Environmental Pillars for Sustainable Management System in Ancient Olympia

From South Asia to the world: embracing the challenge of global sustainable nitrogen management

Global initiatives to prevent climate change

'Only One Earth' – Celebrating soil science on World Environment Day 2022

Northern Mongolia faces a variety of water-related problems that are related to both, the harsh natural conditions and the lack of structures to control the distribution and protection of water. The Kharaa River Basin (KRB), which is located north of Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar, was chosen as a model region for the development and implementation of an integrated water resources management (IWRM) project called MoMo (Model Region Mongolia). The aim of IWRM is to provide insight into both, societal structural and eco-systematic conditions as a whole. Besides an improvement of the structures, especially in the urban sector, all relevant water related processes are captured. This includes the identification of “water towers” and the underlying runoff generating processes. The KRB stretches from the steppe towards the western Khentii Mountains. Thus, it covers a wide range of environmental conditions and can be considered to be representative for many regions within Mongolia. The Sugnugr Basin situated within the western Khentii Mountain ranges is one of the most important tributaries of the Kharaa. The climate is highly continental and semi-arid; average annual precipitation in the mid-reaches remains below 400 mm. With a fraction of 90 %, precipitation is predominantly falling during the summer half year (May to October). Air temperature in 2011 and 2012 was -2°C and -3°C, with monthly air temperatures ranging between 28°C in January and 16°C in July. The Sugnugr Basin is situated in the transition zone between steppe and taiga, and is part of the discontinuous permafrost zone. Thus, it is characterized by a heterogeneous mosaic of herbaceous steppe vegetated south-exposed slopes and taiga vegetated north-exposed slopes that exhibit permafrost. Above the tree line of approximately 2300 m a.s.l. alpine scree prevails. In 2004 and 2007 widespread forest fires destroyed considerable amounts of the taiga, especially in the headwaters. Forest regrowth under the prevailing natural conditions can last 200 years and more. The following presented runoff generating processes are based on comprehensive and detailed field studies in an anthropogenic unaffected headwater of the Sugnugr. The results indicate hydrological processes in the study area to be controlled by the dominant vegetation cover. It has been shown that steppe vegetated south-exposed hillslopes only sporadically contribute to river runoff during intense precipitation events. Infiltration rates into the soil matrix are small and evenly distributed and no signs of preferential flow were found. In general, these sites were characterized by dry conditions and soil moisture content occasionally reached the permanent wilting point during the summer months. A majority of river runoff must hence be generated by taiga vegetated north-exposed hillslopes. Especially the thick organic surface layer and the depth of the active layer have been shown to control runoff response. On the catchment scale, hydrograph recession analysis revealed a quick transfer of event water on top of a thin active layer towards the rivers in early summer. In the course of summer, active layer depth and thus storage capacity is increasing, resulting in enhanced recession periods and increased low-flow runoff. Simultaneously, it could be shown that hillslope runoff only occurs after a threshold of 5 % increase of the relative volumetric water content of the upper soil zone, including the organic surface, is reached. Wildfires alter this system sustainably. As the insulating organic surface cover is removed, soil temperatures have been shown to increase, while permafrost subsided to deeper depth. This resulted in a network of preferential flow paths on top of the frost table, which effectively transfers event water towards the adjacent river without substantial retention. Land-cover change scenarios were simulated with the conceptual hydrological model HBV-D. As a consequence of a wildfire, with all taiga stands being burned, monthly runoff was simulated to decrease during the winter half year, while it increased during the summer half year. However, results of the field studies suggest that the simulated increase in summer runoff following wildfire does not lead to greater water availability, as stormflow runoff increased while low flow runoff decreased. The results support the conservation of the alpine headwaters, especially from deforestation and wildfire in order to safeguard the current amount of surface water quantity. This gains further importance regarding the flourishing Mongolian economy and the related increasing water demands.

