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"Acting Together" for Safer and Sustainable Communities: Unveiling the Value and the Need of Transdisciplinary, Participatory and Nexus Approaches (DG REGIO CITI4GREEN)

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Hazards and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 8701

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Fernando Nardi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Water Resources Research and Documentation Centre (WARREDOC), University for Foreigners of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Interests: regional planning and sustainability; hazard and risk mapping and management; citizen science and public engagement; open geo data and big data; hydrology; natural hazards; GIS; geospatial data
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Laura Cavalli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM), Milan, Italy
2. Faculty of Economics, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Interests: sustainable development; SDGs; regional and local development; microeconomics; mixed-method; socio-economic policy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding the interlinked dynamics that govern natural and human-made hazards, climate, environmental and socio-demographic change is key to addressing the most pressing and dramatic challenges that humanity is facing today. Novel conceptual analytical and assessment frameworks that integrate earth, environmental, social and economic sciences are sought to support proper monitoring and operational systems. A relevant challenge when merging efforts among diverse disciplines is represented by the identification and application of indicators that are able to qualitatively and quantitatively assess complex human–Nature ecosystems and phenomena. This is particularly important when facing environmental and societal co-evolution, when considering short- to long-term climate change and socio-economic projections, and when assessing actions and effects linked to governmental commitments, as in the case of the ongoing global energy and ecological transition strategies towards carbon-free society. Multidisciplinary research, science-informed solutions, as well as capacity- and awareness-building activities are needed to address the existing knowledge gaps and support effective decision and policy making. Governors and citizens shall increasingly be “acting together” to embrace the multiple benefits, support ecosystem innovation and protection for a sustainable and safe societal change linked to the green, blue and circular economy paradigms. Science–society merged efforts and nexus approaches are recognized as the most promising means for addressing global sustainability and transition challenges.

This Special Issue aims to gather scientific investigations, case studies and professional practice applications from research and innovation projects promoting and adopting transdisciplinary, participatory and nexus approaches. This proposed collection of articles seeks to summarize current knowledge and innovative methods on community engagement and citizen science procedures, tools and data applied in diverse disciplinary, geographic and socio-cultural settings interested by natural and human-made hazards, sustainable development and cooperation actions, the fair and safe use of natural and human resources, as well as green-blue and circular economy interventions. Further expected contributions include studies related to ongoing recovery, resiliency and cohesion actions aiming to manage and mitigate nuisance socio-economic and environmental impacts linked to climate change, hydro-extremes (e.g., recent 2021 EU and global floods), earthquakes (e.g., central Italy in 2009 and 2016) among other natural and human-made disasters, including studies and programs linked to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This Special Issue is also particularly interested in exploring recent definitions and investigations of nexus approaches, from the water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEFE) nexus to unveil further novel nexus conceptual frameworks that may support proper co-assessment and co-management (i.e., with stakeholders and citizens) of interlinked components of major drivers and challenges of sustainable development, climate, environmental and social change.

Furthermore, to strengthen the necessity of monitoring the progress toward sustainable development, papers with a quantitative approach and with references to cross-sector indicators within the framework of the UN Agenda 2030 will be selected.

Prof. Dr. Fernando Nardi
Dr. Laura Cavalli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • regional planning
  • sustainability
  • SDGs
  • data science
  • citizen science
  • natural hazards
  • stakeholder engagement
  • participatory approaches

