Ecological Risk and Security Research

Abstract It is meant in the present study to isolate and identify the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and other contaminants associated with Gariss ; traditional fermented camel milk; that produced and consumed by camel herders in the nomadic production systems in North Darfur State, Sudan. About 118 samples were collected during February 2018 from 4 different areas located at Al-Koma Locality (Sari; 30 samples, Om-Hageleeg; 30 samples, Om-Alhussain; 30 samples and Al-Koma; 28 samples). Rod shaped bacteria showed the isolation of Lactobacillus (Lb,) spp. (78.5%), Bacillus spp. (13.3%), Propionibacterium spp. (6.2%), Bifidobacteria spp. (1%), Clostridium spp. (0.5%) and Bacteroides spp. (0.5%). The result also illustrated that the LAB isolates from the 118 samples were identified as Lactobacillus brevis (67.3%), Lb. acidophilus (11.5%), Lb. plantarum (7.9%), Lb. fermentum (4.8%), Lb. delbrueckii (3.6%), Lb. salivarius (1.8%), Lb. jensenii (1.2%), L. gasseri (1.2%) and Lb. casei (0.6%). The spheric bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus spp. (32.4%), Micrococcus spp. (31.2%), Streptococcus spp. (26.8%) and Enterococcus spp. (9.6%). Moreover, the yeast (39%), Gram-positive bacteria (30.8%), Gram-negative bacteria (15.7%) and Gram-positive bacteria mixed with yeast were isolated from 14.5% of Gariss samples. The result showed significant (P<0.01) differences for microbial groups associated with Gariss collected from Al-Koma Locality. Also, the comparison of the different containers used for preparation of Gariss revealed significant (P<0.01) variation for the occurrence of microbial groups. The study concluded that the traditional containers; Bokhsa and Siin; used for fermenting Gariss in the field conditions contain various types of microorganisms. Their full identification and characterization should be done because of the possibility of isolating some of beneficial bacteria that might be of significant in the near future. Also, collaborative effort is needed to reduce the contamination of the product.

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Abstract Forest land provides several environmental services and goods with significant implications for different socioeconomic and environmental dimensions. The participation of local communities in the management of natural resources, including forests, is essential for their conservation. This paper aims to analyze the subsistence conditions and level of participation of the Mutoe community in the management of forest resources in the Moribane Forest Reserve (MFR). The study was carried out using a combination of methods: (i) a social survey through interviews with 41 people out of 200 households living within the Mutoe village to understand the socio-economic aspects related to families' livelihoods. The Chimanimani National Park's management was questioned to understand the contours of the management process; (ii) Interpretation of images from Google Earth Pro Satellite Data to verify changes that occurred between 2007 and 2022 and; (iii) direct field observation carried out to compare and validate information resulting from the interviews and the interpretation of Google Earth Pro images with the help of a bibliographic review. The results showed that close to 80% of the population of the Mutoe village lives in precarious conditions and their main subsistence base is shifting agriculture. Its participation in the management of natural resources is weak and; between 2007 and 2022 there was a considerable reduction in vegetation cover in almost the entire area of ​​the reserve which includes Mutoe village. The study can help the academic community in future studies by replicating the methodology used for monitoring purposes or conducting studies in other similar areas, and the results may support decision-makers in designing better strategies toward sustainability.

Abstract One of the highest global deforestation rates threatens Nigeria's forests, integral to cultural heritage and biodiversity. The REDD+ framework, designed to combat deforestation through sustainable forest management, has faced challenges in Nigeria due to insufficient integration of indigenous principles. This paper explores the incorporation of Indigenous jurisprudential concepts—interconnectedness, interdependence, and reciprocity—into REDD+ strategies to enhance forest conservation in Nigeria. The study critically analyses existing REDD+ implementations and Indigenous practices using doctrinal and analytical legal methodologies. The results indicate that integrating these principles can significantly improve REDD+ effectiveness by aligning environmental goals with cultural values, fostering greater community participation, and enhancing sustainability. The paper recommends legal reforms to recognise Indigenous land rights, incorporate traditional knowledge in conservation efforts, and develop culturally sensitive policy frameworks. By embedding Indigenous principles into REDD+ strategies, Nigeria can achieve a more resilient and inclusive approach to forest management, ensuring both environmental sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage.