Search Results (284)

The sustainable management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) relies heavily on community participation in separating it at the source and delivering it to collection systems. These practices are crucial for reducing pollution, protecting ecosystems, and maximizing resource recovery. However, in the Global South context, with conditions of socioeconomic vulnerability, community participation in the sustainable management of MSW remains limited, highlighting the need to generate context-specific interventions. MSW includes items such as household appliances, batteries, and electronic devices, which require specialized handling due to their size, hazardous components, or material complexity. This study implemented a Community-Based Social Marketing approach during the research and design phases of an intervention focused on promoting source separation and management of hard-to-manage MSW in five municipalities within the administrative region of Norte de Santander (Colombia), which borders Venezuela. Using a mixed-methods approach, we collected data from 1775 individuals (63.83% women; M _age = 33.48 years; SD = 17.25), employing social mapping, focus groups, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and a survey questionnaire. The results show that the source separation and delivery of hard-to-manage MSW to collection systems are limited by a set of psychosocial, structural, and institutional barriers that interact with each other, affecting communities’ willingness and capacity for action. Furthermore, a prediction model of willingness to engage in separation and delivery behaviors showed a good fit (R2 = 0.83). The strongest predictors were awareness of the negative consequences of non-participation and perceived environmental benefits, with subjective norms contributing to a lesser extent. Based on these results, we designed a context-specific intervention focused on reducing these barriers and promoting community engagement in the sustainable management of hard-to-manage MSW. Full article

Cultural heritage in insular regions faces increasing challenges due to overtourism, seasonal economies, and insufficient protection frameworks. This study investigates the adaptive reuse of Sarakina Mansion, a deteriorated 18th-century estate on the island of Zakynthos, as a model for integrating cultural heritage preservation with sustainable tourism. The research addresses the gap in localized strategies for heritage-led development in the context of islands with overtourism. Through a qualitative case study methodology—including site analysis, archival research, and stakeholder interviews—this paper explores how abandoned cultural assets can be reactivated to foster community engagement and diversify tourism models. Two distinct SWOT analyses were conducted as follows: one at the territorial level (Zakynthos Island) and another focused on the island’s cultural heritage. The findings highlight key obstacles such as environmental degradation and policy fragmentation, but they also reveal opportunities for adaptive reuse grounded in local identity and sustainable practices. The proposed reuse scenario for Sarakina promotes partial structural stabilization and community-driven cultural programming, aiming to create a hybrid open-air cultural hub. This study contributes a replicable framework for reimagining neglected heritage assets in overtourism-affected areas, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Full article

The oil and gas industry remains vital to the global economy, yet its operations contribute significantly to environmental degradation, one of the most urgent challenges of the 21st century. This study explores the lived experiences of those directly impacted by the negative externalities of oil and gas activities, with a focus on gas flaring, oil spills, and habitat loss. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental conservation in lower-income countries remain underexplored in the existing literature. This study addresses that gap by specifically examining Nigeria’s oil and gas industry context. It examines the extent to which CSR initiatives address or intensify these environmental issues, raising the central question: to what extent do CSR efforts contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation, and how are they perceived by affected communities? Using an exploratory qualitative approach, this study draws on in-depth, face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders, including oil company staff and host community members. Data were analysed thematically through inductive coding, leading to the construction of one overarching theme: “CSR as a strategic response.” This theme emerged from three central codes—afforestation, shore protection, and environmental conservation and remediation. Findings suggest that CSR must evolve from transactional interventionist gestures to long-term ecological stewardship. Full article

The contribution of small-scale sporting events to tourism sustainable development in local communities has been well recognized in the literature. Small-scale running events in particular are essential in the promotion of sustainable tourism in the community due to their localized impact. Although research has largely focused on the demand side—including participants, spectators, and host communities—limited attention has been given to the supply side, particularly the perspectives of sport event organizers and their role in implementing sustainable practices. This study aims to address this gap and answer key research questions that concern the factors which contribute to the success of these events in relation to their economic, social, and environmental impacts through the lens of the events’ primary decision-makers, their organizers. This study employs an exploratory research method, conducting interviews with twenty-five organizers of diverse Greek running events that represent a variety of geographical contexts and event characteristics of the country, based on their long-standing presence. Findings contribute to sustainable sport tourism literature by developing a theoretical framework which encompasses the three dimensions of sustainability, highlighting inclusivity as a key component within the social dimension. Results indicate that organizers perceive their running events as having a positive economic impact and enhancing social cohesion. They are also aware of the potential environmental impact, like trail preservation, and consequently implement responsible measures to protect the environment. Organizers share a variety of specific strategies and practical suggestions aimed at improving the sustainability of running events, such as managing waste effectively or improving accessibility for diverse participants, offering transferable insights for other event planners and local authorities. This paper showcases the key role of organizers in developing partnerships to implement effective sustainable sport event practices in the destination. Full article

