ALBERT

Description: Sustainability analysis of urban complex systems, as an interdisciplinary study, necessitates integrative modeling approaches for analyzing relationships between land parameters and landscape patterns. The present paper emphasizes applicability of dynamic and scenario-based investigation of urban environments for understanding the interactions between urbanization suitability and landscape pattern. Combining parameter modification and model integration approaches for introducing growth alternatives, a basis was established for detailed assessment of the Karaj urban context, Iran. SLEUTH’s probabilistic images of future urbanized lands of two growth scenarios (historical trend-based urban growth and compact urban growth) were simultaneously employed as dynamic factors for urbanization suitability mapping and landscape pattern analysis of the years 2011, 2020, 2030 and 2040. Findings of the present studies showed while historical trend-based urban expansion occupied more land resources, this growth option resulted in a more manageable pattern of urban landscape in terms of its connectivity and compactness as well as possessing higher urbanization suitability index across the study time frame. This study addresses utility of scenario-based analysis of urban areas that furnishes urban planners with insights into cumulative impacts of an ongoing urbanization process under different environmental circumstances.

Description: It is well known that sustainability has become a much needed target, especially considering the recent rapid urban sprawl and the subsequent exacerbation of social, environmental, and economic problems. Thus, many studies have been conducted to define sustainability and the sustainable city. However, many of these definitions suggest a range of contradictions, implying that the achievement of sustainability is elusive. The problem lies in setting unreasonable definitions of sustainability and in the various contradictions to these definitions, making sustainability seemingly unattainable. Hence, some models of cities are emerging that are labeled as sustainable cities; among these are the “zero-carbon city” and the “ubiquitous eco-city” (“U-eco-city”). This study reviews the history and definitions of sustainability, in order to acknowledge the contradictions inherent in these concepts. It also briefly presents the compact city, the zero-carbon eco-city, and the U-eco-city by determining their individual pros and cons and highlighting where there are any conflicts with the principles of sustainability. The aim of the study was to adjust the use of sustainability as a terminology in the field of urban sustainable development and to demonstrate the extent to which we use marketing names for eco-cities without compliance with sustainable dimensions. The study will also discuss the key sustainability pillar required for a project to be kept sustainable. The study concludes that the use of the term “sustainable city” may limit the potential for further enhancing sustainability in future projects; using the term “transition toward the sustainable city” may be more accurate and more effective. The results show that reducing energy consumption through efficient use, and relying on renewable energies, will be the keys to reaching urban sustainability. The study also finds that recent tyranny in the name of ecology will not result in real sustainability. Although the free eco-city and the u-eco-city are considered advanced models, their limitations are related more to the economic and social aspects than to the compact city, which clearly reflected the pillars of sustainability, despite its being an outdated model.

Description: Households do not easily agree to move out of their natural habitat in spite of frequent flooding and loss of life and property because of their attachment to the place and established socio-economic network. This also shapes their risk perception, pre-flood preparedness, and livelihood resilience. In this backdrop, the paper attempts to find out the role of households’ risk perception and their flood preparedness as a mediator between place attachment and livelihood resilience. It further explores different adaptive methods households develop to overcome flooding issues. The study is based on a sample of randomly drawn 472 households from the river basins of Ganga and Kosi in the district of Bhagalpur, Bihar. The mediation analysis and Sobel’s test were used to analyze and interpret the data. The study reveals the role of risk perception and flood preparedness as a partial mediator between the place attachment and livelihood resilience. The households do not perceive flood as a ‘threat’, as they have learnt to ‘live’ with it as ‘a way of life’ because of their attachment to the place, experience of frequent exposure to flooding, and knowledge of local resources.

Description:    Outotec open cycle (OOC) is a new low-energy process linking together production of hydrogen and sulfuric acid. While sulfuric acid is the world’s most widely produced chemical by mass at approximately 200 Mt/a, the OOC gives the potential for making 4 Mt/a of hydrogen gas as a by-product. H 2 SO 4 manufacture requires a source of sulfur dioxide. 30% of world production of H 2 SO 4 is from the SO 2 by-product of pyrometallurgical processing of sulfur containing concentrates of metals such as copper, nickel and zinc. SO 2 can also be made by direct combustion of sulfur. In OOC, a divided electrochemical cell is used for SO 2 -depolarized electrolysis of water. SO 2 is fed to the anolyte and converted to H 2 SO 4 , while hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode. On the industrial scale, the equipment will be in the form of a membrane electrolyzer assembly or stack. A case is described where the OOC would be connected to a pyrometallurgical plant smelting 1 Mt/a of nickel and copper concentrate, producing 1 Mt/a of H 2 SO 4 and 20 kt/a of hydrogen. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9342-z Authors Anu Lokkiluoto, Aalto University School of Chemical Technology, Vuorimiehentie 2, Espoo, PO Box 16200, 00076 Aalto, Finland Pekka A. Taskinen, Aalto University School of Chemical Technology, Vuorimiehentie 2, Espoo, PO Box 16200, 00076 Aalto, Finland Michael Gasik, Aalto University School of Chemical Technology, Vuorimiehentie 2, Espoo, PO Box 16200, 00076 Aalto, Finland Ilkka V. Kojo, Outotec Oyj, Riihitontuntie 7 D, PO Box 86, 02200 Espoo, Finland Heljä Peltola, Outotec (Finland Oy) Research Center, Kuparitie 10, PO Box 69, 28101 Pori, Finland Michael H. Barker, Outotec (Finland Oy) Research Center, Kuparitie 10, PO Box 69, 28101 Pori, Finland Karl-Heinz Kleifges, Outotec (Oberursel), Ludwig-Erhard-Strasse 21, 61440 Oberursel, Germany Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    We observed skewed distribution across household of benefits of pesticide use in vegetable farming in Nepal. However, economic burden or harm of pesticide use and exposure by household economy is poorly studied. It is hypothesized that exaggerated and incompetent pesticide use is likely to affect human health that may lead to decline in human productivity, and economic loss––that may further marginalize farmers. Thus, a study was conducted in the Ansi khola watershed of Kavrepalanchowk District of central Nepal. The primary aim of the study was to value risks of pesticide use and to estimate health costs of exposure by household category. We grouped household into “large-scale” who owns more than 1 ha of agricultural land, “small-scale” having 〈0.5 ha and “medium-scale” in between 〉0.5 and 〈1 ha. Data were collected through (1) an initial household survey conducted from May to June 2008, (2) monthly visit surveys accomplished from June to November 2008 and (3) a final household survey conducted during November to December 2009. The cost of pesticide use and exposure was highest for medium-scale household; however, the economic burden in relation to incomes was the highest for small-scale household. On the basis of area under vegetables, small-scale household incurred 23 % higher economic burdens compared to the large-scale household. Overall, the cost of pesticide use and exposure amounted 15 % of agricultural income and/or 5 % of gross household income. For small-scale households, the cost was equivalent to 18 % of agricultural income and 6 % of gross income. Small-scale households are not only deprived from benefits of agriculture intensification, but also incurred highest burden of pesticide use. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9414-0 Authors Kishor Atreya, Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), Post Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Bishal Kumar Sitaula, Department of International Environment and Development Studies (Noragric), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), Post Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway Roshan Man Bajracharya, Aquatic Ecology Centre, Kathmandu University, Post Box 6250, Dhulikhel, Nepal Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    The emergence of China as a global player challenges the pre-existing dominance of the OECD countries and will continue to be a crucial force for global change in coming decades. The implications of China’s rise will be most significant for low- and middle-income countries, but the outcomes will also affect China’s relations with traditional donors and the understanding of the process of development. While these issues are increasingly explored at the political and economic level, very little analysis is available for the environmental impacts that China has on low- and middle-income countries. It is well understood that China plays a major role in relation to climate change, energy use and natural resource use at the global level; however, the perspective of China’s environmental impacts on low- and middle-income countries is underexplored. This Special Issue, therefore, elaborates the rise of China from the environmental perspective and assesses the impacts of China’s rise on low- and middle-income countries for international research, policy and practice in the field of environment and development. The findings draw on insights relevant for energy, water, forestry and land issues in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9411-3 Authors Frauke Urban, Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CeDEP), School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, London, UK Giles Mohan, Development Policy and Practice Group, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK Sarah Cook, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), Geneva, Switzerland Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Oil palm industries produce an enormous quantity of lignocellulosic biomass; in the form of large leaves of palm tree, pruned fronds (OPF) and oil palm trunks (OPT) at the plantations site. Besides this, the processing of fresh fruit bunches in the oil mills generates empty fruit bunches (EFB), shells, kernel cake and mesocarp fibers. The proper management of this burgeoning waste and its disposal is an ardent task and creates environmental hazards. In order to deal with the biomass residues, the urgent need is that it should be transformed into resources with industrial utility. As the economic development has resulted in the significant increased demand for paper, the industry is looking for eccentric sources to fulfill the requirement. The pulp and paper industry preferred use of coniferous and deciduous trees for papermaking because their cellulose fibers in the pulp make durable paper. With improvements in pulp processing technology, fibers of almost any non-wood of plants species like bamboo, cereal straw, sugarcane, flax, hemp and jute can be used for paper pulp. Substituting this lignocellulosic material can reduce the burden on forest while supporting the natural biodiversity. The present review deals with the possibilities of using oil palm biomass as a raw material for pulp and papermaking, as this would ameliorate its waste management problem. The potential of oil palm biomass and the challenges regarding its use in papermaking are discussed. The use of oil palm biomass will apparently prove that the oil palm industry is ecofriendly in every aspect of its activities and aid in sustainability of forest ecosystem. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9390-4 Authors Pooja Singh, Division of Bio-resource, Paper and Coatings Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia Othman Sulaiman, Division of Bio-resource, Paper and Coatings Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia Rokiah Hashim, Division of Bio-resource, Paper and Coatings Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia Leh Cheu Peng, Division of Bio-resource, Paper and Coatings Technology, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia Rajeev Pratap Singh, Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 220005 India Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Human–elephant conflict is an issue of great concern regarding the growing competition between people and wildlife for food and shelter throughout Asia and Africa. The situation the Asian elephant faces is much critical. According to IUCN (Big hopes for endangered Asian Elephants, News Release, Gland, 2006 ), one of the prime factors to the decline of elephant population in India is the increasing trend in human–elephant conflict. Barjora block of Bankura district in West Bengal is one of the severe conflict prone zones in West Bengal, where elephant raid in every year has now become an inevitable phenomenon. As a result, crop damage, infrastructural damages, disturbances of daily activities, occurrence of human death and injuries have no doubt annihilated and frustrated the social fabric of life. This paper is an empirical attempt to address various consequences of human–elephant encounters which have an adverse impact on social, economic as well as the cultural life of the people. Instead of pursuing some traditional mitigation techniques, we argued much on understanding peoples’ perception to explore some sustainable mitigation measures to ensure the interest of both human and elephant and also to safeguard ecological integrity. Content Type Journal Article Category Case Study Pages 1-19 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9392-2 Authors Kunal Chakraborty, S.N. College, Labpur, Birbhum, West Bengal, India Jhantu Mondal, Dr. B.N.D.S Mahavidyalaya, Hatgobindapur, Burdwan, West Bengal, India Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Human decisions shape patterns of seafood resource use. Consequently, it is also these decisions made by actors within seafood industries which ultimately determine the environmental impact of fisheries resource extraction from marine environments. In this study, we investigated the roles and influences of various actors within the Irish seafood industry. Our objectives were to learn more about the working dynamics of the industry and identify possibilities for improvements towards industry sustainability. We employed qualitative research methods including semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participant observation to access information from Irish consumers, retailers, wholesalers, scientists and key industry informants. The diversity of seafood products available within the Irish market is generally low. However, consumers who experiment with trying new varieties of seafood are influenced by dining experiences at restaurants or while travelling abroad as well as through cooking shows or cookbooks. Potential for influence on factors including consumer choice, stocking and sourcing decisions, business management and fisheries policy was found within all levels of the seafood industry, though a sense of responsibility in the context of seafood sustainability was less common. In addition, the absence of shortages within the Irish market due to imports, aquaculture and mislabelling appears to be preventing widespread acceptance about claims of overfishing. It is clear that ultimately, responsible policy decisions and effective enforcement will be needed to improve the overall sustainability of the industry. However, pressure for positive change can come from all actors that prioritise sustainability as the most important objective for future industry operation. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9396-y Authors Dana D. Miller, School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland Stefano Mariani, School of Biology and Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    We attempt to understand, scientifically, how different members of the mining concession, impacted communities, and government authorities behave when a conflicting situation arises. The main purpose of our effort is to start developing a framework for the scientific modeling of stakeholders’ behavior, and we create a reality-driven generic scenario of conflict. We assume that the managers and superintendants of a mining operation currently envision a problem; one that tests the limits of the commitment of the company’s mission statement, and of the spectrum of actions taken which are embedded in the “culture” of the company’s corporate social responsibility. It is an “event” that highlights the nature of an overall problem that the company would like to predict and act proactively: the integration of scientific tools, sustainability, and cultural realities within a mining framework. We adapt an agent-based modeling approach and start with a theoretical understanding of certain social behavior, build a model, and simulate “what if” scenarios to understand its dynamics to gain a better insight of the complexity of a seemingly simple social system of interest. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9389-x Authors Masami Nakagawa, Department of Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA Kyle Bahr, Department of Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO 80401, USA Derek Levy, Mountain Culture Consulting, P.O. Box 115, Rico, CO 81332, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    The study aimed at determining the socio-economic issues due to municipal solid waste dumping, the extent of groundwater contamination and the groundwater dependency around Perungudi dumpsite in Tamil Nadu, India. Sampling and analysis of groundwater and leachate show the contamination migration is due to dumpsite leachate. The concentrations of contaminants were more severe within 1.5 km along groundwater flow direction mainly due to the geological profile. The Piper diagram also shows that the groundwater sampled within 3 km in the flow direction was classified as Na–Cl type. Studies conducted within contaminated areas to determine the groundwater usage showed that higher percentage of lower and middle socio-economic status categories was using the groundwater for domestic purposes, which may lead to health issues. The present study suggests that proper solid waste management and groundwater remediation techniques along with the people’s involvement are necessary to reduce the consequences of groundwater contamination on the people residing around the dumpsite. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-20 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9349-5 Authors K. Parameswari, Centre for Water Resources, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, 600 025 India B. V. Mudgal, Centre for Water Resources, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, 600 025 India Prakash Nelliyat, Centre for Water Resources, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, 600 025 India Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Forests contribute to livelihoods of rural people throughout the tropics. This paper adds to the emerging body of quantitative knowledge on absolute and relative economic importance, through both cash and subsistence income, of moist forests to households. Qualitative contextual information was collected in six villages in lowland Bolivia, followed by a structured survey of randomly selected households ( n  = 118) that included four quarterly income surveys. We employed a novel data collection approach that allows detailed estimation of total household accounts, including sources of forest income. We estimated the average forest income share of total annual household income (forest dependency) at 20%, ranging from 18 to 24%. Adding environmental income increased the average to 26%, being fairly constant across income quartiles at 24–28%. Absolute levels of forest income increased with total household income, while forest dependency was the highest in the best-off income quartile—the primary harvesters of forest products are better-off households. The pattern of high forest dependency among better-off households has also been reported from other countries, indicating that this pattern may be more common than advocated by conventional wisdom. Using ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions, we found significant determinants of absolute forest income to be household size, sex of household head and area of cultivated land; the significant determinants for forest dependency were level of education, whether household head was born in village and whether household was food self-sufficient. Better-off households were able to realise cash income from forests, while poorer households—in particular if headed by women—were more reliant on subsistence forest income. We argue that the differential patterns of forest income across income quartiles should be considered in future development interventions and that findings indicate a potential for forests to contribute to moving households out of poverty. Content Type Journal Article Pages 3-23 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9306-8 Authors Patricia Uberhuaga, Centre for Forest, Landscape and Planning, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark Carsten Smith-Hall, Centre for Forest, Landscape and Planning, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark Finn Helles, Centre for Forest, Landscape and Planning, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 14 Journal Issue Volume 14, Number 1

