Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response Research Articles

Assessment of environmental degradation in two coastal communities of Ghana using Driver Pressure State Impact Response (DPSIR) framework

In this study, a qualitative research method using Driver Pressure State Impact Response (DPSIR) framework was employed to assess the drivers of environmental degradation and their implications on Anlo and Sanwoma coastal communities in the Western Region of Ghana. Pollution Index (PI) and Environmental Risk Factor (ERF) were estimated in Pra and Ankobra estuaries, respectively, in Anlo and Sanwoma communities to complement the qualitative assessment in the studied coastal communities. The state and condition of the coastal ecosystems are critical to the well-being and livelihood of the residents of the two coastal communities. Therefore, it was important to assess the drivers of environmental degradation and their consequences on the coastal communities. The findings showed that the coastal communities were severely degraded and were in a vulnerable state due to the impact of drivers such as gold mining, farming, improper waste disposal, and illegal fishing that pressurize the environment. Also, PI and ERFs showed that the estuaries in Anlo and Sanwoma coastal communities were contaminated with metals such as arsenic, lead, zinc, and iron. Some of the impacts of the environmental degradation on the communities included reduction in fish catch and health-related ailments among the residents of the two communities. Unfortunately, regulatory policies by government and efforts of non-governmental organisations and members of the two coastal communities to address the environmental issues have not yielded the desired results. It is recommended that there should be urgent interventions by policymakers to stop further degradations in the coastal communities to enhance the well-being and livelihoods of the residents of Anlo and Sanwoma.

Spatiotemporal patterns and driving mechanism of tourism ecological security in Guangxi, China

Tourism ecological security (TES) is an important index reflecting the sustainable development of the regional economy. The construction of the China and ASEAN Free Trade Area has increased the total tourist consumption of Guangxi province by 36.48%. Unfortunately, overconsumption of resources, air pollution, disturbance of indigenous life, and other environmental degradation problems emerged due to the significant increase in tourists. Measuring the resilience of the tourism ecosystem is an urgent need to promote the high-quality development of tourism in Guangxi. To explore the dynamic changes in TES and its driving mechanism, the DPSIR (driver–pressure–state–impact–response) model for the tourism ecosystem was developed. The dynamic changes in TES and its driving mechanism from 2010 to 2019 were analyzed using fuzzy matter-element analysis, Markov chains, Geodetector, and other methods. The results show that: (1) the TES value increased steadily by 72.73%; the improvement speed was Northeast > Southwest > Southeast > Northwest; (2) TES was negatively correlated with location, 14 cities developed independently; (3) the TES has a smaller probability to shift the lower level; (4) urbanization, water consumption, green area, tourism revenue, and the number of students in colleges had significant effects on TES. Four policies were proposed to improve TES: (1) developing forest tourism; (2) implementing greening projects in abandoned mining areas; (3) increasing tourism technical personnel; and (4) reducing clearance time for inbound tourists.

Evaluating climate change effects on hydrological functionality and water‐related ecosystem services

AbstractThe paper investigates the effects of climate change on riverine ecosystems in the Upper Arno River basin, adopting a hybrid methodology relating the changes in streamflow to its related water ecosystem services. Twenty hydrological models were run using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), under their respective climate model and emission scenario. The streamflow variable obtained was analysed according to the method of Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA). The development of spatial maps of IHA allowed us to represent the spatial of the results according to the three river subbasins studied, with a focus on the presence of hotspots. Using IHA allowed to capture of the streamflow quantity and dynamics, through groups of magnitude, timing and rates, where the potential effect could be then linked to the concept of water ecosystem services. Finally, the results obtained were presented as a proxy that can be integrated into the existing Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR) management framework to eventually move towards an ecosystem‐based management methodology. The main results, induced from the Mann–Kendall trend analysis of the IHA, suggested that provisioning and regulating services are to be affected by climate change where the quantity of flows shows a decreasing trend under several emission scenarios, in addition to an intensification of the extreme events. This shift is accompanied by a change in the dynamics of flow, which holds the potential of affecting habitat suitability. With the emergence of studies directed towards ecosystem‐based management, the study refers to well‐established hydrological modelling to evaluate climate change as a driver and provide screening results to ensure a proactive response planning that converges with the idea of ecosystems.

