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    How Himalayan communities are changing cultivation practices in the context of climate change
    Ashma SUBEDI, Nani RAUT, Smriti GURUNG
    Regional Sustainability    2023, 4 (4): 378-389.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2023.11.001
    Abstract89)   HTML10)    PDF (643KB)(29)       Save

    Climate change can have significant impacts on crop yields and food security. This study assessed the linkages between climate change and crop yields to obtain a better understanding on the drivers of food security. The study was conducted in Pasagaun village of Lamjung District in Nepal, where household surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect data including crop cultivation, irrigation facilities, and adaptation strategies. Moreover, climate data (temperature and precipitation) from 1992 to 2020 were collected from the Khudi Bazar meteorological station and crop yield data were obtained from the Agri-Business Promotion and Statistics Division. Trend analysis of temperature and precipitation was conducted using Mann-Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope method, and the results showed an increase in the average temperature of approximately 0.02°C/a and a decrease in the annual precipitation of 9.84 mm/a. The cultivation of traditional varieties of rice and foxtail millet (Kaguno) has vanished. Although, there was no significant impact of the maximum temperature on the yield of rice and maize, the regression analysis revealed that there are negative relationships between rice yield and annual minimum temperature (r= -0.44), between millet yield and annual precipitation (r= -0.30), and between maize yield and annual minimum temperature (r= -0.31), as well as positive relationship between rice yield and annual precipitation (r=0.16). Moreover, average rice yield and millet yield have decreased by 27.0% and 57.0% in 2000-2020, respectively. Despite other reasons for the decrease in crop yield such as the lack of irrigation facilities, out-migration of farmer, and increased pest infestation, respondents have adopted adaptation strategies (for example, shifts in cultivation time and changes in crop types) to minimize the impacts of climate change. More investigation and community-based farming education are needed to understand and alleviate the harmful impacts of climate change on crop yield, as effective adaptation coping strategies are still insufficient. This study provides insights into the adaptation strategies that are necessary to keep food security in the face of climate change.

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    Economic complexity and environmental sustainability in eastern European economies: Evidence from novel Fourier approach
    Dervis KIRIKKALELI, Emrah SOFUOĞLU, Kashif Raza ABBASI, Kwaku ADDAI
    Regional Sustainability    2023, 4 (4): 349-358.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2023.08.003
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    Globally, economies have become complex and new technologies have transformed and facilitated the modernization of economies. In the previous literature, economic complexity approach has become one of the popular tools in the development and innovation studies of economic geography. Researchers have found that green technology and eco-innovation approaches should be used to decisively reduce the effects of carbon emissions on the environment. However, debates about the impact of economic complexity on environment remain unsettled since some emerging production technologies have far-reaching pollution effects. This study explored the impacts of economic complexity on environmental sustainability in Turkey using the novel Fourier-based approaches, namely: Fourier Augmented Dickey-Fuller (FADF) and Fourier Autoregressive-Distributed Lag (FARDL) models. The Fourier-based approaches indicated that all variables (economic complexity index (ECI), GDP, energy consumption, and CO2 emission (CO2E)) are cointegrated in the long run. Additionally, the FARDL model implied that (i) in the long run, the effect of ECI (as a proxy for economic complexity), GDP (as a proxy for economic growth), and energy consumption on CO2E (as a proxy for environmental quality) are important; (ii) economic complexity decreases environmental degradation in Turkey; and (iii) economic growth and energy consumption negatively affect environmental quality. The results also showed that economic complexity could be used as a policy tool to tackle environmental degradation. The findings also revealed that the fossil fuel-based economy will continue to expand and undermine Turkey’s efforts to meet its net zero emission target by 2053. Therefore, policy-makers should take actions and establish diversified economic, environmental, and energy strategies. For policy insights, the Turkish governments can use the combination of tax exemptions and technical support systems to support knowledge creation and the diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies The governments can also impose strict environmental regulations on the knowledge development phases.

