The notion of a spontaneous order has a long history in the philosophy of economics, where it has been used to advance a view of markets as complex networks of information that no single mind can apprehend. Traditionally, the impossibility of grasping all of the information present in the spontaneous order of the market has been invoked as grounds for not subjecting markets to central planning. A less noted feature of the spontaneous order concept is that when it is applied (...) to ecosystems it yields a reasonably strong environmental ethic. Thinking of ecosystems as spontaneous orders generates a presumption against interfering with their natural functioning in a manner that results in anthropogenic species loss. Such a presumption will permit some interventions in nature while precluding others. Environmental ethics could potentially make valuable use of the spontaneous order idea, without necessarily endorsing its traditional application to markets. (shrink)

The world contains many different types of ecosystems. This is something of a commonplace in biology and conservation science. But there has been little attention to the question of whether such ecosystem types enjoy a degree of objectivity—whether they might be natural kinds. I argue that traditional accounts of natural kinds that emphasize nomic or causal–mechanistic dimensions of “kindhood” are ill-equipped to accommodate presumptive ecosystemic kinds. In particular, unlike many other kinds, ecosystemic kinds are “anchored” to the contingent character (...) of species and higher taxa and their abiotic environments. Drawing on Slater (Br J Philos Sci 66(2):375–411, 2015a), I show how we can nevertheless make room for such contingent anchoring in an account of natural kinds of ecosystems kinds. (shrink)

For Van Rensselaer Potter (1911–2001), Global Bio-Ethics is about building on the legacy of Aldo Leopold (1887–1948), one of the most notable forest managers of the twentieth century who brought to light the importance of pragmatism in the sciences and showed us a new way to proceed with environmental ethics. Following Richard Huxtable and Jonathan Ives's methodological 'Framework for Empirical Bioethics Research Projects' called 'Mapping, framing, shaping,' published in BMC Medicine Ethics (2019)), we propose operationalizing a framework for Global Bio-Ethics (...) by hybridizing approaches in empirical bioethics and ecosystem management. We explain this framework using the metaphor of forest management. This mixed approach is articulated through three phases: (1) mapping the “landscape” to build a working theory, (2) framing the “scene” to prepare the fieldwork, and (3) shaping bioethics “tools” to stimulate cooperation. Applying this methodology, an adaptive management cycle is outlined to help ensure that political processes are sustainable and socially acceptable, still based on strategic and ethical thinking, but also capable of reshaping failing policies. (shrink)

The holism-reductionism debate, one of the classic subjects of study in the philosopy of science, is currently at the heart of epistemological concerns in ecology. Yet the division between holism and reductionism does not always stand out clearly in this field. In particular, almost all work in ecosystem ecology and landscape ecology presents itself as holistic and emergentist. Nonetheless, the operational approaches used rely on conventional reductionist methodology.From an emergentist epistemological perspective, a set of general 'transactional' principles inspired by (...) the work of J. Dewey and J.K. Feibleman are proposed in an effort to develop a coherent ontological and methodological semantics. (shrink)

The ecosystem services argument is a highly publicised instrumental argument for protecting biodiversity. I develop a new objection to this argument based on the lack of a causal connection from global species losses to local ecosystem changes. I survey some alternative formulations of services arguments, including ones incorporating option value or a precautionary principle, and show that they do not fare much better than the standard version. I conclude that environmental thinkers should rely less on ecosystem services (...) as a means to defend biodiversity, and that attention should be focused on additional types of value which might be attributed to global biodiversity. (shrink)

This short article provides information about a lesson on the value of biodiversity in an ecosystem currently suffering severe damage due to human socio-economic activities.

Uncertainty, insufficient information or information of poor quality, limited cognitive capacity and time, along with value conflicts and ethical considerations, are all aspects thatmake risk managementand riskcommunication difficult. This paper provides a review of different risk concepts and describes how these influence risk management, communication and planning in relation to forest ecosystem services. Based on the review and results of empirical studies, we suggest that personal assessment of risk is decisive in the management of forest ecosystem services. The (...) results are used together with a reviewof different principles of the distribution of risk to propose an approach to risk communication that is effective aswell as ethically sound. Knowledge of heuristics and mutual information on both beliefs and desires are important in the proposed risk communication approach. Such knowledge provides an opportunity for relevant information exchange, so that gaps in personal knowledge maps can be filled in and effective risk communication can be promoted. (shrink)

In May 2023, Fakhraee et al. published a research article titled “Ocean alkalinity enhancement through restoration of blue carbon ecosystems” in Nature Sustainability. In this essay, we discuss an assessment of the costs of restoring and maintaining the mangrove-seagrass ecosystems indicated in the article.

