Search Results (4,834)

The sustainable development of forest ecotourism relies on the effective stimulation of tourists’ environmentally responsible behavior, and the intervention of participatory art and aesthetics provides a new driving force for this process. Taking Xiqiaoshan National Forest Park (Nanhai Land Art Festival) as a case study, we propose an extended stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) theoretical framework to reveal the psychological perception and transmission mechanism of participatory art and aesthetic experience in empowering the sustainable development of ecotourism. We used a hybrid approach combining PLS-SEM and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to analyze survey data from 596 Chinese tourists. The study found that sensory impressions driven by art and aesthetics significantly and positively influence tourists’ natural connections, perceived value, and ecotourism attitudes. These three constructs function as significant parallel mediators between sensory impressions and environmentally responsible behavior, while chain mediation effects are statistically significant but of small magnitude. The new environmental paradigm (NEP), conceptualized as an individual trait boundary condition, exhibits a significant negative moderating effect on the relationship between sensory impressions and connectedness to nature. ANN sensitivity analysis further complements the findings by demonstrating the prominent nonlinear predictive role of ecotourism attitudes in behavioral transformation. This study extends the application boundaries of the S-O-R theory to art-integrated ecotourism research, clarifies the internalization process of tourist experiences from sensory perception to behavioral enactment, and provides empirical evidence for forest tourism managers to optimize experience design and implement differentiated guidance strategies. Full article

Hatay experienced severe spatial, economic, and social losses following the earthquakes on 6 and 20 February 2023. Beyond the scale of physical destruction, the post-disaster period has brought deep transformations in everyday life, access to services, and the governance of space. This study examines the reconstruction process in Hatay from a perspective of just recovery and evaluates how the discourses of justice highlighted in policy documents are reflected in planning practice. Furthermore, the study offers empirical contributions on how justice is produced through spatial planning tools such as reserve area decisions, rubble management, expropriations, and access to services. Within the scope of the research, post-disaster policy documents, municipal reports, and media content were examined using qualitative content analysis, and the findings were supported by field-based spatial observations. The analyses show that, although the discourse of participation is frequently emphasized, it remains limited in decision-making processes; and issues related to the needs of vulnerable groups and equal access to services are more weakly represented. Spatial examples highlight the gap between normative discourses and practice through reserve area decisions, debris dumping management, and environmental risks. Overall, the study reveals that the principles of just recovery have been only partially implemented in the reconstruction process in Hatay, and that, for long-term resilience, participation, spatial equality, and the recognition of diverse lifestyles need to be strengthened at the institutional level. Full article

Historic urban districts are increasingly exposed to rapid urban transformation, resulting in the deterioration of heritage fabric, weakening of spatial identity, and disruption of everyday patterns of use. Although participatory approaches are increasingly recognised in heritage-led regeneration, many applications remain limited by the lack of analytical mechanisms capable of connecting community perspectives with spatial and behavioural evidence in a structured and practical manner. This study develops and applies a participatory decision-support approach based on the People–Place–Behaviour (PPB) framework within the historic district of El-Mokhtalat in Mansoura, Egypt. The study combines spatial documentation, behavioural observation, and stakeholder consultation to examine how everyday urban practices, adaptive reuse, informal interventions, and local perceptions collectively influence regeneration priorities within the historic environment. The findings indicate that regeneration priorities emerge through the interaction between spatial conditions, community perceptions, and behavioural patterns rather than through isolated physical conditions alone. Based on stakeholder consultations (n = 30), the analysis identifies a prioritisation gradient in which architectural conservation and environmental enhancement represent the most immediate intervention priorities, while adaptive reuse and public-space improvements remain dependent on contextual compatibility and local acceptance. The study also demonstrates the analytical value of behavioural evidence in revealing recurring spatial pressures, identity-related transformations, and everyday interaction patterns affecting the continuity of the historic urban fabric. By integrating participatory, spatial, and behavioural evidence within a unified evaluation process, the study proposes a context-sensitive analytical approach capable of supporting more informed and locally responsive heritage-led regeneration strategies. Full article