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    Association between people’s attitudes towards human-elephant conflict and their locational, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics in Buxa Tiger Reserve and its adjoining area, India
    Chiranjib NAD, Tamal BASU-ROY
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (1): 100109-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.03.003
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    “Human-elephant conflict (HEC)”, the alarming issue, in present day context has attracted the attention of environmentalists and policy makers. The rising conflict between human beings and wild elephants is common in Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) and its adjoining area in West Bengal State, India, making the area volatile. People’s attitudes towards elephant conservation activity are very crucial to get rid of HEC, because people’s proximity with wild elephants’ habitat can trigger the occurrence of HEC. The aim of this study is to conduct an in-depth investigation about the association of people’s attitudes towards HEC with their locational, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics in BTR and its adjoining area by using Pearson’s bivariate chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. BTR is one of the constituent parts of Eastern Doors Elephant Reserve (EDER). We interviewed 500 respondents to understand their perceptions to HEC and investigated their locational, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics including location of village, gender, age, ethnicity, religion, caste, poverty level, education level, primary occupation, secondary occupation, household type, and source of firewood. The results indicate that respondents who are living in enclave forest villages (EFVs), peripheral forest villages (PFVs), corridor village (CVs), or forest and corridor villages (FCVs), mainly males, at the age of 18-48 years old, engaged with agriculture occupation, and living in kancha and mixed houses, have more likelihood to witness HEC. Besides, respondents who are illiterate or at primary education level are more likely to regard elephant as a main problematic animal around their villages and refuse to participate in elephant conservation activity. For the sake of a sustainable environment for both human beings and wildlife, people’s attitudes towards elephants must be friendly in a more prudent way, so that the two communities can live in harmony.

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    Exploring well-being disparities between urban and rural areas: A case study in the Stavropol Territory, Russia
    Anastasia CHAPLITSKAYA, Wim HEIJMAN, Johan van OPHEM
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (1): 100114-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100114
    Abstract75)   HTML12)    PDF (349KB)(22)       Save

    Rural areas are crucial for a country’s sustainable economy. New strategies are needed to develop rural areas to improve the well-being of rural population and generate new job opportunities. This is especially important in countries where agricultural production accounts for a significant share of the gross product, such as Russia. In this study, we identified the key indicators of satisfaction and differences between rural and urban citizens based on their social, economic, and environmental backgrounds, and determined whether there are well-being disparities between rural and urban areas in the Stavropol Territory, Russia. We collected primary data through a survey based on the European Social Survey framework to investigate the potential differences between rural and urban areas. By computing the regional well-being index using principal component analysis, we found that there was no statistically significant difference in well-being between rural and urban areas. Results of key indicators showed that rural residents felt psychologically more comfortable and safer, assessed their family relationships better, and adhered more to traditions and customs. However, urban residents showed better economic and social conditions (e.g., infrastructures, medical care, education, and Internet access). The results of this study imply that we can better understand the local needs, advantages, and unique qualities, thereby gaining insight into the effectiveness of government programs. Policy-makers and local authorities can consider targeted interventions based on the findings of this study and strive to enhance the well-being of both urban and rural residents.

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    Spatial differences of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among counties (cities) on the northern slope of the Kunlun Mountains
    WANG Tao, ZHOU Daojing, FAN Jie
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (1): 100108-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.03.002
    Abstract73)   HTML26)    PDF (879KB)(61)       Save

    The county (city) located on the northern slope of the Kunlun Mountains is the primary area to solidify and extend the success of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China in poverty alleviation. Its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are intertwined with the concerted economic and social development of Xinjiang and the objective of achieving shared prosperity within the region. This study established a sustainable development evaluation framework by selecting 15 SDGs and 20 secondary indicators from the United Nations’ SDGs. The aim of this study is to quantitatively assess the progress of SDGs at the county (city) level on the northern slope of the Kunlun Mountains. The results indicate that there are substantial variations in the scores of SDGs among the nine counties and one city located on the northern slope of the Kunlun Mountains. Notable high scores of SDGs are observed in the central and eastern regions, whereas lower scores are prevalent in the western areas. The scores of SDGs, in descending order, are as follows: 62.22 for Minfeng County, 54.22 for Hotan City, 50.21 for Qiemo County, 42.54 for Moyu County, 41.56 for Ruoqiang County, 41.39 for Qira County, 39.86 for Lop County, 38.25 for Yutian County, 38.10 for Pishan County, and 36.87 for Hotan County. The performances of SDGs reveal that Hotan City, Lop County, Minfeng County, and Ruoqiang County have significant sustainable development capacity because they have three or more SDGs ranked as green color. However, Hotan County, Moyu County, Qira County, and Yutian County show the poorest performance, as they lack SDGs with green color. It is important to establish and enhance mechanisms that can ensure sustained income growth among poverty alleviation beneficiaries, sustained improvement in the capacity of rural governance, and the gradual improvement of social security system. These measures will facilitate the effective implementation of SDGs. Finally, this study offers a valuable support for governmental authorities and relevant departments in their decision-making processes. In addition, these results hold significant reference value for assessing SDGs at the county (city) level, particularly in areas characterized by low levels of economic development.

