Ecological Dimensions Research Articles

“Towards the Connection Between Humans and Nature”: A Critique of the Myths of Stone Castles in Ecocritical Contexts

This paper explores the complex relationship between the myths surrounding stone castles and ecological dimensions in Thailand, focusing on Northeastern Thailand. Stone castles are historical and artistic symbols and representations of the deep connection between humans and their natural environment. These myths, rooted in folklore, convey community histories and cultural identities, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of past civilizations. The storytelling related to stone castles emphasizes sustainable practices and respect for natural resources, fostering a sense of unity and pride within communities. Using an ecocritical lens, this study examines the significance of these stone monuments beyond their artistic value, revealing the sustainable practices and environmental awareness of ancient peoples. By analyzing these myths, we gain insight into the values and beliefs that shaped human interactions with nature throughout history. The myths illustrate a legacy of ecological respect and balanced coexistence with the environment, offering crucial lessons for contemporary society on the importance of environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Ultimately, this critique highlights the need to appreciate and understand the ongoing relationship between humans and nature, as reflected in the myths of stone castles.

Sustainability of Palm Sugar Home Industry Management in Rambah District, Rokan Hulu Regency

The palm sugar industry in Rokan Hulu Regency, Indonesia, is a prominent agro-industry operating at a household level and mainly relies on raw palm sap. This study assesses the sustainability of the industry by analyzing its ecological, economic, social, legal/institutional, and technological dimensions. Using Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) and participatory prospective analysis, findings indicate moderate sustainability in all dimensions except for legal/institutional aspects, which require improvement. Practical recommendations focus on institutional support, adoption of agroforestry, digital literacy, and women empowerment to enhance the industry’s resilience and adaptability. These recommendations aim to facilitate long-term sustainability by strengthening community involvement and integrating modern technology. The outcomes contribute to broader insights on managing small-scale agro-industries sustainably within rural communities.

What Configurational Paths Enhance the High-Quality Construction of Cold Region Rural Landscapes? A Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis of 66 Villages in Heilongjiang Province

This study addresses the construction of high-quality rural landscapes, crucial for China’s rural revitalization strategy, encompassing economic, social, cultural, and ecological dimensions. Focusing on 66 cold-region villages in Heilongjiang Province, it develops a dual-dimensional quality evaluation system that integrates both objective data and subjective perception indicators. It employs the entropy weight TOPSIS model to evaluate and grade the quality of rural landscapes and uses fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to analyze the complex causal relationships influencing high-quality rural landscapes. The results show that (1) The TOPSIS model identifies four grades of rural landscape quality: “Excellent-Good-Average-Poor”, with “Excellent and Good” grades defined as high-quality rural landscape. (2) The fsQCA reveals eight configuration paths that influence high-quality rural landscapes, which are categorized into four models: natural ecology, efficient industry, cultural heritage, and comprehensive development. The main contribution of this study lies in its systematic analysis of the complex causal relationships affecting rural landscape quality, providing a theoretical and technological foundation for guiding the sustainable development of cold-region rural landscapes within the framework of rural revitalization strategy in China.

Meeting Market and Societal Ambitions with New Robust Grape Varietals: Sustainability, the Green Deal, and Wineries’ Resilience

This study investigates the sustainability impact of fungus-resistant grape varieties within viticulture, addressing economic, ecological, and social dimensions. Pesticide management is of paramount importance for wineries but causes additional costs, impairs sustainability, and faces societal non-acceptance. Digital monitoring of four German wineries for two consecutive years allowed us to compare treatments of traditional and robust varietals. The results demonstrate that the latter enables a significant reduction in pesticide treatments, can be key for copper reduction, and is of paramount importance for organic winemaking. By reducing pesticide dependency, lowering operational costs, hedging risks, and improving labor efficiency, FRW present a key to sustainable viticulture. The results suggest that robust varietals present a means to comply with societal pressure and to meet EU Green Deal ambitions. This paper contributes new, practice-oriented knowledge on FRW’s role in sustainable viticulture, confirming both the ecological and economic advantages in real-world settings, alongside unique insights into social sustainability and market positioning strategies. Sustainability impact is quantified, and a newly introduced productivity metric allows for the orchestration of resilience. The findings contribute to the discourse on sustainable agriculture by validating FRW as a strategic response to climate and regulatory pressures, resilience, and competitive positioning.

