Search Results (53)

This study explores how private sector initiatives within the tourism industry can contribute to public health outcomes and Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) through sustainable agricultural practices. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines a systematic literature review with an in-depth case study, the research examines how integrated strategies—such as pesticide-free farming, biodiversity enhancement, and edible landscape design—can reduce environmental health risks, improve nutritional quality, and promote local resilience. A series of sustainability interventions are analyzed using key performance indicators (KPIs) related to pesticide use, organic production, pollinator conservation, and community engagement. The findings reveal that business-led sustainability models can support systemic change when grounded in clear metrics and cross-sector collaboration. Although the absence of pre-2019 baseline data and direct health outcome measurements limit causal inference, the study provides a valuable blueprint for aligning private enterprise practices with global health and sustainability objectives. The implications are relevant for policymakers, hospitality operators, and public health stakeholders aiming to foster synergies between tourism, agriculture, and well-being. Full article

The Luki Biosphere Reserve landscape is located in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Illicit anthropogenic activities in this landscape have contributed to the degradation of forest massifs, which are habitats for edible caterpillars. Accordingly, based on five Landsat images covering 2004–2024 period, we analysed the dynamics of edible caterpillar habitats in the Luki Biosphere Reserve, its periphery, and the landscape. The study was complemented by the calculation of class area, number of class patches, dominance, and the disturbance index. The results show that fragmentation and attrition have caused forest areas to decline by 46.13%, 21.17%, and 23.54% in the Reserve, its periphery, and at the landscape level, respectively. The dynamics of caterpillar habitats are reflected in the replacement of forest and fallow land by savannah. The level of disturbance has thus risen from 0.3 to 1.6 in the Reserve, from 2.5 to 13.9 in the periphery, and from 2.0 to 9.2 on a landscape scale. These results are mainly attributed to the expansion of agricultural land. Our observations imply an extent of disturbance in caterpillar habitats that might cause their scarcity, and strongly indicate the need for promoting effective strategies for preserving and restoring forest ecosystems in this landscape. Full article

Insects have been proposed as a sustainable protein alternative to conventional meat sources. However, consumer acceptance of edible insects is still low in the Western Hemisphere. This study examined how product characteristics and consumer beliefs influence the liking and willingness to try cricket-based food products. An online survey was conducted in the province of Alberta, Canada. Alberta is a major site for beef production and plays a vital role in Canada’s agricultural and economic landscape. Participants (n = 548) were asked to indicate their overall liking (OL) and willingness to try (WTT) a cricket-based snack in a conjoint analysis experiment. A 2 × 2 × 5 design was used for the product characteristics (type of product, presence of an image of the product, and product benefit claims). Each participant was assigned five product profiles using a balanced incomplete block design. The type of product (cricket chips and whole roasted crickets) was the most important attribute for participants. Product benefit claims did not effectively increase the OL or WTT of the cricket-based snacks. Higher scores on the Entomophagy Attitude Scale and previous experiences consuming insect-based food products positively influenced WTT and OL. The findings of this study underscore the significance of the type of product and personal attitudes towards entomophagy in shaping consumer preferences for sustainable protein sources and offer valuable insights for the development and marketing of insect-based food products in a Western market where meat products are accessible and affordable for many. Full article

Rapid urbanization worldwide poses significant challenges to biodiversity, as urban habitat fragmentation coexists with diverse landscape forms. Residential areas, a critical component of urban ecology, are essential for understanding the mechanisms that drive biodiversity conservation and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. Additionally, the gradient distribution of biodiversity remains a focal point in ecological research, aiding in the comprehension of fundamental species–environment interactions. In this study, we sampled 269 residential areas across fifteen counties and municipal districts on Hainan Island to investigate biodiversity alongside residential characteristics, as well as socio-economic and environmental variables. Utilizing the Generalized Linear Model (GLM), we analyzed the differences and commonalities of plant driving factors through horizontal and vertical two-dimensional gradient models with box plots, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA), and path models to examine the existence, distribution, and nature of these gradients. Our findings indicate the following: different plant types are driven by distinct mechanisms; cultivated plants are primarily valued for ornamental purposes, whereas in rural areas, their edible value is emphasized. Urban residential plant diversity was primarily influenced by altitude and fundamentally affected by economic factors. Our analyses identified distinct differences in the driving factors influencing various plant types and established two primary gradients of plant diversity distribution within residential areas: a horizontal gradient influenced by housing prices and a vertical gradient corresponding to changes in elevation. Both gradient models were found to be outcomes of socio-economic factors, highlighting the significant role of economic development in shaping urban biodiversity. Full article

