CDI- 9

INTRODUCTION TO
CYBERCRIME AND
ENVIRONMENTAL
LAWS
 Man and Environment
Man and environment are inter-related. The environment influences the life of human beings
and also human beings modify their environment as a result of their growth, dispersal,
activities, death and decay etc. Thus all living beings including man and their environment are
mutually reactive affecting each other in a number of ways and a dynamic equilibrium is
possible in between the two, i.e. human beings (society) and environment are interdependent.
 5 Ways Students Can Help Save the Environment
1. Use Reusable Bags. Plastic grocery- Plastic grocery-type bags that get thrown out end up in
lakes and landfills or in other parts of the environment. These can clog sewage pipes and
drainage canals and ultimately pollute the water bodies into which sewage water is pumped
into. Also, it takes a while for the bags to decompose. Whether you are shopping for food,
clothes or books, use a reusable bag.
2. Recycle. Recycling is such a simple thing to do, but so many people don’t do it. Look for
recycling cans near trashcans. Instead of throwing recyclables in the trash with your non-
recyclables, make it a point to take an extra step to locate recycling cans around your campus.
Always separate biodegradable and non biodegradable wastes.
3. Save Electricity! Use energy-efficient light bulbs instead of regular bulbs. They last longer,
which will save you a bit of money too. Make sure you turn off lights, the TV, and other
appliances when you are not using them. Lower your air conditioning or when it is not
necessary. I know this is hard to do with the excruciating heat this summer, but it is necessary.
4. Save Water -is wasted more frequently than we can see. Turn off the faucet as you are
brushing your teeth. Don’t turn your shower on until you're ready to get in and wash your hair.
Limit your water usage as you wash dishes. Changing old habits will be extremely good for the
environment.
5. Walk or cycle. Driving is one of the biggest causes of pollution. If you want to use your car,
ask yourself the following question: do i really need my car? Walk or use your bicycle if the
journey is a short one. It’s high time each and every one of us took action. It’s our planet, and
it’s our responsibility to take care of it. We’ve damaged it enough. Climate change is reversible,
we just need enough motivated people doing the right thing.
 Meanings of Environment
Descending from the Middle French preposition environ “around,” environment , in its most
basic meaning, is “that which surrounds.” When preceded by the and unmodified, it usually
refers to the natural world (“please don’t litter if you care about the environment”). In a less
physical, more extended sense, it may signify the circumstances and conditions that make up
everyday life (‘He grew up in a loving environment.”) The word may also be applied in highly
specialized ways, denoting, for example, “the position of a linguistic element” (“how g gets
pronounced in Italian depends upon its phonetic environment”) or “a computer interface from
which various tasks can be performed” (“the app works in varied environments”).
Environment is the sum total of all surroundings of a living organism, including natural forces
and other living things. Both biotic and abiotic components form environment. These two
components interact with each other and they are interdependent. The environment consists
of the interactions among plants, animals, soil, water, temperature, light, and other living and
non-living things. Environment Can Be Categorized as:
1. Built Environment- Built Environment The term built environment refers to the human-made
surroundings that provide the setting for human activity.
2. Natural Environment- Natural environment is often used as a synonym for habitat. For
instance, when we say that, the natural environment of giraffes is the savanna.
3. Social Environment- The social environment refers to the immediate physical and social
setting in which people live or in which something happens or develops. It includes the culture
that the individual was educated or lives in, and the people and institutions with whom they
interact.
Environmental concepts and principles refer to fundamental ideas and guidelines that shape
our understanding and approach to environmental issues and sustainability. These concepts
and principles guide actions aimed at protecting and preserving the natural environment for
current and future generations. Some key environmental concepts and principles include:
Sustainability: Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It emphasizes the
interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental systems and the importance of
maintaining a balance between them.
Precautionary Principle: This principle suggests that if an action or policy has the potential to
cause harm to the environment or public health, in the absence of scientific consensus, the
burden of proof falls on those proposing the action. In other words, it advocates for taking
preventive action in the face of uncertainty.
Polluter Pays Principle: According to this principle, the party responsible for pollution or
environmental damage should bear the costs associated with cleaning up the pollution or
mitigating its effects. It serves as an incentive for industries to adopt cleaner practices and
technologies.
Biodiversity Conservation: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including
plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the ecosystems they inhabit. Conservation
efforts aim to protect and preserve this diversity, recognizing its intrinsic value and the critical
role it plays in ecosystem health and resilience.
Resource Efficiency: Resource efficiency involves using resources in a sustainable and efficient
manner to minimize waste and reduce environmental impacts. It entails optimizing resource
use through practices such as recycling, energy efficiency, and sustainable consumption and
production patterns.
