This document describes a project to develop an educational program on biodiversity conservation in limestone quarries in Georgia. Fieldwork was conducted at two quarries - Kavtiskhevi and Dedoplistskaro - to characterize habitats and collect data on plant species diversity and succession. The goals of the program are to enhance landscape rehabilitation, promote public access and education, and popularize conservation efforts. Plant community data from the quarries will inform re-vegetation and provide a database for monitoring recovery progress.
"Enhancing Soil Nutrient Status and Water Productivity through Sustainable Re...Jenkins Macedo
This proposed research seeks to contribute to an on-going research project that is being implemented by the International Water Management Institute among smallholder farmers in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. This research is funded by the Purdue University Center for Global Food Security for Southeast Asia. The study will be supervised by IWMI and approval has being granted from the Clark University Office of Sponsored Research and Programs. The study was approved by IRB at Clark University. This study seeks to also fulfill the academic requirement for the Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy at CU and could be used amongst others for a doctoral dissertation.
Results of field testing the indicators for resilience of socio-ecological pr...Bioversity International
Presentation by Nadia Bergamini from Bioversity International.
This was presented during a seminar hosted at Bioversity International on 'The Indicators of Resilience in Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS)' in January 2014.
Find out more: http://www.bioversityinternational.org/research-portfolio/agricultural-ecosystems/landscapes/
Presented by H. Karambiri (2iE)
at the International Forum on Water and Food (IFWF), South Africa, 14-17 November 2011.
The International Forum on Water and Food (IFWF) is the premier gathering of water and food scientists working on improving water management for agricultural production in developing countries.
"Enhancing Soil Nutrient Status and Water Productivity through Sustainable Re...Jenkins Macedo
This proposed research seeks to contribute to an on-going research project that is being implemented by the International Water Management Institute among smallholder farmers in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. This research is funded by the Purdue University Center for Global Food Security for Southeast Asia. The study will be supervised by IWMI and approval has being granted from the Clark University Office of Sponsored Research and Programs. The study was approved by IRB at Clark University. This study seeks to also fulfill the academic requirement for the Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy at CU and could be used amongst others for a doctoral dissertation.
Results of field testing the indicators for resilience of socio-ecological pr...Bioversity International
Presentation by Nadia Bergamini from Bioversity International.
This was presented during a seminar hosted at Bioversity International on 'The Indicators of Resilience in Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS)' in January 2014.
Find out more: http://www.bioversityinternational.org/research-portfolio/agricultural-ecosystems/landscapes/
Presented by H. Karambiri (2iE)
at the International Forum on Water and Food (IFWF), South Africa, 14-17 November 2011.
The International Forum on Water and Food (IFWF) is the premier gathering of water and food scientists working on improving water management for agricultural production in developing countries.
This project refers to restoration and rehabilitation of quarry Ribnica by establishment of botanical garden of rare, threatened or endemic flora contained within vegetation of rock crevices and screes. Project will be performed in several phases:
- precise determination of ecological demands for endemic plants living amid rocks based on georeferenced phytoecological data of vegetation in rock crevices and screes;
- defining area of quarry Ribnica in terms of ecological conditions and by means of predictive vegetation modelling, in order to recognize microlocations within quarry which match ecological niche of designated plants;
- activities regarding establishment of botanical garden (collection of herbal material in natural habitats, transfer into previously defined locations of quarry Ribnica, inventory and monitoring of flora in the quarry in order to achieve garden's sustainability).
Aims of project:
- restoration of open rocky ground in the quarry Ribnica
- preservation and improvement of rare, threatened or endemic flora by means of ex situ conservation
- creation of space for scientific research and education
- raising of ecological awareness in local community
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in Bosnia and Hercegovina.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/quarry-ribnica-function-conservation-rare-and-threatened-floristic-genpool-bh-kamenolom
CREA: The case of Italy: Monitoring of soil pollution in relation to food pro...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during Day 3 of the Global Soil Partnership Plenary Assembly – 5th Session that took place at FAO Hq in Rome, Italy, from 20 to 22 June 2017. The presentation was made by Ms. Anna Benedetti
LESSONS LEARNT FROM DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO RESTORE TANK CASCADESDr. P.B.Dharmasena
Presentation made at the Conference on ‘Cascade Ecology & Management – 2021’ held on 17-18 September 2021, Organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
The project’s aim is to promote the ecological education among school students and local people of Slatsy settlement by attracting them to the territory of the quarry. To make the process both interesting and useful they will be involved into a quest around the territory of the quarry. The main idea is to get people to learn more on biodiversity by playing and by arranging social activity like a photo exhibition, picture contest, designing of the ecology board game. The “Pechurki” quarry is going to be flooded as a part of the recultivation process; we propose to divide the area into two zones, one of which will be unavailable for humans to provide the place for mammals, birds, fish and other species common for the region. The other zone will be a good place to watch the animals from arranged watching stations.
The project won the International contest of the Quarry Life Award 2014 in the category “Biodiversity and Education”
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/youth-view-quarry-nature
A general presentation about the new vERSO (Ecosystem Responses to global change: a multiscale approach in the Southern Ocean) project, funded under the BELSPO BRAIN-BE call.
1. The Need for a Watershed Approach to Restore Land and its Hydrologic Funct...World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
Drylands Development (DryDev) project, implemented by ICRAF with funding from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Maimbo Malesu, Alex Oduor, Elsabijn Koelman, Ronald Ngetich, Emmanuel Fondo and Francis Nyambariga
Wetland restoration: an emerging issue and management in changing climateIARI, NEW DELHI
Wetlands provide significant social, economic and environmental benefits. Wetlands are associated with several activities like water storage, groundwater recharge, storm protection, flood mitigation, shoreline stabilization, erosion control, and retention of carbon, nutrients, sediments and pollutants. Wetlands can also produce services that have a significant economic value such as clean fresh water, fisheries, timber, peat, wildlife resources and tourism opportunities. The loss and degradation of wetlands is driven by several factors, i.e., climatic and non climatic. Presently increased demand for agricultural land to fulfill the food need associated with population growth continues to be a significant cause of wetland loss in some parts of the globe.
Surasinghe, T. D., and Baldwin, R. F. (2010). The ecological responses of stream salamanders to land use activities in the watershed areas in Piedmont and Blue Ridge ecoregions, USA: An ongoing project. Sixteenth Annual Tennessee Herpetology Conference, Cumberland Plateau Wildlife Management Area, TN.
Background on the Development Issues of Soil Erosion of Sloping Lands of Azer...BRNSS Publication Hub
The article examines the issues of the possibility of studying the areas of development by soil erosion and
its control. The study proved that the development of soil erosion is based on the forming impact of natural
and anthropogenic factors. The degree of potential danger and the possibility of prevention, taking into
account, the preservation of the environmental situation in the foothills of the Upper Shirvan in the example
of the Shamakhi district of the Republic of Azerbaijan, were studied. The main tasks of the study were a
determination of the amount and degree of development of eroded and erosion-prone soils of the foothill
zones carried out on the basis of soil erosion surveys of the farms of the republic
This project refers to restoration and rehabilitation of quarry Ribnica by establishment of botanical garden of rare, threatened or endemic flora contained within vegetation of rock crevices and screes. Project will be performed in several phases:
- precise determination of ecological demands for endemic plants living amid rocks based on georeferenced phytoecological data of vegetation in rock crevices and screes;
- defining area of quarry Ribnica in terms of ecological conditions and by means of predictive vegetation modelling, in order to recognize microlocations within quarry which match ecological niche of designated plants;
- activities regarding establishment of botanical garden (collection of herbal material in natural habitats, transfer into previously defined locations of quarry Ribnica, inventory and monitoring of flora in the quarry in order to achieve garden's sustainability).
Aims of project:
- restoration of open rocky ground in the quarry Ribnica
- preservation and improvement of rare, threatened or endemic flora by means of ex situ conservation
- creation of space for scientific research and education
- raising of ecological awareness in local community
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in Bosnia and Hercegovina.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/quarry-ribnica-function-conservation-rare-and-threatened-floristic-genpool-bh-kamenolom
CREA: The case of Italy: Monitoring of soil pollution in relation to food pro...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during Day 3 of the Global Soil Partnership Plenary Assembly – 5th Session that took place at FAO Hq in Rome, Italy, from 20 to 22 June 2017. The presentation was made by Ms. Anna Benedetti
LESSONS LEARNT FROM DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO RESTORE TANK CASCADESDr. P.B.Dharmasena
Presentation made at the Conference on ‘Cascade Ecology & Management – 2021’ held on 17-18 September 2021, Organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
The project’s aim is to promote the ecological education among school students and local people of Slatsy settlement by attracting them to the territory of the quarry. To make the process both interesting and useful they will be involved into a quest around the territory of the quarry. The main idea is to get people to learn more on biodiversity by playing and by arranging social activity like a photo exhibition, picture contest, designing of the ecology board game. The “Pechurki” quarry is going to be flooded as a part of the recultivation process; we propose to divide the area into two zones, one of which will be unavailable for humans to provide the place for mammals, birds, fish and other species common for the region. The other zone will be a good place to watch the animals from arranged watching stations.
The project won the International contest of the Quarry Life Award 2014 in the category “Biodiversity and Education”
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/youth-view-quarry-nature
A general presentation about the new vERSO (Ecosystem Responses to global change: a multiscale approach in the Southern Ocean) project, funded under the BELSPO BRAIN-BE call.
1. The Need for a Watershed Approach to Restore Land and its Hydrologic Funct...World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
Drylands Development (DryDev) project, implemented by ICRAF with funding from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Maimbo Malesu, Alex Oduor, Elsabijn Koelman, Ronald Ngetich, Emmanuel Fondo and Francis Nyambariga
Wetland restoration: an emerging issue and management in changing climateIARI, NEW DELHI
Wetlands provide significant social, economic and environmental benefits. Wetlands are associated with several activities like water storage, groundwater recharge, storm protection, flood mitigation, shoreline stabilization, erosion control, and retention of carbon, nutrients, sediments and pollutants. Wetlands can also produce services that have a significant economic value such as clean fresh water, fisheries, timber, peat, wildlife resources and tourism opportunities. The loss and degradation of wetlands is driven by several factors, i.e., climatic and non climatic. Presently increased demand for agricultural land to fulfill the food need associated with population growth continues to be a significant cause of wetland loss in some parts of the globe.
Surasinghe, T. D., and Baldwin, R. F. (2010). The ecological responses of stream salamanders to land use activities in the watershed areas in Piedmont and Blue Ridge ecoregions, USA: An ongoing project. Sixteenth Annual Tennessee Herpetology Conference, Cumberland Plateau Wildlife Management Area, TN.
Background on the Development Issues of Soil Erosion of Sloping Lands of Azer...BRNSS Publication Hub
The article examines the issues of the possibility of studying the areas of development by soil erosion and
its control. The study proved that the development of soil erosion is based on the forming impact of natural
and anthropogenic factors. The degree of potential danger and the possibility of prevention, taking into
account, the preservation of the environmental situation in the foothills of the Upper Shirvan in the example
of the Shamakhi district of the Republic of Azerbaijan, were studied. The main tasks of the study were a
determination of the amount and degree of development of eroded and erosion-prone soils of the foothill
zones carried out on the basis of soil erosion surveys of the farms of the republic
Benchmarking Digital: A Digital Experience Index Is BornCognizant
To successfully navigate their digital transformation, companies need to continuously measure the spectrum of digital services they deliver, and assess the quality of the digital experience.
Die Rache der Anna Pizzo
Anna Pizzo, Tochter des sizilianischen Cosa Nostra-Chefs Don Vito, lebt nach einem brutalen Übergriff und dem Tod ihres ungeborenen Sohnes zurückgezogen in ihrem Loft. Nach der Versöhnung mit ihrem Vater, der sie einst in eine unfreiwillige Heirat drängen wollte, sichert dieser ihr Hilfe bei ihrer Vendetta zu: Anna will Malik Brenner, ihren ehemaligen Freund und den Mörder ihres Kindes, zur Strecke bringen. Um sich ganz auf die Suche nach ihm konzentrieren zu können, kündigt die hochbegabte Hackerin ihren Job bei der Soffex AG, wird aber an ihrem letzten Arbeitstag Zeugin des Amoklaufs ihres ehemaligen Vorgesetzten Daniel Rohner. Zur selben Zeit bricht in Italien ein blutiger Mafiakrieg aus. Zwei Brüder versuchen, die Alleinherrschaft über die vier großen Organisationen an sich zu reißen. Um Anna nicht zu gefährden, beordert Don Vito seine Tochter nach Sizilien zurück. Was niemand weiß: Es gibt einen Maulwurf unter Don Vitos engsten Vertrauten. Wer steckt hinter den blutigen Anschlägen auf die Mafia-Clans? Während Anna eine Spur in der Schweiz verfolgt, gerät sie zwischen die Fronten und in Lebensgefahr. Wer ist ihr Freund und wer ihr Feind? »Vendetta – Die Rache der Anna Pizzo« ist eine rasante Story, ein Cocktail aus Action, Rache, Verrat und Familienehre – gewürzt mit Internet- und Wirtschaftskriminalität. Die Autorin Katja Montejano verwebt ihre Leidenschaft für Kriminalfälle geschickt mit fiktiven Figuren und tatsächlichen Ereignissen zu einem authentischen Thriller, der in Neapel, auf Sizilien und in der Schweiz spielt.
