Ecological Awareness Research Articles

The Value of Ecological Wisdom in the Oral Story of the Toba Batak "Tombak Sulu Sulu": An Ethnographic Study

This research explores the values of ecological wisdom contained in Toba Batak's oral stories, especially the legend of "Tombak Sulu Sulu." The background of this research is based on the importance of environmental preservation amid the threat of ecological disasters around Lake Toba. The method used is qualitative, with an ethnographic study conducted in the Bakkara Valley. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, field observations, and documentation related to the legend. The results showed that this legend contains five central values of ecological wisdom: respecting nature, living in harmony with nature, wise use of natural resources, using environmental knowledge for place naming (toponymy), and making nature a spiritual tool. These values emphasize the importance of harmonious relationships between humans and the environment that can be integrated into nature conservation and sustainable development efforts. This research offers a new perspective on how traditional narratives can build societal ecological awareness.

The perception of urban green space during the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of Wrocław

Green spaces are integral to urban landscape, serving ecological, health, and recreational functions. During the pandemic, urban green spaces were crucial for enabling safe social distancing and enhancing well-being. This study delves into the perception, accessibilities, and qualities of urban green spaces in Wrocław during and after the pandemic. A survey was conducted to understand causes and effects of diverse usage of the urban green space, assessing changes in usage frequency before, during, and after lockdown, as well as public awareness of benefits associated with green spaces. Proximity to green spaces emerges as a key factor as people prefer easily and quick access to these areas. The study also noted a partial modification of social behaviour and increased social and ecological awareness. The results reveal evident development of new daily habits. Although the beginning of the pandemic led to discomfort, adaptive behaviours soon followed, changing daily routines and previous leisure activities. Given the findings on availability and adequacy of green spaces, it is advisable to rearrange these areas to meet the diverse needs of inhabitants.

Treading knowledge: a proposal for an interpretive trail for environmental education in the squares of Gurupi – TO

Growing urbanization around the world results in population concentration in urban centers, composed of various artificial structures. This growth, often disorderly, compromises urban planning and the integration between built and vegetated areas, affecting the quality of life. Public areas, such as parks and squares, play a vital role in promoting urban well-being by offering ecological and social benefits. To maintain these green areas, it is essential to foster ecological awareness through environmental education. The interpretive trails emerge as an effective methodology to sensitize the population about socio-environmental issues, promoting interactive and outdoor learning. In Gurupi, Tocantins, three central squares, offer spaces for coexistence and recreation. This work proposes the creation of three interpretive trails in the central squares of the municipality of Gurupi, to promote environmental education for young students in the municipality. The work is characterized as basic research with a qualitative-quantitative approach that has as a procedure the bibliographic and field research with exploratory and investigative objectives. For this, the vegetative inventory of three squares that are in the central region was carried out, surveying the points of interest and themes for the creation of the trails, considering not only the natural aspects but also the sociocultural aspects of the environments studied.

The Power of Literary Discourse in Creating Ecological Awareness: First Light by Robert Russell Sassor

While the need to move studies on climate change beyond scientific research and to raise awareness about the issue in society is increasing, there is a need for mechanisms that bring discourses about climate change to the public’s knowledge. In recent days, when nature is gradually disappearing into the hands of man, it has become necessary to develop a new way of communicating with nature and natural resources. As Sassor expressed, art is more than a one-way communication tool and it is one of the most effective ways for people to shape their environmental awareness. Getting people to experience this through short stories is possible. Since short stories are literary discourses that can be read in one sitting, they are a more suitable genre for people in the hustle and bustle of the postmodern world. In this study, Robert Russel Sassor’s short story First Light has been analyzed through a discourse-centered approach. Based on the collocated words around the motifs of ‘death/suicide, regret, longing for the past, nature, sexual identity distortion, and loneliness’ it is observed that Sassor’s concerns about the deterioration of the ecological balance as well as the distortion of sexual identity in the individual come to the fore.