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    Rural sustainable development: A case study of the Zaozhuang Innovation Demonstration Zone in China
    LIU Binsheng, ZHANG Xiaohui, TIAN Junfeng, CAO Ruimin, SUN Xinzhang, XUE Bin
    Regional Sustainability    2023, 4 (4): 390-404.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2023.11.004
    Abstract71)   HTML11)    PDF (1263KB)(20)       Save

    Sustainable development is the central theme of modern global development. With the arrival of the urban era, the vulnerability and instability of rural areas have significantly increased, and rural sustainable development faces serious challenges. To address these issues, the study took the Zaozhuang Innovation Demonstration Zone in China under the National Sustainable Development Agenda as a case, combined with economic, social and land use data during 2016-2020, and applied Granger causality test method to explore the theoretical and practical pathways of “innovation-driven rural sustainable development”. The results showed that rural sustainable development and economic sustainability displayed a trend of synergistic change, with “explosive” growth from 2018 to 2020. The social sustainability steadily increased from 2016 to 2020. Ecological and spatial sustainability continuously declined during the study period. Moreover, the rural innovation capacity of the Zaozhuang Innovation Demonstration Zone displayed rapid growth during 2016-2020. Although the rural innovation capacity of the Zaozhuang Innovation Demonstration Zone has rapidly improved, it has a weak driving effect on rural sustainable development and economic sustainability. There are two primary challenges that must be overcome to ensure the rural sustainable development of the Zaozhuang Innovation Demonstration Zone. The first challenge is the imbalance among the multi-dimensional relationships in the process of rural sustainable development, and the second challenge is the weakening of rural innovation capacity to drive rural sustainable development. To overcome these challenges, this study proposed a systematic pathway for rural sustainable development in the Zaozhuang Innovation Demonstration Zone from multi-dimensions, such as policy actions, technologies, projects, and institutional guarantees, and formed a universal and representative “Zaozhuang model”. This study expands the theoretical foundation of rural sustainable development and provides theoretical and practical support for innovation-driven rural sustainable development.

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    Assessment of soil erosion in the Irga watershed on the eastern edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, India
    Ratan PAL, Buddhadev HEMBRAM, Narayan Chandra JANA
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (1): 100112-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.03.006
    Abstract70)   HTML12)    PDF (3410KB)(23)       Save

    Human activities to improve the quality of life have accelerated the natural rate of soil erosion. In turn, these natural disasters have taken a great impact on humans. Human activities, particularly the conversion of vegetated land into agricultural land and built-up area, stand out as primary contributors to soil erosion. The present study investigated the risk of soil erosion in the Irga watershed located on the eastern fringe of the Chota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand, India, which is dominated by sandy loam and sandy clay loam soil with low soil organic carbon (SOC) content. The study used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Geographical Information System (GIS) technique to determine the rate of soil erosion. The five parameters (rainfall-runoff erosivity (R) factor, soil erodibility (K) factor, slope length and steepness (LS) factor, cover-management (C) factor, and support practice (P) factor) of the RUSLE were applied to present a more accurate distribution characteristic of soil erosion in the Irga watershed. The result shows that the R factor is positively correlated with rainfall and follows the same distribution pattern as the rainfall. The K factor values in the northern part of the study area are relatively low, while they are relatively high in the southern part. The mean value of the LS factor is 2.74, which is low due to the flat terrain of the Irga watershed. There is a negative linear correlation between Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the C factor, and the high values of the C factor are observed in places with low NDVI. The mean value of the P factor is 0.210, with a range from 0.000 to 1.000. After calculating all parameters, we obtained the average soil erosion rate of 1.43 t/(hm2•a), with the highest rate reaching as high as 32.71 t/(hm2•a). Therefore, the study area faces a low risk of soil erosion. However, preventative measures are essential to avoid future damage to productive and constructive activities caused by soil erosion. This study also identifies the spatial distribution of soil erosion rate, which will help policy-makers to implement targeted soil erosion control measures.

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    Toward a sustainable future: Examining the interconnectedness among Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), urbanization, trade openness, economic growth, and energy usage in Australia
    Liton Chandra VOUMIK, Md. Hasanur RAHMAN, Md. Maznur RAHMAN, Mohammad RIDWAN, Salma AKTER, Asif RAIHAN
    Regional Sustainability    2023, 4 (4): 405-415.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2023.11.003
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    The energy demand in Australia is increasing with the industrialization and rapid economic growth. This study analyzed the relationships among the economic growth, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), trade openness, urbanization, and energy usage in Australia based on the data from World Development Indicators (WDI) from 1972 to 2021. The results indicates that there is a cointegration among economic growth, FDI, trade openness, urbanization, and energy usage, which was traced through the autoregressive-distributed lag (ARDL). The Zivot-Andrews unit root test reveals that energy usage, economic growth, FDI, urbanization, and trade openness show significant structural breaks in 1993, 1996, 1982, 2008, and 1994, respectively. The ARDL model shows that economic growth has a positive and significant effect on energy usage in the long-run (0.814) and short-run (0.809). Moreover, the results also show that FDI (0.028) and trade openness (0.043) have positive impacts on energy usage in the long-run. However, urbanization shows a negative and significant influence on energy usage in the long-run (-0.965). Then, the research demonstrates a unidirectional causation between energy usage and trade openness, with energy usage significantly causing trade openness. The current study endorses energy consumption policies and investment strategies for a paradigm shifting from a reliance on fossil fuels as the primary energy source to renewable energy sources. These findings have profound implications for sustainable energy usage.