El Big Data y Business Intelligence en mi empresa: ¿de qué me sirve?Alex Rayón Jerez
Conferencia "El Big Data y Business Intelligence en mi empresa: ¿de qué me sirve?" impartida en Medellín, Colombia, en Septiembre de 2015. Sesión dirigida a empresas para que conozcan las posibilidades que abre el Big Data para su día a día.
Zheltokamenka quarry, with an active mining area of 82 hectares, has about 40 hectares of slope surfaces remaining after the extraction of limestone. Actual problem is the lack of suitable technologies for increasing biodiversity in such areas. Our project aims at formation of mobile biodiversity-enriched plant communities that are integrated into appropriate niches on the steep slopes of limestone quarries. Our approach is based on the technology of vertical farming, widely used in architecture. We propose to use microcommunities including rare plant species adapted to the harsh conditions of rocky walls without further support from people. "Green Wall" will consist of communities, planted on the shelves of quarry steep slopes.
This technology will trigger local villagers to perceive ""green walls"" of the quarry as an oasis in the mining lands, and not as destructed space for garbage dumping.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in Ukraine.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/green-wall-project-proekt-zelenaya-stena
Some Physiochemical and Microbiological Characteristics of Wastewater and Pos...IIJSRJournal
This study focuses on treating wastewater with natural materials (Charcoal and lime), identifying the physiochemical properties, identifying microorganisms in treated and untreated wastewater, and the possibility of using treated wastewater in agriculture by studying two different types of wastewater collected from two areas in Benghazi (Al-Kish and Sarti sites) in order to find out their suitability for agriculture and some other uses. The Microbiological analysis results were as follows; the growth of bacterial colonies represented in Kleibseilla pnewmonia in wastewater collected from the Sirty sites and Pseudomonas aeuroginosa & Escherichia coli from wastewater collected from the El-Kish sites, where a biological analysis of the wastewater after treating by using two types of economic and available materials in nature Calcium carbonate “lime” and Charcoal after replanting the treated wastewater with the same previous method, we obtained bacterial growth, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa in wastewater treatment by Calcium carbonate "Lime" and Escherichia coli growth in wastewater treatment by Charcoal. Wastewater treatment by Calcium carbonate "Lime" and Charcoal did not show any microbial growth, this study was illustrated there was not growth from any kind of fungi from the studied wastewater treatment and un-treatment.
Wastewater treatment was found that it is possible to benefit from the treated wastewater to irrigate green areas and insensitive crops without soil degradation, and criteria for assessing the suitability of water for irrigation according to the United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) wastewater treatment samples are located in class C3-S1, it cannot be used to irrigate sensitive crops, especially citrus fruits, and it should only be used in lands that do not have impervious layers that prevent leaching because they need washing.
Environmental Science Book as per the syllabus of University of Calcutta.
Erach Bharucha.
For Undergraduate Courses of all branches of Higher Education.
A diachronic study on the evolution of the main ecosystems Tassili / Ahaggar ...Sahara Conservation Fund
Presented during the 17h Annual Sahelo-Saharan Interest Group Meeting organized by the NGO Sahara Conservation Fund in Senegal, from 4 to 6 May 2017. The Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF) gathers every year about a hundred people who are interested in the field of Sahelo-Saharan species conservation.
After mining activities, the process of natural succession begins and plant communities which differ from the surrounding vegetation start to grow. Re-vegetation accelerate the development of soil processes in the quarries. The study of this vegetation and soil cover will help to develop ways for the remediation of man-made landscapes. The project studies an important scientific and technical issue about anthropogenic habitats, in which vegetation was completely removed.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2012 in Kazakhstan.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/rehabilitation-topsoil-production-induced-landscapes
Qualitative Study of Landfill Leachate from Different Ages of Landfill Sites ...iosrjce
The present paper describes the qualitative analysis of landfill leachate at different ages of landfill
sites (LFS) around the world and it has been prepared on the basis of extensive survey of literatures. The main
objective of this study was to explore the knowledge on qualitative analysis of municipal solid waste landfill
leachate. This paper provides a reliable and robust database for the prediction of leachate quality when new
landfills are to be developed in Nepal and other parts of the world.
Large amount of biodegradable organic matter is indicated though high ratio of BOD/COD. This in turn leads
to relative high concentration of Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn. The lower concentration of VFAs and high pH represents
“old” leachate from the late methanogenic phase. The humic substances give a dark color to stabilized
leachate. Due to the decreasing solubility of many metal ions with increasing pH, the concentration of metal
ions is low in general. The strength of the leachate decreases with time with precipitation of soluble elements
such as heavy metals as the organic compounds break down biologically. This is the reason why leachate
management is problematic due to complexity in its design, operation, and composition, age of landfill, specific
climate conditions and moisture routing through the landfill. In order to avoid pollution and toxicity level in the
water bodies, it is legal necessity to treat landfill leachate before discharging it
Similar to Environmental Education Program for Biodiversity Conservation during the Rehabilitation Process of Limestone Quarry, Georgia (20)
Needingworth Quarry is the location for an exciting wetland restoration project arising from a collaboration between Hanson and the RSPB. As gravel extraction is completed in sections of Needingworth these areas are being restored into wetland habitats, including large areas of reedbed and associated rough grassland, which has been named Ouse Fen Nature Reserve. Reedbed restoration sites, typified by Needingworth also include areas of wet or dry rough grassland, with varying degrees of management through grazing, mowing and fencing. These grasslands in themselves potentially provide a valuable habitat for biodiversity, especially given the context of the considerable intensification of agricultural and other grasslands that has taken place over recent decades.
In this project we propose to investigate the insect biodiversity of grasslands surrounding the reedbed restoration units at Needingworth/Ouse Fen. The focus of our work will be the leafhoppers (Auchenorrhyncha), which are common in grassland and have been found to be useful indicators of management intensity effects. In particular we are interested in how leafhoppper communities are affected by the level of grazing by cattle and how they vary with distance from the reedbeds and open water. The principal objective is to increase our knowledge of insect communities in these habitats at Needingworth/Ouse Fen and to inform management practice decisions in relation to these grasslands, which it is hoped will help to further enhance the biodiversity value of the restoration.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in the United Kingdom.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/investigation-insect-biodiversity-grasslands-surrounding-reedbed-restoration-needingworth
Aquatic ecosystems are hot spots of most terrestrial biodiversity. They interact with their surrounding terrestrial area through food webs and habitat resources. The aquatic ecosystems also attract a wide range of other fauna including wading and migrating birds, amphibians, riparian mammals and insects. Furthermore, aquatic ecosystems have ability to recycle nutrients of wastewater. Despite many benefits they have, their potentiality in the rehabilitation of quarries is not well recognized. The recent effort on the rehabilitation of quarry site is mostly focused on terrestrial plants despite the fact that quarries life are heterogeneous ecosystems. Owing to this reason, there is a need of using the potential of aquatic ecosystems to enhance the rehabilitation of quarries sites. The present project is therefore focused on establishing the aquatic ecosystem at Wazo hill quarry.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in Tanzania.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/potential-use-aquatic-ecosystems-enhancement-rehabilitation-mining-sites
Globally, bats are facing wide-ranging threats that are causing the decline in the populations of several species in Europe. Some of these global threats are habitat degradation, disturbances in breeding places or hibernaculums and loss of roosting sites. We will take advantage of some properties of La Medina quarry (and most of quarries) to achieve our main goal: to increase the potential benefit of La Medina quarry for the bat populations inhabiting the surrounding area or inside the quarry.
We propose certain actions and guidelines to achieve all of our goals in order to benefit not only bats but also the environment, the company and society. Some of these actions are:
A methodology to identify evidence of bat species located at La Medina quarry.
A GIS and fieldwork based methodology to study the connectivity between La Medina and Las Caldas Cave, a Nature Reserve dedicated to bats.
A protocol for bat population management in quarries, in order to reconcile bats conservation with production and restoration in the quarry.
Interpretive kiosks, guided walks and other activities to spread the project among different local actors increasing people's knowledge and awareness and improving the corporate image of the company.
The results of the project could provide HeidelbergCement Group with tools enough to minimize disturbances to bats, to contribute to their conservation and to strengthen their populations in many quarries along the world.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in Spain.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/development-bat-populations-quarry-la-medina-during-operation-and-post-operational-phases
The project focuses on quantifying the effects of the limestone’s exploitation in Băița-Crăciunești Quarry on local biodiversity and its social impact. The influence of the operation extends beyond the predefined perimeter of the exploitation, having an impact on the surrounding natural and anthropic environments.
The purpose of this project was to develop a series of graphic representations from the data obtained on the field, which will highlight the exploitation’s range of influence generated from diverse sources. These maps provide an overall view of the impacted area, leading to the proposal of new methods to decrease the effects generated by the exploitation on biodiversity.
Considering that human settlements are in the nearby vicinity of the extracting operation, willing people from Băiță and Crăciunești villages will undergo a social impact study. In addition, this study will lead to a higher degree of awareness about the necessity of exploitations.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in Romania.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/influences-non-metalliferous-ore-exploitation-biodiversity-and-its-social-impact
Designing+constructing a geo-ecology and education nature trail at the quarry.
With this trail visitors get an insight of bedrock, soil, terrain shaping, water, climate, vegetation, fauna in correlation between primary origin of the Coastal Mountains (Cordillera+Wrangellia) also as the formation of the inlets and Vancouver Island. Important is an advice+link to the coastal climate+Cold Rain Forest.
The Trail passes geological and ecological spots (such as a few of the bedrock/soil bedding+different rock types) and shows+explains the visitors the realized reconstruction of the rain forest+habitat projects done by the company.
If possible the trail will pass an original part of the Cold Rain Forest to show the nature before the mining started. The trail will be designed after an inspection of the quarry terrain and in cooperation with the Geology Dep. at the University of B.C.,Vancouver. Students will be integrated (course achievement) to design the route and prepare relevant information for visitors.
A container at the entrance of the quarry is used as the starting point and there is a general introduction and safety advice. Visitors get helmet and reflective vests there.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in North America.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/designing-geo-ecology-and-education-nature-trail
This project seeks to promote edge species which will be used to assess impact on species succession and eventually serve as a means of evaluating and monitoring the success of reclamation.
The focus of this project is on the boundary that lies between the quarry site and the nearby vegetation. Such boundaries are mostly very contrasting in terms of vegetation and the distribution of biodiversity. There is an immediate move from a vegetation zone to a totally degraded area, whereas in nature, mostly there is a gradual change form one habitat to the other. The sudden change in environment limits the movement of organisms as well as discourages species adaptation to degradation hence the drastic effect on species compositions. Our aim is to reduce the contrast between these two environments by looking at the biodiversity in flora and fauna at the quarry site and devising strategies to vegetate the edge and increase biodiversity at the edge.
This project will create a more stable environment for movement of organisms between the two distinct habitats, such as insects which are essential in the process of ecological succession. The vegetated edge will provide bases for the start of ecological succession at the point of reclamation. Selected bio-indicators in various taxanomic groups such as birds, insect and mammals with specialized niches will serve as a tool for measuring the success of reclamation in the future.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in Indonesia.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/discovering-biodiversity-loen-quarry
The former quarries Rohrbach, Leimen and “farmers quarry” are very rich in species; however they are isolated from each other despite their spatial proximity. The quarries should be integrated with one another and integration should also take place in the surrounding landscape.
The NGO Heidelberger Biotopschutz e. V. (HBS) has been looking after nature conservation areas and spawning waters within the forest and in the open land districts all around the quarries for many years, and also the nature reserve at the Rohrbach quarry since the year 2000. It hence virtually suggested itself to network all the nature conservation areas, and also include the nature reserve at the Leimen quarry.
This project investigated soil recovery processes on the reclaimed territories of Kavtiskhevi and Gardabani quarries by means of soil inhabiting invertebrates.
Oribatid mites, in the Acarine suborder Oribatida, are associated with organic matter in most terrestrial ecosystems (Behan-Pelletier and Eamer, 2007; Maraun et al., 2007; Norton and Behan-Pelletier, 2009; Schneider, 2005). Their ability for dispersal is low and those that do disperse as adults (Norton, 1994). As a result, oribatid mites cannot easily escape from stress conditions. Population of oribatid mites decline rapidly when their habitat is damaged, that allows detection of environmental degradation. So, they can be considered as «early warning» indicators of stress.