Interconnectedness and Systems Thinking: Environmental issues are often complex and
interconnected, requiring a holistic approach that considers the relationships and feedback
loops between different components of the environment and society. Systems thinking helps
identify underlying causes and potential solutions to environmental problems.
Ecological Footprint: The ecological footprint measures the impact of human activities on the
environment by assessing the amount of biologically productive land and water required to
sustainably support those activities and absorb their waste. It provides insights into
consumption patterns and environmental sustainability.
Adaptive Management: Adaptive management involves a flexible and iterative approach to
decision-making and resource management, based on monitoring and feedback. It recognizes
the uncertainty and dynamic nature of environmental systems and seeks to learn from
experience and adjust strategies accordingly.
Environmental Justice: Environmental justice emphasizes the fair and equitable distribution of
environmental benefits and burdens, particularly among marginalized and vulnerable
communities. It addresses disparities in exposure to environmental hazards, access to
resources, and participation in decision-making processes.
International Cooperation: Many environmental challenges transcend national boundaries,
necessitating cooperation and collaboration among countries to address issues such as climate
change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. International agreements and treaties provide
frameworks for collective action and shared responsibility.
Ecosystems and biodiversity are interconnected concepts that are essential for the functioning
and resilience of the natural world. Here are some key attributes of ecosystems and
biodiversity:
Attributes of Ecosystems:
Structure: Ecosystems have a physical structure consisting of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-
living) components. Biotic components include plants, animals, and microorganisms, while
abiotic components include soil, water, sunlight, and climate.
Functioning: Ecosystems perform various ecological functions, such as nutrient cycling, energy
flow, and habitat provision. These functions sustain life and maintain the balance of natural
processes.
Diversity: Ecosystems exhibit a wide variety of species and habitats, resulting in high
biodiversity. This diversity enhances ecosystem stability, resilience, and productivity.
Interactions: Within ecosystems, species interact with each other and with their physical
environment through processes such as predation, competition, and symbiosis. These
interactions influence population dynamics and ecosystem structure.
Resilience: Ecosystems have the capacity to withstand and recover from disturbances, such as
natural disasters or human activities. Resilient ecosystems can maintain their structure,
function, and biodiversity over time.
Adaptation: Ecosystems exhibit adaptive responses to environmental changes through
evolutionary processes, such as natural selection and genetic variation. Adaptation allows
ecosystems to persist and thrive in changing conditions.
Succession: Ecosystems undergo a process of succession, in which communities of plants and
animals gradually change over time in response to disturbances or environmental gradients.
Succession contributes to ecosystem development and diversity.
Attributes of Biodiversity:
Species Diversity: Biodiversity encompasses the variety of species present in a particular
ecosystem or across the planet. Species diversity includes different types of organisms, such as
plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
Genetic Diversity: Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genes within and between
populations of the same species. It is essential for adaptation, resilience, and the long-term
survival of species in changing environments.
Ecosystem Diversity: Biodiversity also includes diversity at the ecosystem level, encompassing
different types of habitats, ecosystems, and ecological communities. Ecosystem diversity
contributes to overall ecological resilience and functionality.
Functional Diversity: Functional diversity refers to the variety of ecological functions
performed by different species within ecosystems. It includes traits such as feeding habits,
reproductive strategies, and habitat preferences, which influence ecosystem processes and
services.
Temporal Diversity: Biodiversity exists not only in space but also across time, encompassing
variations in species composition and abundance over evolutionary and ecological time scales.
Temporal diversity reflects the dynamic nature of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Cultural Diversity: Biodiversity is also intertwined with human cultures and societies, which
have evolved in close relationship with the natural world. Cultural diversity includes traditional
knowledge, practices, and values related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource
use.
Economic Value: Biodiversity provides a wide range of ecosystem services that are essential for
human well-being, including food, medicine, clean air and water, and climate regulation. It also
supports economic activities such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, contributing to
livelihoods and economic development.
These attributes highlight the complexity and importance of ecosystems and biodiversity for
sustaining life on Earth and supporting human societies. Protecting and conserving biodiversity
and ecosystems is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, resilience, and the long-term
health of the planet.
The environment faces numerous threats, many of which are anthropogenic (caused by human
activities). These threats can have significant impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the well-
being of both humans and the planet as a whole. Here are some of the major threats to the
environment:
1. Climate Change: One of the most pressing environmental threats, climate change is driven
primarily by the emission of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane) from
human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Climate
change leads to rising global temperatures, altered weather patterns, sea level rise, and
increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
2. Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation: Human activities such as deforestation,
urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development lead to the destruction
and fragmentation of natural habitats. This loss of habitat threatens biodiversity by reducing
available living space and resources for plants and animals, leading to population declines and
extinction.