Description:    Macro- and microeconomic evidence suggests a positive role of remittances in preparing households against natural disasters and in coping with the loss afterward. Analysis of cross-country macroeconomic data shows that remittances increase in the aftermath of natural disasters in countries that have a larger number of migrants abroad. Analysis of household survey data in Bangladesh shows that per capita consumption was higher in remittance-receiving households than in others after the 1998 flood. Ethiopian households that receive international remittances seem to rely more on cash reserves and less on selling household assets or livestock to cope with drought. In Burkina Faso and Ghana, international remittance-receiving households, especially those receiving remittances from high-income developed countries, tend to have housing built of concrete rather than mud and greater access to communication equipment, suggesting that they are better prepared against natural disasters. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-23 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9330-8 Authors Sanket Mohapatra, World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA George Joseph, World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA Dilip Ratha, World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    This paper focuses on identified challenges for sustainable development across various sectors and the actions needed by different institutions and individuals for the achievement of a sustainable path. For finding solutions that impede sustainable development, emphasis is given to collaborative, inter- and trans-disciplinary problem-solving approaches. The ‘ecological modernization’ view is based on the belief that science and technology will result in continuous improvement in human welfare, while the emerging postmodern ‘ecological paradigm’ also emphasizes harmony with nature and other actors. Global societies are in the midst of a number of challenges: (1) implementation of existing and new hard- and soft-law instruments, (2) the degradation of natural resources, (3) an inadequate global mechanism for handling environmental and social responsibilities by the international community, (4) an unbalanced distribution of wealth, locally and internationally, (5) unethical and unsustainable business practices, (6) consequent unethical and unsustainable consumer practices, (7) selective application of ethical principles by rich countries and (8) the absence of norms of good conduct by powerful and wealthy peoples pertaining to sustainable development. Governments, civil societies, academicians, indigenous peoples, communities, businesses and international organizations need to become engaged in the formulation and enforcement of environmentally and ecologically sound development policies along with relevant research, education, training, awareness and a change in social values as provided in the Earth Charter to support actions for sustainable development. Content Type Journal Article Pages 67-83 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9309-5 Authors Waseem Ahmad, Department of Rural Economy, University of Alberta, 515 General Services Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H1, Canada Colin L. Soskolne, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-12 University Terrace, 8303-112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada Tanvir Ahmed, Department of Economics, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore, Pakistan Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 14 Journal Issue Volume 14, Number 1

Description:    In industrialized countries, the idea of degrowth has emerged as a response to environmental, social, and economic crises. Realizing environmental limits to and failures of more than half a century of continual economic growth in terms of social progress and environmental sustainability, the degrowth paradigm calls for a downscaling of consumption and production for social equity and ecological sustainability. The call for economic degrowth is generally considered to be delimited to rich countries, where reduced consumption can save “ecological space” enabling people in poor countries to enjoy the benefits of economic growth. China, as one of the economically most expanding countries in the world, has dramatically improved its living standards, particularly along the Eastern coast, over the latest 30 years. However, China is absent from the international debates on growth. This article discusses the implications of the Western degrowth debates for China. Given the distinctive features of China’s development, the paper aims to enrich the degrowth debates, which have hitherto been dominated by Western perspectives. Based upon reflections on social, environmental, and moral dimensions of economic growth, the paper argues that limited natural resources may not continuously support universal affluence at the current level of the rich countries, a level that China is likely to reach within a few decades. Priority for growth in China should therefore be given to the poor regions of the country, and future growth should be beneficial to social and environmental development. Content Type Journal Article Pages 85-109 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9310-z Authors Jin Xue, Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University, Fibigerstræde 13, 9220 Aalborg east, Denmark Finn Arler, Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University, Fibigerstræde 13, 9220 Aalborg east, Denmark Petter Næss, Department of Development and Planning, Aalborg University, Fibigerstræde 13, 9220 Aalborg east, Denmark Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 14 Journal Issue Volume 14, Number 1

Description: Small amounts of pesticides reaching target insects Content Type Journal Article Category Editorial Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9325-5 Authors David Pimentel, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA Michael Burgess, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 14 Journal Issue Volume 14, Number 1

Description:    Improving access to water and sanitation does not necessarily guarantee longevity of those systems transferred. Lessons from past interventions suggest that success depends on acceptance of the technology from the recipients and sustained use after donor assistance ends. A qualitative evaluation of urban community sanitation systems in Indonesia is conducted by use of a diagnostic tool, called RECAP, focusing on technology performance and experience. By means of surveys and qualitative interviews, the perceptions of involved stakeholders (local government, implementing agency and users) are evaluated. Conclusions suggest bridging the gap between governments and users in relation to maintenance and monitoring would improve the quality and longevity of interventions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 807-820 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9292-x Authors Elisa Roma, Centre for Water Science, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK430AL UK Paul Jeffrey, Centre for Water Science, Cranfield University, Cranfield, MK430AL UK Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 4

Description:    The paper addresses the topic of wealth accumulation in Russia. This phenomenon plays an important role for the understanding and forecasting the future economic and social development of the country. The “westernized” paradigm calls for hard honest work during the life and approves getting a reward in a form of wealth in the end. When brought to Russia, this paradigm faces the orthodox traditions and rules together with the post-soviet mental patterns. In this paper, we consider how the pattern “first accumulate wealth, then consume it” competes with its opposition, the pattern “first consume wealth, then accumulate it” in Russia. We base our discussion on the consumers’ simple optimization problem, which exhibits a bifurcation between those two patterns depending on the relation between the consumption “impatience” and the wealth growth rate. We also suggest a framework to model the phenomenon of unfair wealth through impulse type of wealth development. Content Type Journal Article Pages 923-937 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9298-4 Authors Vladislav V. Savin, Energy Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Nagornaya, 31-2, 117186 Moscow, Russia Elena A. Rovenskaya, VMK Faculty, Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, MSU, 2-nd Educational Building, Moscow, Russia Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 5

Description:    This research proposes for the introduction of a recycling system in the Gambia to enhance sustainable municipal solid waste management. Poor infrastructures, coupled with inadequate resources and lack of funding, work against the optimization of a MSW disposal service. In the authors’ view, authorities in charge of waste management need to change not only behaviors, but modernize their processes. Recycling technology is a key part of the solution. A model has been developed which suggest the involvement of stakeholders to achieve meaningful sustainable MSWM. This can be achieved by recognizing the role of the informal sector through community-based organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and the private sector. The open dump approach is leading to severe environmental consequences as the groundwater and soil within the dump is been contaminated. In this study, an integrated municipal solid waste management approach was developed with a model to help achieve sustainable municipal solid waste management. Resource recovery, not waste disposal, must be the ultimate goal with clearly defined end user markets so that the recovery loop is complete. Mandatory sorting of waste at household level would help greatly in making recycling activity successful. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1065-1080 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9305-9 Authors E. S. Sanneh, Institute of Engineering Technology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan Allen H. Hu, Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan Y. M. Chang, Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan Edrisa Sanyang, EC-Child Fund Water & Sanitation Project, Banjul, The Gambia Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 6

Description:    The developing countries i.e., the non-Annex-I countries (parties to the Kyoto Protocol but not responsible to any reduction target yet) in the Kyoto Protocol whose economies are in transition are also allowed to reduce GHG emissions. Among these, the countries that have accepted the Kyoto Protocol may be benefited from CDM projects to promote sustainable development. The developed countries i.e., the Annex-I countries (that have signed the Kyoto Protocol & are responsible to have specific GHG emission reduction target) or the investing countries, in return, have privilege to purchase CER credits (in units equivalent to one tonne of CO 2 gas emission reduction) to meet the emission target as specified in the Kyoto Protocol. The key step in understanding about CDM is to grasp the concept of “baseline” and “additionality”. The “ Baseline ” is the emissions level that would have existed if a CDM project had not happened. The feature of an approved CDM project is that the planned reductions would not occur without the additional incentive provided by emission reduction credits; this concept is known as “ Additionality ”. According to environmental additionality concept, baseline emission minus project emission is equal to emissions reduction. “Investment Additionality,” ultimately rejected during negotiation of the “ Marrakech Accords” and “Financial Additionality,” are the two important concepts. The concept of trading of CER matches to the idea of Pigovian tax (equal to the negative externality and which is considered one of the “traditional” means of bringing a modicum of market forces) in Economics, making pollution more costly to the polluter, as the polluters have negative cost since they save money by polluting; hence, there are supposed negative externalities associated with the market activity. Economic theory predicts that in an economy where the cost of reaching mutual agreement between parties is high and where pollution is diffuse, Pigovian tax will be an efficient way to promote the public interest and will lead to an improvement of the quality of life measured by the Genuine Progress Indicator and other human economic indicators, as well as higher gross domestic product growth. We can seek a level of pollution such that the marginal savings (MS) to one polluting unit from pollution (−MC) is equal to marginal damage (MD) from pollution over the entire population, since pollution is a public bad i.e., MS ( x *) = ∑MD i ( x *) where ∑D i ( x ) is the total damage. Though the responsibility of reduction in emission does not lie on the non-Annex-I countries, still effort of maintaining global emission balance can be expected equally from developed and developing countries. The responsibilities of Kyoto Protocol are (a) to reduce global GHG emissions, (b) to bring about sustainable development in the developing countries lie on above two groups since its effect on February 16, 2005. Different polluters have different costs of pollution control. The least costly way of controlling pollution from various sources that reflects different costs of pollution control making the set of environmental regulations to achieve the emission target at the lowest cost makes the regulation cost-effective. Though efficiency is not attainable for many regulations, cost-effectiveness is attainable. Content Type Journal Article Pages 833-844 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9293-9 Authors Dipankar Das, Department of Environment, West Bengal Pollution Control Board, Kolkata, West Bengal, India Partha P. Sengupta, National Institute of Technology, B 6/A, NIT Campus, Durgapur, West Bengal 713209, India Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 5

Description:    Biodiversity conservation is critical for the continued supply of ecosystem services to secure the sustainability of livelihoods, especially for poor rural people in developing countries. Current rates of biodiversity loss need to be curbed by using effective interventions and decision-making that again require timely information. Undertaking a community sustainability assessment to generate and structure this information for grassroots levels is critical for decision-making and actions. This paper presents insights from a community sustainability assessment initiative undertaken in Lesotho within a trans-boundary project area known as the Maloti-Drakensberg Transfrontier Project. A qualitative case study approach was employed through a combination of several data collection techniques, including a literature review, field observations, key informant interviews, group discussions and key informant workshops. Study participants consisted of members of the community conservation forums from three districts that had been established by the project. Regarding progress towards the sustainability of biodiversity in the study area, the results indicated that current practices are unsustainable, more from the point of view of the socio-ecological components than the socio-cultural and spiritual or the socio-economic components. Consequently, there is a need to raise awareness at the community level and implement action plans to realize changes that support the sustainability of biodiversity in the long term. Content Type Journal Article Pages 45-65 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9308-6 Authors André Pelser, Department of Sociology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa Limpho Letsela, Centre for Environmental Management, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 14 Journal Issue Volume 14, Number 1

Description:    Using household-level survey data, this study investigates farmers’ perceptions on untreated wastewater use for irrigation of vegetable farms in urban and peri-urban Kumasi of Ghana. Empirical results from an ordered probit model show that there is some relationship between personal characteristics of farmers such as age, education and gender, and perceptions of farmers on health-related risks of untreated wastewater use for irrigation. Policy efforts should be geared toward updating the knowledge, skills and attitudes of producers through frequent training and workshops so that wastewater irrigation farmers in Ghana would better appreciate health-related risks of waster irrigation and how to adopt risk mitigating strategies. Further research for a more in-depth analysis on those relationships in the short-term with immediate emphasis on improving adoption of safer irrigation technologies among wastewater irrigation farmers is recommended. Content Type Journal Article Pages 135-150 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9312-x Authors Victor Owusu, Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana John-Eudes Andivi Bakang, Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Robert Clement Abaidoo, Department of Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Modeste Lawakilea Kinane, African Development Bank, Tunis-Belvedère, Tunisia Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 14 Journal Issue Volume 14, Number 1

Description:    United Nations estimates indicate that up to 70% of the world’s poor are female, and women in developing countries constitute the majority of the labour force, playing a key role in managing community resources and helping to improve food security and protect the environment. Increased attention in recent years has been focused on the potential role of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in improving the incomes and health of women in developing countries. NTFPs farming and marketing are very critical for the economic empowerment of rural poor, particularly women. Despite this potential, the contribution of NTFPs farming to the empowerment of women remains largely undervalued and understudied. This paper examines the potential contribution of NTFPs farming in poverty reduction and livelihood improvement of women in Ghana using the Sefwi Wiawso District (SWD) and Bibiani-Bekwai District (BBD) in the Western Region of Ghana as a case study. The paper explores the contribution of NTFPs farming to the total annual income, acquisition of assets, health, and food security of women through participatory research methods. ANOVA and Pearson Correlation ( p  〈 0.05) show that a significant association exists between total annual income of women, acquisition of assets, health, food security, and the income earned from NTFPs in the SWD and BBD. The study revealed that NTFPs can contribute significantly to the economic empowerment of women. The paper asserts that commercialisation of NTFPs will have a greater impact on women’s livelihoods and therefore any opportunity for increasing their involvement is very essential for the empowerment and sustainable development of rural communities in Ghana. Content Type Journal Article Pages 863-878 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9295-7 Authors Albert Ahenkan, Human Ecology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium Emmanuel Boon, Human Ecology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 5

