This chapter is meant to be a student’s first introduction to tensors. Self-contained and complete, the student learns how tensors are defined, written, and used. The scalar and vector products are defined along with the physical meaning of the divergence and curl differential operations that act on tensors of any order. The integro-differential theorems are introduced in three dimensions, which include the fundamental theorem of calculus in three dimensions, Stokes’ theorem and the Reynolds’ transport theorem. The student learns how to derive a long list of tensor-calculus product rules that are valid in any coordinate system. The Taylor series in three-dimensional space is derived, which involves tensors of all orders. Functions of second-order tensors are defined. Isotropic tensors of all tensorial orders are obtained and used in proving Curie’s principle for the constitutive laws in an isotropic material. Tensor calculus in orthogonal curvilinear coordinates is developed. Finally, the Dirac delta function is introduced along with its integral and differential properties and uses.

Biodiversity is vital to humanity, and its continued existence cuts across the rights and duties of states and their obligations pursuant to a plethora of international environmental agreements. There is a wide array of international and regional treaties focusing on biodiversity and conservation issues. Several Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries have signed, ratified, and, in some instances, domesticated some of these treaties into their national legal systems. However, notwithstanding the avalanche of national and international mechanisms on biodiversity, several barriers are militating against the successful implementation of the regime on biodiversity in many MENA countries. This chapter argues that reliance on environmental law education can be one of the strategies to improve the implementation of biodiversity treaties across the MENA region. Drawing salient lessons from emerging best practices on environmental law education across the region, this chapter examines the role of environmental law education in advancing biodiversity and nature conservation. It discusses legal and institutional gaps that hinder the profusion of environmental law education on biodiversity in the MENA region and key reforms necessary to address such gaps.

This chapter provides a conceptual overview of the nature and scope of biodiversity and nature conservation law and policy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It explores the different sources of law that underpin biodiversity management in the region. It then discusses the character, status, and force of the different sources, including the interrelationships between them.

Landscapes have a crucial role in bridging nature and culture and are therefore essential for biodiversity and ecosystem integrity preservation. As they are ingrained in regional customs and belief systems, they serve as a useful tool for biodiversity conservation. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) represents a vast region of many natural and cultural landscapes. This chapter presents the question “what are the causative factors of landscape alterations and potential threats to biodiversity in the MENA region?” An integrative review was conducted to provide actions to promote the development of effective policies and strategies for landscape and biodiversity conservation in the region. The chapter highlights natural/spatial, policy/institutional, socio-economic, technological, and cultural factors as the main influences on land changes in both regions. The chapter highlights priority actions in the areas of increased education and awareness, collaboration, and policy integration to effectively promote landscape and biodiversity conservation in the MENA region.

Introduces readers to the history and legacy of Black homesteading through the story of the Dearfield Colony, established in Colorado prior to the Dust Bowl Era.

The Sagebrush Rebellion provides a backdrop to the story of a notorious ranch in Nevada, where Wayne Hage fought a thirty-year battle over grazing on public lands with the BLM and Forest Service.