Bridging the gap: The role of geographic proximity in enhancing seed sustainability in Bandung District

Abstract Climate change poses mounting challenges to agriculture in the Bandung District, Indonesia, and across the Global South. Seeds are the foundation of resilient food systems, and sustainable seed systems are essential for adaptation. This study offers a unique, holistic investigation of seed sustainability within the Bandung District. Utilizing multidimensional scaling and an independent t-test on a surveyed sample of 100 farmers across 8 villages, we analyze the interwoven social, economic, ecological, institutional, and technological dimensions shaping seed sustainability within the region. A core finding reveals the impact of geographic proximity to the government center on economic sustainability within the seed systems. Further, this analysis demonstrates the importance of policies promoting decentralized agricultural support, enhanced seed-saving infrastructure, and accessible farmer education programs to promote farmer agency, food security, and district-wide agricultural resilience. Findings transcend the context of Bandung, informing sustainable seed development practices in both regional and global contexts.

Lessons from a Rubik's Cube to solve the biodiversity crisis.

Global biodiversity is facing unprecedented pressures, calling into question the effectiveness of existing governance systems aimed at halting extinctions. Renewed hope arose with the recent Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15 December 2022) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (COP19 November 2022). Yet, barriers remain that hamper biodiversity conservation. Identifying and overcoming these barriers is crucial for success. We considered previous lessons learned to show that current barriers to conservation are centered on a multidimensional array of mismatches among legal (law), ecological (science), and sociocultural (human) dimensions across the short, medium, and long term. Focusing on highly migratory marine megafauna (whales, sharks, and turtles), we used the Rubik's cube as a metaphor to conceptualize the multidimensional mismatches and devised a pathway for solutions that is highly dependent on strict alignment across all dimensions. We recommend the continuous cycling across all dimension interfaces to align the use (and update) of regulations and processes in law, improve data and experimentation methods in science, and develop education and engagement actions in the human dimension. This timely alignment across all dimensions is key to achieving biodiversity targets and avoiding further extinctions.

Research on the efficiency and spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of agricultural green development in central cities of the Yangtze River Delta

IntroductionAgricultural green development (AGD) prioritizes sustainable growth by integrating economic, ecological, and social dimensions, aiming to harmonize agricultural economic development with environmental protection and social progress.MethodsThis study integrates the three-stage super-efficiency DEA-SBM model with the BP algorithm, creating an advanced DEA-SBM-BP model to overcome the shortcomings of traditional DEA in evaluation and management processes. The study further applies the Dagum Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation (KDE), and Moran’s index to assess and forecast the efficiency and spatiotemporal evolution patterns of green agricultural development in key cities within the Yangtze River Delta.ResultsThe analysis shows that AGD in the central city of the Yangtze River Delta is overall balanced; however, substantial variations exist among cities within individual provinces. Factors like macroeconomic conditions, workforce quality, and policy support play a crucial role in promoting the efficiency of AGD. Among these, macroeconomic development level has a negative impact, while labor quality and policy support exhibit bidirectional effects. Infrastructure construction, digitalization of agricultural economy, and rural security have become key factors in the green development of modern agriculture. The green advancement of agriculture in the central Yangtze River Delta region typically exhibits a marked clustering effect; however, the local clustering reveals a trend toward dispersed development.DiscussionDespite the emergence of new characteristics in agricultural production in China within the context of high-quality development, differences in resource endowments and economic structures among cities continue to be significant factors contributing to regional imbalances and changes in the agglomeration patterns of agricultural development.

Spatial benefit assessment and marine climate response of coastal zone in Fujian Province under cross-system influence.

To gain a scientific understanding of the cross-system impact of coastal zones and promote the sustainable development and protection of coastal areas, we constructed a spatial benefit evaluation system that encompassed both terrestrial and marine systems, focusing on the ecological, economic, and social dimensions. We employed the entropy method, moving average method, and Mann-Kendall trend test to quantitatively characterize the spatial benefits of the coastal zone in Fujian Province, China, and the evolution of the marine climate from 2005 to 2020. Building on this, the grey relational analysis method was applied to investigate the correlation between spatial benefits and marine climate and to explore the trends and magnitude of the impact of marine climate on spatial benefits. During the study period, the spatial benefits of the coastal zone in Fujian Province exhibited a fluctuating pattern of an initial increase followed by a decrease, with spatial benefits varying among cities. The role of the economic system in enhancing spatial benefits was not considerable. Changes in the marine climate aligned with the global warming trend, with the most considerable changes observed in sea level and tropical cyclone frequency and intensity, which are sensitive to human activities. There was a high degree of correlation between coastal zone spatial benefits and marine climate, with seawater salinity being most closely related to spatial benefits, while tropical cyclones showed the weakest correlation. The results of this study support sustainable development efforts in coastal zones.