Description:    By 2012, Hammarby Sjöstad, a former large industrial harbor area in southern Stockholm, Sweden, will be a fully developed residential district containing approximately 11,000 apartments and accommodating 35,000 people. The transformation of the area began in 1996, and the development soon became renowned for its ambitious environmental program, inspired by Agenda 21 (United Nations in Rio declaration on environment and development . United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), Rio de Janeiro, 1992 ) and the Sydney 2000 Olympics in Australia (Newman in Landsc Urban Plan 44:219–226, 1999 ). Using results based on literature reviews, in-depth interviews, discussions with focus groups, and quantitative data, this paper attempts to gain insight into how the environmental program influenced the planning and performance of the district with regard to sustainable urban development. In doing so, three important conclusions were maintained that could be valuable for similar projects concerning the planning and development of sustainable urban districts. First, the environmental program proved vital to the development process of Hammarby Sjöstad, specifically in its drive to create a sustainable urban district. When planning on improving the sustainability of future districts, such a program should be introduced and integrated earlier in the planning stage of the district. Second, the metabolic flows of Hammarby Sjöstad were reduced as a result of the integrated system—the Hammarby Model—of Hammarby Sjöstad. In order to reduce the metabolic flows in future urban districts even further, it is important to facilitate the integration of technical innovations into existing integrated systems. Third, this case study showed that there was a loss of valid and credible data related to the aims and goals of the environmental program of Hammarby Sjöstad. In future urban districts, it is of the utmost importance to include a clear structure of the assessment process in the environmental program, which would ensure the quality of gathered data and facilitate the development of even better sustainable urban districts in the future. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1043-1064 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9304-x Authors Sofie Pandis Iverot, Department of Industrial Ecology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden Nils Brandt, Department of Industrial Ecology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 6

Description: Global climate interdisciplinary science for the COP17 in Durban, South Africa Content Type Journal Article Category Editorial Pages 955-956 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9317-5 Authors Luc Hens, Free University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium David Pimentel, Free University Brussels, Brussels, Belgium Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 6

Description:    At the national scale, forest cover in Guatemala declined at an annual rate of 1.2% during the past quarter century because of settlement that removed primary forests in the northern region of the country; however, the majority of the population of Guatemala still resides in the densely populated central highlands and has extracted timber and fuelwood from adjacent forests for centuries. Using baseline data recorded in 1987 and 1996, this article reexamined the sustainability of a municipal-communal pine forest in San José La Arada, a municipality in eastern Guatemala. The pine forest declined from the period 1987 to 1996 because of overextraction of timber and fuelwood. Forest structure and forest use were reexamined from the period 1996 to 2007 to test the hypothesis that the forest continued to decline. Forest characteristics such as stand density, basal area, tree height, and evidence of forest use were measured to replicate the procedures from previous work at the study area. To understand changes in forest structure and forest use in the context of the rise in remittances and the introduction of decentralized forest governance that emerged since 1996, a household survey was conducted in two adjacent villages. Forest structure improved from 1996 to 2007. From 1996 to 2007, forest characteristics such as stand density, basal area, tree height, and forest regeneration improved and evidence of forest use decreased in the municipal-communal pine forest. The influence of large amounts of remittances from the United States and other regions of Guatemala to households in the adjacent villages and the decentralization of forest governance largely explains the shift toward forest sustainability in San José La Arada. Content Type Journal Article Pages 25-43 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9307-7 Authors Curtis D. Holder, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA Gregory Chase, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 14 Journal Issue Volume 14, Number 1

Description:    The Campus Demotechnic Index (CDI) was modified from the Demotechnic Index (D-Index) to serve as an index of energy use for US colleges and universities. CDI values were calculated by assessing the total campus energy used for the built and mobile environments against energy required to meet the basal metabolic demand of the total campus population. Like the D-Index, the CDI measured the scalar quantity of energy used relative to the quantity of energy required for simple survival on a per capita basis, thus providing a rational metric for comparison among institutions. For the interval 2000–2005, CDI was calculated for 64 US higher education institutions and compared using maximum, minimum, mean and median CDI values, total gigajoules used, campus population, and consumption-adjusted population. Wilcoxon signed rank test results compared pair-by-pair differences of ranked CDI values from 2000 to 2005 to determine whether CDI values were significantly increasing or decreasing over time. In general, CDI values increased over time, but increases over the 6-year interval were only significantly higher in 8 of 30 two-year comparisons; in 2005, CDI values ranged from 1.1 to 56.3 (mean = 11.9, median = 8.2, n  = 64), whereas in 2000, CDI values ranged from 2.0 to 53.0 (mean = 12.6, median = 9.1, n  = 22). Results suggest that the CDI may serve as a useful metric for tracking campus energy efficiency over time as well as a means of comparison of energy use among institutions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 111-134 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9311-y Authors Leisha Vance, Environmental Dynamics, 113 Ozark Hall, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA Stephen K. Boss, Environmental Dynamics Program, Department of Geosciences, OZAR 113, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 14 Journal Issue Volume 14, Number 1

Description:    Addressing urban housing crisis is an enormous challenge for most of the countries due to the increasing cost of the building material. Therefore, affordable alternative building material can make a breakthrough to the urban housing crisis. In the light of current success of stabilised earth construction in urban low-cost housing, it is important to find out the potential drivers that can help to adopt this building material. This paper aims to identify and highlight these drivers from the method of literature review and validates through a Delphi technique. Content Type Journal Article Pages 993-1006 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9301-0 Authors Mohammad Sharif Zami, Department of Architecture, College of Environmental Design, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), P. O. Box: 1802, Dhahran, 31261 Saudi Arabia Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X Journal Volume Volume 13 Journal Issue Volume 13, Number 6