Through a combination of Guidewire platforms, cloud computing and cybersecurity frameworks, the insurance industry in miniature is being transformed into a digitally transformed, ever resilient ecosystem. This ecosystem enables insurers to modernize core operations of policy management, claims processing and billing while continuing to provide secure, scalable and efficient service delivery. Insurers using cloud infrastructure have elastic resources capable of scaling to meet dynamic workloads and can provide high availability and fast disaster recovery. They have liberated data analytics (...) to run on the cloud with advanced capabilities to churn out actionable insights to optimize operations and create personalized offerings for their customers. Sensitive customer data and important systems are securely protected from cyber security threats by a robust cybersecurity layer, which includes data encryption, controls access, and detects threats proactively. Integration and cloud adoption challenges like costly implementation, cybersecurity risk and legacy system migration will be handled by deft and effective strategies such as phased adoption, workforce upskilling and adoption of a zero-trust security model. Within operational efficiency, stronger resilience and innovative business models enabled, i.e. behavior-based insurance pricing through IoT and real time analytics, are the opportunities. However, moisture and regulatory complexity can be barriers to change, and investments in modern technology, workforce development, and partnerships with insurtech and cybersecurity experts can enable insurers to survive and thrive in a more competitive, digital-first landscape. This convergence engenders customer trust, unlocks its operational agility and ensures compliance with changing requirements, thereby enabling insurers to sustain their growth, build resilience and rival digital transformation. (shrink)

In “What Does Environmental Protection Protect?” Mark Sagoff argues that there is no ecological way to test the claim that natural ecosystems are complex adaptive systems. In this critical commentary, I recreate that argument, object to it, and attempt to clarify its normative upshot. I show that Sagoff relies on substantive assumptions about (1) the tools and methods of ecological science, (2) what can be done with those tools and methods, and (3) ecology’s being separable from other disciplines, all of (...) which are controversial and in need of defense. I also identify five different ways that one might interpret the action-guiding recommendation that Sagoff wants to make on the basis of that argument, and I explain why all five are somewhat problematic. (shrink)

The concept of ecosystem services is a way of visualizing the instrumental value that nature has for human beings. Most ecosystem services can be performed by more than one species. This fact is sometimes used as an argument against the preservation of species. However, even though substitutability does detract from the instrumental value of a species, it also adds option value to it. The option value cannot make a substitutable species as instrumentally valuable as a non-substitutable species, but (...) in many cases, it can add enough value to make the species more valuable than the projects that threaten its existence. (shrink)

Modern agriculture faces a critical challenge: sustaining high crop yields while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. In response to this dilemma, van Ittersum et al. [2] introduce the concept of the “ecological yield gap,” offering a framework to align agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability.

Conservationists have two types of arguments for why we should conserve ecosystems: instrumental and intrinsic value arguments. Instrumental arguments contend that we ought to conserve ecosystems because of the benefits that humans, or other morally relevant individuals, derive from ecosystems. Conservationists are often loath to rely too heavily on the instrumental argument because it could potentially force them to admit that some ecosystems are not at all useful to humans, or that if they are, they are not more useful than (...) alternative configurations of those ecosystems. Consequently, conservationists often resort to an intrinsic value argument, contending that ecosystems are objectively valuable as ends in themselves, rather than merely as means to an end. If ecosystems have intrinsic value, then they have moral standing, which means that we must consider their needs and interests in any decisions we make about them. This paper concerns the significance of this move for... (shrink)

In recent years discussions centered around digital inheritance have increased among social media users and across blockchain ecosystems. As a result digital assets such as social media content cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens have become increasingly valuable and widespread, leading to the need for clear and secure mechanisms for transferring these assets upon the testators death or incapacitation. This study proposes a framework for digital inheritance using soulbound tokens and the social recovery pallet as a use case in the Polkadot and (...) Kusama blockchain networks. The findings discussed within this study suggest that while soulbound tokens and the social recovery pallet offer a promising solution for creating a digital inheritance plan the findings also raise important considerations for testators digital executors and developers. While further research is needed to fully understand the potential impacts and risks of other technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing this study provides a primer for users to begin planning a digital inheritance strategy and for developers to develop a more intuitive solution. (shrink)

