Rajan Bhatt | Soil Science | Excellence in Soil Research

Dr. Rajan Bhatt | Soil Science | Excellence in Soil Research

Dr. Rajan Bhatt, Punjab Agricultural University, India

Dr. Rajan Bhatt is a Senior Soil Scientist and Associate Professor at Punjab Agricultural University, India. With a Ph.D. in Soil Science, his research focuses on soil moisture dynamics, resource conservation technologies, and sustainable water management in agriculture. He has received multiple national and international awards for his contributions to climate-smart agriculture and soil health improvement.

Profile

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Summary:

Dr. Rajan Bhatt is an established and highly decorated soil scientist with more than two decades of research experience. His work is grounded in sustainability, resource conservation, and soil-water relationships in agro-ecosystems. He has made measurable impacts through research publications, awards, farmer outreach, and academic engagement. His dedication is evident from his prolific output and sustained excellence in soil science, agronomy, and environmental conservation.

🎓 Education

Dr. Rajan Bhatt holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science, awarded in July 2015 by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. His doctoral research focused on soil physics and water management. He completed his M.Sc. in Agriculture with a specialization in Soil and Water Conservation from the same university in January 2003. He earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture in 2000 from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. His higher secondary and matriculation education were completed at Khalsa College and Parbhakar Senior Secondary School in Amritsar, respectively. He also qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) in 2004 conducted by ICAR, New Delhi in the subject of Soil Science – Soil Physics and Soil & Water Conservation.

💼Experience

Dr. Bhatt is currently serving as Associate Professor (Soil Science) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Amritsar, Punjab Agricultural University. His designation also includes Senior Soil Scientist. With a career deeply embedded in research, extension, and teaching, he has contributed significantly through his role at PAU-KVK Amritsar. He has organized and participated in numerous training programs, seminars, and workshops nationally and internationally and has also delivered keynote lectures on modern agricultural technologies and soil health management.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Rajan Bhatt’s research primarily focuses on soil moisture dynamics in rice-wheat cropping systems, a field in which he is recognized globally as the first to delineate such dynamics during the intervening period. His work emphasizes resource conservation technologies, sustainable soil and water management, and climate-resilient agriculture. He actively explores zero tillage, integrated nutrient and water use efficiency, and the application of precision agriculture techniques. His research has practical implications for increasing land and water productivity and enhancing farmer livelihoods through sustainable soil management strategies.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Rajan Bhatt possesses advanced expertise in soil physics, water management, resource conservation technologies, and soil moisture dynamics. He is proficient in climate-smart agriculture practices, soil and water conservation planning, and sustainable farming technologies. His skills extend to training, capacity building, scientific communication, and guiding young researchers. His competence in interpreting field-scale data and delivering actionable scientific insights has been well recognized in academic and professional platforms.

🏆Awards

Dr. Bhatt has earned more than 25 prestigious awards over the span of his career. These include the Best Publication Award by Dr. Y S Parmar University, Best Paper and Poster Awards from Soil Conservation Society of India and other reputed organizations, Young Scientist Awards from Bioved Society, Samagra Society, Gochar Mahavidyalaya, and the Royal Association of Science-led Socio-Cultural Advancement. He received the Best Researcher Award 2021 from Science Father and Outstanding Scientist Award 2022 from VDGOOD Professional Association. Notable recognitions include the Springer PAWEES Best Paper Award 2022 (Japan), Best Researcher in Soil Science 2022, and the Best Outstation Scientist Award 2022–23 from Punjab Agricultural University. He has also been honored with the Gold Medal Award 2023 at the 32nd National Conference by the Soil Conservation Society of India. His consistent contributions to soil science have earned him awards in multiple international and national conferences for both oral and poster presentations.

📚 Publications

Title: Suitable Integrated Farming System Models in Terms of Energetics, Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Employment Generation for the Small and Marginal Farmers
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2024
Journal: Sustainability


Title: Optimizing Nutrient and Energy Efficiency in a Direct-Seeded Rice Production System: A Northwestern Punjab Case Study
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2024
Journal: Agronomy


Title: Soil Carbon and Biochemical Indicators of Soil Quality as Affected by Different Conservation Agricultural and Weed Management Options
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2023
Journal: Land


Title: Increasing the Efficiency of the Rice–Wheat Cropping System through Integrated Nutrient Management
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2023
Journal: Sustainability