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    Identifying eco-functional zones on the Chinese Loess Plateau using ecosystem service bundles
    WU Fan, LIANG Youjia, LIU Lijun, YIN Zhangcai, HUANG Jiejun
    Regional Sustainability    2023, 4 (4): 425-440.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2023.11.005
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    Optimizing the function of ecosystem services (ESs) is vital for implementing regional ecological management strategies. In this study, we used multi-source data and integrated modelling methods to assess the spatiotemporal variations in eight typical ESs on the Chinese Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2015, including grain production, raw material provision, water conservation, carbon storage service, soil conservation, oxygen production, recreation, and net primary productivity (NPP) services. Then, we divided the ecosystem service bundles (ESBs) according to relationships among the eight ESs, obtaining four types of eco-functional areas at the county (city or banner or district) level based on the spatial clustering of similarities in different ES types. We also identified and assessed the contributions of influencing factors to these eco-functional areas using principal component analysis (PCA) across spatiotemporal scales. We found that the spatiotemporal variations in different ESs were noticeable, with an overall increase in grain production and soil conservation services, no significant change in carbon storage service, and overall decreases in raw material provision, water conservation, oxygen production, recreation, and NPP services. From 2000 to 2015, the number of significant synergistic ES pairs decreased, while that of significant trade-off pairs increased. To the changes of ESBs in the eco-functional areas, the results indicated that the indirect loss of these ESs from forest and grassland due to urban expansion should be reduced in ecological development area (ESB 2) and multi ecological functional area (ESB 3). Meanwhile, crop planting structures and planting densities should be adjusted to reduce ES trade-offs associated with water conservation service in grain-producing area (ESB 4). Lastly, ESB-based eco-functional zoning can be used to improve ecological restoration management strategies and optimize ecological compensation schemes in ecologically fragile area (ESB 1).

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    Coupling coordinated development among digital economy, regional innovation, and talent employment: A case study in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle, China
    QIU Luyi, Sharina OSMAN, HUA Yidi
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (1): 100115-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100115
    Abstract65)   HTML10)    PDF (521KB)(18)       Save

    Coordinative development across various systems, particularly the economic, social, cultural, and human resources subsystems, is a key aspect of urban sustainability and has a direct impact on the quality of urbanization. The Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle, comprising Hangzhou City, Huzhou City, Jiaxing City, and Shaoxing City, was the first metropolitan circle approved by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) as a demonstration of economic transformation in China. To evaluate the coupling coordination degree of the four cities and analyze the coordinative development in three systems (including digital economy, regional innovation, and talent employment), we collected panel data during 2015-2022 from these four cities. The development level of the three systems was evaluated by the standard deviation method and comprehensive development index. The results are as follows: (1) the level of coupling coordinated development of the three systems in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle was relatively low; (2) the coupling coordination degree of the four cities in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle showed significant regional differences, among which Hangzhou City was in the leading position, and Huzhou, Jiaxing, and Shaoxing cities made steady but slow progress in the coupling development of the three systems; and (3) the development of digital economy and talent employment needs to be strengthened. This study contributes to the coordinative development of Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle by innovatively focusing on the coupling coordination relationship among digital economy, regional innovation, and talent employment, which also meets the industrial layout of Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle. In this way, the optimal allocation and sustainable development of digital economy, regional innovation, and talent employment in the Hangzhou Metropolitan Circle can be achieved.

