Sustainability and environmental management of pilgrimage tourism: A framework for mitigating environmental pressures at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine

This study explores the intersection of sustainable and green tourism with 17 United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), identifying key themes and emerging interdisciplinary configurations. Using the PRISMA framework, we analyzed publications covering the years 2015–2023. A machine learning-based BERTopic model was employed to extract meaningful topics and map publications to the relevant SDGs. This study reveals a strong link between sustainable tourism and multiple SDGs. Seven key themes illustrate the role of sustainable tourism in fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and community resilience. Geotourism and geoheritage development contribute to quality education (SDG 4) by promoting geological knowledge and conservation while generating local economic opportunities. The tourism-energy-economy nexus highlights the need for clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13) to mitigate emissions linked to tourism-driven economic expansion. Mangrove ecosystem ecotourism management safeguards biodiversity and strengthens life below water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15) while supporting sustainable livelihoods. Rural and smart data-driven tourism enhance decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) by integrating technology and local resources into sustainable development strategies. Ecotourism and community engagement empower local populations, fostering sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) through collaborative conservation efforts. Finally, eco-destinations and tourist engagement emphasize responsible consumption and cultural heritage preservation, reinforcing responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Together, these themes underscore tourism’s broader role in achieving the SDGs by balancing economic benefits with environmental and social sustainability. Our findings add to policy-making and strategic planning, emphasizing the need for a more subtle approach to sustainable tourism, considering diverse regional contexts. Future research should focus on applying technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data, conducting in-depth case studies, examining socioeconomic impacts on local communities, and evaluating policy effectiveness to increase its contribution to achieving the SDGs.Clinical trial registration: Not applicable.

The <scp>SDGs</scp>: A change agenda shaping the future of business and humanity at large

Purpose According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions, while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future. It aims at having a low impact upon the environment and local culture; generating income and employment; and ensuring the conservation of local ecosystems. This paper aims to examine the ways in which the development and promotion of a new tourism product based on unique rural heritage and traditions contribute to the development of sustainable tourism by relating the practices to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1, 8, 10, 11, 12 and 17. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a literature review on the topic of sustainable rural tourism, this paper uses a case-study methodological approach and provides an example of a sustainable rural tourism destination from the North Western development region of Romania (Cluj County, Transylvania) to depict specific sustainable tourism practices. The study uses a comprehensive desk-research based on secondary data from key industry and academic sources. Findings The research findings show that sustainable rural tourism can greatly support the development of rural destination and makes a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the Romanian tourism industry, in general, and rural economies in particular, as shown in the case examined in the paper. Sâncraiu represents an example of sustainable tourism practices that contribute to poverty reduction (SDG1 – Target 1.A), provide decent work and ensure economic growth (SDG8 – Target 8.9), help reducing inequalities (SDG10 – Target 10.3), protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage (SDG 11 – Target 11.4), promote responsible consumption and production (SDG 21 – Target 12.b) and last but not least this destination demonstrates that development is only possible when partnerships are forged (SDG 17). Social implications This paper illustrates that fostering unique rural heritage and traditions can contribute to the sustainable development of destinations. Sustainable tourism practices contribute not only financially to a destination but also to its social infrastructures, jobs, nature conservation, adoption of new working practices and the revitalisation of passive and poor rural areas. Originality/value This paper examines and depicts sustainable rural tourism development as a transformative strategy contributing to the long-term viability of a rural destination. The research findings can be viewed as an example of good practice, which may be applicable to other geographic regions with similar contexts.

ABSTRACTThis study examines sustainable tourism practices in the South Caucasus region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia) through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A scoping literature review was conducted, analyzing academic papers from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Content analysis and expert validation were employed to map synergies and trade‐offs between sustainable tourism practices and the 169 SDG targets. The analysis of 94 papers reveals 434 connections, comprising 276 synergies and 158 trade‐offs. Notable synergies were identified with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The study highlights region‐specific challenges and opportunities, including the need for water resource management in Azerbaijan and the potential of wine tourism in Georgia. Findings underscore the importance of cross‐border cooperation and tailored approaches to SDG implementation, considering each country's distinct characteristics. The research contributes to understanding the complex interactions between sustainable tourism and SDGs in the South Caucasus, offering insights for policymakers and stakeholders.

