Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response Research Articles

Application of DPSIR model to ascertain driving forces and their impacts on the Volta basin

Managing trans-boundary water and its watershed areas is a challenging task. The riparian countries sharing the boundary may have different economic and national goals that can dictate the pressures exerted on water bodies and their catchments areas. The pressure will have dire consequences on the environment, the climate and the sustainability of the Volta River. This paper seeks to apply the Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework as a model to ascertain the driving forces and their impacts on the Black and the White sub-basins of the Volta River. The research was carried out through desk study of literature, reports and policies on the Volta basin as well as information from international bodies such as World Bank, United Nations, and European Union among others. The DPSIR framework thus established the state of the ecosystem, pressure exerted, impact and the responses to provide scientific basis for decision-making and address the impacts on the Volta River. The DPSIR framework was focused on Ghana and Burkina Faso due to their large share of the basin. Burkina Faso's share of the Volta basin area is 43 %, whereas, that of Ghana is 41.6 %. The use of DPSIR model will help stakeholders and policy makers in proper decision making. It was therefore recommended that there should be policy regulations to reduce the impact on the environment.

Eutrophication in Lake Batur: Current status and management strategies

Lake Batur, designated as one of the National Priority Lakes in Indonesia, has experienced significant eutrophication in recent years. Waste generated from various anthropogenic activities, including agriculture, domestic, tourism, and floating net fishery (FNF), have collectively contributed to the decline in water quality and the eutrophication status of the lake. Our study aimed to evaluate the current eutrophication status of Lake Batur by analyzing the spatial and temporal variations in nutrient parameters, water transparency and phytoplankton biomass. Then we assessed strategies in controlling eutrophication in the lake using the Driving forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework. Currently, Lake Batur has reached mesotrophic to hypereutrophic levels. We identified that the main driving forces behind these concerning conditions were the significant increase of agricultural and FNF activities, particularly since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main environmental pressures showed that agriculture waste was the most dominant nutrient source to the lake (93.05 % of N and 89.96 % of P loads). The state analysis indicated that high nutrient concentrations and subsequent algal growth led to oxygen depletion, resulting in mass mortality of fish, loss of amenity and tourism value, and reduced availability of clean water. Short-term and long-term strategies for effectively managing eutrophication in Lake Batur has been proposed in this study. However, the best scenario will be chosen by considering both eutrophication issue and social implications.

Ecological security assessment of Qinzhou coastal zone based on Driving forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model

A coastal zone represents the intersection of ocean and land, and is characterized by high primary productivity, biodiversity, and rich resources but with strong sensitivity and vulnerability of the natural environment. In this study, 29 indicators reflecting the status of ecological security were selected to construct an ecological security evaluation index system using the Driving force Pressure State Impact Response (DPSIR) model. The comprehensive index method was used to evaluate the ecological security of Qinzhou coastal zone from 2011 to 2020 and to explore the driving factors of its evolution. The results showed that (1) In the past 10 years, the ecological security of Qinzhou coastal zone fluctuated and developed, and the security level changed from early warning – safer – more dangerous – early warning to safer; and the security level was the lowest (0.361) in 2014. The main reason was the impact of ecological marine disasters, such as three red tides with the eutrophication index of seawater as high as 4.170. (2) Since 2015, the ecological security of the coastal zone has shown an upward trend, which was mainly due to the implementation of the newly revised environmental protection law in the same year, the comprehensive promotion of “The 13th Five-Year Plan for environmental protection”, and a series of measures related to the construction of ecological civilization and environmental protection, which provided a strong guarantee for the ecological security of the coastal zone. This study proposes measures to promote the better development of the ecological environment of Qinzhou coastal zone.

