Environment
Conservation Journal
Conservation Journal
"An International Journal Devoted to Conservation of Environment"
(A PEER REVIEWED/REFEREED JOURNAL)
ISSN: 2278-5124 (Online) :: ISSN: 0972-3099 (Print)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) POLICY
Purpose
This policy explains how authors may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) software when preparing and submitting manuscripts to the Environment Conservation Journal (ECJ). The goal is to protect ethical standards, keep the review process open, and maintain the scientific integrity of every published article.
Scope
This policy applies to:
Every author sending original research, reviews, short communications, or book reviews to ECJ.
All steps in manuscript preparation, including writing, editing, data analysis, figure generation, and code development.
Acceptable Use of AI Tools
Authors are free to employ AI programs such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, DeepL, and similar services for:
Language enhancement-proofing grammar, spelling, and clarity.
Translation of text-final approval remains with the author.
Reference management e.g., EndNote, Zotero.
Data visualization or figure refinement-when the method is clearly stated.
All such use must be noted in the manuscript (see Section 6: Declaration).
Unacceptable Use of AI Tools
The following practices are strictly forbidden and may lead to immediate rejection or retraction:
Submitting wholly AI-written manuscripts, absent meaningful human input or review.
Using AI to invent data, experimental results, tables, graphs, or fake references.
Misrepresenting authorship e.g., crediting AI tools as co-authors.
The use of AI in crafting sensitive material-such as ethical discussions, policy proposals, or original scientific arguments-should never remain hidden.
Authorship and Responsibility
AI systems are not eligible for authorship credit.
Human authors must confirm the accuracy and originality of every section that involved AI support.
Any mistake, bias, or false statement that arises from that AI help remains the authors exclusive responsibility.
Declaration Requirement
Every submission must include a clear AI Use Declaration, ideally placed in the Acknowledgment or Methods part of the manuscript. Authors may follow this template:
“This manuscript was prepared with the assistance of [tool name, e.g., ChatGPT (OpenAI), Grammarly, etc.] for language improvement and grammar correction. All content has been reviewed and approved by the authors.”
Editorial and Peer Review Screening
The Editorial Board uses dedicated AI-detector software to check each submission for hidden or inappropriate automation.
Papers shown to be chiefly AI-written-without proper disclosure or to contain false material-will be rejected immediately.
Should such problems surface after publication, the journal may pull the article and impose a temporary submission ban on the authors.
Resubmission of Rejected AI-Generated Manuscripts
Manuscripts that were returned on the grounds of excessive AI content may be sent back for consideration only after they have been extensively rewritten to reflect clear human authorship, and after the authors have submitted a signed statement confirming this.
Final Note
This policy aims to protect the integrity of scientific communication, guaranteeing that everything published in the Environment Conservation Journal upholds the highest levels of credibility, transparency, and authenticity.
Before submitting, authors are encouraged to reach out to the editorial office with any questions or for guidance on the process.