The rise of the Metaverse as a virtual, interconnected world has captured significant attention in recent years. As businesses increasingly recognize the potential of the Metaverse to transform industries, Microsoft Azure stands out as a leading platform for integrating and scaling Metaverse solutions. This paper explores how Azure's cloud infrastructure, advanced computing capabilities, and digital transformation tools enable businesses to integrate with the Metaverse, opening new opportunities for collaboration, customer engagement, and innovation. Additionally, the paper discusses the challenges associated with (...) implementing Metaverse solutions, such as data privacy, interoperability, and infrastructure scalability. Through a comprehensive analysis of Azure's role in supporting the Metaverse, this paper presents key considerations for enterprises looking to build and sustain their ecosystems in this new digital frontier. (shrink)

The importance of focusing on long-term sustainability in pollinator conservation and sustainable ecosystem management cannot be underestimated. Cultivating an eco-surplus culture plays a key role in maintaining ecosystem health, particularly by protecting pollinator species essential for ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity. This cultural approach emphasizes environmental stewardship and conserving and generating surplus resources beyond immediate human needs, which is vital for future nature-based innovations. Additionally, ecological surplus culture highlights the resilience necessary to address significant environmental challenges such (...) as habitat loss and climate change, illustrating how nurturing pollinators can contribute to ecosystem resilience in the face of these challenges. (shrink)

In the current digital environment, cyberattacks continue to pose a serious risk and difficulty. Internet of Things (IoT) devices are becoming more and more vulnerable due to security problems like ransomware, malware, poor encryption, and IoT botnets. These flaws may result in ransom demands, data tampering, illegal access, and system risks. Creating strong cybersecurity procedures for contemporary smart environments is essential to resolving these problems. This strategy uses proactive network traffic monitoring to spot any dangers in the Internet of Things (...) ecosystem. Our approach is to improve Smart Environments' security and awareness of potential threats. Two IoT gateways were used to examine the effectiveness and performance of a deep neural network (DNN) model. The results were promising: the model caused an average increase of less than 30 kb/s in network bandwidth and a mere 2% rise in CPU usage. Additionally, memory and power consumption were minimal, with 0.42 GB and 0.2 GB of memory usage for NVIDIA Jetson and Raspberry Pi devices, respectively, and an average 13.5% increase in power consumption per device. The machine learning models achieved nearly 93% detection accuracy and a 92% F1 score on the datasets used. Our framework demonstrates an effective and efficient method for detecting malware and attacks in Smart Environments. (shrink)

Mountains, often termed the “water towers” of the world, are vital providers of ecosystem services (MES) that support both local communities and populations far downstream. However, a recent global review reveals that these critical services are increasingly threatened by climate change, endangering biodiversity, livelihoods, and regional stability [1].

For over twenty years, Mexico has been at the forefront of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), a policy instrument that provides financial incentives to landowners for conserving forests and maintaining essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity preservation [1,2]. Since its inception in 2003, Mexico’s federal PES programs have encompassed approximately 7.4 million hectares, positioning them among the most extensive and enduring initiatives globally [3].

There are many different kinds of model and scientists do all kind of things with them. This diversity of model type and model use is a good thing for science. Indeed, it is crucial especially for the biological and cognitive sciences, which have to solve many different problems at many different scales, ranging from the most concrete of the structural details of a DNA molecule to the most abstract and generic principles of self-organization in networks. Getting a grip (or more (...) likely many separate grips) on this range of topics calls for a teeming forest of techniques, including many different modeling techniques. Barbara Webb’s target article strikes us as a proposal for clear-cutting the forest. We think clear-cutting here would be as good for science as it is for non-metaphorical forests. Our argument for this is primarily a recitation of a few of the ways that diversity has been useful. Recently, looking at the actual practice of artificial life modelers, one of us distinguished four uses of simulation models classified in terms of the position the models take up between theory and data (see Figure 1). The classification is not exhaustive, and the barriers between kinds are not absolute. Rather, the purpose of the taxonomy is to open up the view for an epistemic ecology of modeling practices. First, and closest to the empirical domain, there are mechanistic models, in which there is an almost one-to-one correspondence between variables in the model and observables in the target system and its environment. Webb’s.. (shrink)