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 22913 KiB  
Article
Bottom-Up Initiatives for Sustainable Mountain Development in Italy: An Interregional Explorative Survey
by Veronica Polin, Laura Cavalli and Matteo Spinazzola
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010093 - 21 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1023
Abstract
In recent years, citizen-led initiatives have emerged to complement top-down development policies, particularly to pursue sustainability objectives and benefit traditionally left-behind communities and places. Existing research on this phenomenon in Italian mountain areas suggests a primary emphasis on revitalizing the natural environment, preserving [...] Read more.
In recent years, citizen-led initiatives have emerged to complement top-down development policies, particularly to pursue sustainability objectives and benefit traditionally left-behind communities and places. Existing research on this phenomenon in Italian mountain areas suggests a primary emphasis on revitalizing the natural environment, preserving local culture and traditions, and delivering social services to address the absence of public facilities. However, there is still a lack of understanding regarding their profiles, key features, social and environmental impacts, and challenges at the national level. As part of a broader research project, this empirical work contributes to the literature on bottom-up sustainability-oriented initiatives in mountain regions by conducting an explorative interregional online survey. We gathered original data on 196 initiatives from the mountain areas of the Italian regions of Basilicata, Lombardia, Marche, Sicilia, and Veneto. The findings indicate that our sample shares common traits, visions, and values, making a positive contribution to the sustainable development of their respective territories. However, these initiatives must contend with internal and external challenges to enhance their resilience and impact. Importantly, the research may support policymakers at various levels in the design of public policies that harness the full potential of bottom-up initiatives, ultimately enhancing the development and sustainability of these lands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue "Acting Together" for Safer and Sustainable Communities: Unveiling the Value and the Need of Transdisciplinary, Participatory and Nexus Approaches (DG REGIO CITI4GREEN))
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16 pages, 691 KiB  
Article
How Can Multinational Enterprises Effectively Implement Local Consumer-Oriented Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategies? A Multi-Perspective Study on the Differences in CSR Response Mechanisms between Chinese and Japanese Consumers
by Qiulian Shen, Tao Jin, Dongwei Zhao and Yuxuan Du
Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15433; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115433 - 30 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1393
Abstract
Fully understanding the local populace’s awareness and reactions to corporate social responsibility (CSR) with a strong emphasis on sustainability is crucial for multinational enterprises (MNEs) to design and implement effective localized CSR strategies. This study centers on the home appliance industry and utilizes [...] Read more.
Fully understanding the local populace’s awareness and reactions to corporate social responsibility (CSR) with a strong emphasis on sustainability is crucial for multinational enterprises (MNEs) to design and implement effective localized CSR strategies. This study centers on the home appliance industry and utilizes semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys as the research methods to construct and validate a model called “Attribution–Perception–Satisfaction–Loyalty (APSL)” that visualizes consumer responses to CSR information, particularly in the context of sustainability. We further explore the distinctions in the mechanism between Chinese and Japanese consumers, considering cultural, economic, and institutional aspects related to sustainability. The findings reveal that beyond the perceptions related to value-driven motivations, there are pronounced differences between Chinese and Japanese consumers in stakeholder-driven, self-interest-driven, and strategy-driven motivations, which can impact sustainability initiatives. Notably, Japanese consumers are more significantly affected by the impact of CSR on their satisfaction and loyalty. This study not only enriches and expands the theoretical framework of CSR and consumer responses to CSR but also offers insights and recommendations for MNEs in China and Japan to help overcome the self-reference criterion and implement local CSR marketing strategies with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue "Acting Together" for Safer and Sustainable Communities: Unveiling the Value and the Need of Transdisciplinary, Participatory and Nexus Approaches (DG REGIO CITI4GREEN))
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15 pages, 1262 KiB  
Article
Participative Policy Design to Manage Droughts and Floods in an Arid Region under Changing Climate Scenarios: The Case of Baja California Sur, Mexico
by Miguel Angel Imaz-Lamadrid, Antonina Ivanova-Boncheva, María Z. Flores-López and Mara Y. Cortés-Martínez
Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13547; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813547 - 11 Sep 2023
Viewed by 778
Abstract
Floods can be defined as one of the most frequent and destructive disasters, that cause significant damage to people, while droughts present significant challenges, primarily to the most vulnerable communities. In consequence, not only public policies but the increased participation of communities and [...] Read more.
Floods can be defined as one of the most frequent and destructive disasters, that cause significant damage to people, while droughts present significant challenges, primarily to the most vulnerable communities. In consequence, not only public policies but the increased participation of communities and other sectors are crucial to manage the risk in the face of both phenomena and contribute to the construction of resilient communities. At the request of the National Water Commission of Mexico (CONAGUA) for the Regional Water Plan (PHR), we designed and applied a methodology based on a web-based consultation in conjunction with digital survey tools to understand the opinion of communities, key participants, and researchers about these phenomena. The workshops were organized in the five municipalities of Baja California Sur. Then, we performed an interdisciplinary analysis that combined hydrological considerations with the most critical social, economic, environmental, and legal components, applying the PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal) analysis. The results indicate that there is a clear and widespread awareness that floods and droughts increase the risk to the livelihoods of the population; however, there are deficiencies in different areas, which complicates risk management. Timely distribution of information and the inclusion of communities in mitigation and adaptation proposals would allow the achievement of greater success with efforts to minimize vulnerabilities and increase the resilience of the population in the face of climate extremes. This must be a collaborative work of the entire society: governmental, social, and private stakeholders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue "Acting Together" for Safer and Sustainable Communities: Unveiling the Value and the Need of Transdisciplinary, Participatory and Nexus Approaches (DG REGIO CITI4GREEN))