Sustainable Livelihood in Post-Disaster Tourism: Lesson Learned from Merapi Tourism Site

This research aims to explore the practice of the Sustainable Livelihood Tourism Framework (SLTF) in post-disaster management in the Mount Merapi area, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The focus of SLTF achievement in this study encompasses ecological, economic, sociocultural, and institutional dimensions. Research on the SLTF has indeed become a significant focus in tourism studies. However, most of these studies are confined to a single research methodology, resulting in limited scope and a lack of comprehensive discussion. This study used a mixed-method approach with an explanatory sequential design. The study found that tourism positively impacts the increase of economic activities in the community. However, on the ecological side, tourism presence degrades environmental quality due to issues such as carbon emissions, industrial waste, climate change, the greenhouse effect, illegal logging, and illegal mining. Furthermore, other policies were identified, such as mineral water mining permits that degrade the environment and the establishment of landfill sites in the Kaliurang area, which spoils the natural beauty. Tourism practices also have a negative impact on institutional aspects, as the community perceives government policies as too complex and not meeting their expectations. Lastly, in the socio-cultural aspect, tourism preserves traditional values, as tourists tend to respect them. This mixed-method approach underscores the need for balanced strategies that address environmental concerns while maximizing economic benefits, improving institutional involvement, and supporting socio-cultural enhancement.

Exploring Differing Perspectives on Sustainability and Corresponding Strategies in German Automotive Companies

In addition to acute crises dominating the societal discourse, such as the global consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the world continues to face the ongoing challenge of limiting climate change and achieving a sustainable transformation. Yet, in public discourse, the widely used terms “sustainability” and “transformation” are not clearly defined, and the understanding varies greatly depending on the industry and the stakeholders considered. One important transformation arena lies within the German automotive industry, as it is one of the country’s biggest industrial sectors by revenue and the number of employees. In addition, the German automotive industry is currently going through a transition period due to the switch to electric drivetrains as the main propulsion technology opposed to combustion engines. Therefore, the following paper identifies the differing understandings of sustainability and according actions in the German automotive industry. Moreover, possible conflicts and prioritizations along the economic, ecological, and social dimensions of sustainability are presented based on an expert interview study. To do so, a structuring qualitative content analysis in combination with a descriptive approach was used focusing on the differing perspectives on sustainability of both the interviewees and their companies. The gathered data then allows to compare the aggregated individual and corporate sustainability perspectives in the German automotive industry, as well as comparing the sustainability perspectives of the interviewees and their respective companies case by case. The results suggest that there is a considerable discrepancy between individual and corporate understandings of sustainability. These differences can mainly be attributed to the companies’ economically driven views in contrast to the individuals’, mostly ecologically driven sustainability perspective. Moreover, several barriers and conflicts, rooted in the prioritization of economic gains, can be traced back to conflicts in the supplier pyramid. The identification of common transformation goals and measures among companies is necessary to enable a collaborative, sustainable transformation in the German automotive industry, which benefits all societal stakeholders in or attached to this sector.

Unveiling Relationships: Enhancing Sustainability of Golpata (Nipa Palm) Through Socio‐Ecological Systems Management in the Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

ABSTRACTThis study explores the social‐ecological dynamics of common pool resource (CPR) management in the Sundarbans mangrove forest in Bangladesh. We focus on golpata (Nypa fruticans), a vital CPR for local communities. A social‐ecological systems (SESs) framework was employed to assess the relationships between social (actors and governance) and ecological (resource system and resource unit) dimensions and their influence on the sustainability of golpata management. Data on 12 variables and 24 indicators were collected within the Chadpai range of the Sundarbans. Results revealed both positive and negative relationships between the SES dimensions. Positive correlations were found between the resource system and resource unit, and between governance and both resource system and unit (albeit weaker). Conversely, negative correlations emerged between actors and both resource systems and units, suggesting a potential disconnect between community user practices and resource sustainability. Based on these findings, the study recommends four distinct management scenarios tailored to specific SES regions within the Sundarbans. These scenarios emphasize strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and implementing targeted ecological interventions to improve the sustainability of golpata resources. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the social‐ecological complexities of golpata management in the Sundarbans. The findings can inform policymakers in developing effective strategies for sustainable resource use and community livelihoods within this critical ecosystem.