Title: The Biosynthesis, Mechanism of Action, and Physiological Functions of Melatonin in Horticultural Plants: A Review
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2023
Journal: Horticulturae


Title: Tillage Crop Establishment and Irrigation Methods Improve the Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum): Water Use Studies, and the Biological Properties and Fertility Status of Soil
Author: Rajan Bhatt
Year: 2023
Journal: Agronomy

Conclusion:

Dr. Rajan Bhatt is a highly deserving candidate for the “Research for Excellence in Soil Research” Award. His contributions are not only academically significant but also highly relevant to the pressing needs of sustainable agriculture, climate change resilience, and rural livelihoods. With a few enhancements in international collaboration and interdisciplinary innovation, his profile could become even more impactful at a global level.

Zhihua Qiao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao is a researcher at the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China, specializing in environmental toxicology and pollutant risk assessment. His work focuses on the ecological effects and interaction mechanisms of emerging contaminants, including brominated flame retardants and pesticides, in soil-plant-animal systems. With a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology, Dr. Qiao has published extensively in top-tier SCI journals and has led and contributed to numerous national research projects. His research integrates multi-omics technologies and advanced analytical techniques to understand the bioaccumulation, toxicity, and environmental fate of pollutants.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Zhihua Qiao is a rising research leader in environmental toxicology and ecotoxicological risk assessment. His work on brominated flame retardants, microplastics, heavy metals, and their interaction with soil organisms and plants is both highly relevant and methodologically advanced. His multidisciplinary approach and contributions to top journals signal strong potential for international leadership in his field.

🎓 Education

Zhihua Qiao began his academic journey at Shandong Agricultural University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering (Pesticides) from 2014 to 2021, achieving an undergraduate GPA of 3.42/4. He then pursued a Master’s and currently a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology (a national 211 project university), starting in 2021. His doctoral studies are supervised by Professor Zhang Wei and Associate Professor Jiang Xingyin. His academic coursework has included subjects such as Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Plant Physiology, Microbiology, and Environmental Toxicology.

💼Experience

Zhihua Qiao has extensive experience in environmental toxicology and pollutant risk assessment, particularly focusing on new brominated flame retardants and pesticides. He has served as the main researcher in national and provincial-level projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key R&D Program. His work includes investigating the bioaccumulation, metabolism, and toxic effects of compounds like decabromodiphenylethane and cadmium in complex systems involving earthworms, plants, and aquatic organisms. He has also studied co-exposure effects, soil and rhizosphere microbial responses, and developed insights into pollutant interaction mechanisms using multi-omics technologies.

🔬Research Focus

His research centers on environmental risk assessment and pollution control of emerging contaminants. He specializes in understanding the toxicity mechanisms of brominated flame retardants, pesticides, and heavy metals through integrated approaches involving transcriptomics, metabolomics, and microbial ecology. His studies span soil-plant-animal systems and emphasize pollutant interactions, oxidative stress, detoxification, and ecological impact, especially in earthworms, lettuce, rice, and zebrafish models.

🛠️Skills

Zhihua Qiao is proficient in advanced research techniques including transcriptomics, metabolomics, 16S rDNA sequencing, XPS, and XRD. He is skilled in operating large-scale analytical instruments such as GC-MS, LC-MS, atomic fluorescence analyzers, flow cytometers, and qPCR machines. With strong English proficiency (CET-6 certified), he is capable of independently writing and translating scientific papers. His capabilities also extend to data processing, experimental design, and collaborative scientific writing.

🏆Awards

Zhihua Qiao has earned numerous awards for his academic excellence and research contributions. These include the National Scholarship for Master’s Students (2019), Outstanding Graduate and Outstanding Master’s Thesis of Shandong Province (2021–2022), Yu Zunhong Scholarship (2023), Green Seedling Program Scholarship of the Beijing Green Future Environment Foundation (2023), and several first-class academic scholarships for both master’s and doctoral studies. He also received the Second Prize at Zhejiang University’s Doctoral Forum on Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture and the First Prize at the Graduate Academic Forum of East China University of Science and Technology.