This study explores the integration of gamification into social and environmental systems to enhance urban biodiversity and foster the co-creation of ecosystems. It focuses on two key contributions: the development of tangible ecosystemic interventions, such as habitat extensions and edible landscapes, and the gamification of these interventions to engage communities. The interventions were codesigned using systems-oriented design methods, including gigamapping and prototyping, to produce scalable DIY solutions that empower communities to replicate these practices on their own. Additionally, urban games were created to incentivize participation by rewarding individuals for their contributions to biodiversity restoration. Full article

This paper examines the essential role of urban green spaces in fostering healthy living from a landscape architecture perspective. Health goes beyond the mere absence of disease to include physical, mental, and social wellbeing, all of which are greatly enhanced by accessible green spaces. By synthesising existing literature, this paper shows that urban green spaces have strong positive associations with health outcomes, especially in urban settings where environmental stressors are pronounced. The paper stresses the importance of designing attractive and accessible green spaces that encourage physical activity, mental wellbeing, and social interaction, addressing public health issues such as obesity and mental health disorders. In addition to physical and mental health benefits, the paper explores the potential of local food production through edible green infrastructure, such as community gardens, which can significantly improve diet and nutrition. Additionally, the study discusses disparities in the access to quality green spaces, particularly between the Global North and South, and advocates for equitable design strategies that serve diverse populations. Integrating evidence-based approaches into landscape architecture, the paper argues for the establishment of urban green spaces as essential elements of public health infrastructure. Finally, the paper calls for future research and policy efforts to maximise the health benefits of urban green spaces and improve the quality of life in urban environments. Full article

Juglans regia L. is an edible fruit tree cultivated worldwide for its fruits and wood and as an urban tree. Globally, there is growing concern for preserving the genetic diversity of trees with high economic and ecological value. This study investigates the genetic diversity of J. regia in urban landscapes and assesses the quality of its walnut kernels as a local food product. An inventory of 150 trees from five populations in public green spaces in Lugoj, Caransebeș and Jupa, as well as two semi-natural hilly ecosystems in the Banat Region, was conducted. Molecular analyses showed that Directed Amplification of Minisatellite-region DNA (DAMD) markers were more effective than Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers, with a higher average polymorphism of 56.26%, compared to 49.44%. DAMD07 achieved 100% polymorphism and DAMD05 showed a strong balance between P.I.C. (0.35) and polymorphism (54.54%). Chemical analysis revealed the following contents in walnut kernels: protein (12.81% to 16.80%), lipids (60.39% to 69.08%), total polyphenols (5484.66 to 10,788.4 mg GAE/kg), copper (3.655 to 8.532 mg/kg), manganese (14.408 to 28.618 mg/kg), zinc (19.813 to 46.583 mg/kg), lead (1.204 to 2.27 mg/kg) and cadmium (0.03451 to 0.08065 mg/kg). These findings are critical for conservation efforts, urban forestry management and ensuring the quality and safety of walnut products derived from J. regia. Full article