Introduction: AQUArestore is a three-year project focused on promoting adaptive ecological restoration strategies for river ecosystems in the vulnerable cross-border region of Portugal. The project responds to pressing environmental challenges across the territory, including severe habitat degradation, climate vulnerability, declining water security, and biodiversity loss, with particular concern for freshwater fish communities, making river restoration essential to preserve native species and freshwater ecosystem services. Objective: The project aims to develop a replicable framework for restoration of Mediterranean transboundary riverine habitats, supporting the objectives of the EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL, Regulation 2024/1991). The consortium AQUArestore will develop (1) robust restoration indicators, (2) implement living labs for restoration experimentation, and (3) establish capacity-building and training programs for technicians and citizens. Methodology: The project kick-off meeting was used to operationalize project tasks, detail the implementation calendar and milestones, and clarify responsibilities of each project member and partner institutions within the different work tasks. The meeting gathered consortium members from the coordinating institution CEF-ISA (researchers at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia) and partners WWF Portugal (an environmental NGO) and Mushmore Cooperative, each one contributing according to their respective expertise and institutional objectives. Results: The AQUArestore project kick-off meeting took place in January 2026 at ISA, Lisbon, and included a presentation of the NRL and a detailed discussion of project task development. In detail, the activities will begin with the compilation of information on previously restored sites (Task 1). This will support the development and validation of environmental and biodiversity indicators of restoration outcomes, including those linked to freshwater fish assemblages and riparian vegetation (Task 2). The project will then establish two living labs as platforms to test nature-based solutions in collaboration with stakeholders and local communities (Task 3). In parallel, AQUArestore will strengthen technical capacity through training for practitioners and public authorities (Task 4). Finally, dissemination will be supported through citizen science, communication activities, and stakeholder engagement, fostering a broader impact (Task 5). Together, these tasks provide an integrated, science-based, and participatory framework aiming to support adaptive river restoration under climate and environmental changes. Conclusions: By integrating ecological restoration, biodiversity and environmental monitoring, and stakeholder engagement, AQUArestore is expected to contribute to the recovery of Mediterranean freshwater ecosystems and improve habitat quality and connectivity for native fish communities, enhancing resilience to climate change and other anthropogenic pressures. Full article

Background/Objectives: The trainer–doctor model (TDM) is a participatory paradigm in which the physician acts as a mentor and educator. Effective health communication and patient engagement are key determinants of treatment adherence and health outcomes. Based on this conceptual framework, the present study aimed to assess preferences for the Trainer–Doctor Model among dental practitioners and patients, examine the influence of demographic variables, and provide a preliminary psychometric evaluation of the TDM questionnaire in accordance with the COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments) criteria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Romania between May 2023 and April 2024. The study included dental practitioners recruited during scientific dental conferences and patients recruited from a private dental practice in Alba Iulia, Romania. Eligible participants were adults aged 18 years or older who provided written informed consent and completed the data protection requirements. Individuals younger than 18 years of age or those who did not provide complete informed consent were excluded. Participants completed a 12-item Likert-type questionnaire assessing preferences toward the Trainer–Doctor Model. Results: Both groups showed high TDM preference (practitioners: 43.93 ± 5.56; patients: 44.77 ± 4.84; p = 0.195); 71–76% of responses were high-preference (≥4). Cronbach’s α with reverse-scored items was 0.752/0.651. EFA (KMO = 0.740; Bartlett’s p < 0.001) identified a 3-factor structure, explaining 51.3% of the variance. Patients scored significantly higher on items A (p = 0.002), B (p = 0.022), and F (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Both groups demonstrate a strong, consistent preference for TDM across demographics. The preliminary psychometric evaluation indicates acceptable internal consistency and structural validity; however, further validation, including Delphi-based content validation and confirmatory factor analysis, is required. Full article

Recreational fisheries are one of the most widespread forms of inland water use in developed countries, and they are increasingly being interpreted as a social–ecological system that integrates ecosystems, users, and governance structures. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived status of fish resources, the effectiveness of the management system, and the obstacles to developing recreational fisheries in Poland. The evaluation was based on a nationwide survey (CAWI, N = 1574). The results indicate a critical perception of both resource conditions and management performance. Institutional barriers were identified as the most significant. While environmental factors remain significant, their role should be interpreted within the broader context of governance effectiveness. The structure of motivations confirms the dominance of recreational and environmental functions over utilitarian and economic ones, highlighting the growing importance of cultural ecosystem services. The findings reveal a discrepancy between the evolving recreational aspects of angling and the existing management system, indicating an institutional mismatch that poses a significant challenge to sustainable water resource management. These findings align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to water quality and ecosystem protection. While the study focuses on Poland, the identified challenges are not unique and are relevant to many countries undergoing similar transformations. The results emphasize the need for more integrated, adaptive, and participatory governance models. Full article

This work presents the optimization of installation sites for sustainable urban drainage (SUD) installations to attenuate flooding in urban drainage systems. The algorithm used in the analysis is a multi-objective genetic algorithm, in which three objectives are considered: the total cost of SUD installations, to be minimized; the total flooding volume, to be minimized; and a third novel function to consider satisfaction with the community’s call for action, obtained by means of participatory mapping, to be maximized. The innovative methodology is applied and tested in a case study of the Sampierdarena district in Genoa, northern Italy. Full article