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20 pages, 9074 KiB  
Article
Study on the Relationship between Different Wastewater Treatment Technologies and Effluent Standards in Jilin Liaohe River Basin Based on the Coupled Model of AHP and Fuzzy TOPSIS Method
by Yao Yang, Jie Tang, Yucong Duan, Yunke Qu, Feihu Sun and Zhaoyang Li
Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1264; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021264 - 09 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1122
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants play a critical role in reducing point source pollution in watersheds; however, in taking on the task of reducing pollutants such as COD and NH3-N, they also consume energy intensively, which can result in additional greenhouse gas (GHG) [...] Read more.
Wastewater treatment plants play a critical role in reducing point source pollution in watersheds; however, in taking on the task of reducing pollutants such as COD and NH3-N, they also consume energy intensively, which can result in additional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and operating (OAM) costs. Therefore, appropriate effluent targets should be implemented to achieve a balance between pollution load reduction, greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs, depending on the field conditions of the wastewater plant. In this study, four different wastewater treatment technologies, namely, A2/O, CASS, MBR and A/O-MBR, which are mainly operated in the Liaohe River Basin of Jilin Province, were selected using the coupled AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS models, and the appropriate effluent standards were preferred according to the characteristics of these technologies. Firstly, the AHP model is used to determine the criteria layer (environmental, economic and social benefits) of the four treatment technologies and the weights of each indicator, and then the fuzzy TOPSIS model is used to determine the indicator values of the different alternatives (effluent standards) of the four treatment technologies, and finally the optimal value of the effluent standard is determined, in terms of COD, 30 mg/L for A2/O and CASS process and 50 mg/L for MBR and A/O-MBR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue "Acting Together" for Safer and Sustainable Communities: Unveiling the Value and the Need of Transdisciplinary, Participatory and Nexus Approaches (DG REGIO CITI4GREEN))
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20 pages, 6863 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Dynamic Relationship between Landscape Information and Heat Island Intensity of Urban Growth Patterns—A Case of Five Cities in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei City Cluster
by Jianshe Liang, Yongping Bai, Zuqiao Gao, Xuedi Yang, Lingwei Li, Chunyue Zhang and Fuwei Qiao
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14099; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114099 - 28 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1247
Abstract
Urban heat islands (UHIs) endanger the health of urban residents. Different urban growth patterns (UGPs) have different effects on heat islands. However, the dynamic relationship between UGP landscape information and urban surface heat island intensity (SUHII) remains unclear. This study explored the dynamic [...] Read more.
Urban heat islands (UHIs) endanger the health of urban residents. Different urban growth patterns (UGPs) have different effects on heat islands. However, the dynamic relationship between UGP landscape information and urban surface heat island intensity (SUHII) remains unclear. This study explored the dynamic relationship between SUHII and UGP landscape information through spatial regression and landscape pattern analysis using Landsat imagery and urban construction land data from five cities in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration from 2010 to 2018. The results show that SUHII increase areas overlap with expansion patches, and the edge expansion and outlying areas show a warming effect. The influence of the edge expansion landscape area and pattern on SUHII changes is greater than the other two growth patterns. The relationship between UGPs’ landscape information and SUHII changes varies among cities. The larger the city size, the stronger the influence of landscape information. Among the landscape patterns, the influence of the landscape area and pattern on SUHII change is large and the influence of landscape fragmentation is smaller. Exploring the dynamic relationship between UGP landscape information and SUHII is conducive to optimizing the spatial layout and pattern selection of urban development and providing a scientific reference for sustainable and livable urban development planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue "Acting Together" for Safer and Sustainable Communities: Unveiling the Value and the Need of Transdisciplinary, Participatory and Nexus Approaches (DG REGIO CITI4GREEN))
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22 pages, 743 KiB  
Article
A Study on Community Public Safety Collaborative Governance Regime in the Background of COVID-19: Empirical Analysis Based on China and South Korea
by Xiaoqin Guo and Xiang Li
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14000; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114000 - 27 Oct 2022
Viewed by 2018
Abstract
Community public safety is facing great challenges in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. While helping communities identify crises and prevent risks, and improving community public safety governance, collaborative governance is changing the trends of a complex, uncertain, and ever-changing environment, and helping [...] Read more.
Community public safety is facing great challenges in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. While helping communities identify crises and prevent risks, and improving community public safety governance, collaborative governance is changing the trends of a complex, uncertain, and ever-changing environment, and helping to drive communities toward higher levels of development and improved community sustainability. The purpose of this paper was to design a model of collaborative governance regime (CGR) that better fits the particular context of COVID-19 to enhance community safety and achieve sustainability of collaborative governance. This paper investigated and empirically analyzed the COVID-19 response in Chinese and Korean communities. It is found that collaborative dynamics can positively contribute to collaborative performance; collaborative dynamics can positively contribute to collaborative actions; collaborative actions can positively contribute to collaborative performance; collaborative actions play a partially mediating role between collaborative dynamics and collaborative performance; and there is heterogeneity in collaborative governance regimes in different system contexts. The paper suggests several insights: collaborative governance can deal with uncertainty and unpredictable turbulence; enhancing the capacity for joint action is more conducive to collaborative performance; and the role of government in collaborative governance is valued. Our study provides data support for validating the operating principles and internal logical relationships of collaborative governance and provides an empirical basis for responding to large-scale public crises in different contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue "Acting Together" for Safer and Sustainable Communities: Unveiling the Value and the Need of Transdisciplinary, Participatory and Nexus Approaches (DG REGIO CITI4GREEN))
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