Outputs of conservation planning research are likely to be translated into action more quickly and successfully if a transdisciplinary approach is adopted, according to a recent study. The researchers have applied a transdisciplinary framework 'pyramid of knowledge' to aid in understanding the process of converting research into action, which may also be applicable to other academic disciplines.

The exact impact of environmental law on investment by EU industry is relatively unknown. A new study has explored the effects of regulation on four types of industry investment and the results indicate that, in general, regulation tends to encourage more investment, but if restrictions are too tight investment levels can start to fall.

Mandatory legislation can play an important role in managers’ decisions to keep their supply chains ‘green’, according to a recent survey of Greek businesses which investigated incentives driving investment in green management practices.

More than 200 pieces of English and EU-wide marine environmental legislation have been analysed in a recent review. While complex, the legislation adequately covered all areas of the marine environment, the authors conclude. However, there is opportunity to remove overlap and conflicts between different legislation and improve cross-border co-operation.

Using commercial seed mixtures to replant European grasslands tends to produce a smaller range of species than originally grew on the land. New research has identified several methods that successfully reproduce the original range of species, such as transferring of fresh hay or soil that contains seeds.

Researchers have recommended new, improved ways of increasing the ecological value of European grasslands. Plant diversity ??? or species richness ??? can be increased by a factor of three through sowing grass and wildflower seed mixtures, together with a carefully controlled plan for animal grazing.

A new study exploring the sensitivity of grassland and forest plants to decreasing habitat size and isolation in north-central Europe concludes that an irreversible shift in the most dominant plant species may already be underway in forests and grassland, where forests are more vulnerable than grasslands.

Wet grasslands abandoned less than 40 years ago can be successfully restored within a decade, a recent analysis suggests. By examining the findings of a range of studies, it identified the causes and consequences of abandonment and the key factors in successful restoration.

National bird conservation policies implemented in Eastern Europe in the 1990s have substantially benefited bird populations across the region, a new study has shown. Compared with the period 1970-1990, the population trends of species protected by national legislation improved during 1990-2000, particularly for those species receiving focused attention. Across the 306 species studied, the average rate of decline was much lower after protection than before. This suggests that modern conservation policies in the region were already taking effect.

Scientists recommend policies that alternate between mowing and grazing to manage Europe’s high-nature-value grasslands. This comes after a new seven-year study found that a high plant-species diversity helps grasslands to maintain productivity and to resist depletion of phosphorus caused by livestock grazing and depletion of potassium caused by mowing.

Lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) populations survive equally well in grassland and artichoke fields in Italy, a recent study has concluded. Overall, however, populations are declining and the researchers recommend reducing pesticide use, growing alternative crops such as artichokes, and maintaining grasslands as part of the farming landscape.

Grasslands cover 30–40% of European agricultural areas. Agri-environmental schemes leading to even small changes in grassland biodiversity could elicit extensive benefits. A new study on working farms in southwest England highlights the contribution of the plant diversity of the grassland to the abundance and diversity of insect pollinators and their potential to increase crop yields. The researchers make recommendations for which species to include in seed mixes.

Eradication of invasive mammal species is a strategy used to help conserve biodiversity on islands and restore populations of native species. Researchers have now assessed the success of this strategy globally, highlighting the importance of controlling invasive species to protect biodiversity on islands and achieve global conservation targets.

The prominent role of EU countries in the international trade of reptiles for pets, including many rare and illegally traded species, is highlighted in a recent study. The researchers call for better enforcement and tighter legislation to control the trade, which is a major threat to global biodiversity. In particular the researchers appeal for legislation to be passed for species protected in their native range countries, which can currently be freely traded in the EU if they are not subject to international trade conventions such as CITES.

The influence of light-emitting diodes (LED) on grassland invertebrate communities has been assessed in a recent study. White LEDs increased the total abundance and changed the species of spiders and beetles recorded. Dimming lights and switching lights off during the middle of the night were the best ways of reducing the effects on beetle and spider numbers.

