Co-management approach to sustainable management of marine protected areas: The case of Malaysia

Food security and sustainable use of natural resources: a 2020 Vision

UNESCO has been required by its Member States to assist in implementing the recommendations of the World Conference on Science, held in Budapest in June 1999. In particular, UNESCO should identify national strategies for biodiversity protection in biosphere reserves and similarly managed areas, with special emphasis on coastal areas, small islands and mangroves, South-South technology transfer and intensive training for the management of renewable natural resources in selected case studies throughout specific developing countries. With generous support from the Government of Japan, UNESCO is now implementing the ASPACO project from January 2001 to December 2003, in close collaboration with MAB-Japan, ISME and the UNU. The project emphasises the role of biosphere reserves as catalysts for both conservation and development. The complementary roles of UNESCO, ISME and UNU in scientific issues of nature preservation and sustainable use of natural resources are eminent for action in (1) integrated management and sustainable development of coastal areas, including economic zones, and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage via "ethical tourism"; (2) mangrove forest environmental protection, (3) sustainable use and conservation of renewable natural resources under national jurisdiction; and (4) strengthening international, including regional, co-operation and co-ordination. This project will pay particular attention to those countries having or planning biosphere reserves and to those countries whose governments have strong relations with the MAB of UNESCO. Training, capacity building and increase of local capabilities for research and management of sustainable use of renewable natural resources are key elements of the project. In particular, through the involvement of ISME, the project will promote exchange of information, research results and scientists with respect to preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. It will help to disseminate knowledge of comparative research through publications and/or network databases. Within the framework of action for poverty eradication, the project will try to identify how to improve living conditions for the inhabitants of concerned areas as a basic requirement for human security, with special attention to food and fodder production and the rational use of biodiversity for the benefit of local populations. Capacity building for the development of biosphere reserves will be through North-South exchanges; exchange of experience by training of biosphere reserve managers will be through South-South exchanges. This includes strengthening of existing capacities and increase of local capacity for carrying out management, natural resources assessment, research and training, with special emphasis on the education of young women. Project activities will be located in selected countries of the Pacific region, including small islands of the Pacific and the West Coast of Latin America.

Various decision support methods are used to support the sustainable use of natural resources, but there is little evidence about these methods' actual performances. In this study, 35 carefully selected papers assessing the sustainable use of natural resources were evaluated. The evaluated papers utilized one of the following methods: optimization, cost- benefit analysis (CBA) and monetary valuation methods, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) or hybrid approaches. Each method supported sustainability in a different manner. Optimization and CBA case studies rarely involved stakeholders and social sustainability was less processed. Monetary valuation case studies showed a regular participation of the general public, but in a passive role. Experts and stakeholders with an active role were typical participants in MCDA and hybrid case studies. Internationally and nationally defined indicators of sustainability were scarcely used because indicators were frequently defined by stakeholders or the authors of the studied papers. It was presumed that international and national indicators were unsuitable for local use. Sustainability indicators typically took both the quantitative and qualitative form, including gaps and uncertainties. MCDA could be a suitable method for assessing sustainability because it has no strict requirements on the form of the data, and the participation of stakeholders is comprehensive. For the problem structuring phase, however, MCDA might not provide efficient tools. The ideal method for assessing the sustainable use of natural resources could be a hybrid of two methods with different approaches: qualitative methods could be used in the problem structuring process, whereas quantitative methods could be used when priorities and thresholds are assessed.