📚 Publications

  • Effects of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane and Cadmium Coexposure on Their Bioaccumulation, Oxidative Stress, Root Metabolism, and Rhizosphere Soil Microorganisms in a Soil-Rice System
    2024
    Qiao, Zhihua; Fu, Mengru; Liang, Weiyu; Zhang, Wei; Zhan, Xiuping
    Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

  • Effect of Biodegradable Microplastics and Cd Co-pollution on Cd Bioavailability and Plastisphere in Soil-Plant System
    2024
    Shao, Xuechun; Liang, Weiyu; Gong, Kailin; Shen, Genxiang; Peng, Cheng
    Chemosphere

  • Microbial Metabolism in Wormcast Affected the Perturbation on Soil Organic Matter by Microplastics under Decabromodiphenyl Ethane Stress
    2025
    Han, Yanna; Fu, Mengru; Yang, Yuhe; Peng, Cheng; Zhang, Wei
    Journal of Hazardous Materials

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His demonstrated commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary environmental research, combined with academic excellence and technical strength, make him a compelling nominee. With continued progression toward independent project leadership and broader global collaborations, his trajectory aligns well with the expectations of this prestigious award.

xiaolan liu | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Dr. xiaolan liu | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaolan liu, Tianjin Chengjian University, China

Dr. Xiaolan Liu is a lecturer at Tianjin Chengjian University, China, specializing in road and airport engineering. Her research focuses on non-destructive testing of road structures, runway performance in permafrost regions, and sponge city infrastructure. She has led multiple national and municipal research projects and published extensively in international journals. Dr. Liu has received several prestigious awards, including honors from the China Highway Society and the China Civil Aviation Authority, recognizing her contributions to transportation engineering.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Xiaolan Liu’s research addresses a highly relevant and pressing issue in civil and geotechnical engineering, particularly for regions experiencing extreme climates. By focusing on the cooling effects of ventilation subgrades, Dr. Liu is advancing techniques to protect infrastructure in permafrost regions, which is crucial in the context of global climate change. Their work also contributes to the development of better construction practices for frozen soil areas.

🎓 Education

Xiaolan Liu is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, specializing in Highway and Railway Engineering under the School of Civil Aviation. Simultaneously, she is enrolled in another Ph.D. program in Civil Engineering at Southwest Forestry University, School of Transportation Engineering. She earned her Master’s degree in Highway and Railway Engineering from the Civil Aviation University of China and has maintained a consistent academic focus on infrastructure engineering throughout her education.

💼Experience

Liu has led and contributed to numerous high-impact research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and municipal research initiatives. Her roles as principal investigator and advisor on projects dealing with permafrost roadbed settlement, freeze-thaw effects on clay roadbeds, and rigid pavement performance under aircraft loading have established her as a leading expert in infrastructure performance under extreme environmental conditions. She currently serves as a lecturer and actively mentors research teams on structural mechanics and pavement engineering.

🔬Research Focus

Liu’s research primarily centers on the theory and application of non-destructive testing for road structures, engineering solutions for airport runways in permafrost areas, and the development and implementation of sponge city infrastructure. Her work addresses real-world challenges in runway performance under aircraft loading and extreme climatic conditions, making substantial contributions to both civil aviation safety and cold-region infrastructure sustainability.

🛠️Skills

Liu possesses advanced skills in structural modeling, dynamic load analysis, non-destructive testing, permafrost engineering, and pavement material characterization. She is proficient in conducting both field experiments and laboratory testing, complemented by analytical and simulation expertise for evaluating roadbed and runway performance in challenging environments.

🏆Awards

Her academic excellence and research innovations have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. These include the Second Prize of the Science and Technology Award from the China Highway Society in 2023, the Tianjin Municipal Teaching Achievement Award in 2022, and the China Civil Aviation Science and Technology Achievement Award the same year. She is also a recipient of multiple national scholarships, including those for undergraduate and graduate excellence, and has been honored as an Excellent Graduate Student by both her universities.

📚 Publications

  • Study on the cooling effect of the parallel perforated ventilation subgrade in permafrost regions based on the numerical model

    • Authors: X. Liu, Xiaolan; C. Fu, Chuanwei; X. Cheng, Xinglei

    • Year: 2025

    • Journal: PLoS ONE

  • Study on applicability of parallel perforated ventilation subgrade to the runway in frozen soil regions

    • Authors: X. Liu, Xiaolan; C. Fu, Chuanwei; C. Lv, Chao

    • Year: 2025

    • Journal: AEJ – Alexandria Engineering Journal

Conclusion:

Dr. Liu is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to their innovative approach and contributions to permafrost engineering. With improvements in citation impact and broader engagement, their research could have a more profound influence on both academia and real-world applications in the field of sustainable infrastructure development.

Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi | Soil | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi | Soil | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi is a Full Professor at Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, specializing in watershed management, soil and water conservation, and erosion control. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India, and completed postdoctoral research at Kyoto University, Japan. With over three decades of experience, he has held leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Watershed Management Engineering and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources. His research focuses on erosion modeling, sediment yield analysis, hydrology, and climate change impacts. Prof. Sadeghi has received numerous national and international awards and is recognized as a distinguished professor in Iran.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi is an outstanding scientist with significant contributions to watershed management, soil and water conservation, and hydrological studies. His work has led to important advancements in erosion modeling, sediment yield assessment, and sustainable land-use practices. He has a strong international profile, substantial research output, and recognized leadership in his field. His innovative contributions to cyanobacterization, watershed sustainability, and flood risk management make him a prime candidate for the Research for Outstanding Scientist Award.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. SHR Sadeghi obtained his M.Sc. in Watershed Management Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, in 1992. He earned his Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India, in 2000. He further pursued postdoctoral research at Kyoto University, Japan, specializing in the mechanisms and processes governing suspended sediment yield in forest watersheds in 2006​.

💼Experience

Prof. Sadeghi has held various academic and professional positions. He served as an Expert of Watershed Management Engineering at the Ministry of Agriculture from 1986 to 1988 and later as a Master Expert at the Ministry of Jihad-e-Sazandegi from 1991 to 1994. He joined Tarbiat Modares University as an Assistant Professor in 1994 and later became a Full Professor in 2011. He has served as Head of the Department of Watershed Management Engineering multiple times, Vice Dean and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, and Dean of the International Campus of Tarbiat Modares University. He has also been a member of various scientific and international cooperation committees​.

🔬Research Focus

Prof. Sadeghi’s research focuses on watershed management, soil and water conservation, erosion and sedimentation processes, climate change impacts on soil erosion, flood and sediment hazard mitigation, ecohydrology, and the application of modeling techniques in hydrological studies. His work also includes evaluating watershed health and sustainability, using amendments for soil and water conservation, and developing innovative techniques for sediment measurement​.

🛠️Skills

His expertise spans watershed management, soil conservation, erosion control, hydrology, sediment yield analysis, and sustainable land and water resource management. He has strong skills in research leadership, academic administration, international collaboration, and environmental policy advisory​.

🏆Awards

Prof. Sadeghi has received numerous prestigious awards, including Golden Medals for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He was selected for inclusion in Leading Educators in the World by the International Biographical Center, Britain (2005), and Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, USA (2005-2006). He was honored with the Leadership Award from the Soil Conservation Society of India in 2008 and received the Gold Medal from the same society in 2014. He has also been recognized multiple times as a Superior Researcher and Professor in Iran and received the Distinguished Professor of Iran title in 2021​.

📚 Publications

  1. Inhibiting soil and water loss in a saline soil through cyanobacterization

    • Authors: Sudabeh Gharemahmudli, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi
    • Journal: Soil and Tillage Research
    • Year: 2025
  2. Comparative effect of traditional and collaborative watershed management approaches on flood components

    • Authors: Ali Nasiri Khiavi, Mehdi Vafakhah, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Changhyun Jun, Sayed M. Bateni
    • Journal: Journal of Flood Risk Management
    • Year: 2025
  3. HOTSED: A new integrated model for assessing potential hotspots of sediment sources and related sediment dynamics at watershed scale

    • Authors: M. La Licata, Alberto Bosino, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Andrea Terret, Michael Maerker
    • Journal: International Soil and Water Conservation Research
    • Year: 2025
  4. Improvability of quality main indices of a marl soil using endemic microorganisms

    • Authors: Atefeh Jafarpoor, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Mehdi Homaee, Behrouz Zarei Darki
    • Journal: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth
    • Year: 2025
  5. Significance of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus on the Watershed Health Status

    • Authors: Sanaz Pourfallah Asadabadi, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Mehdi Vafakhah, M. Delavar
    • Journal: Water Resources Management
    • Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Prof. Sadeghi is a highly suitable candidate for this award. His long-standing contributions, global research collaborations, practical applications in environmental conservation, and leadership roles make him an ideal nominee. Strengthening his impact through higher citation outreach, policy engagement, and global research initiatives would further solidify his standing as one of the foremost experts in watershed management and soil conservation.

