Editorial

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5 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Economy and Ecology: Encounters and Interweaving

by

Darko B. Vukovic

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Riad Shams

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010179 - 24 Dec 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3108

Abstract

In this editorial text, we point to the importance and development of disciplines that closely link economic sciences with ecology. Drawing on the most important literature in these fields, we have highlighted the trends that are popular today in both fields (double eco [...] Read more.

In this editorial text, we point to the importance and development of disciplines that closely link economic sciences with ecology. Drawing on the most important literature in these fields, we have highlighted the trends that are popular today in both fields (double eco features). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Trends in Sustainable Development: A Double-ECO (edged) Sword)

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Research

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17 pages, 1270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Waste Management in Green and Smart Cities: A Case Study of Russia

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Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010094 - 21 Dec 2019

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 8123

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the role of waste management in the development of modern green and smart cities and to determine the existence of several key points in programs transforming cities into green cities with smart technologies. The relevance of the research [...] Read more.

This article aims to investigate the role of waste management in the development of modern green and smart cities and to determine the existence of several key points in programs transforming cities into green cities with smart technologies. The relevance of the research is determined by the need to develop a theoretical and methodological basis for the green and smart city concepts. The research process involved the following methods: Scientific analysis, comparison, and synthesis. The research results of the case study of Russia determined that for urban territories with great distances between urban districts, waste sorting stations should be located as parts of so-called waste recycling complexes at intermunicipal landfills. This will allow a more fully implementation of the concept of recycling economy not only in Russian cities, but also in other cities with sparse populations across the world. Further, the authors conclude that the effectiveness of green technologies in modern cities, especially in waste management, depends on the level of participation of citizens. People are active participants in the life processes of cities and have a direct impact on the urban environment. Consequently, the introduction of green technologies can only be achieved in harmony with the well-established behavioral attitudes of city residents together with the implementation of green and smart urban technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Trends in Sustainable Development: A Double-ECO (edged) Sword)

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22 pages, 985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourism as a Factor of Regional Development: Community Perceptions and Potential Bank Support in the Kopaonik National Park (Serbia)

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Sustainability 2019, 11(22), 6507; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11226507 - 19 Nov 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2835

Abstract

This paper represents a case study examining perceptions about tourism and reactions of the local community and bank decision makers to its development. The survey method was applied to establish the community’s attitude towards the impact of tourism in different spheres of life [...] Read more.

This paper represents a case study examining perceptions about tourism and reactions of the local community and bank decision makers to its development. The survey method was applied to establish the community’s attitude towards the impact of tourism in different spheres of life in the Kopaonik National Park (Serbia). The sample of 195 adult respondents covered inhabitants of 16 communities located within the wider area of the national park. In parallel, the potential support of banks for tourism development was examined on a sample of 21 banks. The survey results identified strong positive attitudes towards tourism and the presence of tourists among the local population. Compared to other categories, the community’s members employed in tourism had more favorable perceptions of tourism. The findings of the study also revealed that younger and better educated members of the population had more positive attitudes towards tourism impacts. Certain independent economic variables (the impact of tourism on job creation) and non-economic ones (the impact of tourism on activities of the community, reactions to the presence of tourists) significantly predicted the community´s support for tourism. An analysis of potential bank support showed that future community involvement in the tourism industry should be initiated by an adequate approach and credit policy instruments in the wider area of the Kopaonik National park. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Trends in Sustainable Development: A Double-ECO (edged) Sword)

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16 pages, 472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Traditional Activities of Industrial Area toward Sustainable Tourism Development

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Milena Nedeljković Knežević

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Sustainability 2019, 11(22), 6189; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11226189 - 06 Nov 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2063

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential for restructuring industrial areas toward tourism development within local communities, with a special emphasis on the socio-cultural determinants of residents, as well as their attitudes regarding the sustainable development of tourism. The research [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential for restructuring industrial areas toward tourism development within local communities, with a special emphasis on the socio-cultural determinants of residents, as well as their attitudes regarding the sustainable development of tourism. The research is also oriented toward the interests of local communities with respect to entrepreneurial activities in the field of tourism within regions relying on traditional industries, in this case, one of the largest open-pit mining surfaces in Europe (near the Serbian town of Lazarevac). The survey was conducted on a sample of 273 respondents. The research results point to the residents’ attitudes regarding the acceptability of tourism development options, as well as their attitudes toward tourism development, with the aim of providing the conditions for a successful transition from a typical heavy industrial setting toward sustainable tourism development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Trends in Sustainable Development: A Double-ECO (edged) Sword)

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12 pages, 955 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can the Quality of Hospitality Services Play a Role in Sustainable Equestrian Tourism in Slovenia? Mediations, Effects, and Implications

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Sustainability 2019, 11(21), 6155; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216155 - 04 Nov 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2615

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the quality of hospitality services and sustainable equestrian tourism development in Slovenia. The focus will be on the relations between equestrian tourism motivations, hospitality services quality, overall service quality, equestrian tourists’ satisfaction, and behavioral intentions. The target [...] Read more.

