Search Results (362)

This study examines the progress, challenges, and successes in implementing Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG12), focusing on responsible consumption and production, using Qatar as a case study. The State has integrated Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) into national policies, established coordination mechanisms, and implemented action plans aligned with SDG12 targets. Achievements include renewable energy adoption, waste management reforms, and sustainable public procurement, though challenges persist in rationalizing fossil fuel subsidies, addressing data gaps, and enhancing corporate sustainability reporting. Efforts to reduce food loss and waste through redistribution programs highlight the country’s resilience, despite logistical obstacles. The nation has also advanced hazardous waste management, environmental awareness, and sustainable tourism policies, though gaps in data systems and policy coherence remain. Qatar’s approach provides a valuable local-to-global example of balancing resource-dependent economies with sustainability goals. Its strategies and lessons offer potential adaptability for other nations, especially those facing similar challenges in achieving SDG12. By strengthening data systems, enhancing policy integration, and fostering regional and international cooperation, Qatar’s efforts underscore the importance of aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship, serving as a blueprint for global sustainability initiatives. Full article

Groundwater is one of the main water sources for consumption, domestic use, agriculture, and tourism in coastal communities. However, high total dissolved solids (TDS) levels in the water (700–2000 mg L⁻¹ TDS) and electrical conductivity (3000–5000 µS cm⁻¹) threaten the health and economic growth opportunities for residents. This research aims to evaluate the performance of a laboratory-scale electrodialysis system as a technology for desalinating brackish water. For this purpose, water samples were collected from real groundwater sources. Batch experiments were conducted with varying operational parameters, such as voltage (2–10 V), feed volume (100–1600 mL), recovery rate (50–80%), and cros-flow velocity (1.3–5.1 cm s⁻¹) to determine the electrodialysis system setup that meets the requirements for drinking water in terms of TDS and energy efficiency. A total specific energy consumption of 1.65 kWh m⁻³, including pumping energy, was achieved at a laboratory scale. The conditions were as follows: flow velocity of 5.14 cm s⁻¹, applied voltage of 6 V, feed volume of 1.6 L, and a water recovery of 66%. Furthermore, increasing the flow velocity and the applied voltage enhanced the desalination kinetics and salt removal. Additionally, the system presented opportunities for scalability. This research aims to evaluate a sustainable membrane-based treatment technology for meeting the growing demand for water resources in coastal communities, particularly in developing countries in South America. Full article

In the context of China’s “dual carbon” goals and rural revitalization strategy, scientifically assessing the carbon footprint of rural tourism is essential for promoting the sustainable development of the tourism sector. This study presents the first case analysis of the rural tourism carbon footprint in Guangdong Province, using Village B as a representative example. A tourism carbon footprint model for village B was developed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. Based on empirical survey data, the tourism carbon footprint of Village B in 2024 was estimated at 7731.23 t, with a per capita carbon footprint of 38.656 kg/p/a. Among the contributing sectors, transportation accounted for the largest share (85.18%), followed by catering (6.93%) and accommodation (5.10%). As an ecotourism-oriented rural destination, Village B exhibited a relatively low carbon footprint from recreational activities. To facilitate the low-carbon transition of rural tourism in the study area and accelerate progress toward the “dual carbon” targets, it is recommended to optimize public transport infrastructure, promote green mobility, enhance the energy efficiency of rural dining and accommodation, and raise awareness of low-carbon tourism. Full article

The study examined the relations and Granger causality among environmental pollution, air quality, life expectancy, religious tourism, petroleum consumption and economic growth in three countries, Italy, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, three countries with a prominent role of religious tourism, given the high shares of religious tourism revenues in their economies and due to pilgrimage-type religious tourism activities in total tourism activities. The study employed a yearly sample of 1975–2019 and novel Fourier-augmented vector autoregressive and Fourier Granger causality tests, under the structural breaks in the data. The findings indicate negative effects on environmental pollution and air quality from tourism in addition to such effects on life expectancy in all countries analyzed, and in this relation, fossil fuel consumption in these nations and its acceleration with tourism play crucial roles. These effects are amplified by economic growth coupled with tourism revenues that go in hand with high fossil fuel consumption, which further worsen the impacts on the environment. In the causality testing stage, the results determined unidirectional causality from tourism, fossil fuel energy consumption, and economic growth to both carbon dioxide emissions and to particulate matter 2.5. These effects are also reinforced by feedback effects between air pollution and life expectancy, which enhance the effects on both environment and air quality. These findings are used to suggest important policy recommendations, among which, the reduction in high dependency on fossil fuel in the energy mix is most central. Equally, policies are suggested to encourage sustainable tourism to reverse the adverse effects on health, environmental degradation and worsened air quality in these nations. Full article

