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BioOne Complete (complete.BioOne.org) is a full-text database of 200 subscribed and open-access titles in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses.

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This article examines the decline of New Zealand's active dunes in relation to the introduction of marram grass ( Ammophila arenaria ). The area of active dunes in New Zealand declined from 129 000 ha in the early 1900s to about 39 000 ha in 2000; a reduction of 70%. The extent of active dunes has declined since the 1950s in all regions, particularly in Northland, Auckland and the Manawatu. The loss of active dunes on the west coast of the North Island resulted primarily from the introduction of marram grass, followed by the establishment of Pinus radiata plantations and extensive pastoral farming. Between 1985 and 2005 marram grass extended its range to the detriment of the indigenous foredune flora. Conservation and resource management agencies should urgently identify dune systems for conservation management and marram grass eradication.

The Republic of Singapore, a small island state lying at the southern extremity of Peninsular Malaysia has, along with other ASEAN nations, stated its commitment to the principle of ‘sustainable development’ and ecological sustainability. This paper presents an assessment of the impact of post-World War II development on the extent and quality of intertidal coastal ecosystems and ecocomplexes in Singapore — specifically on coral reefs, mangroves, and intertidal sand- and mud-flats — and hence an evaluation of Singapore's commitment to maintaining coastal ecosystems and coastal biodiversity. The extent of these habitats was mapped from topographic and hydrographic maps, and estimates of their future area was derived from the Singapore Concept Plan for the year ‘x’ (AD c. 2030).