Springtails (Collembola) are major components of terrestrial ecosystems, constituting a substantial proportion of the soil animal biomass and diversity and are thus frequently and easily found (Coleman et al., 2004). Like oribatids, they play an important role in plant litter decomposition and in soil formation processes. They are known as one of the pioneers of early stages of soil recovery processes and rapid colonizers of reclaimed waste sites (Hutson, 1980).
Project actions:
1. Inventory of soil arthropods ( oribatid mites, springtails);
2. Study biotic complexity of reclaimed and control sites using invertebrate animals as bioindicators;
3. Identify pioneer colonists species and species adapted to the anthropogenic pressure;
4. Reveal the effectiveness of provided reclamation activities;
5. Publish informative booklet and on line placement of the project activities and project results.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in Georgia.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/soil-arthropod-diversity-and-quarry-rehabilitation
This project is situated to the eastern part of the Mokrá quarry near Brno. There is a unique possibility to connect mining area with surrounding nature of the southern part of Moravian karst just in that suitable place.
The project was divided into three parts. The first focused on the monitoring of actual fauna and flora in the quarry and it’s closed surrounding. The results of these investigations were then assembled into the study with the aim to propose a stabilization of biodiversity and to create a mosaic of various biotopes in the second project part. The third part is highly theoretical, because the mining area is still active. However, was creating a way to inform the public about limestone quarries as hot-spots of biodiversity and about near-natural restoration of habitats in the future. The area is namely suitable for establishment of natural hiking-trail with some small artifacts related to land-art etc.
The final connection of these three project parts brings interesting information from many scientific and biotechnological professions. This study can be shown as an example how to utilize theoretical scientific information from different branches of biology, ecology and nature protection in a reclamation proposal.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2014 in the Czech Republic.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/wildlife-return-quarry-bridla-possibilities-natural-habitat-restoration-priklady-moznosti
Areas after exploitation, arising out of mining processes, are interesting examples of anropogenetic habitat, which can be used by some rare species of amphibians and reptiles. As part of our project we did a comprehensive inventory focused on these groups of animals and we will specify which species are present in the quarry and select the best habitat for them. We hope to confirm the presence of smooth snake - a rare and very interesting species of snake. For this purpose we will appear regularly in the quarry to conduct field work.
The knowledge gained in this way allows us to elaborate a detailed plan and methods to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the mine area after the cessation of its activities. We want our research to help in the efficient reclamation in the future. The last important step will be creating the educational publications, regarding the need and methods of protection of amphibians and reptiles that advertises biodiversity of the Limestone Quarry “Górażdże”, which will be addressed to a wide range of people, especially children and youth.
The project won the Grand Prize of the Quarry Life Award 2014
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/comprehensive-inventory-herpetofauna-limestone-quarry-gorazdze-particular-emphasis-rare
A group of pupils from Jessen Grammar School investigates the potential spawning grounds of the native amphibians moor frog (Rana arvalis), natterjack toad (Bufo calamita), European green toad (Bufo viridis) and European tree frog (Hyla arborea) at the Steinsdorf gravel pit. The objective of the project is to record the preferences of the aforementioned species with regard to shore characteristics, depth of water, water temperature and pH value in order to achieve optimal conditions for the protection of the endangered amphibians during renaturalization. The investigation is complemented by the consideration of biotic factors such as availability of food and potential predators.
The project won the International contest of the Quarry Life Award 2014 in the category “Student Project”
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/design-and-development-suitable-spawining-grounds-protection-native-amphibians
In Ghana, more than US$ 2 billion worth organic foodstuffs were wasted in 2012. About 1.3 billion tonnes of organic food produced globally is wasted annually according to FAO. We aim at converting the wasted organic food into powerful compost that has the power to restore the soil fertility at any quarry site during reclamation to promote biodiversity by using worm species called Eudrilus eugeniae (African Night Crawler) and also to free the environment from any adverse effect generated by the organic food waste. The vermicompost will support plants growth but ecological food chain will also ensure that other organisms follow suite (ecosystem and restoration of biodiversity).
Three experimental controls were set from Vermicompost; normal compost, the stockpiled and mine soil. The rates at which each restores biodiversity at the quarry site were compared. It is already projected that the biodiversity at the Vermicompost site would be restored more rapidly than the other two controls.
The Vermicompost can be transported to any quarry site to reclaim its biodiversity. In more advanced and sophisticated means, holes can be dug and filled with Vermicompost to support plants growth even when mining is in session.
The project won the International contest of the Quarry Life Award 2014 in the category “Innovation and Biodiversity”
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/use-vermicompost-treatment-topsoil-restoring-biodiversity
Tovacov lakes, and the whole area affected by mining, represents a very important refuge for many rare species of plants and animals that can’t find suitable living conditions in the surrounding intensively farmed landscape. Due to the high level of underground water and the presence of gravel bed, Tovacov lakes can be very important wetlands but also interesting xerotherm habitat in the future. Our aim is not only to identify this biodiversity, but also to support it in the future by targeted interventions.
In the first phase of the project large field survey of different habitats were carried out. These surveys will be focused on characteristic areas that differ in moisture, age and the way they were created. Apart from vascular plants and vegetation, we will be focused on major groups of organisms for which such habitats are essential and at the same time there isn’t enough historical data. These are mainly beetles, butterflies and spiders, but other groups of animals will not be left out.
In the second phase a comparison of diversity of locally rare species with their representation in the various habitats was completed. In this way the mapping of biologically valuable sites and habitats that create appropriate conditions for the occurrence of target species is done.
In the third part, created design principles of management for such areas that will support the best possible future existence of discovered organisms and will create suitable biotopes for other types of communities of plants and animals.
The project won the International contest of the Quarry Life Award 2014 in the category “Biodiversity Enhancement”
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/research-biodiversity-tovacov-lakes
This project aimed to facilitate improved communication and interaction between quarries and communities, with a focus on environmental rehabilitation on quarry sites. Community engagement provides benefits at every stage of a quarry’s life, for both the community and company. Communication, and encouraging community access to quarry information, fosters increased trust and education among the community. Community consultation assists in revealing community values, attitudes, and potential issues. Involving community groups in environmental rehabilitation activities reveals the significant environmental values of quarry sites and the measures quarries take to protect and enhance these ecosystems. A strong relationship with the community is invaluable when a quarry proposes to alter or expand operations.
This project researched and developed a Community Engagement Framework for use by the quarry manager. The comprehensive practical guide is informed by best-practice techniques and successful global examples. It will provide the quarry manager with a set of actions, timeframe, budget, and an outline of roles.
The project won the International contest of the Quarry Life Award 2014 in the category “Raising Public Awareness”
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/community-engagement-framework
Our proposal – the project of nature educational trail draws attention to the low level of the environmental invasion during the aggregate mining which results in the relative preservation of the environmental balance.
Besides the mentioned aspects, our project shows the potential environmental and touristic profits in the anthropogenic transformed environment. It presents the conservation way of the natural monuments of special value such as the oak tree avenue, isolated trees. The project shows the representative ecosystem in the area, emphasizes the natural – environmental heritage of the former inhabitants in the relation to the creation of the architecture of the rural greenery (ruraristics), mainly by planting the trees along the roads.
The instigated action affects widely the understood development of commune, enriches the tourist and recreation offer for local people, creates a possibility to extend the educational offers for pupils and emphasizes the commitment of HeidelbergCement Group to the protection of nature. The return to nature is possible!
Read more about the project: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/valorization-natural-environment-educational-and-pro-ecological-activities-area-nowogrod
This thesis presents a design proposal for a recreational landscape by the Western quarry in Slite, an 89 hectare wide and 45 meters deep quarry on the northern part of Gotland where limestone is being extracted for the production of cement.
By participating in the Quarry Life Award 2014, a competition to raise the knowledge about biodiversity in quarries, the project was given a thematic focus on biodiversity and how knowledge about it can be spread.
In this thesis handling a quarry and how it can be restored is breaking new ground. The new knowledge has being weaved together with a natural environment just as complex and through the design the public gets access to this new natural and cultural landscape with new aesthetic values and experiences.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/concrete-biodiversity
There is an intrinsic connection between biodiversity conservation, water and sanitation. With appropriate technologies, wastewater can be treated to produce fit-for-purpose water with recovery of nutrients to enhance biodiversity conservation in terms of flora and fauna. This project highlights a pilot subsurface flow Constructed Wetland unit in order to identify its performance in treating domestic wastewater and in recovering nutrients.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2012 in Tanzania.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/integrated-constructed-wetland-wastewater-treatment-rainwater-harvesting-nutrient-recovery
Mining operations can disrupt the existing balance of the natural environment. The “Emerald Bowl” project aims to restore biodiversity after completion of mining activities and to create a recreation area for local people.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2012 in Russia.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/emerald-bowl
This project made an inventory of flora and fauna in order to plan reclamation activities for the gravel pit "Szczytniki". The study contains information about occurrence, distribution and preservation state of natural habitats. It also includes the occurrence and distribution of rare, protected and endangered animal and plant species found within the mine area as well as in the immediate surroundings.
The project won the 1st Prize in National Quarry Life Award in 2012 in Poland.
Read more: http://www.quarrylifeaward.com/project/comprehensive-inventory-fauna-and-flora-mine-szczytniki-and-preparation-guidelines
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Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
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Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
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Nelson's char
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Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
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WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
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Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
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UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
Alert-driven Community-based Forest monitoring: A case of the Peruvian Amazon
Environmental Education Program for Biodiversity Conservation during the Rehabilitation Process of Limestone Quarry, Georgia
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2. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
______________________________________________Contents_
Abstract 3
Introduction 4
Objectives 4
Background Information 5
Methods and Activity 7
Results 8
Discussion 11
Conclusions 12
References 12
Annexes 13
Annex 1
Table 1. List of plant species in geophytes dominated habitats
in Dedoplistskaro Limestone Quarry
Annex 2
Table 2. List of plant species in habitats of Kavtiskhevi
Limestone Quarry
18
Annex 3
Proposed Project Budget
21
Annex 4
CVs and Qualifications of Project Coordinator
22
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 2
3. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
_________________________________________________________Abstract
Post-closed rehabilitation process of the limestone quarry area after finishing the cement
production is extremely interesting to use this territory for scientific investigations and develop
educational program for pupils and students to demonstrate effect of industrial impact on nature
and the methods of habitat rehabilitation. The implementation of educational program will
perform involvement of any relevant universities, research institutes and schools in monitoring
process of nature conservation actions managed by the company. This process will be considered
as involvement of stakeholders demonstrating a range of levels and activities, including
information provision, consultation, participatory planning or decision-making and partnership.
These activities will increase the popularity of rehabilitation process management and expand
knowledge on nature conservation among young generation and local population.
Preliminary study carried out in summer 2012 in the framework of the program "the
Quarry Life Award" used for the education program two limestone quarries - Kavtiskhevi and
Dedoplistskaro. The information for educational program was collected from literature data and
during field trips. The field work was carried out using phytosociological methods of plot
recording. Plant species composition and diversity was determined for each habitat. Statistical
analysis of these data gave a possibility to develop complete database information about species
diversity changes among successional stages of vegetation recovery.
Two succession stages: pioneer succession and typical oligotrophic meadows of
Kavtiskhevi quarry have been described. The vegetation cover percentage is much lower in
pioneer successions (29.4±14.4) than in oligotrophic grasslands (67.8±16.1). The species richness
shows similarly low level at pioneer succession (9.7±1.6) than in oligotrophic grasslands (16.4±3.9).
Shannon-Wiener index is higher in restored grasslands (1.9±0.48) than in pioneer successions
(1.6±0.53). Detrended correspondence analyses (DCA) show that the pioneer succession is mainly
clustered with environmental indicator of low soil depth. The mean soil depth in pioneer
succession plots is lower (1.7±1.76 cm) than in oligotrophis grasslands (2.75±1.13 cm). The 8
species have revealed higher observed indicator value (IV) in pioneer successions. The following
species are present only in pioneer successional plots - Sisymbrium loeselii, Medicago lupulina,
Lactuca seriola, Tussilago farfara, Scorzonera biebersteinii, Chenopodium album, Poa densa. The
three dominant species of pioneer successions- Lotus corniculatus, Melilotus officinalis and
Taraxacum officinale showing high cover percentage in plots of pioneer successions are still
remained in a logistical successional stage on plots. The pioneer species should be determined for
rehabilitation process of quarries and be used in re-vegetation process by sawing the seeds.