W orld Environment Day 2005 might be just the moment to highlight some pristine location that showcases what we most value about our environment: clean air, pure water, uncluttered landscapes, and rich plant and animal life. But instead, the United Nations (UN) Environment Programme turns to a city, San Francisco, as the focus for its celebrations. The reason is simple: Cities are where people concentrate, and what we find there—business, universities, government, and media—shapes public perceptions and political agendas. This June, mayors from around the world will gather in San Francisco to discuss “green cities” and what sustainability means in the urban environment. The topic is timely because we are witnessing a key moment in the history of our species. For the first time, more people are living in cities than outside them. Now and into the future, we will be Homo urbanus : the city dweller. This transition is profound. For one thing, it seems likely to be irreversible, at least under any scenario we would care to witness. For another, it is a manifestation of a relentless trend. It has taken a few millennia for the number of people living in cities to reach 3 billion. It will take only about 50 years to double that number. According to UN projections, cities will absorb nearly all of the growth in the human population over the next three decades. At the beginning of the 20th century, the three most populous cities were London (6.5 million), New York (4.2 million), and Paris (3.3 million). By 2015, Tokyo, Mumbai, and Delhi will top the list with populations between 20 and 37 million residents. But it isn't only the megacities that fuel the growth in urban populations. The number of urban areas with over 1 million people is expected to grow by over 40% between 2000 and 2015. The vast majority of this growth will be in middle- and low-income countries. ![Figure][1] CREDIT: © JOSEPH SOHM, VISIONS OF AMERICA/CORBIS In some respects, cities are good for the environment. They concentrate half the world's population on about 2% of Earth's land surface, and they are undeniably centers of innovation and economic growth. However, they are also centers for the production of heat, waste, and pollution. The activities and demands of their residents can shape both nearby wilderness and globally distant sites, with better or worse environmental outcomes. If city mayors are to set out some steps on the path to sustainability, they will need to address these and many other interconnected issues as they seek to enhance the quality of life of urban residents, particularly the poor, in an environmentally sustainable fashion. A further subtle but important consequence of increased urbanization is that most of the world's people will have much of their direct contact with nature in an urban rather than rural setting. We don't know what the long-term effect of this might be, but one likely outcome is increasing urban-versus-rural disagreement on priorities for the urban hinterland. For instance, what constitutes appropriate wildlife or habitat management? It seems very likely that our environmental ethic will gradually change. Whatever the future of our environmental ethic, one thing is clear: What remains of habitats and biodiversity within the city is of disproportionate importance. And, perhaps surprisingly, these may also be of national or even global significance. Sao Paulo, Brazil, contains important fragments of the Atlantic Rain Forest embedded within its conurbation. Significant remnants of the unique Cape Floristic Province persist within and around Cape Town in South Africa. Even in London, there are still superb opportunities to connect with nature, from the restored wetlands of Barn Elms to the acid grasslands of Richmond Park. If World Environment Day is anything, it is a day of reflection, and hopefully a day for commitment. Excellent partnerships for managing nature in the city are already under way, such as the Chicago Wilderness Consortium in the United States, which comprises 172 public and private organizations working together to protect, restore, and manage Chicago's natural resources. Such efforts need to be emulated. Extending them further will also require an integrated science of urbanization that is today woefully inadequate. We must move quickly. And we must remember that nature in the metropolis needs to be nurtured, not only for its value now, but even more for its importance in the future. [1]: pending:yes

Environmental degradation has emerged as a critical global issue, significantly impacting ecosystems and human health, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria. The need for comprehensive and sustainable environmental management practices is paramount to address these challenges effectively. This study aims to assess the current state of environmental degradation in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives undertaken during World Environment Day (WED) 2024 to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. The study employed a mixed-method approach, including field observations, community surveys, and analysis of environmental data. Activities during WED 2024, such as tree planting, educational lectures, and site visits, were evaluated to determine their impact on raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices. The activities conducted during WED 2024 significantly increased community awareness about environmental issues and the importance of sustainable practices. The planting of 500 native saplings contributed to combating deforestation and soil erosion, while educational lectures and site visits provided residents with practical knowledge and insights into environmental conservation. The initiatives undertaken during WED 2024 in Bayelsa State have laid a strong foundation for fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. By engaging the community and promoting sustainable practices, these efforts have set a positive precedent for future conservation activities, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable environment. To build on the success of these initiatives, it is recommended that the Bayelsa State Government enact stricter environmental laws and regulations. Increased environmental advocacy by the Nigerian Environmental Society and other stakeholders is crucial, along with adopting sustainable agricultural practices and improving waste management systems. This study highlights the critical role of community engagement and education in promoting environmental conservation. The findings demonstrate that targeted initiatives, such as those undertaken during WED 2024, can significantly enhance environmental awareness and drive sustainable practices, contributing to the overall resilience and sustainability of ecosystems in Bayelsa State and beyond.