Understanding forest-cover change and its drivers is vital for global forest management and policy development. This study analyzed perceptions of historical drivers behind land-use/land-cover change (LULCC) and forest change in gazetted forests from 1966 to 2022 to evaluate the impact of human activities around the gazetted forest reserves, comparing three forests in Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Three gazetted forests (Doma, Risha, and Odu) were sampled to represent the three geopolitical zones of the state. SPSS IBM version 29, NVivo 1.7, and Python 3 were used for data analyses to generate statistics and identify coherent themes across the forests. Results show that changes were perceived to be triggered by sixteen drivers (direct and indirect) related to social, economic, environmental, policy/institutional, and technological elements. Agricultural expansion, lumbering, and charcoal production were the most reported direct drivers, while population growth, poverty, and government policies were the most perceived indirect drivers. The results showed variations in human activities across forest sites. For example, agricultural expansion, lumbering, and grazing were more widespread, while construction and settlement activities differed between forests. The Risha forest community saw agriculture expansion ahead of other drivers, Doma forest people saw population growth above other drivers, and the Odu forest community saw lumbering aiding other drivers that led to change. Implementation of policies focusing on these key drivers must match local perceptions and priorities to engage people in forest conservation. These efforts could ensure effective forest protection that is vital for achieving global biodiversity and climate targets and safeguarding local livelihoods. The specific drivers of changes in each forest need to be targeted in conservation efforts. Full article

Emotional difficulties are increasingly prevalent amongst young people, yet the use of AI technology for emotion regulation remains limited. This study aimed to identify young people’s attitudes toward AI technology for emotion regulation and to analyse the factors influencing their decision to use or not use AI technology. Forty participants from China, comprising twenty males and twenty females, with a mean age of twenty-five, took part in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews and were analysed using NVivo 11 software. Grounded theory techniques and a three-stage coding approach were used to categorise the data. The grounded theory model demonstrated that user behaviours are influenced by three contextual factors: personal, technological and environmental contexts. Key influencing factors for user behaviours include fulfilling utilitarian, hedonic and social value needs such as perceived usefulness, ease of use, trust, positive emotions, interest, social perception, high value, convenience and privacy protection. This study offered theoretical insights and practical recommendations for designing and developing AI technology aimed at emotion regulation in youth populations. Full article

Tea farmers in Wuyishan National Park face the dual challenges of promoting sustainable tea production while adhering to strict ecological protection policies. This study investigates the key factors influencing tea farmers’ pro-environmental behavior and the transmission mechanisms that encourage the adoption of sustainable development. Based on the theory of planned behavior, the theory of externalities, and place attachment theory, 346 valid questionnaires were collected through household interviews across 12 villages within Wuyishan National Park and its surrounding areas. The results indicate that environmental responsibility and concern for community well-being are major motivators of pro-environmental behavior. Market orientation, production intensification, and adoption of clean technologies significantly enhance environmental outcomes at the farm level. While ecological compensation policies help offset the costs of conservation, their impact is constrained by inconsistencies in standard-setting and implementation. The establishment of the national park has enhanced pro-environmental behavior among farmers within the park and influenced those in peripheral areas by strengthening place attachment and social norms. Tea farmers in the core areas of the national park exhibit higher levels of pro-environmental behavior compared to those on the periphery. This study offers several policy recommendations and contributes new insights into understanding the mechanisms behind tea farmers’ pro-environmental behavior within national park contexts, providing valuable reference for pro-environmental practices in the global protected area system. Full article

Fungal biodiversity and ethnomycological knowledge are fundamental components of the biocultural identity of communities within the La Malinche National Park (PNM), a region of ecological and cultural significance in Mexico. This study documented the diversity of wild fungi and their uses in San Miguel Canoa, Puebla, through field excursions with local mushroom gatherers, interviews, and qualitative analysis. Key species such as Russula delica, Boletus aff. edulis, and Amanita basii were identified, playing a vital role in local gastronomy with traditional recipes like mole and pipián. Intergenerational knowledge transmission, crucial for identifying edible fungi and avoiding intoxications, highlights the importance of oral tradition. However, deforestation, illegal logging, and land-use change threaten fungal diversity, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective conservation policies. The discussion highlights the interplay between biodiversity and culture, emphasizing the significance of the Wild Mushroom Fair organized by the Yolaltepetl collective as an effort to disseminate ethnomycological knowledge and promote the conservation of the PNM. Such community-driven initiatives represent a sustainable model that integrates environmental protection with cultural strengthening. The study concludes that protecting the PNM requires a holistic approach, merging ecological conservation with the recognition of biocultural knowledge. This is essential to preserve both biodiversity and cultural heritage, ensuring their sustainability for future generations. Full article

