Conservation Biology in Sub-Saharan Africa


Book Description

Conservation Biology in Sub-Saharan Africa comprehensively explores the challenges and potential solutions to key conservation issues in Sub-Saharan Africa. Easy to read, this lucid and accessible textbook includes fifteen chapters that cover a full range of conservation topics, including threats to biodiversity, environmental laws, and protected areas management, as well as related topics such as sustainability, poverty, and human-wildlife conflict. This rich resource also includes a background discussion of what conservation biology is, a wide range of theoretical approaches to the subject, and concrete examples of conservation practice in specific African contexts. Strategies are outlined to protect biodiversity whilst promoting economic development in the region. Boxes covering specific themes written by scientists who live and work throughout the region are included in each chapter, together with recommended readings and suggested discussion topics. Each chapter also includes an extensive bibliography. Conservation Biology in Sub-Saharan Africa provides the most up-to-date study in the field. It is an essential resource, available on-line without charge, for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a handy guide for professionals working to stop the rapid loss of biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere.




Sustainable Bioresource Management


Book Description

This new volume emphasizes the drastic quantitative and qualitative transformation of our surrounding environment and looks at bioresource management and the tools needed to manageenvironmental stresses. This unique compilation and interpretation of concrete scientific ventures undertaken by environmental specialists at the global level explores research dedicated to the management of natural resources by controlling biotic and abiotic factors that make the earth vulnerable to these stresses. The chapter authors look at all types of bioresources on earth and their management at times of stress/crisis, focusing on the need for documentation, validation, and recovery of ethnic indigenous knowledge and practices that could have great impact in stress management. The book looks at topics in nature and changing climate management, adaptation, and mitigation, such as the effects of climate change on agriculture and horticulture, on timber harvesting, and on forest resources. Also specifically discussed are crop resources management, seed crops, tree seedlings, soil management, and conservation practices. The volume also includes chapters on animal resources management.




Creating Sustainable Bioeconomies


Book Description

The growing global demand for food, feed and bio-based renewable material is changing the conditions for agricultural production worldwide. At the same time, revolutionary achievements in the field of biosciences are contributing to a transition whereby bio-based alternatives for energy and materials are becoming more competitive. Creating Sustainable Bioeconomies explores the prospects for biosciences and how its innovation has the potential to help countries in the North (Europe) and the South (Africa) to move towards resource efficient agriculture and sustainable bioeconomies. Throughout the book, the situations of Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa will be compared and contrasted, and opportunities for mutual learning and collaboration are explored. The chapters have been written by high profile authors and deal with a wide range of issues affecting the development of bioeconomies on both continents. This book compares and contrasts the situations of these two regions as they endeavour to develop knowledge based bioeconomies. This volume is suitable for those who are interested in ecological economics, development economics and environmental economics. It also provides action plans assisting policy-makers in both areas to support the transition to knowledge based and sustainable bioeconomies.




Novel Plant Bioresources


Book Description

Novel Plant Bioresources: Applications in Food, Medicine and Cosmetics serves as the definitive source of information on under-utilized plant species, and fills a key niche in our understanding of the relationship of human beings with under-utilized plants. By covering applications in food, medicine and cosmetics, the book has a broad appeal. In a climate of growing awareness about the perils of biodiversity loss, the world is witnessing an unprecedented interest in novel plants, which are increasingly prized for their potential use in aromas, dyes, foods, medicines and cosmetics. This book highlights these plants and their uses. After an introductory section which sets the scene with an overview of the historical and legislative importance of under-utilized plants, the main four parts of the book are dedicated to the diverse potential application of novel plant bioresources in Food, Medicine, Ethnoveterinary Medicine and Cosmetics. Examples and contributors are drawn from Africa, Europe, the USA and Asia. The economic, social, and cultural aspects of under-utilized plant species are addressed, and the book provides a much needed boost to the on-going effort to focus attention on under-utilized plant species and conservation initiatives. By focusing on novel plants and the agenda for sustainable utilization, Novel Plant Bioresources highlights key issues relevant to under-utilized plant genetic resources, and brings together international scholars on this important topic.