The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) was established in 1972 when the United Nations Conference on Human Environment was held in Stockholm in June 19721. The day of the opening of the Conference — 5 June — is now celebrated every year as the World Environment Day. In June 1992 — twenty years after Stockholm, the UN will hold another conference on Environment and Development in Brazil. We are now busy with preparations for this conference in order to ensure that it will define the major actions to be taken and means to ensure them in order to safeguard the global environment. The report on the state of the environment for the Conference will be prepared by UNEP and unfortunately all indications show that the state of the global environment in 1992 will be worse than it was in 1972. With all activities carried out at national, regional and global levels during the last twenty years we are still going down the hill and the question of environmental security and human survival is very high now on the political agenda as it was shown at numerous meetings during last year and the one which was just held here in Norway at Bergen.

From a Clash of Social Orders to a Loss of Decidability in Meta-organizations Tackling Grand Challenges: The Case of Japan Leaving the International Whaling Commission

Guest Editorial: The Legacy of Conflicts

ABSTRAK Pura Tanah Lot adalah salah satu pura terpenting bagi umat hindu di Bali selain sebagai pemujaan, area sekitar pura juga di manfaatkan sebagai tempat wisata, wahana rekreasi, maupun tempat untuk menampilkan pertujukan seni pertunjukan pariwisata bali. Salah kegiatan di DTW Tanah Lot adalah Tanah Lot Art and Food Festifal ke IV. Event festival juga bisa berdampak negative terhadap lingkungan, sering terjadi event festival mengakibatkan sampah berlebih. Selain dampak lingkungan, kegiatan event Festival dapat menciptakan dampak negatif sosial dan budaya, kemacetan lalu-lintas, dan komodifikasi budaya yang mengakibatkan ketidak puasan wisatawan dan masyarakat sendiri. Untuk itu dirasa perlu menggabungkan prinsip sustainability dalam penyelenggaraan event sebagai bagian dari industri pariwisata. Konsep sustainable event management merupakan adaptasi dari tiga prinsip dasar sustainable development yaitu environment responsibilities, economic responsibilities, dan social responsibilities (diadopsi dari The Triple Bottom Line Approach, Green Meeting Industry Council dalam United Nations Office at Nairobi and United Nations Environment Programme, 2012). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui implementasi konsep sustainable event management di Tanah Lot Art And Food Festival, Khususnya dalam bidang sosial, ekonomi, dan lingkungan. Dalam penelitian ini peneliti menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif, Penentuan responden pada penelitian ini akan dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Dalam pengolahan data dari hasil kuesioner yang di peroleh dari pegelola DTW tanah lot dan pengunjung. Setelah diolah da memperolah data olahan selanjutnya ditarik kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian ini dalam penyebaran kuesioner kepengelola DTW Tanah Lot dan pengunjung management event berkelanjutan di Tanah Lot Art and Food Festival untuk bidang ekonomi dan sosial sudah di impelemntasikan sedangkan dalam bidang lingkungan belum sempurna dalam pengimplementasikanya yaitu penghematan energi dan meminimalkan emisi dan meminimalkan dampak sampah yang terjadi. Untuk meningkatakan implementasi manajemen event berkelanjutan perlu meningkatankan program daur ulang sampah dan penggunaan produk ramah lingkungan. memberikan edukasi kepada pengunjung dan pedagang tentang pembuangan sampah dengan benar. Menerapkan lebih banyak teknologi hemat energi. Mendorong penggunakaan kendaraan ramah lingkungan bagi pengunjung dan pedagang.Kata Kunci : Implemetasi, Manajemen Event Berkelanjutan, Tanah Lot ABSTRACK Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most important temples for Hindus in Bali. Apart from being a place of worship, the area around the temple is also used as a tourist attraction, a recreational vehicle, and a place to display Balinese tourism performing arts performances. One of the activities at DTW Tanah Lot is the IV Tanah Lot Art and Food Festival. Festival events can also have a negative impact on the environment; they often result in excess waste. Apart from environmental impacts, festival event activities can create negative social and cultural impacts, traffic jams, and cultural commodification, which result in dissatisfaction with tourists and the community itself. For this reason, it is deemed necessary to incorporate the principles of sustainability in organizing events as part of the tourism industry. The concept of sustainable event management is an adaptation of three basic principles of sustainable development, namely environmental responsibilities, economic responsibilities, and social responsibilities (adopted from The Triple Bottom Line Approach, the Green Meeting Industry Council in the United Nations Office at Nairobi, and the United Nations Environment Program, 2012). The aim of this research is to determine the implementation of the concept of sustainable event management at the Tanah Lot Art and Food Festival, especially in the social, economic, and environmental fields. In this study, researchers used qualitative research methods. Determining respondents in this study will be carried out using purposive sampling techniques. In processing data from the results of questionnaires obtained from Tanah Lot DTW managers and visitors, After processing and processing the processed data, conclusions are then drawn. The results of this research in distributing questionnaires to Tanah Lot DTW management and visitors to sustainable event management at the Tanah Lot Art and Food Festival for the economic and social sectors have been implemented, while in the environmental sector the implementation is not yet perfect, namely saving energy, minimizing emissions, and minimizing the impact of waste that occurs. . To increase the implementation of sustainable event management, it is necessary to increase waste recycling programs and use environmentally friendly products. provide education to visitors and traders about proper waste disposal. Implement more energy-saving technologies. Encourage the use of environmentally friendly vehicles for visitors and traders. Keywords: Implementation, Sustainable Event Management, Tanah Lot