Organic pig farming in Europe is endorsed as a promising route to more sustainable livestock production, but its ultimate contribution to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a contested matter. This study takes a critical perspective on the potential of organic pig farming to contribute to SDGs that may include SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Organic farming systems delivered better animal welfare outcomes and positive benefits for biodiversity, soil health, and rural employment. Continued improvements in sourcing feed, greenhouse gas emissions per unit of product, animal health, and market could improve their contributions to agricultural sustainability. This study concludes that organic pig farming does not represent a guarantee of sustainable livestock production, but it could represent credible sources of sustainable livestock innovation if sufficient policy, practice, cost accounting, and sustainable metrics are organized together to support organic systems. Organic pig farming focused on innovation and policy support can make it a role model for the transition of European livestock sector towards the 2030 Agenda.

Objective: The outlook for the tourism sector is still very uncertain due to the blow of the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic. The tourism industry is certainly experiencing difficulties in business recovery. Bali Province is one of the tourism areas that has been known by foreign countries and has been heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. After the covid-19 pandemic, a strategy in business development is needed to build a sustainable tourism industry so it is not easily swayed by external shocks such as covid-19. Theoretical Framework: This research is an attempt to explore the direct impact of tourism industry resilience on sustainable tourism in Bali Province, as well as the indirect impact of tourism industry resilience on sustainable tourism through finance performanc. Method: This research is an associative quantitative research. Questionnaire survey performed to 150 managers of tourism industry companies (hotel, villa, restaurant) in Bali. Analysis of the data in this study with structural equations (SEM) using AMOS. Results and Discussion: Data analysis shows that there is a positive influence between resilience (plan and adaptive) on sustainable tourism development and an indirect effect of resilience (plan and adaptive) on sustainable tourism development through finance performance. Research Implications: The resilience of the tourism industry is the first step to achieve sustainable tourism by improving finance performance. Originality/Value: This study makes a unique contribution to the post-pandemic tourism literature by bridging pre- and post-COVID tourism resilience, offering practical implications for regulators, policymakers, and relevant institutions. This study supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), through the promotion of resilient and sustainable tourism practices in Bali.

Programme, with his son Maitland, The Lancashire Forum, The Global Eco-Innovation Forum. He is currently sitting on an Eco-I Taskforce to challenge and recommend ways the SME Food & Drink sector in Lancashire can achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2030. In his award-winning blog, one of the Top 40 Coffee Blogs on the Planet, he writes about his Travels to Origin to source traceable coffees that develop into long-term relationships with family farms. He works in 'Speciality' coffee from farm gate to coffee cup and has built Atkinsons into a much-loved brand made up of a Shop and Roastery, four Cafés, a Wholesale B2B and online business.

The World Health Organization recognizes that physical activity (PA) during childhood is crucial for healthy development, aligning well with the achievement of several United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aimed to explore the associations between 10 key indicators of PA for children and adolescents assessed in the Global Matrix 4.0 project, and the UN SDGs. Data from 57 countries/jurisdictions of the Global Matrix 4.0 project were used. The UN SDG indicators were sourced from the SDG Transformation Center, which publishes each country's performance on each of the 17 SDGs. Given the robust evidence supporting plausible links between PA and SDGs 3 (good health and well-being), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 13 (climate action), and 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions), these SDGs were investigated. Countries/jurisdictions with good and moderate performance in achieving SDG 3, SDG 9, SDG 11, and SDG 16 had higher grades than countries/jurisdictions with fair performance in achieving these SDGs for the following indicators: Organized Sports and PA, Community and Environment, and Government Investments and Strategies. However, countries/jurisdictions with good performance in achieving SDG 13 had lower grades than countries/jurisdictions with fair performance in achieving SDG 13 for the following indicators: Organized Sports and PA, Community and Environment, and Government Investments and Strategies. Organized Sports and PA, Community and Environment, and Government Investments and Strategies were the indicators that demonstrated differences between countries/jurisdictions with good and poor performance in achieving the SDGs.