Since gaining independence in 1962, Algeria has significantly developed its tourism infrastructure, including notable projects by Fernand Pouillon. The thermal performance of hotel buildings, measured by discomfort hours and considering the design parameters for both PMV-PPD and adaptive comfort models, is a crucial study area across Algeria’s eight climate zones. This research focuses on the M’Zab Hotel in Ghardaïa, designed by Pouillon, utilising in situ measurements and dynamic simulations with EnergyPlus. After validating the simulation model, the performance of the optimised model, derived from sensitivity analysis parameters, is explored. A comparative study is conducted, analysing results obtained through simulation and psychrometric charts for both comfort models across Algeria’s climate zones. The findings indicate that the optimised design significantly reduces discomfort hours by 27.9% to 54.8% for the PMV-PPD model and 38.8% to 90.3% for the adaptive model, compared to the actual design performance. Strong correlations are observed between the simulation and psychrometric chart results for the PMV-PPD model, while the correlation for the adaptive model requires further investigation. Full article

Tainan’s Cigu, located on Taiwan’s southwestern coast, is a prominent aquaculture hub known for its extensive ponds, tidal flats, and lagoons. This study explored the novel integration of kayaking within aquavoltaic (APV) aquaculture ponds, creating a unique hybrid tourism landscape that merges industrial land use (aquaculture and energy production) with nature-based recreation. We investigated the relationships among facility maintenance and safety professionalism (FM), the perceived value of kayaking training (PV), and green energy and sustainable development recognition (GS) within these APV systems in Cigu, Taiwan. While integrating recreation with renewable energy and aquaculture is an emerging approach to multifunctional land use, the mechanisms influencing visitors’ sustainability perceptions remain underexplored. Using data from 613 kayaking participants and structural equation modeling, we tested a theoretical framework encompassing direct, mediated, and moderated relationships. Our findings reveal that FM significantly influences both PV (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) and GS (β = 0.29, p < 0.001). Furthermore, PV strongly affects GS (β = 0.56, p < 0.001). Importantly, PV partially mediates the relationship between FM and GS, with the indirect effect (0.38) accounting for 57% of the total effect. We also identified significant moderating effects of APV coverage, guide expertise, and operational visibility. Complementary observational data obtained with underwater cameras confirm that non-motorized kayaking causes minimal ecological disturbance to cultured species, exhibiting significantly lower behavioral impacts than motorized alternatives. These findings advance the theoretical understanding of experiential learning in novel technological landscapes and provide evidence-based guidelines for optimizing recreational integration within production environments. Full article

Sustainability has also become an increasingly important issue as an international trend for the hospitality industry in recent times, with a positive message for both restaurant operators and consumers. Restaurants can become more sustainable in three main areas: (1) water and energy efficiency, (2) waste management, and (3) employees—social topics. This study examines the role of green practices and innovation in hospitality using three methods in parallel. In connection with a current tourism project, this paper describes some of the green practices for hospitality management in Hungary. Based on the survey, the most common sustainable practices are sourcing from local producers and using seasonal menus. The most popular food waste reduction strategies are Munch, nose-to-tail, and other food utilization options, totaling 65.0%. A total of 72.0% of consumers prefer the green restaurants. Our data show that sustainable operation is not just an environmental issue, but also increasingly a strategic business advantage. The findings are supported by the everyday practices of two of Dining Guide’s member restaurants, Iszkor and Sulyom in the Northeastern Hungary region. Both restaurants focus on locally sourced food and drink ingredients. Some dairy products, domestic fruit, and vegetables come from sustainable farming. For restaurants, adopting sustainable solutions can provide a long-term competitive advantage. Full article

