The Zarafshan river is a main trans-boundary river of the Aral Seabasin. As the main water resource, the Zarafshan river water is mainly used by the republics ofTajikistanandUzbekistan. We explored the trends of space...The Zarafshan river is a main trans-boundary river of the Aral Seabasin. As the main water resource, the Zarafshan river water is mainly used by the republics ofTajikistanandUzbekistan. We explored the trends of space-time pollution of river water with ammonium, nitrates, phosphates, biological oxygen demand (ВОD), fluorine and some heavy metals at seven water sampling points along theZarafshanRiver inUzbekistan. The experimental data showed that the water quality of the Zarafshanriver in 2002-2009 has undergone a considerable transformation, even by the length of the river. The chemical composition of the Zarafshan river water underwent changes due to the agricultural collector-drainage discharges and the sewage of the cities of Samarkand and Navoi. The water pollutants of the Zarafshan river, as a con- sequence of the agricultural pollution, consisted of mineralization, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, and pesticides. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the chemical composition of the large agricultural collector-drainage discharges into the river. The main sources of the heavy metals (primarily arsenic and zinc) in the Zarafshan river water were probably ore processing manufactures located interritoryofTajikistan.展开更多
The existence of a trans-boundary population of the snow leopard(Panthera uncia)that inhabits the massifs of Tsagaanshuvuut(Mongolia)-Tsagan-Shibetu(Russia)was determined through non-invasive genetic analysis of scat ...The existence of a trans-boundary population of the snow leopard(Panthera uncia)that inhabits the massifs of Tsagaanshuvuut(Mongolia)-Tsagan-Shibetu(Russia)was determined through non-invasive genetic analysis of scat samples and by studying the structure of territory use by a collared female individual.The genetic analysis included species identification of samples through sequencing of a fragment of the cytochrome b gene and individual identification using a panel of 8 microsatellites.The home range of a female snow leopard marked with a satellite Global Positioning System(GPS)collar was represented by the minimum convex polygon method(MCP)100,the MCP 95 method and the fixed kernel 95 method.The results revealed insignificant genetic differentiation between snow leopards that inhabit both massifs(minimal fixation index[FST]),and the data testify to the unity of the cross-border group.Moreover,5 common individuals were identified from Mongolian and Russian territories.This finding clearly shows that their home range includes territories of both countries.In addition,regular movement of a collared snow leopard in Mongolia and Russia confirmed the existence of a cross-border snow leopard group.These data support that trans-boundary conservation is important for snow leopards in both countries.We conclude that it is crucial for Russia to study the northern range of snow leopards in Asia.展开更多
Land use change (LUC) in trans-boundary watersheds is of great importance to environmental assessment. The Aksu River is the largest trans-boundary river crossing Kyrgyzstan and China,but there was little information ...Land use change (LUC) in trans-boundary watersheds is of great importance to environmental assessment. The Aksu River is the largest trans-boundary river crossing Kyrgyzstan and China,but there was little information on the LUC of the watershed. We quantitatively investigated the processes and trends of its LUC by using analytic models based on the land use data derived from the remote sensing images and topographic maps. The LUC was in the quasi-balanced status with a slight difference between the loss and the gain of the area for most land use types during the period of 1960-1990,whereas transferred to the unbalanced status with significant difference between the loss and gain of the area during the period of 1990-2008. At the same time,land conversion direction changed from two-way transition to one-way transition for the most land use types. The integrated rate of net change of land use during the period of 1990-2008 is 2.1 times of that during the period of 1960-1990. Information on the processes and trends of LUC is valuable for better understanding the environmental changes across the whole trans-boundary watershed,and helpful to decision-making management for Kyrgyzstan and China.展开更多
The sharing economy based on the "Internet plus" has penetrated into all aspects of the economy and society and ushered in the widest-ranging economic revolution which is sweeping the 21 st century. The &quo...The sharing economy based on the "Internet plus" has penetrated into all aspects of the economy and society and ushered in the widest-ranging economic revolution which is sweeping the 21 st century. The "Internet plus," by introducing trans-boundary reallocation of social resources, has radically changed the traditional patterns characterizing the market economy, such as the pattern of resource allocation, consumption, innovation, and wealth creation. It implants an innovative nervous system into the traditional market economy and makes it possible for a modern economy to evolve from a mechanical system into a complex living organism. The future economy, owning a life mechanism, will witness wealth being created through wisdom. The current exploding growth of cloud computing and big data signals a transformation from a knowledge-based economy to a wisdom-based smart economy. What is truly worth noticing is that, as humans step into an era of a sharing economy, China, among all the thriving sharing economies, boasts unique late-mover advantages and shares equal opportunities with the developed countries. This requires China to avoid simply following suit and instead taking an approach of self-innovation for economic development.展开更多
