This book offers the original and fascinating insights of an eminent Malaysian ecologist. In this profound contribution, the author enthusiastically narrates the many adventures and experiences encountered in teaching, conducting field researches and supervising PhD students. He passionately encourages Malaysian researchers to explore our rich biodiversity and find innovative ways to conserve and appreciate our priceless ecosystem. Students studying ecology will find innovative and exciting ideas regarding the subject of biodiversity in this book while local issues in ecology and biodiversity being discussed in this book will attract readers concerned with the current related issues in Malaysia. The author’s experiences in dealing with intensive researches in the Malaysian jungles, Mekong Delta and Antarctica are accompanied with inspiring stories of scientific discoveries. Being a passionate educator, he also willingly shares the tricks of the trade in conducting successful field research in the hope of encouraging Malaysian researchers to become top rated scientist in the world. Biodiversity: Reflections from a Malaysian Ecologist definitely opens up new perspectives in the field of ecology and biodiversity especially to the university students who may become great ecologists someday. As for the general public, reading this book is an enjoyable journey as the author unveils the secret of the nature and the untold stories behind the life of an ecologist bound to the fate of nature, day and night. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia

Unprecedented urban growth makes sustainability in cities a crucial issue for policy makers, scholars and business leaders. This emerging urban crisis challenges environment-based and economic-based approaches to sustainability, and highlights the complex and critical role that culture plays in ensuring that cities are viable for future generations. This publication assesses the use of cultural indicators as a tool for policymakers, drawing on case studies of Patan (Nepal), Penang (Malaysia), Cheongju (South Korea), and Kanazawa (Japan), and offers fresh insights into the role of culture in fostering community development, environmental awareness and balanced economic growth.

Pangolins: Science, Society and Conservation brings together experts from around the world to document the most up-to-date scientific knowledge on pangolins and their conservation. It chronicles threats facing the species, explores the current initiatives required to protect them, and looks ahead at the future of pangolin science and conservation efforts. Led by a team of editors with more than 20 years collective experience in pangolin conservation, this book includes accounts of the species' evolution, morphology, and systematics. It discusses the role of pangolins in historically symbolic, mythological, and ritualistic practices across Africa, Asia, and Europe, as well as contemporary practices including international trafficking. Chapters in the latter portion of this book focus on conservation solutions, including law enforcement and international policy, behavior change, local community engagement, ex situ conservation, tourism, and other interventions needed to secure the future of the species. Pangolins: Science, Society and Conservation is the latest volume in Elsevier's species-specific series, Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes. This book is a valuable resource for researchers and students in species conservation science, planning, and policymaking. - Provides detailed accounts of the natural history and conservation status of each pangolin species - Explores the cultural significance of pangolins, historic and contemporary use, and international trade and trafficking - Discusses conservation solutions ranging from law enforcement and local community engagement to ex situ conservation, innovative finance, and tourism

This book explores vegetable fiber composite as an eco-friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable material that has many potential industrial applications. The use of vegetable fiber composite supports the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to utilize more sustainable and greener composite materials, which are also easy to handle and locally easily available with economical production costs. This book presents various types of vegetable fiber composite and its processing methods and treatments to obtain desirable properties for certain applications. The book caters to researchers and students who are working in the field of bio-composites and green materials.

The »World Atlas of Jellyfish« presents in a lavishly illustrated multi-author compendium the more than 260 species of medusae (Scyphomedusae and Cubomedusae) described so far. The general, first part deals with their structure, complex life cycles and rare fossil records. But it also details on collection, cultivation and fishery methods, even gives hints for photography and cooking recipes. Additionally, it covers the nature of medusae venoms, the effects and treatment of their stings. The second part gives concise systematic descriptions of all jellyfish species and their developmental stages known so far. Numerous illustrations, distribution maps, taxonomic keys and literature lists allow for detailed identification and information. Outstanding among the wealth of wonderful illustrations are hitherto unpublished artistic colour paintings by Ernst Haeckel. The beauty of the animals is underlined by the demanding typesetting of the book. This »Atlas« is a unique overview summarizing our knowledge on the world's jellyfish in all their facets. It is of importance not only for scientists worldwide, but also a source of fascination for divers and lovers of marine life. Corresponding to its far-reaching relevance and to the internationality of contributing authors the volume is written in English.

This Handbook approaches sustainable development in higher education from an integrated perspective, addressing the dearth of publications on the subject. It offers a unique overview of what universities around the world are doing to implement sustainable development (i.e. via curriculum innovation, research, activities, or practical projects) and how their efforts relate to education for sustainable development at the university level. The Handbook gathers a wealth of information, ideas, best practices and lessons learned in the context of executing concrete projects, and assesses methodological approaches to integrating the topic of sustainable development in university curricula. Lastly, it documents and disseminates the veritable treasure trove of practical experience currently available on sustainability in higher education.