Assessing environmental impacts of transportation sector by integrating DPSIR framework and X-Matrix

This paper aims to examine interactions between transportation sector and the environment in Tehran and provide recommendations to achieve a sustainable transportation system. Integrated Driving forces- Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework with X-Matrix is used as a methodology to achieve the research aim. The DPSIR framework is used for describing the cause-and-effect relationship between environmental impacts of transportation sector, and the X-Matrix to reveal the correlations between factors related to environmental impacts of transportation in the form of DPSIR framework and quantify causal relationships and dynamics between them. The results show that while indicators of ‘Driving forces’ and ‘Pressures’ categories have strong correlations, the correlations between indicators of Pressures-States and States-Impacts seem to be rather medium and weak. Urbanization rate, population growth rate, transportation GDP per capita and illiteracy rate are main driving forces that put pressures on the environment. The paper concludes by recommendations to mitigate environmental impacts of the transportation sector.

The emergence of biological invasions on food chains: a DPSIR analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the emergence of a biological invasion and to explain the potential economic and social consequences on food chains. Straddling between ecology, social sciences, resource management and economics, invasion science is aimed at detecting, understanding and mitigating the impact of biological invasions on receiving ecosystems, including food ecosystems.Design/methodology/approachAfter a theoretical investigation about the main notions relevant for the invasion science, the authors practically review the kind of impacts deriving from biological invasions, mainly under economic, human health, ecosystem and biodiversity criteria.FindingsThe authors apply the DPSIR (Driving forces–pressure-state-impact-response) framework, originally developed in the context of European Environment Agency in this different context in order to assess the social, economic and environmental impacts of Invasive Alien Species (IAS). Responding to this emerging phenomenon, the European Union issues the EU regulation 1143/2014 which is the first strong act on invasive alien species.Originality/valueImplications – Food chains are complex systems that have multiple interdependencies both endogenously and exogenously, such as food production, food transportation, food logistics, food distribution, and so forth. However, it is rarely conceived the impact of invasion systems on the dynamics of food chains, although food sustainability is in turn impacted by how effectively and efficiently the various interdependencies have been designed or are working.

Indicators to measure pressure, state, impact and responses of surf breaks: The case of Bahía de Todos Santos World Surfing Reserve.

Using the Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, this paper proposes indicators to measure human activities affecting three surf breaks located within Bahía de Todos Santos World Surfing Reserve (BTSWSR) in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. To develop these indicators, a learning community was formed where interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams gathered information through document analysis, participatory methods (transect walks, focus groups, problem tree, participatory mapping) and participant observations of the actions undertaken by the BTSWSR Local Stewardship Council, between 2015 and 2018. Together, academics, surfers and decision makers defined the parameters and criteria for the assessment of surf breaks, developing a set of indicators that drew on both qualitative and quantitative data. These indicators enabled the identification of specific anthropogenic activities affecting surf breaks, their impact on the environment, and actual or possible responses to human activities. DPSIR indicators enabled comparison of states and trends in different surf sites, allowed BTSWSR co-managers to focus on critical issues in need of attention at each surf break, and facilitated the development of specific strategies for an Adaptive Co-management plan at BTSWSR. This model could be adapted to other surf breaks around the world, providing new strategies for conservation and management of surf zones and contributing to global marine conservation efforts.

Random forest regression evaluation model of regional flood disaster resilience based on the whale optimization algorithm

This study proposes a flood disaster resilience evaluation model based on an improved random forest model, which is used to solve the fuzziness problem in resilience evaluations. The model uses the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) to determine the key parameters in the traditional random forest regression (RFR) model and combines the evaluation index set constructed by the Driving forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to output the resilience index of the study area. This approach has certain advantages in solving the spatiotemporal distribution problem of disaster resilience and can analyze the temporal and spatial variability of the research area and the key driving factors. Taking the Jiansanjiang Administration of Heilongjiang Province of China as an example, the model was used to analyze the resilience of flood disasters in 15 farms under the jurisdiction of the region from 2002 to 2016. The results showed that the level of resilience to flood disasters in the Jiansanjiang Administration was generally increasing at a growth rate of 4.175/10a. In addition, the level of flood resilience was spatially different as shown by the high level of resilience in the southwest and low level in the northeast. The degree of differentiation between farms increased between 2006 and 2011 and decreased between 2012 and 2016. The study also found that economic indicators and population indicators have a greater impact on the assessment results. Compared with the stochastic forest regression model optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO-RFR) and the RFR model, the WOA-RFR model has outstanding advantages in fitting accuracy, generalization performance. The rationality coefficient and stability coefficient of the WOA-RFR are 0.964 and 0.976, respectively, which have reached a high level. The proposed WOA-RFR model can be used to perform regional disaster resilience evaluation, provide stable technical support and establish a scientific basis for regional disaster prevention and mitigation to ensure regional production safety and sustainable development.