In the contemporary world, many environmental and social crises such as climate change, pollution, resource depletion, energy waste, deforestation, desertification, extinction of species, environmental racism, forced migration, waste trafficking, hazardous waste dumping, environmental injustice, etc. are cumulatively threatening the existence of humans and the planet itself as a result of irresponsible and immoral natural resources exploitation. Sustainable use of natural resources is a normative approach that advocates for responsible and wise use of natural resources to meet the needs of present and future generations. In Islam, the idea of sustainable use of natural resources is not new as the religious scripture Al-Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) instructed us to use the resources wisely in limits. Islam advocates for a harmonious and respectful relationship between humans and nature. Every element of the universe including humans is created by the Almighty one and only Allah in balance with a purpose. Humans are provided with everything needed to survive and flourish from nature by Allah but as vicegerent of Allah, they bear a special responsibility to take care of His creations. Islam advocates for sustainable use of natural resources so that natural resources can be distributed with justice and equity among generations and the natural equilibrium stays intact. This paper unravels the teachings of Islam regarding natural resource usage and shows how it promotes sustainable use of natural resources for future generations. In this paper, it will be shown that the Islamic perspective on natural resource usage can serve as a foundation to mitigate pollution, resource depletion, energy wastage, and other environmental crises prevailing in the current time and motivate the present generation to be cautious, moral, and responsible regarding natural resource usage. Philosophy and Progress, Vol#75-76; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2024 P 309-334

The 3th International Conference “Sustainable and Efficient Use of Energy, Water and Natural Resources” 19-24 April, 2019 in the School of Biotechnology and Cryogenic Systems of ITMO University, together with the Tomsk Polytechnic University. The conference has been held since 2018.The aim of the conference is to create an effective platform for discussing practical and theoretical issues of energy conservation and resource efficiency. The target audience of the conference is the representatives of the organizations from scientific and educational communities, the representatives of state authorities and industrial and commercial companies.The target audience of the conference is the representatives of organizations from the scientific and educational complex as well as the representatives of state authorities and production companies.Within the framework of eight sections, reports were presented on a wide range of issues in the following areas: Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency, Environmentally-Friendly Energy Conversion and Supply, Environmental Protection Systems, Clean Technologies, Clean water, Sustainable Use of Natural Resources, Sustainable cold chains, Food Biotechnology for Human Health.List of Scientific and Organizing Committee is available in this pdf.

The creation and sound management of large protected areas in the Sahara is a sure means to addressing biodiversity loss. However, achieving this goal is rarely accepted by all the stakeholders involved and can generate confusion and instability: leading to land degradation instead of sustainable use of natural resources. Water is a key resource in the desert and governments, supported by donors and development partners, are willing to multiply boreholes and provide free water to a maximum number of herders ignoring that this can lead to overgrazing, habitat loss and desertification. Over the years, several innovative conservation projects in eastern Niger have been undertaken, run by the NGO Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF), with the support of the local population. Amongst these initiatives, a management committee composed of local leaders, community game guards and project staff was set up to assist with habitat protection in the Termit Massif: the last stronghold for an amazing array of species including the critically endangered dama gazelle and addax. Traditionally, the pastures of the Termit Massif are used by herders when pasture areas around the permanent wells outside of the Massif is not good enough. By curtailing the sinking of wells in the Massif, the management committee is endeavouring to manage sustainably the area’s precious and fragile natural resources. This article argues that innovation, awareness and traditional knowledge are a good combination to develop wise practices leading to sustainable use of the scarce natural resources for the benefit of both local communities and wildlife. Examples of the practices developed by the project are presented in this article and the challenges faced for the management of the recently gazetted Termit & Tin Toumma National Nature Reserve discussed.

Eutrophication is a major threat to the Baltic Sea, causing algae blooms and hypoxic bottoms. Ecological engineering methods aiming at help mitigating the nutrient imbalance problems have already been initiated or are being planned in the coastal zones of the Baltic Sea. This includes harvesting of reed, macro algae and blue mussels as nutrient and energy natural resources. The potential and feasibility of such methods to form the basis for sustainable use of natural resources is governed by the ecological, technical, economic and social aspects associated with the whole chain of processes from biomass to end products, e.g. biogas, fertilizers, and wastes. As a first step in a sustainability assessment, we show that biogas production from algae and reed is associated with a net energy benefit. Blue mussels do not result in a net energy benefit if used for biogas production, but represent the most efficient way of removing nutrients. Based on these preliminary results, we suggest that biogas production from reed and macro algae is worthy of further investigation, whereas for blue mussels, an alternative product must be found.