Objective diagnosis of machine learning method applicability to land comprehensive carrying capacity evaluation: A case study based on integrated RF and DPSIR models

The evaluation of land comprehensive carrying capacity (LCCC) is a popular topic in regional sustainable development and land science research. However, these evaluations are often not objective due to the complexity and nonlinear characteristics of the LCCC evaluation indicators. This study provides a new framework for using machine learning methods to objectively evaluate LCCC. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) indicator conceptual framework was used for the spatial visualisation of indicators and was then combined with the random forest (RF) model to optimise the LCCC evaluation. The results showed the following: (1) The accuracy of the integrated RF and DPSIR model was better than that of traditional support vector machine (SVM) and principal component analysis (PCA) methods, indicating that RF model was more suitable for LCCC evaluations. (2) The contribution of the DPSIR indicators after RF optimisation was significantly different from that of the traditional analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the contribution of the influence subsystem (I) (48.7%) was enhanced, while the contribution of the drive subsystem (D) (6.8%) was weakened, demonstrating that after RF optimisation, the DPSIR was more conducive for handling complex nonlinear systems and objectively reflecting indicator contributions. (3) The objective attributes of the DPSIR indicators were optimised through the processing of spatial visualisation models, indicating that RF was suitable for processing evaluations with a multidimensional spatial heterogeneity index system. The LCCC evaluation model can be applied to other carrying capacity case studies and operational processes and provide a scientific method for handling the multidimensional nonlinear evaluation index system and objective evaluation of LCCC.

Prospects and challenges of achieving sustainable urban green-spaces: A case study of urban greening in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Bangladesh

Urban green spaces and urban forest covers are a significant component of urban planning which is critically ignored in Bangladesh. This study aims to identify the prospects and challenges of achieving sustainable urban green spaces in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Bangladesh which is a significant indicator of the sustainable development goal (SDG11). We have analyzed the historical land use and land cover change (LULC) from 1992, 2002, 2012, and 2022 using Landsat 4–5 Thematic Mapper (TM), Landsat 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+), and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) images by ArcGIS 10.8 and Google Earth-pro software. The use of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) primarily indicates vegetation greenness as well as determining other land uses such as waterbody, settlements and barren land. The calculated kappa values varied from 80% to 86.7% for all the years and fit the current research. A strength-weakness-opportunity-threat (SWOT) analysis reviewed and analyzed existing sectoral policy and plans to identify challenges to achieve sustainable urban forestry. Fifteen key informant interviews (KII) from Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Department of Environment (DOE), Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD), and Department of Social Forestry Department (DSF) wing under BFD were taken to identify the status of urban forestry, its problems, opportunities, and threats. The responses were drawn using a Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework. Of the total measurements of 194.2sq km (2022), normal vegetation cover has decreased significantly from 1992 to 2022 by approximately 65.9%, while urban areas increased by almost 95% simultaneously. From 1992 to 2022, areas of water bodies decreased by more than 32.4%. The vegetation coverage in DNCC is only 16.17%, inferior in meeting sustainable urban greening to fulfil the criteria of sustainable cities and communities. From the KII, it is found that despite some relevant forestry policy and plans, limited lands, institutional corruption, and weak governance are the major institutional drawbacks. In the DNCC, unplanned and rapid megacity expansion, roads and utility service expansion weak institutional policy, plan, and program implementation for urban green space protection are some of the driving forces of green cover loss. Introducing strategic environmental assessment of urban forestry policy, plans, and programs, removing inter-institutional conflicts, strategic sectoral plans, and programs for increased green spaces through the bioeconomy concept is required. In addition, increased participation from urban stakeholders is some of the significant responses identified for strategic urban green space and forest cover improvement in DNCC.

