Ecosystem Approach Research Articles

Applying the ecosystem approach to global bioethics: building on the Leopold legacy

ABSTRACTFor Van Rensselaer Potter (1911–2001), Global Bio-Ethics is about building on the legacy of Aldo Leopold (1887–1948), one of the most notable forest managers of the twentieth century who brought to light the importance of pragmatism in the sciences and showed us a new way to proceed with environmental ethics. Following Richard Huxtable and Jonathan Ives's methodological 'Framework for Empirical Bioethics Research Projects' called 'Mapping, framing, shaping,' published in BMC Medicine Ethics (2019)), we propose operationalizing a framework for Global Bio-Ethics by hybridizing approaches in empirical bioethics and ecosystem management. We explain this framework using the metaphor of forest management. This mixed approach is articulated through three phases: (1) mapping the “landscape” to build a working theory, (2) framing the “scene” to prepare the fieldwork, and (3) shaping bioethics “tools” to stimulate cooperation. Applying this methodology, an adaptive management cycle is outlined to help ensure that political processes are sustainable and socially acceptable, still based on strategic and ethical thinking, but also capable of reshaping failing policies.

Learning as ecosystems: Shifting paradigms for more holistic programming in education and displacement

Meeting the educational needs and aspirations of learners affected by conflict and crisis, and particularly those who have been displaced within and across national borders is a wicked and vexing problem impeding progress on SDG4. We argue a radically different approach is required. Based on insights from complexity science and regenerative development, we present an ecosystem approach based on three dimensions: 1) connectedness and nestedness, 2) reflective learning and 3) working from potential rather than problems. We provide an example of where such work is already being explored, and the possibilities it offers for shifting paradigms informing programming and design of education for learners in displacement.

Studies of microplastic content in water and commercial fish: from scientific research to large-scale monitoring

Purpose. The article presents proposals for the development of studies of microplastic pollution of waters and biological resources in the Russian fishery areas. Materials and methods. The materials of VNIRO on the quantitative assessment of the MPs content in the Arctic Seas in August-October 2019–2022 and modern research on this problem are summarized. MPs samples were collected on the surface of the seas with a Manta-trawl 335 and processed according to a single method. Results. The conducted studies pick up knowledge gaps regarding the real level of marine MPs pollution of the Arctic region.Novelty. No large-scale localization of MPs was detected in the observation areas, the level of plastic pollution on the surface of the Russian Arctic seas was lower compared to other areas of the World Ocean. We point out the relevance of the assumption that a significant part of MPs fragments and fibers are transported by Atlantic and Pacific currents to the Arctic basin. A sample survey of fish in commercial catches for MPs contamination confirmed the presence of its fragments and fibers in the digestive tract of some individuals (pink salmon, greenlings, herring, sea bass) caught in the North Pacific seas in 2019, 2021 and 2022.Practical significance. The global increase in MPs content in the Northern hemisphere seas, exacerbated by climate change, requires a transition from exploratory scientific observations to regular multidisciplinary study of plastic pollution of biotopes of ecosystems of the Arctic, North Pacific and Atlantic seas. The key points and tasks of monitoring microplastic pollution of waters and biological resources in the Russian fishing areas provide for objective and comparable assessments based on the use of unified methods of collection and processing of samples, as well as an ecosystem approach to prevent environmental risks and ensure food safety.

Evaluation of alternative harvest policies for striped bass and their prey, Atlantic menhaden

Ecosystem approaches to fisheries management are being explored worldwide, but few evaluations of multispecies harvest control rules (HCRs) exist. Our goal was to perform a simulation test of a suite of HCRs using an age-structured predator–prey model to represent the dynamics of a small pelagic fish, Atlantic menhaden ( Brevoortia tyrannus), and its predator, striped bass ( Morone saxatilis). We evaluated a suite of static and dynamic single and multispecies HCRs to estimate effects on stock performance metrics. No single HCR achieved ecosystem management objectives for both stocks given their current reference points, but HCRs that involved the “40–10 rule” for striped bass performed well across all predator performance metrics. The most influential factor determining performance of striped bass HCRs was striped bass fishing mortality, and relatively few HCRs achieved target SSB for Atlantic menhaden. Our study indicated that some HCRs recommended for forage fish management may not be effective in systems with generalist predators, and that ecosystem management objectives might be achievable by simultaneously adopting HCRs for both predator and prey stocks that complement one another.