So Many Birds: Psychoanalytic Listening in the Time of Climate Crisis

ABSTRACT Susan Bodnar urges the psychoanalytic field to expand our scope of attention by attuning our listening to the ecological dimension of our patients’ object-relational worlds, and to take up nourishing and elaborating these inner landscapes as a core part of our clinical task. This discussion extends Bodnar’s application of ecotherapy to investigate the question: How are our psyches registering and internalizing our catastrophically changing world? The author offers an extended clinical vignette in an effort to explore the dynamic tension between the potent healing potential of inviting in, attending to, and supporting a healthy internalized relationship to the more-than-human world, and the ways in which a damaged, dangerous, or unstable world may be registered by the psyche and interwoven into the psychoanalytic process.

Status Keberlanjutan Program Pelepasliaran Orangutan Sumatera (Pongo abelii L.) di Bentang Alam Bukit Tiga Puluh Provinsi Jambi

This research aims to analyze the sustainability status and analyze sensitive attributes (leverage analysis) on the sustainability of the Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii L.) reintroduction program in the Bukit Tigapuluh Landscape. The analysis was carried out using the RAPFISH method with four dimensions, namely ecological, economic, social and institutional dimensions which were then validated using the Monte Carlo method, determining the stress value and R2 value. Determining sensitive attributes is done using leverage analysis. The research results show that the sustainability status of the Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii L.) reintroduction program in the Bukit Tigapuluh Landscape in the ecological and economic dimensions is quite sustainable, but in the social and institutional dimensions it is less sustainable. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that of the total of 36 attributes used, 13 sensitive attributes were identified which influenced the sustainability index value of the Sumatran orangutan reintroduction program namely pressure on the area, number and type of nest trees, forest area area, opportunities for competition (intra and between species), level of habitat suitability, contributing to improving the community's economy, average income against UMP, potential tourist attractions, threat of habitat change, conflict management mechanisms, threat of animal hunting, level of community education and information on regulations related to management rules for Sumatran orangutans.

Enhancing economic multifunctionality without compromising multidiversity and ecosystem multifunctionality via forest enrichment.

Enriching tree species-poor and less productive forests by introducing economically valuable species is a strategy proposed for achieving multipurpose forest management. However, empirical evidence from managed and mature forests on the impact of this enrichment on ecological (multidiversity and ecosystem multifunctionality) and economic dimensions remains scarce, particularly when nonnative species are used. Here, we propose and test a framework that integrates economic multifunctionality, encompassing timber production-oriented goals and resistance against disturbances, with multidiversity and ecosystem multifunctionality in European beech forest stands enriched with conifers. Our results show that enriched beech forest stands (~80 years old) can provide high levels of economic multifunctionality without compromising multidiversity and ecosystem multifunctionality. In comparison to pure beech stands, enriched stands with Douglas-fir supported win-win-win situations for these three dimensions. Our findings contribute to the discussion of integrating biodiversity, ecosystem, and economic functions, providing empirical evidence for future forest management.

Social and ecological dimensions are needed to understand human‐wildlife conflict in subsistence farming context

Abstract This study explores the social, economic and environmental dimensions of human‐wildlife conflict (HWC) in four districts of Bhutan. Looking beyond the common unidimensional approach to the evaluation of HWCs, it documents the multifaceted nature of HWCs through a social‐ecological system (SES) lens. We carried out a mixed method analysis of HWC based on 96 interviews consisting of qualitative and quantitative data and eight focus group discussions conducted in four districts representing four regions of Bhutan. Our case study finding reveals that HWC scenarios are complex and there is spatial variation in both social and ecological factors that contribute to HWC. In some areas, ecological aspects such as the composition and behaviour of wildlife species exacerbate the conflict, while in other regions the co‐occurrence of wildlife and livestock in the same ‘wild’ landscape drives HWC. The socio‐economic dimensions of HWC are largely driven by attitudes, tolerance, and behaviour of individuals underpinned by multiple factors. We propose that the SES approach improves our understanding of key social, economic and ecological factors, their interactions, and the feedback that either exacerbates or ameliorates HWC in contested landscapes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Data-Driven Customer Assessments for Biodiversity Conservation