Description:    This paper is a reflection of an innovative project that complements existing higher education for sustainable development (HESD) approaches within universities by providing an alternative path to embed sustainable lifestyles within the student population. It presents the SLEUTH project; an initiative born out of the need to reduce energy consumption of students at university but that, due to its systemic design, transforms and goes beyond purely energy reduction and brings Happiness as an approach to build sustainable lifestyles. This is the distinct feature of this initiative, proposing it as adding value to existing HESD approaches. The paper describes and discusses the collaborative building process, implementation and results in detail. The experiences gathered during the project are used and analysed through ‘participant observation’, ‘documents’, ‘questionnaires’ and ‘theme-ing coding’ techniques as a means to understand the richness and diversity of the data resulting from a combination of formal and informal learning settings. Through empirical evidence, this analysis presents ‘real life’ evidence to suggest, firstly the initiative’s design success, its impact on energy consumption and contribution to happiness and sustainable lifestyles. Secondly, a successful example for the contribution to existing HESD frameworks that move away from indoctrination and instead leans towards pro-activeness, self-organisation and voluntary collective action. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-21 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9382-4 Authors M. Carolina Escobar-Tello, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU UK Tracy Bhamra, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU UK Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    This paper assesses the potential loss of irrigation benefits in reallocating water from irrigation to meet requirements for environmental flows (e-flows) in the Upper Ganga Basin (UGB) in northern India. The minimum requirement for e-flows in the UGB is 32 billion cubic meters (BCM), or 42 % of the mean annual runoff. The current runoff during the low-flow months falls below the minimum requirement for e-flows by 5.1 BCM. Depending on irrigation efficiency, reallocation of 41–51 % of the water from canal irrigation withdrawals can meet this deficit in minimum e-flows. The marginal productivity of canal irrigation consumptive water use (CWU), estimated from a panel regression with data from 32 districts from 1991 to 2004, assesses the potential loss of benefits in diverting water away from crop production. In the UGB, canal irrigation contributes to only 8 % of the total CWU of 56 BCM, and the marginal productivity of canal irrigation CWU across districts is also very low, with a median of 0.03 USD/m 3 . Therefore, at present, the loss of benefits is only 1.2–1.6 % of the gross value of crop production. This loss of benefits can be overcome with an increase in irrigation efficiency or marginal productivity. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-21 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9385-1 Authors Upali A. Amarasinghe, International Water Management Institute, South Asia Regional Office, No 401/5 ICRISAT Campus, Patancheru, Hyderabad, 502 324 Andhra Pradesh, India Vladimir Smakhtin, International Water Management Institute, Head Quarters, Colombo, Sri Lanka Luna Bharati, International Water Management Institute, Nepal Office, Kathmandu, Nepal Ravinder P. S. Malik, International Water Management Institute, New Delhi Office, New Delhi, India Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    This study presents an evaluation of a participatory bird census (PBC) project that has been administered to coffee farmers in Colombia. Our objectives were (1) to evaluate the effect of the PBC project on conservation knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of coffee farmers and (2) to learn about the barriers farmers perceive toward adopting conservation practices. We conducted 261 interviews on four groups to control for the effects of involvement with an environmental coffee certification program (Rainforest Alliance—RA) and the PBC project. The four groups were (1) non-PBC participant, non-RA certified; (2) PBC participant, non-RA certified; (3) non-PBC participant, RA certified; and (4) PBC participant, RA certified. PBC participant/RA and PBC participant/non-RA were more knowledgeable about migratory and threatened birds. PBC participant/RA, PBC participant/non-RA, and non-PBC participant/RA groups believed they had the skills to perform bird conservation practices on their farms. A majority of respondents indicated that they were performing bird conservation practices and had positive attitudes toward birds. Farmers believed that lack of environmental awareness and lack of knowledge were the main barriers to perform bird conservation practices. Evaluating participatory programs with Colombian farmers can reveal environmental literacy improvements, but self-reported surveys may not be adequate to ascertain attitude changes and adoption of conservation practices. Direct observations on individual farms would be required to determine the impacts on such outreach efforts. Bird conservation seems popular with Colombian coffee farmers, and outreach programs that give detailed biodiversity management information could help aid bird conservation efforts on coffee farms. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-25 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9383-3 Authors Gloria M. Lentijo, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 215 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA Mark E. Hostetler, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, 215 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Existing approaches to sustainability assessment are typically characterized as being either “top–down” or “bottom–up.” While top–down approaches are commonly adopted by businesses, bottom–up approaches are more often adopted by civil society organizations and communities. Top–down approaches clearly favor standardization and commensurability between other sustainability assessment efforts, to the potential exclusion of issues that really matter on the ground. Conversely, bottom–up approaches enable sustainability initiatives to speak directly to the concerns and issues of communities, but lack a basis for comparability. While there are clearly contexts in which one approach can be favored over another, it is equally desirable to develop mechanisms that mediate between both. In this paper, we outline a methodology for framing sustainability assessment and developing indicator sets that aim to bridge these two approaches. The methodology incorporates common components of bottom–up assessment: constituency-based engagement processes and opportunity to identify critical issues and indicators. At the same time, it uses the idea of a “knowledge base,” to help with the selection of standardized, top–down indicators. We briefly describe two projects where the aspects of the methodology have been trialed with urban governments and communities, and then present the methodology in full, with an accompanying description of a supporting software system. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-19 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9384-2 Authors Liam Magee, Global Cities Institute, RMIT University, 96.2.7c, RMIT University, 17 Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia Andy Scerri, Global Cities Institute, RMIT University, 96.2.7c, RMIT University, 17 Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia Paul James, Global Cities Institute, RMIT University, 96.2.7c, RMIT University, 17 Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia James A. Thom, School of Computer Science and Information Technology, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia Lin Padgham, School of Computer Science and Information Technology, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia Sarah Hickmott, School of Computer Science and Information Technology, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia Hepu Deng, School of Business, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia Felicity Cahill, School of Global Studies, Social Science and Planning, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Green spaces considered natural remnants in urban environments play a key role in promoting environmental quality and forming a sustainable city. Nowadays, development of urban spaces has taken a hasty growth. In the meanwhile, the natural green spaces are severely damaged. The current study aims at investigating the trend of changes in green space of Tabriz City, the second large industrial city in Iran, on the basis of landscape ecology principles. In order to prepare the land-cover maps, Landsat TM and IRS LISS-III of the years 1989 and 2006 were applied. Alongside, landscape percentage metrics, the largest patch index, number of patches, patch density, edge density, total edge, class area and landscape shape index were also used to analyse the changes. Metric analysis of the landscape within the studied years revealed that a large part of the region has enjoyed a rapid growth (equivalent to 64.5 %) in constructions. As the obtained results showed, the smallest landscape percentage (3.9 %) in the study area is belonged to the municipal green space, while the largest landscape percentage (66 %) is allocated to the barren land. This shows that the constructions have not balanced with creation of new green spaces, and the lack of green space per capita continues to be felt. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9381-5 Authors Parisa Olad Ghaffari, Young Research Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran Seyed Masoud Monavari, Department of Environment and Energy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    When exploiting forest resources, the resource use must be sustainable if its use is to support its function in the natural ecosystem. The African mahogany, a prized timber species, is widely exploited, raising policy concerns about the management of forest resources to meet the social, economic, and ecological needs of present and future generations. This paper explores, for the purpose of policy implication, the relationship between the exportation and deforestation of African mahoganies. The analysis employed a Granger causality test within the error correction model to evaluate the direction of causality between African mahoganies exports and deforestation in Ghana. The results suggested that in the short run, there was significant ( P  〈 0.01) unidirectional causality from African mahoganies exports to deforestation. However, there was no directional causality from deforestation to mahogany exports. Thus, mahogany extraction and logging in general are among the major factors contributing to deforestation in Ghana. The general assessment of historical trends in the extraction levels of the two main genera of African mahoganies revealed that Entandrophragma cylindricum and Khaya ivorensis have been the most exploited species over the years. Improvements in, and the enforcement of, existing forest institutions and incentives, as well as related policies, could minimise the rate of deforestation not only of the African mahogany but also in timber logging, thus stemming forest degradation and deforestation in the country. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9373-5 Authors Jones Abrefa Danquah, Faculty of Science and Forestry, School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Post Office Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland Daniel Bruce Sarpong, Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, School of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, University of Ghana, P. O. Box LG 68, Legon, Accra, Ghana Ari Pappinen, Faculty of Science and Forestry, School of Forest Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Post Office Box 111, 80101 Joensuu, Finland Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    The materially intensive consumption patterns and lifestyles present a major challenge to sustainability. The major part of consumption is determined in households; therefore, most of the environmental load is allocated to households as well. In order to examine how environmental impact by household consumption varies during the prosperous period, one needs to explore the alteration of household consumption structure, considering that discrete consumption expenditure categories influence environmental impact distinctly. Regarding that, alterations of household consumption expenditure structures are also partially influenced by European integration process. So convergence of new member states of the EU to the old ones by household consumption structure was analyzed. For estimation of occurrence and the extent of household consumption structure, X-convergence was applied. Therefore, the results showed that during the period of 1995–2007, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Lithuania and Slovenia were the most successful and Latvia with Poland achieved the least in converging toward the EU-15 consumption expenditure structure. According to evaluation of distinct consumption categories in relation to acidifying compounds and greenhouse gas emissions intensities, it was revealed that alterations of household consumption expenditure structure led to smaller levels of household environmental impact with the exception of Hungary. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-21 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9386-0 Authors Genovaitė Liobikienė, Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos str. 8, 44404 Kaunas, Lithuania Justina Mandravickaitė, Baltic Institute of Advanced Technology, Saulėtekio av. 15, 10224 Vilnius, Lithuania Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    The hyper-eutrophicated Krishnagiri reservoir is situated in hot tropical and semiarid climate zone in South India. There are 16 villages in the command area, which are directly benefited by this reservoir, and water from the reservoir is used for irrigation, fish rearing, livestock rearing and recreation purposes. The reservoir is located in an agricultural watershed, and the rate of soil erosion in the catchment area is very high. Thus, the reservoir is severely affected by sedimentation, and half of its capacity was reduced. Previous studies in Krishnagiri reservoir clearly indicate the lack of information on the quality of sediments and dynamics of nutrient in the reservoir. Hence, the present study was conducted on bottom sediments, and it included the assessment of physicochemical characteristics and nutrients, such as composition, redox potential, moisture content, organic carbon, organic matter, total iron, manganese, calcium carbonate, different phosphorus fractions and total phosphorus. The increasing trend in organic matter and also the significant change from positive to high negative values of redox potential clearly indicate the inflow of high organic load which may result from the disposal of sewage and industrial waste water in the upstream catchment side. The high concentration of inorganic phosphorus fractions at the inflow point of the reservoir obviously implies that there was a significant input of nutrients into the reservoir. Hence, the study concludes that the rainfall, soil erosion and runoff are the major environmental factors for the input and accumulation of large quantities of nutrients in the bottom sediments of Krishnagiri reservoir during the study period. The present study clearly suggests for a careful investigation into sediment nutrients in Krishnagiri reservoir, and it is also necessary to assess the role of sediments in the phosphorus dynamics and its significant effect on eutrophication. This study demonstrates that the examination of physicochemical characteristics and nutrients in the bottom sediments is a helpful tool to identify the sources of nutrients to the reservoir. The baseline data provided in this paper will be helpful for the policy makers to frame better policies for the sustainable management of water quality in Krishnagiri reservoir. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9388-y Authors Velu Sudha, Centre for Water Resources, Anna University, Chennai, 600 025 Tamil Nadu, India Neelakanda Kanniaperumalpillai Ambujam, Centre for Water Resources, Anna University, Chennai, 600 025 Tamil Nadu, India Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    There are hardly any critical discussions of sustainable development indicator sets designed for use at the national level. This article aims at rectifying this omission in critical academic research by contributing to the discourse on environmental sustainability with an assessment of the indicator set used for the measurement of sustainable development in Germany. It will evaluate to what extent the sustainable development concept is reflected in the structure of the strategy and analyse in how far fundamental environmental issues are covered by the indicator set. The discussion will show that the environmental dimension of the sustainability concept is not sufficiently integrated in the German National Sustainable Development Strategy. Although the strategy’s indicator set contains a range of environmental indicators, gaps in the German indicator set become apparent when contrasted with important issues of sustainability. It will be concluded that the environmental dimension of the sustainable development concept is not the recurrent theme in either the strategy or the indicator set. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9380-6 Authors Falko Leukhardt, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Simon Allen, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    The article studies the nature of current policy and management practice in Thailand on vegetation burnings and haze pollution and examines how these take into account heterogeneity and complexity of local conditions and causal factors on the ground. Chang Mai province’s recent haze episodes are used as case study. The country’s policy regime on vegetation burning and haze pollution is characterized as command-and-control and highly regulatory. Authors argue that haze problem is framed by the central and provincial government as a purely an administrative task of control and penalizing perpetrators of fire. This fails to take into account the heterogeneity and complexity of local conditions and drivers of burning occurrences, which in Chang Mai involves a variety of widely diffused forest and farming-based livelihood activities, such as hunting and forest product gathering, swidden farming, and burning of agricultural residues in rice cultivation. This state simplification in policy combines well with and is further reinforced by a centralized, top-down, and institutional landscape and functioning of government in decision-making, enabling the policy to cascade down to the province, districts, and sub-districts basically unaltered. Further, traditional administrative separatism between ministries and their provincial counterparts undermines the possibility of area-wide planning and integration of responses. The authors’ recommend a major policy shift, among others, including components of using local research on causal factors as tool for planning and policy, instituting incentives and reward systems for would-be fire igniters, area-wide local-transboundary approach, and strengthening autonomy of local government bodies. Authors have used documents review, secondary sources, and key informant interviews. Content Type Journal Article Category Case Study Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9358-4 Authors Yongyut Tiyapairat, Urban Environmental Management, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand Edsel E. Sajor, Urban Environmental Management, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    This article is a case study to compare the economic viabilities of biogas generation and compost projects in a palm oil mill in Malaysia with and without clean development mechanism (CDM). Biogas is captured from anaerobic ponds or digester tanks treating palm oil mill effluent (POME) and converted to green renewable electricity for grid connection, while compost is produced from the shredded empty fruit bunch and raw untreated POME. The both technologies were compared by considering the changes of the materials flow and energy balances. A palm oil mill with a capacity of 54 t fresh fruit bunch per hour has the potential to produce either 6.9 GWh of electricity from biogas or fertilizer equivalent to 488 t of nitrogen, 76 t of phosphorus and 1,065 t of potassium per year. The economic analysis for 10 years project term analysis indicated that CDM gave a significant impact and ensured economic viability for both projects with 25 % of internal rate of return (IRR), RM 12.39 million of net present value (NPV) and 3.5 years of payback period (PBP) for biogas project, whereas 31 % of IRR, RM 10.87 million of NPV and 2.9 years of PBP for compost project, respectively. In addition, sensitivity analysis indicated that the profitability of both projects will vary depending on the economic situation, such as electricity price which is based on the government policy, whereas compost price that depend on fertilizer market price with 43 % NPV change in 20 % range of fertilizer value. Content Type Journal Article Category Case Study Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9371-7 Authors Tatsuya Yoshizaki, Department of Biological Functions and Engineering, Graduate School of Life Science and System Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 808-0196 Japan Yoshihito Shirai, Department of Biological Functions and Engineering, Graduate School of Life Science and System Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 808-0196 Japan Mohd Ali Hassan, Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia Azhari Samsu Baharuddin, Department of Process and Food Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia Nik Mustapha Raja Abdullah, Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia Alawi Sulaiman, Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, 40450 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Zainuri Busu, FELDA Palm Industries Sdn Bhd, Balai Felda, Jalan Gurney Satu, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Sub-Saharan African countries are being strongly urged to enhance their rice production, because their rice consumption and importation rates have been rapidly increasing in recent years. Areas planted to rice in Africa are classified agro-ecologically into rainfed upland, rainfed lowland, and irrigated. Rainfed lowland includes extensive areas of unexploited land that has great potential for the promotion of rice growing. For the unexploited rainfed lowlands of Ghana, we have been studying the development of low-cost rice-farming systems that require no large-scale irrigation or land reclamation. For such systems, it is important to select suitable areas where water for rice farming can be obtained naturally; floodwaters offer promise for this purpose. Delineation and mapping of floodwater prone areas suitable for rice production is important for successful utilization of this land resource. Here, we propose a method of assessing flood probability from submergence frequency, as estimated from satellite imagery and geospatial data. ALOS/PALSAR images acquired in May, June, August, and September 2010 were used to classify land and water, and then a submerged-area map was produced. From the results, we were able to accurately detect non-submerged areas and submerged areas with water depths of at least 3 cm. The number of times classified into submerged area was defined as submergence frequency, and it was approximated by distance from reservoirs representing White Volta River, ponds, and swamps. In addition, flood extent derived from reservoirs was simulated using digital elevation model (DEM). Finally, a flood probability assessment map was produced by integration of the estimated submergence frequency and flood extent simulation. The results of a comparison of soil moisture data measured at 69 points in the field and the NDVIs computed by ALOS/AVNIR showed that areas with high potential for flooding retained high levels of soil moisture and were more likely to show less deterioration of vegetation in the dry season. The validation of these results confirmed the adequacy of the flood probability assessment method. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9363-7 Authors Yukiyo Yamamoto, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Ohwashi 1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8686 Japan Yasuhiro Tsujimoto, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Ohwashi 1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8686 Japan Yoichi Fujihara, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Ohwashi 1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8686 Japan Jyun-ichi Sakagami, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Ohwashi 1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8686 Japan Shiro Ochi, Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), Ohwashi 1-1, Tsukuba, 305-8686 Japan Mathias Fosu, Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI), P.O. Box 52, Tamale, Ghana Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    The present paper proposes a spatial multicriteria approach for supporting decision makers in the siting process of a waste incinerator plant in the Province of Torino (Italy). Municipal solid waste management is an intrinsically complex problem because it involves different interconnected elements and must achieve objectives that are often in conflict. Given the spatial nature of the problem, a useful support is provided by a family of methods that are rapidly gaining traction for planning and policy-making, named multicriteria spatial decision support systems, which are based on geographical information systems and multicriteria analysis coupling. In the present study, a methodological framework is proposed for the integration of geographical information systems with a specific multicriteria analysis technique, named Analytic Network Process. The method is illustrated with reference to a case study in the Province of Torino. The purpose of the research is to generate a suitability map of the area under analysis in order to locate a municipal solid waste incinerator plant. The application allows the dependence relationships between the criteria to be assessed and the relative importance of all the elements to be evaluated. The results are obtained in the form of maps analyzed through the ILWIS 3.3 GIS software and have been further verified through a “what-if” analysis with reference to the clusters priorities in order to test the robustness of the model. The implementation of the spatial Analytic Network Process technique gives an originality value to the present research since it represents one of the first applications at both the national and international levels. Content Type Journal Article Category Case Study Pages 1-25 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9354-8 Authors Valentina Ferretti, Politecnico di Torino, Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), Castello del Valentino, viale Mattioli, 39-10125 Turin, Italy Silvia Pomarico, Politecnico di Torino, Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning (DIST), Castello del Valentino, viale Mattioli, 39-10125 Turin, Italy Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Dhaka division is the main central industrial zone in Bangladesh. Along with the great growth in industry in the region, there have also been increased and sometimes critical levels of toxic pollution to the environment. Although much has been researched in the region on the degradation of the environment, the slow improvements in environment protection drive the question of what is the environmental security climate in Dhaka division. The study of four plants (textile, leather tanning, cement and fertilizer) in Dhaka division aimed to find out the impact of each on the environment. The study took place within Tejgaon, Hazaribagh, Narsingdi and Narayangang and investigated the impact of those plants on air, water and land. Among the different polluters, the results indicated that textiles polluted most. All participants indicated that the industries were the cause of at least one ailment within 6 months. It is recommended to governments and plant owners that they not only remain diligent about policy on environment protection, but that they also humanize efforts so as to follow those policies through to the end. The loss of life and quality of life may have larger impacts that daily profitability and livelihood. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9357-5 Authors Faruque As Sunny, School of Management, China Academy for Rural Development, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Taonarufaro Karimanzira, Department of Non-Traditional Securities and Peace Development, School of Public Administration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Zuhui Huang, China Academy for Rural Development, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029 China Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Export of shrimps and prawns using intensive cultivation in the Sundarban area of Indian Bengal had a negative impact on mangrove forests in 1980s. Land conversions from agricultural use and mangrove forest to shrimp ponds are significant. The impact of changing economic factors such as trade on mangrove forests is evident but as yet this link is not clearly understood by decision-makers. In this context, this study analyses the impact of economic driver on land use changes by combining socio-economic data (economic variables) and satellite data (land use change). Using the panel data method for 1986–2004 in eight administrative units of the Sundarbans area, the study identifies relative return and productivity of labour for various types of land use together with population density as the major drivers of land use change. Identification of these drivers would help to design an effective response policy for management of this UNESCO Heritage site. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9361-9 Authors Pushpam Kumar, Ecosystem Services Economics Unit of Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), P.O. Box 30522, Nairobi, 00100 Kenya Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    As environmental issues changed its focus from pollution and endangered species to fulfilling basic human needs, such as health, education, shelter, sanitation, hygiene, on the one hand and social justice on the other hand, it widened in its scope. People questioned about adequacy of ecological knowledge in solving daily questions in their life, and also contribution of their values, objective life situations and idea of quality of life for ecological well-being. Two core and complimentary values strongly emerged from the concept of sustainable development; namely environmental protection and justice. Unfortunately, there is lack of awareness on dimensions of human life and its linkages with the wider environment. To combine the values, dimensions of human life and its linkages with external environment, fundamental changes in human behaviour for human development is required. Present article reflects on dimensions of life, essential skills and practical tools for environmental protection and human development. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9362-8 Authors S. M. Marale, Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM), No. 9 Institutional Area, First floor, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, 110003 India Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Human population growth challenges efforts toward sustainability. People who are concerned about the environment, development, and sustainability are in a position to stress the importance of human population and to encourage people to choose small family size (Grossman, in Conserv Biol, 24(6), pp 1435–1436, 2010 ). Nevertheless, this vital subject has been treated infrequently in this journal. Of more than 500 articles published since its inception, only 15 have touched on human population, few have had population as a primary subject and only three have suggested that readers of this journal can and should have influence over population growth. This article concludes by suggesting ways that we who are concerned about sustainability should promote education about family planning and the advantages of small family size. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9364-6 Authors Richard Grossman, Biology Department, Fort Lewis College, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    The aim of this study was to examine the level of awareness of Niger Delta communities about impacts of climate change and to identify and document indigenous innovations and practices for adaptation to climate change by farmers in the region. Three states were randomly selected from the nine states that make up the Niger Delta. Multistage sampling technique was used to interview 400 heads of farming households in Cross Rivers, Delta and Rivers States. Analysis of the data utilized simple descriptive statistics, while the results were presented as tables, figures and charts. Two single sex Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted in each of the survey states giving a total of six FGDs. Data from the FGDs complemented the survey results. Findings of this study showed that about 90 % of respondents were aware of climate change and its impacts. The results further indicate that the farmers have practiced some innovative indigenous measures for climate change adaptation for many years. It was also noted that the identified indigenous adaptive strategies which have Science, Technology and Innovation policy relevance could inform the design and implementation of future Agricultural, Development and Climate Change Policy in the region. Lastly, policy recommendations are made to improve climate change awareness and adaptation to climate change impacts in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9359-3 Authors Thaddeus C. Nzeadibe, Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria Chukwudumebi L. Egbule, Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria Nnaemeka A. Chukwuone, Department of Agricultural Economics, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria Agwu E. Agwu, Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria Victoria C. Agu, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, Nafisah Plaza, Plot 502, Off Constitution Avenue, Central Business Area, Abuja, Nigeria Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    During the past six decades, agriculture as a main sector in Iran’s economy has been affected by economic development, land-use policies, and population growth and its pressures. From the 1940s until 2010, the percentage of the total urban population of Iran increased from about 21 % to around 72 %. Urbanization, industrialization, and intensive cultivation have dramatically affected soil and water resources. The exploitation of groundwater has been increased around fourfold from the 1970s to the mid-2000s. Total water resources per capita reduced around 23 % from 1956 to 2008. The average annual decrease in the groundwater table in Iran during the last two decades is 0.51 m. In 2008, the groundwater table fell around −1.14 m in average in Iran. The average use of chemical fertilizers increased from around 2.1 million tons in 1990s to about 3.7 million tons in 2009. During that period, fertilizer use efficiency decreased from around 28 % to around 21 %. Approximately 77 % of the agricultural land under irrigation suffers from different levels of salinity. According to the quantification of four indices, such as soil erosion, fall in groundwater levels, salinity, and use of chemical fertilizer, that are directly related to agricultural land use, the results show that agricultural management in Iran needs special attention to reach sustainable conditions. The total cost of soil and water degradation and use of fertilizers in agriculture are estimated around than US $12.8 billion (about 157,000 billion IRRials)—approximately 4 % of the total gross domestic product (GDP) and approximately 35 % of the GDP of the agricultural sector in Iran. Content Type Journal Article Category Review Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9351-y Authors Iraj Emadodin, Institute for Ecosystem Research, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany Daiju Narita, Institute for the World Economy, Kiel, Germany Hans Rudolf Bork, Institute for Ecosystem Research, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    A key activity in Phase 1 of REDD+—the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) forestry mitigation mechanism—is the development of policies and measures (PAMs) to define where and how emissions reductions and carbon stock enhancements and conservation will be achieved. This paper provides contextual data and information for the development of PAMs specifically for the buffer zones of protected areas in the Peruvian Amazon, sites where REDD+ has the potential to generate considerable social and ecological co-benefits. The study sites are the buffer zones of two national parks, Yanachaga-Chemillen (YChNP) in central Peru and Manu (MNP) in the south-east. Data were collected through smallholder household surveys ( n  = 200), covering livelihood strategies, land use practices and preference rankings of five REDD+ criteria. The findings suggest that PAMs in buffer zones could realistically achieve an additional ~10 % conservation of remaining forest and between 25 and 70 % additional reforestation of non-forest areas on private lands. The paper argues that in areas where agricultural co-operatives exist, such as MNP, these should be engaged in national REDD+ PAMs and supported by an international NGO; in areas where smallholders operate individually, such as YChNP, international NGOs may be best placed to gain local trust and thereby raise participation rates. The environmental effectiveness of REDD+ conservation PAMs could be greater in areas of intense agricultural production, yet financial and technical support for reforestation may offer the most effective avenue for carbon mitigation in these areas. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-21 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9350-z Authors Joel Scriven, Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QY UK Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    The main purpose of this paper is to use data envelopment analysis (DEA) as a support tool to establish a relative eco-efficiency measure for the different bioethanol transportation modes and to prioritize these different modes according to these figures. From a review of previous studies, we selected a set of attributes to be considered in DEA, and then experts were consulted about the importance of these attributes for this type of analysis in Brazil. To quantify the attributes, we established indicators and submitted them to DEA to evaluate the relative eco-efficiency to each available transportation mode for the case studied. The use of DEA established the guidelines to improve the transportation modes that were not considered 100 % relatively eco-efficient. These improvements could be achieved considering the percentage, reduction or growth for each of the attributes in the selected transportation mode. The proposed approach can help the Brazilian government to develop a plan to improve the bioethanol transportation infrastructure and can be used to propel short-term improvements in the highway transport of bioethanol, which could be useful given the Brazilian transportation context. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9352-x Authors Ilton Curty Leal, Centro de Tecnologia Bloco H, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Sala 106, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Pauli Adriano de Almada Garcia, Rua Desembargador Ellis Hermydio Figueira, Fluminense Federal University, 783, B. A, sl. 304, Volta Redonda, RJ, Brazil Márcio de Almeida D’Agosto, Centro de Tecnologia Bloco H, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Sala 106, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    This study examined the relationship between the conduct of marketing and trading activities at market centres along the Volta Lake and conditions of the lakeshore environment using descriptive and quantitative data. The analysis and discussions of the study were based on data gathered through intensive field survey involving interviews, group discussions and on-site observation at six selected markets centres. Water samples from the lake adjacent the six market yards and points upstream and downstream were analysed for some selected physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters as basic pollution indicators. Faecal coliform (FC) and total coliform (TC) concentrations of the lake were high ranging from 8.2 to 27.4 cfu/100 ml and 70.4 to 120.4 cfu/100 ml, respectively. These values were above WHO acceptable levels (FC 0 cfu/100 ml; TC 0–10 cfu/100 ml). Dissolved oxygen concentrations were also low (2.9–5.6 mg/l), below the background level of 7 mg/l, in view of high organic matter content of the water. The market yards contribute to pollution of the Volta Lake in addition to other pollution sources in the market town/village. The study emphasised that the limited market space, inadequate market infrastructure and facilities, low management capacity and poor attitudes of market participants towards waste disposal contribute to poor sanitary conditions at the market centres. The study concludes that the interconnections among market infrastructure, market organisation and management, and conditions of the environment should guide market development planning in order to mitigate the adverse consequences of the operation of market centres on the environment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-24 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9353-9 Authors Benjamin D. Ofori, Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    This study attempts to investigate the presence of a regional Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in selected South Asian countries, namely, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka for the period 1984–2008. In addition, it also intends to inspect the impact of corruption on environmental degradation in this region. The Fixed Effect results confirm the existence of the regional EKC in these countries. Furthermore, the results indicate that corruption do affect environment in the manner that it delays the turning point in EKC. It is found that, in the presence of corruption, the per capita GDP at the turning point is USD 998, which is USD 128 higher from the value that would have been in the absence of corruption. Based on these results, the study suggests appropriate policy measures. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9356-6 Authors Faiz Ur Rehman, Department of Economics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan Muhammad Nasir, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad, Pakistan Faiza Kanwal, Department of Economics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    This paper analyzes the Cuban model of sustainable development and explains the causes that made Cuba the only country that meets the conditions of sustainability according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). The Human Development Index has three main components: quality of life (health indicator measured as life expectancy at birth), knowledge (education indicator measured as adult literacy) and the standard of life (economic indicator measured by the Gross Domestic Income). This paper analyses the aspects of the educational and health system of Cuba and also of its energy policies that explain the excellent scores of the Human Development Index. Cuba shows a Human Development Index of 0.8 with an Ecological Footprint of 1.8 gha. This is achieved with a Gross Domestic Income lower than other countries with similar Human Development Index. The Ecological Footprint of Cuba is mainly determined by the CO 2 and the agricultural land footprint. The paper shows how the economic transition, after the economic crisis of the early 1990s, was realized without significantly increasing the Ecological Footprint. Content Type Journal Article Category Case study Pages 1-19 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9338-8 Authors Juan José Cabello, Mechanical Engineering Faculty, Cleaner Production Center, University of Cienfuegos, Carretera a Rodas. Km 2, Cienfuegos, Cuba Dunia Garcia, Faculty of Administration and Economics, University of Cienfuegos, Cienfuegos, Cuba Alexis Sagastume, Mechanical Engineering Faculty, Cleaner Production Center, University of Cienfuegos, Carretera a Rodas. Km 2, Cienfuegos, Cuba Rosario Priego, Faculty of Administration and Economics, Institute of High Education of Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico Luc Hens, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium Carlo Vandecasteele, Department of Chemical Engineering, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Over 56% of the population of Karnataka state in India depends on agriculture for its livelihood. A majority of these are small and marginal farmers, with land under 2 ha, responsible for nearly half the food production in the state. The increasing rate of farmers’ suicides in the state is reportedly fuelled among others, by increasing input costs, crop failure and accumulating debt. This triggered several policy measures, intended to improve the sustainability of farm livelihoods including those promoting organic practices in farming. The paper presents the results of a multicriteria analysis conducted to comprehend the effects of two different practice–policy scenarios on smallholders in Karnataka—one scenario ‘with policy’ (WP) to support organic agricultural practices and the other a ‘business as usual’ (BAU) scenario that continues to stress on market-based, synthetic inputs for cultivation. The paper integrates results from quantitative and participatory techniques to compare and project effects on ecological, economic and socio-cultural indicators. Ecological and economic indicators in WP are projected to be significantly higher than BAU in a majority of the study sites, while socio-cultural indicators show mixed outcomes, depending on regional and social characteristics. Across the study sites, small and rain-fed farms are benefitted better in WP compared to large and irrigated farms, respectively. Among small and rain-fed farms, soil fertility, water quality, agro-diversity, net income and freedom from indebtedness improve considerably, while there is slight reduction in collective activities and no perceivable change in land-based subsistence. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-21 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9340-1 Authors Seema Purushothaman, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur Post, Bangalore, 560064 India Sheetal Patil, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur Post, Bangalore, 560064 India Ierene Francis, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur Post, Bangalore, 560064 India Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    This study seeks to verify the relationship or correlation between food supply and four variables that are fertilizers, machinery, permanent cropland and permanent pasture land in Africa and Asia. The data were obtained from FAOSTATS and the World Resource Institute. The data were analyzed using the SPSS version 19. Pearson’s correlation statistical tool and the multiple linear regression methods were then used within the SPSS interface to analyze the data. The results show that the levels of fertilizer application and machinery use are more significant in affecting food supply in Asia than in Africa with respect to the four variables. In Africa, permanent cropland is of greater significance when food supply is concerned with respect to these four variables. The likely trend is for Africa to enact policies that will encourage investments in machines and organic fertilizers to be able to improve its food production and supply rather than merely increasing farm sizes. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9341-0 Authors Epule Terence Epule, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Case postale 8888, succ Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada Changhui Peng, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Case postale 8888, succ Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada Laurent Lepage, Institute of Environmental Sciences, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Case postale 8888, succ Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada Balgah Sounders Nguh, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, University of Buea, P.O Box 63, Buea, Cameroon Ndiva Mongoh Mafany, Sitting Bull College, 9299 Hwy 24, Fort Yates, ND 58583, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description: Smallholder agriculture dominates Kenya’s agricultural landscape, accounting for 75 % of total agricultural output and 70 % of the marketed agricultural produce. As a result, the Government of Kenya, with the support of development partners, has invested in production and dissemination of productivity-enhancing technologies such as high-yielding varieties and inorganic fertilizers targeting the smallholders. Adoption of these technologies has remarkably improved, especially in the maize sub-sector. However, productivity has been declining or, at best, stagnating. Productivity is attributable to not only technological improvements but also technical efficiency. Consequently, this study sought to determine the technical efficiency of the country’s smallholder food crop farmers and establish how it correlates with environmental factors. The study used a two-stage nonparametric approach on household panel data to estimate the efficiency levels of the smallholders and establish the sources of its variation across households. Controlling for endogeneity and incorporating geographic information system-derived measures of environmental factors in the analysis, the study finds that technical efficiency differentials are influenced by environmental factors, production risks and farmer characteristics. The policy implication is that the country has room to improve agricultural productivity by addressing environmental and farm-level constraints. Viable options include switching from rain-fed to irrigated agriculture, entrenching land tenure security, improving transport network among farm communities and setting up smallholder credit schemes.