The trans-boundary Amu River Basin (ARB), which is shared among Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, is a primary source for human population and ecosystem. Future water demand in Afghanis...The trans-boundary Amu River Basin (ARB), which is shared among Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, is a primary source for human population and ecosystem. Future water demand in Afghanistan is likely to increase due to ambitious development plans after long-term unrest in the country. In accordance with high water abstraction in the Afghan part of ARB and its impacts on the downstream countries, water cooperation mechanisms are analyzed using the desk study approach. The results concerning regional water cooperation on the ARB show that, the level of cooperation between Afghanistan and central Asian riparian countries is reasonably weak. There are certain issues causing lack of cooperation between Afghanistan and central Asian riparian countries. Developmental and political interests of riparian states are key impediments to regional water cooperation on ARB. Technical impediments include the lack of human capacity, no application of basin approach and, lack of donor coordination at regional level. The policy analysis as a result of this study envisaged that initiatives to improve water management practices and increase productivity are highly needed in the study area to mitigate the foreseeing increase in irrigated water demand. The international framework law of UNWCC 1997 cannot be applied generally in central Asia and particularly in Afghanistan. Thirdly, Afghanistan’s participation in regional water cooperation framework i.e. ICWC is highly needed though participation as permanent member requires a “revise water demand assessment by ICWC” on the basis of reliable data, current infrastructural development and irrigation expansion plans of Afghanistan albeit donor agencies could play a mediation role in establishing agreement on water allocation between Afghanistan and other riparian countries.展开更多
The NB （Nile River Basin） is considered one of the most population lives in its riparian countries. Out of the latter about 50% live important basins in Africa, as over 33% of the African in the NB. In this paper a ...The NB （Nile River Basin） is considered one of the most population lives in its riparian countries. Out of the latter about 50% live important basins in Africa, as over 33% of the African in the NB. In this paper a historical background on the NB cooperation evolvement including the recent NBI （NB Initiative） is briefly reported. The natural and human challenges facing the Nile water management are examined and discussed. The present dilemma among the Nile riparian countries is highlighted and its reasons are explained. The latter includes the NB CFA （Cooperative Framework Agreement）, which has been signed by six countries （Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda） while rejected by Egypt, Sudan and not signed by DR of Congo. Eretria and the newly established country ＂South Sudan＂ stands are not yet clear. Based on scientific methodology and analytical discussion, a number of solutions for better management of the trans-boundary Nile waters are drawn; taking into consideration the experiences of other international rivers shared basins. Finally, the paper concludes with recommendations and guidelines that may help in the way forward.展开更多
The conservation of migratory wildlife species in the savannah habitat can be a challenge because of frequent and prolonged drought and their requirements for a large area. We investigated the performance of the wilde...The conservation of migratory wildlife species in the savannah habitat can be a challenge because of frequent and prolonged drought and their requirements for a large area. We investigated the performance of the wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) population in the 25,624 km2 Kilimanjaro landscape of Kenya and Tanzania, which comprises Amboseli-West Kilimanjaro-Magadi-Natron after 2009 drought. We used total aerial counts to determine the spatial distribution and numbers of wildebeests during wet and dry season in 2010 and 2013. Global Positioning System and digital voice recorders were used to count wildebeests along established transects within blocks. There was an increase in the wildebeest population by 103% during the wet season and 14% during the dry season between 2010 and 2013. The seasonal variation in density occurred between the four counting blocks with Natron and Magadi areas recording the highest densities. Generally, the increase in population could be attributed to the recovery of the population after the 2009 drought. The current cross border collaboration between Kenya and Tanzania in aerial surveys is an important step in the conservation of this migratory species in the landscape. This study demonstrates that detailed knowledge of density and spatial distribution of migratory species is required to plan effective conservation action.展开更多
