Environmental Programs Research Articles

Smart Environment Implementation Study in Samarinda

Abstract Samarinda, as a buffer for the Indonesian Capital City (IKN), needs to carry out development transformation to suit developments in science and technology and needs. The aim is to overcome environmental problems that cause increased flooding, traffic jams and under resourced neighbourhoods, making Samarinda City an uncomfortable place to live. To overcome this, it is necessary to apply the smart environment concept. This research examines the implementation of a smart environment, and the obstacles faced in its implementation in Samarinda City. Research analysis uses SWOT by determining the IFAS and EFAS for implementing the smart environment. The results of the SWOT analysis are in quadrant I (x, y = 1.71; 1.10), meaning that the implementation of a smart environment in Samarinda City needs to be carried out with a growth strategy (intensifying existing resources). The obstacles to implementing a smart environment in Samarinda City in the environmental protection program are not yet using IoT to monitor pollution, the high volume of waste that has not been handled, the absence of regional regulations regarding the use of renewable energy and energy efficient building design. For this reason, support and cooperation from the government, private sector and society is needed.

Assessing sources of groundwater quality and health risks using graphical, multivariate, and index techniques from a part of Rajasthan, India

Groundwater provides sustainable potable water in developing countries like India. However, contaminated groundwater directly affects human health. The United Nation policy is to provide clean water for all by 2030. Therefore, groundwater samples collected from a part of Rajasthan, India were analysed for chemical parameters to identify the sources of groundwater quality variation and associated health risks. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive approach of entropy water quality index (EWQI), Piper and Gibbs diagrams, ionic ratios (IR), synthetic pollution index (SPI), principal component analysis (PCA), and non-carcinogenic health risk (NHR) methods were used. EWQI revealed that groundwater quality was not fit for drinking in 81.86% of the area due to higher TDS, Na+, , , , and contents, which was statistically significant by ANOVA test. Modified Piper’s diagram identified Ca2+ - , Ca2+ - , Na+- , and Na+ - types in 36.67%, 22.73%, 13.64%, and 27.27% of groundwater samples, respectively. Gibbs diagrams illustrated that 59.09% and 40.81% of groundwater samples fell in the rock and evaporation domains, respectively. Ionic ratios demonstrated that geogenic processes (mineral dissolution, ion exchange, and evaporation) and anthropogenic activities cause groundwater quality degradation. PCA indicated that PC1 has high loadings of TDS, Mg2+, Na+, , and , PC2 shows high loadings of pH and , and PC3 represents high loadings of , K+, and , which was further supported by t-test analysis. SPI revealed that 99.82% of the study area is polluted. NHR values (0.03 to 1.68, 0.02 to 1.29, and 0.03 to 1.30 for children, women, and men, respectively) showed that long-term exposure to and -containing drinking water poses a higher health risk to children compared to men and women. Regular water quality monitoring, sanitation facilities, limited application of agrochemicals, etc. were suggested. Such a study would aid environmental public health programs.

Investigation of 44-methylgambierone reactivity with periodate: Structural reassignment, solvent instability and formation of a furanoid analogue

Gambierones are sulfated polyethers produced by benthic dinoflagellates in the genera Gambierdiscus, Coolia and Fukuyoa. While relative toxicity data for gambierones suggests they are low compared with ciguatoxin analogues, gambierones have been suggested for use as marker compounds for environmental monitoring programs for the presence of Gambierdiscus in marine waters. The published structure of gambierone and analogues of it, including 44-methylgambierone (44-MeGAM), have been reported to possess 1,2- and 4,5-cis diols, while only the 1,2- diol unit has been shown to undergo periodate oxidation. An in-depth analysis of previously reported NMR data for 44-MeGAM in CD3OD showed that the C-4 stereochemistry of 44-MeGAM and other gamberiones was mis-assigned, that the 4-CH2-CHOH-CH2OH and OH groups are equatorially and axially oriented, respectively, rather than vice versa as previously reported. This re-examination of existing 44-MeGAM NMR data also showed that its C-12 and C-13 assignments (and those for other gambierones) should be reversed. In an effort to better understand the C-4 stereochemical and periodate reaction characteristics of gambierones (C-4 is an epimerizable hemiacetal carbon), additional NMR data was acquired in D6-DMSO. Unexpectedly, progressive conversion of 44-MeGAM to a long-term stable ring-A furanoid analogue was observed. A subsequent series of microscale stability trials identified several solvents that affected the solution-stability of 44-MeGAM, and these findings should be taken into consideration during isolation, handling, storage and bioassay evaluations of gambierones in future studies.