The Active Music Programme (MAP) is an interdisciplinary initiative designed to foster inclusion, communication, and emotional well-being through participatory music-making. Integrating active music education, guided improvisation, and creative interaction, MAP seeks to enhance quality of life for individuals with diverse abilities. This pilot project, implemented in a special education centre with adolescents and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), combines weekly collaborative sessions led by music and education professionals. Using a qualitative, participatory framework, the study aims to examine how musical engagement is expected to support shared attention, emotional regulation, and social connection, positioning MAP as a replicable model for inclusive education and community practice. Full article

Education plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene. Schools are therefore called upon to empower students to actively participate in sustainable social and ecological transformation. Building on the pedagogical concept of “Bildsamkeit” (malleability), which emphasizes the openness of human development in relational contexts, this paper examines how education for sustainable development (ESD) can promote transformative learning and sustainable action. A conceptual triad of knowledge and strategies, transformative learning processes, and action is presented as a framework for designing learning environments that support the sustainable development of students’ potential. We argue that transformative learning involves critical reflection on existing structures of meaning, leading to lasting changes in perspective, self-understanding, and capacity for action. Sustainable entrepreneurship education, particularly through the design thinking concept, is presented as an effective pedagogical approach to enabling such transformative experiences. The “Start-up Schools: Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Schools” project, which is being implemented in German schools, serves as a clear example. Initial insights into student portfolios suggest that this project could foster experiences of self-efficacy, critical thinking, and ethical awareness in the context of sustainability challenges. These exemplary excerpts suggest that learner-centered, participatory, and action-oriented educational formats can promote individual potential and support social change. To achieve this, a conscious departure from established teaching and learning scenarios would be helpful, a concept that can also be described as “exnovation.” This paper seeks to demonstrate that integrating sustainable entrepreneurship into school education could be a promising way to foster the transformative skills necessary for shaping a sustainable future. Full article

The study aimed to analyze how peasant economies in the municipality of Caicedonia recognize, classify, and manage functional biodiversity associated with coffee, plantain, and orange production systems to propose a contextualized framework for species accounting and ecological cost assessment within the coffee ecosystem. A qualitative interpretive approach with exploratory quantitative support was adopted through an exploratory descriptive design and participatory action research methodology. The study integrated 21 semi structured interviews conducted with producers managing approximately 61 associated crop units distributed across diversified farming systems. Data collection included field visits, direct observation, participatory species identification exercises, and thematic interviews focused on ecological functions, agricultural practices, biodiversity management, and perceived environmental impacts. The methodological framework additionally incorporated thematic coding, functional species classification, ecological cost identification, process and strategy mapping, descriptive frequency analysis, and multiple correspondence analysis to explore relationships among crop systems, species, ecological functions, management practices, and environmental pressures. The findings indicate that producers develop consistent empirical classifications regarding pests, pollinators, biological control organisms, and ecological indicators while recognizing cumulative ecological impacts associated with intensive agricultural practices. Quantitative exploration analysis revealed differentiated ecological configurations according to crop system and biodiversity management dynamics, supporting contextualized biodiversity accounting for sustainable agronomic decision making. Full article

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly important in rural revitalization, building consensus among multiple stakeholders and developing participatory digital co-creation platforms has grown increasingly urgent. However, existing large language model (LLM) systems predominantly adopt a one-shot generation paradigm, making it challenging to accurately capture villagers’ cultural aspirations and frequently resulting in a significant disconnect between design outputs and community expectations. This situation reveals deficiencies in progressive deliberation mechanisms and cultural controllability. To address these issues, this study proposes a multimodal Participatory Landscape Demand Generation (PLDG) system to enhance AI-generated dialogue controllability, facilitate effective cultural translation in sensitive rural contexts, and promote sustainable development where landscape design both drives and reflects rural revitalization. The system leverages LLMs to simulate stakeholder participatory interactions in village landscape design scenarios. Using culturally distinctive Chinese villages as case studies, the research conducts multi-role simulated dialogues, multimodal semantic extraction, and iterative consensus-building, and evaluates the resultant data to generate landscape design proposals. The results indicate that the PLDG system significantly improves participation efficiency among diverse design stakeholders and enhances the sustainability of design decisions. Compared to conventional methods, metrics such as cultural compatibility, villager participation, and design innovation show substantial improvements. These findings demonstrate the considerable potential of human-AI collaboration in future rural planning. This study introduces the Culture Constraint-Driven Rural Landscape AI Collaborative Design Framework (PLDG), validating its practical efficacy in identifying culturally sensitive elements, ensuring cultural congruence, facilitating community participation, and fostering design innovation. Consequently, it provides a reusable, iterative operational tool for the digital renewal of sustainable rural landscapes. Full article