Remembering Martial Law: An Eco-System of Truth Initiatives and the Emergence of Narrative Documentation in the Philippines

ABSTRACT In the Philippines, governmental and civil society actors installed a range of mechanisms to deal with violent legacies of the Marcos regime. Formal truth-telling mechanisms were, however, not part of the early transitional justice architecture, meaning that truth-seeking initially took place as part of other justice efforts. Nonetheless, more recently, a boom in truth, documentation and memorialization processes has resulted in a dynamic eco-system of formal and informal truth initiatives, dealing with Martial Law as well as other violent legacies. This article argues that this eco-system of truth initiatives underlines the importance and potential of foregrounding the dissemination of truths through a decentralized approach to truth-telling, as well as the potential of ‘narrative documentation’ in doing so. I then explore how this eco-systemic approach to truth-telling, and the narrative documentation used as part of it, can be a meaningful strategy in the face of ongoing disinformation campaigns.

Evaluation of ecotechnology performance in treating textile wastewater: constructed treatment wetlands and natural adsorbents

The development of environmentally friendly technology for water ecosystem rehabilitation has become a challenge in solving pollution control problems in water bodies. Ecotechnology is a technology to improve water quality using an ecosystem approach, including the technology of constructed treatment wetlands and natural adsorbents. This study aims to produce an alternative ecotechnology for textile industrial waste remediation, on-site treatment of water bodies contaminated with textile waste, using a constructed treatment wetlands system and natural adsorbents. The result was conducted for 6 months using a reactor on a pilot scale with a continuous system. The result showed that CTWs’ ability effectively reduced ammonia in textile wastewater with a 20% dilution of up to > 80% and > 90% respectively using plants Vetiveria zizanioides and Heliconia psittacorum. Meanwhile, at 50% textile wastewater dilution, CTW with Heliconia psittacorum was more effective in reducing ammonia (> 80%) than CTW with Vetiveria zizanioides (> 60%). CTW with Vetiveria zizanioides and Heliconia psittacorum was able to reduce the dye content up to < 69.68% and < 54.39%, respectively. The natural adsorbent ability of bentonite has a higher ability to reduce dyes and ammonia, which is up to < 64.84% and < 91.12%. Good performance in these two eco-technology systems will result in better waste disposal by combining these two systems into one ecotechnology system.

Charting the path towards a long-term knowledge brokerage function: an ecosystems view

Hybrid networks of actors such as policymakers, funders, scholars, and business practitioners are simultaneous producers and consumers of evidence use. While this diversity of evidence use is a strength, it also necessitates greater collaboration among interested parties for knowledge exchange. To address this need, we investigate how ecotones, which are hybrid networks operating in the transitional area between two distinct ecosystems, such as academic research and policy ecosystems, must involve, disseminate, and integrate different types of knowledge. Specifically, our research aims to unpack how an ecotone’s knowledge brokerage function evolves over its lifecycle. This paper presents the findings of a phenomenological investigation involving experts from the policy and academic research ecosystems. The study introduces a three-stage maturity transitions framework that outlines the trajectory of the brokerage function throughout the ecotone’s lifecycle: i. as a service function, ii. a programme-partnership, and iii. a network of networks. The paper contributes to the theory of knowledge brokerage for policy-making. We reflect on our findings and discuss the theoretical contributions within an ecosystem approach and their associated research and policy implications.