oday, academic libraries have progressively developed beyond their traditional roles to become vital enablers of sustainability, equity, and innovation within higher education institutions. Over the past decade, many scholars have aimed to align library practices with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, in the Sri Lankan context, studies focusing on the SDGs in libraries are scattered and abstract. Therefore, this study aims to explore and map the sustainable library practices of the Science Faculty Library at the University of Colombo to the SDGs. This library operates as an academic blended library and was awarded the Green Building Certification in 2021. It serves approximately 4,000 students enrolled in the Faculty of Science, of whom 54% are female. Using a qualitative research approach, data were collected through document analysis, service audits, and direct observations. The mapping of library practices against the SDGs shows that they are directly or indirectly aligned with all 17 SDGs. The direct contributions include 13 goals, such as no poverty (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), clean energy (SDG 7), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), responsible consumption (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17). Findings highlight the library’s multifaceted impact, ranging from providing inclusive access to information to promoting mental well-being, sustainable infrastructure, and ethical academic practices. Notably, the library's certified green building design, utilisation of solar energy, and digital platforms support broader environmental and innovation objectives. Additionally, career guidance programmes and outreach activities address employability and lifelong learning. This research also demonstrates that academic libraries can serve as operational models of sustainability, effectively bridging educational missions with global development agendas. Furthermore, the study recommends incorporating SDG-aligned indicators into library strategic plans and expanding collaborative partnerships to enhance impact.

This paper highlights the extent of the relationships between circular economy (CE) practices and the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the paper takes part in academic debates regarding CE and SDGs. It qualitatively investigates national governments’ policy response and practices, with a focus on Bangladesh. The study finds varying degrees of momentum in the national policy response to SDGs and thus, it answers two research questions: (i) what is the relevance of CE practices to the United Nations (UN) SDGs? (ii) What are the responses from the Bangladeshi government to fulfil the UN SDGs regarding sustainable consumption and production with CE? As CE is a global trend, the research suggests that broad, conscientious connection and collaboration at the national level are essential. The findings implicate national governments in developing countries and UN SDGs for their policies and programme reassessment, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sustainable development.

Purpose: The paper presents empirical evidence of sustainable practices adopted by rural tourism stakeholders. It explores the concept and meaning of sustainable practices and what motivates rural tourism stakeholders to adopt sustainable tourism practices as well as recommendations to enhance sustainable rural tourism practices. Design/methodology/approach: This paper describes an exploratory qualitative research project designed to investigate sustainable tourism practices of the rural tourism stakeholders. An inductive approach was adopted to address the research objectives. Specifically, this paper focuses on individuals' subjectivity and understanding of sustainable tourism practices in terms of meaning, motivations, and areas of improvement. The respondents' opinions were collected through semi-structured interviews. A total of 29 rural tourism operators participated in the data collection from the two rural tourism associations in Sabah, Malaysia. The data collection was held at Kota Marudu and Kuala Penyu from April to May 2022. Findings: The findings revealed that sustainable tourism practices relate to conservation and preservation, economic benefits, collaboration and protection, environmental impact, future growth, awareness, knowledge, and improvement. Interestingly, the meaning of sustainable tourism practices is strongly connected to the term “fairness”, to competitive products and quality attractions, and to meeting tourists' needs. This implies the meaning of sustainable tourism practices is not limited to economic, environmental, and sociocultural impacts; it also relates to quality tourism products and the needs of tourists. Key drivers for sustainability practices include economic, social, environmental, and government support. Relevant approaches for improving sustainable rural tourism practices include greater participation and collaboration among rural tourism operators, conservation and preservation, destination uniqueness, long-term growth, and 3Rs practices (reduce, reuse, and recycle). Research limitations/implications: Findings implicate sustainable rural tourism destination management and the rural tourism stakeholders to adopt and enhance the sustainability of the rural sites and destination. It also extends the scope of existing literature on the meaning, motivation and sustainability practices of rural tourist destinations. Originality/value: This study focuses on the importance of sustainability in rural tourism in Sabah, Malaysia, an area on which limited empirical research has been done. The study provides an in-depth understanding of the meaning and drivers of sustainable practices from the rural tourism operators' perspectives. Additionally, it proposes sound strategies for sustainable rural tourism practices. Such practices and development are attributed to an individual's understanding of the concept of and motives for adopting sustainable development practices, government support, and core infrastructure. Finally, this study offers practical implications for sustainable development of rural tourism.

Rural women have an important and crucial role in the progress and prosperity of households and thereby local and national economies through significant contributions every day from bringing an income to her household as an employed wage earner, to taking care of her family and elders, to creating jobs as an entrepreneur. Mushroom cultivation, an agro-based microenterprise, seems ideal for rural women folk to get a new livelihood and income generation option without much additional investments of money and time. The potential of promoting mushroom growing as an important vocation for women is significant in this context. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) can be achieved.