Concern for and interest in research integrity has increased significantly during recent decades, both in academic and in policy discourse. Both in terms of diagnostics and in terms of therapy, the tendency in integrity discourse has been to focus on strategies of individualisation. Other contributions to the integrity debate, however, focus more explicitly on environmental factors, e.g. on the quality and resilience of research ecosystems, on institutional rather than individual responsibilities, and on the quality of the research culture. One example (...) of this is the Bonn PRINTEGER Statement. This editorial to the LSSP thematic series entitled Addressing integrity challenges in research: the institutional dimension invites authors to contribute to the research integrity debate. Notably, we are interested in submissions addressing issues such as institutional responsibilities, changes in the research climate, duties of research managers and research performing or research funding organisations as well as new approaches to integrity education. (shrink)

The generative AI (Gen AI) ecosystem is rapidly evolving, with significant debates surrounding the merits of open-source versus proprietary models. This paper explores the distinctions, implications, and trajectories of both ecosystems, focusing on accessibility, innovation, ethical implications, and economic models. Through a review of current literature and a comparative analysis framework, this study highlights the critical trade-offs and potential convergence paths between the two paradigms. Ultimately, we aim to provide a strategic lens for developers, policymakers, and organizations navigating the (...) Gen AI landscape. (shrink)

As climate change accelerates, glaciers in mountain regions are retreating at an unprecedented rate, driving profound ecological transformations with direct implications for human well-being. A global review by Velasquez Casallas et al. [1] synthesizes insights from 383 studies, revealing how glacier retreat alters the ecosystem services (ES) provided by soil and vegetation in these newly exposed landscapes.

The developments along the Mekong River, including in Cambodia, have boomed. There were 755 dams. Of these, 537 have been completed, and 152 have been planned or proposed. Of these, 52 were under construction, and 14 have been canceled or suspended. Of these dams, 392 were hydropower, 337 were irrigation, and 26 were other types (CGIAR, 2015). Even though some officials saw economic development as a result of the hydropower dam, the negative impacts of hydropower dams were seen by many (...) local experts and NGOs. The negative impacts include reduced fishing stocks and exacerbated socio-economic issues (Asia and the Pacific Policy Society, 2022). Experts have conducted some research on ecosystems and livelihoods, but there has been a lack of studies conducted by local communities to investigate their cross-border impacts as a result of the hydropower dam, despite the fact that local communities have been facing issues as a result of the Mekong Development. The community research protocol was developed to improve local communities' understanding of their local contexts and their confidence in negotiating with decision-makers and policymakers to address and respond to their needs and the findings of studies on local planning for sustainable community development. The paper aims to guide community leaders and staff in conducting community research on transboundary impacts on fisheries resources, ecosystems, and the livelihoods of local communities using their knowledge. (shrink)

Humans, like other organisms, are still dependent on multiple ecosystem functions and services to sustain their livelihoods, such as the provision of food, the provision of clean water, the decomposition of waste, etc. Ironically, while the negative impacts caused by human activities are pushing many species to the verge of extinction, more and more evidence shows that biodiversity plays a crucial role in ensuring the ecosystem’s functioning and provisioning of ecosystem services.

This thematic report explores the issues of trust in, and governance of Science-for-Policy ecosystems. It makes the case for making Science-for-Policy credible, responsive to public values and with anticipatory capacity. The paper reflects on the questions: what to trust and the issue of persisting scientific dissent and uncertainty, and who to trust amidst misleading science communication and interest-based strategic use of scientific knowledge. It provides an outlook on a more collaborative approach among science, policy and society actors and paves the (...) way for anticipatory governance. (shrink)

Concern for and interest in research integrity has increased significantly during recent decades, both in academic and in policy discourse. Both in terms of diagnostics and in terms of therapy, the tendency in integrity discourse has been to focus on strategies of individualisation (detecting and punishing individual deviance). Other contributions to the integrity debate, however, focus more explicitly on environmental factors, e.g. on the quality and resilience of research ecosystems, on institutional rather than individual responsibilities, and on the quality of (...) the research culture. One example of this is the Bonn PRINTEGER Statement. This editorial to the LSSP thematic series (article collection) entitled Addressing integrity challenges in research: the institutional dimension invites authors to contribute to the research integrity debate. Notably, we are interested in submissions addressing issues such as institutional responsibilities, changes in the research climate, duties of research managers and research performing or research funding organisations (RPOs and RFOs) as well as new approaches to integrity education. (shrink)