Description: Transhumant pastoralism is one of the dominant livestock production systems in West Africa, and it is characterized by seasonal and cyclical movement of varying degrees between complementary ecological areas. The common pattern of transhumance is moving herds from areas with pasture and water scarcity such as the Sahelian zone to areas where the forage and water are found, often in the sub-humid zone. Whereas the transhumant herds from the Sahel are mainly Zebu breeds, endemic ruminant livestock (ERL) are the dominant breeds in sub-humid zone of West Africa because of their tolerance to tsetse-borne trypanosomosis disease. These livestock fulfill different functions in the livelihood of rural communities in the region. To identify potential areas of interventions for sustainable natural resource management to improve ERL productivity, a desk study that included spatial mapping was performed to review and document the existing knowledge on transhumance in West Africa. Additionally, group discussions were held to analyze the (actual or potential) effects of transhumant herds on natural resource management and ERL in the sub-humid zone. This study covered sub-humid zone in The Gambia, Guinea, Mali and Senegal. The key question we addressed in this study was as follows: What are the key trends and changes in transhumant pastoralism and how do these impact sustainable management of natural resources including endemic livestock? The results of the desk study and group discussions showed that there have been more southerly movements by transhumant pastoralists into the sub-humid zone over the past three decades and this has contributed to growing competition for grazing resources. The presence of transhumant herds in the sub-humid zone has a potential impact on management and conservation of ERL through crossbreeding with transhumant Zebu breeds from the Sahel but only study sites in Mali showed a high risk.

Description: We present estimates for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) sewage inputs to 19 Indonesian rivers for 1970–2050. Future trends are based on the four scenarios of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Our results indicate a rapid increase in N and P pollution from sewage over time. In 1970, N and P inputs to rivers were low because not many households were connected to sewage systems discharging to rivers. Sewage connection is increasing over time. As a result, N and P inputs to rivers increase. We calculate that between 2000 and 2050 the N and P inputs increase with a factor of 17–40, depending on the scenario. Important determinants of future N and P sewage inputs are population, economic growth, urbanization, sewage systems development and wastewater treatment. Our calculations are based on an improved model for N and P inputs to rivers, indicating that previous estimates underestimated these inputs considerably.