Giller, K. E., C. Leeuwis, J. A. Andersson, W. Andriesse, A. Brouwer, P. Frost, P. Hebinck, I. Heitkönig, M. K. van Ittersum, N. Koning, R. Ruben, M. Slingerland, H. Udo, T. Veldkamp, C. van de Vijver, M. T. van Wijk, and P. Windmeijer. 2008. Competing claims on natural resources: what role for science?. Ecology and Society 13(2): 34. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-02595-130234

The underlying drivers of sustainable management of natural resources: The case of marine protected areas (MPAs)

Bridging Conservation and Sustainable Use: Socio-Economic and Governance Criteria for MPA Integration in Marine Spatial PlanningAuthors: Camila Pegorelli; Javier García Sanabria, Maria de Andres, Javier Onetti; Liisi Lees, Helena Calado, Debora GutierrezThis study presents a framework of socio-economic and governance criteria to integrate Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP), addressing a key gap in aligning conservation with sustainable resource use. MPAs vary in protection levels, from strict reserves to areas allowing multiple uses, which calls for a nuanced management approach within MSP frameworks. This research employs a systematic review and expert consultation to identify twenty socio-economic and twelve governance criteria relevant to both MSP and MPAs, categorized using the IUCN MPA framework: MPA1 (strict environmental protection, minimal or no human activity), MPA2 (ecosystem or natural monument conservation via active management), and MPA3 (multiple uses with a focus on sustainable resource use).Key findings show that governance criteria (Table 1)—such as stakeholder participation and strategic adaptive management—align MSP effectively with multiple-use MPAs (MPA3), while stricter MPAs (MPA1) exhibit limited socio-economic compatibility with MSP (Table 2), reflecting a divergence in priorities. Conversely, multiple-use MPAs and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) showed moderate to strong positive correlations with MSP objectives, indicating potential for enhanced integration.Figure 1: Prioritization analysis: value of governance criteria (A) and socio-economic criteria (B) in relation to MSP, MPA and OECMs A) Prioritization analysis: value of governance criteria in relation to MSP, MPA and OECMs. Color range varies from green (Fully applicable) to red (not relevant or applicable). B) Prioritization Analysis: value of socio-economic criteria in relation to MSP, MPA and OECMs. Color range varies from green (Fully applicable) to red (not relevant or applicable). MPA1 refers to marine protected areas that prioritize strict environmental protection above other uses. MPA2 refers to marine protected areas that prioritize the conservation of ecosystems or natural monuments, which can be achieved through active management. MPA3 refers to marine protected areas of multiple uses where the goal is the sustainable use of natural resources. SD Standard deviation MSP. Maritime Spatial Planning OECMs. Other Effective Conservation Measures Our analysis highlights that MSP processes might benefit from a differentiated approach when engaging with MPAs of varying conservation levels. While MSP can foster ecological connectivity and sustainable development, it must consider MPA-specific socio-economic and governance factors, particularly in areas with stringent conservation restrictions. These findings suggest that MSP effectively can easily find a common path to integrate with multiple-use MPAs and OECMs but may require more attention for stricter MPAs to deliver a more coherent plan and avoid conflicting management goals.This study contributes to marine policy by establishing a framework that enhances coherence between MSP and MPAs through socio-economic and governance criteria, promoting both conservation and sustainable development, and highlighting points of convergence and divergence between them. This approach aligns with global efforts to achieve the 30x30 biodiversity target, offering practical guidelines for policymakers to balance ecological integrity with sustainable human use in marine areas.

