery involves not just planting trees, but also daily tasks ranging from watering sprouts and cleaning the area to patrolling the limits of the dam. The nursery authorities called for volunteers from surrounding communities to get involved in these tasks, with the intention that this work enhances local environmental awareness and that through this, care of the area becomes part of everyday life.
Many educational institutions take part in these tasks, encouraging environmental stewardship in their students.
In 2023 alone, plants from the local nursery were used to reforest 50 acres in the vicinity of the dam.
Forests are nature's water filters and storage systems. When rain falls, the trees and vegetation capture and absorb it, allowing it to seep into the ground, replenishing aquifers and supplying water to communities for drinking and agriculture. Forests also help regulate the flow of water in rivers and streams. The roots of trees and plants hold the soil together, preventing erosion and ensuring that water flows steadily, reducing the risk of floods and droughts.
Unfortunately Honduras has seen a notable loss of forest cover over the years, with high levels of deforestation driven largely by unsustainable agriculture and illegal logging (both in turn driven by poverty). On top of this, climate-related hazards such as forest fires, pests and disease have also been enormously damaging.
Recognizing the associated threats posed to people, ecosystems and the economy, Honduras has been looking closely at nature-based solutions with a heavy emphasis on social inclusion.
The main objective of the project ‘Ecosystem-Based Adaptation at Communities of the Central Forest Corridor in Tegucigalpa’ (2019-2024)* – also known as the “AdaptarC” project – was to increase the climate resilience of the most vulnerable communities located in the Central Forest Corridor, with an emphasis on sustainable livelihoods and the continuity of the provision of ecosystem goods and services for the city of Tegucigalpa and surroundings. To achieve this, the project focused on strengthening local and community governance; ecosystem-based adaptation measures and technologies to build climate resilience; and strengthening knowledge management, information and adaptive capacity monitoring systems.
Among the key results of the project:
Around 3,660 hectares of forest restored and 90 hectares reforested;
More than 2,800 technicians have been trained in climate change adaptation (more than 60% women);
More than 3,600 people trained and provided with technical assistance in climate-smart agriculture;
All Central Forest Corridor municipalities have climate adaptation plans and micro watershed plans, with consideration for climate risk;
Five studies completed into aspects of climate change adaptation in the Central Forest Corridor, including on weevil pest, forest restoration, etc.)
Around 4,473 families with improved access to water.
Learn more: www.adaptation-undp.org/projects/ecosystem-based-adaptati...
*Implemented by Honduras’ Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MiAmbiente+) with finance from the Adaptation Fund and technical support from the UN Development Programme.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Buffalo District hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of the Unity Island ecosystem restoration project in Buffalo, NY, October 26, 2020.
Consultation process session: Mediterranean Basin Hotspot Ecosystem Profile Update (CEPF)
Processus de Consultation: Mise à jour du profil d’écosystème du hotspot du bassin méditerranéen (CEPF)
Ulcinj (Montenegro) - 25 October 2016
1st Mediterranean Plant Conservation Week “Building a regional network to conserve plants and cultural diversity”
1re Semaine de la conservation des plantes méditerranéennes “Construction d’un réseau régional pour la conservation de la diversité culturelle et végétale”
Photo by Pilar Valbuena for The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation.
More information on 1st Mediterranean Plant Conservation Week, please visit:
www.medplantsweek.uicnmed.org/
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