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    Assessment of vegetation cover changes and the contributing factors in the Al-Ahsa Oasis using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)
    Walid CHOUARI
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (1): 100111-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.03.005
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    The abandonment of date palm grove of the former Al-Ahsa Oasis in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia has resulted in the conversion of delicate agricultural area into urban area. The current state of the oasis is influenced by both expansion and degradation factors. Therefore, it is important to study the spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover for the sustainable management of oasis resources. This study used Landsat satellite images in 1987, 2002, and 2021 to monitor the spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, applied multi-temporal Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data spanning from 1987 to 2021 to assess environmental and spatiotemporal variations that have occurred in the Al-Ahsa Oasis, and investigated the factors influencing these variation. This study reveals that there is a significant improvement in the ecological environment of the oasis during 1987-2021, with increase of NDVI values being higher than 0.10. In 2021, the highest NDVI value is generally above 0.70, while the lowest value remains largely unchanged. However, there is a remarkable increase in NDVI values between 0.20 and 0.30. The area of low NDVI values (0.00-0.20) has remained almost stable, but the region with high NDVI values (above 0.70) expands during 1987-2021. Furthermore, this study finds that in 1987-2002, the increase of vegetation cover is most notable in the northern region of the study area, whereas from 2002 to 2021, the increase of vegetation cover is mainly concentrated in the northern and southern regions of the study area. From 1987 to 2021, NDVI values exhibit the most pronounced variation, with a significant increase in the “green” zone (characterized by NDVI values exceeding 0.40), indicating a substantial enhancement in the ecological environment of the oasis. The NDVI classification is validated through 50 ground validation points in the study area, demonstrating a mean accuracy of 92.00% in the detection of vegetation cover. In general, both the user’s and producer’s accuracies of NDVI classification are extremely high in 1987, 2002, and 2021. Finally, this study suggests that environmental authorities should strengthen their overall forestry project arrangements to combat sand encroachment and enhance the ecological environment of the Al-Ahsa Oasis.

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    Socio-economic vulnerability level in the Jeneberang watershed in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia
    Andi Rachmat ARFADLY, Hazairin ZUBAIR, MAHYUDDIN, Andang Suryana SOMA
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (1): 100113-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.03.007
    Abstract61)   HTML8)    PDF (523KB)(30)       Save

    Jeneberang watershed is vital, particularly for people living in Gowa Regency (South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia), who benefit from its many advantages. Landslides and floods occur every year in the Jeneberang watershed, so it is imperative to understand the socio-economic vulnerability of this region. This research aims to identify the vulnerability level of the Jeneberang watershed so that the government can prioritize areas with high vulnerability level and formulate effective strategies to reduce these the vulnerability. Specifically, this study was conducted in 12 districts located in the Jeneberang watershed. The primary data were collected from questionnaires completed by community members, community leaders, and various stakeholders, and the secondary data were from the Landsat satellite imagery in 2020, the Badan Push Statistic of Gowa Regency, and some governmental agencies. The socio-economic vulnerability variables were determined using the Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method, and each variable was weighted and analyzed using the Geographical Information System (GIS). The study reveals that the levels of socio-economic vulnerability are affected by variables such as population density, vulnerable groups (disabled people, elderly people, and young people), road network and settlement, percentage of poor people, and productive land area in the Jeneberang watershed. Moreover, all of the 12 districts in the Jeneberang watershed are included in the medium vulnerability level, with the mean percentage of socio-economic vulnerability around 50.92%. The socio-economic vulnerability of Bajeng, Pallangga, and Somba Opu districts is categorized at high level, the socio-economic vulnerability of Bungaya, Parangloe, and Tombolo Pao districts is classified as medium level, and the remaining 6 districts (Barombong, Bontolempangan, Bontomarannu, Manuju, Parigi, and Tinggimoncong) are ranked as low socio-economic vulnerability. This study can help policy-makers to formulate strategy that contributes to the protection of biodiversity and sustainable development of the Jeneberang watershed, while improving disaster resilience and preparedness of the watershed.

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    Spatial distribution and potential ecological and health risks associated with heavy metals in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site, Nigeria
    Johnson Adedeji OLUSOLA, Adeyinka Oluyemi ATURAMU, Olufunke ASAOLU, Olusesan Sola OGUNLEYE
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (1): 100110-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.03.004
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    Artisanal gold mining, a labor-intensive and antiquated technique, is a growing industry and the source of income for rural communities all over the world. However, artisanal gold mining has potential negative and long-term effects on economy, environment, and society. This study collected soil samples from 16 sample points including a control point to examine the pollution degrees and spatial distribution of heavy metals, as well as ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in the Ijero-Ekiti mining site, Nigeria. Geographical Information System (GIS) and remote sensing technologies were used to identify regions with high concentrations of heavy metals and assess the environmental impact of gold mining activities. The results show that the mean heavy metal concentrations of 16 soil pointa are 8.94 (±5.97) mg/kg for As, 0.18 (±0.54) mg/kg for Cd, 0.11 (±1.06) mg/kg for Co, 14.32 (±3.43) mg/kg for Cr, 6.89 (±0.64) mg/kg for Cu, 48.92 (±11.77) mg/kg for Fe, 135.81 (±30.75) mg/kg for Mn, 5.92 (±0.96) mg/kg for Ni, 5.72 (±1.66) mg/kg for Pb, and 13.94 (±1.38) mg/kg for Zn. The study reveals that heavy metal concentration in soils follows the order of Mn>Fe>Cr>Zn>As>Cu>Ni>Pb>Co>Cd. An analysis of soil samples indicates that 3 principal components (PCs) account for 70.008% of the total variance and there are strong positive correlations between various pairs of heavy metals. The total potential ecological risk index (309.599) in the study area is high. Non-carcinogenic risk suggests that there may be long-term health impacts on people who work in the mining areas due to chronic exposure to the environment. Based on the study, the hazard index of carcinogenic health risks associated with heavy metals through ingestion is 520.00×10-4. Dermal contact from As and Cr also increases the risk of cancer, with the highest hazard index value of 18.40×10-4. The lowest exposure pathway, with the hazard index value of 0.68×10-4, indicates that the inhalation of heavy metals has a comparatively low risk of cancer. This study recommends the formulation of policies to monitor the Ijero-Ekiti mining site and other regions in Nigeria where indiscriminate artisanal gold mining activities exist.