The relevance of this study is caused by the need to solve problems of sustainable use of natural resources in the Arctic region when implementing projects with international participation. The paper highlighted a number of the most significant problems of the region, which destroy the ecological balance. The areas of development of the natural resources of the Arctic region have been determined with the participation of countries interested in this, in particular, China, which is striving to become the leading export world power and influence the sustainable use of natural resources in the Arctic region. The paper analyzes the interests of China in the Arctic, identifies the strategy of China’s behavior and the main directions of international cooperation with the countries of Northern Europe and North America in the Arctic region. China is increasingly pursuing its Arctic policy, and international cooperation is an important way for China to strengthen its research and economic potential in the Arctic. The dominant interests of China in the Arctic are: the development of polar scientific research; the creation of a transport and logistics system; development of hydrocarbon energy and mineral resources; development of systems based on renewable energy sources; maintaining ecological balance, including through the development of a green economy in the region; environmental protection. In this regard, China is taking active steps to establish strong bilateral and multilateral relations with Western countries, the so-called Arctic G8 countries, and seeks to promote its interests in the region under consideration, including through large investments in the Arctic projects of these countries.

In this chapter the fate of those species that have been directly exploited for human use, either as food, materials, pets or status symbols is considered. The reasons for use, patterns of exploitation and the reasons why the harvesting has often been non-sustainable are discussed. A series of examples and case studies are used to illustrate the wide range of species that are threatened in this way. By reading this chapter students will gain an understanding of what is meant by sustainable and non-sustainable use of natural resources; gain a knowledge of the extent of exploitation of wild species and of the different types of trade that result in exploitation. What is sustainable use? The concept of sustainable use has different meanings in different contexts, for example, it would have different interpretations in economics and ecology. In conservation terms it generally means the use of species or natural communities in such a way that ensures they will remain in a ‘healthy’ state and be available for use by subsequent generations. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 (commonly known as the ‘Earth Summit’; see Chapter 7) brought the idea of sustainable development to the centre of the world political agenda. Central to the idea of sustainable development is the sustainable use of natural resources, including wild populations of animals and plants. We saw in Chapter 3 that human societies and economic systems still operate under the ‘Frontier Ethic’: ‘there's always more and its all for us’.

discussed among the widerpublic. Pressure points in-cluding climate change,waterandfoodavailability,price surges for strategicraw materials, and peakingglobal oil supply are con-verging rapidly in an un-precedented manner. Thecurrent global patterns ofproduction and consump-tion are hitting the reallimitsofglobalecosystems.The global economy seems to be at a turningpoint where decisions are urgent while informa-tion is incomplete.The urgency of addressing issues of industrialmetabolism

Sustainable use of natural resources is one of the basic goals of sustainable spatial development, which could be achieved with the use of integrated planning. It includes comprehensive analyzes of all aspects of space in a unique planning methodology, involvement of participatory process, and institutional, financial and legislative support to the system of integrated planning. Integrated planning, due to its complexity and, to a largely extent, dependence on the system of socio-economic and administrative-political organization of the territory, is difficult to achieve in practice, even in developed countries. In the former socialist countries, such as the Republic of Srpska, there are numerous problems that need to be solved, in order to improve planning practices and create systemic preconditions for the implementation of integrated planning. Within this process, this paper also looks at the issue of sustainable use of natural resources in the territory of Republic of Srpska, which significantly participate in the potential of the Republic for sustainable future development. The paper deals in the first part with the theoretical assumptions and principles of sustainable development, through the prism of using natural resources, and then focuses on the methodology of integrated planning, with reference to legislation and planning practice in Republic of Srpska, with recommendations for their improvement.

The sustainable use of natural resources is one of the most critical challenges facing modern society. Chemical engineering plays a pivotal role in ensuring that natural resources are utilized efficiently and responsibly, minimizing waste and environmental impact. This article explores how chemical engineering contributes to the sustainable use of natural resources through process optimization, resource recovery, waste minimization, and the development of green technologies. The paper discusses key strategies for improving resource efficiency and examines the future directions of chemical engineering in addressing the challenges of sustainability and resource conservation.