Spatiotemporal Analysis and Control of Landscape Eco-Security at the Urban Fringe in Shrinking Resource Cities: A Case Study in Daqing, China.

As the main bearing area of the ecological crisis in resource-rich cities, it is essential for the urban fringe to enhance regional ecological security during a city’s transformation. This paper takes Daqing City, the largest oilfield in China’s cold land, as an example. Based on remote sensing image data from 1980 to 2017, we use the DPSIR (Driving forces, Pressure, State, Impact, Response) framework and spatial auto-correlation analysis methods to assess and analyze the landscape eco-security change of the study area. From the perspective of time–space, the study area is partitioned, and control strategies are proposed. The results demonstrate that: (1) The landscape eco-security changes are mainly affected by oilfield exploitation and ecological protection policies; the index declined in 1980–2000 and increased in 2000–2017. (2) The landscape eco-security index has obvious spatial clustering characteristics, and the oil field is the main area of warning. (3) The study area determined the protection area of 1692.07 km2, the risk restoration area of 979.64 km2, and proposed partition control strategies. The results are expected to provide new decision-making ideas in order to develop land use management and ecological plans for the management of Daqing and other resource shrinking cities.

Analysis of Causes of Soil Degradation at the Akhty Mountain and Valley Agricultural Experimental Station of the Republic of Dagestan

The cause-and-effect relationships between degradation processes are revealed, and their development under different agricultural use conditions is shown based on a study of soils of the Akhty Mountain and Valley Agricultural Experimental Station. The DPSIR concept (Driving forces–Pressure–State–Impact–Response) has revealed the main factors of the currently increasing soil degradation at the station.

A transdisciplinary framework proposal for surf break conservation and management: Bahía de Todos Santos World Surfing Reserve

This paper combines the Social-Ecological System (SES), the Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) and Adaptive Co-management frameworks to provide practical guidelines to address environmental issues facing surf breaks. We applied these frameworks to Bahía de Todos Santos World Surfing Reserve (BTSWSR), located in Ensenada, Baja California in northern Mexico. We gathered information through a literature review and a review of activities undertaken by the BTSWSR Local Stewardship Council (LSC) together with the local community (Ensenada town), regional and international environmental organizations, and government agencies. We also conducted participatory meetings with different stakeholders between 2014 and 2017. The SES framework provides the analytical perspective to have a better understanding of the multiple interactions among elements of the social and ecological systems to influence the opportunities for conservation strategies. DPSIR allows us to identify specific anthropogenic pressures threatening surf breaks within BTSWSR, their impact on the environment, and actual or possible responses to human activities, facilitating the development of an adaptive co-management plan. By combining these frameworks, we were able to describe the interactions between human and natural systems in BTSWSR, and we provide initial directions to improve the understanding of the anthropogenic activities affecting surf breaks, and targeted responses to address environmental impacts to the system. The surf break conservation and management framework presented in this paper is based on a transdisciplinary approach that emphases the need to address socio-environmental issues through openness to new forms of scientific and place-based knowledge.

Quantitative Entropy Weight TOPSIS Evaluation of Sustainable Chinese Wind Power Developments

Based on a Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model, this paper takes a macroenvironmental, socioeconomic perspective to build an evaluation model to address sustainable Chinese wind power developments and to quantize the development results. From a combination of entropy weight and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, the sustainable wind power development level in China is examined, the development trends analyzed, and the trends and underlying laws identified, all of which provides new information for Chinese wind power sustainability. It was found that Chinese sustainable socioeconomic wind power development has been growing year on year. However, the wind power ecological sustainability fell and then rose slowly, indicating that these subsystems both influence the sustainable development of wind power.