The Concept Of The Word Ṡamrah (Fruit) In The Quran (A Semantic Study By Toshihiko Izutsu)

<p style="text-align: justify;">This article examines the conceptual meaning of the word <em>ṡamrah</em> (fruit) in the Quran using Toshihiko Izutsu's semantic approach. This study found that <em>ṡamrah</em> has a basic meaning as an edible plant product, but it also has a relational meaning that depends on the context in which it is used in the Quran. The word not only refers to physical fruits but also includes the results of human effort and blessings given by Allah. This article is a qualitative article and uses the analytical descriptive method in analyzing the verses containing the word <em>ṡamrah.</em> In addition, it highlights the importance of the word <em>ṡamrah</em> when looking at the semantic field and the concept of the word <em>ṡamrah</em> as a blessing in life through various verses that explain it. Patience in facing the test of lack of sustenance is also explained. This research also emphasizes ecological awareness by utilizing natural resources wisely which includes the word <em>ṡamrah</em> in it and maintaining environmental balance. Thus, this research provides an in-depth look at how the concept of the meaning of the word <em>ṡamrah</em> in the Quran can be applied in everyday life.</p>

Teaching for a sustainable future case studies from the green schools project in bulgaria

This article examines the implementation and impact of green education activities in primary schools across Bulgaria, as part of the Green Schools Project, supported by Erasmus+ Programme. Through detailed case studies, the research highlights how seven primary teachers integrated environmental education into their classrooms, fostering ecological awareness and sustainable practices among their students. The activities ranged from recycling projects and nature observation walks to role-playing games that traced the journey of food from seed to consumption. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in students' knowledge of ecological principles, increased motivation and engagement in green topics, and positive behavioral changes towards environmental stewardship. This study underscores the importance of integrating green education into the primary curriculum, providing insights and recommendations for future educational policies and practices aimed at nurturing responsible and proactive environmental citizens.

Educational environment and Pedagogical space and their importance the formation of ecological awareness

The formation of students' ecological awareness in an educational environment organized by means of pedagogical methodology in the pedagogical space of a technical university determined the directions of the research search.

The reduction of chemical inputs by ultra-precise smart spot sprayer technology maximizes crop potential by lowering phytotoxicity

Weeding is at the heart of agriculture. Today, using herbicides is unavoidable in conventional agriculture. However, increasing ecological awareness, the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and the pursuit of sustainable food have driven industries and academics to explore new approaches for growing and protecting crops. In this context, smart spot sprayers emerge as a highly innovative alternative to broadcast treatments, which overuse pesticides, and mechanical weeding, which is limited by restrictive application conditions. Using artificial intelligence (AI) for plant recognition and ultra-precise spraying technology, herbicides are applied directly to weeds with minimal overspray, reducing their use by 90% compared to conventional methods. Spot sprayers' narrowly targeted spray limits chemicals' contact with the crop, resulting in low phytotoxicity, preserving natural crop development while maximizing yield potential. In addition, site-specific application increases the selectivity of chemical products artificially, enabling more concentrated mixtures to be used. Also, AI enables the selective application of non-selective molecules, supporting their use in established cultures. These characteristics open new opportunities for effective weed control where the traditional solutions fall short. This publication demonstrates the potential of the ultra-precise smart spot sprayer ARA in weed management in onion and sugar beet crops. Although comparing the overall performance of ARA with other smart spot sprayers on the market cannot be done in this article, this technology's potential in rendering weed management on farms more effective, sustainable, and saving labor without compromising yield is nevertheless indicated.

Citizenship and ecological education: Exploring the role of the Bakti Enzyme community in raising ecological awareness

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Environmental awareness and sustainable behavior of respondents in Germany, the Netherlands and Poland: A qualitative focus group study

The diverse European landscape of climate consciousness is shaped by political values, financial constraints, and country-specific point of view. The aim of the study was to unravel age-specific ecological awareness, forms of engagement, and perceptions, contributing to a nuanced understanding of climate dynamics.Selected regions: Germany (Rheinisches Revier), the Netherlands (Amsterdam Metropolitan Area), and Poland (Upper Silesia/Metropolis GZM) present different states regarding recycling/Circular Economy principles, and different environments.The research design incorporates an inductive qualitative approach to investigate environmental awareness and attitudes toward ecologically friendly behaviors. Six FGIs (Focus Group Interviews) were conducted across three European regions, involving participants from diverse age groups (20–39 years and 40–60 years) in each region.The study shows that ecological awareness varies between countries and generations, reflecting distinctive environmental strategies shaped by cultural and developmental factors. Participants in each region and age group exhibit diverse levels of engagement in sustainable activities, and highlight issues such as the need for tailored strategies, concerns related to eco-labelling, greenwashing, and inadequate waste treatment, as well as information gaps.These variations in pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors across age groups and regions underscore the need for tailored strategies and regional policies. Transparency in waste management, eco-labelling, and sustainable transportation alternatives should be prioritized. Educational initiatives addressing information gaps, especially regarding lifestyle choices, are crucial. Collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches are essential for fostering positive change and a sustainable future across the European Union. Transparent communication, regulatory measures, and accessible eco-friendly options encourage widespread adoption of pro-environmental behaviors.