Aiming at the problems of insufficient function, cultural aphasia, and blunted perception faced by contemporary urban public space, this study explores the potential of paper-based materials in enhancing spatial quality and realizing spatial expansion effects, providing new solutions for urban renewal. Taking the sensory plasticity, visual aesthetics, cultural carrying, and ecological and environmental protection of paper materials as the entry point, we constructed a theoretical model of “paper art space expansion”. Through the design intervention strategy, we explored the application of paper art in the design of interface, space, art creation, and cultural empowerment from visual and tactile perspectives. Through course design, artist interviews, and questionnaire analysis, the study shows that (1) paper material can achieve a balance between function and aesthetics through multi-dimensional design strategies; (2) its environmental attributes and emotional healing value can effectively enhance the emotional connection between people and space; and (3) the contemporary translation of paper art provides an important path for cultural empowerment. This study forms a three-dimensional design framework of “Perception Layer-Technology Layer-Cultural Layer” and proposes a set of innovative models for the application of paper materials in contemporary art and space design, which can provide support for the expansion of space and the increase in content. Future research will focus on the transition of paper art from decoration to the design paradigm of the cultural narrative of intelligent space, deepening the value of paper material as an ecological, cultural, and technological medium, and open up a new direction for the theory and practice of spatial design. At the same time, more attention will be paid to the exploration of the possibility of sensory healing for the blind and other special populations. Full article

This study investigates the legal and planning risks related to the implementation of individual recreational buildings in environmentally valuable areas, with particular emphasis on the municipality of Bukowina Tatrzańska in southern Poland. This research highlights the consequences of a legal loophole that allows construction in protected landscapes based solely on a notification procedure, often excluding municipal authorities from the decision-making process. This analysis combines field inventory, planning document review, and interviews with local officials to assess the scale and nature of development in areas lacking valid local development plans. The findings reveal increasing investor pressure and the misuse of individual recreational buildings for commercial purposes, leading to spatial and landscape degradation. Despite formal compliance with certain legal provisions, construction often takes place in areas of high natural and scenic value, undermining spatial order. This study recommends strengthening local planning instruments, revising construction laws, and enhancing investment control to ensure sustainable land use and landscape protection. Full article

The widespread practice of deliberate human displacement for biodiversity conservation remains a contentious issue in the Anthropocene era. This study explores the ecological impacts of conservation-led resettlement (ER) in Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), a biodiverse region under significant conservation and development pressures. Although ER aims to enhance ecological integrity, the role of displacement in conservation has been understudied. Using case studies from the TAL, we examined ecological indicators in vacated settlement areas within parks and newly resettled sites outside protected zones. Data were collected through a review of secondary literature, 240 household interviews, 5 focus group discussions, 25 key informant interviews, and multiple field visits across resettlement sites. Between 1973 and 2019, TAL gained 922.52 sq. km of core protected areas (displacing over 4800 households) and dispossessed communities from 2120.12 sq. km of buffer zones, significantly expanding protected areas and upgrading conservation standards from IUCN category IV to II. This contributed to the recovery of key species such as tigers, rhinos, and elephants. However, resettlements, often located along critical biological corridors and buffer zones, led to habitat fragmentation, endangering the gene pool flow and creating isolated habitats. Results show that, in general, most ecosystem and environmental variables were perceived significantly different (p < 0.05) among resettled communities in the study area. The cultural and land-based attachments of displaced communities were overlooked. These findings highlight the risks of short-term resettlement planning, which can exacerbate pressures on critical corridors, escalate human–wildlife conflicts, and provide a clear indication of the trade-off between conservation benefits and social costs. Full article