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    Preparedness, knowledge, and perception of nursing students about climate change and its impact on human health in India
    Ramya Kundayi RAVI, Priya BABY, Nidhin ELIAS, Jisa George THOMAS, Kathyayani Bidadi VEERABHADRAIAH, Bharat PAREEK
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (1): 100116-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100116
    Abstract59)   HTML8)    PDF (428KB)(13)       Save

    Higher education plays an important role in all aspects of sustainability. Infusing climate change and sustainability into the curriculum is important to prepare future health-care professionals for climate change and sustainability actions to build resilient health systems. In this study, we evaluated the preparedness, knowledge, and perception regarding climate change and its impact on human health among Indian nursing students. A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 644 undergraduate nursing students studying in three institutes in the southern, northern, and western parts of India. We used a structured online questionnaire with established validity and reliability to collect data. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 software. The results showed that more than half of the students reported experiencing excessive increase (362; 56.2%) and decrease (374; 58.1%) in temperature in recent years. Though more than three quarters of the students (494; 76.7%) accepted the general truth that climate change is mainly caused by human activities, only less than half of the students (309; 48.0%) perceived the impact of climate change to be high. Three quarters of the students (483; 75.0%) had a high level of knowledge regarding climate change. The students who had a high level of knowledge about climate change exerted a high perceived impact of climate change (χ2=75.47; P<0.01). More than half of the students (50.9%) felt that they needed information about climate change to be included in the nursing curriculum, and only one sixth of the students (16.1%) were highly confident about engaging in climate change-related conversation with patients. Most of the students who participated in the study had basic knowledge about climate change and its impact on human health. However, there is an observed gap between knowledge and their preparedness and confidence to engage in climate change actions. Hence, we propose to strengthen the nursing curriculum by integrating various curricular and co-curricular activities related to climate change, so that future nurses are empowered to become climate change advocates.

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    A system-integrated approach for the design of tourist areas at the local level under changing conditions: A case study in the Altay Mountains
    Alexandr Nikolaevich DUNETS, Evgeniya Mikhailovna TABAKAEVA, HAN Fang
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (2): 100142-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100142
    Abstract58)   HTML12)    PDF (3750KB)(102)       Save

    The existing approaches for the design of tourist areas often lead to limited flexibility in project implementation. To realize a more flexible approach, in this study, we formulated a model for planning and designing tourist areas at the local level. Moreover, specific tools for analyzing tourist areas and ensuring sustainable development under changing conditions were developed. This study was conducted in two tourist regions, Biryuzovaya Katun tourist complex and Belokurikha destination (including Belokurikha City with Belokurikha 2 Gornaya tourist complex and surrounding areas), in the Altay Mountains. We employed the recreation opportunity spectrum and proposed a system-integrated programming approach for the design of tourist areas at the destination and site levels. The key of this approach was the collection and analysis of current spatial data, including the spatial distribution of attractions and visitor flows. We constructed heat maps using video recording and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) observation data. Moreover, we analyzed the video stream using an image-analyzing framework You Only Look Once (YOLO) v5 software. The heat map of visitor flows based on video recording data in the Andreevskaya Sloboda museum of Belokurikha 2 Gornaya tourist complex allowed us to highlight the most attractive sites in this area and classify them into one of three types: points of functional concentration, points of transitional concentration, and points of attractions. The heat maps in Biryuzovaya Katun tourist complex, created using UAV observation data, allowed us to determine the spatiotemporal patterns of visitor flows and tourists’ preferences throughout the day within four time intervals: 09:00-12:00, 13:00-14:00, 14:00-15:00, and 16:00-18:00 (LST). The maximum visitor flow density occurred from 16:00 to 18:00 in the beach area of the artificial lake. A comparison between the visitor-concentrated sites and the current facilities provided insights into the demand for attractions and facilities and the lacking areas. Heat maps are useful in analyzing the land use at the site level, while zoning based on the recreation opportunity spectrum can be used to design tourist areas at the destination level. The proposed methods for analyzing the use of tourist areas contribute to the development of adaptive tourism design.