Driven by global climate change and sustainable development, the coordinated development of multiple industries based on photovoltaic energy in the “Desert-Gobi-Wilderness” region has become the key to achieving sustainable development, as well as transforming and upgrading the energy structure. However, the site selection decision for “Photovoltaic +” multi-industry integration, which takes into account economic, social and ecological benefits in a complex ecological environment, is still a key difficulty that restricts the feasibility and scalability of the project. This study first identified and systematically analyzed six “PV +” multi-industry integrations suitable for development in China, including “PV + sand control”, “PV + agriculture”, “PV + agriculture + tourism”, “PV + animal husbandry”, “PV + animal husbandry + tourism”, and “PV + tourism”. Then, a site selection decision framework for “PV +” multi-industry integration consists of three parts. Part 1 establishes a multi-dimensional suitability assessment system that takes into account heterogeneous data from multiple sources. Part 2 uses an integration method based on BWM-CRITIC-TODIM for priority ranking analysis, which first uses a Geographic Information System (GIS) to carry out suitability simulation for the entire region of China—identifying six alternative regions—then uses the interactive and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to prioritize the alternative areas. Part 3 carries out further sensitivity analyses, scenario analyses, and comparative analyses to verify the dynamics and scientific nature of the site selection decision framework. Finally, this study identifies regions of high suitability for development corresponding to the six multi-industry integrations. The framework is designed to help decision stakeholders achieve precise site selection and benefit optimization for “PV +” multi-industry integration and provides a replicable planning tool for achieving industrial synergy and sustainable development in the “Desert-Gobi-Wilderness” region driven by green energy. Full article

This study focuses on the importance of sustainability in the tourism and accommodation sector in terms of energy use. Energy, which is one of the biggest cost components in accommodation facilities, not only brings a financial burden but also leads to environmental degradation through significant carbon emissions. On the other hand, as environmental awareness increases globally, the number of environmentally sensitive travellers increases and accommodations that stand out with sustainable practices and use renewable energy sources are preferred. There is a lack of comprehensive research on this subject in Northern Cyprus. This study is a preliminary study for a more comprehensive study. Due to the key role of managers in the transition to sustainable energy use in accommodation facilities, their opinions are very important in determining the situation. Therefore, the study aims to learn the evaluations of hotel managers in order to determine the status of sustainable energy practices in accommodation facilities. Our findings indicate that although hotel managers in Northern Cyprus are aware of holistic energy management, legal and infrastructural barriers significantly hinder the practical implementation of environmentally friendly energy practices. Full article

Danube River represents a critical axis of ecological and economic importance for the countries along its course. From this perspective, this paper aims to assess the most significant characteristics of the river and of its main tributaries, as well as its impact on the environmental sustainability and socio-economic development. Navigation and the economic contribution of the Danube River are the key issues of this work, emphasizing its importance as an international transport artery that facilitates trade and tourism, and develops the energy industry through hydropower plants. The study includes an analysis of the volume of goods transported from 2019 to 2023, as well as an analysis of the goods traffic in the busiest port on the Danube. Furthermore, climate change affects the hydrological regime of the Danube, as well as the ecosystems, economy, and energy security of the riparian countries. Main impacts include changes in the hydrological regime, increased frequency of droughts and floods, reduced water quality, deterioration of biodiversity, and disruption of the economic activities dependent on the river, such as navigation, agriculture, and hydropower production. Thus, hydrological risks and challenges are investigated, focusing on the extreme events of the last two decades and the awareness of their repercussions. In this context, the national and international institutions responsible for monitoring and managing the Danube are presented, and their role in promoting a sustainable river policy is explored. Methods and technologies are shown to be essential tools for monitoring and prediction studies. The Danube includes an extensive network of hydrometric stations that help to prevent and manage the most significant risks. Finally, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of the development of the hydrological studies was conducted, highlighting the potential of the river. Full article

Light pollution, most visible in large cities through the absence of star-filled night skies, has become a growing issue of concern across many disciplines. It is not just an esthetic or astronomical problem, but a complex phenomenon with widespread effects on various sectors. The scientific literature highlights several key areas impacted either directly or indirectly by light pollution: astronomy, ecology and biodiversity, the environment and climate change, human health and well-being, the ongoing energy crisis, economy, tourism, public safety and security, and finally politics. A survey was conducted to explore two main objectives. The first was to evaluate public awareness of light pollution, particularly how individuals perceive its impact across different societal sectors. The second objective was to consult lighting experts to obtain detailed insights into how severely each sector is affected by light pollution. The data collected from both the general public and lighting experts were analyzed and compared to provide a clearer picture of light pollution’s actual consequences. This dual-perspective approach aims to identify potential gaps between public perception and expert knowledge. Understanding these gaps is essential for shaping effective awareness campaigns and informing policy decisions. Ultimately, this research serves as a foundational step toward prioritizing mitigation strategies. By aligning scientific data with social understanding, stakeholders can develop targeted interventions that reduce light pollution’s negative effects while promoting sustainable lighting practices for the future. Full article