The results show relationship of species composition in different successional stages with
soil depth and structure. The pioneer species are able to grow on very open limestone ground
material with low depth of clay soil and with reduced trophicity of the soil. Naturally restored
grasslands remained oligotrophic, because the soil depth is low, but there is already litter and no
complete open ground material areas. The restoration of pioneer succession to logistic succession
stage will be connected to improvement of soil quality. The area of Kavtiskhevi is semi-arid zone
and the vegetation is adapted to dry matter of clay soil. In spite of this fact, the oligotrophic
grasslands with low level of dry matter have demonstrated high number of indicator species
occurring in almost all plots. These species are characterized for natural habitats of semi-arid zone
of this area; however, the species combination is different than in natural habitats of semi-deserts,
steppes, xerophytic scrublands, etc.
The obtained data demonstrates the role of phytosociological investigation in
determination of plant species used for re-vegetation process during post-closed rehabilitation of
limestone quarry.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 3
4. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
_________________________________________________________Introduction
This project might be considered as case study provided in this report to highlight responsible
limestone quarry rehabilitation activities from a range of local habitats around the world. To
restore vegetation during post-closed quarry rehabilitation process needs knowledge on species
diversity in this area to conduct restoration of natural habitats. However, the problem is that the
extraction of raw materials for cement production from the earth’s crust causes strong impacts on
the surrounding natural environment. The biodiversity on active quarries is restricted and even
restoration events will not rich the recovery of natural habitats because of changing the
environmental conditions including soil quality and landscape topography. Therefore, for
contribution in the habitat restoration process, it is necessary, to conduct investigations and
determine pioneer plant species starting restoration process and conduct observation on new
habitats to be created in the area.
Environmental assessments for limestone landscapes have high value of unique biological,
cultural, geological and scenic features. Therefore, this environmental area represents high
interest for scientific investigations, environmental education and, as well, attracts large numbers
of tourists.
Thus, to think about post-closed rehabilitation of the quarry area after finishing the
cement production is extremely interesting to use this territory for scientific investigations and
develop educational program for pupils and students to demonstrate effect of industrial impact on
nature and the methods of habitat rehabilitation. The implementation of educational program will
perform involvement of any relevant universities, research institutes and schools in monitoring
process of nature conservation actions managed by the company. This process will be considered
as involvement of stakeholders demonstrating a range of levels and activities, including
information provision, consultation, participatory planning or decision-making and partnership.
These activities will increase the popularity of rehabilitation process management and expand
knowledge on nature conservation among young generation and local population.
___________________________________________________________Objectives
The educational program on biodiversity conservation will be prepared as an illustrated book on
plant and animal species diversity in the limestone quarries of HeidelbergCement AG in Georgia
and online virtual interactive platform. The demonstration of the program online as virtual
interactive platform will be made on web-page of Georgian Society of Nature Explorers (GSNE)
"Orchis" and it will have open access to the thematic for many pupils and students and will
contribute in popularization of biodiversity conservation actions. The results of phytosociological
investigations described natural re-vegetation process will provide important database for correct
management and implementation of rehabilitation process. The information on species diversity
changes during succession re-vegetation process will contribute in correct choice of plant species
used in planting greenery process.
The aims of this project will be the following tasks: 1) to maintain and enhance landscape
quality and character in the limestone quarries in Kavtiskhevi and Dedoplistskaro; 2) to protect
the historic environment and natural resources of quarries; 3) to promote public access and
understanding of the importance of habitat rehabilitation process; 4) to offer access of pupils and
students to education program on habitat natural restoration; 5) to popularize nature conservation
process and maintain of habitat quality.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 4
5. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
___________________________________________Background information
Two limestone quarries - Kavtiskhevi and Dedoplistskaro, will be used for the education program
(Map.1A). The habitat types in the quarries are different (Akhalkatsi, 2010). Kavtiskhevi
Limestone Quarry is located in semi-arid zone of Kartli region in Georgia and natural habitats are
xerophytic scrubland and secondary steppes (Kimeridze, 2009; Map1B). Dedoplistskaro area is
covered by oak-hornbeam forest (Lachashvili et al., 2007) but the degraded habitats are replaced
by shibliak and dry meadow-steppes (Map1C).
A B C
Map 1. A - Location of quarries of 'Heidelbergcement AG'' company in Georgia; B - Kavtiskhevi limestone
quarry; C - Locations of study habitat types: oak-hornbeam-oriental hornbeam forest, shibliak and dry
meadow-steppes in the surrounding of Dedoplistskaro limestone quarries.
Limestone mining in Kavtiskhevi quarry was started since 1936 and continues till today,
represents one of the most interesting areas for development of educational program for both
pupils and students demonstrating natural habitat restoration process, already representing by
different succession stages of vegetation cover and containing restoration area of planted natural
trees. Total area of the quarry is 182.98 hectares, 80% is opened. The climate is dry moderate
continental; average annual temperature is +11.5°C, average annual precipitation is 500 mm
(Maruashvili, 1964). This area was investigated during the Quarry Life Award program in 2012.
Dedoplistskaro Limestone Quarry operation was started in 1954 and is active till today. It
is located in Kakheti region, historically Kiziki province, near Dedoplistskaro district center on
lower montane belt of south-western extremities of Gombori range. Near quarry is the protected
area "Artsivis Kheoba" representing climax succession stage of limestone landscape. This area will
be interesting for comparison of natural and impacted habitats. Total area of the quarry is 26.7
hectares, 95% is opened. The climate is dry acutely continental; average annual temperature is
11.2°C, average annual precipitation is 400-600 mm. Soil type is the forest brawn-calcareous soils
with humus (Maruashvili, 1964). The investigation in Dedoplistskaro quarry was carried out in
2010-2011 in the framework of HeidelbergCement AG student educational program and bachelor
thesis - "Geophytes dominated plant communities on calcareous soils around the quarry
Dedoplistkaro/Orchids" was done by George Arabuli with supervisor, Maia Akhalkatsi.
During this bachelor thesis project we have studied plant diversity in Dedoplistskaro’s
quarry (N 41.48°, E 46.10°, 850-930 m a.s.l.). The total number of species in the area was 230
(Table 1; Annex 1). Three habitat types dominated by geophytes have been determined in the
surrounding of limestone quarry: 1) Oak-Hornbeam-Oriental Hornbeam forest with Quercus
iberica and Carpinus orientalis (total number of plant species=137; geophytes=18); 2) Shibliak
(total number of plant species = 186, geophytes = 19); 3) Dry meadow-steppes (total number of
plant species = 130, geophytes - 13). Number of species according to life forms in different habitats
is presented in Fig. 1.1.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 5
6. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
1
2
3
Figure 1. Plant diversity in Dedoplistskaro limestone quarry. 1A - Number of species of different life forms
in the three plant communities of the study area. (n=230); 1B - Percentage of species composition according
to life forms in the studied three habitats. (n=230); 1C - Number of species of different life forms in oak-oriental
hornbeam forest (n=137); 1D - Number of species of different life forms in shibliak habitat (n=186);
1E - Number of species of different life forms in dry meadow-steppe habitat (n=130). 2 - Mean and standard
deviation of sky exposition, species density and fertility on 1 m2 plots in cutting Dedoplistskaro and normal
Nekresi oak-hornbeam-oriental hornbeam forests. (n=20). 3 - Correlation between species diversity and sky
exposition (green triangles) and fertility and sky exposition (red quadrates) in cutting (with sky exposition
8.6±2.4%) and normal (sky exposition 13.8±2.14%) oak-hornbeam-oriental hornbeam forests. (n=20).
Habitat disturbances effect on species density and fertility of orchids as indicator species has
shown that the decrease of sky exposition due to wood cutting in forest caused diminishing of
species fertility index but increased of species density by vegetative propagation of non-flowering
individuals (Fig.1.2). Negative linear correlation was determined between species density and sky
exposition (Fig. 1.3). More orchid individuals occurred in cutting forest with lower sky exposition
and lower number was found in normal forest. Positive linear correlation was found between
fertility and sky exposition. As higher is sky exposition as many orchid individuals are in
flowering stage. This fact will negatively affect population because of diminishing the gene
recombination and increase of clones of the species. This will increase threat to species extinction
due to restricted genetic diversity in the population. Thus, during the possible restoration of area
of limestone quarry geophytes of open meadows and shibliak will be restored from the early
stages. However, orchids of forest habitats will appear in the area only in case if their typical
habitat of oak-hornbeam forest will be restored.
Protected area "Artsivis Kheoba" located near limestone quarry in Dedoplistskaro shows
the influence of anthropogenic impact on species diversity, which is identified in this area as
strong wood cutting.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 6
7. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
_____________________________________ Methods and Activity
To develop an educational program, this project needed collection of information about the
limestone quarries from literature data and during field trips. The characterization of the quarries
should include: the geomorphologic features found in limestone deposits; history of the origin of
the limestone deposits and fossils; biodiversity descriptions of limestone habitats; anthropogenic
impact assessment. To evaluate most effective thematic for the educational program one MS
student and one PhD student were involved in the process of project development. The field work
was carried out using methods of plot recording. For this purpose twelve 1 m2 plots was chosen
within each successional stages of re-vegetation process -pioneer and logistic successions (Map 2).
Map 2. A - Kavtiskhevi limestone quarry located in Shida Kartli region of Georgia; B - Limestone quarry
with study sites (red and green spots); C - research plots of pioneer (red) and oligotropic (green) successions.
During field trips the following data were collected: 1. Data for documentation of the
record: plot No., figure(s), ref. map, and date of field data collection; 2. Environmental data:
Species composition of successional stages; location, exact GPS coordinates, altitude and sloping
characters (inclination, exposition); Vegetation cover (%) and canopy height (cm; m); Habitat type
and description of existing disturbances; 3. Plant community characteristics (1 m2 plots): Species
richness and cover (%); The data were analyzed by statistical programs PCORD 5.32 and SPSS v.
16. Statistical analysis of these data gave a possibility to develop complete database information
about species diversity changes among successional stages of vegetation recovery.
The process of project development will start in 5th March and continue to the end of
September 2012. These activities were undertaken in the following schedule: 1. March-April,
2012: Collection of literature data and preparation of field plans and missions. 2. May-July 2012:
Field trips in Kavtiskhevi and Dedoplistskaro regions to assess plant communities of different
successional stages. 3. August-September 2012: data analyses and preparation of project for
environmental educational program on biodiversity conservation.
The project participants are two organizations: Ilia State University and GSNE "Orchis";.
We offered the possibility to MS and PhD students to participate in the field work in the
Kavtiskhevi limestone quarry. The following students have expressed the wishes to be participants
- Tamar Bragvadze, George Arabuli, Natia Chikhelidze and Zezva Asanidze, from Ilia State
University. Additionally, one PhD student from Ukraine, National University of Mohyla
Academy, Olena Kozak, expressed the wishes to arrive in Tbilisi and get knowledge on this
methodology. From scientists, there were involved Marine Mosulishvili, Nana Shakarishvili,
Mirian Gvritishvili and Maia Akhalkatsi. As consultant for species identification was involved in
the work GSNE "Orchis" chair, Mariam Kimeridze.
The field trips were funded by the program the Quarry Life Award. Itemized total budget
was 856 GEL used for per diem (15 GEL x 10 x 5 day = 750) and petrol (106 GEL). The field trips
were in Kavtiskhevi and Dedoplostskaro in May-July. During field trips were made
phytosociological descriptions of vegetation in different successional stages of habitats.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 7
8. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
__________________________________________________________________Results
The degraded habitat of limestone quarry in the Kavtiskhevi is covered by few plant species of
semi-arid vegetation. Total number of plant species described on the territory of the quarry
(182.98 h) is 114 (Table 2, Annex 2). The natural habitat types in the quarry area are represented
by xerophytes scrublands and secondary steppe grasslands. Xerophytes scrublands are almost
completely degraded. However, the remnants of species are remained on small grounds, mainly in
stony slopes. Secondary steppes are in the surrounding area. The degraded grassland area is
presented by pioneer successions of plant pioneer species and logistic successions identified as
oligotrophic meadows and mesotrophic meadows.
The scrublands and steppe vegetation contains some endemic and rare species which are
under threat and only few locations of them are discovered in Georgia. The endemics are 3
shrubs: Cotoneaster saxatilis Pojark., Daphne caucasica Pall. and D. axilliflora (Keissl.)Pobed.
Endemic herbs are 4 species: Onobrychis iberica Grossh., O. radiata (Desf.) M. Bieb., Scorzonera
biebersteinii Lipsch. and Thymus tiflisiensis Klok. & Shost. The life forms are presented in Fig.2.1.
Figure 2. Plant diversity in Kavtiskhevi limestone quarry. 1A - Number of species of different life forms in
four habitats of the study area. (n=114); 1B - Number of species of different life forms in xerophytes
scrublands (n=83);; 1C - Number of species of different life forms in secondary steppes (n=61); 1D - Number
of species of different life forms in oligotrophic meadows of logistic successional plots (n=82); 1E - Number
of species of different life forms in pioneer successions of the study site (n=46). 2 - Species cover percentage
and species richness at the pioneer successions and naturally restored oligotrophic grasslands (n=67); 3 -
Evenness and Shannon-Wiener diversity index at pioneer successions and naturally restored oligotrophic
grasslands (n=67).
