This article presents a preliminary System Dynamics model developed to analyze the sustainability of a natural reserve in Mexico: the Tamiahua Wetlands. Wetlands are often referred to as nature’s kidneys because they filter contaminants from water. In spite of their importance, wetlands are endangered areas around the world. In order to build the model we take into account the Fishbanks model developed by Meadows (2004) as a starting point. Then, the model considers variables related to changes in total and economically active populations, and contaminants in water. The preliminary model presented in this study implies that fishing activity in the Tamiahua Wetlands, together with contaminants from human activity, have the potential to damage the diversity of species in the ecosystem, endangering its sustainability. Continued work on the model is intended to explore appropriate ways of preserving Tamiahua, providing inhabitants with economic activities that promote the sustainability of the region.
The main objective of this study is to evaluate the changes in the hydrographic network of Słowiński National Park. The authors analysed the changes occurring in the drainage network due to limited maintenance in this legally protected natural area. To accomplish this task, elaborations prepared on the basis of aerial photographs were used: an orthophoto map from 1996, hyperspectral imaging from June 2015, and a digital terrain model based on airborne laser scanning (ALS) from June 2015. These spatial data resources enabled the digitisation of the water courses for which selected hydro-morphological features had been defined. As a result of analysing the differences of these features, a quality map was elaborated which was then subjected to interpretation, and the identified changes were quantified in detail.
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