Gonghe Basin is an important frontier of resource and energy development and environmental protection on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau and upper sections of the Yellow River. As a characteristic ecotone, this area exhibits complex and diverse ecosystem types while demonstrating marked ecological vulnerability. The response of ecosystem services (ESs) to human activities (HAs) is directly related to the sustainable construction of an ecological civilization highland and the decision-making and implementation of high-quality development. However, this response relationship is unclear in the Gonghe Basin. Based on remote sensing data, land use, meteorological, soil, and digital elevation model data, the current research determined the human activity intensity (HAI) in the Gonghe Basin by reclassifying HAs and modifying the intensity coefficient. Employing the InVEST model and bivariate spatial autocorrelation methods, the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of HAI and ESs and responses of ESs to HAs in Gonghe Basin from 2000 to 2020 were quantitatively analyzed. The results demonstrate that: From 2000 to 2020, the HAI in the Gonghe Basin mainly reflected low-intensity HA, although the spatial range of HAI continued to expand. Single plantation and town construction activities exhibited high-intensity areas that spread along the northwest-southeast axis; composite activities such as tourism services and energy development showed medium-intensity areas of local growth, while the environmental supervision activity maintained a low-intensity wide-area distribution pattern. Over the past two decades, the four key ESs of water yield, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and habitat quality exhibited distinct yet interconnected characteristics. From 2000 to 2020, HAs were significantly negatively correlated with ESs in Gonghe Basin. The spatial aggregation of HAs and ESs was mainly low-high and high-low, while the aggregation of HAs and individual services differed. These findings offer valuable insights for balancing and coordinating socio-economic development with resource exploitation in Gonghe Basin. Full article

Tourism’s impact on the physical environment has been discussed for almost 50 years. Tourism components, such as transport, accommodation, and consumption of activities, consume energy. However, little is known about whether particular visitor segments consume less energy, as the general focus tends to be on tourism in its entirety. Yet, some forms of tourism generate more carbon emissions than other types. Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel presents characteristics that could make it a suitable segment for destinations to consider targeting. This conceptual research article considers VFR travel through a sustainable tourism lens. This research aimed to examine the profiles and characteristics of VFR travel to understand whether and to what extent VFR travel may be a segment that has a comparatively lower impact on the environment. As a conceptual research article, it offers a theoretical foundation for empirical studies through introducing new ideas and creating a conceptual framework. Full article

Coastal erosion poses a significant threat to small tropical island regions, where coastal tourism and infrastructure play vital economic roles. However, the processes affecting tropical beaches, particularly in Central America, remain underexplored due to a lack of data on waves and atmospheric conditions. We propose a novel approach that utilises low-cost smartphone and satellite imagery to characterise beach ecosystems, where typically expensive and technologically intensive monitoring strategies are impractical and background data are scarce. As a test of its performance under real conditions, we apply this approach to four contrasting beaches in the low-lying islands of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Panama. We employ Earth Observation data and field-based monitoring to enhance understanding of beach erosion. Optical flow tracking velocimetry (OFTV) is applied to smartphone camera footage to provide a quantitative metric of wave characteristics during the high wave energy season. These data are combined with satellite-derived shoreline change data and additional field data on beach profiles and grain size. The results reveal distinct patterns of accretion and erosion across the study sites determined by wave climate, beach morphology, and grain size. Accreting beaches are generally characterised by longer wave periods, more consistent wave velocities, and finer, positively skewed sediments indicative of swell-dominated conditions and dissipative beach profiles. Conversely, more erosive sites are associated with shorter wave periods, more variable wave velocities, coarser and better-sorted sediments, and a shorter, steeper beach profile. Seasonal erosion during the high-energy wave season (January–April) and subsequent recovery were observed at most sites. This work demonstrates how foundational data for evidence-based coastal management can be generated in remote locations that lack essential baseline data. Full article

Wine tourism has emerged as a thriving activity within the international wine sector, evolving from simple winery visits to immersive and experiential engagements. This study explores the role of wine tourism in Galicia, emphasizing its integration into the circular economy and sustainability frameworks. By analyzing visitor expectations and leveraging Galicia’s unique attributes—such as its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and renowned gastronomy—this research aims to position Galicia as a leading wine tourism destination in Spain. The study employs surveys targeting wineries, accommodation providers, and wine tourists to assess the impact of sustainable practices on economic performance and community development. Key findings indicate that activities related to renewable energy and sustainable tourism significantly enhance winery revenues, while also contributing to local economic growth and population retention in rural areas. The research concludes that a collaborative approach between public and private sectors is essential for designing a sustainable and circular economy in wine tourism, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and local communities. Full article