The historical background of a watercourse,whether it be a natural river or an artificial canal,holds great importance in understanding hydrological heritage,landscape evolution,planning processes,and making informed ...The historical background of a watercourse,whether it be a natural river or an artificial canal,holds great importance in understanding hydrological heritage,landscape evolution,planning processes,and making informed predictions for the future.This study focuses on the case study of the Churni River,which has been regarded as an artificial canal in the local literature,history,and geography research papers.The objective of this study is to investigate the authenticity of the claims and explore whether the Churni River is a natural river or an artificially constructed canal.Through an examination of existing literature and the present channel morphology,it becomes apparent that the alleged myths and rumors surrounding the origin of the Churni River,proposing its deliberate construction as a man-made canal by Maharaja Krishnachandra,lack substantial evidence.Conversely,a more plausible scenario emerges,suggesting that the Maharaja's endeavors were likely focused on rejuvenating the degraded and silt-laden course of an already existing river.Additionally,no evidence is found to support the claim that the name“Churni”was assigned by Maharaja Krishnachandra,and the alternative name“Kangkana”lacks substantiation as a name for the river.This research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the historical and geographical context of the Churni River,shedding light on its origin and nature while emphasizing the significance of historical analysis in distinguishing natural river channels from artificial canals and will widen the avenue of future research on river heritage of like situation.展开更多
The Nested Air Quality Prediction Model System(NAQPMS)was used to investigate the temporal and spatial variations of PM2.5over tropospheric central eastern China in January 2013.The impact of regional transport and it...The Nested Air Quality Prediction Model System(NAQPMS)was used to investigate the temporal and spatial variations of PM2.5over tropospheric central eastern China in January 2013.The impact of regional transport and its implications on pollution prevention and control were also examined.Comparison between simulated and observed PM2.5showed NAQPMS was able to reproduce the evolution of PM2.5during heavy haze episodes.The results indicated that regional transport of PM2.5played an important role in regional haze episodes in the city cluster including Hebei,Beijing and Tianjin(HBT).The cross-city clusters transport outside HBT and transport among cities inside HBT contributed 20%–35%and 26%–35%of PM2.5as compared with local emission,in HBT respectively.To meet the Air Quality Standards for Grade II,90%,90%and65%of emissions would have to be cut down in Hebei,Tianjin and Beijing,if non-control strategy was taken in the surrounding city clusters of HBT.This implicated that control of emissions in one city cluster is not sufficient to reduce regional haze events,and joint efforts among city clusters are essential.Besides regional transports,two-way feedback between boundary-layer evolution and PM2.5also significantly contributed to the formation of heavy hazes,which contributed 30%of monthly average PM2.5concentration in HBT.展开更多
文摘The Zarafshan river is a main trans-boundary river of the Aral Seabasin. As the main water resource, the Zarafshan river water is mainly used by the republics ofTajikistanandUzbekistan. We explored the trends of space-time pollution of river water with ammonium, nitrates, phosphates, biological oxygen demand (ВОD), fluorine and some heavy metals at seven water sampling points along theZarafshanRiver inUzbekistan. The experimental data showed that the water quality of the Zarafshanriver in 2002-2009 has undergone a considerable transformation, even by the length of the river. The chemical composition of the Zarafshan river water underwent changes due to the agricultural collector-drainage discharges and the sewage of the cities of Samarkand and Navoi. The water pollutants of the Zarafshan river, as a con- sequence of the agricultural pollution, consisted of mineralization, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, and pesticides. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the chemical composition of the large agricultural collector-drainage discharges into the river. The main sources of the heavy metals (primarily arsenic and zinc) in the Zarafshan river water were probably ore processing manufactures located interritoryofTajikistan.
基金This work was executed with financial support from:the Joint Russian-Mongolian complex biological expedition RAS and MASthe Russian Geographic Society+4 种基金the Snow Leopard Conservancythe Siberian Wellness Corporationthe Program Office of WWF Mongoliathe Mongolian Center,Irbisand the Russian Foundation for Basic Research jointly with the Department of Science and Technology,India(project no.19-54-45038).
