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Volume XII |

Hierarchical analysis of the threats for Species of Community Interest in the Iron Gates Natural Park, Romania

Abstract: Threats to biodiversity are diverse and the management of these threats is a major research direction in the conservation of biological diversity. Determining the status of a species is essential in identifying those in danger of becoming extinct and also to establish conservation priorities. For the management of all types of threats that manifest themselves for certain species of community interest in the Iron Gates Natural Park, we must first understand their causes and effects. Conservationists are increasingly interested in determining threats to biological communities, this being an important part of territorial and environmental planning strategies. The analysis undertaken for some geographical areas showed that the most important threats are the socio-economic and demographic variables, the fragmentation, destruction and degradation of habitats through various practices, the introduction of non-native species, illegal hunting or overfishing. In this context, for elaborating sustainable patterns of habitat management we must analyze and prioritize the threats that we are dealing with. The method requires an inventory of the main threats in the Iron Gates Natural Park, the threats for certain Species of Community Interest (Tulipa hungarica, Colchicum arenarium, Pulsatilla grandis). We have also applied a method used by WWF in order to achieve a hierarchy of the main threats and to establish logical and efficient actions that can be locally applicable.

Volume X |

Distribution of Urban Green Spaces – an Indicator of Topophobia – Topophilia of Urban Residential Neighborhoods. Case Study of 5th District of Bucharest, Romania

Abstract: Given the lack of usable data in the correct assessment of housing quality in an urban ecosystem, it is necessary to establish a system of environmental indices that can be used to evaluate and compare the attractiveness of urban neighborhoods. Oxygen generating surfaces fulfill multiple functions and give a certain quality to urban environment and housing, especially through the green spaces. Green spaces have an unequal distribution in the area of Bucharest. The structure, functions, adding availability and/or attractiveness of green areas define the neighborhoods in which they are located, and whether they are topophile or topophobe ones. In the present study, based on field observations, processing of cartographic materials and using the green spaces as most relevant index, topophile and topophobe neighborhoods have been identified in Bucharest. The tendency of residential areas development was also evaluated and it was found that it depends on the attractiveness of existing urban parks or neighborhood gardens.