Two successional stages: pioneer succession and typical oligotrophic meadows of
Kavtiskhevi quarry have been described (Fig.2.2, Fig.2,3). The vegetation cover percentage is
much lower in pioneer successions (29.4±14.4) than in oligotrophic grasslands (67.8±16.1). The
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 8
9. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
species richness shows similarly low level at pioneer succession (9.7±1.6) and higher value at the
restored oligotrophic grasslands (16.4±3.9). However, evenness is not significantly different
between pioneer successions (0.7±0.2) and restored oligotrophic grasslands (0.69±-0.15). Shannon-
Wiener index is higher in restored grasslands (1.9±0.48) than in pioneer successions (1.6±0.53).
Dominance-diversity curves (Fig. 3A) show the abundance distribution among species in
plots of the pioneer successions and oligotrophic grasslands. The scatterplot (Fig. 3B) of the
relationships between frequency and abundance of the plant species (log base 10 of the sum of the
species cover) in the succession plots at the Kavtiskhevi quarry demonstrates the species which are
very frequent in the area regardless of the fact that they have lower abundance and are
distinguished from the dominant species presented in only a few instances but with high cover.
Figure 3. A - Dominant species in Kavtiskhevi quarry plant communities. (n=67); B - Frequency of plant
species (n=67).
Detrended correspondence analyses (DCA) show (Fig. 4A) that the pioneer succession are mainly
clustered in right segment of first axis area with environmental indicator of low soil depth and the
oligotrophic grassland plots are concentrated in the area with more higher soil depth and litter
occurrence. There are only four plots of pioneer succession with higher soil depth and they are
clustered in left segment of the first axis. One oligotrophic plot (OM6) is associated with lower soil
depth. The mean soil depth (Fig.4B) in pioneer succession plots is lower (1.7±1.76 cm) than in
oligotrophis grasslands (2.75±1.13 cm).
Figure 4. A - DCA analyses of pioneer succession plots (red triangular) and oligotrophic grasslands (green
triangular; n=24/67);
The 8 species have revealed higher observed indicator value (IV) in pioneer successions
(Fig.5). These species mainly cover the mining sites where limestone material was extracted ca 2-3
years ago. Most of these species are not present in other habitats of quarry covered by restored
vegetation types and have to be determined as a pioneer species.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 9
10. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
Figure 5. Differences of Indicator Values (IV) of the indicator species between pioneer successions
and oligotrophic naturally restored grasslands at the Kavtiskhevi limestone quarry. The table
shows the indicator values, mean and standard deviation of species cover on plots and results of
the Monte Carlo test of significance - P. (n=24).
Fig.6. Cluster analyses of pioneer successions (PS) and oligotrophic grasslands (OM). (n=24).
The dendrogram (Fig. 6) shows the resulting hierarchy of clusters composed by two
successional stages of naturally restoring vegetation at the limestone quarry. The first cluster
group contains all plots of pioneer succession to show high similarity and only one logistic
successional plot of oligotrophic grassland - OM5 shows lower similarity to the pioneer
successions. This is the only one logistical plot containing pioneer species - Taraxacum officinale,
which occurs in almost all pioneer successional plots but not in any other logistical plots. One
oligotrophic grassland plot (OM6) is completely separated to other logistical plots. This plot
contains as well the pioneer species - Lotus corniculatus, occurring only in plots of pioneer
succession. The plot OM11 contains pioneer species - Melilotus officinalis and is separated by low
level of similarity to cluster of oligotrophic grasslands.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 10
11. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
______________________________________________________________Discussion
The cluster results demonstrate importance of species composition for determining of successional
stages. The following species are present only in pioneer successional plots - Sisymbrium loeselii,
Medicago lupulina, Lactuca seriola, Tussilago farfara, Scorzonera biebersteinii, Chenopodium
album, Poa densa. The three dominant species of pioneer successions- Lotus
corniculatus, Melilotus officinalis and Taraxacum officinale showing high cover percentage in
plots of pioneer successions are still remained in a logistical successional stage on plots. The
pioneer species should be determined for rehabilitation process of quarries and be used in re-vegetation
process by sawing the seeds.
The results show relationship of species composition in different successional stages with
soil depth and structure. The pioneer species are able to grow on very open limestone ground
material with low depth of clay soil and with reduced trophicity of the soil. Naturally restored
grasslands remained oligotrophic, because the soil depth is low, but there is already litter and no
complete open ground material areas. The restoration of pioneer succession to logistic succession
stage will be connected to improvement of soil quality. The area of Kavtiskhevi is semi-arid zone
and the vegetation is adapted to dry matter of clay soil. In spite of this fact, the oligotrophic
grasslands with low level of dry matter have demonstrated high number of indicator species
occurring in almost all plots. These species are characterized for natural habitats of semi-arid zone
of this area, however, the species combination is different than in natural habitats of semi-deserts,
steppes, xerophytic scrublands etc.
We have compared vegetation cover, species richness and biodiversity indexes between
pioneer successions located at the mineral extraction sites before 2-3 years and restored
oligotrophic grasslands covering areas of the mineral extraction sites after 5 years of naturally
restoration process of the vegetation in the Kavtiskhevi limestone quarry of HeidelbergCement
AG. Both pioneer successions and oligotrophic grasslands are characterized by low dry matter
yields which can be explained through the reduced quantities of rainfall from spring and, of
course, through the reduced trophicity of the soil.
Species abundance patterns in different trophical successional stages provide the niche in
groups of species that are closely associated ecologically in the same microhabitats. The first group
of dominant species is - Dorycnium intermedium, Bothriochloa ischaemum, Lotus corniculatus,
Glycyrrhiza glabra, Inula salicina subsp. aspera. The second group contains species - Festuca varia,
Teucrium chamaedrys, Poterium polygamum, Lolium rigidum, Trisetum rigidum, Poa pratensis,
Artemisia caucasica, Onobrychis radiata, Plantago lanceolata etc.
These data indicate that the pioneer species and dominants of logistic successional plots
should be used for re-vegetation process. A very common goal in plant community analysis is to
detect and describe the value of different species for indicating the environmental conditions. This
type of investigations will contribute in rehabilitation process of the limestone quarry.
The vegetation of calcareous soil and limestone ground material habitats are characterized
by high diversity and highest level of endemism. The study area is based on limestone ground
material and plants are adapted to these concrete conditions. Therefore, there are many species
typical for calcareous soils and limestone areas. After mining process of the quarry structure and
conditions is changed and the restoration process should be determined depending on current
structure and quality of environmental conditions of the quarry.
Thus, the educational program that contains study of species diversity and natural
successional re-vegetation process will contribute to rehabilitation process. The monitoring of the
rehabilitation process will be used for educational program to provide knowledge of young
generation on effective protection of nature.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 11
12. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
____________________________________________________________Conclusions
To develop educational program on biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation
process of limestone quarry contains action of environmental assessments for limestone landscapes
having high value of unique biological, cultural, geological and scenic features. It is characterized
by high biodiversity involving many endemic and rare plant and animal species. Paleontological
remains in limestone deposits have provided great insights into prehistoric flora and fauna.
Geological remains demonstrate invaluable information about past environmental conditions,
including climate.
The main goal of creation of the education program is development of online virtual
interactive platform in internet with free access of students and pupils on the web site of GSNE
"Orchis". The process of construction of this program needs project activity demonstrated in the
schedules. Timetable for the proposed activities needs 24 months in total. A detailed list of the
planned activities is outlined in the timetable below (Fig.7).
Figure 7. Duration and indicative action plan for the implementing the action (duration of the project is 24
months)
The budget of the proposed project is presented in Annex 3.
This project will be coordinated by researcher of this proposal - Maia Akhalkatsi (see CV, Annex
4).
____________________________________________References
1. Akhalkatsi, M., Lorenz, R., M. Mosulishvili. 2007. Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Gattung Dactylorhiza in
Georgien (Kaukasus). Ein Beitrag zum OPTIMA-Projekt »Kartierung der mediterranen Orchideen«.-
Jber. naturwiss. Ver. Wuppertal 60, 13-100.
2. Akhalkatsi, M. 2010. Habitats of Georgia, GTZ, Tbilisi.
3. Kimeridze M. 2009. Vascular Plants of Xerophylous Phytolandscapes of Shida Kartli Region (Central
Part of Eastern Georgia). GTZ, Tbilisi.
4. Lachashvili, I., Lachashvili, N., Khachidze. M. 2007. Conspectus of flora of Kiziki (East Georgia).
Universali, Tbilisi. (In Georgian).
5. Maruashvili, M. 1964. Physical geography of Georgia. Metsniereba, Tbilisi.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 12
21. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
___________________________________________________________Annex 3
Project Budget
24 Months
Budget Description Unit # of
units
Unit rate
(EUR)
Cost in (EUR)
Project staff
Project Coordinator Month 24 300 7,200
Project Manager Month 24 300 7,200
Project Assistant Month 24 200 4,800
Driver Month 5 500 5,000
Sum € 24,200
Expeditions
Petrol Days 50 30 1,500
Per diem Days/persons 50/5 25 6,250
Sum € 7,750
Office Equipment
Video camera /Photo camera/Projector Sum € 5,000
Activities
Trainings/Workshops Persons 25 50 1,250
Electronic web-page Preparation 1 1200 1200
Publication Book 2 600 1200
Sum € 3,650
Grand
Total
€ 40,600
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 21
22. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
_________________________________________________________________Annex 4
CVs and Qualifications of Project Coordinator
CURRICULUM VITAE
Assoc. Prof., Dr. Dr. Maia Akhalkatsi
Date and place of birth: December 30th, 1959, Gurjaani, Georgia.
Nationality: Georgian
Gender: Female
Postal Address: Ilia State University, Cholokashvili Ave. 3/5, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia.
E-mail: akhalkatsim@yahoo.com, maia_akhalkatsi@iliauni.edu.ge;
Mobil: +995 99 193529.
Present position: Head of the Department of Plant Genetic Resources, Institute of Botany;
Associated Professor, Faculty of Sciences and Art, Ilia State University.
Education:
1966-1976 2nd Public School, Shilda, Georgia, graduated with gold medal.
1976-1981 Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia, graduated with red diploma.
1981-1984 Postgraduate School at the Komarov Botanical Institute, St.Peterburg, Russia.
1997-04-07 IREX Fellowship, Portland, Oregon, USA.
1997-1999 Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, Duesseldorf, Germany
Degrees:
1981/June 25th Master of Science (Molecular Biology), Tbilisi State University. Diploma G-1 #
171724.
1986/January 15th PhD. (Cand. Biol. Sci., Botany), the Komarov Botanical Institute, St.Peterburg,
Russia. Diploma BL # 016282.
2006/ May 15th Doctor of Sciences (Botany), Institute of Zoology, Georgian Academy of Sciences,
Diploma # 001669.
Experience:
1985-1992 Scientific worker, Institute of Botany, Georgian Academy of Sciences, Tbilisi.
1992-2002 Senior scientist, Institute of Botany, Georgian Academy of Sciences, Tbilisi.
1997-2011 Chairman of the NGO “GSNE Orchis” (http://www.itic.org.ge/orchis).
Since 2002 Head of the Department of Plant Genetic Resources, Institute of Botany, Ilia State
University, Tbilisi.
2006-2009 Associated Professor, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ilia Chavchavadze State University,
Tbilisi.
Since 2010 Associated Professor, Faculty of Sciences and Art, Ilia State University, Tbilisi.
Lecturer:
1992- 1994 Biology course, College of Natural Sciences at the Institute of Physics of Georgian
Academy of Sciences, Tbilisi.
1999-2001 Biology course, Faculty of Physics, I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.
2006-2009 Plant morphology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ilia Chavchavadze State University.
2010 -2011 Plant morphology and genetic resources, Institute of Ecology, Ilia State
University, Tbilisi.
Since 2012 Plant morphology, Plant genetic resources and forest ecology. Faculty of Sciences
and Art, Ilia State University.
Main Professional Interests:
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 22
23. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
Plant genetic resources, crop domestication, agrobiodiversity, plant diversity, plant reproductive
ecology, vegetation mapping, plant conservation.
Main Professional experience:
Light microscopy, electron microscopy, tissue culture, comprehensive biometric methods, GIS.
Fellowships:
Austria - 1992,1993,1994, 2000, 2001, - Austrian Academy of Sciences; 2008 -OeBF.
Germany – 1993 Ministry of Culture and Education of Bayern, 1995 - DAAD, 1997-1999,
2000, 2004; 2007 -Alexander von Humboldt Foundation; 2000 - Dönhoff Foundation, 2008, 2010-
Giessen University.
USA – 1997-IREX; 2004 – GRDF/CRDF.