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    Small ruminant value chain in Al-Ruwaished District, Jordan
    Rula AWAD, Hosam TITI, Aziza MOHAMED-BRAHMI, Mohamed JAOUAD, Aziza GASMI-BOUBAKER
    Regional Sustainability    2023, 4 (4): 416-424.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2023.11.006
    Abstract56)   HTML11)    PDF (1036KB)(17)       Save

    This study aims to assess the small ruminant value chain in Al-Ruwaished District, Jordan, to identify the potential intervention areas that could improve the production efficiency and guarantee the sustainability of the small ruminant sector in this area. Sheep breeding is the source of livelihood for most of the people in Al-Ruwaished District, which is characterized by the large number of sheep and goats. We surveyed 5.0% of the small ruminant holders in the study area and conducted individual interviews and surveys with the potential actors in the value chain to undertake a small ruminant value chain analysis. From the survey, we found that the small ruminant value chain consists of five core functions, namely, input supply, production management, marketing, processing, and consumption. Despite the stable impression given by the large number of holdings in the small ruminant sector, the surveyed results show a clear fragility in the value chain of small ruminants in this area. The small ruminant production system is negatively impacted by climate change, especially continuous drought. In addition, the high prices of feed that the farmer cannot afford with clear and real absence of the governmental and non-governmental support activities also impact the development of the value chain. The results of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis reveal that the major constraints faced by this value chain could be divided into external and internal threats. Specifically, the most prominent external threats are the nature of the desert land and continuous drought, while the major internal threats are the absence of appropriate infrastructure, shortage of inputs, and weakness in the production management and marketing. We proposed solutions to these challenges to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the sector, such as the formulation of emergency response plans to severe weather, qualifying farmers’ skills, and establishment of agricultural cooperative societies.

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    A tale of duality: Community perceptions towards the ecotourism impacts on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia
    Tewodros ABUHAY, Endalkachew TESHOME, Gashaw MULU
    Regional Sustainability    2023, 4 (4): 453-464.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2023.11.007
    Abstract55)   HTML8)    PDF (408KB)(37)       Save

    This study aims to analyze how park households perceive the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of ecotourism in Simien Mountain National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia. We combined qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection. A sequentially embedded mixed design that gives priority to quantitative data was used. We also employed a multistage sampling technique to select respondents from three districts or woredas, namely Debark, Janamora, and Beyeda woredas. Finally, 397 participants were involved in the study from a random selection of three villages from each district or woreda. Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire, interviews, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including means, standard deviations, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression models. The findings from a logistic regression analysis revealed that ecotourism participation had a significant relationship with gender (B=1.850, P=0.023), level of education (B=0.238, P=0.032), geographical location (B=0.420, P=0.041), and occupation (B=0.920, P=0.019). This investigation suggested that males and individuals with a higher educational background are more likely to possess optimistic perspectives concerning the impacts of ecotourism. Furthermore, individuals residing in districts relatively near ecotourism destinations, those engaged in tourism-related work, and younger participants were recognized as having optimistic viewpoints regarding the impacts of ecotourism. In conclusion, the study highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to maximize ecotourism’s benefits and minimize negative effects in SMNP. To achieve this, it is recommended that the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Agency, the Ministry of Tourism, and local government should work together to develop sustainable tourism plans that enhance local livelihoods and park conditions. Efforts should focus on increasing the participation of females and individuals with lower education levels through training and resource provision.

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    Social interactions in periodic urban markets and their contributions to sustainable livelihoods: Evidence from Ghana
    Godfred ADDAI, Owusu AMPONSAH, Romanus Dogkubong DINYE
    Regional Sustainability    2023, 4 (4): 369-377.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2023.10.002
    Abstract54)   HTML8)    PDF (476KB)(23)       Save

