Sustainable Community Research Articles

Роль громадської сфери науки в контексті розвитку міст та громад: програма майбутнього

The article investigates the role of the public sphere of science in fostering the sustainable development of cities and communities, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. The full-scale war has led to severe disruptions, including the displacement of large numbers of people, which has strained local economies, and infrastructure. In this context, the article explores how science, through research, communication, and education, can address these challenges by driving innovation and fostering community resilience. The study draws attention to the significance of scientific literacy and public engagement in building trust between citizens, scientists, and policymakers, which in turn supports sustainable development and informed decision-making. Author of the research highlights the potential of the public sphere of science to enhance the quality of life by promoting innovation in urban management, infrastructure development, and community integration. This emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, the use of smart technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration for effective city management and growth. The paper reviews recent literature and case studies, noting positive examples of how scientific communication and engagement contributed to economic development in regions. Despite the progress in recognizing the role of science, the study identifies several critical gaps, particularly the need for a more nuanced understanding of local cultural and social contexts, and a lack of empirical research on the integration of science into community decision-making. Moreover, the role of technology in facilitating public engagement with science and improving transparency in governance seems underexplored. The article concludes by providing recommendations for enhancing the impact of science on urban and community development, with a focus on increasing public engagement, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and leveraging technological solutions to drive sustainable growth.

Can batik craft products in the red-light area improve sustainable social and economic impact? A case study of the largest former prostitution area in Southeast Asia

The batik industry in the ex-Dolly area of Surabaya has undergone significant transformation from its history as a red-light district to a hub for creative batik production. This study aims to assess the environmental and social impacts of the development batik industry in the ex-Dolly area using the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) method. Through a qualitative case study approach, key stakeholders including batik artisans, local communities, and government agencies were engaged to evaluate the industry's sustainability and development. Baseline data collection and impact assessments revealed both positive and negative effects on the environment and social well-being of artisans. Mitigation measures were proposed to address issues such as water pollution, waste management, and working conditions. The results and discussions highlighted the importance of sustainable practices and community involvement in enhancing batik industry's overall impact. The study concludes that by implementing targeted strategies and monitoring mechanisms, the batik industry in the ex-Dolly area can achieve long-term sustainability and positive social outcomes. The implications of this research extend to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and local communities, emphasizing the need for responsible environmental and social practices in the development of creative industries.

Fostering Sustainable Communities: Competencies and Training Needs for Social Organic Farming in Hungary, Greece, and Italy

This study examines key competencies in social organic farming (SOF) as perceived by stakeholders in Hungary, Greece, and Italy, including necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes. It also explores the educational and professional requirements for those aiming to become social organic farmers, ultimately contributing to an ideal farmer profile. Through qualitative methods, such as semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, the study identifies essential competencies and training needs for SOF. Results show that successful social organic farmers must understand organic farming principles, social work, farm economics, and possess personal skills like empathy, team-work, and effective communication. These competencies and training align with Social Capital Theory, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and Community-Based Participatory Research, under-scoring the importance of social networks, community engagement, and innovation in advancing sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices. The study also highlights SOF's role in supporting community well-being, enhancing sustainable food systems, and promoting both physical and mental health. Findings offer valuable insights into the limited literature on SOF, providing actionable recommendations for vocational training programs that support social organic farmers’ growth across Europe. This, in turn, fosters sustainable agriculture, circular economies, and public health, thereby strengthening community resilience and ecological stability.

Overcoming Barriers to Sustainable Green Transportation in Ho Chi Minh City: A Pathway Toward Achieving SDGs 11 and 13

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam’s largest urban center, is home to over 9 million people and faces significant challenges due to rapid urbanization and the heavy reliance on personal vehicles. Over 95% of urban passenger transport in HCMC relies on high-emission cars, contributing to severe air pollution and slowing progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Greening HCMC’s transport system is essential to reducing emissions and achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Despite ongoing efforts, many barriers continue to hinder this transition. This paper aims to identify and prioritize these barriers using the fuzzy TOPSIS method. The results highlight limited infrastructure investment, a lack of charging stations, and unclear policies as the top obstacles. Other challenges include poor service quality, dependence on private vehicles, low community awareness, high fuel prices, and the cost of green vehicles. These findings offer a foundation for proposing solutions and prioritizing actions to build an eco-friendly transport system. This would directly support the SDGs related to sustainable cities, climate action, and public health. A thorough analysis of these barriers and their impact is vital to expedite and enhance the “greening” process by focusing on factors with significant and decisive influence.