3. Loss of Biodiversity: Biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate due to various factors,
including habitat destruction, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources, invasive species,
and climate change. The loss of biodiversity not only reduces the resilience and stability of
ecosystems but also undermines vital ecosystem services upon which human societies depend.
4. Pollution: Pollution of air, water, and soil is a significant environmental threat with diverse
sources such as industrial activities, agriculture, transportation, and improper waste disposal.
Pollutants can have harmful effects on human health, wildlife, and ecosystems, leading to
respiratory diseases, water contamination, habitat degradation, and loss of biodiversity.
5. Overexploitation of Natural Resources: Unsustainable exploitation of natural resources,
including forests, fisheries, minerals, and freshwater, leads to depletion, degradation, and loss
of these resources. Overfishing, illegal logging, excessive water extraction, and mining activities
can result in ecosystem collapse, loss of biodiversity, and negative socio-economic impacts on
local communities.
6. Invasive Species: Invasive alien species introduced deliberately or accidentally by human
activities can disrupt native ecosystems, outcompete native species for resources, spread
diseases, and alter ecosystem processes. Invasive species pose a significant threat to
biodiversity and ecosystem stability, particularly on islands and in isolated ecosystems.
7. Land Degradation: Land degradation, including soil erosion, desertification, salinization, and
land pollution, reduces the productivity and resilience of terrestrial ecosystems. Unsustainable
agricultural practices, deforestation, overgrazing, and urban sprawl contribute to land
degradation, leading to loss of biodiversity, food insecurity, and socio-economic challenges.
8. Water Scarcity and Pollution: Growing demands for water resources, coupled with pollution
from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources, result in water scarcity and degradation of
freshwater ecosystems. Contamination of rivers, lakes, and groundwater with pollutants affects
aquatic biodiversity, human health, and ecosystem services such as drinking water supply and
fisheries.
9. Ocean Degradation: Human activities, including overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction,
and climate change, pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Ocean
degradation leads to declines in fish stocks, loss of coral reefs and mangroves, marine pollution,
ocean acidification, and the loss of marine biodiversity.
10. Loss of Cultural and Indigenous Knowledge: Rapid socio-economic changes and
globalization contribute to the erosion of traditional knowledge and cultural practices related to
environmental conservation and sustainable resource management. The loss of indigenous
knowledge systems undermines efforts to address environmental challenges and adapt to
changing conditions.
Addressing these threats requires concerted efforts at local, national, and global levels to
promote sustainable development, conservation of biodiversity, climate action, and responsible
stewardship of natural resources. It also requires fostering awareness, cooperation, and
partnerships among governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and local communities
to safeguard the environment for present and future generations.
Humanity faces numerous threats, ranging from natural disasters to human-made challenges.
These threats can have significant impacts on health, safety, livelihoods, and overall well-being.
Here are some of the major threats to mankind:
1. Pandemics and Infectious Diseases: Infectious diseases, such as pandemics caused by novel
viruses (e.g., COVID-19), pose significant threats to global health security. These diseases can
spread rapidly across borders, overwhelm healthcare systems, and have devastating social and
economic consequences.
2. Climate Change: Climate change poses severe risks to human societies, including extreme
weather events, rising sea levels, shifts in precipitation patterns, and disruptions to ecosystems
and agriculture. These impacts can lead to food and water shortages, displacement of
populations, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters.
3. Natural Disasters: Natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods,
wildfires, and volcanic eruptions, pose immediate threats to human life, property, and
infrastructure. These events can cause widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life,
particularly in vulnerable communities.
4. Conflict and War: Armed conflict, terrorism, and political instability present significant
threats to human security and well-being. Wars and conflicts result in displacement of
populations, loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of essential services such
as healthcare and education.
5. Poverty and Inequality: Poverty, inequality, and social injustice undermine human
development and well-being, leading to inadequate access to basic necessities such as food,
clean water, healthcare, education, and housing. These socio-economic disparities exacerbate
vulnerabilities and perpetuate cycles of poverty and marginalization.
6. Food Insecurity: Food insecurity and malnutrition affect millions of people worldwide,
leading to hunger, micronutrient deficiencies, stunted growth, and poor health outcomes.
Factors such as poverty, conflict, climate change, and unequal distribution of resources
contribute to food insecurity and hunger.
7. Water Scarcity: Water scarcity, exacerbated by population growth, climate change, pollution,
and inefficient water management practices, poses significant challenges to human health,
agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. Lack of access to clean water and sanitation contributes
to disease burden and socio-economic disparities.