Results-based agri-environment measures are an alternative to management-based measures that, in certain circumstances, could be both more effective and more cost-efficient, since their payment depends on the provision of the desired conservation outcome. This study reviews the success of a scheme, introduced in Germany in 2000, to preserve biodiversity in species-rich grassland.

A range of legislation, including the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), is designed to ensure the ‘Good Environmental Status’ (GES) of EU seas by 2020. Researchers have assessed the MSFD in relation to existing maritime policies, concluding that coordination between directives is important to achieve GES.

A common anti-parasitic drug used to control gastrointestinal worms in livestock has been shown to inhibit seed germination of three common grassland species. This recent study is the first to show that anthelmintics may negatively affect plant regeneration. The researchers say that treatments should be carefully timed in order to avoid the strongest impact of the drugs on germination and the consequential negative affect on grassland regeneration.

Recently adopted EU waste legislation and its implementation at national level could have a significant effect on some countries’ emission loads for municipal solid waste incinerators, according to a recent study. The study suggests that the effects of increasing incineration over the next decade would be most profound for countries where incineration is currently only used on a small scale.

A Christmas Island man has been sentenced to four years and four months jail today (Friday, 8 May) in the Western Australia District Court for six child abuse-related offences involving a young girl.

The post Trainers flock to Kangaroo Island races appeared first on The Lead SA.

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It set 2020 capital outlays at $800 million, 33 percent below previous guidance and the first sub-$1 billion budget since 2016.

Equinor ASA became the first major oil company to cut its dividend amid an historic market rout.

On the same day OPEC-style oil quotas in Texas were pronounced dead on arrival, shale drillers disclosed more supply cuts.

These heart-shaped islands are top-notch destinations for romantic vacations, honeymoons, weddings and marriage proposals.

Tesla unveils the Tesla Semi, an electric semi truck, and surprises everyone with an update to the Roadster at the same live event.

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While rising sea levels ultimately influence the entire planet, they pose the greatest threat to the islands sitting at sea level.

30 years after its near-calamity, the American nuclear industry is still paying for its inability to tell the truth on its worst day.

Should working farm animals be allowed to live a peaceful retirement, or should they be slaughtered and consumed? The fate of oxen at a little farm at Green Mou

Decades after the world's two biggest previous nuclear disasters, NBC's Jeff Rossen and Michelle Kosinski look back at the impact of the meltdowns.

Long before modern countries like China and Dubai began making artificial islands, the Calusa people built a kingdom on seashells.

The Tesla Roadster always looked good on paper, but there's no substitute for actually driving one. Waiting for the electric future? It's here!

The wunderkind behind the battery-powered car revolution chats with MNN about his company's future.

Tesla Motors announces a new lease option for its electric supercar -- only $1,658 per month.

During the Russian leg of the Odyssey of Pioneers tour, the Tesla Roadster received clearance to park in Moscow’s famed Red Square.

Tesla Motors, maker of the Tesla Roadster electric sports car, hopes to sell 10 million shares of the company during its IPO on June 29.

Tesla is losing money, but its IPO is likely to succeed because it's the sexiest automaker on the planet, and everybody wants some of the fairy dust.

'Dippin’ in my Tesla' not likely to get radio playtime, but it won't make your ears bleed either.

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Tom Gage was one of the creators of the high-performance electric TZero, the car that inspired the Tesla Roadster. But he didn't want to be a carmaker. Instead,

Although the Tesla Roadster is already on the streets of America, one Motor Trend writer favors the upcoming Chevy Volt over the electric supercar.

Tesla Motors has issued a voluntary recall for certain Roadster models.

In an interview with MNN, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is candid about his company's finances, the competition, the Model S and its prospects for the future.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk is nothing if not outspoken. Here, in the second of three interview segments, he talks about prospects for the company's affordable Model S

Tesla Motors is suing the popular BBC series, 'Top Gear,' over a December 2008 episode that raises questions about the range of the Roadster.

I liked this small battery SUV fine, though it exhibited a mysterious slowdown. If charge times are speeded up and the price kept within reason, it should sell.