Bioresource Technology


Book Description

Bioresource Technology Discover the latest developments in the field of bioresource technology with this practical handbook The management and cultivation of bioresources are critical components of the economic survival of nations. Significantly underexplored, recent advances in bioresource technologies have breathed new life into the research and development of new bioresource techniques and capabilities. In Bioresource Technology: Concept, Tools, and Experiences, a team of distinguished researchers delivers a comprehensive work intended to bridge the gap between field-oriented taxonomists and ecologists and lab-oriented functional and molecular biologists. The book is divided into three sections: food, environment, and energy. In the first part, the authors explore the functional food sector, from green and smart food packaging to nanosensors as diagnostic tools in the food industry. The second part is concerned with the achievement of future energy security through the use of bioresources as energy sources. Finally, the third section discusses sustainable environmental management policies via bioresource use. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction on the recent advances in the technology pertaining to functional food industry to overcome the future food challenges Comprehensive explorations of the art and science of growing microgreens, including their historical background, cultivation practices, quality, and shelf life In-depth examinations of the bioprospecting of bioresources, including bioprospecting in agriculture, chemical industries, and diagnostic applications Provides state-of-the art technologies in the green energy sector to cater for the energy demand of the people, reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) and the reliance on fossil fuels In-depth understanding on the recent advances in the bioresource management policies and sustainable environment Perfect for postgraduate students, research scholars, faculty, and scientists involved in agriculture, plant sciences, environmental sciences, bioenergy, biofuels, molecular biology, and microbiology, Bioresource Technology: Concept, Tools, and Experiences is also an indispensable resource for those working in biochemistry, biotechnology, and food technology.




Opportunities for Biomass and Organic Waste Valorisation


Book Description

Following an active science-meets-industry approach on dealing with biomass and organics waste streams, this timely book foregrounds key issues facing South African policy makers, industry practitioners and scholars. The editors drew together a wide pool of experts in the biomass and organic valorisation industry and research, offering the most recent research, development and innovation undertaken by South African universities and science councils. Spanning twelve chapters and divided into the following four key parts, the book offers solutions to industry and research on: Quantifying organic waste: An overview of potential sources and volumes is offered, with an identification and characterisation of solid biowaste residues. Biological treatment, covering the latest norms and standards; a biorefinery approach for the sugar industry; an integrated waste management approach for municipal sewage treatment; biogas production from abattoir waste; optimisation of biogas production from animal waste; and integrated bioremediation and beneficiation of bio-based waste. Mechanical and chemical treatment, covering the beneficiation of sawdust waste; developing sustainable biobased polymer and bio-nanocomposite materials; and the valorisation of waste mango seeds. Thermal treatment, which evaluates different municipal solid waste recycling targets in terms of energy recovery and CO2 reduction.




Agriculture Waste Management and Bioresource


Book Description

AGRICULTURE WASTE MANAGEMENT AND BIORESOURCE Comprehensive resource detailing the generation of agricultural waste and providing insight into waste management Agriculture Waste Management and Bioresource provides thorough coverage of the generation of agricultural waste with essential thought leadership about various options in managing the waste, including composting, vermicomposting to form manure, and biogas generation. Readers take a crucial step toward more sustainable development and creating a greener planet. The text includes a wide range of information regarding resource recovery from the waste of the agriculture sector, energy generation, biofuels, reduction in the amount and volume of waste through circular economies, and much more. The authors place particular importance on understanding and managing agricultural waste concerning the sustainability of the environment in the era of global climate change. Topics covered in Agriculture Waste Management and Bioresource include: Categories and amounts of agricultural wastes seen in a worldwide perspective and current challenges and perspectives in handling agricultural wastes State-of-the-art processing technologies relevant for agricultural wastes categories and sustainable methods used for management of agricultural??biomass Bioethanol production from lignocellulose waste of agricultural waste biomass and biogas production through anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes Mechanical and chemical processing, aerobic and anaerobic treatment, other biological processing methods, and thermal processing Academics, students, and industry professionals in environmental science and engineering, waste management, and agriculture can use the valuable insights in Agriculture Waste Management and Bioresource to understand the latest in the field and the advancements that can propel us towards a better and more sustainable future.




RESEARCH TRENDS IN BIORESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY


Book Description

Present world is witnessing drastic changes harshly impacting its bio-resources (plants, animals and organisms) that are considered as natural gift for our livelihood. Global warming, climate change, abiotic and biotic stresses are strangling and challenging the survivability of these resources. It is therefore crucial to manage these resources for making planet Earth more suitable to live. Moreover, there is an utter need to know how climate dynamic and biotic or abiotic factors are influencing on bio-resources and also to frame its sustainable management strategies. This book is the output of the research deliberations at 3rd International Conference on Bio-resource and Stress Management, India; and expert views on contemporary research and management issues in relation to bio-resources and its management. This timely needed uniquely written reference book consists of 29 well-crafted chapters on sustainable land, water and crop management, organic agriculture, climate change and crop productivity, stress management, bio-resource conservation, bio-fortification for nutritional security, agro-techniques, agro-forestry and forest resource management and waste management etc. which certainly will be of great use by the scientists, academician, researches, scholars, students, extension workers, corporate and NGO’s working in these aspects.