8. Environmental Degradation: Environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil
erosion, pollution, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline, undermines ecosystem services
essential for human well-being, such as clean air, water, food, and climate regulation.
Degradation of natural resources threatens livelihoods, food security, and public health.
9. Technological Risks: Rapid technological advancements, including artificial intelligence,
biotechnology, nanotechnology, and cyber technologies, present both opportunities and risks
for humanity. Concerns include misuse of technology, data privacy breaches, cyberattacks, and
unintended consequences of emerging technologies.
10. Global Governance Challenges: Global governance challenges, such as geopolitical tensions,
nationalism, lack of international cooperation, and weak institutional frameworks, hinder
collective action to address global issues effectively. These challenges impede efforts to tackle
transnational threats, including climate change, pandemics, and conflicts.
Addressing these threats requires coordinated efforts at local, national, and global levels,
guided by principles of sustainability, equity, resilience, and human rights. It requires fostering
cooperation, solidarity, and innovation to build more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient
societies that can withstand and adapt to emerging challenges.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organization dedicated to
conserving nature and promoting sustainable use of natural resources. It is the world's largest
and most diverse environmental network, comprising governments, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), scientists, experts, and indigenous peoples' organizations.
Here are some key aspects of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):
Mission: The mission of the IUCN is to "influence, encourage and assist societies throughout
the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of
natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable."
History: The IUCN was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland. It
emerged from an international conference held in Fontainebleau, France, which brought
together government agencies, NGOs, and scientists to discuss conservation issues.
Members: The IUCN has over 1,400 member organizations, including government agencies,
NGOs, indigenous peoples' organizations, and scientific institutions. Its members collaborate
on conservation projects, share knowledge and expertise, and participate in decision-making
processes.
Red List of Threatened Species: One of the most well-known initiatives of the IUCN is the IUCN
Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide.
The Red List provides information on the extinction risk of thousands of species and helps
prioritize conservation efforts.
Protected Areas: The IUCN supports the establishment and management of protected areas,
such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine protected areas, to conserve biodiversity
and ecosystem services. It provides guidelines, technical assistance, and capacity-building to
enhance the effectiveness of protected area management.
Policy and Advocacy: The IUCN engages in policy advocacy and provides scientific expertise to
influence decision-making at the local, national, and international levels. It works with
governments, intergovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders to promote
conservation policies, laws, and agreements.
Sustainable Development: The IUCN promotes sustainable development by integrating
conservation objectives into development planning, natural resource management, and
poverty reduction strategies. It emphasizes the importance of balancing environmental, social,
and economic priorities for long-term sustainability.
Species Survival Commission (SSC): The IUCN's Species Survival Commission (SSC) is a network
of volunteer experts who work to conserve threatened species and their habitats. The SSC
coordinates specialist groups focused on various taxonomic groups and conservation issues.
Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM): The IUCN's Commission on Ecosystem
Management (CEM) promotes the conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems
worldwide. It develops guidance, tools, and best practices for ecosystem-based approaches to
conservation and restoration.
Collaborative Partnerships: The IUCN collaborates with a wide range of partners, including
governments, international organizations, NGOs, indigenous peoples' organizations, and the
private sector, to address conservation challenges collectively. It fosters partnerships based on
shared goals, mutual respect, and collaboration.
Overall, the IUCN plays a vital role in advancing global conservation efforts, fostering
cooperation, and promoting sustainable development for the benefit of people and nature.
The NIPAS Law and the Convention on Biological Diversity are two important legal instruments
aimed at conserving biodiversity and protecting natural areas. Here's an overview of each:
NIPAS Law (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act):
◦ The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act is a legislation enacted in the Philippines
aimed at establishing and managing a comprehensive system of protected areas throughout the
country.
◦ The NIPAS Act was passed in 1992 (Republic Act No. 7586) to conserve and preserve the country's
natural heritage, including ecosystems, habitats, and species of flora and fauna.
◦ Key provisions of the NIPAS Law include the identification, establishment, and management of
protected areas, as well as the delineation of buffer zones and regulations for resource use within
these areas.
◦ Under the NIPAS Law, protected areas may include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, marine
reserves, protected landscapes and seascapes, and other types of conservation areas.
◦ The NIPAS Act also promotes community participation, indigenous peoples' rights, and sustainable
resource management within protected areas.
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
The Convention on Biological Diversity is an international treaty established during the Earth
Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
The CBD aims to promote the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its
components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
Key objectives of the CBD include the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of
biological resources, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic
resources.