Stakeholder perspectives on the 2023 Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan: An integration within the ecosystem approach framework

AbstractAquaculture developmental plans represent a nation's determination for self‐reliance on domestic fish production through resilient aquaculture. This study reviewed the 2012 Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan (GNADP) and sought inputs from industry stakeholders to inform GNADP 2023 using the ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA). In furtherance of this, we also investigated the justifications for antibiotic treatments including the assessment of the sector that is supposed to regulate aquaculture growth. The findings suggest that GNADP 2023 must be strategized to address industry sustainability bottlenecks identified as input availability and quality, permitting, regulation and enforcement, financing schemes and technical expertise. In terms of technical expertise, the inclusion of women in aquaculture can diversify the skill sets for the improvement of capacity and competence in good aquaculture practices and fish health management. Sector partnerships can aid in leveraging the expertise and resources among sectors to address persistent industry issues. The justifications for antibiotic treatments are disease management, prophylactics, antibiotic availability, application, and effectiveness, capacity and competence, including regulation and enforcement. This also comprised the sense of ownership and responsibility as farmers feel they must safeguard their investment. It is therefore important for farmers to pursue preventative aquaculture biosecurity measures. The government sector was selected predominantly to regulate aquaculture growth. We however recommended a participatory approach as this could facilitate peer regulation to enhance the regulation and enforcement of aquaculture regulations. The findings in this study are worth considering as it pioneers the adoption of the EAA framework for aquaculture developmental planning in Ghana.

Strengthening mental health for migrant population: An ecosystem approach

Abstract COVID-19 and its impact and containment measures accentuated the challenges that migrant workers (MWs) faced including mental health. In Sep 2020, Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) formed a multi-agency taskforce called Project DAWN, and seeded a population health framework for MWs’ mental health support through: 1.Mental and social wellness awareness and promotion; 2. Identification of at-risk patients and risk factors; 3. Screening for mental health issues; 4. Surveillance for mental and emotional distress: 5. Counselling, and training of para-counsellors; 6. Timely escalation of care; 7. Provision of post-intervention support. Project DAWN's initiatives were co-created and co-delivered with social services agencies for effectiveness and relevance. It built on existing systems for expedited implementations while keeping the initiatives sustainable. Appropriate solutions were introduced to address care gaps. At the 2-year mark, a mixed-method analysis was done comprising focused group discussions with 84 stakeholders and data from helplines and distress incidents. Qualitatively, respondents cited materials to raise awareness were clear and helpful, trained peer support leaders (PSLs) could apply skills, processes were formed to enable officers, nurses and hospitals to support MWs’ recovery. Quantitatively, there was doubling of helpline callers from 2021 vs 2022 and a stabilisation of distress incidents. Other findings include: a) Creation and dissemination of translated mental health information to stakeholders b) Campaigns garnering &amp;gt;320k FB views and &amp;gt;1.7M TikTok views c) &amp;gt;750 MWs and &amp;gt;90% ground officers trained in basic psychological first aid d) Mental health assessment and basic psychiatric treatment included in primary care services coverage Key messages • Project DAWN and Singapore’s mental health programmes for MWs harnessed the public, private, civil and philantrophic communities and adopted an ecosystem approach for effectiveness and sustainability. • This is extended for another 3-year series of interventions.

Brief Technical History and Audiovisual Parameters of Electromechanical Television

The purpose of the research is to characterize the most important milestones in the technical history and audiovisual parameters of electromechanical (mechanical) television of the 1840s–1930s as an audiovisual ecosystem. Research methodology. The study uses, firstly, an ecosystem approach, which made it possible to qualify television as a networked audiovisual ecosystem with internal dynamics and external interactions, and secondly, media archaeology as a field that attempts to understand the early stage and electromechanical practices of television through the prism of technical history, and, thirdly, general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, generalization and abstraction when working with theoretical material. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the article comprehensively and at the appropriate theoretical level considers the most significant milestones in the development of electromechanical (mechanical) television of the period and its audiovisual parameters. Conclusions. It is proved that during the 40 years since the patent for the “Nipkow disc” was granted in 1885 to the first public demonstration of television moving images by the Scottish inventor John Logie Baird in 1925, electromechanical TV has gone through a rapid and very significant path from broadcasting a static image (analogue of photography) to transmitting a moving image (analogue of cinema). It has been substantiated that despite numerous experiments aimed at “collaborating” the means of preserving and transmitting sound and image (telegraph, radio, telephone), early mechanical television broadcasts remained silent and black and white. It is emphasized that further technical development and improvement of audiovisual parameters of mechanical television led to the deepening of audiovisual synthesis in the industry and its transformation, which first resulted in the emergence of electromechanical and electronic systems with the ability to preserve colour images and later regular and cable television broadcasting systems.