Switzerland – 2000 – SNF, Scopes, travel grant; 2008 - WSL, 2009- GTZ.
Grants:
1. International Science Foundation 1994 (MX000), 1996 (MX200) “Reproductive biology and
seed development in three Astragalus species in Georgia.”
2. Georgian Academy of Sciences - 1997-1999: “Reproductive Biology of Flowering Plants”;
3. COBASE Grants Program – 1997 – Project Development Grant: “Phylogenetic studies in Iris
subgenus Iris using morphological and molecular data.” US visitor C. Wilson, Portland State
University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
4. Georgian Academy of Sciences 2000-2002, 2003-2005: „Study of seed development of some
rare species of Georgian flora and their conservation in the stations of the Institute of Botany“.
5. EU 5th Framework Program, 2000-2003 – GLORIA-EUROPE – “The Global Observation
Research Initiative in Apline Environments”. Project coordinator G. Grabherr, University of
Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
6. Volkswagen Foundation – 2002-2005: “Pharmaceutical value of onions and related species
(Allium L.) Of middle Asia and the Caucasus (PharmAll).”; Coordinator M. Keusgen,
University of Marburg, Germany.
7. The Willowwood Foundation – 2002. “Rare plant introduction in the Kazbegi Research
Station.” Coordinator GSNE “Orchis”.
8. bp Economy and Ecology in Harmony I, 2002-2003, “Inventory and Conservation of Orchid
Diversity in Georgia.” Coordinator GSNE “Orchis”.
9. GRDF/CRDF – Georgia-US Bilateral Grants Program I, 2002-2005: “Alpine Tree line Stability
in a Changing Global Environment: Mechanisms of Tree Seedling Establishment.” (Award #
GP1-3322-TB-02). US coordinator W.K. Smith, Wake Forest University, NC, USA.
10. CRDF – Caucasus – U.S. Scientific Workshops Program 2003. “Plant Interactions and the
Effect of Global Warming on Alpine Biodiversity.” (Award GX0-1043-TB-02). U.S. Organizer:
Ragan M. Callaway, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA.
11. bp Economy and Ecology in Harmony II, 2004-2005, “Diversity and Conservation of the
Economically Important Plant Family Iridaceae in Georgia.” Coordinator GSNE “Orchis”.
12. GRDF/CRDF – US-Georgia Bilateral Program 1I - 2005-2006: “Ecological Facilitation in the
Alpine Treeline Ecotone of Georgia: Implications for Future Global Change.” (Award GEB1-
3335-TB-03). US coordinator W.K. Smith, Wake Forest University, NC, USA.
13. bp Economy and Ecology in Harmony III, 2005-2006, “Diversity and Conservation of Iris
Family in Georgia.” Coordinator GSNE “Orchis”.
14. UNDP – 2005-2006, “Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of the Endangered Medicinal
Plants in Samtskhe-Javakheti.” in the framework of the ELKANA agrobiodiversity Program.
15. Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), 2005-2006, Pilot project on
“Optimizing grazing regimes in subalpine grassland in the Central Caucasus.” Swiss
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 23
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pastures in
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ment, GMBA
6, CH-4056
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of mountain
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hönbeinstr.
servation of
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25. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
1. GMBA mountain biodiversity conference. Stepantsminda, 21-24 June 2012.Akhalkatsi M.
Crop diversity in mountain regions of Georgia. M. Akhalkatsi. Genetic diversity of ancient
crops in mountain regions of Georgia.
2. XXIII IUFRO World Congress. Forests for the Future: Sustaining Society and the
Environment. 23-28 August 2010, COEX Seoul, Republic of Korea. Akhalkatsi, M., Kimeridze,
M. Implementation of the classification system of forest habitats in accordance with the
Natura2000 standards in the Georgian Legislation.
3. 2nd International GMBA-DIVERSITAS conference "Functional significance of mountain
biodiversity" in Chandolin (Valais), Switzerland, 26-30th July 2010. Nakhutsrishvili, G.
Abdaladze, O. Akhalkatsi, M., Batsatsashvili, K. Sharikadze, Kh. Alpine plant diversity and
function in the Central Caucasus.
4. Climate Change Curricula in Higher Education in Tbilisi, 7 June, 2010, Tbilisi, Georgia.
5. Kickoff Meeting AMIES - Analysing multiple interrelationships between environmental and
societal processes in mountainous regions of Georgia. Interdisciplinary research to foster
sustainable land use, land development, and quality of life 23-29, May, 2010 Tbilisi-Kazbegi-
Bakuriani.
6. Between Europe and the Orient –A Focus on Research and Higher Education in/on Central
Asia and the Caucasus. 19-21 May, 2010, Tbilisi, Georgia.
7. Hintermann & Weber AG - Biodiversity monitoring training courses, September 2009 in
Basel-Bern, Switzerland.
8. "The role of botanic gardens in Georgia – Opportunities and challenges for the future". BGCI
Georgia Workshop, 21-23 May 2009, Tbilisi, Georgia.
9. "Scientific Cooperation with Developing Countries - the Swiss Guidelines and their
Implementation", Volkswagen Foundation workshop. 13-14 November 2008. Bonn, Germany.
10. "Natura 2000" Training Courses in OeBF. 7-12 September, Vienna, Austria.
11. Swiss Federal Institute -WSL training courses and botanical excursion in Swiss Alps. 20-31
July, 2008, Birmensdorf, Switzerland.
12. Training courses in Giessen University, Institute of Landscape Ecology, 01-16 May, 2008.
13. “Botanikertagung 2007”, September 3 -7 2007, Hamburg, Germany.
14. First Kazbegi workshop on „Botany, taxonomy and phytochemistry of wild Allium L. species
of the Caucasus and Central Asia“ June 4 – 8, 2007, Kazbegi, Caucasus, Georgia.
15. Workshop INTAS – South-Caucasus 2006, Scientific Cooperation and Collaborative Call 19-21
April 2006, Tbilisi, Georgia.
16. Süd Kaukasus auf dem Weg nach Europa. Av Humboldt Stiftung internationale Konferenz.
Tbilisi 24-26 October 2005.
17. Ophrys 2005, 14-16 April 2005. Chios. Greece.
18. Orchid Conference in Schwaebisch Gmuend, 25-27 September 2004 , Swaebisch Gmuend,
Germany.
19. “Botanikertagung 2004”, 5 -11 September 2004, Braunschweig, Germany.
20. Annual Meeting of the Botanical Society of America. 5-8 August 2004. Salt Lake City, USA.
21. Plant Interactions and Global Warming Effect on Alpine Biodiversity, Kazbegi, 30 June-5 July
2003.
22. Third EUFORGEN Conifers Network meeting, Kostrzyca, Poland, 17-19 October 2002.
23. Botanikertagung 2002, Freiburg Germany. 22-29 September 2002.
24. Botanikertagung 2000 Jena, Germany, 17-22 September 2000.
25. GMBA conference, Rigi-Kaltbad, Switzerland, 7-10 September 2000.
26. Stigma-Pollen Interaction Conference, Oxford, UK, 18-21 July 1999.
27. Botanikertagung, 1998, Bremen, Germany, 30.08-6.09 1998.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 25
26. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
28. XVth International Congress on Sexual Plant Reproduction, Wageningen, the Netherlands, 16-
21 August 1998.
29. VIIth International Congress of Ecology, Florence, Italy, 19-25 July 1998.
30. XI Int. Symp. Embryology and Seed Reproduction, Russia, 1990.
Memberships:
Botanical Society of America since 1997.
Botanical Society of Germany since 1998;
Member of NGO “GSNE Orchis” since 1997.
Languages: Reading, speaking and writing fluent in English, German, Russian, Georgian.
Tbilisi, 27.09.2012
List of Publications
Books
6. Akhalkatsi, M. 2010. Habitats of Georgia, GTZ, Tbilisi.
7. Akhalkatsi M. 2009. Conservation and sustainable use of crop wild relatives in Samtskhe-
Javakheti. Tbilisi. Elkana.
8. Akhalkatsi, M.. Kimeridze, M., Mosulishvili, M., Maisaia, I. 2009. Conservation and
Sustainable Utilization of the Endangered Medicinal Plants in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Final
Report. Tbilisi pp. 167.
9. Akhalkatsi, M.. Kimeridze, M., Mosulishvili, M., Maisaia, I. 2005. Conservation and
Sustainable Utilization of the Endangered Medicinal Plants in Samtskhe-Javakheti.
Environmental Baseline. Tbilisi. pp. 80.
10. Akhalkatsi M., Kimeridze M., Künkele S., Lorenz R., Mosulishvili M. 2003. Diversity and
conservation of Georgian orchids. Tbilisi, CGS Ltd. pp. 40.
Articles in the international periodicals
11. Pauli, H., Gottfried, M., Dullinger, S., Abdaladze, O., Akhalkatsi, M., Alonso, J.L.B., Coldea,
G., Dick, J., Erschbamer, B., Fernández Calzado, R., Ghosn, D., Holten, J.I., Kanka, R.,
Kazakis, G., Kollár, J., Larsson, P., Moiseev, P., Moiseev, D., Molau, U., Molero Mesa, J., Nagy,
L., Pelino, G., Puşcaş, M., Rossi, G., Stanisci, A., Syverhuset, A. O., Theurillat, J.-P., Tomaselli,
M., Unterluggauer, P., Villar, L., Vittoz, P., Grabherr G. 2012. Recent plant diversity trends on
Europe’s mountain summits. Science 336, 353-355. DOI: 10.1126/science.1219033.
12. Gottfried, M., Pauli, H., Futschik, A., Akhalkatsi, M., Barančok P., Alonso, J.L.B., Coldea, G.,
Dick, J., Erschbamer, B., Rosa, M., Calzado, F., Kazakis G., Krajči, J., Larsson, P., Mallaun, M.,
Michelsen, O., Moiseev, D.15, Moiseev, P., Molau, U., Merzouki, A., Nagy, L.,
Nakhutsrishvili, G., Pedersen, B., Pelino, G., Puscas, M., Rossi, G., Stanisci, A., Theurillat, J.-
P., Tomaselli, M., Villar, L., Vittoz, P., Vogiatzakis, I., Grabherr G. 2012. An early warning
signal for a continental-scale response to ongoing climate change. Nature Climate Change 2,
111–115. DOI: 10.1038/NCLIMATE1329.
13. Akhalkatsi, M., Ekhvaia, J., Asanidze, Z. 2012. Diversity and Genetic Erosion of Ancient Crops
and Wild Relatives of Agricultural Cultivars for Food: Implications for Nature Conservation in
Georgia (Caucasus), Perspectives on Nature Conservation - Patterns, Pressures and Prospects,
Prof. John Tiefenbacher (Ed.), ISBN: 978-953-51-0033-1, InTech, Available from:
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 26
27. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
http://www.intechopen.com/books/perspectives-on-nature-conservation-patterns-pressures-and-
prospects/diversity-and-genetic-erosion-of-ancient-crops-and-wild-relatives-of-agricultural-
cultivars-for-food
14. Gigauri Kh., Akhalkatsi M., Nakhutsrishvili G., Abdaladze O. 2012. Monitoring of vascular
plant diversity in a changing climate in the alpine zone of the Central Greater Caucasus. Plant
Ecology & Diversity, TRED-2012-0055 (in press)
15. Akhalkatsi M., Kimeridze M. 2012. Implementation of the classification system of forest
habitats in accordance with the 'Natura2000' standards in the Georgian Legislation.
Proceedings XXIII IUFRO World Congress - “Forests for the Future: Sustaining Society and
the Environment”, Seoul, Korea - 23 - 28 August, 2010. (in press).
16. Asanidze Z., Akhalkatsi M., Gvritishvili M. 2011. Comparative morphometric study and
relationships between the Caucasian species of wild pear (Pyrus spp.) and local cultivars in
Georgia. Flora 206, 11:974-986. doi:10.1016/j.flora.2011.04.010. (Impact factor 1,657).
17. Otte A., Akhaltkatsi, M., Nakhutsrishvili, G., Simmering, D., Waldhardt, R. 2011.
Phytodiversität in Georgien: Die Bedeutung von Standort und Landnutzung im Großen und
Kleinen Kaukasus. Spiegel der Forschung 28, 2:24-31.
18. Ekhvaia J., Blattner F. R., Akhalkatsi M. 2010. Genetic diversity and relationships between
wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) populations and aboriginal cultivars in Georgia.
Proc. 33rd World Congress of Vine and Wine, 8th General Assambley of the OIV, 20-25 June
2010, Tbilisi, Georgia. http://www.oiv2010.ge/index.php?page=5&lang=0
19. Akhalkatsi M., Ekhvaia J., Mosulishvili M., Nakhutsrishvili G., Abdaladze O., Batsatsashvili K.
2010. Reasons and processes leading to the erosion of crop genetic diversity in mountainous
regions of Georgia. Mountain Research and Development 30, 3:304-310. (Impact factor 0.575).