Stepwise Analysis of the Ecosystem-based Fisheries Assessement and Management Approach Linked to the DPSIR Framework

In this study, the traditional DPSIR (Driver, Pressure, State, Impact, Response) framework was extended to use for the analysis of the assessment and management of fisheries resources, by adding measures(M) as another new element to be DPSIRM. Marine fisheries are usually carried out to obtain foods from the seas and oceans, which are the main driver(D) of the framework. The fishing operations affect the marine ecosystems as pressures(P). Such pressure will cause the state(S) of ecosystem component, such as changes in abundance and distribution of fish, and deterioration of the marine environment. These changes will have impacts(I) in the productivity and economy of fisheries. In response(R) to these impacts, various scientific management advice will be proposed, which will be developed into measures (M), such as policy-making or legislation. This DPSIRM framework was used to analyze and evaluate the ecosystem-based fisheries assessment and management (EBFAM) approach. An EBFAM approach with a link to the DPSIRM framework makes it easy to identify each element of DPSIRM that corresponds to a step in the EBFAM process. Thus, in the event of uncertainty in the fisheries assessment and management system, based on a feedback system that uses the framework as a complementary and synergistic approach. The EBFAM approach with links to the DPSIRM framework can ensure that each step of the assessment and management process is in the science domain or policy domain, which can enhance and strengthen the Science-Policy Interface(SCI) highlighted by the UN

Land Degradation–Desertification in Relation to Farming Practices in India: An Overview of Current Practices and Agro-Policy Perspectives

Land degradation and desertification (LDD) has gained worldwide policy attention due to decline in land quality and the resultant economic burden accrued upon a vast population reliant on land-based natural capital. In India, the impacts are becoming apparent as 24 out of 29 states have been experiencing LDD since the early 2000s. Here, we adopt a mixed-method approach combining hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and multilinear regression analysis (MLRA) with contextual assessments to draw on, using state-level information from 2011–2013, an age-old question: do farming operations aggravate LDD? The HCA identified 11 states that currently lead the trajectory with the highest state-wise percentages of LDD areas under ‘water erosion’, ‘salinity’, and ‘water logging’, which are the three most widely reported impacts of farming practices on land systems’ sustainability as apparent in the relevant LDD literature. MLRA of the 11-state cluster revealed that state-wise NPK fertilizer-application rates (p < 0.01); number of moldboard ploughs (p < 0.01); net irrigated area (p < 0.01); groundwater-sourced irrigation (p < 0.05); and multiple cropping practices (p < 0.01) exacerbate LDD, while bio-pesticides (p < 0.05) and zero-till drills (p < 0.01) do the opposite. In recent years, the government has introduced several improved measures, such as nutrient-based subsidies (NBS) and integrated nutrient management (INM), to help farmers optimize agrochemical applications, thus moving from traditional practices (input intensive) to a more land-conservation-centric approach. However, at the cognitive level, farmers are unsure/unaware of the benefits. Moreover, due to various institutional weaknesses, lack of sensitization, extension services, capacity building, incentives, and certain inherent flaws in these newer strategies, their uptake remains low, while traditional practices continue at the grassroots. We attempt to broaden the regulatory purview by reflecting on the DPSIR framework (Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response), highlighting the role of indirect drivers of LDD that largely influence farmers’ preferences for certain practices. In the final section, we emphasize the need for a data revolution to support process-level research to be able to devise more informed and targeted LDD control–abatement strategies, which is currently largely absent.

The marine litter issue in the Windward Islands- a pathway to responses using the DPSIR framework