Une revue systématique de la littérature sur les déterminants de l’entrepreneuriat de la diaspora: état de connaissance et avenues de recherche

A growing body of research has focused on diaspora entrepreneurship in the country of origin due to the various positive impacts it has on the country. This article aims to propose an integrative framework that distinguishes between facilitating and inhibiting factors of diaspora entrepreneurship according to 3 levels of analysis following an ecosystemic approach: individual, managerial and environmental. To select the articles, this study adopted a systematic approach that resulted in the selection of 66 articles. The results of this review show that current research focuses on facilitating factors and is mostly focused on the Asian diaspora. Moreover, work on the diaspora offers little insight into the role of managerial determinants (e.g. management of cultural relations, legitimacy). We also note that only 21 theories are mobilized to understand the phenomenon. These elements have enabled us to define seven research avenues. This review informs the diaspora about the determinants that they should consider in order to succeed in their entrepreneurial activity in their country of origin.

Sustainability of Social, Economic, and Institutional Aspects on Fisheries Management: Case Study at Palabuhanratu Nusantara Fishing Port, West Java

Social, economic, and institutional aspects are crucial for supporting sustainable fisheries management. The objective of this research is to assess the level of sustainability of the social, economic, and institutional aspects of fisheries management, especially at the fishing port level. In this research, field research was conducted using composite analysis and flag modelling visualization in the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) as a tool to assess the sustainability of each aspect. Data were obtained from interviews and questionnaires answered by 90 respondents, including fishermen, port officers, and fisheries entrepreneurs in the Palabuhanratu Nusantara Fishing Port. The results showed that, overall, the sustainability condition in the social aspect was good with a score of 79.69, while the economic aspect was moderate with a score of 55.32, and the institutional aspect was good with a score of 80.28. The lowest levels of sustainability in the social and economic aspects were found in the indicators of stakeholder participation and fishery household income, both in the medium category. In the institutional aspect, the lowest level of sustainability was found in the indicator of compliance with responsible fisheries management principles, which was in the good category. These results are expected to provide stakeholders with the necessary information to take corrective steps to improve sustainability in fisheries management, particularly in the social and economic aspects.

Second life use of Li-ion batteries in the heavy-duty vehicle industry: Feasibilities of remanufacturing, repurposing, and reusing approaches

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, the efficient management of end-of-life lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries becomes a pressing concern. This case study investigates sustainable second life approaches for Li-ion batteries within a leading manufacturing company in the heavy-duty vehicle industry. Employing an exploratory methodology, the study evaluates three distinct circularity approaches for second life applications: remanufacturing, repurposing, and reusing. Based on a financial model and sustainability metrics, remanufacturing emerged as the most economically viable and environmentally sustainable strategy for the company. The study also explores supplementary approaches, such as repurposing used batteries for smaller power applications and reusing them in large-scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Regulatory inconsistencies in battery second life are identified as a significant barrier to widespread implementation. The study concludes by advocating for a multi-stakeholder ecosystem approach and calls for the establishment of universal circularity regulations to streamline the second life of Li-ion batteries.

Extra-curricular support for entrepreneurship among engineering students: development of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intentions

This study seeks to understand the impact of extra-curricular entrepreneurship support within a University Based Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (UBEE) on the entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intentions of engineering students in India. A UBEE can directly affect the likelihood that students identify and exploit entrepreneurial opportunities, which, affects their entrepreneurial intentions. However, there is a dearth of research investigating the impact of university entrepreneurial support initiatives on engineering students’ entrepreneurial intentions and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. This is especially true in the Indian context despite its start-up friendly policies. This study aims to address this gap and contribute to advance knowledge in the area of UBEE research. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, this study takes an ecosystem approach that considers the interactions and inter-dependencies among different elements of UBEE, such as entrepreneurial support initiatives and students’ beliefs and intentions to start up. This study adopts a quantitative research design. Survey data was collected from 314 undergraduate engineering students from five engineering colleges in South India and data was analysed using structural equation modelling. Results suggest that the extracurricular support programs within a UBEE significantly influences beliefs of entrepreneurial self-efficacy in students, which in turn predicts the intentions of students to startup new ventures. This study found that entrepreneurial self-efficacy has a mediating effect between the extracurricular support programs and entrepreneurial intentions of engineering students. Findings of this study have several practical and policy implications for government, university management and entrepreneurship educators. This study contributes to the emerging literature on engineering entrepreneurship education.