L'écologie préénergétique des années 1905-1935 est à la recherche de ses objets d'étude. Des unités fondamentales de la nature (telles que formation végétale, association végétale, climax, biome, communauté biotique, écosystème) se trouvent en compétition et se succèdent les unes aux autres. Autour des années 1920 et 1930, la philosophie organiciste d'Alfred N. Whitehead, ainsi que la perspective évolutionniste d'Herbert Spencer et les propositions émergentistes de Samuel Alexander et Conwy L. Morgan, deviennent des références sous-jacentes au débat épistémologique concernant les unités (...) de base de l'écologie. Des auteurs comme Frederic E. Clements et John Phillips soutiendront plusieurs formes d'organicisme écologique, tandis que Henry A. Gleason interprétera l'association végétale comme le résultat d'une juxtaposition fortuite d'individus. Enfin, et paradoxalement, l'écosystème de Arthur G. Tansley, tout en faisant partie, à l'origine, d'une perspective anti-organiciste, deviendra l'unité fondamentale de programmes de recherche qui se voudront, au moins dans leurs intentions, émergentistes. (shrink)

Ecosystem services (ES)—the benefits that humans derive from nature, such as clean water, fertile soil, and climate regulation—are fundamental to achieving sustainable development. Despite growing scientific efforts to assess these services, their integration into policy and decision-making processes remains strikingly limited. A recent semi-systematic literature review by Walther et al. (2025) investigates the reasons behind this disconnect and explores pathways to enhance the policy relevance of ES assessments.

Abstract -/- Quetico’s ecosystem functions as a dynamically emergent resonance system rather than a static equilibrium. Its biodiversity is governed by a complex interplay of interacting sub-resonances, including lichen, trees, fish, fungi, and hydrodynamic cycles. The traditional view of boreal ecology relies on linear succession models, which assume ecosystems transition from disturbance to stability in a predictable manner. Other models attempt to incorporate stochastic biodiversity fluctuations, treating species distributions as the outcome of probabilistic chance events. Both perspectives fail to (...) recognize the deeper chirality of dynamic emergent systems (CODES) that shape long-term ecological oscillations in Quetico. The landscape does not simply evolve in a stepwise progression or through random fluctuations but instead follows a structured resonance-driven framework, where species distributions, dominance cycles, and trophic hierarchies emerge from coherent phase interactions. -/- A new paradigm for boreal wilderness modeling emerges when each major biological and geophysical domain—fungal networks, aquatic ecosystems, arboreal succession, and trophic feedback loops—is analyzed as an interacting, phase-locked sub-resonance within Quetico’s larger asymmetric “heartbeat.” Unlike conventional models, which view climax forests or fish populations as endpoints of equilibrium, this perspective identifies them as temporary attractors within an ongoing oscillatory structure. -/- Four core principles define this asymmetric ecological resonance: 1. Tree succession follows non-random resonance oscillations. The interplay of lichen-fungal priming, mycorrhizal frequency-locking, and soil phase transitions determines which species take root and in what sequence. The composition of the forest is not a simple function of environmental opportunity but an emergent consequence of phase-coherent microbial and nutrient signaling. 2. Fish populations are not governed by chance fluctuations but by phase-locking with aquatic microbiota and hydrodynamic nutrient flows. This produces recursive cycles of dominance, where species such as walleye, lake trout, and northern pike oscillate in predictable, structured shifts rather than in stochastic booms and busts. 3. Lichen and fungi serve as ecological memory structures. Rather than acting as passive indicators of environmental conditions, they encode prior phase states, carrying the informational residue of past stability or collapse cycles that dictate the long-term equilibrium of forests and aquatic systems. 4. Quetico’s wilderness does not exist in a fixed state but as a multi-tiered resonant wave. Ecosystem stability is an illusion created by overlapping oscillatory cycles, where collapse and reorganization follow prime-frequency ecological structures. Forest regrowth, lake stratification, and biodiversity shifts are all chiral oscillations rather than linear progressions. -/- A structured resonance approach provides a coherent alternative to probability-driven ecological paradigms, shifting focus away from stochastic unpredictability and toward phase-locked predictability in ecological transitions. This framework has far-reaching implications for predictive ecosystem modeling, conservation optimization, and resilience engineering in boreal systems. By aligning conservation strategies with underlying resonance structures, it becomes possible to accelerate natural succession, mitigate biodiversity loss, and enhance ecosystem resilience without imposing artificial stability. The asymmetric heartbeat of Quetico is not merely a metaphor—it is a physical reality embedded within the structured emergence of its wilderness. (shrink)

