Renato F. Henriques

On the interest of plant functional classifications to study community—level effects of increased disturbance on coastal dune vegetation

Abstract Coastal zones are suffering from severe changes. Dune systems are forecasted to be impacted severely by such changes. Since shifts in coastal dynamics may drive modifications in the floristic composition of plant communities, effective indicators of such changes are needed to support adaptive measures. We performe here an assessment of the relative efficiency of functional and phytosociological classifications in the analysis of structure and dynamics in foredune vegetation. Our results identified common signals but also highlighted some differences among results from different classifications with potential consequences for the monitoring of changes in dune ecosystems. The coincident signals provided by the analysed classification systems suggest that they are effective in capturing the major rules involved in the structure and dynamics of foredune vegetation. Since the disturbance regime in foredunes is mostly related to prevailing coastal dynamics, compositional shifts in phytosociological or functional spectra are thus useful in the establishment of reliable indicators and protocols to monitor changes in coastal zones.

A multi-scale modelling framework to guide management of plant invasions in a transboundary context

BackgroundAttention has recently been drawn to the issue of transboundary invasions, where species introduced and naturalized in one country cross international borders and become problematic in neighbouring countries. Robust modelling frameworks, able to identify the environmental drivers of invasion and forecast the current and future potential distribution of invasive species, are needed to study and manage invasions. Limitations due to the lack of species distribution and environmental data, or assumptions of modelling tools, often constrain the reliability of model predictions.MethodsWe present a multiscale spatial modelling framework for transboundary invasions, incorporating robust modelling frameworks (Multimodel Inference and Ensemble Modelling) to overcome some of the limitations. The framework is illustrated using Hakea sericea Schrad. (Proteaceae), a shrub or small tree native to Australia and invasive in several regions of the world, including the Iberian Peninsula. Two study scales were considered: regional scale (western Iberia, including mainland Portugal and Galicia) and local scale (northwest Portugal). At the regional scale, the relative importance of environmental predictors sets was evaluated and ranked to determine the main general drivers for the species distribution, while the importance of each environmental predictor was assessed at the local scale. The potential distribution of H. sericea was spatially projected for both scale areas.ResultsModel projections for western Iberia suggest that a large area is environmentally suitable in both Portugal and Spain. Climate and landscape composition sets were the most important determinants of this regional distribution of the species. Conversely, a geological predictor (schist lithology) was more important in explaining its local-scale distribution.ConclusionsAfter being introduced to Portugal, H. sericea has become a transboundary invader by expanding in parts of Galicia (Spain). The fact that a larger area is predicted as environmentally suitable in Spain raises concerns regarding its potential continued expansion. This highlights the importance of transboundary cooperation in the early management of invasions. By reliably identifying drivers and providing spatial projections of invasion at multiple scales, this framework provides insights for the study and management of biological invasions, including the assessment of transboundary invasion risk.

Methodologies to Represent and Promote the Geoheritage Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Multimedia Technologies, and Augmented Reality

Promoting geoheritage using the Internet materializes mainly through the use of maps, posters, informational murals, or websites. This information is usually detailed and visually appealing. However, in most cases, there is little interactivity and a limited or complete lack of contextualization within the geographical space. The main objective of this work was to integrate information collected with unmanned aerial vehicles, georeferenced information processed in geographical information systems, photogrammetry techniques, and multimedia technologies to promote a better computer visualization of geoheritage. A working website was built based on panoramic photography, three-dimensional representation of the terrain, and multimedia information, in order to provide a pleasant way of promoting and interacting with field geology by using the Internet. The navigation through the information is based on 360° spherical panoramic images that are fully oriented and georeferenced. Their movement can be perfectly synchronized with the viewing of the landscape by using motion sensors found on portable devices (tablets or smartphones) such as GPS, accelerometers, gyroscopes, or compasses. These images can include the access to multimedia elements such as websites, videos, images, sounds, interpretation models, text, or interactive 3D terrain models, working as an excellent support base for the provision of an augmented reality experience. If used in the field, this technical implementation can act as an interactive guide for the interpretation of the landscape. This type of content can be accessed online from locations with a network signal or can be obtained in advance for offline use.

A Green City: Impossible Dream or Necessity?

Two out of three Europeans live in towns and cities, and this number is (still) increasing. By attracting more inhabitants, urban areas are facing new challenges, particularly in terms of social and environmental issues. Meeting the challenges of increasing urban pressure may rest on citizens’ active involvement and cross-commitment promoted by local authorities, simultaneously exploring and respecting the social, cultural and heritage structures – the city’s identity. Some cities face more demanding challenges than others. There are other factors associated with the identity process, where the culture and history tend to be relevant indicators, especially in historic cities. Reinforcing the bonds of local identity may facilitate the citizens’ engagement in the common effort to build an environmental and sustainable city. The city of Guimaraes faces such challenges. In this context, the European Green Capital Award, which yearly distinguishes a European city based on its environmental, economics and life quality efforts, encouraging best practices sharing, corresponds to certifying a certain city management paradigm.