This study centers on addressing the critical challenge posed by illegal wildlife and plant trade to biodiversity, aiming to propose a client evaluation model designed for conservation efforts. Operative within a rigorous assessment framework that integrates sophisticated statistical tools, including McKinsey's Logic Tree Analysis, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), the model conducts evaluations spanning both non-governmental organizations and government institutions. Following meticulous analysis, the United States government is identified as the optimal partner. The rationale behind this selection is multifaceted, examining the ecological, social, and economic dimensions to comprehensively scrutinize the validity and necessity of collaborating with the U.S. government in tackling the pressing issue of illegal wildlife and plant trade.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CONCEPT IN EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK LAW

The subject of this paper is the introduction of the environmental protection concept in the central banking law to preserve natural resources and contribute to ensuring sustainable economic development. In that sense, the author will attempt to describe the potential contribution of green central bank legislation in managing and mitigating environmental issues, aiming to identify the ecological dimension of the European Central Bank (ECB) mandate, as the supreme monetary institution of the European Union (EU). The following text focuses on the functional analysis of the ECB’s potential legal mandate for environmental activities, their scope, limitations, and practical justification where the introduction of these new activities must be carefully managed without creating a collision with its primary task of maintaining monetary and financial stability.tability.

Balancing conservation and development for achieving land degradation neutrality

The loss of biodiversity has risen dramatically in the face of a global emergency and worsened by human activities which involves habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Biodiversity is essential for sustainable development, supporting ecosystem services crucial for agriculture, forestry and climate regulation. These services are threatened by biodiversity loss, which also has an impact on world cultural heritage, economic stability and human well-being. Moreover, a decline in biodiversity exacerbates the effects of climate change, undermining ecosystem resilience and making food poverty worse. Achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), a global goal to stop and reverse land degradation through sustainable land management techniques, depends on effective biodiversity protection. LDN projects aim to balance restoration efforts against deterioration in order to preserve or improve land-based natural capital. This chapter highlights the biophysical and socioeconomic factors driving land degradation, including unsustainable agricultural practices, urbanization and climate change impacts. It underscores the importance of integrated approaches that consider ecological, social and economic dimensions in achieving LDN. Principles such as respecting human rights, promoting good governance, and engaging stakeholders are critical for successful LDN implementation. This chapter emphasizes the need for global cooperation and policy reforms to mitigate biodiversity loss, combat land degradation and ensure sustainable land use practices for future generations.

ANALISIS KEBERLANJUTAN PERKEBUNAN KELAPA SAWIT SWADAYA DI KECAMATAN SEKERNAN KABUPATEN MUARO JAMBI

This study aims to determine the general description of smallholder palm oil in Sekernan District, Muaro Jambi Regency, and analyze their sustainability status and sensitive attributes that affect them. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative and quantitative analysis to determine the status of the sustainability index of smallholder palm oil using MDS Rapid Apparasial analysis, which is modified to RAP-PalmOil, and leverage analysis is used to determine its sensitive attributes. This research was conducted in Suko Awin Jaya, Bukit Baling, Tantan, and Tunas Mudo villages. The sampling location in this study was determined purposively (purposive) with a sample of 100 respondents, who were then determined by simple random sampling. The study results show that the sustainability status of smallholder palm oil in Sekernan District is multidimensionally considered quite sustainable. The economic dimension provides the highest sustainability index and is followed by the social and ecological dimension, which is considered quite sustainable. The sensitive attribute or attribute that has the most influence on the sustainability index value on the ecological dimension is the fertilization period, while the economic dimension is farming income, and the sensitive attribute on the social dimension is conflict resolution

Sustainability assessment of urban water public‐private partnership projects with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria

AbstractWith the acceleration of urbanization, the sustainability of urban water infrastructure projects has become pivotal to social development. This research aims to construct a comprehensive sustainability assessment model for urban water public‐private partnership (PPP) projects based on the environmental, social, and governance criteria. First, a multi‐level assessment indicator system is established considering the economic, social, ecological, and governance sustainability dimensions. Then, the extended analytic hierarchy process is utilized to determine the weights of indicators based on expert scoring. To address the ambiguity of qualitative linguistic variables, the interval‐valued intuitionistic fuzzy set method is applied to aggregate expert assessments. An empirical case study of an urban water project verifies the feasibility of the proposed approach. Results demonstrate that experts emphasize economic sustainability, while social sustainability is an overlooked dimension that requires improvement. The research contributes to the field by developing an applied, industry‐specific sustainability evaluation model for urban water PPP projects using advanced decision‐making techniques. This model provides practical tools for stakeholders to enhance the sustainable performance of urban water infrastructure projects.