20. Ekhvaia J., Akhalkatsi M. 2010. Morphological variation and relationships of Georgian
populations of Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi. Flora 205, 9:608-617.
doi:10.1016/j.flora.2009.08.002. (Impact factor 1.657).
21. Pistrick K., Akhalkatsi M., Girgvliani T., Shanshiashvili T. 2010. Sammlung von Saat- und
Pflanzgut pflanzengenetischer Ressourcen in Svanetien und Lečchumi (Georgien, Kaukasus)
2009. Berichte Ges. Pflanzenbauwiss. 5, 27:125-127.
22. Erschbammer B., Mallaun M., Unterluggauer P., Abdaladze O., Akhalkatsi M., Nakhutsrishvili
G. 2010. Species richness and distribution above the treeline in the Central Alps (Italy) and in
the Central Caucasus (Georgia). Tuexenia 30:11-29.
23. Nakhutsrishvili G., Akhalkatsi M., Abdaladze O. 2009. Main Threats to the Mountain
Biodiversity in Georgia (the Caucasus). Mountain Forum Bulletin 9, 2:18-19.
24. Pistrick, K., Akhalkatsi M., Girgvliani T. Shanshiashvili T. 2009. Collecting plant genetic
resources in Upper Svaneti (Georgia, Caucasus Mountains). J. Agric. Rural Dev. Trop. Subtrop.
Supplement 92:127-135.
25. Hughes N.M., Johnson D.M., Akhalkatsi M., Abdaladze O. 2009. Characterizing Betula
litwinowii seedling microsites at the alpine-treeline ecotone, Central Greater Caucasus
Mountains, Georgia. Arct. Antarct. Alp. Res. 41,1:112-118 (impact factor 1,089).
26. Akhalkatsi M., Fritsch R., Maisaia I., Nakhutsrishvili G., Pistrick K. 2008. Habitats of Allium
Species in Georgia. In: Keusgen, M., Fritsch R.M. (eds.) "Botany, taxonomy and
phytochemistry of wild Allium L. species of the Caucasus and Central Asia“. Marburg &
Gatersleben, Germany,. pp. 45-52. ISBN 978-3-9813096-0-7.
27. Pistrick K., Akhalkatsi M., Nakhutsrishvili G. 2008. Collecting Wild Allium Species in
Georgia. In: Keusgen, M., Fritsch, R.M. (eds.), "Botany, taxonomy and phytochemistry of wild
Allium L. species of the Caucasus and Central Asia“. Marburg & Gatersleben, Germany, pp.
147-156. ISBN 978-3-9813096-0-7.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 27
28. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
28. Kimeridze, M., Akhalkatsi, M., Herbst, P. 2008. Gefährdung und Schutzmaßnahmen für
Georgiens Wälder. In: Herbst, P., Mekić, F., Avdibegović, M., Schmithuesen, F. (eds).
"Forstwirschaft und Forstrecht in den Reformstaaten Mittel- und Osteuropas 1990-2007".
Forstery Faculty Univ. Sarajevo, Bosnia/Herzegovina, pp. 31-34.
29. Akhalkatsi, M., Lorenz, R., M. Mosulishvili. 2007. Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Gattung
Dactylorhiza in Georgien (Kaukasus). Ein Beitrag zum OPTIMA-Projekt »Kartierung der
mediterranen Orchideen«.- Jber. naturwiss. Ver. Wuppertal 60, 13-100.
30. Akhalkatsi M., Abdaladze O., Nakhutsrishvili G., Smith W.K. 2006. Rhododendron
caucasicum and microtopography extend the Betula litwinowii alpine treeline (Caucasus
Mountains, Georgia). Arct. Antarct. Alp. Res. 38, 4:481-488.
31. Nakhutsrishvili G., Abdaladze O., Akhalkatsi M. 2006. Biotope types of the treeline of the
Central Greater Caucasus. In: D. Gafta, J. Akeroyd (eds), Nature Conservation: Concepts and
Practice. Springer, Berlin, NY, pp. 211-225.
32. Akhalkatsi, M. 2006. International cooperative projects in botany with participation of
Georgian scientists. Georgien - Postsowjetische Umbrüche und Hoffnungen auf Europa.
Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung - Arbeits- und Diskussiospapier 6: 37-39.
33. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Mosulishvili M. 2006. Orchids and their habitats in Georgia. J Eur.
Orch. 38 (2): 286 – 287.
34. Kimeridze M., Akhalkatsi M., Herbst P. 2006. Gefährdung und Schutzmaßnahmen für
Georgiens Wälder. Forstzeitung 117, 4:32-33.
35. Kimeridze M., Akhalkatsi M. 2006. Forest Legislation in Relation with Biodiversity
Conservation in Georgia. In: Schmithüsen, F., Herbst, P., Nonic, D., Jovic D., Stanisic M. (eds)
"Legal Aspects of European Forest Sustainable Development", pp.176-180, ETH, Zurich.
36. Akhalkatsi M., Kimeridze M. 2006. Threats and Protection Measures of Forests in Georgia. In:
Sedat, A., Yusuf, G., Aynur, A. C., Herbst P. (eds.) "Legal Aspects of European Forest
Sustainable Development". pp. 141-149, Department of Forest Law, Faculty of Forestry,
Istanbul University.
37. Akhalkatsi M., Baumann H., Lorenz R., Mosulishvili M., Peter R. 2005. Beiträge zur Kenntnis
kaukasischer Orchideen. J Eur. Orch. 37 (4): 889 – 914.
38. Akhalkatsi M., Lösch R. 2005. Water limitation effect on seed development and germination in
Trigonella coerulea (Fabaceae). Flora 200, 6: 493-501.
39. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Matchutadze I., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Spiranthes amoena – a new
species for flora of Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 36, 3 : 745-754.
40. K. Pistrick, M. Akhalkatsi, and G. Nakhutsrishvili. 2003. Collecting Allium in Georgia
(Caucasus mountains) 2002. Allium Improvement Newsletter, 13:1-7
41. Akhalkatsi M., Kimeridze M., Künkele S., Lorenz R., Mosulishvili M. 2001. Orchids of
Georgia. J Eur. Orch. 33, 1 : 457-458.
42. Akhalkatsi M., Lösch R. 2001. Changes in Water Relations, Solute Leakage and Growth
Characters During Seed Germination and Seedling Development in Trigonella coerulea
(Fabaceae). J. Appl. Bot. 75, 3-4 : 144-151.
43. Akhalkatsi M., Pfauth M., Calvin C. 1999. Structural aspects of seed and ovule development
and non-random abortion in Melilotus officinalis (Fabaceae). Protoplasma 208, 1-4 : 211- 223.
44. Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 1998. Double fertilization in Peperomia pellucida.
Phytomorphology 48, 4 : 405-409.
45. Akhalkatsi M., Wagner J. 1997. Comperative embryology of three mountain Gentianaceae in
the Central Caucasus and the European Alps. Plant Syst. Evol. 204, 3-4: 39-48.
46. Akhalkatsi M., Wagner J. 1996. Reproductive phenology and seed development of Gentianella
caucasea in different habitats in the Central Caucasus. Flora 191, 1-2 : 161-168.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 28
29. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
47. Wagner J., Achalkazi M., Mayr S. 1995. Anwendung quantitativ-embryologischer Methoden
in Entwicklungsbiologie und Reproduktionsoekologie der Pflanzen. Anzeiger Oester. Akad.
Wiss. math.-nat. Kl., 131 : 7-18.
48. Vassilyev A.E., Akhalkatsi M. 1993. Structural and functional characterization of capitate
trichoms in some Urticaceae. Bot. Zhurn. 78, 12 : 1-8. (Russ.).
49. Akhalkatsi M., Gvaladze G. 1992. Seasonal changes of ultrastructure of embryo sac of
Galanthus nivalis L. (Amaryllidaceae). Bot. Zhurn. 77, 1 : 66-73. (Russ.).
50. Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 1992. On depression of chalazal part of an embryo sac in
Angiosperms. Bot. Zhurn. 77, 7 : 71-75. (Russ.).
51. Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 1990. Is the Polygonum type embryo sac primitive?
Phytomorphology 40, 3-4 : 331-337.
52. Ciamporova M., Akhalkatsi M., Gvaladze G. 1988. Ultrastructure of the sterile tissues of the
ovule of Galanthus nivalis L. (Amaryllidaceae). Bot. Zhurn. 73, 12 : 1722-1730. (Russ.).
53. Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 1988. Ultrastructure of autumn and spring embryo sac of
Galanthus nivalis L. Ann. Univ. L’ARERS, 23 : 152-154.
Articles in the national periodicals
54. Asanidze, Z., Akhalkatsi, M. 2011. Morphological Relationships between Wild and Cultivated
Pears in Georgia. Proc. Georg. Acad. Scien., Biol. Ser. B. (in press).
55. N. Togonidze, M. Akhalkatsi. 2010. Sky exposition effect on phenological rhythm of Primula
species. Proc. Tbilisi Bot. Gard. 98:55-71 (Georg.).
56. M. Akhalkatsi, M. Bokeria, I. Maisaia. 2007. Wild and Cultivated Species of Savory (Satureja
L.) in Georgia and their Use. Proc. Tbilisi Bot. Gard. 97:126-131.
57. Maisaia, I., Arabuli, G., Akhalkatsi, M., Mosulishvili, M. 2006. Use of barley in being and folk
medicine in mountain regions of Eastern and Southern Georgia. Proc. Tbilisi Bot. Gard. 96:
118-120 (Georg.).
58. Ekhvaia, Zh., Akhalkatsi. M. 2006. Comparative study of the quantitative parameters of berries
and seeds in the autochthonous red grape varieties of the Kolkhis (Western Georgia). Proc.
Georg. Acad. Sci. Biol. Ser. B 4, 3:38-46.
59. Nadirashvili N., Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 2006. Structure and function of the hypertrophic
synergid in some species of genus Allium L. Proc. Georg. Acad. Sci. Biol. Ser. B, 4,2:53-60.
60. Nadirashvili N., Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 2005. Atypical embryo sacs in Allium cepa L. Bull.
Georg. Acad. Sci. 171, 2:312-314.
61. Abdaladze O., Akhalkatsi M., Nakhutsrishvili G., Smith W.K. 2005. Some morphological
features of Betula litwinowii at treeline in the Central Caucasus. Proc. Georg. Acad. Sci. Biol.
Ser. B, 3, 2:57-65.
62. Akhalkatsi M., Gvaladze G., Gachechiladze M. 2004. Relationships between structure of the
reproductive organs and the life cycle in the family Gentianaceae. Bull. Georg. Acad. Sci. 170,
1 : 125-129.
63. Nakhutsrishvili G., Abdaladze O., Akhalkatsi M. 2004. – On the tree line vegetation in the
Kazbegi region (the Central Caucasus) - Bull. Georg. Acad. Sci. 169, 2 : 124-129.
64. Nakhutsrishvili G., Abdaladze O., Akhalkatsi M. 2004. Global warming and treeline. Proc.
Georg. Acad. Sci. Biol. Ser. B, 2, 1-2 : 101-103.
65. Akhalkatsi M., Gvaladze G., Gachechiladze M., Taralashvili N.. 2004. Embryology of Gentiana
angulosa and G. pontica (Gentianaceae). Proc. Geor. Acad. Sci., Biol. Ser. B, 2, 1-2 : 29-34.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 29
30. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
66. Gvaladze G., Nadirashvili N., Akhalkatsi M. 2002. Chromatin Diminution During Endosperm
Development In Allium Atroviolaceum Boiss. (Alliaceae). Bull. Georg. Acad. Sci. 166, 3 : 537-
540.
67. Akhalkatsi M., Gvaladze G. 1999. The ultrastructure of ovule sterile tissues of Peperomia
caperata (Piperaceae). Bull. Georg. Acad. Sci. 159, 1: 130-132.
68. Akhalkatsi M. 1998. Age and spatial structure in populations of three Astragalus species
(Tragacantha, Fabaceae) In: Plant Life in High-Mountains. Eds. G. Nakhutsrishvili,
O.Abdaladze, Tbilisi, pp.20-26.
69. Akhalkatsi M., Gvaladze G., Taralashvili N. 1998. Embryology of Primula algida and Primula
amoena (Primulaceae). Bull. Georg. Acad. Sci. 157, 1 : 98-100.
70. Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 1996. Comparative embryology of some Astragalus species. Bull.
Georg. Acad. Sci. 153, 3 : 432-434.
71. Gvaladze G., Chochia K., Akhalkatsi M. 1994. Fertilization in Indian lotus - Nelumbo nucifera
Gaertn. (Nelumbonaceae). Bull. Geor. Acad. Sci. 150, 3 : 515-518. (Russ.).