Socioeconomic Indicators for the Evaluation and Monitoring of Climate Change in National Parks: An Analysis of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park (Spain)

This paper analyzes the importance of assessing and controlling the social and economic impact of climate change in national parks. To this end, a system of indicators for evaluation and monitoring is proposed for the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, one of the most important in Spain. Based on the Driving forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework, the designed system uses official statistical data in combination with data to be collected through ad hoc qualitative research. The result is a system of indicators that monitors the use of natural resources, the demographic evolution, economic activities, social interactions, and policies. Adapted to different contexts, these indicators could also be used in other national parks and similar natural protected areas throughout the world. This type of indicator system is one of the first to be carried out in Spain’s national parks. The result is a system that can be useful not only in itself, but also one that can catalyze climate change planning and management of national parks.

PSR and DPSIR indicators for analysis of sustainability in the municipality of Cihuatlan, Jalisco, Mexico

This article aims to analyze the sustainable development of the municipality of Cihuatlan in the South Coast region of the state of Jalisco (Mexico) using Pressure-State-Response (PSR) and Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) indicators. The work was done emphasized three sectors: forestry, agriculture and tourism. The information was obtained from official documents, participation in workshops and interviews with relevant actors, the latter helped to identify environmental problems and made a subjective assessment of their status. The main problem identified was inadequate waste management, other pressures are related to ecosystem degradation and biodiversity, vulnerability to climate change and air pollution. Regarding responses, highlighted the poor application of existing laws on environmental management, as well as the low importance of protection and respect for the environment, particularly among local public officials. The originality lies in the proposal of a set of municipal indicators that must be quantified in order to know how to achieve sustainable development.

Environmental mainstreaming and policy coherence: essential policy tools to link international agreements with national development—a case study of the Caribbean region

The 2030 agenda for sustainable development adopted in September 2015 advocates for a balanced integration of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Existing multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) can provide guidance for policy-makers to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, within safe ecological limits. This paper presents a practical approach to mainstream international obligations of MEAs with national development priorities and strategies. It identifies pathways of policy coherence from national strategies to specific instruments and indicators to advance implementation of MEAs and help counties to fulfill agreed obligations. The approach is grounded in the driving forces–pressure–state–impact–response (DPSIR) framework, and it was applied in two national and two regional case studies in the Caribbean. The outcomes from the case studies show that mainstreaming rate of MEAs is low, and linkages across multiple MEAs are rarely considered. The DPSIR framework was useful for addressing national development priorities and those of MEAs in tandem, through adopting a cross-sectoral, multistakeholder perspective. The research shows that addressing environmental degradation and improving MEAs’ implementation requires that international and regional agencies identify linkages among MEAs to assist in creating policy coherence to ensure their integration into national strategies by connecting with policies and strategies in tandem implementation of MEAs for national policy-makers to work with.

Unravelling the association between the impact of natural hazards and household poverty: evidence from the Indian Sundarban delta

Coastal regions have long been settled by humans due to their abundant resources for livelihoods, including agriculture, transportation, and rich biodiversity. However, natural and anthropogenic factors, such as climate change and sea-level rise, and land subsidence, population pressure, developmental activities, pose threats to coastal sustainability. Natural hazards, such as fluvial or coastal floods, impact poorer and more vulnerable communities greater than more affluent communities. Quantitative assessments of how natural hazards affect vulnerable communities in deltaic regions are still limited, hampering the design of effective management strategies to increase household and community resilience. Drawing from Driving Forces–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR), we quantify the associations between household poverty and the likelihood of material and human loss following a natural hazard using new survey data from 783 households within Indian Sundarban Delta community. The results suggest that the poorest households are significantly more likely to endure material and human losses following a natural hazard and repeated losses of livelihood make them more vulnerable to future risk. The results further suggest that salinization, tidal surge, erosion, and household location are also significant predictors of economic and human losses. Given the current and projected impact of climate change and importance of delta regions as the world’s food baskets, poverty reduction and increase societal resilience should be a primary pathway to strengthen the resilience of the poorest populations inhabiting deltas.