This study employs the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) framework to explore the integration of landscape plants as green heritage with Lanna urban identity in Chiang Mai Old City, Thailand. The research focuses on 38 Lanna temples, investigating the characteristics and roles of plant materials in these sacred spaces. Through comprehensive ground surveys, GIS mapping, and structured interviews with monks, temple caretakers, and long-term residents, the study documents the types, locations, and uses of native and exotic plants. The findings emphasize the cultural, aesthetic, and ecological significance of heritage trees, such as the Bodhi trees and the Yang tree. These trees are pivotal in maintaining cultural continuity, supporting traditional rituals, and enhancing biodiversity. The study also reveals that while ornamental and edible plants are actively used in rituals and community practices, medicinal and applicable plants are preserved more for their historical value than practical use. This research underscores the necessity of sustainable landscape management, community engagement, and the preservation of ethnobotanical knowledge to mitigate the impacts of urbanization. By integrating green heritage into urban planning, the study provides valuable insights for enhancing the cultural and environmental landscape of Chiang Mai. Full article

The environment is an important factor affecting the composition and abundance of metabolites in O. sinensis, which indirectly determines its edible function and medicinal potential. This study integrated metabolomics and redundancy analysis (RDA) to analyze the metabolite profile characteristics and key environmental factors influencing O. sinensis in various production areas. A total of 700 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, primarily comprising lipids, organic acids, and organoheterocyclic compounds. Results from hierarchical cluster analysis and KEGG indicated distinct accumulation patterns of these DAMs in O. sinensis from different regions, with enrichment in pathways such as tryptophan metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Environmental factors like annual mean precipitation, pH, temperature, and altitude were found to significantly influence metabolite composition, particularly lipids, organic acids, and nucleosides. Overall, this study highlights the impact of environmental factors on metabolite diversity in O. sinensis and sheds light on the evolutionary processes shaping its metabolic landscape. Full article

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an important aromatic plant with high edibility and economic value, widely distributed in many regions of the tropics including the south of China. In recent years, environmental problems, especially soil salinization, have seriously restricted the planting and spread of sweet basil. However, the molecular mechanism of the salt stress response in sweet basil is still largely unknown. In this study, seed germination, seedling growth, and chlorophyll synthesis in sweet basil were inhibited under salt stress conditions. Through comparative transcriptome analysis, the gene modules involved in the metabolic processes, oxidative response, phytohormone signaling, cytoskeleton, and photosynthesis were screened out. In addition, the landscape of transcription factors during salt treatment in sweet basil was displayed as well. Moreover, the overexpression of the WRKY transcription factor-encoding gene, ObWRKY16, and the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase-encoding gene, ObPAL2, enhanced the seed germination, seedling growth, and survival rate, respectively, of transgenic Arabidopsis, suggesting that they might be important candidates for the creation of salt-tolerant sweet basil cultivars. Our data enrich the study on salt responses in sweet basil and provide essential gene resources for genetic improvements in sweet basil in the future. Full article

In the contemporary era, conventional energy sources like oil, coal, and natural gas overwhelmingly contribute 89.6% to global CO₂ emissions, intensifying environmental challenges. Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate concerns, a pivotal shift towards renewable energy, encompassing solar, wind, and biofuels, is crucial for bolstering environmental sustainability. Bioethanol, a globally predominant biofuel, offers a versatile solution, replacing gasoline or integrating into gasoline–ethanol blends while serving as a fundamental building block for various valuable compounds. This review investigates the dynamic landscape of biomass generations, drawing insightful comparisons between the first, second, third, and fourth generations. Amid the drive for sustainability, the deliberate focus on the initial generation of biomass, particularly corn, in bioethanol production is grounded in the current dependence on edible crops. The established utilization of first-generation biomass, exemplified by corn, underscores the necessity for a comprehensive examination of its advantages and challenges, allowing for a nuanced exploration of existing infrastructure and practices. To produce bioethanol from corn feedstock, various milling methods can be employed. Thus, this paper delves into a comparative assessment of dry-milling and wet-milling processes scrutinizing their efficiency, environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Full article

This study focuses on the possibility of using fruit tree species, from an urban area in central Italy, to evaluate their possible productive, ecosystem, and economic contribution. The realization of the food forest was conducted through the use of a web app that can evaluate the climatic and ecosystem performance of trees in the city. This simulation can provide the city’s government with useful information on the ecosystem and the socioeconomic benefits of planting fruit trees in an urban park. Among the four chosen species, both Ficus carica and Morus nigra showed good potential fruit production of 1300 kg and 865 kg and a CO₂ storage of 2.5 and 1.5 tons. The production and economic potentials from selling the fruits of the selected species were evaluated, and the Morus nigra species showed the highest economic value over a 50-year period of about 6000 USD, with an average price of 7 USD/kg. Another positive aspect of edible food forest landscapes is their ability to give rise to an ecosystem and habitat that can attract animals, birds, and wildlife, consequently improving urban ecosystem biodiversity. Full article