Suleiman Usman | Soil Science | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

 Dr. Suleiman Usman | Soil Science | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

Dr. Suleiman Usman, Department of Soil Science, Federal University Dutse, Nigeria

Dr. Suleiman Usman is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science, Federal University Dutse, Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Soil Science (Soil and Water Resources Management) from Nasarawa State University Keffi and a PhD in Soil and Environment from the University of Greenwich, UK. His research focuses on soil fertility, soil amendments, sustainable agriculture, and land management. With extensive academic and research experience, he has contributed significantly to soil health improvement and agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Dr. Usman has published widely, supervised numerous students, and participated in global research initiatives.

Profile

Google Scholar

Summary:

Dr. Suleiman Usman is a dedicated soil scientist whose research contributes significantly to soil biodiversity conservation. His expertise in soil fertility, conservation practices, and sustainable agriculture, combined with his strong academic and research profile, makes him a competitive candidate for this award. Minor improvements in biodiversity-focused studies and international engagement could further enhance his credentials.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Suleiman Usman obtained a B.Agric in Soil/Crop Science from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria (1999–2004). He pursued an MSc in Natural Resource (Plant Health and Protection) at the University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom (2006–2007). He earned a PhD in Soil and Environment from the same institution (2009–2014) and later completed a PhD in Soil Science (Soil and Water Resources Management) at Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria (2023/2024). Additionally, he has completed various certification programs, including Research Methodology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and Environmental Security and Sustaining Peace from institutions such as the UN Environment Programme and Columbia University.

💼Experience

Dr. Usman has extensive academic and research experience. He served as a Research Assistant at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, from 2011 to 2014. Since 2015, he has been a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, at Federal University Dutse (FUD), Nigeria. He was also a Research Fellow with the Centre for Agricultural Research and Extension Services (CARES) at FUD from 2017 to 2018. He has held multiple administrative roles, including Level Coordinator (2017–2023) and Examination Officer (2022–2024). He has supervised over 15 students and taught several courses related to soil science and plant health.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Usman’s research focuses on soil fertility, soil amendments, sustainable agriculture, and land management. He investigates soil degradation, organic material application, pesticide impacts, climate change effects on soil, and advanced soil conservation techniques. His work contributes significantly to improving soil health and agricultural productivity, particularly in Nigeria’s dryland and agroecological systems.

Awards

Dr. Usman has received multiple recognitions, including a Certificate of Merit from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria. He has obtained numerous professional certifications from institutions such as FAO, the UN, and CTA. He has also participated in high-level research conferences and workshops globally. His research has been widely cited, with over 800 citations on Google Scholar and a ResearchGate RI score of 242.4.

Skills

Dr. Usman possesses expertise in soil fertility management, land use planning, soil and water resource management, organic amendments, and climate change adaptation. His technical skills include soil survey, geophysical soil assessment, environmental impact evaluation, and sustainable agricultural practices. He is proficient in research methodology, scientific writing, and digital research tools.

Publications

  • Determinants of access to agricultural credit among crop farmers in a farming community of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

    • Authors: KI Etonihu, SA Rahman, S Usman
    • Journal: Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics
    • Year: 2013

 

  • Incidence of liver fluke infections (Fasciola gigantica and Dicrocoelium hospes) in ruminants in northern Nigeria

    • Authors: TW Schillhorn van Veen, DO Folaranmi, S Usman, T Ishaya
    • Journal: Tropical Animal Health and Production
    • Year: 1980

 

  • Folk medicines of the lower Benue valley of Nigeria

    • Authors: JO Igoli, TA Tor-Anyiin, SS Usman, HOA Oluma, NP Igoli
    • Journal: Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants
    • Year: 2002

 

  • Corporate attributes and share value of listed pharmaceutical firms in Nigeria

    • Authors: M Abba, S Usman
    • Journal: Journal of Arts, Science & Commerce
    • Year: 2016

 

  • Analysis of resource-use efficiency in dry season vegetable production in Jere, Borno State, Nigeria

    • Authors: M Goni, ASS Umar, S Usman
    • Journal:
    • Year: 2013

 

  • Roles of soil biota and biodiversity in soil environment–A concise communication

    • Authors: S Usman, Y Muhammad, A Chiroman
    • Journal: Eurasian Journal of Soil Science
    • Year: 2016

 

Conclusion:

 Dr. Suleiman Usman is a strong contender for the Research for Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award. His expertise, research impact, and commitment to soil conservation align well with the award’s objectives. Strengthening collaborations and biodiversity-focused research could elevate his standing in global soil biodiversity conservation efforts.