Empowering Maguindanaon Identity: Phonological Adaptation of Arabic Loanwords as a Pathway to Linguistic Preservation and Sustainable Development (SDG 4 & SDG 11)

Objectives: This study explores the phonological adaptation of Arabic loanwords in Maguindanaon, aiming to deepen understanding of the language's sound system and its linguistic preservation. Theoretical Framework: Drawing on the Optimality Theory (OT) framework, which emphasizes the interaction between markedness and faithfulness constraints, the research examines how Arabic phonemes are integrated and modified in the Maguindanaon phonology. Method: A qualitative methodology was employed, involving the participation of twelve native speakers who provided a corpus of 250 Arabic loanwords for analysis. Results and Discussions: The findings reveal that phonological adaptation prioritizes unmarked forms over faithfulness to Arabic originals, resulting in significant segmental shifts and morphological integration. These changes include affixation, inflectional adaptations, and semantic shifts such as broadening and extension, reflecting the cultural integration of Arabic influences. Research Implications: The study contributes to phonological theory by demonstrating how Maguindanaon achieves linguistic coherence through selective adaptations, aligning borrowed words with native patterns. Originality/Value: The research offers practical insights for language preservation, highlighting the role of phonological adaptation in maintaining linguistic identity. Moreover, the findings address sustainable development goals (SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities) by fostering cultural literacy and promoting the sustainable use of linguistic heritage.

Livelihood adaptation strategies of farming households to land acquisition: A case study in Vietnam

The livelihoods of households affected by land acquisition in rural Vietnam are crucial for sustainable development and community resilience. This study employs the sustainable livelihoods approach, which recognises the interconnectedness between various factors shaping livelihood outcomes, to investigate factors behind livelihood changes among 474 farm households affected by land acquisition in rural Vietnam. By applying Multinomial Logit (MNL) regression, this paper delves into how personal and household characteristics influence the transition from farming to non-farming activities in agrarian settings. Our findings reveal the diverse and multifaceted impacts of various factors such as gender, age, educational level, household size, household labour force, and the extent of land loss on livelihood strategy choices. This study offers nuanced insights that can guide policymakers and practitioners to design effective interventions that promote sustainable livelihoods and enhance community resilience amidst the challenges posed by land acquisition and rural transformation.

THE ECONOMICS OF LOCATION AND SPACE: URBANISATION IN SOUTH ASIA

This article analyses the effects of the economics of location and space, in particular urbanisation in South Asia. The potential of urbanisation is used as a comparative term to join the more prosperous, industrialised nations with better living standards. The aim is to demonstrate the impact of urbanisation, climate change and urban biodiversity on sustainability, as well as their consequences in the suburbs and peripheries of large cities. The objectives of sustainable urban development and the green economy are similar, which is why the rapid urbanisation taking place in South Asia has brought to light the importance of urban green infrastructure and the green economy in terms of promoting long-term sustainability and solving environmental, social and economic problems. The research makes use of bibliographical and documentary research, as well as some normative provisions. It concludes that it is essential to plan cities and build sustainable communities in order to minimise the impact of urbanisation on environmental, social, economic and financial sustainability and, in particular, on people’s quality of life.

Sustainable rural settlement development in Vietnam: what lessons are gained from ethnic minority communities?

ABSTRACT Coming into the general development process of urban areas, rural settlements gradually lose their distinctive character in the cultural and spatial organization of a community. Not only that, this approach affects how the local communities change their lifestyle and livelihood and increases unsustainable development that is clearly seen through community poverty and the gradual depletion of natural resources. This research investigated local environments and efforts by local communities to adapt to new living environments. Using qualitative and quantitative research methodologies from macro to micro levels, this research discovered two settlements of the Katu ethnic group in Quang Nam province. The research findings indicated that current approaches to community planning and development are ineffective in the sustainable development of the local community; in contrast, these approaches trigger adverse changes in the cultural and biological diversity in the region. This research proposed a theoretical framework that helps the local community achieve sustainable development and the conservation of natural and cultural resources through four principal dimensions: (1) livelihoods, (2) built environments, (3) natural environments, and (4) cultural traditions. This research expanded and detailed the drivers of change in biocultural diversity theory, integrating biocultural diversity into the sustainable development of the rural community. In addition, this research showed that the sustainable development of the rural community needs to be based on respect towards the close relationship between traditional knowledge/indigenous wisdom and the natural environment. The research holds great significance in perfecting the theoretical framework of community planning, serving as a basis for proposing rural development and management policies as well as enhancing the identification of local communities, especially ethnic minority groups.