Crowdfunding platforms in Russia: Methodological tools for agents’ investment decision-making

Modern conditions brought forth digital investment platforms, which have offered new possibilities of raising capital by entrepreneurs. The paper aims to rank these platforms to meet the information and analytical needs of agents in investment decision-making. Methodologically, the paper relies on the ecosystem approach, as well as propositions of digital, collaborative and platform economics. The paper applies the methods of grade rating, coefficient and correlation analysis. The evidence comes from public reports on investment activities of 68 crowdfunding platform operators and other information available on their websites. To rank the platforms, the study considers the factors related to investment activity (competitiveness, market activity, scaling up, etc.) and risks (financial insolvency, credit and litigation risks, etc.) and then designs a method for a rating-based assessment of investment activity and risks. The paper provides a multivariate assessment of investment activity and risks including systemic ones and specific for certain types of crowdfunding. The study presents the ranking of 68 crowdfunding platforms, identifies types of platforms according to the criteria “investment activity – risks”, as well as the criteria of security of investment (Co-Fi, Peers.money, Potok.Digital, InveStore, InvestGO) and association with a high risk. The method can be useful for investors and borrowers to justify their financial decisions; for the Bank of Russia to perform control and supervision procedures; and for professional community to outline directions for the development and promotion of the crowdfunding in Russia.

Explicitly incorporating ecosystem-based fisheries management into management strategy evaluation, with a focus on small pelagics

The need to transition from traditional single-species fisheries management approaches towards ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM), or an ecosystem approach to fisheries, is widely recognised. EBFM is particularly important when considering management actions for economically valuable fisheries for small pelagic forage fish, given their key ecological role. Management strategy evaluation (MSE) is an effective approach to advance the quantitative implementation of EBFM by enabling stakeholders to explore trade-offs among competing ecosystem-related objectives. This paper puts forward six different approaches to advance EBFM with MSE explicity, by taking advantage of data and research already available and by guiding future research. These approaches can be grouped into those which (i) involve the operating model and/or link directly to the operating model while potentially providing additional performance metrics to evaluate ecosystem objectives, (ii) can be incorporated into the performance metrics, and (iii) involve the harvest control rule of the management procedure. This review demonstrates that immediate steps can be taken to implement EBFM targeted at quantitative tactical management, even without a complex, data-rich ecosystem operating model.

Impacts of climate events on life history parameters of major commercial fishes in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea in the last 15 years

A detailed understanding of the impact of climate variability on fish life histories provides a fundamental basis for the ecosystem approach to fisheries management. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between fish life-history trait parameters and climate periods, using survey data from 2006−2020 for the Beibu Gulf of the northwestern South China Sea, a fishing ground with high commercial and ecological value. We show that climate events can significantly alter the structure of the life history for major commercial fishes, with more diverse life-history strategies during warm events and more concentrated mortality during cold events. Additionally, we detected special relationships between climate events and the life-history trait composite index (LTCI) inPsenopsis anomalaandTrichiurus lepturus. It is possible that other indicators would be more appropriate than variability in Oceanic Niño Index (ONI), such as variation in fishing effort or the environmental resistance of fish. Anthropogenic disturbance and biological features may also help explain the magnitude of population variability. We found that changes in life-history traits of only a few commercial fishes (Decapterus maruadsi,Pennahia macrocephalus, andUpeneus sulphureus) were related to the shift in climate periods; these fishes were generally characterized by faster growth and higher mortality rates in the normal and El Niño periods, with the opposite trends in La Niña periods. However, the emergence of climate events has led to a clear complementarity of life-history strategies among some fish in the same ecological niche (same genus and/or feeding group), which may be explained by a balance between habitat conditions and fishing pressures. This study of fish life-history strategies under climate anomalies provides key insights into important attributes for managers to consider when implementing relevant measures to promote fisheries sustainability in the subtropical bay.