The CBD emphasizes the importance of ecosystem conservation and restoration, as well as the
integration of biodiversity considerations into development planning and decision-making
processes.
The CBD also encourages international cooperation and collaboration among countries to
address global biodiversity challenges, such as habitat loss, species extinction, invasive species,
and climate change.
The CBD consists of three main components: the Convention itself, the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety, and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.
Both the NIPAS Law and the Convention on Biological Diversity play crucial roles in promoting
the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at the national and international levels,
respectively. They provide frameworks for protecting natural areas, conserving species and
ecosystems, and promoting sustainable development practices that benefit both people and
the planet.
Detection of environmental crimes, such as illegal logging, often requires specialized
techniques and technologies to gather evidence and identify perpetrators. One method used
in the detection of illegal logging involves comparing the morphology of sawdust samples
collected from crime scenes with known samples. Here's a comparison of relevant techniques
used in this process:
1. Microscopic Analysis:
Traditional Microscopy: Microscopic examination of sawdust samples involves observing the
size, shape, and other morphological characteristics of wood particles under a light
microscope. This method can help identify the species of wood based on features such as
vessel arrangement, wood fibers, and ray patterns.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): SEM provides high-resolution images of sawdust
particles, allowing for detailed analysis of their surface morphology. SEM can reveal unique
features of wood cells and tissues, aiding in the identification of wood species and
distinguishing between different samples.
2. Chemical Analysis:
Wood Chemistry: Chemical analysis techniques, such as Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), can be used to
analyze the chemical composition of sawdust samples. These methods can provide information
about the presence of specific compounds or chemical markers characteristic of certain wood
species.
Isotope Analysis: Stable isotope analysis can be used to determine the geographic origin of
wood samples by analyzing the ratios of stable isotopes (e.g., carbon, oxygen, hydrogen)
present in the wood. Isotope signatures vary depending on factors such as climate, soil
composition, and altitude, allowing for the identification of the geographic source of the wood.
3. DNA Barcoding:
◦ DNA Analysis: DNA barcoding involves sequencing specific regions of DNA to identify and classify
species. DNA analysis can be used to compare genetic markers in sawdust samples with reference
databases of known wood species. This method can provide definitive identification of wood species
and help trace the origin of illegally harvested timber.

4. Machine Learning and Image Analysis:

◦ Pattern Recognition: Machine learning algorithms can be trained to analyze microscopic images of
sawdust samples and identify patterns or features indicative of specific wood species. Image analysis
techniques, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs), can automatically classify and match
sawdust samples based on their morphological characteristics.
◦ Spectral Imaging: Hyperspectral imaging combines spectroscopy and imaging to capture detailed
spectral information from sawdust samples across multiple wavelengths. Spectral signatures can be
used to discriminate between different wood species and detect subtle variations in composition or
structure.
These techniques can be used individually or in combination to enhance the accuracy and
reliability of environmental crime detection related to illegal logging. By comparing the
morphology of sawdust samples collected from crime scenes with reference materials and
databases, law enforcement agencies and forensic scientists can gather valuable evidence to
prosecute perpetrators and combat illegal logging activities.
Below are specific lists of conservation status categories used by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Philippines Red List:
1. IUCN Red List Categories:
Extinct (EX): Species that are extinct, meaning there is no reasonable doubt that the last
individual has died.
Extinct in the Wild (EW): Species that are known only to survive in captivity or as a naturalized
population outside its historic range due to extinction in the wild.
Critically Endangered (CR): Species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the
immediate future.
Endangered (EN): Species facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Vulnerable (VU): Species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future.
Near Threatened (NT): Species that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable status but do not yet
meet the criteria.
Least Concern (LC): Species that are not currently at risk of extinction in the wild.
Data Deficient (DD): Species for which there is insufficient information to assess their risk of
extinction.
2. CITES Appendices:
Appendix I: Species threatened with extinction, and international trade in specimens of these
species is generally prohibited except in exceptional circumstances.
Appendix II: Species that are not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so
unless trade in specimens of such species is subject to strict regulation.
Appendix III: Species that are subject to regulation within the jurisdiction of a Party and for
which the cooperation of other Parties is needed to prevent or restrict exploitation.
3. Philippines Red List Categories:
Endangered (E): Species facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Vulnerable (V): Species facing a high risk of endangerment in the wild.
Near Threatened (NT): Species that may be considered threatened with extinction in the near
future.
Data Deficient (DD): Species for which there is insufficient information to assess their
conservation status.
Least Concern (LC): Species that are not currently at risk of extinction.

These lists are used by conservation organizations, governments, and policymakers to assess
the conservation status of species, prioritize conservation efforts, and inform decision-making
related to species protection and management.