Assessing the Implications of Deforestation and Climate Change on Rural Livelihood in Ghana: a Multidimensional Analysis and Solution-Based Approach.

The Ashanti region in Ghana, abundant in natural resources such as forests and vegetation biomes, significantly supports the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population. The sustainable management of forest resources remains a significant challenge to achieving environmental and economic growth and poverty alleviation. The study aims to identify the drivers of deforestation and assess its impact on the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable communities in the Ashanti region. The study utilized qualitative and space-based data to examine the patterns of vegetation cover and deforestation from 2000 to 2020. The results revealed moderate to sparse vegetation in Ashanti from 2002, 2005, 2011, 2015, 2017, and 2018, with no vegetation in the northcentral part, attributed to climate change, agricultural practices, government policies, and deforestation-related disasters. The study found a significant correlation (R² = 0.8197) between years and deforestation areas, especially in 2018 at around 16,000 Sqkm, indicating an exponential increase with severe implications for sustainable livelihoods. Much of these changes were reflected in 2020 with a high peak of deforestation towards the southeastern parts of the region. Additionally, the results show that the poor groups are not passive actors but are actively involved in identifying systems and processes through which to build their adaptive capacity and resilience to environmental and climate change-induced changes. The findings provide evidence-based and all-inclusive approaches that would encourage vulnerable and marginalized groups to participate in the co-production and co-creation of policies and strategies. This outcome is geared towards transformative and sustainable communities while ensuring efficient and effective response and recovery capacities of deforested lands.

Cultural heritage tourism and urban regeneration: The case of Fez Medina in Morocco

After Morocco gained independence in 1956, the country's historic cities, including Fez, Marrakesh, and Meknes, experienced rapid urban growth, decay, and the destruction of their rich cultural and architectural heritage. The rise in urbanisation, redevelopment projects, and tourism has raised concerns related to the urban gentrification and social sustainability of local communities. In addition, the influx of large-scale foreign investments and the conversion of traditional Moroccan houses into riad hotels have sparked tensions over land use, economic shifts, and the ongoing exploitation of historic cities. This research presents a case study of the world heritage city of Fez in Morocco, where these dynamics are particularly significant, as efforts are made to balance conservation and modern needs. The main question to be addressed is how can the surviving historic centres be regenerated while ensuring social sustainability for their inhabitants? The primary objective of this study is to explore the multifaceted urban regeneration strategies in Fez, focusing on urban planning, conservation efforts, economic revitalisation, and social development. Employing a mixed-method approach, this study draws on desk research, content analysis, fieldwork, observations, and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. The findings suggest that the previous strategies focused on physical development and riad hotels to boost cultural tourism and tourist accommodation, exacerbating the gentrification and socioeconomic stratification of the local community. This study emphasises the “Ziyarates Fez” project, which provides an innovative approach to rehabilitating and reusing traditional houses for tourism accommodation without displacing local occupants. Furthermore, this project represents a holistic strategy for balancing economic and social sustainability in urban regeneration. This paper contributes to the expanding body of research on sustainable urban regeneration in historic cities. These results are anticipated to benefit academic research and the implementation of regeneration strategies in historic cities in Morocco and worldwide.

Large-Scale Geospatial Analysis of Suitable Siting for Green Stormwater Infrastructure: An Open-Source Tool for Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Justice in Urban Communities

Large-Scale Geospatial Analysis of Suitable Siting for Green Stormwater Infrastructure: An Open-Source Tool for Promoting Sustainability and Environmental Justice in Urban Communities

Community-Based Plastic Waste Management Model in Bangun Village, Mojokerto Regency, Indonesia

This study aims to design a community-based plastic waste management model specifically for Bangun Village, Mojokerto. Using a qualitative approach through a detailed case study, we gathered rich data from observations, interviews, and document reviews. Our findings reveal that the plastic waste management situation in Bangun Village is fraught with significant social, economic, and environmental challenges. These include inadequate waste segregation, limited recycling facilities, and a general lack of community awareness and participation. The proposed model seeks to address these issues by implementing several key components: community-based plastic waste collection and processing, educational programs to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices, partnerships with external stakeholders such as local government bodies, NGOs, and private sector entities, and institutional restructuring to support and sustain these initiatives. Central to this model is the belief that community education and awareness are crucial foundations for fostering sustainable behavior. By actively involving the community in the waste management process, the model not only aims to mitigate the plastic waste problem but also seeks to provide economic and social benefits to the residents of Bangun Village. This includes creating job opportunities, improving public health, and enhancing the overall quality of life. The strength of this model lies in its ability to integrate community participation, policy support, and external partnerships, making it a robust and effective solution for sustainable plastic waste management. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach, the model aims to create a sustainable and resilient community that can effectively tackle the plastic waste challenge while reaping economic and social benefits. In conclusion, the community-based plastic waste management model proposed for Bangun Village has the potential to bring about significant positive changes in the way plastic waste is managed. Through this model, we hope to empower the community to contribute to solving the plastic waste problem while also benefiting economically and socially.