River sediments’ monitoring: impact of tannery discharges

Purpose – The tannery industry impacts strongly on water bodies due to the presence of chemical substances, such as chlorides, sulphates, chromium and other pollutants. This study has been carried out with a view to enhance the environmental compatibility of the Arzignano tannery district (northern Italy) which is the largest in Italy, by improving the quality of the Fratta-Gorzone River. Sediment quality, according to the driving forces-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) scheme, has been developed as a significant impact indicator to be applied at basin level. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the above issues. Design/methodology/approach – Data were produced during institutional monitoring and control activities carried out by ARPAV (Veneto Region Environmental Prevention and Protection Agency) according to official methods. To define the environmental impacts on the river basin, a statistical assessment was performed on water and sediment quality data to establish the degree of correlation for the main pollutants along the river stem. Findings – In the basin considered, sediment quality presents high levels of contamination from heavy metals – in particular chromium (Cr) (III) – as well as organic pollutants. Investigation of the pressure sources revealed that the discharge from the Arzignano tannery district is the main source of Cr (III), according to background studies performed in the same area. Practical implications – The quality of river sediments must be improved in order to avoid the re-suspension/solubility of pollutants; dredged materials with high polluting substances must be managed with specific precautions in order to safeguard the environment. Originality/value – The river studied is currently the only significant water body in which sediment monitoring has been performed in the Veneto Region (Italy) since 2002. This study presents issues linked to the characterization of river sediment and the correlation between sediment quality and water pollution and prior and current pressure sources.

A geographic information system (GIS) with integrated models: a new approach for assessing the vulnerability and risk of desertification in Sardinia (Italy)

Land degradation assessment is a priority when making decisions for environmental protection, particularly so in the Mediterranean area. Among the various approaches adopted to monitor degradation processes and to formulate mitigation action plans, a model-based methodology would appear to be the most effective, because it synergically combines the indicators central to the DPSIR (Driving Forces, Pressure, State, Impact, Response) framework. The approach hereby presented has been applied to evaluate the vulnerability and risk of desertification in Sardinia (Italy).Assuming that desertification is the result of predisposing (geographic), triggering (climatic) and quickening (human impact) factors, a new methodology has been developed which combines, within an integrated model framework, a wide range of desertification indicators which have already been developed by various projects focusing on the Mediterranean area. The modelling procedure was applied to two different time periods (determined by the availability of data): the early 1990s and the present. Data have been compiled and rearranged in a geographic information system (GIS) context, thus facilitating input for the various models applied. This allowed us to highlight both the spatial and the temporal variabilities in the desertification phenomenon, and to estimate the susceptibility of land with regard to each of the degradation processes. The temporal variability was determined by past trends, and future simulations of land use, and climate change.

Community perceptions of water quality and current institutional arrangements in the Great Barrier Reef Region of Australia

This paper traces the perceived linkages between sources of water quality deterioration, impact on human wellbeing and the institutions responsible for dealing with the sources and impacts. The DPSIR (Driving forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) framework is used as a guide for data collection and to structure responses and the emerging themes. The web of linkages, as perceived by residents, is then compared with current institutional arrangements across different relevant sectors. Taking a case study and exploratory research approach, eleven residents of Whitsunday shire, Queensland, Australia were interviewed about their perceptions of water related issues. This was followed by an analysis of current water management institutions for the region. Significant gaps were found between community concerns regarding water quality and actual institutional arrangements responsible for managing water use and quality. Residents perceived their local government body (Shire Council) as accountable for responding to water-related pressures and impacts in their Shire, whereas the responsibility falls primarily on government agencies and organisations at a regional, state and national level. Improved communication between the council and residents is needed to close these gaps in understanding. Moreover, incorporation of local perceptions and values regarding water pressure, impacts and preferred use into the development of institutional arrangements for water management is suggested.