Monitoring benthic habitats in English Marine Protected Areas: Lessons learned, challenges and future directions

Thousands of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been designated around the globe to conserve benthic habitats, following the adoption of Convention on Biodiversity Aichi Target 11 and widespread endorsement of the ‘30by30’ initiative. When designed and managed effectively, MPAs can enrich biodiversity, enhance ecosystem services and regulate stakeholder access. High quality dedicated monitoring programmes are essential to determine MPA effectiveness at the correct spatial and temporal scales; however, such programmes can be fraught with complexities and many MPAs have not yet implemented them following designation. There is, therefore, a clear need and opportunity for scientists to share and draw on collective experiences to help reduce barriers to successful MPA monitoring. This study synthesises lessons learned and challenges encountered in the English MPA monitoring programme, reflecting on solutions and future directions. Twenty-three MPA monitoring reports were reviewed and the key findings were extracted. The majority were centred around the need to consider monitoring approaches at the scale of each individual MPA, rather than adoption of generic ‘one-size-fits-all’ practices. Various challenges were found to be inherent, whilst some were prioritised for further development: MPA-scale measures of condition, fishing activity data, seabed imagery acquisition and analysis, DNA technologies, habitat mapping, and ecosystem approaches to MPA monitoring. This study highlights the benefits of strong multi-disciplinary partnerships for addressing the complex issues encountered in MPA monitoring programmes. We endorse further studies, technical advancements and a more holistic ecosystem approach to understanding human impacts on the benthos, thus optimising MPA management and positive conservation outcomes.

Status pengelolaan perikanan tongkol yang berbasis di PPP Pasongsongan Sumenep, Jawa Timur : suatu pendekatan ekosistem

Introduction: The increase in the purse seine fishing fleet and the decline in tuna production will have an impact on the decline in CPUE (Catch Per Unit Effort) per year. The CPUE trend that continues to decline every year is feared to have a negative impact on fish resource stocks and even the tendency of overfishing. Therefore, to overcome the existing problems, an integrated approach to fisheries management is needed through the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM). This study aims to assess the status and formulate management actions for tuna fisheries based in the Pasongsongan Coastal Fishing Port (PPP), Sumenep Regency. Methods: The types and sources of data used in this research are primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through survey and observation methods. Interviews were conducted with 40 randomly selected purse seine fishermen respondents, as well as 1 employee of the Sumenep District Fisheries Office. Secondary data were collected through existing data such as tuna catch, number of trips, number of purse seine fleets, fish prices. Analysis was conducted through an indicator approach using the Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) approach. Results: The results of the analysis show that the institutional domain shows a very good status, while for the domains of fish resources, fishing techniques, and social with good status, then the economic domain has a moderate status. Conclusion: Based on these indicators, the management status of tuna resources based in the Pasongsongan Coastal Fishing Port is generally in good condition.

Entrepreneurial ecosystems in the context of the digital economy formation

Subject. The article deals with the idea of entrepreneurial ecosystem approach that focuses on the impact of cities and regions on entrepreneurship, and vice versa, and considers the methodology of interaction between digital technologies and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Objectives. The purpose is to analyze the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems under the digital economy formation. Methods. The study employs the analysis of scientific literature, compilation of statistics, statistical analysis, and practical modeling. Results. We present our own understanding of the definition of entrepreneurial ecosystems. The entrepreneurial ecosystem is considered as a dynamically developing economic system that unites various participants, like business leaders, universities, sources of investment capital, technologies, and has appropriate innovative influence on the environment in which it is located. The paper offers a new methodology for the analysis and evaluation of entrepreneurial ecosystems, defines indicators for quantitative assessment of factors based on statistical data for federal districts. Conclusions. The study shows the heterogeneity of development of entrepreneurial ecosystems in the context of the digital economy, and formulates a conclusion about the contribution of digital technologies to entrepreneurial activity. The Central Federal District occupies a leading position in the close connection of digitalization with entrepreneurial activity. The findings can be used for the analysis of various regions given their specifics, for further research in the field of the impact of digitalization factors on entrepreneurial ecosystems.