Problem: Bivalve shellfish have historically been a prominent component of benthic, or bottom dwelling, communities of temperate and subtropical estuaries and coastal baysBivalves also have been and continue to be an important food source for people throughout the world, serving as both as a delicacy and a staple. In coastal communities throughout the U.S., shellfish are cultural icons, reflecting traditions and a way of life dating back generations. It is not surprising therefore that until very rece...

Action: This guide was written to help restoration practitioners design and monitor shellfish restoration projects that restore not only the populations of target shellfish species – primarily clams, oysters, scallops – but also the ‘ecosystem services’ associated with healthy populations of these organisms. As a primer for conservationists, resource managers and others interested in ...

Problem: As efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions increase, so do the sources of ‘carbon financing’ and the size of the international ‘carbon market’. Greenhouse gas abatement activities can have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on the communities in which they operate. For this reason, it is vital that Indigenous communities have accurate information about carbon financing and carbon market processes at the outset – to help them make informed decisions and choices about activities that wo...

Action: This is a short guide for Northern Indigenous Australians on the impacts of and responses to climate change, particularly market and financial mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (often referred to as the ‘carbon market’, ‘emissions trading’ and/or ‘carbon financing’). The guide is intended as a first edition: comments, case studies and more information would be most welcome – please contact ingrid@iisd.org, Review Group: Conservation Review

Problem: Proof of concept stage; forming steering group; declaring Mendocino Energy, a fast-tracked renewable energy incubator, creating renewable energy solutions in harmony with nature.

Action: At this world-class incubator, federal energy policy development is created as cutting-edge technologies and science move swiftly from white boards and white papers to testing, refinement and implementation.

Problem: There is a need to deepen, and awaken, the level of the nature-human relationship across the planet.

Action: To present material that demonstrates a deeper communion with nature.

Problem: Invasive non-native plants are a serious threat to native species, communities, and ecosystems in many areas around the world. They can compete with and displace native plants, animals, and other organisms that depend on them, alter ecosystem functions and cycles significantly, hybridize with native species, and promote other invaders. The good news is that many plant invasions can be reversed, halted or slowed, and in certain situations, even badly infested areas can be restored to healthy s...

Action: Before embarking on a weed management program, it is important to develop a straightforward rationale for the actions you plan to take. We believe this is best accomplished using an adaptive management approach as follows (see Figure 1):   (1) establish management goals and objectives for the site; (2) determine which plant species or populations, if any, block or have potential to block attainment of the management goals and objectives; (3) determine which methods are available to contro...