A framework for selecting indicators to assess the sustainable development of the natural heritage site

Sustainable world heritage management represents an approach for managing the resources of a property by integrating environmental, economic, and social issues. It aims to provide sustainable benefits for future generations, while protect the property and minimize the possible adverse social, economic and environmental impacts. Indicators of sustainable development, which summarize information for decision-making, are invaluable to learn the efficiency and effectiveness of property management. Scientists in many fields devised several conceptual models of environmental statistics and indicators, of which, DPSIR (Driving forces — Pressure — State — Impact — Response) is thought to be the best available one in identifying and developing indicators of sustainable development. Based on the DPSIR conceptual model and indicator selection criteria, the present paper proposed a methodology framework for selecting indicators to assess the sustainable development of a natural heritage site. The proposed framework included a multi-level hierarchical structure for various indicators and indexes, a modified DPSIR frame to identify key issues in property management and a set of indicators for evaluating the sustainability in Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries.

Management of Wetlands

This special issue comprises articles reporting research into wetlands. The common feature of this research is that it directed towards bridging the gap between science and policy. Research has been conducted explicitly to provide information which decision-makers can use for managing wetlands. The term ‘wetlands’ attempts to generalise the interface between water and land. It is an umbrella term, encompassing the very large range of terms used to describe such systems. Wetlands have been receiving considerable public and policy attention in recent years. It is now widely recognised that they provide many important goods and services to human societies. Examples include drinking water, flood mitigation, water quality control, fish, and recreational and residential opportunities. Wetlands also support various endangered, charismatic and migratory species. Increased interest in wetlands stems from recognition that human activities are compromising the ability of wetlands to deliver these goods and services. The greatest sources of stress on wetlands include: changes in land use with habitat loss and fragmentation; resource extraction; drainage and reclamation, and pollution. Various international agreements exist to protect wetlands and their dependent species, but despite this, many wetlands over the world are under threat. Turner et al. (2000) identify four main reasons for this: (1) market failures due to the public good nature of wetlands; (2) externalities caused by economic activities such as agriculture, industry, and water abstraction; (3) lack of understanding of the many values associated with wetlands due to the complexity and ‘invisibility’ of spatial relationships among groundwater, surface water and wetland species; and (4) frequent failure of policy intervention and land use planning due to inconsistent treatment of wetlands by economic, agriculture, environmental and nature protection policies. Wetland goods and services, and their future, is of prime concern to the Netherlands, which explains a bias in the research reported here. Much of the Netherlands is wetland, lying at the interface between land and water. Expected climate change will only exacerbate the struggle of this nation to secure its population and associated activities from high water levels. What are the key issues regarding wetland management at the moment? This special issue attempts to elaborate on a number of these issues, as well as taking on board the different perspectives of different disciplines. Disciplines represented in this special issue include management science, policy science, economics, hydrology, and ecology. Most articles draw on more than one of these. The articles may be grouped into three categories: the science-policy interface; scientific research and management; and policy and stakeholders. Two articles address the science-policy interface. The article by Goosen and Vellinga focuses on issues encountered in the Netherlands. An analysis of recent water management projects reveals constraints regarding: (1) national versus local goals; (2) limited sense of urgency among members of the public; (3) lack of coordination in the water management community; (4) unclear views about nature conservation; and (5) limited understanding of wetlands in relation to flood risk management. The authors propose platforms for collaborative planning as a way of improving stakeholder participation in early stages of decision-making. Negotiation and mediation support tools can enable stakeholders and mediators to formulate more purposely the problems that need to be addressed. The articles by Van der Werff and Lindahl and Soderqvist, also in this special issue, elaborate further on stakeholder participation. The article by Turner et al. explores four interrelated management problems—eutrophication of shallow lakes, sea level rise, flooding risks and tourism—in various wetland management options in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads in the United Kingdom. They use the Driving Forces Pressure State Impact Response (DPSIR) framework to analyse the problem from an interdisciplinary ecological-economic perspective. Balancing various Received: 16 April 2004 / Accepted: 24 April 2004 Published online: 10 June 2004 a Springer-Verlag 2004