文摘The existence of a trans-boundary population of the snow leopard(Panthera uncia)that inhabits the massifs of Tsagaanshuvuut(Mongolia)-Tsagan-Shibetu(Russia)was determined through non-invasive genetic analysis of scat samples and by studying the structure of territory use by a collared female individual.The genetic analysis included species identification of samples through sequencing of a fragment of the cytochrome b gene and individual identification using a panel of 8 microsatellites.The home range of a female snow leopard marked with a satellite Global Positioning System(GPS)collar was represented by the minimum convex polygon method(MCP)100,the MCP 95 method and the fixed kernel 95 method.The results revealed insignificant genetic differentiation between snow leopards that inhabit both massifs(minimal fixation index[FST]),and the data testify to the unity of the cross-border group.Moreover,5 common individuals were identified from Mongolian and Russian territories.This finding clearly shows that their home range includes territories of both countries.In addition,regular movement of a collared snow leopard in Mongolia and Russia confirmed the existence of a cross-border snow leopard group.These data support that trans-boundary conservation is important for snow leopards in both countries.We conclude that it is crucial for Russia to study the northern range of snow leopards in Asia.
基金funded by the Key Topics in Innovation Engineering of Chinese Academy of Sciences (KZCX2-YW-307-3)the National Basic Research Program of China (2009CB825105)
文摘Land use change (LUC) in trans-boundary watersheds is of great importance to environmental assessment. The Aksu River is the largest trans-boundary river crossing Kyrgyzstan and China,but there was little information on the LUC of the watershed. We quantitatively investigated the processes and trends of its LUC by using analytic models based on the land use data derived from the remote sensing images and topographic maps. The LUC was in the quasi-balanced status with a slight difference between the loss and the gain of the area for most land use types during the period of 1960-1990,whereas transferred to the unbalanced status with significant difference between the loss and gain of the area during the period of 1990-2008. At the same time,land conversion direction changed from two-way transition to one-way transition for the most land use types. The integrated rate of net change of land use during the period of 1990-2008 is 2.1 times of that during the period of 1960-1990. Information on the processes and trends of LUC is valuable for better understanding the environmental changes across the whole trans-boundary watershed,and helpful to decision-making management for Kyrgyzstan and China.
文摘The sharing economy based on the "Internet plus" has penetrated into all aspects of the economy and society and ushered in the widest-ranging economic revolution which is sweeping the 21 st century. The "Internet plus," by introducing trans-boundary reallocation of social resources, has radically changed the traditional patterns characterizing the market economy, such as the pattern of resource allocation, consumption, innovation, and wealth creation. It implants an innovative nervous system into the traditional market economy and makes it possible for a modern economy to evolve from a mechanical system into a complex living organism. The future economy, owning a life mechanism, will witness wealth being created through wisdom. The current exploding growth of cloud computing and big data signals a transformation from a knowledge-based economy to a wisdom-based smart economy. What is truly worth noticing is that, as humans step into an era of a sharing economy, China, among all the thriving sharing economies, boasts unique late-mover advantages and shares equal opportunities with the developed countries. This requires China to avoid simply following suit and instead taking an approach of self-innovation for economic development.
文摘The trans-boundary Amu River Basin (ARB), which is shared among Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, is a primary source for human population and ecosystem. Future water demand in Afghanistan is likely to increase due to ambitious development plans after long-term unrest in the country. In accordance with high water abstraction in the Afghan part of ARB and its impacts on the downstream countries, water cooperation mechanisms are analyzed using the desk study approach. The results concerning regional water cooperation on the ARB show that, the level of cooperation between Afghanistan and central Asian riparian countries is reasonably weak. There are certain issues causing lack of cooperation between Afghanistan and central Asian riparian countries. Developmental and political interests of riparian states are key impediments to regional water cooperation on ARB. Technical impediments include the lack of human capacity, no application of basin approach and, lack of donor coordination at regional level. The policy analysis as a result of this study envisaged that initiatives to improve water management practices and increase productivity are highly needed in the study area to mitigate the foreseeing increase in irrigated water demand. The international framework law of UNWCC 1997 cannot be applied generally in central Asia and particularly in Afghanistan. Thirdly, Afghanistan’s participation in regional water cooperation framework i.e. ICWC is highly needed though participation as permanent member requires a “revise water demand assessment by ICWC” on the basis of reliable data, current infrastructural development and irrigation expansion plans of Afghanistan albeit donor agencies could play a mediation role in establishing agreement on water allocation between Afghanistan and other riparian countries.
