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Analysis of Biodiversity Conservation in the Gulf of Honduras Region

EPA Grant Number: U915392
Title: Analysis of Biodiversity Conservation in the Gulf of Honduras Region
Investigators: Cheeseman, Ted F.
Institution: Duke University
EPA Project Officer: McClure, Karen
Project Period: January 1, 1998 through January 1, 2001
Project Amount: $68,000
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1998)
Research Category: Ecological Indicators/Assessment/Restoration , Fellowship - Ecology and Ecosystems , Academic Fellowships

Description:

Objective:

The objectives of this research project are to: (1) analyze the status of biodiversity conservation; and (2) develop information systems capable of decision support for conservation activities in the Gulf of Honduras (shared between Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras).

Approach:

I will develop a digital elevation model and use a time series of Landsat imagery joined with field data to conduct a high-resolution assessment of land use and land cover. I will build a gap analysis-type assessment of the status of biodiversity protection in the region at a 100-meter pixel resolution. Protection status will be evaluated at two levels: (1) considering everything within protected area boundaries represented; and (2) considering the true protection status of each area. In developing countries, it cannot be assumed that habitat within protected area boundaries is truly protected. Therefore, to make this assessment, I will interview protected area guards and managers to fill a spatial survey of current threats within protected areas. Collectively, these datasets will create a base for landscape scale integration of conservation efforts, and will be built on with ancillary data during the next 5 years.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, biodiversity conservation, Gulf of Honduras, digital elevation models, land use, land cover, conservation efforts. , Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Geographic Area, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Biology, Monitoring/Modeling, International, biological control model, Gulf of Honduras, conservaton, digital spatial information, ecosystem restoration, land management, Belize, decision support, ecological models, biodiversity, Honduras, digital elevation model

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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