    Periodic markets are an important aspect of local economies, providing a platform for farmers (producers), wholesalers, retailers, and consumers to interact face-to-face and exchange goods and services. These markets have been increasing in urban areas in Africa, Asia, and South America because of urbanization. The increase of periodic urban markets (PUMs) in urban areas is observed as an index of modernization, reflecting a response to transition process. However, there are limited studies on how social interactions in PUMs contribute to sustainable livelihoods. This study investigated the types of social interactions occurring in PUMs in Ghana, the benefits of social interactions for participants of PUMs, and how social interactions contribute to sustainable livelihoods. This research interviewed 162 participants, comprising 27 farmers (farmers were regarded as producers in this study), 61 retailers, 47 wholesalers from 9 selected PUMs across Ghana, and 27 officers from government institutions and non-governmental market associations to obtain their opinions. We analyzed the interview data using the NVivo software. The results showed that there are seven kinds of social interactions in PUMs, including (i) producer-wholesaler relationship, (ii) producer-consumer relationship, (iii) wholesaler-retailer relationship, (iv) retailer-consumer relationship, (v) trader-driver relationship, (vi) trader-institution relationship, and (vii) trader-international buyer relationship. We found that these social interactions in PUMs enhance sustainable livelihoods by supporting human, social, financial, natural, and physical assets of traders (traders refer to producers, wholesalers, and retailers in this study). Therefore, we concluded that the development of policies to improve PUMs could strengthen social interactions, enabling the achievement of sustainable livelihoods in developing countries.

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    Impact of forest governance and enforcement on deforestation and forest degradation at the district level: A study in West Bengal State, India
    Aishwarya BASU, Jyotish Prakash BASU
    Regional Sustainability    2023, 4 (4): 441-452.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2023.11.002
    Abstract53)   HTML11)    PDF (508KB)(17)       Save

    According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the world loses 1.0×106 hm2 forest land through deforestation annually. About 1.6×106 people who depend on forests for livelihood are negatively affected by deforestation and forest degradation. The paper attempts to study the impact of forest governance, enforcement and socio-economic factors on deforestation and forest degradation at the local level in West Bengal State, India. The study was based on questionnaire survey data during 2020-2021 collected from three western districts (Purulia, Bankura, and Paschim Medinipur) where deforestation and poverty rates are higher than other districts in West Bengal State. The total number of selected villages was 29, and the total sample households were 693. A stratified random sampling technique was used to collect data, and a questionnaire was followed. Forest governance and enforcement indices were constructed using United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) methodology and a step-wise logistic regression model was used to identify the factors affecting deforestation and forest degradation. The result of this study showed that four factors (illegal logging, weak forest administration, encroachment, and poverty) are identified for the causes of deforestation and forest degradation. It is observed that six indices of forest governance (rule of law, transparency, accountability, participation, inclusiveness and equitability, and efficiency and effectiveness) are relatively high in Purulia District. Moreover, this study shows that Purulia and Bankura districts follow medium forest governance, while Paschim Medinipur District has poor forest governance. The enforcement index is found to be highest in Purulia District (0.717) and lowest for Paschim Medinipur District (0.257). Finally, weak forest governance, poor socio-economic conditions of the households, and weak enforcement lead to the deforestation and forest degradation in the study area. Therefore, governments should strengthen law enforcement and encourage sustainable forest certification schemes to combat illegal logging.

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    Agricultural intensity for sustainable regional development: A case study in peri-urban areas of Karawang Regency, Indonesia
    Setyardi Pratika MULYA, Delik HUDALAH
    Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (1): 100117-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100117
    Abstract53)   HTML8)    PDF (2529KB)(15)       Save

    Peri-urban areas are playing an increasingly crucial role in the agricultural development and intensification in Indonesia. Peri-urban agriculture is highly vulnerable to change compared with urban and rural agriculture, due to its location in transitional areas. Indicators of peri-urban agricultural intensity can help guide regional development. In this study, we assessed the sustainability of peri-urban areas based on agricultural intensity in Karawang Regency, Indonesia. We developed a village-based index to assess the region’s agricultural intensity by rescaling the village agriculture index (VAI) and combining the local sustainability index (LSI) with factor analysis. Since the unit of analysis is the village, we modified the LSI to the village sustainability index (VSI). In addition, we also developed a logical matrix analysis to determine the level of agricultural sustainability (LoAS) of each village. The combined results of the three indices (VAI, VSI, and LoAS) generated information about agricultural sustainability. The results indicated that peri-urban villages with high agricultural intensity tended to exhibit low levels of social welfare, economic development, and disaster risk. Moreover, high agricultural intensity did not necessarily ensure the prosperity of the people. Instead, there was the economic disparity among the villages in the study area. Encouraging diversity of agricultural intensity seems to be more critical than promoting agricultural intensity itself. Overall, this study highlights the distinctive characteristics and dynamic of peri-urban areas. New approaches, variables, and information regarding the combination of agricultural intensity and sustainability need to be developed as valuable tools for regional planning.

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