文摘The NB （Nile River Basin） is considered one of the most population lives in its riparian countries. Out of the latter about 50% live important basins in Africa, as over 33% of the African in the NB. In this paper a historical background on the NB cooperation evolvement including the recent NBI （NB Initiative） is briefly reported. The natural and human challenges facing the Nile water management are examined and discussed. The present dilemma among the Nile riparian countries is highlighted and its reasons are explained. The latter includes the NB CFA （Cooperative Framework Agreement）, which has been signed by six countries （Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda） while rejected by Egypt, Sudan and not signed by DR of Congo. Eretria and the newly established country ＂South Sudan＂ stands are not yet clear. Based on scientific methodology and analytical discussion, a number of solutions for better management of the trans-boundary Nile waters are drawn; taking into consideration the experiences of other international rivers shared basins. Finally, the paper concludes with recommendations and guidelines that may help in the way forward.
文摘The conservation of migratory wildlife species in the savannah habitat can be a challenge because of frequent and prolonged drought and their requirements for a large area. We investigated the performance of the wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) population in the 25,624 km2 Kilimanjaro landscape of Kenya and Tanzania, which comprises Amboseli-West Kilimanjaro-Magadi-Natron after 2009 drought. We used total aerial counts to determine the spatial distribution and numbers of wildebeests during wet and dry season in 2010 and 2013. Global Positioning System and digital voice recorders were used to count wildebeests along established transects within blocks. There was an increase in the wildebeest population by 103% during the wet season and 14% during the dry season between 2010 and 2013. The seasonal variation in density occurred between the four counting blocks with Natron and Magadi areas recording the highest densities. Generally, the increase in population could be attributed to the recovery of the population after the 2009 drought. The current cross border collaboration between Kenya and Tanzania in aerial surveys is an important step in the conservation of this migratory species in the landscape. This study demonstrates that detailed knowledge of density and spatial distribution of migratory species is required to plan effective conservation action.
文摘The historical background of a watercourse,whether it be a natural river or an artificial canal,holds great importance in understanding hydrological heritage,landscape evolution,planning processes,and making informed predictions for the future.This study focuses on the case study of the Churni River,which has been regarded as an artificial canal in the local literature,history,and geography research papers.The objective of this study is to investigate the authenticity of the claims and explore whether the Churni River is a natural river or an artificially constructed canal.Through an examination of existing literature and the present channel morphology,it becomes apparent that the alleged myths and rumors surrounding the origin of the Churni River,proposing its deliberate construction as a man-made canal by Maharaja Krishnachandra,lack substantial evidence.Conversely,a more plausible scenario emerges,suggesting that the Maharaja's endeavors were likely focused on rejuvenating the degraded and silt-laden course of an already existing river.Additionally,no evidence is found to support the claim that the name“Churni”was assigned by Maharaja Krishnachandra,and the alternative name“Kangkana”lacks substantiation as a name for the river.This research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the historical and geographical context of the Churni River,shedding light on its origin and nature while emphasizing the significance of historical analysis in distinguishing natural river channels from artificial canals and will widen the avenue of future research on river heritage of like situation.
基金supported by the CAS Strategic Priority Research Program(Grant Nos.XDB05030200 and XDB05030101)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41278138)
文摘The Nested Air Quality Prediction Model System(NAQPMS)was used to investigate the temporal and spatial variations of PM2.5over tropospheric central eastern China in January 2013.The impact of regional transport and its implications on pollution prevention and control were also examined.Comparison between simulated and observed PM2.5showed NAQPMS was able to reproduce the evolution of PM2.5during heavy haze episodes.The results indicated that regional transport of PM2.5played an important role in regional haze episodes in the city cluster including Hebei,Beijing and Tianjin(HBT).The cross-city clusters transport outside HBT and transport among cities inside HBT contributed 20%–35%and 26%–35%of PM2.5as compared with local emission,in HBT respectively.To meet the Air Quality Standards for Grade II,90%,90%and65%of emissions would have to be cut down in Hebei,Tianjin and Beijing,if non-control strategy was taken in the surrounding city clusters of HBT.This implicated that control of emissions in one city cluster is not sufficient to reduce regional haze events,and joint efforts among city clusters are essential.Besides regional transports,two-way feedback between boundary-layer evolution and PM2.5also significantly contributed to the formation of heavy hazes,which contributed 30%of monthly average PM2.5concentration in HBT.