Description: This paper presents an empirical research in a protected area of northern Nicaragua, aimed at: (a) classifying predominant narratives surrounding present and future pathways of the local rural system, drivers of change, features of livelihoods’ vulnerability; (b) understanding current functioning of local metabolic patterns of rural systems by developing a typology of farms and (c) comparing types’ vulnerability to current drivers of change. To achieve these objectives, we integrated qualitative and quantitative analytical approaches. The different visions of rural spaces, which emerge from the analysis of the narratives, and the five types of farms, characterized by specific land-time budget and energy and monetary flows, suggest two emerging dynamics of local restructuration in protected areas: (1) a dominant land re-concentration process which is generating increasing inequality in access to resources and a progressive marginalization of the self-sufficient economy of landless and subsistence households; (2) an emergence of a paradigm of ‘environmentalization’ of rural spaces together with a valorization of small and medium-scale diversified economies. Moreover, the vulnerability assessment focuses on multidimensional features of types’ sensitivity to crisis, i.e. risk unacceptability, production instability, economic inefficiency, food and exosomatic energy dependency, as well as capacity to buffer and adapt to change, i.e. access to assets, including labour for men and women, social safety nets and degrees of economic diversification. The discussion highlights the occurrence of trade-off between the solutions adopted by farms within different development paths, suggesting the relevance of the proposed framework of analysis at the interface between science and policy.

Description: It is recognized today that production systems can be used for natural resources management, whereas it is difficult to implement management that integrates production and natural resources conservation. This difficulty can be explained by the complexity of interactions between production systems and biodiversity dynamics and by the lack of predictability of the impacts of techniques on ecosystems. Designing tools to effectively guide such integration in this uncertain context is therefore a top priority. In this perspective, the aim of this paper is to analyze the indicators used by managers when trying to integrate ecological systems and production-oriented activities and, consequently, to assess their relevance when faced with these new challenges. Our analysis distinguishes indicators-in-theory and indicators-in-use. We studied the first ones with an original analytic grid to decipher their cognitive and management orientation through documents and interviews with indicator designers. We studied indicators-in-use through interviews and ethnographic observations of indicator users in four situations (forestry, pastoral, wildlife and breed management) in southwestern France. Our findings reveal the distance between managed objects and measured objects, thus explaining their effectiveness in terms of management. We also show how the indicators strongly shape practices and how they are adapted by users to their situation, emphasizing the role of experiential knowledge to create situated indicators. Finally, we discuss our results regarding tool design for environmental management.

Description: Increasingly, emphasis is being placed on the role of indigenous or locally crafted natural resources management systems in sustainable natural resources management. While it is generally agreed that their potential to sustain and protect natural ecosystems exists in large measure, such systems are increasingly facing diverse internal and external pressures that threaten their viability. These pressures include demographic and economic change, land privatisation policies, renewable energy investment projects and large-donor-driven livelihood projects. Such pressures and their complexity raise the need to understand how local communities organise to protect resources they collectively value in the face of both internal and external pressures. Based on empirical data collected through interviews, participant observations, focus group discussions and a questionnaire survey conducted with local level actors in Shisholeka village of Central Zambia, this paper shows how local actors, in the absence of state support, react to internal and external pressures to develop robust and locally suited governance and institutional arrangements that best suit their interests in order to sustain their resource base.

Description: While rural transformations are nothing new in human history, current processes of rural change occur under multiple forces at an unprecedented pace, involving profound and unexpected changes in land use and users, and rapid transformations in the metabolic patterns of rural systems. The present special section aims to shed light on current drivers and pathways of rural change by analyzing, under a common conceptual and theoretical framework, examples of new ruralities that are emerging as responses across different world regions. Within this context, this introduction presents: (1) common research questions of the six presented cases of rural change; (2) the general theoretical and methodological framework of integrated assessment of societal metabolism adopted to analyze rural systems and (3) the main contributions and conclusions that could be drawn from six context-specific case studies from Asia, Latin America and Europe.

Description: The IPAT equation developed in the early 1970s by Ehrlich and Holdren suggests that the impact (I) of society on the environment is associated with population size (P) coupled with manner of function (f), which is shaped by elements such as affluence (A) and available technology (T). To date, most studies that have used the IPAT framework have either focused on its conceptual idea or employed it quantitatively at national and international scales. Few studies have explored the sub-national/regional scale, and none have focused on the local/community scale. This paper employs the IPAT framework for the case of Israel’s urban indigenous Bedouin society of the Negev. The paper aims to highlight IPAT’s strength in analyzing the array of internal and external factors that contribute to the making of an environmental crisis in Bedouin towns; a crisis with dire effects on public health and residents’ quality-of-life. The paper describes the current environmental situation and identifies major policy interventions and actions taken by government ministries and civil organizations. It introduces a revised and extended IPAT theoretical equation [including such elements as behavior (B), social communality (Sc) and Governmental policy (Po)] as an analytical framework for various factors associated with the Bedouin urban environmental crisis. Finally, the paper suggests new directions for intervention based on addressing the different factors contained within the human–environment impact equation.

Description: This paper examines the implications of oil palm estate development in Indonesia’s frontier province of Papua. Government planners believe that oil palm investment will develop the local economy, create jobs and reduce poverty. Using the input–output approach, we find that, in aggregate terms, oil palm investments boost the economic output in the province, generate jobs and increase worker salaries. However, the oil palm subsector operates in isolation and has limited economic multipliers. The number of jobs is potentially large, but those best positioned to benefit from them are mostly skilled migrants, not local poor. The government should reduce the size of plantation investments and plan their implementation as part of a broader development package to allow greater economic integration and skill acquisition by local communities. The priority areas for plantation development should be degraded, non-forest land.

Description: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is estimated from Landsat 8 sensor acquired in June 2013 to drive four different water-related indices calculated as NDVI derivatives. Different vegetation indices (VIs) have been extracted exclusively in estimation of different VIs: Leaf Area Index, Water Supply Vegetation Index, Crop Water Shortage Index, and Drought Severity Index in addition to estimation of daily evapotranspiration (ET). Sensitivity analysis assesses the contributions of the inputs to the total uncertainty in the analysis outcomes. Vegetation indices are complex and intercepted, therefore the interceptions of the five different vegetation indices are considered in the current study. A comparative analysis of Gaussian process emulators for performing global sensitivity analysis was used to conduct a variance-based sensitivity analysis to identify which uncertain inputs are driving the output uncertainty. The results showed that the interconnections between different VIs vary, but the extent of the features sensitivity is uncertain. Findings from the current work conducted are anticipated to contribute decisively toward an inclusive VIs assessment of its overall verification. Daily ET is the less sensitive and more certain index followed by Drought Vegetation Index.

Description: In Malaysia, various efforts have been introduced to increase the knowledge, skills and awareness of citizens to the benefit of the environment by means of a variety of programmes. However, uncertainty about the effectiveness of environmental education programmes and the way they contribute to sustainability still exists. This paper reports on an evaluation of the Kelab Pencinta Alam (KPA) (School Nature Clubs) programme organised by the Malaysia Nature Society and the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia. The Kellogg Logic Model was used as an evaluative instrument as the impact of the programme had to be determined. This was done through questionnaires to teachers and principals in KPA schools. School visits were also undertaken to evaluate workplace success and to validate the findings from the questionnaires. Overall, the evaluation showed a high level of success for the programme.

Description: This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing debate on the protection of cultural and biological diversity, and their interconnectedness. It highlights the importance of understanding the dynamic and complex strategies that cultures are developing to protect their biocultural diversity in the face of the ongoing cultural, economic, and social reductionist transformations occurring worldwide. We analyze Totonac society in the present time, and provide evidence on how cultural revitalization processes are emerging from the grass roots, by focusing on the ceremony of the Voladores, a pre-Hispanic ritual performed by several indigenous groups in Mesoamerica. The preoccupation of Totonac communities to safeguard this millenary tradition fostered a process of dialogue, reinforced local institutions, and catalyzed the development of strategies to preserve a tree species and its habitat.

Description: The open collaborative philosophy employed in the success of open source (OS) software can be applied to hardware design. Specifically, the development of OS appropriate technologies (OSAT) can improve sustainable development efforts worldwide. Yet, widespread OSAT use is far from ubiquitous. Given that lack of communication, access to information and poor collaboration are among the largest barriers to a more effective OSAT dissemination, this paper explores opportunities to overcome such obstacles using four techniques: (1) collaborative online platforms, (2) crowd-sourcing, (3) the concept of knowledge commons, and (4) enabled educational institutions through service learning and applied research. The results are analyzed, and conclusions are drawn that outline paths to higher multiuser collaboration for OSAT deployment.

Description: Rainwater harvesting is increasingly viewed as a major strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity and boosting farm income in many drought-prone areas. While this technology is being promoted in many developing countries, there is conflicting evidence in the literature about its impact on welfare of farm households. This study uses propensity score matching and discrete choice regression techniques to assess the impact of rainwater harvesting ponds on farm household income and factors that influence adoption of such technologies in Rwanda. It finds that households with rainwater harvesting ponds have significantly higher income than their counterparts of comparable observable characteristics. It further finds evidence that increase in farm income occurs via increased input use and that household size, asset endowments and participation in farmer organizations condition adoption of rainwater harvesting ponds. The study concludes that adoption of rainwater harvesting technologies has positive benefits on farm households. It discusses the policy implications that adoption of rainwater harvesting ponds presents a pathway for reducing rural poverty.

Description: Oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis ) has become one of the most rapidly expanding crops in the world. Many countries have promoted its cultivation as part of a broader rural development strategy aimed at generating paid work and producing both export commodities and biofuels. However, oil palm expansion has often occurred at the expense of ecosystems and subsistence agriculture, and on lands riddled with tenure conflicts. In this article, we analyse the implications of the combined effect of labouring in oil palm plantations and land access on households, and we discuss how these implications affect human well-being in two indigenous communities of the Polochic valley, Guatemala. Combining participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and land-time budget analysis at household level, we reveal how oil palm cultivation increases incomes for plantation workers’ households, but decreases the productivity of maize cultivation, reduces the time that household members have available for other activities and, particularly, reduces women’s resting time. In contrast, households that focus more intensively on maize cultivation show higher degrees of food security and women can allocate more time to social activities. However, our results also show that maize consumption per capita has not decreased in households working in oil palm plantations since such crop is considered sacred by the Q’eqchi’ and plays a central role in their diet and culture. In conclusion, we argue that while working for an oil palm cultivation can increase specific elements of the basic material conditions for a good life, other aspects such as food security, health, freedom of choice, and social relationships can become deteriorated.

Description: Rural change in Cambodia manifests itself in rapidly declining land availability for the smallholder sector, posing the question of how farmers may be able to deal with limited access to land. In this paper, we discuss with a case study village and household livelihood strategies of smallholders currently operating under land-constrained conditions. Based on an integrated assessment of a smallholder village in Kampot province, we illustrate in quantitative terms how land shortage is creating problems of surplus generation and liquidity issues in monetary and non-monetary flows. At the household level, livelihood diversification based on the involvement of productive resources other than land may play an increasing role, particularly in the future, when levels of land shortage may increase. At the village level, smallholder may respond through institutional innovation, in particular through the establishment of a community banking system and a paddy rice bank to provide money and rice credits to overcome transitory shortages and to cover investment costs for additional productive resources. Thus, in this case, we observe the emergence of new patterns of livelihood in rural areas, based on the integration of non-land-based economic activities and new institutional settings.

Description: Abandoning fossil fuels and increasingly relying on low-density, land-intensive renewable energy will increase demand for land, affecting current global and regional rural–urban relationships. Over the past two decades, rural–urban relationships all over the world have witnessed unprecedented changes that have rendered their boundaries blurred and have lead to the emergence of “new ruralities.” In this paper, we analyze the current profiles of electricity generation and consumption in relation to sociodemographic variables related to the use of time and land across the territory of Catalonia, Spain. Through a clustering procedure based on multivariate statistical analysis, we found that electricity consumption is related to functional specialization in the roles undertaken by different types of municipalities in the urban system. Municipality types have distinctive metabolic profiles in different sectors depending on their industrial, services or residential role. Villages’ metabolism is influenced by urban sprawl and industrial specialization, reflecting current “new ruralities.” Segregation between work activity and residence increases both overall electricity consumption and its rate (per hour) and density (per hectare) of dissipation. A sustainable spatial organization of societal activities without the use of fossil fuels or nuclear energy would require huge structural and sociodemographic changes to reduce energy demand and adapt it to regionally available renewable energy.