Background: Mapping policies, strategies, and legislations related to disease prevention in Jordan is pivotal for strengthening the country’s public health infrastructure. The aims of our study were to identify, review, and map the existing national policies, strategies, and legislations related to the One Health approach to zoonoses, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), and climate change in Jordan. Additionally, we identified the key strengths and major gaps and uncovered opportunities for enhancement. The current paper reports a part of a nationwide project which was jointly executed in 2023 by the Jordan Center for Disease Control and the Health Care Accreditation Council. Methods: A multimethod approach was employed, including a comprehensive desk review of any existing policies, strategies, and legislations, along with key informant interviews involving key stakeholders. The combination of the desk review and key informant interviews allowed for a more nuanced understanding of the gaps, strengths, and challenges in Jordan’s approach to One Health, AMS, and climate change adaptation. By triangulating the findings from both methods, the study was able to cross-validate its results and ensure greater reliability and accuracy in its conclusions. Results: Our analyses revealed that Jordan has made notable progress in integrating the One Health approach within its regulatory framework, particularly in managing zoonotic diseases, AMS, and climate change. Nevertheless, there is a need for more explicit and effective intersectoral coordination. While the country’s AMS initiatives are supported by a national action plan, they are limited by inadequate public awareness, veterinary regulations, and monitoring systems. Moreover, Jordan’s climate change strategies, aligned with broader sustainability goals and integrated into national frameworks like the environmental protection law, are constrained by a lack of emergency preparedness and multisectoral collaboration. The SWOT analysis highlighted strengths, including robust legal structures and international collaborations, while identifying gaps in enforcement and the need for updated guidelines. Opportunities exist to enhance the reporting mechanisms, public awareness, and international partnerships. Conclusions: Jordan’s integration of the One Health approach to zoonotic diseases, AMS, and climate change adaptation into its disease prevention policies is commendable and aligns with global health priorities. To further enhance these initiatives, Jordan could benefit from updating its public health law and the relevant guidelines and policies, strengthening and structuring public awareness campaigns, and developing detailed climate change adaptation strategies. Full article

In the context of sustainable development, the behavior of reducing pesticide use in the agricultural sector is crucial for environmental protection and ecological balance. However, there are two divergent views on whether digital agricultural technology extension can promote farmers’ behavior in reducing pesticide use: one is supportive, and the other is doubtful. Based on interviews with 20 typical wheat growers in Henan, this paper re-examines this issue. The results show that the extension of digital agricultural technology has no significant impact on the pesticide reduction behavior of wheat growers. This paper further employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore the mechanisms influencing pesticide reduction behavior among wheat growers. The findings indicate that digital agricultural technology extension can only enhance growers’ ecological value cognition, but the ecological value cognition of pesticide reduction does not significantly promote the pesticide reduction behavior of wheat growers. Instead, rational economic value cognition plays a dominant role in promoting this behavior, with resource endowment serving as a supplementary factor. Therefore, this paper suggests integrating the characteristics of farmers’ resource endowment, fully leveraging the productive functions of digital agricultural technology extension, and focusing on enhancing farmers’ rational economic value cognition of pesticide reduction to further promote the application of pesticide reduction among farmers and provide strong support for sustainable agricultural development. Full article

Seagrass ecosystems provide essential ecological services and are increasingly recognized for their potential as sustainable building insulation. While prior studies have examined seagrass insulation in temperate climates, its suitability for tropical construction remains largely unexplored. This study assesses the insulation performance, practical challenges, and adoption barriers of seagrass insulation in tropical climates, using building physics simulations and structured expert interviews, with case studies in Seychelles and Auroville, India. Simulation results indicate that seagrass insulation with its high specific heat capacity effectively reduces overheating risks and demonstrates consistently low mould-growth potential under persistently humid tropical conditions. Despite these technical advantages, expert interviews reveal significant non-technical barriers, including negative public perception, regulatory uncertainties, and logistical complexities. Seychelles faces particular hurdles such as limited coastal storage capacity and stringent environmental regulations. In contrast, Auroville emerges as an ideal demonstration site due to its strong sustainability culture and openness to innovative building materials. The study further identifies that integrating seagrass insulation into a structured, regulated supply chain—from sustainable harvesting and processing to quality assurance—could simultaneously enhance ecosystem conservation and material availability. Implementing a harvesting framework analogous to sustainable forestry could ensure environmental protection alongside supply stability. The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted awareness initiatives, regulatory alignment, and economic feasibility assessments to overcome barriers and enable wider adoption. Overall, this research highlights seagrass insulation as a promising, climate-positive construction material with strong potential under tropical conditions, provided that identified logistical, societal, and regulatory challenges are addressed through dedicated research, stakeholder collaboration, and practical pilot projects. Full article

The style and overall urban texture of historic districts embody rich social and cultural values. Therefore, how to make relevant environmental elements effectively perceived visually has become the key to protecting and displaying historic streets. Based on this, the non-subjective eye movement data and subjective impression of the subject were collected through an eye-tracking experiment and semi-structured interview. ErgoLAB was used to generate eye-tracking metrics and heat maps based on eye movement data, and ROST-CM6 software was used to generate word frequency and emotional degree data for interview text. Through comparative analysis, it is found that the subjective and objective evaluation indexes of the subjects tend to be consistent in general, but the visual behavior characteristics of different environmental elements’ types are different. The greater the variety of elements involved in visual perception, the longer the time required for participants to identify the relevant elements. The extent of element distribution also influenced differences in visual perception. Additionally, visual perceptions from partial elevation views and overall human perspective angles were largely similar, with distinctive elements attracting more interest. This study has an exploratory nature, and its findings contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the visual quality of historic districts. Full article