Marine litter is an important and worldwide concern that should be deeper analysed. It also requires information from all over the world and especially in less studied areas like small islands developing states, e.g., the Windward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean. This study analyses the issue of marine litter in the English-speaking Windward Islands using the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework. The research is based on a bibliographical review and analysis of scientific and grey literature regarding these islands and the Wider Caribbean Region at large. The Windward Islands present a unique situation because of their geographic location in the south-eastern Caribbean, socio-economic status, and strong external influences. The DPSIR Framework was used to frame and assess the major types, causes and effects of marine litter for the Windward Islands by reviewing current scientific and grey literature. The major solid waste item retrieved from the coastal and marine environment is fishing gear in the case of Dominica and plastic waste for the other islands. The challenges in current and proposed management measures were identified. Proposed solutions in the form of responses were tailored to meet each casual and effect component of the DPSIR framework. The study strongly recommends that the islands make use of their existing participation in global agreements and initiatives, participate more actively in the negotiations for the upcoming Global Plastics Treaty set to launch in 2024, and tackle their mutual need for effective solid waste management systems and infrastructure and increased recycling efforts or opportunities. These measures could undoubtedly pave a way to the achieving a cleaner and healthier ocean.

A Combined DPSIR Framework and Logical Framework Approach for Sustainable Water Resources Management in the Lagoon Floodplain

This article describes a combination of the driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework and the logical framework approach (LFA) to develop water management strategies for a lagoon floodplain in Thailand. The DPSIR framework identified the cause-effect relationship between water and anthropogenic activities. LFA developed management strategies based on a systematic and logical approach. DPSIR analysis for the issue of water shortages for irrigated areas revealed the need for income from agriculture is a major driver, as indicated by agricultural development policy. The driver exerted pressure on increasing irrigation water demand, which increased the risk of a water shortage. The impact of water shortage was indicated by loss of farmer income. Existing responses led to inadequate problem-solving, for example, the promotion of mixed farming. Using data captured from DPSIR analysis for LFA analysis, proposed strategies to address the root causes of “ineffective irrigation water allocation” focused on improving (1) the performance of rotating irrigation systems; (2) monitoring water allocation; and (3) water use efficiency. The strategies developed using the combined DPSIR framework and LFA are effective because: (1) this method provides insight into complex water systems; (2) the strategies are developed logically to solve the problem at its root cause; and (3) there is intensive stakeholder participation and in-depth study of the area. This method is a helpful tool for developing a management strategy for a complex water system and is suitable for application by decision-makers. Stakeholder verification is required for future research to ensure that the strategies are appropriate and capable of being implemented.

Spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors of provincial tourism ecological security in China

The scientific evaluation of tourism ecological security (TES) is vital for promoting sustainable tourism development and ecological environmental protection. Using the Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response model, this study constructed a theoretical framework for evaluating TES. An improved Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method, spatial autocorrelation, a standard deviational ellipse and center of gravity model, and a Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression model were used to evaluate the provincial TES level, spatiotemporal pattern and evolution trajectory, and key influencing factors in China. The results showed that (1) over the study period, China’s provincial TES level increased, and the overall TES was at the critical security level. Among the six geographical units, the average TES decreased as follows: Central and South China > East China > Southwest China > North China > Northwest China > Northeast China. (2) The spatial correlation of TES in the study area was positive. The local spatial autocorrelation was positive (high-high) in the southeast of the Heihe–Tengchong Line, and the northwest side showed a “low–low” correlation. The area of the standard deviational ellipse shrunk inward over the years, and the center of gravity of the ellipse moved from northeast to southwest. (3) The factors affected China’s provincial TES are ranked as follows in the order of importance: sulfur dioxide emissions, number of star-rated hotels, natural population growth rate, international tourism revenue, the number of days on which air quality is equal to or above Grade II, domestic sewage discharge, and the growth rate of the tertiary industry. This study suggests that measures such as strengthening environmental governance and ecological protection, coordinating human–nature relationships, adopting differentiated tourism development, and improving TES impact factors can improve China’s provincial TES level.