An energy-based criterion for defining slope failure considering the coupling effect of groundwater table and impact loading

Slope instability poses significant risks in tunnel construction, particularly under the influence of impact loading and fluctuations in groundwater table. This study addresses the complexity of energy transformation and distribution in slopes affected by these factors. The research aims to analyze the local dynamic Factor of Safety (FOS) from the perspective of energy-based criterion, considering groundwater table, impact loading, and load position. Key findings indicate that the groundwater table is the most influential factor on slope stability, followed by load position and impact loading. The overall dynamic FOS was observed to peak at 0.35 s and trough appears at 1.0 s during impact loading, stabilizing after 2 s. The evolution of the overall dynamic FOS is explained from the energy dissipation and transformation mechanisms. These insights provide a critical basis for risk assessment and prevention in complex slope scenarios, contributing to sustainable infrastructure development in line with UN SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Indigenous Land Dispute Resolution in Indonesia: Exploring Customary Courts as an Alternative to Formal Judicial Processes

Indigenous tribes struggle to protect their lands, identities, and livelihoods throughout conflicts. Indigenous areas are threatened by resource exploitation and development-related land ownership conflicts, requiring efficient conflict resolution. International frameworks for post-conflict property recovery rarely address customary land rights. This study examines Indonesian traditional courts as alternatives to indigenous land disputes. It investigates the legal coherence, justice, and utility of traditional judicial proceedings using secondary legal sources in a juridical-normative manner. The study compares customary and formal legal systems, evaluates traditional court procedures for fairness, and examines their effects on sustainable land management and community empowerment. Customary justice procedures should be integrated into the legal system to promote inclusive and sustainable development and safeguard indigenous rights and traditions. The paper recommends stronger cooperation between formal and customary legal systems and suggests future research to resolve constraints and improve understanding of customary law dynamics in settling indigenous land issues in Indonesia.

The Role of the Marindal 1 Village Government, Patumbak District in Local Development: Facing Current Challenges

This research aims to dig deeper into the role of the Marindal 1 Village government in local development, especially in facing current challenges. By collecting data from village officials and local communities, this research will provide a complete picture of strategies, obstacles and opportunities in building competitive and sustainable communities.

Sustainable Oyster Mushroom Livelihood Development Project for Rural Communities of Ilocos Sur

This research was conducted to determine the contributions of the stakeholders of oyster mushroom livelihood project particularly on their participation on technical services and adequacy/availability of financial services; to determine the challenges encountered in terms of knowledge, willingness, attitude and policy implementation; and develop a framework that can help to address sustainability of the mushroom livelihood project. Four municipalities in Ilocos Sur Province were selected as research site using an inclusion criteria. A constructed survey questionnaire and an interview guide were used to gather data which were collated and interpreted using the point scale, range of values, and descriptive equivalent. As prevailed in the research study, there is high participation on the technical support of the LGU in all activities of the mushroom livelihood project. However, the mushroom growers consistently claimed a low to moderate participation of LGUs on the support to development initiatives of the mushroom livelihood project and formalizing involvement of funding agencies and other stakeholders through a MOA. On the area of financial support, LGUs provided highly available/adequate support according to them but mushroom growers mentioned they received moderately available/adequate financial support. On the knowledge, willingness, and attitude of mushroom growers, there were no challenges encountered. This suggests that they have already the knowledge and capabilities of producing and managing their mushroom livelihood. They just needed enhancement in order to prove more about the technology and its management. On the policy implementation, the LGUs have encountered varied challenges in the area of technical policies, but overall, the LGUs and the mushroom growers revealed that they encountered very serious challenges. On the financial policies aspect, the LGUs encountered a very serious challenge, specifically on the allocation of funds for monitoring activities. Overall, a low to moderate participation of LGUs on their technical support, a moderately available/adequate financial support, and challenged with the problem on policy implementation prevailed based from the result of the study, hence, the sustainability mechanism and development framework on oyster mushroom livelihood development project is hereby recommended to help achieve sustainable rural community development through participation and empowerment of the stakeholders.