Impact of Ecological Cognitive Bias on Pesticide Reduction by Natural Rubber Farmers in China: Insight from Price Insurance Satisfaction

Some natural rubber farmers mistakenly equate the ecological functions of rubber plantations with those of primary forests. This cognitive bias can hinder pesticide reduction efforts. Meanwhile, natural rubber farmers gain security through price insurance, which helps them adopt a long-term perspective on environmental protection, mitigating the negative impact of cognitive biases on pesticide use decisions. However, existing research often overlooks the influence of ecological cognitive bias on pesticide reduction and the moderating role of price insurance satisfaction. This study utilizes field survey data from Hainan and employs logit models and double machine learning models to empirically analyze the impact of ecological cognitive bias on pesticide reduction among natural rubber farmers. It further tests the underlying mechanisms using moderation models. The results indicate that (1) ecological cognitive bias negatively affects pesticide reduction among natural rubber farmers, and (2) price insurance satisfaction mitigates the impact of ecological cognitive bias on pesticide reduction. Based on these findings, the government should enhance education and training to raise ecological awareness among natural rubber farmers and reduce ecological cognitive biases. Disseminating knowledge about price insurance and establishing a comprehensive insurance system can secure farmers’ income and promote the rational use of pesticides.

Ecohydraulics-based environmental flow assessment in two arid North African rivers

North Africa is among the most water-stressed regions in the world; still, the habitat requirements of its freshwater biota are largely unknown. In this study, (i) we developed habitat suitability curves (HSCs) for freshwater macroinvertebrates in two poorly studied, regulated North African rivers (Ziz and Oum Er-Rbia), and (ii) assessed environmental flows downstream of each river dam by incorporating the HSCs in two-dimensional ecohydraulic models. We demonstrate a low-cost sampling methodology combined with freely distributed ecohydraulic modeling software. The results showed that macroinvertebrates in the arid-desert Ziz River could tolerate a wide range of habitats in terms of flow velocity and water depth compared to the arid-steppe Oum Er-Rbia River, probably due to their adaptation to extreme (arid-desert) environmental conditions. Optimal environmental flows downstream of the Al Hassan Addakhil (Ziz River) and the Al Massira (Oum Er-Rbia River) dams were 1 m3/s and 2 m3/s, respectively. However, environmental flows at 0.5 m3/s and 1 m3/s, respectively, could still maintain sustainable freshwater biota downstream of the dams. The results further highlight the critical status of the Ziz River, which was completely dry, and the alarming status of the Oum Er-Rbia River due to the significant reduction in the water levels of the Al Massira Dam. In a continuously changing climate, we suggest that the proposed environmental flows should be immediately delivered to prevent droughts and ensure healthy freshwater communities downstream of the dams, within a basin-wide freshwater management framework. In this water scarce region, more research is necessary to increase ecological awareness about these understudied freshwater systems and achieve a balance between human needs and ecosystem requirements.

Ecological consciousness, moral self-identity and green conspicuous behavior: Moderating role of religiosity

Due to its substantial ecological imprint, the fashion industry is coming under closer examination in a time of increased environmental awareness. Therefore, the interplay of ecological awareness and sustainable consumption in the fashion industry is the focus of this empirical research. This study examines the mediating role of empowerment and self-transformation between moral self-identity, ecological consciousness consumer behavior (ECCB), and consumers' purchase behaviors, along with the moderating role of religiosity. Under the Value Belief Norm theory paradigm, the hypotheses were assessed after collecting data from 542 consumers in Pakistan. The results indicate that empowerment and self-transformation mediate the relationship between self-identity and ECCB with consumers' purchase behaviors. Also, the results provide strong support for religiosity as the boundary condition. The empirical results add to the body of research by illuminating the complex relationship between environmental consciousness and actual spending behaviors, particularly in the context of fashion.