A variety of agrochemicals, especially fertilizers, are applied indiscriminately by farmers across trapezoidal landscapes to increase productivity and satisfy the rising food demand. Around one-third of the populace in developing nations is susceptible to zinc (Zn) deficiency as a result of their direct reliance on cereals as a source of calories. Zinc, an essential micronutrient for plants, performs several critical functions throughout the life cycle of a plant. Zinc is frequently disregarded, due to its indirect contribution to the enhancement of yield. Soil Zn deficiency is one of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies that reduces crop yield. A deficiency of Zn in both plants and soils results from the presence of Zn in fixed forms that are inaccessible to plants, which characterizes the majority of agricultural soils. As a result, alternative and environmentally sustainable methods are required to satisfy the demand for food. It appears that the application of zinc-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) for sustainable agriculture is feasible. Inoculating plants with ZSB is likely a more efficacious strategy for augmenting Zn translocation in diverse edible plant components. ZSB possessing plant growth-promoting characteristics can serve as bio-elicitors to promote sustainable plant growth, through various methods that are vital to the health and productivity of plants. This review provides an analysis of the efficacy of ZSB, the functional characteristics of ZSB-mediated Zn localization, the mechanism underlying Zn solubilization, and the implementation of ZSB to increase crop yield. Full article

Transportation and logistics are the basic building blocks in the socio-economic development of a country. The pandemic altered the landscape of the transportation and logistics sector where organizations had to look for new technology-based solutions. Block chain and digital trucking are emerging concepts, which were further accelerated by COVID-19, to manage the challenges in the transportation and supply chain industry. This study, therefore, investigates the challenges faced by the transportation industry during and post COVID-19 and, consequently, identifies relevant sustainable strategies to combat these challenges in a developing-economies context. Data were collected through interviews from 20 key personnel working in managerial positions in the transportation industry of Pakistan, a developing economy. The findings of this study indicate that the challenges faced by the transportation industry are reduced import–export, local market orders and revenues, supply limited to a few edible items, increase in e-commerce, new entrants in the market and operational issues, such as lack of standard operating procedures (SOPs), performance management and training of drivers. These challenges were more pronounced in the COVID-19 era; however, they are still impacting the industry. Thus, in the post-COVID-19 era, transportation companies need to opt for efficient strategies, such as contactless deliveries, expansion in e-commerce, tech-based performance management of drivers and digital trucking for sustainability, in a developing economy’s transportation and logistics sector. Full article

Urban horticulture represents a sustainable way of dealing with the challenges of modern cities, including urbanization processes, population growth tendencies, a lack of green areas, environmental pollution and food insecurity. This study aimed to (1) investigate the perceptions of citizens of Novi Sad municipality, Republic of Serbia, toward urban horticulture and (2) assess plant materials appropriate for cultivation in urban gardens and suggest urban spaces completely designed with the use of various forms of edible fruit species, including roses. The same questionnaire was administered with a four-year time gap, in 2019 and again in 2023, before and after the coronavirus pandemic. To investigate plant materials suitable for urban gardening, relevant articles in Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science platforms were searched. The questionnaires’ results showed significant differences between the two years concerning respondents’ attitudes toward urban horticulture’s impact on food safety, socialization and personal health and development, which could have been influenced by the pandemic. Vegetables were grown by most respondents, commonly in household yards and gardens. The main motivations for participating in community urban gardens were to grow food for their own consumption and to make charitable contributions, followed by the motivation ‘to socialize and relax’. Exemplary designs of an urban pocket, kindergarten yard and atrium courtyard are presented, providing insights into numerous possibilities for landscaping with fruits. Full article