Description:    Palms are a resource of great importance in the tropics and are found in a variety of ecosystems, including the wetlands of the tropical coastal plains. In order to recover wetland ecosystems, we studied the traditional uses of wetland palms, by conducting interviews in the communities of four municipalities on the Gulf of Mexico coast. We found that people use five species of palm: Cocos nucifera, Sabal mexicana, Attalea liebmannii, Roystonea dunlapiana and Acrocomia aculeata . Main uses for the five species were for food and construction materials. Although palms are still used, traditional knowledge is declining in the younger generations, likely as a result of various social, cultural and economic factors. It is important to recover and promote the traditional use and value of palm trees, especially for the native species, because of both the economic benefits and the environmental services they provide. More participatory work with the inhabitants is needed to initiate palm breeding programs to assist in the recovery of wetland ecosystems. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9343-y Authors R. M. González-Marín, Red de Ecología Funcional, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec No. 351, Congregación El Haya, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico P. Moreno-Casasola, Red de Ecología Funcional, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Carretera Antigua a Coatepec No. 351, Congregación El Haya, 91070 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico R. Orellana, Unidad de Recursos Naturales, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, Calle 43 No. 130, Colonia Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97200 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico A. Castillo, Centro de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Antigua Carretera a Pátzcuaro No. 8701 Col. Ex-Hacienda de San José de La Huerta, 58190 Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Local people’s perceptions of plant species are an important source of information on species distribution and rarity, as well as long-term vegetation change. This study involves an ethnobotanical survey and the identification of potential factors that explain differences in the perceptions and valuation of woody plant species in three ethnic groups (Fulani, Mossi and Samo) of the sub-Sahel of Burkina Faso. Some 87 groups of informants from 20 villages were interviewed for this study. A species list of woody plants and their estimated abundance was categorized in terms of their uses: food, medicine, fodder, construction, energy and handicrafts. In addition, the most important species, and those considered a priority for conservation, were identified. A total of 90 woody species were mentioned in the six categories. They were from 64 genera and 32 families and sub-families, of which the Caesalpinioideae, Combretaceae, Mimosoideae and the Capparaceae dominated. In all three ethnic groups, more than 80 % of the reported species were used for energy, 60 % for medicine and 40–50 % for food. Gender was not a determinant of plant use. However, age was found to have an impact on plant knowledge in all three ethnic groups, with older people (over 50 years) reporting significantly more species than younger people (25–50 years): ( U  = 425, df : 15, 14, z  = −4.42, p  〈 0.05). There was a significant difference in plant use among the three ethnic groups (ANOSIM; R  = 0.64, p  〈 0.001), and this could be explained by differences in culture and local environmental conditions controlling species distribution and availability. Balanites aegyptiaca was the most used species by all three ethnic groups. The most important species and identified conservation priorities, from the informants’ perspective, were similar for all ethnic groups and were mainly food species with a high socioeconomic value: Vitellaria paradoxa, Adansonia digitata, Tamarindus indica, Parkia biglobosa, Lannea microcarpa and Ziziphus mauritiana . Development projects should incorporate the preferences of local people for certain species as part of the overall strategy for poverty alleviation in Burkina Faso. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-23 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9345-9 Authors Tene Kwetche Sop, Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorstrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany Jens Oldeland, Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorstrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany Fidèle Bognounou, Laboratoire de Biologie et d’Écologie Végétales, Unité de Formation et Recherche en Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Université de Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso Ute Schmiedel, Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology of Plants, Biocentre Klein Flottbek and Botanical Garden, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorstrasse 18, 22609 Hamburg, Germany Adjima Thiombiano, Laboratoire de Biologie et d’Écologie Végétales, Unité de Formation et Recherche en Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Université de Ouagadougou, 03 BP 7021 Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    The article explored systemic tendencies for state-led development projects in Nigeria, such as the recently concluded Lower Niger River dredging, to compromise indigenous livelihoods. Development research methods were sensitized with James Ferguson’s antipolitics machine critique and used to elicit participants’ perspectives of the structuring role of the Niger River on their livelihoods, their evaluation of the participatory content of the project and potential project effects on their livelihoods. Participants claimed the Niger River system singularly structures their livelihoods by facilitating recession farming and fishing. In relation to the participatory content and (un)anticipated effects of the dredging project, key informants insisted that it was undemocratically conceived and executed; that the project will reduce the annual Niger River flood, opportunities for recession farming and fishing, impoverish them, induce involuntary migration, and inter-community conflict. Consequently, an inverse relationship was inferred between technicist development programmes or projects conceived and managed by agents of the Nigerian State and the alleged beneficiaries’ versions and experience of structural change. The author also found that the project was exploited by Nigerian development elites to redefine complex regional underdevelopment challenges as infrastructural deficit and relocate discursive blame for underdevelopment from the state and multinational corporations to riverside communities, their cultures and wet ecologies. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-23 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9347-7 Authors Amaechi D. Okonkwo, Behaviour Change Group, 5719 Ivanhoe Ct, Fayetteville, NC 28314, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Climate change and biodiversity loss have a central position in policy debate about global environmental change; however, of the two, climate change has a higher profile. This paper explores the similarities and difference between the two issues. Climate change is better defined and better understood as a policy issue, it is underpinned by a strong scientific consensus and practical units of measurement (CO 2 and financial impacts), and mitigation involves a key economic sector in energy. Biodiversity loss is less easily understood, more diffuse and less tangible, and policy responses do not engage major economic sectors. We argue that these differences contribute to the higher public and policy profile of climate change and can inform attempts to enhance responses to the problem of biodiversity loss. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9344-x Authors Edwin Zaccai, Institute for Environmental Management and Land-Use Planning, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium William M. Adams, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    As in most areas of psychology, a negative bias permeates the study of the subject of Conservation Psychology: sustainable behavior (SB). SB constitutes the set of actions aimed at protecting the socio-physical environment. This behavior is sometimes addressed as having negative antecedent-instigators (fear, guilt, shame), activated to avoid undesirable outcomes from environmental degradation. Also, psycho-environmental researchers often visualize negative psychological consequences (discomfort, inconvenience, sacrifice) of SB. Yet, a number of studies reveal that positive psychological antecedents (capacities, emotions, virtues and strengths) as well as positive psychological consequences (satisfaction, psychological well-being, and happiness) of SB are also significant determinants of pro-environmental actions. In this paper, I argue that SB is positive behavior originated by positive dispositional factors, and maintained by psychological benefits. By combining the emergent fields of positive psychology and the psychology of sustainability, an alternative approach for the study of the positive psychology of sustainable behavior is outlined. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9346-8 Authors Víctor Corral Verdugo, Department of Psychology, University of Sonora, Luis Encinas y Rosales S/N, 83000 Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description: Erratum to: A survey-based evaluation of community-based co-management of forest resources: a case study of Baishuijiang National Natural Reserve in China Content Type Journal Article Category Erratum Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s10668-011-9323-7 Authors Zhu Ting, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang Pathumthani, Bangkok, 12120 Thailand Ganesh P. Shivakoti, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang Pathumthani, Bangkok, 12120 Thailand Chen Haiyun, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang Pathumthani, Bangkok, 12120 Thailand David Maddox, Sound Science LLC, 415 E. 52nd St, 1DC, New York, NY, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Much of the widespread poverty, environmental desecration, and waste of human life seen around the globe could be prevented by known (to humanity as a whole) technologies, many of which are simply not available to those that need it. This lack of access to critical information for sustainable development is directly responsible for a morally and ethically unacceptable level of human suffering and death. A solution to this general problem is the concept of open source appropriate technology or OSAT, which refers to technologies that provide for sustainable development while being designed in the same fashion as free and open source software. OSAT is made up of technologies that are easily and economically utilized from readily available resources by local communities to meet their needs and must meet the boundary conditions set by environmental, cultural, economic, and educational resource constraints of the local community. This paper explores both the open source and appropriate technology aspects of OSAT to create a paradigm, in which anyone can both learn how to make and use needed technologies free of intellectual property concerns. At the same time, anyone can also add to the collective open source knowledge ecosystem or knowledge commons by contributing ideas, designs, observations, experimental data, deployment logs, etc. It is argued that if OSAT continues to grow and takes hold globally creating a vibrant virtual community to share technology plans and experiences, a new technological revolution built on a dispersed network of innovators working together to create a just sustainable world is possible. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9337-9 Authors Joshua M. Pearce, Department of Materials Science & Engineering and the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 601 M&M Building, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295, USA Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description:    Climate change is projected to have serious environmental, economic, and social impacts on Ghana, particularly on rural farmers whose livelihoods depend largely on rainfall. The extent of these impacts depends largely on awareness and the level of adaptation in response to climate change. This study examines the perception of farmers in Sekyedumase district of Ashanti region of Ghana on climate change and analyzes farmers’ adaptation responses to climate change. A hundred and eighty farming households were interviewed in February and October 2009. Results showed that about 92% of the respondents perceived increases in temperature, while 87% perceived decrease in precipitation over the years. The major adaptation strategies identified included crop diversification, planting of short season varieties, change in crops species, and a shift in planting date, among others. Results of logit regression analysis indicated that the access to extension services, credit, soil fertility, and land tenure are the four most important factors that influence farmers’ perception and adaptation. The main barriers included lack of information on adaptation strategies, poverty, and lack of information about weather. Even though the communities are highly aware of climate issues, only 44.4% of farmers have adjusted their farming practices to reduce the impacts of increasing temperature and 40.6% to decreasing precipitation, giving lack of funds as the main barrier to implementing adaptation measure. Implications for policymaking will be to make credit facilities more flexible, to invest in training more extension officers and more education on climate change and adaptation strategies. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10668-012-9339-7 Authors B. Y. Fosu-Mensah, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany P. L. G. Vlek, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Walter-Flex-Str. 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany D. S. MacCarthy, College of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Research, Kpong Research Centre, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 68, Legon, Accra, Ghana Journal Environment, Development and Sustainability Online ISSN 1573-2975 Print ISSN 1387-585X

Description: The energy future must be accessible, affordable and mainly sustainable. Actually, there is an increased demand for energy worldwide, and 80 % of the present energy use is based on fossil fuels. Not only are oil prices increasing but also pollution continues to rise due to the burning of fossil fuels, and the probability of oil supply depletion remains. A critical part of the solution will lie in promoting renewable energy technologies in order to address concerns about energy security, economic growth in the face of high prices of crude oil, competitiveness, health costs and environmental degradation. All of these issues encourage the investigation of using renewable energy, which has several unique advantages that should be considered when making comparison with oil-based alternatives. Besides, achieving sustainable development is a target that is now widely recognized as important to humankind. In this context, the utilization of renewable energy resources such as solar, wind and geothermal energy appears to be one of the most efficient and effective ways of achieving this goal since renewable energy is abundant universally and holds huge ecological and economic promise. Although the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the world’s major producer and exporter of fuel, and represents one of the biggest consumers of petroleum in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia should be interested in taking an active part in the development and exploitation of renewable energy technologies. In fact, the unsustainable use of fossil fuels and the activities which are mainly responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions are consistently in the upslope. That is why Saudi Arabia was among the first countries to contribute in renewable energy research through major joint international cooperation programs, despite the fact that it occupies a very advanced rank in the world in terms of huge proven oil and gas reserves. This paper describes the current status of energy and focuses on renewable and energy-efficient technologies, major achievements, and current government policies and challenges.

Description: This study examines households’ perception and livelihood vulnerability to climate change in a coastal area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It employed multistage sampling procedure, selected a total of 101 households from three coastal communities in Ibeno local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and obtained primary data on several indicators through interviews guided by a structured questionnaire. From the data obtained, the study examined households’ perception and developed a livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) to assess livelihood vulnerability. The result showed that households in the study area generally perceive that all the climate variables considered in the study, especially timing and length of the average rainy season, have changed over time. These are in line with meteorological data obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. In addition, the LVI shows that households are vulnerable to changes in climate variables. Households in the study area are striving to adapt to these changes but facing many challenges of which lack of adequate finance is the most important. Although these challenges are multifarious, they can be reduced through adequate support of government and non-governmental organizations. Consequently, policy recommendations are discussed.

Description: This article aims to measure the dynamic impact of household consumption (final household consumption expenditure, LHC) on CO 2 emission from household’s energy consumption in Malaysia from 1971 to 2010. The estimation of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test confirms a non-monotonic relationship between LHC and residential CO 2 emission. In the long run, there is a positive relationship between LHC and CO 2 emission as well as a negative relationship between quadratic forms of LHC and CO 2 emission which indicates the existence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between these two variables. The analysis also found a similar relationship in both the short and long run. To confirm the non-monotonous relationship, the U test of Sasabuchi–Lind–Mehlum (2010) approach has followed to obtain the sufficient conditions for the existence of inverted U relationship. Moreover, the U test of Sasabuchi–Lind–Mehlum (2010) found that CO 2 emission increases with increasing LHC up to 6.5 units, but it declines with an additional increase of LHC which is also found by the ARDL model. However, the existence of environmental Kuznets curve implies that in the long run, household CO 2 emission declines with the additional increase of household consumption in the Malaysian economy.

Description: Well-being, a condition of positive physical, social and mental state of life, has become a prime focus of research in recent years as people seek to achieve and sustain it. Interacting with the natural environment has been established as a way of acquiring well-being benefits. However, the extent to which well-being depends on various aspects of the environment particularly biodiversity has received less attention. This paper examines the relationship between the level of biodiversity in an environment and human well-being. The depression and happiness scale was employed to sample 236 visitors of eight green spaces in Anglesey and Gwynedd, North Wales, while also noting socio-demographic and environmental factors such as perceived naturalness, density of visitors and noise level to establish the relationship. In each green space, the levels of native and introduced plant diversity were estimated. The paper established that level of ecological diversity determines level of people’s wellness and happiness derived from a green environment. Visitors to green spaces with higher plant diversity receive higher levels of happiness. Significantly too, diversity of introduced species was a better predictor than native plant diversity. Perceived naturalness, density of visitors and visitors’ age was also predictors of happiness. It is concluded that increasing the level of biodiversity in an environment could improve people’s well-being. However, the finding about introduced versus native species deserves more attention.

Description: Investigating the speciation of potentially toxic elements in mining waste dump systems provides valuable knowledge about the potential for transfer in the environment and the risks posed to mining sites. Sequential extraction analyses are common experiments, which are often used to determine the speciation of potentially toxic elements. However, there would be some drawbacks for using this experiment including labour-intensive procedure, interferences of fractions, impractical for testing large numbers of samples from a heterogeneous environment and the inability to determine the individual minerals relevant to the corresponding fraction. The present paper is an attempt to determine the speciation of cobalt and nickel as potentially toxic elements in the waste dumps of Sarcheshmeh using improved correlation analysis. This method employed the cobalt and nickel contents together with the exact mineral contents which were classified according to the paste pH experiments for improving the correlation matrix. To achieve the aim of study, sixty samples were collected from two waste dumps at the Sarcheshmeh Copper mine in Kerman province of Iran. The result of proposed method showed that cobalt bound to hydroxysulphate minerals, muscovite and iron and manganese oxyhydroxide minerals and nickel is controlled by hydroxysulphate minerals, and manganese and iron oxyhydroxide minerals, as paste pH ranges ascend. Furthermore, at all paste pH ranges, pyrite was the main source of cobalt and nickel. These results were in agreement with the sequential extraction method and also previous experimental investigations, which confirms the performance of applied improved correlation analysis.

Description: This paper critically examines the effects of climate change on the African continent and suggests ways in which the negative effects of climate change can be effectively combatted to ensure sustainable development. Although responsible for a small share of global climate change, Africa is the most vulnerable region of the world to climate change, which destroys the people’s source of food, medication, shelter, and income, leading to poor nutrition and exposure to infectious diseases, more hospitalizations, less working hours, and heavy financial losses. Apart from global environmental deterioration, Africa is one of the regions of the world experiencing the severest droughts and water scarcity. The impact of all this on Africa’s already fragile socio-economic and political structures is grave. Climate change threatens the political stability of the continent. In this paper we argue that the effects of climate change on the continent have been amplified by human choices and political ineptitude of the ruling elites in Africa. We maintain that good governance, the promotion of African traditional values that encourage the protection of the environment, paying attention to rural development and the emancipation of women economically and politically, and investing in alternative and renewable energy are the necessary pre-conditions for effectively mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring sustainable development in Africa.