A global minimum wage formula as a proactive measure for climate migration

On February 14, 2023, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to a global audience, stating, "The world will witness a mass exodus of entire populations on a biblical scale." Purpose: This paper proposes a global minimum wage formula tied to local rent prices as a proactive measure to strategically incentivize populations to migrate away from coastal areas threatened by climate change. Methodology: The author employs a theoretical approach, utilizing economic principles and financial literacy practices to develop a scaffolded, multi-year plan for implementing a global minimum wage formula. As this is a theoretical paper, there are no experiments or empirical results to evaluate. Results: The proposed global minimum wage formula, based on a 'Recent and Relevant Rent Price Index' (3RPI), is designed to anchor wages to a rent-price index, allowing laborers to afford housing on 30% of their wages. This formula is expected to incentivize migration inland, spur entrepreneurism, and increase local tax bases. Theoretical contribution: This paper contributes to climate change adaptation by proposing an economic solution to manage the anticipated mass migration due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. It highlights the potential of market-driven measures to mitigate the economic shocks associated with climate change-induced migration. Practical implications: Implementing the proposed global minimum wage formula could help governments proactively manage climate change-induced migration's economic and social impacts. It may also contribute to funding the annual $2.4 trillion gap for addressing climate change, as described by the United Nations, by temporarily increasing discretionary funds and tax bases. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 1: No Poverty

Socioeconomic determinants and impacts of life expectancy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A time series analysis from 1960-2020

Purpose: This study aims to identify the socioeconomic determinants and impacts of life expectancy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 1960-2020. Methodology: Using time series data from the World Bank, correlation analysis and Granger causality tests are employed to examine relationships between life expectancy and various macroeconomic indicators in the DRC. Results: Inflation, economic growth, population growth, and CO2 emissions are the causes of life expectancy in the DRC. In turn, life expectancy Granger causes inflation, economic growth, mineral rents, and CO2 emissions. A negative correlation is observed between mineral rents and economic growth, while inflation negatively impacts life expectancy. Theoretical Contribution: The bidirectional causality between economic growth and longevity in the DRC supports human capital theory. The study provides new evidence on the drivers and effects of life expectancy in the context of a developing, resource-rich economy. Practical Implications: The findings suggest that the DRC government should prioritize spending on health and education to promote longevity as an economic development engine. Policies controlling inflation and sustaining mineral resources are also crucial for improving life expectancy. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Sustainable personnel management in the hospitality industry: Enhancing organizational performance through employee engagement and commitment

Purpose: This study investigates the relationships between sustainable personnel management practices, employee engagement, organizational commitment, and organizational performance in the hospitality industry, focusing on hotels and restaurants. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys of 500 hospitality employees with qualitative interviews of 20 HR managers and sustainability officers. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data. Results: The study identifies key drivers of sustainability in personnel management, including employee training and involvement in green initiatives. Implementing sustainable personnel management practices is associated with improved employee engagement, organizational commitment, and organizational performance. The research also highlights challenges and opportunities in implementing sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. Theoretical contribution: This study extends the existing literature by demonstrating the mediating roles of employee engagement and organizational commitment in the relationship between sustainable personnel management and organizational performance in the hospitality context. Practical implications: The research provides a step-by-step implementation guide and timeline for hospitality managers to integrate sustainable practices into their personnel management systems. It also highlights the importance of technology in supporting sustainable HR practices and overcoming implementation challenges such as resource constraints and lack of awareness. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Analyzing LinkedIn data to explore the relationships between sustainable development goals, circular economy, and electoral dynamics

In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the 2030 agenda. Addressing the issue of employing alternative data sources for exploring aspects of utilizing said goals, this paper explores the Circular Economy dimension within the SDG12 score, focusing on responsible production and consumption and the broader SDG index. Data from LinkedIn are collected, examining profiles, companies, job postings, and services using the keywords ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ and ‘Circular Economy’. Furthermore, the SDG index (including the SDG12 score) for the United States is integrated in the analysis; SDG is a published metric evaluating the progress of sustainable communities within each state. Finally, data on the past five US general elections are retrieved, in order to explore the relationship between SDGs, Circular Economy, and voting behavior. Regression analyses incorporating PCA components and state election data reveal that the LinkedIn-derived SDG and circular economy components exhibit positive impacts on the corresponding indices. Notably, a state’s political inclination toward the Republican or the Democratic parties highlights contrasting effects on the SDG and SDG12 indices, indicating divergent trends based on electoral choices. Overall, this study underscores LinkedIn’s potential as a valuable source for assessing SDG and Circular Economy position in the US, and highlights the interplay between political factors and sustainable communities at state level.