Algae as Bioindicators of Environmental Health in Protected Areas

Abstract

In the face of an ever-expanding human footprint, the delicate weave of natural ecosystems faces unprecedented infringement. The need for effective tools to assess and manage the health of these environments, especially protected areas, is paramount. Among the various strategies employed for this purpose, the use of bioindicators stands out for its efficiency and ecological relevance. Bioindicators encompass organisms or biological responses that offer valuable insights into the health and resilience of ecosystems, allowing us to comprehend the cumulative impacts of environmental changes. The chapter highlights the value of algae as bioindicators for evaluating the health of ecosystems, particularly in protected areas, and emphasizes their function in efficient management.