Description: Nowadays, the biomass produced in oil palm industry, such as oil palm fronds, palm pressed fibers, palm kernel shells, empty fruit bunch, and liquid waste discharged from the palm oil mill effluent and others, may lead to significant environmental concerns. The quantity of produced wastes by oil palm industry is increasing with the growth of this industry day by day. Therefore, the use of these wastes as compost is considered by researchers to overcome their negative impacts and recycle them to produce a useful byproduct for agriculture. This review analyzes the recent composting studies on palm oil biomass and provides useful information about the potential uses of these biomass in composting as an alternative method for enhanced and sustainable use of biomass produced from oil palm industry. In addition, environmental impacts of composting are discussed. This knowledge could build a platform for researchers in this area to understand the recent developments in palm oil biomass composting by means of addressing the environmental pollution concerns as well.

Description: The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974 into the Turkish Cypriot north and the Greek Cypriot south. Here, we have reconstructed the total marine fishery removals for the island in its entirety, and then for each side. Cyprus’s total marine fisheries catches were reconstructed for the 1950–2010 time period by estimating all fishery removals, including unreported commercial, subsistence and recreational catches, and major discards. These estimates were added to the ‘officially reported’ data, as represented by data submitted by countries to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Such data were submitted by the south, but were absent from the north for years following the 1974 partitioning of the island. The total reconstructed catch for 1950–2010 was nearly 243,000 t, which is 2.6 times the 93,200 t officially reported by FAO on behalf of Cyprus. The unreported components consisted of nearly 57,000 t of large-scale commercial landings, 43,000 t of small-scale commercial landings, 11,000 t each for recreational and subsistence landings and nearly 28,000 t of discards. Improving the accuracy of fishery statistics by accounting for all removals is fundamental for better understanding fisheries resource use thus increasing the opportunities for sustainable development through enhancing fisheries management capacity.

Description: In October 2013, after years of negotiation, governments from 92 countries signed a historic agreement called the Minamata Convention on Mercury, establishing mandatory measures to curb mercury use and pollution. Article 7 of the Convention stipulates that governments must create National Action Plans to reduce and where feasible eliminate mercury use in artisanal gold mining, a rapidly growing informal sector in much of Africa, with strategies to be monitored by the Convention Secretariat. The purpose of this study is to critically analyze the implications of the Minamata Convention for the artisanal mining sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, which currently depends upon mercury amalgamation for gold extraction. Our analysis draws on examples from Zimbabwe and Tanzania, countries with divergent political challenges but both with expanding artisanal mining sectors. We argue that a paradigm shift is needed to address intertwined technological, political and socio-economic challenges facing marginalized populations in mining communities. We highlight why meeting the Convention targets requires that international donors and national policymakers proactively engage—rather than vilify—artisanal miners who use mercury, prioritizing local knowledge and collaborative community-based decision making to develop effective pollution abatement initiatives in gold mining regions. We further argue that gender-sensitive grassroots empowerment initiatives including microfinance programs are vital to facilitate adopting cleaner technology, as required by Article 7. Finally, the analysis underscores the need for fundamentally reforming national mining policy priorities, recognizing marginalized mining communities’ resource rights and tackling livelihood insecurity as part of efforts to implement the Minamata Convention. In considering what ‘grassroots’ implementation could mean, the article contributes to a growing body of scholarship calling attention to fairness and equity concerns in order to achieve the aims of global environmental agreements.

Description: The literature review has revealed the critical role of local residents in ongoing tourism development. The present paper investigates the perceptions of the Greek local population toward tourism development and their engagement in participatory opportunities in a case study of a Greek protected area. According to the results, the respondents have not fully understood the meaning of the protected area. They pay particular attention to activities related to business and economic development, derived from the activities which are proposed as necessary for tourism development. Furthermore, the study shows the weak engagement of the respondents in participatory opportunities which is related to the demographic characteristics of them, as well as to the factors related to economic benefits and environment. However, residents support the need for a new scheme where local population will actively participate in the decision-making process. The supporting role of local authorities is likely to be one of the main factors affecting residents’ intention to engage in participatory opportunities.

Description: The City of Colwood in British Columbia, Canada, has engaged in a wide-ranging project aiming to encourage whole community transformation, through the use of environmental education, incentives and the adoption of energy efficiency behavior and technologies. Researchers and students from Royal Roads University partnered with a Middle School to deliver an action research driven educational program to 120 Grade 7 (age 12/13) students that reflected goals of the City program: water conservation, solar hot water and the energy efficiency of homes. Students engaged in classroom activities and field trips to homes with energy upgrades installed. The students’ subject matter engagement was captured through systematic observation, field notes and photographs, and the development of knowledge was assessed through curriculum exercises and a quantitative survey. Both students and their parents were surveyed to see whether the interaction with the students had implications for intergenerational learning and the possibility of increasing wider community engagement in the program. It was found that while the students engaged in the classroom session did increase their awareness and understanding of energy efficiency, curriculum design needed to include more opportunities to discuss the issues at home to maximize the opportunities for intergenerational learning and an increase in awareness more generally.

Description: Ecosystem-based adaptation can reduce social vulnerability to climate hazards and can be more sustainable in the long term than hard technical solutions to adaptation. Thus, it can provide a strong argument for the conservation of natural ecosystems. As the entities most directly responsible for local-level planning and management, municipalities represent a potentially key site for implementing ecosystem-based climate adaptation. This paper presents the results of a study that investigated the extent of eight local municipalities’ knowledge and mainstreaming of ecosystem-based adaptation issues in the Western Cape, South Africa. Most municipalities had little understanding of ecosystem-based adaptation issues and limited implementation of relevant actions. Our findings suggest that ecosystem-based adaptation mainstreaming in local governments will be assisted by increasing learning and networking opportunities for municipalities and by increasing the “profile” of the concept of ecosystem-based adaptation, as well as by conducting research on barriers and enablers to collaborative governance.

Description: Chloride is one of the main factors responsible for damages related to the corrosion of the concrete reinforcement in marine environments. It is known that this mechanism of degradation is directly related to environmental variables. Within this context, it can be inserted the global climate change. This paper deals with the effects of temperature and relative humidity changes on the service life of concrete structures affected by chloride attack. This way, three situations of environmental aggressiveness were simulated: past, current, and future. Then, models for predicting the chlorides penetration were analyzed to the three selected situations. So, a practical methodology is presented, and the results are consistent with the literature data. Among the results, it can be noted that changes in temperature and relative humidity identified in a period of 100 years were responsible for a reduction from 7.8 to 10.2 years of service life. Most standards provide a design service life of 50 years for reinforced concrete structures.

Description: For more than a century, the mining sector has played a crucial role in the economic development of South Africa. However, it also causes immense harm to the country’s people and environment. Gold and coal mining have serious implications for water management. The problem arises when contaminated water in the form of acid mine drainage (AMD) reaches the river basin systems and affects water usages important for socio-economic development. This article looks at the impacts of AMD on different constituencies in the Witwatersrand Basin for the South African society and on sustainable socio-economic development. It includes different responses by the media, civil society, scientists and Government on AMD, how they interpret AMD and its effects on socio-economic development.

Description: Debates on linking livelihoods and conservation through the commercialization of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) continue to hold significance considering the increasing market demand for NTFPs, its high economic value for forest-dependent communities and “enabling” neoliberal policies that are in place. Kerala, located on the southwest coast of India, flanked by the Western Ghats—a UN declared biodiversity hot spot, on its windward side, is of particular significance due to the presence of the Ayurvedic industry—a traditional medicine industry that procures 90 % of its raw materials from the wild. In addition, the presence of a resource-dependent tribal population re-affirms the economic, social and cultural significance of NTFPs. Unsustainable practices and poor co-management and marketing arrangements have rendered the sector ineffective in terms of meeting livelihood as well as conservation goals in the region. Although new approaches such as NTFP certification are being recommended for India not much has been reported on its feasibility and/or implementation challenges. Focusing on the Kadar community of Kerala, this study attempts to highlight some of the issues within the sector and using an “instrumental model”, present the benefits accrued from new strategies such as NTFP certification through quantitative and qualitative assessments. Last but not least, recommendations for the adoption of sustainable strategies in context with the existing policy environment are provided that may be broadly applicable to other forest-dependent communities in India and elsewhere.

Description: Several studies in swine feed composition have demonstrated that protein levels may be modified without significant changes in meat quality in terms of carcass, lean and back fat yield. However, this variation may change certain technical indicators, such as daily weight gain. The aim of this study was to calculate the carbon footprint of the finishing stage in swine production considering four scenarios of feed composition (P18, P16, P15 and P13). The life cycle assessment methodology was applied with a life cycle inventory based on reports in the literature. The feed composition used in P18 (no soybean hulls or maize starch) had the best environmental performance for global warming per kilogram of feed. However, when evaluating the life cycle of finishing swine, P16 (containing soybean hulls, maize starch and synthetic amino acids) exhibited better environmental results; the feed used in this scenario had better technical indicators (in terms of daily weight gain), thereby reducing the feed amount for finishing swine. Using the feed composition for swine P16, the impact may be reduced by an average of 12 % compared with P13 (a high level of soybean hulls, maize starch and synthetic amino acids).

Description: Companies screened for their superior performance in environmental, social and governance (ESG) parameters comprise the sustainability index introduced at global as well as national stock exchanges. This study not only compares the performance of the sustainability index of India—the S&P ESG India Index with two broad market indexes, viz., the Nifty and the S&P CNX 500 using daily index data—but also analyses the inherent conditional volatility using generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity models. The results indicate that though the daily compounded returns to the ESG India Index are not statistically different from those of the Nifty or those of the CNX 500, annualised returns of the ESG India Index have been better than the returns of the other two indexes. Thus, focussing on environmental and social sustainability is a win–win situation for companies, investors and the society at large. There is significant volatility clustering in all the three indexes. The ESG India Index has been less volatile compared with the Nifty during the period. These results have corporate implications to focus on ESG parameters seriously in order to benefit from its sensitivity in the stock markets. It also reflects upon investor acceptance and potential for growth of socially responsible investments in India.

Description: The current sustainability-driven urban reality is complex. Planning for such a multidimensional environment is even more complex. Alternatives to traditional planning approaches are sought in an attempt to create liveable and lively urban public spaces. The lively planning approach is based on the principles of place-making, planning scales and within various planning dimensions, with the aim to design successful public spaces. This paper evaluates the role that lively planning integrated approach can play in creating sustainable, liveable and lively public spaces, by determining the scale of implementation and identifying the dimensions of lively planning that could be incorporated in public space design and planning. The scale and dimensions of the lively planning integrative approach are linked to each another, and examples of elements to be incorporated in the design of a public space are included as a conclusion of this research.

Description: The healthcare building project contains different aspects from the most common projects. Designing a healthcare environment is based on a number of criteria related to the satisfaction and well-being of the professional working teams, patients and administrators. Mostly due to various design requirements, these buildings are rarely designed and operated in a sustainable way. Therefore, the sustainable development is a concept whose importance has grown significantly in the last decade in this sector. The worldwide economic crisis reinforces the growing environmental concerns as well as raising awareness among people to a necessary and inevitable shift in the values of their society. To support sustainable building design, several building sustainability assessment (BSA) methods are being developed worldwide. Since healthcare buildings are rather complex systems than other buildings, so specific methods were developed for them. These methods are aimed to support decision-making towards the introduction of the best sustainability practices during the design and operation phases of a healthcare environment. However, the comparison between the results of different methods is difficult, if not impossible, since they address different environmental, societal and economic criteria, and they emphasize different phases of the life cycle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify the differences between the main BSA methods for healthcare buildings by analysing and categorizing them. Furthermore, the benefits of these methods in promoting a more sustainable environment will be analysed, and the current situation of them within the context of standardization of the concept sustainable construction will be discussed.

Description: The common use of pesticide is a major challenge in trying to accomplish sustainable agriculture. Farming systems based on integrated pest management (IPM) technologies can reduce the use of pesticides to a great extent without causing harm to the yield. Therefore, Bangladesh, like many developing countries, launched IPM technologies to reduce the adverse effects of pesticides in social, economic and environmental aspects. This study made an attempt to analyze the level of IPM adoption and the intensity of IPM practices by vegetable farmers of Narsingdi district, Bangladesh. A total of 331 vegetable producers were sampled. The results revealed that less than one-third of the farmers (30 %) adopted IPM and they varied in terms of the number or type of practices. The use of logistic regression model in this study was to identify the significant factors of IPM adoption, explore several factors, including farmer field school, land ownership status, perception toward IPM, use of improved varieties and extension contact. Furthermore, the linear regression model showed that vegetable cultivation area, farmers’ age, household size, land ownership status and perception toward IPM are necessary in the adoption intensity of IPM practices. This study also made an attempt to clarify the role of these factors in the adoption behavior of IPM practices in vegetable farming. The findings could be used to formulate better policies toward increasing the adoption of this sustainable approach.

Description: The first large urban conurbation in Malaysia stretching from the central mountain spine to the west coast has expanded all rounds to emerge as a potential mega-urban region. It covers the area from the Bernam River basin in south Perak to the Linggi River basin in Negri Sembilan. The analysis of the land use change patterns and the prediction of future changes can highlight the problems of continuing current pattern of growth. Kuala Langat as the case study is located in the strategic area, because this area is identified as a Klang Valley II. The district has been experiencing rapid development, influence by some fast growing new centers like Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Klang Valley, Cyberjaya, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur mega-urban region. These have caused degradations of the natural habitats located in this area such as forests, peat swamp, mangroves and wetlands and land use changes from forest and agriculture to development areas. Also some sensitive area such as reclaimed lands, geo-disaster area, flash flood prone areas, dumping grounds and high erosion area need urgent sustainable plan for future development. Also, coastal lands are being developed very fast through establishments of residential, industrial and commercial centers. The analysis of land use changes have led to a better understanding in exploring suitable growth pattern for future development. The land use map obtained from Department of Agriculture for the year 1974 and 1981 and data of Landsat TM for the years of 1988, 1991, 1996 and 2010 obtained from the Malaysian Center for Remote Sensing were analyzed using GIS. From the investigation of land use changes detection over 35 years, the current unsustainable pattern of growth was highlighted. This emphasizes the urgent need for a sustainable development plan.