72. Akhalkatsi M., Beridze M., Gvaladze G. 1989. Female and male gametophytes of Astragalus
caucasicus Pall. Proc. Georg. Acad. Sci. Ser. Biol., 15, 4 : 164-168. (Russ.).
73. Akhalkatsi M., Beridze M., Gvaladze G. 1988. Embryo and endosperm development in
Astragalus caucasicus Pall. Bull. Geor. Acad. Sci. 132, 3 : 601-604. (Georg).
74. Akhalkatsi M., Gvaladze G. 1988. Ultrastructure of the egg cell and zygote of Galanthus nivalis
L. (Amaryllidaceae). Bull. Geor. Bot. Soc. 8 : 187-199. (Russ.).
Scientific-Popular articles
75. Akhalkatsi, M., Mosulishvili M., Kimeridze M., Maisaia, I. 2009. Traditional use of medicinal
plants in historical Tao-Klarjeti. Elkana, 1(2):4-6.
76. Akhalkatsi, M., Mosulishvili M., Kimeridze M., Maisaia, I. 2006. Saffron- a valuable medicinal
plant. Biomeurne, 1(12):33-35 (Georg.).
77. Akhalkatsi M., Kimeridze M., Maisaia I., Mosulishvili M. 2005. Flowless profits. Cauc. Envir.,
4(13):34-37.
78. Akhalkatsi M., Mosulishvili M., Kimeridze M. 2004. Iris Family In Georgia. Cauc. Envir., 2, 7 :
13-16.
79. Akhalkatsi M., Mosulishvili M. 2004. Wetland Orchid Spiranthes Amoena In Georgia. Cauc.
Envir., 1, 6 : 30-31.
80. Akhalkatsi M., Kimeridze M., Künkele S, Lorenz R., Mosulishvili M. 2003. Wild Orchids Of
Georgia. Cauc. Envir., 2, 3 : 48-54.
Abstracts
81. Mosulishvili, M., Maisaia, I., Shanshiashvili, T., Akhalkatsi, M. 2009. Triticum species in
Georgia: Diversity, conservation and taxa of special interest. 6th Int. Triticeae Symp. (6ITS)
May 31 - June 5, 2009, Clock Tower Centennial Hall of Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
82. Akhalkatsi M., Smith W., Abdaladze O., and Nakhutsrishvili G. 2007. Seed germination in two
dominant treeline species Betula litwinowii and Rhododendron caucasicum in the Central
Caucasus. Conference “Botanikertagung 2007”, 3-7 September, Hamburg, Germany. Poster
presentation. http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/bt07/
83. Akhalkatsi M. 2007. Comparative Flower Morphology of some Allium species. First Kazbegi
workshop on „Botany, taxonomy and phytochemistry of wild Allium L. species of the
Caucasus and Central Asia“. June 4-8 2007. Kazbegi, Georgia.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 30
31. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
84. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Mosulishvili M. 2006. Beiträge zur Kenntnis der Orchideen
Georgiens (Kaukasus). Wuppertaler Orchideentagung 11-12.11.2006. Wuppertal, Germany.
85. Akhalkatsi, M., Abdaladze, O., Nakhutsrishvili, G., Smith, W. K. 2006. Seed germination
requirements in two dominant treeline species – Betula litwinowii and Rhododendron
caucasicum, in the Central Caucasus. Abstract “Botany 2006”, California State University –
Chico, July 28-August 2, 2006. Chico, CA, USA. http://www.2006.botanyconference.
org/engine/ search/index.php?func=detail&aid=399.
86. Nakhutsrishvili G., Akhalkatsi M., Batsatsashvili K. 2006. Resources of rare economic plants in
Georgia. Workshop INTAS – South-Caucasus 2006, Scientific Cooperation and Collaborative
Call 19-21 April 2006, Tbilisi, Georgia.
87. Akhalkatsi M. 2005. Beitrag des georgischen Teams zum Network “Die europäische Dimension
der Forschungsinitiative der Globalbeobachtung in der alpinen Umwelt (GLORIA)“. A. v.
Humboldt Stiftung Konferenz „Sued Kaukasus auf dem Weg nach Europa“. 24-26 October
2005. Tbilisi, Georgia.
88. Akhalkatsi M., Wagner J., Kobakhidze L. 2005. Life strategy of the subnival species of
Cerastium (Caryophyllaceae) from the Central Greater Caucasus and the Alps. International
Botanical Congress, 18-22 July, 2005, Vienna, Austria.
89. Akhalkatsi M., Lorenz R., Mosulishvili M. 2005. Orchids and their habitats in Georgia.
Ophrys2005, 13-18 April 2005, Chios, Greece.
90. Pekgöz, N., K. Pistrick, J. Jedelska, M. Akhalkatsi, G. Nakhutsrishvili & M. Keusgen. 2005.
Aroma precursors of Georgian wild Allium species. – 53rd Annual Congress of the Society of
Medicinal Plant Research, Florence, Italy, 21.–25.08.2005. Abstr. in: 53rd Annual Congress of
the Society of Medicinal Plant Research, Florence, Italy: final program and book of abstracts.
Florence/Italy (2005) P50.
91. Akhalkatsi M., Abdaladze O., Smith W.K., G. Nakhutsrishvili. 2004. Mechanisms of Treeline
Stability in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia: Low-temperature Photoinhibition and
Interspecific Facilitation. Abstract to the Annual Meeting of the Botanical Society of America.
August 5-8 2004. Salt Lake City, USA. p. 55.
92. Akhalkatsi M., Abdaladze O., Nakhutsrishvili G., Smith W.K. 2004. Global warming effect on
birch seedling establishment at treeline in the Central Caucasus. Abstract in “Botanikertagung
2004”, September 5-11, 2004, Braunschweig, Germany. p. 386.
93. Pekgöz N., Pistrick K., Jedelska J., Akhalkatsi M., Nakhutsrishvili G., Keusgen M. Aroma-
Präkursoren von georgischen Allium-Arten aus Wildsammlungen. Abstract to the
“Fachtagung für Arznei- und Gewürzpflanzen 2004”, 7-9 September, 2004, Jena, Germany, p.
11.
94. Mosulishvili M., Akhalkatsi M., Kimeridze M., Lorenz R., Kuenkele S. 2003. Orchids of
Georgia: Diversity, Distribution. Abstr. Monociots III, 4-9 March 2003, Ontario, USA.
95. Akhalkatsi M., Lösch R. 2002. Relationships between seed coat color and germination
percentage in Trigonella coerulea (L.) Ser. (Fabaceae). Abst. Botanikertagung Freiburg i. br.
2002. http://www.botanikertagung.de/detail.asp?/AutonumberID=167, Freiburg, Germany.
96. Akhalkatsi M. 2000. Reproductive biology of three Astracantha species in Caucasus.
Botanikertagung, 17-22 September 2000, Jena, Germany. p. 21.
97. Nakhutsrishvili G., Akhalkatsi M. 2000. Mountain biodiversity in the Caucasus. Abstr. 1st
Inter. Conf. on Mountain Biodiversity, 7-10 September 2000. Rigi-Kaltbad, Switzerland. p.7.
98. Akhalkatsi M., Kimeridze M., Lorenz R., Mosulishvili, M. 2000. Orchids of Georgia. Abst. of
Orchis2000 conference, 14-22 May 2000, Verona, Italy.
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 31
32. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
99. Akhalkatsi M. 1999. Reproductive biology of two high mountain species of Primula in the
central Caucasus. Abstr. XVI International Botanical Congress, August 1-7 1999, p.430, St.
Louis, USA.
100. Akhalkatsi M. 1999. Pollination and non-random ovule abortion in Melilotus officinalis.
Abstr.Stigma-Pollen Interaction Conference. 18-21 July 1999, Oxford, UK. p.41.
101. Wilson C., Akhalkatsi M. 1998. A phylogenetic study of Iris subgenus Iris from Georgia and
surrounding areas in Central Asia. Abstr. II Int. Conf. Monocots II, 27.09-02.10.1998, Sydney,
Australia. p. 92.
102. Lösch R., Akhalkatsi M. 1998. Water relations of seed germination and seedling
development in Trigonella coerulea (Fabaceae). Abstraktband der Botanikertagung, 1998,
30.08-6.09 1998, Bremen, Germany. p.116.
103. Akhalkatsi M., Lösch R. 1998. Resource limitation effect on seed development and
germination of Trigonella coerulea (Fabaceae). Abstr. XV International Congress on Sexuall
Plant Reproduction, 16-21 August 1998, Wageningen, Netherland. p.15.
104. Akhalkatsi M., Calvin C. 1998. Ovule and seed development in Melilotus alba and M.
officinalis (Fabaceae). Abstr. XV International Congress on Sexual Plant Reproduction, 16-21
August 1998, Wageningen, Netherland. p.61
105. Akhalkatsi M. 1998. Population and reproductive ecology of three species of Astracantha
Podlich (Fabaceae) in Caucasus, Abstr. VII International Congress of Ecology, 19-25 July 1998,
Florence, Italy. p.8.
106. Akhalkatsi M., Gvaladze G., Chochia K. 1992. Endospermogenesis in Indian Lotus. Proc.
XI Int. Symp. Embryology and Seed Reproduction. Nauka, St.Petersburg, Russia. 27-28.
107. Chochia, K., Akhalkatsi, M., Gvaladze, G. 1992. Substance transport in embryo sac of
Indian lotus. Proc. XI Int. Symp. Embryology and Seed Reproduction. Nauka, St.Petersburg,
Russia. p. 117-118.
108. Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 1990. Plant adaptation to factors of environment. Abstr. V Int.
Cong Ecology. Yokohama. Japan.
109. Akhalkatsi M., Gvaladze G. 1990. The process of vacuole formation in female
gametophyte of Fritillaria caucasica. Abstr. Sci. Symp. on Plant Morphology, Tbilisi-Vejini,
Georgia. p.30. (Georg.).
110. Akhalkatsi M., Chochia K. 1990. Ultrastructure of the nucellare cap of the Indian lotus. Abstr.
Sci. Symp. on Plant Morphology, Tbilisi-Vejini, Georgia. p.42. (Georg.).
111. Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 1988. Some aspects of the double fertilization. Abstr. X Int.
Symp. Sex. Rep. Higher Plants, Siena, Italy. p. 47.
112. Akhalkatsi M., Gvaladze G. 1988. Degeneration of the nucellare cells in Galanthus
nivalis L. Abstr. VI Union Symp. on Plant Ultrastructure, Kiev, Ukrain. p.70 (Russ.).
113. Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 1988. Ultrastructural organization of the central cell of
embryo sac of Galanthus nivalis L. (Amaryllidaceae). Abstr. VIII Union Conf. Bot. Soc.,
Alma-Ata, Kazakhistan. p.348. (Russ.).
114. Gvaladze G., Akhalkatsi M. 1986. Ultrastructure of the synergids of Galanthus nivalis L.
before and after fertilization. Abstr. IX Union Symp. on Plant Embryology, Kishinov,
Moldova. p. 9-10. (Russ.).
115. Akhalkatsi M. 1985. Ultrastructure of cellulosic texture in the cell wall of the stinging cell
of Urtica dioica. Abstr. II Union Conf. on Biosyntheses of Cellulose, Kasan, Russia. p. 9.
(Russ.).
116. Vassilyev A.E., Akhalkatsi M. 1984. Ultrastructure of glandular hairs of Urtica dioica and
Dendrocnide moroides (Urticaceae). Abstr. I Union Conf. on Plant Anatomy,
Nauka,St.Peterburg, Russia. p.31-32. (Russ.).
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 32
33. Biodiversity conservation during the rehabilitation process of limestone quarry
117. Akhalkatsi M., Vassilyev A.E. 1984. Ultrastructure of the stinging emergence of Urtica
dioica (Urticaceae). Abstr. I Union Conf on Plant Anatomy, Nauka, St.Peterburg, Russia.
p.10.(Russ.).
118. Akhalkatsi M. 1984. Ultrastructure of the stinging hair of Dendrocnide moroides
(Urticaceae). Abstr. I Union Conf. on Plant Anatomy, Nauka, St.Peterburg, Russia. p. 9-10.
(Russ.).
119. Akhalkatsi M. 1983. Ultrastructural data on the mechanism of silification of stinging
hairs of Urtica dioica. Abstr. V Union Symp. on Plant Ultrastructure. Shtiinza, Kishinov,
Moldova. p. 26-27. (Russ.).
Thesis
120. Akhalkatsi M. 1985. Ultrastructure of the trichoms of several species of the family
Urticaceae. Ref. Diss. Ph. D. St.Peterburg, 21 p. (Russ.).
121. Akhalkatsi M. 2006. Structural and Functional Aspects of Plant Reproductive Strategy.
Ref. Diss. Doctor of Science, Tbilisi, 109 p. (Georg.; Engl.).
Tbilisi, 27.09.2012
Maia Akhalkatsi, Researcher, Ilia State University, September 2012 33