In this paper, we apply the perspective of intra-organismal ecology by investigating a family of ecological models suitable to describe a gene therapy to a particular metabolic disorder, the adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA-SCID). The gene therapy is modeled as the prospective ecological invasion of an organ (here, bone marrow) by genetically modified stem cells, which then operate niche construction in the cellular environment by releasing an enzyme they synthesize. We show that depending on the chosen order (a choice that cannot (...) be made on \textit{a priori} assumptions), different kinds of dynamics are expected, possibly leading to different therapeutic strategies. This drives us to discuss several features of the extension of ecology to intra-organismal ecology. (shrink)

Freshwater ecosystems are facing biodiversity losses at a pace exceeding those in terrestrial and marine systems. In China’s Yangtze River, the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) serves as a flagship species for conservation efforts [2,3]. A new study assesses the effectiveness of Freshwater Protected Areas (FPAs) in safeguarding this species and its habitat between 2001 and 2017, using remote sensing data and long-term field surveys [4].

In the era of big data and distributed ecosystems, understanding the origin, flow, and transformation of data across complex infrastructures is critical for ensuring transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making. As data-driven enterprises increasingly rely on hybrid cloud architectures, data lakes, and real-time pipelines, the complexity of tracking data movement and transformations grows exponentially. Traditional data lineage solutions, often based on static metadata extraction or rule-based approaches, are insufficient in dynamically evolving environments and fail to provide granular, context-aware insights. This research (...) introduces an AI-augmented, cognitive graph-based framework for autonomous data lineage, designed to enhance data traceability in large-scale and heterogeneous data ecosystems. The framework leverages cutting-edge machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and graph-based reasoning techniques to enable intelligent discovery, semantic interpretation, and continuous monitoring of data assets throughout their lifecycle. The core of the solution lies in the construction of a dynamic cognitive graph that represents relationships between datasets, processes, systems, and users, enriched with contextual annotations and temporal dimensions. Our architecture incorporates self-learning mechanisms, enabling adaptive lineage discovery and automated anomaly detection. By applying reinforcement learning and stream analytics, the framework not only maps data flows in real time but also evolves with system changes, schema variations, and business logic updates. It provides both forward and backward traceability, supports impact analysis, and enhances compliance auditing capabilities. Furthermore, our system is capable of processing both structured and unstructured metadata, employing advanced NLP models to extract implicit lineage information from data dictionaries, SQL queries, and documentation. The result is a holistic, intelligent, and scalable data lineage solution that reduces manual intervention, mitigates operational risks, and supports regulatory compliance frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOX. Experimental evaluations conducted in hybrid cloud environments using tools such as Apache Kafka, Neo4j, Spark, and Python-based ML libraries demonstrate a significant improvement in lineage coverage, anomaly detection accuracy, and system scalability. Compared to conventional lineage tools, our AI-augmented framework delivers a 30% increase in traceability precision and a 40% reduction in manual effort required for lineage tracking and governance. This research lays the foundation for a new paradigm in data governance, where AI not only enhances observability but enables autonomous cognition within data infrastructure. The framework is poised to play a critical role in enabling data democratization, operational agility, and enterprise-wide data literacy. (shrink)

L'évaluation des écosystèmes est l'un des pivots essentiels pour l'élaboration de moyens adap- tés permettant de lutter contre la diminution massive de la biodiversité. Pour la première fois, elle a fait l'objet d'une analyse à l'échelle mondiale dans le cadre de l'Evaluation des écosys- tèmes en début de millénaire (EM). Le rassemblement de plus d’un millier de chercheurs et de plusieurs organismes internationaux durant quatre années ont permis de dessiner la carte nécessaire à toute action efficace. L'article expose les éléments (...) principaux de l'EM : l'évaluation des écosystèmes en tant que tels, mais surtout des services écosystémiques, dans toutes leurs dimensions, en ce que leur évolution affecte le bien-être humain. Il analyse ensuite les quatre points principaux de l'apport de l'EM, des avantages de l'utilisation croissante des services éco- logiques à sa non viabilité. Des scénarios, modèles et outils sont proposés pour inverser la courbe négative d'appauvrissement de la biodiversité et des services écosystémiques dans un premier bilan des retombées de l'EM. (shrink)

The conservation of threatened ecosystems often hinges on expert judgment, yet divergent perspectives among specialists can lead to inconsistent decisions [2,3]. In a recent study, Dorrough et al. [4] examined how variations in expert opinions impact assessments of ecosystem viability and collapse, using Australia’s critically endangered Box-Gum Grassy Woodlands (BGGW) as a case study.