Comprehensive evaluation of eco-environmental resources in the main grain-producing areas of China

By evaluating the eco-environmental resources of China's major grain-producing regions, the development status of the eco-environmental resources in major grain-producing regions of China was clarified. This is of great significance in maintaining green and sustainable agricultural development and ensuring food security. This paper takes 13 major grain-producing regions in China as the study area, constructs the eco-environment index system by using the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR). The average annual growth rate represents the dynamic changes of each indicator, and the random forest model by using Jupyter Notebook is selected to evaluate the current state of development of the eco-environment resources from 2005 to 2020. The combination of dynamic and static evaluation of the eco-environmental resources is more conducive to decision makers to keep abreast of developments in the eco-environmental resources. The results show that: Firstly, there are differences between static and dynamic conditions that more number of important indicators in static conditions than in dynamic conditions, and the number of important indicators located at the driving force criterion level is higher. Secondly, under static conditions, the evaluation results of eco-environmental resources show an overall upward trend (4.10 in 2005 and 4.65 in 2020); under dynamic conditions, the evaluation results of eco-environmental resources show an overall downward trend (4.35 in 2005 and 4.13 in 2020). Thirdly, there are differences in spatial distribution. Under static conditions, the spatial distribution of regional eco-environmental resource levels is generally “high in the north and low in the south”, while under dynamic conditions, it is “high in the south and low in the north”. Finally, according to the different important indicators in the north and south, the northern region should develop plans to increase the penetration rate of agricultural mechanization and improve the efficiency of water resources utilization, while the southern region should pay more attention to the development of green agriculture, accelerate the construction of urbanization, and improve the efficiency of water resources utilization.

An Analytical Framework for Formulating Conservation and Development Measures for Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) are complex adaptive systems that are multidimensional and exhibit strategic values of sustainability. In the context of modernization, IAHS have been increasingly challenged. Thus, the heritage sites must explore dynamic conservation approaches and formulate adaptive management strategies. However, few studies have provided either theoretical methods or practical cases as support. In this study, we put forward an analytical framework for IAHS conservation and development measure formulation based on the Driver –Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) model and applied it to the Shexian Dryland Stone Terraced System (SDSTS). With this framework, we analyzed the supportive mechanisms for the stable state of the SDSTS, diagnosed the threats and challenges it faces, and then formulated 34 conservation and development measures from six aspects, namely management mechanism construction, ecological conservation, cultural inheritance, green and organic product development, sustainable tourism development, and capacity building. It is demonstrated that the DPSIR-based analytical framework can provide both theoretical and technical support for the formulation of IAHS conservation and development measures, thus having the potential to become a general tool for the dynamic conservation and sustainable development of IAHS.

Dynamic System Modeling and Sustainability Strategies for Circular Economy-Based Dairy Cow Waste Management

Dairy farming activities produce waste that can have a negative impact on the environment. The processing of livestock waste will reduce pollution and support environmental conservation programs that are currently being intensified by the West Java Provincial Government, Indonesia. An economic approach that can minimize waste and maximize resources is the circular economy (CE) approach. CE can occur at the macro-, meso-, or microlevels. The application of micro-scale CE can be carried out in a business activity. One of the micro business groups that have implemented the CE concept in Bandung Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia, is the Taruna Mukti Farmer Group, which is located in the Citarum River sub-basin area. From 2008 to 2022, this group processed 49,580 tons of cow dung into organic fertilizer. However, there has been a decline in livestock waste processing, where production reduced from 3700 tons in 2018 to 1280 tons in 2021, then to only 500 tons in 2022. Therefore, this study aims to design a sustainable strategy for livestock waste management based on CE in the Taruna Mukti Farmer Group. The method used is in-depth interviews with the Drivers, Pressure, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR) approach. In addition, this study will also describe the CE model in the management of dairy cattle waste. Key Informants come from the Farmer Group and related stakeholders. Based on the results of the study, it is known that the dairy cattle waste management model in the Taruna Mukti Farmer Group is a form of implementing the CE concept with a circular flow of material and involving various stakeholders and an extensive marketing network. With the current conditions, the simulation results of processing livestock waste into organic fertilizer show a decline/unsustainability. To support the sustainability of livestock waste management, a response is needed in the form of strengthening the internal management of the Farmer Group’s organization, regular assistance and supervision from the local government and non-government organizations, and guidance regarding the marketing of organic fertilizers and ease of access to markets.