Opportunities for REDD+ to minimise forest carbon emissions and mitigate climate change in Southeast Asia

This paper is based upon a presentation given on United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) World Environment Day, 5 June 2007, as part of the Nordic Perspectives session of the climate change conference Melting Ice—A Hot Topic?

Consumers have seen the advertising posted throughout local grocery stores, plastered on magazines, and printed on flyers and brochures. “Going Green” and conserving the environment is an ever increasing trend in society today. There are rising concerns on how the way we are living today will affect the quality of life for those in the future. In attempt to help raise global awareness, June 5th has become “World Environment Day”, and is run by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Simple steps can be taken by any individual in society to help reduce the carbon footprint left on our planet.

This paper is based upon a presentation given on United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) World Environment Day, 5 June 2007, as part of the Nordic Perspectives session of the climate change conference Melting Ice—A Hot Topic?

Sustainable forest management aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental value of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations. In Swaziland, despite the existence of numerous local, national, regional and international policies and legislation, sustainable forest management is far fetched. The objective of this paper was to review previous studies on policy reviews, the current status of the non-timber forest products (NTFP) sector, community consultations on resource use and management, user surveys to determine the actual quantities of harvested and utilized edible and medicinal NTFPs, and economic analyses for their direct use value, and inventory and economic valuation of standing stock of various NTFPs. Ulimatelty, this paper has made policy recommendations for the development of a theoretical framework for the sustainable management of NTFPs at the local, national, regional and international levels. This theoretical framework is divided into a set of eleven strategies. These are: Information and social communication; secure rights and access to products from natural forests and woodlands; adoption of innovative policies, revising and updating legislation and elaborating national forestry programmes; development and implementation of national level criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management; project planning and control techniques; local level guidelines for sustainable NTFP management; conservation and financing mechanisms; collaboration and networking between all institutions involved in research and development of NTFPs; institutional strengthening and capacity building; education and training at all levels of community structures; and research and development. Key words: Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), policy, strategy, policies, legislation, economic valuation, sustainable management, assessment, sustainable resource use.