Climate change and biological invasions are among the most significant forces reshaping ecosystems worldwide. A recent study by Leclerc et al. (2025) reveals that these drivers do not operate in isolation but are tightly intertwined, particularly in freshwater lakes. By analyzing data from 430 fish communities across 257 French lakes, the researchers demonstrated how climate-induced warming and biological invasions together influence the structure and functioning of lake food webs.

The recent pandemic is a reminder of several important lessons from Popper's philosophy. My aim in this paper is to address some of these lessons. By making use of Popper's theory of three worlds, I explain how coronavirus has a far-reaching impact on the ecosystem of rationality, and how the viruses that threaten humans could also be a threat to the whole life on Earth. Applying the epistemological distinction between science and technology, I go on to explain the pivotal (...) role of science in preventing further crises. This, I argue, is done by putting technology in the sphere of rationality; through both criticizing technologies and inspiring the invention of clean technologies, and also technologies that serve us as alerting systems. I shall argue that critical rationalism helps us to understand the ‘pandemic problem situation’ in a more informed manner and thus helps us to find out about the vulnerable points of our ecosystem of rationality in a more efficient way. In the latter part of the paper, I shall develop the thesis that while during the recent pandemic, science did it best to warn us about its dangers, the policy-makers, who are technologists of a sort, in many countries did not take those warnings seriously. Even when the crisis turned into a global catastrophe, the three types of technologies (health-care, lock-down, and diagnosis and treatment) were not fully efficient in controlling the pandemic. Drawing on Popper’s ideas I shall argue that in the face of the current emergency, our best chance to improve our situation is to apply the method of piecemeal social engineering to alleviate people’s suffering. (shrink)

The current economic and societal production system gives money a magnified importance, overlooking other essential flows necessary for human survival and existence. It focuses on monetary indicators like profits, dividends, and GDPs to evaluate organizational production, while often disregarding outputs that harm the biosphere. Money is treated as the constitutive being (ousia) and attributed undemonstrated explanatory properties. Intangible flow theory helps eliminate this metaphysical status of money by recognizing that monetary flows are just one of many necessary flows for human (...) survival and existence. Organizations deliver product-flows that require input-flows from and send output-flows back to the encompassing biosphere, whether they explicitly engage in environmentally friendly activities or not. Therefore, every organization is an ecological entity because it has a relationship with the biosphere, which participates in the manner through which humans integrate into their surrounding environment and relate to other living beings. Eliminating the metaphysical status of money integrates every organization in the biosphere, making organizations accountable for environmental harm caused by their activities. This can be achieved by deconstructing the metaphysical status of money in business models. (shrink)

Modern society faces major environmental problems, but there are many difficulties in studying the nature–human relationship from an integral psychosocial perspective. We propose the ecomind sponge conceptual framework, based on the mindsponge theory of information processing. We present a systematic method to examine the nature–human relationship with conceptual frameworks of system boundaries, selective exchange, and adaptive optimization. The theoretical mechanisms were constructed based on principles and new evidence in natural sciences. The core mechanism of ecomindsponge is the subjective sphere of (...) influence, which is the limited mental representation of information received from and processed based on the objective sphere of influence–actual interactions in reality. The subjective sphere is the sum of two sub-spheres: influencing (proactive) and being influenced (reactive). Maladaptation in thinking and behavior of the mind as an information collection-cum-processor results from the deviation of the subjective sphere from reality, which includes two main types: “stupidity” and “delusion”. Using Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) analytics on a dataset of 535 urban residents, we provide consistent statistical evidence on the proposed properties of subjective spheres. The dynamic framework of ecomindsponge can be used flexibly and practically for environmental research as well as other psychosocial fields. (shrink)

Often likened to coral reefs in their ecological importance, the European native oyster reef ecosystem—formed by Ostrea edulis—has now effectively disappeared from European coastal waters. A recent comprehensive study has determined that this ecosystem type is “collapsed” under the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems framework, having met three of five collapse criteria: severe reduction in geographic distribution, highly restricted geographic range, and major disruption of ecological processes [2].