BEDAWANG NALA: ARTISTIC INSPIRATION FOR A FICTION FILM TO STRENGTHEN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AWARENESS

This research explores the philosophical and symbolic value of Bedawang Nala in Balinese architectural art and the development of its narrative in fiction films based on Hindu mythology. Bedawang Nala, depicted as a giant fire-haired turtle with dragons Anantabhoga and Basuki, reflects cosmic balance and natural harmony in Tri Hita Karana. This qualitative research uses an interdisciplinary perspective involving the views of cultural studies and the creativity of film art creation. Data was obtained through in-depth interviews to explore the meaning and connection of the Bedawang Nala concept with environmental themes, audiovisual observations of traditional Balinese architecture, and literature studies on Bedawang Nala and ecological issues. Data were analyzed using interview transcript interpretation techniques to identify main themes related to the philosophical and symbolic values of Bedawang Nala, audiovisual analysis, and literature synthesis that connects findings from interviews and observations with current discussions about ecological education. The findings show that the Bedawang Nala mythology is not just an aesthetic ornament but has an educational value relevant to contemporary environmental issues. The development of this mythology-based film narrative can be an effective academic and cultural reflection tool, strengthening ecological awareness in society. This research suggests making and evaluating films based on Bedawang Nala and exploring other local mythologies to increase the educational impact and environmental awareness through film media.

Ecological care in nursing practice: a Walker and Avant concept analysis

BackgroundToday, the human population faces an increasing array of emerging environmental challenges. Despite its importance, nurses often neglect ecological issues, which can compromise patient health. While the ecological nursing perspective has the potential to lead to innovative care approaches that benefit patients, the nursing profession, and the environment, the concept of ecological care lacks a clear definition and its dimensions remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze and clarify the concept of ‘ecological care’ in the nursing discipline.MethodsWalker and Avant’s analysis method was used to identify descriptions, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of the concept of ‘ecological care’ in nursing. We searched the databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, SID, and IranDoc) using the keywords “ecological,” “nurse,” and “nursing” using Boolean operators “AND” and “OR” in the title and abstract fields both in English and Persian to identify relevant literature on ecological care in nursing.ResultsEcological care, as a multidimensional concept, encompasses ecological thinking, ecological attitude, ecological awareness, ecological sensitivity, and ecological literacy. This entails the optimal utilization of environmental factors to provide patients with high-quality care and preserve ecological sustainability through environmentally friendly behaviors.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the need to elucidate, endorse, and solidify ecological thinking in all aspects of nursing care including nursing management, education, and research, which can lead to improved care quality, patient safety, and sustainability. Within this framework, nursing educators could play an essential role in integrating ecological care into nursing education. The study emphasizes the need to integrate ecological thinking into all aspects of nursing.

PHILOSOPHICAL APPROACHES AND STRATEGIES FOR CLIMATE-RESILIENT AGRICULTURE

The development of scientific and technical mastery over nature has made the practice of agriculture, which remains the adequate condition for human subsistence, problematic. Human chemistry attacks have eventually irritated the grand chemistry of nature, leading agriculture to face unprecedented climate change. Such a situation calls for philosophical reflection and leads to considering agriculture not only as an economic activity but also as a system interconnected with nature, communities, and future generations. We have reached the following result, which emphasizes the need for a philosophy of sustainability focusing on the preservation of natural resources, the promotion of environmentally friendly agricultural practices, and agricultural policies based on ethical principles of fairness, justice, and responsibility. This philosophy, aided by education and awareness-raising among farmers, promotes ecological awareness and an understanding of the challenges of climate change, thus fostering collective resilience to climate challenges.This philosophical approach to agriculture guides towards a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable agricultural future, based on values of respect for nature, community solidarity, and collective responsibility. To achieve this result, we used the direct analysis method.

Entrepreneurship Principles and Ecological Awareness: A Qualitative Analysis in the Context of the Bakti Enzyme Community

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi hubungan antara kewirausahaan dan kesadaran ekologis dengan fokus pada komunitas Enzim Bakti, menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif. Komunitas Enzim Bakti, yang dikenal karena upayanya dalam pemanfaatan enzim untuk mendukung praktek ramah lingkungan, menjadi studi kasus untuk memahami bagaimana kewirausahaan dapat menyatu dengan prinsip-prinsip keberlanjutan ekologis. Melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan analisis dokumen, penelitian ini mengidentifikasi berbagai aspek kewirausahaan yang diterapkan dalam komunitas ini serta dampaknya terhadap kesadaran ekologis anggotanya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kewirausahaan dalam komunitas Enzim Bakti tidak hanya berfokus pada penciptaan nilai ekonomi tetapi juga berkontribusi signifikan terhadap tujuan keberlanjutan lingkungan. Anggota komunitas mengembangkan inovasi yang berorientasi pada pengurangan limbah, efisiensi sumber daya, dan pemeliharaan kualitas lingkungan. Kesadaran ekologis, yang ditanamkan melalui pendidikan dan praktik sehari-hari, berperan penting dalam membentuk strategi kewirausahaan yang mendukung tujuan-tujuan lingkungan. Temuan ini menyoroti bahwa integrasi prinsip keberlanjutan dalam kewirausahaan dapat menghasilkan dampak positif baik bagi bisnis maupun lingkungan, serta memberikan wawasan tentang bagaimana komunitas wirausaha dapat berkontribusi pada kesadaran ekologis yang lebih luas. Penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi penting terhadap pemahaman tentang sinergi antara kewirausahaan dan kesadaran ekologis, serta memberikan rekomendasi bagi praktisi dan pembuat kebijakan untuk mendorong praktik kewirausahaan yang berkelanjutan di masa depan.