This study investigates the relationship between the quality of hospitality services and sustainable equestrian tourism development in Slovenia. The focus will be on the relations between equestrian tourism motivations, hospitality services quality, overall service quality, equestrian tourists’ satisfaction, and behavioral intentions. The target population was equestrian tourists who stayed in one of 30 tourism farms in Slovenia and used both accommodation and food and beverage services. Face-to-face surveys with convenience sampling were used for the data collection. The results show that equestrian tourism motivations are positively associated with both hospitality services quality and the overall service quality in equestrian tourism. Moreover, the overall service quality in equestrian tourism is positively related to equestrian tourists’ satisfaction, while equestrian tourists’ satisfaction is positively related to behavioral intentions. In addition, accommodation service quality and food and beverage service quality both mediate the association between equestrian tourism motivation and overall satisfaction. The study provides both theoretical and practical implications. For one thing, it fills the research gaps present in the literature. In addition, it gives practical guidelines to farmers and tourism practitioners regarding equestrian tourism development as one of the popular areas of sustainable tourism development in rural settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Trends in Sustainable Development: A Double-ECO (edged) Sword)

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13 pages, 571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Green Economy Indicators and Modeling: Russian Context

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Sustainability 2019, 11(17), 4629; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11174629 - 26 Aug 2019

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4883

Abstract

This article aims to assess and forecast the dynamics of a regional green economy. The research relevance is determined by the need to develop theoretical and methodological basis of the green economy for the transition period and to identify criteria basis for assessing [...] Read more.

This article aims to assess and forecast the dynamics of a regional green economy. The research relevance is determined by the need to develop theoretical and methodological basis of the green economy for the transition period and to identify criteria basis for assessing the state and regional level of it. The authors applied the modern methods, which allowed to model criteria considering data uncertainty and both static and dynamic criteria. The research process involved the methods of scientific analysis, comparison and synthesis, the theory of fuzzy sets, and fuzzy modeling. The main principles and methodology of the criteria evaluation for a regional green economy are proposed. The principal methodological approach in this research combines the current state and dynamics of the green economy in evaluating and forecasting the conditions of data uncertainty. The research results form a theoretical, methodological, and practical basis for assessing the current state and level of a regional green economy development, determining the effectiveness of environmental and economic programs, optimizing financial management, conducting environmental monitoring, and developing state plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Trends in Sustainable Development: A Double-ECO (edged) Sword)

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Other

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16 pages, 1951 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Fostering Green Entrepreneurship and Women’s Empowerment through Education and Banks’ Investments in Tourism: Evidence from Serbia

by

Mirjana Radović-Marković

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Branko Živanović

Sustainability 2019, 11(23), 6826; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236826 - 02 Dec 2019

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4770

Abstract

The aim of our research is to consider the potential for women’s empowerment through tourism and women’s equality inherent in the green economy. In addition, our research should shed more light on the women’s dimensions of green growth, especially in the context of [...] Read more.

The aim of our research is to consider the potential for women’s empowerment through tourism and women’s equality inherent in the green economy. In addition, our research should shed more light on the women’s dimensions of green growth, especially in the context of development of entrepreneurship in tourism. In line with this, our approach in the study combines a women’s perspective with green growth and entrepreneurship development in the tourism sector in Serbia. The research was carried out in the most important tourist centers in the country, such as Novi Sad, Nis, Zlatibor, Vrnjačka Banja, and Sokobanja. This study showed that insufficient attention has been dedicated to this industry from the perspective of its benefits for women. In addition, the research indicated that, in the field of tourism, women mostly prefer special programs of education that are adjusted to the job requirements that they have already been performing or to a similar job that they are just about to start. It is necessary to involve them more often in various projects that encourage their further empowerment. The research also discovered gaps in the supply of finance between the needs of green entrepreneurs in tourism and what the financial system is willing to provide to them. Firstly, there is a lack of appropriate lending products offered by the commercial banking sector. In particular, a combination of financial support and suitable financial tools to encourage women’s initiatives for start-ups in tourism is missing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Trends in Sustainable Development: A Double-ECO (edged) Sword)

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13 pages, 1034 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

The Determinants of Income of Rural Women in Bangladesh

by

Md.Shajahan Kabir

,

Mirjana Radović Marković

and

Dejan Radulović

Sustainability 2019, 11(20), 5842; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205842 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5307

Abstract

This study investigated the factor which influences rural women’s income after participation in small-scale agricultural farming, their contribution to the household, as well as their empowerment status. This research was conducted in Jinaigati upazila of Sherpur district in Bangladesh. A total of 80 [...] Read more.

This study investigated the factor which influences rural women’s income after participation in small-scale agricultural farming, their contribution to the household, as well as their empowerment status. This research was conducted in Jinaigati upazila of Sherpur district in Bangladesh. A total of 80 respondents (women) from this upazilla of Sherpur were selected purposively using simple random sampling. The quantitative data were collected by in depth interviewing of the 80 respondents through personal interview. The quantitative analytical tools used to attain specific objectives included various descriptive statistics, functional analysis, multiple regression co-efficient, used to identify the factors of influencing women’s income through small-scale agricultural farming. Problem Confrontation Index (PCI) used through different problems identified scores. In accordance with the results of the educational level of woman, other sources of income, experience and training, access to credit, decision-making ability have an positive impact on rural women’s income. These variables were statistically significant. From the Problem Confrontation Index, it was found that lack of capital was the first ranked problem, need-based training the second ranked problem, high interest rate the third ranked problem, insufficient farm size the fourth ranked problem, and lack of quality of seed the fifth ranked problem. Their income from this brought remarkable positive change in their life and they had better control over their decisions and income. Finally, their active economical participation in small-scale farming assists them to overcome prejudice, socio-economic barriers, and highest empowerment attainment in the context of Bangladesh—and, if the government takes proper initiative in terms of gender policy, then rural women’s income and livelihood status will be increased remarkably. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Trends in Sustainable Development: A Double-ECO (edged) Sword)

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