Deforestation of rainforests requires active use of UN's Sustainable Development Goals

The concept of smart mobility and tourism has evolved from a technology-driven approach to one that focuses on sustainable solutions to address economic, social, and environmental issues. The United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) provide a framework for measuring and tracking progress toward sustainability goals. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are a useful tool for measuring and tracking progress towards these goals, allowing for continuous monitoring and evaluation of progress, identification of areas for improvement, and directing targeted interventions. This research aims to develop an indicators-based framework to evaluate the sustainability of smart and sustainable mobility and tourism in rural areas. Rural areas have often been neglected, or at least less prioritized, in the sustainability development of the mobility sector. The study also seeks to identify the overlap of KPIs between rural tourism and mobility, and how improved green mobility services can enhance sustainable rural tourism. Smart mobility and tourism indicators have a strong mutual relationship in rural communities, driving economic development, improving the quality of life for residents and visitors, and creating more sustainable and livable communities. Smart mobility and tourism indicators also play a crucial role in supporting the UN SDGs by providing data and insights that can inform policy and decision-making. The results of this research conclude how the target and performance setting of projects on sustainable mobility and tourism in rural communities support each other, and how they support achieving SDGs.

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;AuScope is Australia&amp;amp;#8217;s National Geoscience Research Infrastructure Program. As outlined in is 2020-2030 10-year Strategy&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;, AuScope seeks to provide a world-class research physical and digital infrastructure to help tackle Australia's key geoscience challenges, in particular, food and water sustainability, minerals and energy security, and mitigating impact from geohazards. These challenges tie in directly with the following United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG#6 (Clean Water and Sanitation); SDG#7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); SDG#8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth); SDG#9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure); SDG#13 (Climate Action) and SDG#15 (Life on Land).&amp;amp;#160;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;#160;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The SDGs were set in 2015 by the UN General Assembly to be achieved by the year 2030. If the global research sector is to support achieving them, is a rethink required? Current practices tend to focus on building infrastructures in domain and/or national/regional and/or sector (research, government, private) and/or institutional/network silos. These are not necessarily enabling global interoperability, reuse and open sharing of data. For example, AuScope is building high-quality geoscience research data and software infrastructures that are at the heart of positioning Australia to meet these SDG challenges. Equivalent geoscience research infrastructures are also being built internationally (EPOS (Europe); EarthScope, EarthCube (USA)) and AuScope is looking for ways to interoperate more effectively with these.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;#160;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Within the international geoscience community some interoperable networks are in place to enable global collaborations that share data and software (e.g., Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF), which develops software infrastructure for the management, dissemination, and analysis of model output and observational climate data; the Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks (FDSN) enables members to coordinate station siting and provide free and open data). However, these are the exceptions rather than the rule.&amp;amp;#160;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;None of the SDGs depend exclusively on geoscience data: all require integration with data from other domains, particularly from the social sciences and humanities. Some initiatives trying to assist data combination between the social sciences and the physical or environmental sciences are emerging (e.g., the Data Documentation Initiative - Cross Domain Integration (DDI-CDI)&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;; the CODATA/ISC Decadal programme on &amp;amp;#8220;Making data work for cross-domain grand challenges&amp;amp;#8221;&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;3&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;) , but traditional organizational and funding arrangements do not usually facilitate this. While there are exemplars of how to achieve integration of global domain and cross-domain research infrastructures and data sharing frameworks, we urgently need to leverage these to develop a roadmap that enables global integration of data and research infrastructures, both within the geosciences and beyond, to ensure sustainable production of data, products and services that support the realisation of the UN SDGs by 2030. In doing so, potentially the main tension will be to ensure that in enabling the broader, global transdisciplinary goals of the SDGs that deeper domain science is not compromised, scarce expertise is not misdirected, and that infrastructure developments within the domains are not unduly hampered.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;1&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;https://www.auscope.org.au/news-features/strategy-and-investment-plan-launch&amp;amp;#160; &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;https://ddi-alliance.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/DDI4/pages/860815393/DDI+Cross+Domain+Integration+DDI-CDI+Review&amp;amp;#160; &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;sup&amp;gt;3&amp;lt;/sup&amp;gt;https://codata.org/initiatives/strategic-programme/decadal-programme/ &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;