Ecocriticism and Environmental Awareness in Modern Poetry in Africa

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the ecocriticism and environmental awareness in modern poetry in Africa. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that poetry aims to raise environmental awareness by depicting the beauty of natural landscapes and the destructive impact of human activity. Ecocritical poetry often incorporates imagery and symbolism that evoke a sense of urgency regarding climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts. By intertwining aesthetic appreciation with ecological consciousness, modern poets not only reflect the environmental crises of our time but also inspire readers to contemplate and engage with ecological issues. This growing trend underscores the vital role of literature in fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world, thereby contributing to a broader cultural movement towards environmental sustainability. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Ecocritical theory, cultural ecology theory and reader-response theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the ecocriticism and environmental awareness in modern poetry in Africa. In practice, promoting ecocritical poetry involves integrating it into educational curricula and public discourse. Advocating for ecocritical poetry in policy involves influencing cultural and media practices to amplify environmental voices and perspectives.

REGIONAL FEATURES OF THE INTERSECTION OF ECO- AND RURAL TOURISM IN VINNYCHCHYNA DURING MARITAL STATE

The article examines the tourist potential of the Vinnytsia region and determines that the region has significant natural and recreational potential for the development of ecological and rural tourism. It has been established that the development of these types of tourism is due to the increase in demand for domestic tourism as a result of the war in Ukraine. Therefore, the main consumers of eco- and rural tourism services in Vinnytsia region are internally displaced persons, as well as connoisseurs of Ukrainian folk traditions due to the attractiveness of the nature, its environmental friendliness and rural lifestyle. Regulatory and legal documents regulating rural tourism, namely the Regional Development Strategy of the Vinnytsia Region until 2027, as well as the main directions of activity of the public organization «Vinnytsia Regional Branch of the Association for the Promotion of the Development of Rural Green Tourism in Ukraine» were studied. The tourist route Camino Podoliсo or St. Jacob’s Way, which covers two regions of Khmelnytskyi and Vinnytsia, was studied. It was found that this project is a unique opportunity to gain impressions from getting to know the unique sights, customs and traditions and natural features of Podillia. The significant areas of Vinnytsia region, the village of Busha of the Yampil district, on the territory of which there are outstanding monuments of the archaeology and architecture of the famous Bushan relief (carved out of stone in the Rock Temple by the hands of our glorious ancestors) and the remains of the Bushan fortress – a stone tower, the Haydamatskyi ravine, the remains of multi-layered settlements of Trypillia, Chernyakhiv, Penkiv and Scythian cultures, a medieval cemetery. The possibilities of Mogilev-Podilskyi, Barskyi and Vinnytsia districts regarding the development and intersection of eco- and rural tourism in wartime are also described. In the article, with the help of a SWOT analysis, the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the development of eco- and rural tourism in Vinnytsia are given. It was found that the combination of eco- and rural tourism is a necessary condition for the economic development of rural areas, and rural recreation should strengthen the ecological awareness of tourists in order to preserve the environment.

Description of nature and ecological phenomena in William Faulkner's works

This article explores the depiction of nature and ecological phenomena in the works of William Faulkner, focusing on how his literary landscapes reflect the complex relationship between humanity and the environment. Through a detailed analysis of Faulkner’s portrayal of wild, untamed forests and the inherent struggle for survival, the study examines the philosophical underpinnings of his narratives. Faulkner’s works, particularly his stories "The Old Man" and "The Bear" from Go Down, Moses, illustrate the tension between civilization and the primal forces of nature. These stories highlight the existential challenges faced by humans as they navigate the boundaries between societal expectations and natural instincts. By employing various literary devices, Faulkner crafts a vivid ecological dialogue that underscores the inevitable clash between progress and the preservation of the natural world. This analysis contributes to the broader discourse on environmental literature, emphasizing Faulkner's relevance in contemporary discussions on ecological awareness and cultural identity.