This chapter reports the situation of the sharing economy in France. The sharing economy has been a topic of interest in France for several years, with researchers, associations, think tanks, companies, and even the government writing reports and memos about the phenomenon and mapping the key actors of the field.

Anthropogenic activities are reshaping predator dynamics in the Neotropics, with profound implications for biodiversity and ecosystem stability [2]. Villalva et al. [3] demonstrate that uneven tolerance to human disturbance among top predators—jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis)—is redefining intraguild relationships across the region.

Forests have evolved in human perception from mere timber reserves to complex ecosystems that sustain biodiversity and deliver critical services such as carbon storage, water regulation, and climate resilience. Yet, as climate change accelerates pest outbreaks and invasive species spread through global trade, insecticides remain a cornerstone of forest pest management strategies [2].

In an era of rapid urban expansion, climate change increasingly threatens food security, water availability, and livelihoods. A recent study by Brouillet et al. (2025) investigates how soil extraction—typically regarded as a form of environmental degradation—can paradoxically function as both a challenge and a mechanism for climate adaptation and urban ecosystem transformation in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

A recent study by Rota et al. (2025) offers valuable insights into how visitors perceive the benefits of nature—known as ecosystem services (ES)—in two alpine protected areas in Italy: Gran Paradiso National Park (PNGP) and Adamello Regional Park (AD). Ecosystem services encompass cultural (e.g., aesthetic and recreational experiences), regulating (e.g., climate regulation), and provisioning services (e.g., water and food supply). Understanding public perceptions of these services is essential for developing conservation strategies that are both ecologically effective and socially (...) supported. (shrink)

This study utilized four game-based activities (GBAs) developed by the researcher to determine their effectiveness in teaching Ecosystem topics for Grade 7 Biology in terms of (1) conceptual understanding and (2) nature of engagement. This quasi-experimental study used a mixed-method approach. Pre-test and post-test results show that the integration of GBAs in the lessons significantly improved students’ academic performance in terms of conceptual understanding. Students' reports and teachers' observations also indicated that GBAs could enhance students’ engagement in their lessons (...) and learning process. The results of this study support the relevance of using game-based activities as pedagogical and learning tools as they could improve students’ understanding of concepts and engagement in the lessons and learning process. Considering the needs and goals of students can maximize the positive effects of GBA integration. (shrink)

A recent study by Ford-Learner, Addison, and Cumming (2025) offers a timely and comprehensive synthesis of how distinct marine habitats contribute to the supply of ecosystem services (ES) in tropical regions, with a particular focus on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP). While marine ES are essential to the livelihoods and well-being of nearly a billion people worldwide, significant knowledge gaps persist in understanding how these services are linked to specific habitat types, especially in tropical marine environments.

The concept and the main stakeholders of E-learning ecosystem are investigated at the article. University is regarded as a center of such ecosystem due to skilled knowledge providers and technical equipment availability. Studying different cases authors prove that higher educational institution plays a driver role in different projects, especially social start-up projects. Different models of partnership between universities and other stakeholders are considered. In authors’ opinion, one of the most perspective collaborative projects are in frame of “students – (...) schoolchildren” due to effective knowledge transfer. Such kind of cooperation can fill the gap between school and university education. Particularly the framework of e-learning project in financial literacy for orphans totally prepared and executed by students is considered. The ICT tools are very actively used in these initiatives aiming to develop high demanded skills as critical thinking, creativity and complex problem solving. As a result, schoolchildren are receiving a toolkit for basic data analysis, developing own business plan and adopting evidencebased decisions. The authors prove that E-learning projects are able to improve both information and financial literacy and also increase the level of inclusivity into education of weak and socially unprotected children from orphanages. The article will be useful for the representatives from universities, orphanages, companies who eager to boost the level of their social responsibility. The aim of the research is to reveal different types of cooperation under social projects between higher educational institutions and other stakeholders, using wide range of ICT e-learning tools as well. In addition, to develop a set of recommendations to the universities of collaboration roadmap. (shrink)

In the rural Mediterranean landscapes of Andalusia, Spain, private landowners play a crucial yet often underappreciated role in sustaining cultural ecosystem services (CES)—the non-material benefits derived from nature, such as a sense of place, traditional knowledge, recreation, and spiritual fulfillment. A recent study by Rescia et al. (2025) investigates the contributions of these landowners to CES provision and explores strategies to enhance their role in the future.