This study addresses the critical challenge of food waste in the hospitality sector, directly contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3. We conducted an intervention at a community-based culinary innovation center involving 18 participants. The research integrated the Collaborative System Model (CSM)—a framework that facilitates multi-stakeholder co-creation through knowledge interaction and feedback loops—into a Participatory Design (PD) process. Results demonstrated that the intervention reduced fruit waste mass by 72% per session and increased byproduct reuse rates from 15% to 68%. Sensory evaluations confirmed that these waste-reduction practices did not compromise product quality (p > 0.05). This approach provides a behavior-anchored unit process for pre-consumer waste reporting. Full article

The social–ecological nexus (SEN) offers a framework to capture the complex and dynamic interactions and interdependencies between human communities and the natural systems that support them. This study analyzed the SENs within a village tank cascade system (VTCS), a social–ecological system (SES) located in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The study adopted a participatory approach, combining fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) to determine key SES properties of the VTCS. The FCM process identified 49 nodes (elements) and 434 edges (connections) within the study landscape that contribute to system performance. Network graphs were generated using centrality metrics—degree, betweenness, and eigenvector centrality—to identify the most influential nodes and edges contributing to system sustainability and productivity. The study identified nine nodes as the most influential elements in the SEN which are critical for balancing trade-offs between sustainability and productivity in the VTCS. Three distinct clusters of elements influencing sustainability and productivity emerged from the SEN graph: (i) ecological cluster, (ii) social–ecological cluster, and (iii) social cluster. Understanding the role of SES elements and their positions in the SEN is crucial for identifying gaps within the system and informing tailored management interventions. These findings offer a theoretical basis for optimizing sustainability strategies aimed at enhancing the overall productivity and resilience of SES. Consequently, this approach exposes the complexities of the SEN, making it widely applicable to similar SESs globally. Full article

This article argues that journalism plays a structurally significant role in accountability within contemporary democratic governance and therefore warrants constitutional protection beyond traditional press-freedom guarantees. It develops the concept of the Quarta Politica as a constitutional order composed of four branches of democratic governance: legislative, executive, judicial, and ombudsman power. Within this framework, the Ombudsman Council constitutes the Fourth Branch of Power and safeguards the informational, participatory, deliberative, and corrective conditions necessary for democratic legitimacy. The article conceptualizes journalism not as a privileged profession or sovereign authority but as part of the informational infrastructure through which democratic systems monitor and contest the exercise of power. Particular attention is given to a Chamber for the Protection of Journalistic Independence within the Ombudsman Council, designed to protect editorial independence, media pluralism, and informational accountability. The analysis further examines how digital transformation, platform dominance, algorithmic amplification, ownership concentration, and fragmented communication environments undermine the institutional conditions necessary for independent journalism. Situating the framework within theories of horizontal accountability, monitory democracy, and digital constitutionalism, the article concludes that safeguarding the informational foundations of democratic accountability has become a central constitutional challenge of contemporary governance. Full article

Achieving carbon-neutral cities requires innovative strategies that integrate technological carbon capture, sustainable urban infrastructure, and proactive public engagement. While microalgae-based systems have shown promise for CO₂ sequestration and resource recovery, their scalability remains constrained by high costs and energy-intensive photobioreactor (PBR) designs. Here, we propose the retrofit of existing urban fountains into high-efficiency microalgae cultivation systems—microalgae-enhanced fountain landscapes—as an integrated solution that bridges ecological function and social outreach. This approach capitalizes on ubiquitous fountain infrastructure to minimize deployment costs, employs advanced fountain-style cultivation technology to enhance biomass productivity, and leverages strategic locations in high-footfall urban zones to actively elevate public carbon literacy and motivate low-carbon behavioral shifts through immersive engagement—a vital step toward city-wide participatory climate action. We critically analyze the feasibility of this system, highlighting its potential for multi-stakeholder value creation across developers, municipalities, and citizens. Furthermore, we synthesize recent advances in suspended microalgae cultivation, building-integrated PBRs, and microalgae-informed landscape design to contextualize the development pathway of fountain-based systems. By uniting technical efficiency with civic education, this work establishes a replicable framework for scalable urban deployment—simultaneously advancing carbon mitigation, public awareness, and circular resource flows in the transition toward climate-resilient cities. Full article