Analysis of the Factors Affecting China’s Manufacturing Servitization from the Perspective of the Ecological Environment

Manufacturing servitization (MS) can effectively alleviate the contradiction between economic growth and ecological carrying capacity and can promote energy conservation and emission reduction in the manufacturing industry (MI). However, China’s MI is in the primary stage of servitization and lacks sufficient ability to provide services; thus, the environmental benefits of MS are not obvious. Therefore, in the context of current pressure to normalize environmental protection, how servitization can drive low-carbon development in MI while taking into account economic development has become an important topic at present. Thus, this study constructs an evaluation index system of factors based on a driver–pressure–state–impact–response (DPSIR) model, and uses the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) model to analyze the causal relationship and key elements among the influencing factors. The results show that from the perspective of the ecological environment, many factors affect MS, although to varying degrees. Among them, the proportion of R&D personnel, input intensity, and the proportion of clean energy are the main factors. Based on the transmission mechanism among these factors, we propose two paths to realizing the service-oriented, low-carbon development of China’s MI.

Quantitative Evaluation Method for Construction Disturbance and Ecological Restoration of Waterway Engineering and Its Application

With the increasing emphasis on the ecology and environment of rivers, the construction of ecological waterway projects has become a development trend in China. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the ecological effects of ecological waterway construction. Based on pressure-state-response (PSR) and driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) logical frameworks, this paper established a state-pressure-impact-response (SPIR) conceptual model. The model took the river ecology and environment state as the main line, and described the disturbance pressure of the engineering construction on the river state, the impacts of the project on the river comprehensive function, and the positive responses taken in the full lifetime cycle of the project. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy evaluation model were used to study the changes of the river ecosystem status after suffering from the construction pressure and taking positive responses. Taking the 12.5 m deep water waterway project in the Taicang-Nantong section of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River as an example, the disturbance on the ecology and environment at different stages of the project construction and the effort of relieving the negative impacts of the project on the ecology and environment were evaluated by the health level of the ecosystem. The paper can provide a scientific method for the evaluation of ecological projects in river ecosystems.

Losing Cultural Heritage due to Anthropic Environmental Disasters: An Application of the DPSIR Spiral Framework

Cultural heritage often mirrors the evolution of the social and economic dynamics of territories. In Taranto, a city in Apulia in southern Italy, cultural heritage represents the synthesis of the profound environmental and economic crisis that has characterised the city over the last century. Its loss is the order of the day following repeated collapses and static instability. Probably, this is the result of the strong conditioning that large industrial groups and military institutions have been exercising over the city’s environment and economy since the end of the 19th century. This paper focuses on the analysis of aspects related to the management and enhancement of the cultural heritage in the area, in the broader scenario of territorial heritage management. Using the DPSIR (Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) spiral logic scheme, the aim of the research is to highlight causal links between the impoverishment of Taranto’s cultural heritage and the management and socio-economic drivers present there. In this perspective, the study aims to contribute to the implementation of the scientific literature on the topic of the application of the spiral DPSIR model to the theme of built cultural heritage and not only to the management of the naturalistic factors of the territories. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate policy makers to initiate specific analyses of the risks threatening cultural heritage in order to implement protective measures before irreversible damage occurs. The results of the analysis promote the need for a subversion of the area’s development dynamics with a view to a ‘culture of sustainability’.

Post-Construction, Hydromorphological Cumulative Impact Assessment: An Approach at the Waterbody Level Integrating Different Spatial Scales

The environmental impact assessment is a process required in many countries. It highlights future activities with a significant impact on the environment. Water, as an environmental factor, needs adequate methods for quantifying cumulative impact of hydrotechnical works. In most cases, for new developments, baseline data is collected before the beginning of the construction, but for waterworks already in place, a different approach is needed. In line with the EU Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC), the overall purpose of the research is to develop an approach for the hydromorphological cumulative impact assessment integrating different spatial scales for existing water intakes with transversal barriers on mountain rivers in Romania. Being a research study developed for a specific issue—post-construction impact assessment, some innovative actions were required. Lack of information in the pre-construction phase was an important constraint. Customizing formulas of certain indicators established within the Romanian method for hydromorphological status assessment of rivers proved to be a practical solution to show both local and waterbody hydromorphological impact. Upscaling the impact from the local scale to the river sector and the waterbody allows awareness of the spatial extent of the impact and understanding of the importance of the thresholds of significant impact for a broader audience. In order to better highlight the approach, this paper shows practical examples. The whole chain of the drivers–pressures–state–impacts–responses (DPSIR) framework is applied in the case of two river water bodies with hydropower generation facilities in place. In addition, some recommendations for actions are provided.

Combining Artificial Neural Network and Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response Approach for Evaluating a Mediterranean Lake

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the surface water system of Lake Vegoritida (Region of Central Macedonia, Greece). The Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) methodological approach was used. The analysis includes data from three (3) stations monitoring point source pollution and recording the most critical water quality measurement parameters in a time series data analysis from 1983 to 1997. The data will contribute to the analysis and was used to investigate, identify, and evaluate possible sources of chemical and ecological changes recorded in the lake. The artificial neural network (ANN) is a valuable tool for making predictions based on the water quality data set. The findings highlighted the increased concentration of nutrients that contribute to the presence of eutrophic conditions, while their seasonal variability is mainly due to factors, such as water level fluctuations and biological processes in the lake. The above, combined with the critical biotic indicators and factors alongside the reduction in biodiversity, indicated that only the most resistant species survive, confirming the previous finding. In Greece, systematic monitoring and reporting programs have recently been implemented, such as the ECOFRAME scheme and the guidelines proposed by the “Intercalibration Group for Mediterranean Lakes”. The water quality status could be classified as “High”, “High to Good”, and “High to Poor”, respectively, while the overall ecological assessment tends to change to poor conditions. The actions required at an early stage concern the planning of programs and actions that contribute to the sustainable management of land uses and the reduction in point sources of pollution, as well as the reduction of the applied quantities of agrochemicals on the cultivated land in the study area.

Sustainable restoration strategies for rivers Mula-Mutha, Pune, India - adaptive learnings from global river restoration experiences and thematic analysis

This study explores the causal link between the drivers and impacts of pollution in Mula-Mutha rivers and further recommends sustainable restoration strategies for these rivers based on the driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) framework. It also draws learnings from 20 degraded rivers across the globe with respect to their drivers, corresponding pressures, and restoration strategies and identifies a pool of thirteen best practices to guide Mula-Mutha restoration efforts. To understand specific issues associated with Mula-Mutha rivers, the study organised 18 semi-structured interviews, and performed thematic analysis to explore themes for each component of the DPSIR framework. Finally, the study recommends suitable response strategies for sustainable restoration of Mula-Mutha rivers. The paper strengthens understanding of river restoration practices and supports policy-making by providing a set of sustainable river restoration strategies for urban, degraded rivers.

Introducing a temporal DPSIR (tDPSIR) framework and its application to marine pollution by PET bottles.

Environmental governance is highly sensitive to temporal dynamics, due to the ever-accelerating rate of technological changes, the cumulative nature of environmental impacts and the complexity of multi-level environmental policy processes. Yet, temporality is generally only implicitly included in frameworks used for describing or assessing policy response in the broad context of social-ecological systems, such as the widely used Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework. As a result, the application of such frameworks often does not give due attention to questions of temporality, with potential negative impacts on attaining environmental goals. The current work proposes to modify the DPSIR framework to explicitly incorporate temporal aspects. We suggest two extensions of the common framework to account for time lags and allow for early response through a "response shift-left" mechanism. The potential of the modified framework-temporal DPSIR (tDPSIR)-to shed light on these temporal aspects is demonstrated through analysis of the European Union's response to pollution of the marine environment by plastic bottle waste. The analysis emphasizes the pronounced time lags between the initiation of this anthropogenic pressure and effective governance capable of curbing emissions. We discuss how tDPSIR can be applied to a range of environmental issues to populate databases of time lags in environmental governance, which, in turn, can be analysed for systemic patterns and chains of causality.