«KEGOC» КОМПАНИЯСЫНДА ӨНДІРІСТІК ЖАРАҚАТТАНУДЫҢ АЛДЫН АЛУДЫ ТАЛДАУ

This article discusses the problem of occupational injury prevention at «KEGOC». The authors analyze the current situation and present their recommendations for improving the occupational safety management system. The main focus is on electrical safety, which includes protection measures against the effects of electric current, electromagnetic field, electric arc and static electricity. The article presents data on the most common ways of passing current in the human body and on the effects of electricity on the body. «KEGOC» strives to create working conditions that meet the requirements of safety and hygiene, and is actively developing, using modern technologies and striving to increase its value for all stakeholders. The company is also actively engaged in social responsibility, implementing energy efficiency projects and environmental programs. The authors pay special attention to occupational safety and industrial safety. In particular, they emphasize the need to create safe working conditions, minimize injuries, improve production and sanitary conditions, as well as reduce the impact of harmful and adverse factors. In this context, the use of a health and safety management system is mentioned, which covers all structural divisions and subsidiaries of the company. An important aspect is the conduct of a behavioral safety audit and the implementation of the «KEGOC» JSC program on the occupational safety and health management system in accordance with the international standard ISO 45001. It also mentions the annual and shift medical examinations of employees and the availability of special labor protection services in each branch of the company. The article discusses the results of the analysis of occupational injuries and concludes that there is a need for continuous improvement of the risk management system and the introduction of innovative approaches to achieve maximum efficiency in the field of occupational safety and industrial safety.

Antineoplastic drugs in healthcare settings: Occupational exposure and risk graduation

Antineoplastic drugs (ADs) are hazardous medicinal products highlighted in the EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021–2027. To minimize workers' chronic exposure in oncologic settings, regular monitoring programs for these drugs are crucial and mandatory in the EU (Directive 2004/37/EC). No surveillance exists in Portugal, thus we intended to assess environmental contamination and to perform occupational exposure and risk graduation in a Portuguese tertiary hospital. Wipe sampling and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry were employed to analyze thirteen drugs of concern (bicalutamide, capecitabine, cyclophosphamide, cyproterone, doxorubicin, etoposide, flutamide, ifosfamide, imatinib, megestrol, mycophenolate mofetil, paclitaxel, prednisone), eight for the first time worldwide, in 152 surface samples over three sampling campaigns. Surface contamination before general cleaning (worst-case scenario) was higher and more widespread in the pharmacy (84%–98 % positive samples) than in the day-care hospital (40%–72 %). No samples were found above the “action limit” (10000 pg/cm2), but concentrations were frequently above the “safe”/alert level (100 pg/cm2), particularly for cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide (largest campaign's 90th percentiles: 2197 pg/cm2 and 1898 pg/cm2). Despite the approach's nuances, the maximum daily dermal intake calculated (1.6 μg/day, considering a single genotoxic drug) was lower than the acceptable daily intake. This study provided knowledge regarding surface contamination in a European hospital, where occupational exposure to some ADs of concern cannot be ruled out and follow-up monitoring is recommended, even if workers seem unlikely to develop cancer from handling them. Furthermore, this work contributes to the implementation of regular environmental monitoring programs for ADs in Portugal, enhancing compliance with EU recommendations.

DEVELOPMENT OF EFFICIENT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SEPTIC TANKS

In many communities in Indonesia, there are still many areas where their homes do not have a toilet (water closet) that meets hygiene and health requirements. This is caused by many factors, including because there are still many people who live below the poverty line, both economically poor and poor in knowledge (human resources). Procurement of toilets (water closets) which also include a septic tank system with a minimum output that is environmentally friendly and of course cost efficient is very necessary to improve public health. Based on the description above, this research was created in order to provide procurement and development of efficient and environmentally friendly septic tanks. This research is very necessary because of the discovery of an efficient alternative material by using used drums which can be used as septic tanks in Lampung, but it has not deepened the issue of waste output that is safe for the environment. This research was carried out using a constructivist qualitative method with assistance from DIGILIB Digital Library & OPAC UB sources. is at Brawijaya University Malang, where the author is registered as a student in the environmental science doctoral program at Brawijaya University Malang.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS OF DIFFERENT LEVEL TEACHERS

This study aims to compare the environmental awareness among teachers at different levels—primary, secondary, and higher secondary—across government and private schools in Jammu City. A sample of 105 teachers was selected through random sampling and assessed using the Environmental Awareness Test for Teachers (EATT) by Dhawan (2011). The study revealed that less than 50% of teachers demonstrated average environmental awareness, with no significant differences found across the teaching levels or between male and female teachers. These results highlight the need for enhanced environmental awareness programs for educators, to better equip them to impart knowledge on environmental issues to students.

Sustainable and inclusive; transforming residential undergraduate fieldtrips in an age of the climate crisis

ABSTRACT The Higher Education sector has a critical role to play in shaping our global response to “wicked problems” and nowhere is this more evident than in university research, teaching, and public engagement on sustainability that seeks to tackle the increasingly perilous environmental situation. However, despite this critical civic mission, the Global North HE sector faces growing scrutiny and critique over the mechanisms, cultural norms and practices in which staff, students, research partners, and others operate. This paper explores one facet of this scrutiny by focusing on the recent internationalisation of residential undergraduate fieldtrips within geography, earth, and environmental science programmes. Using a UK Department as a case study, it will document the significant carbon emissions and necessary offsetting costs associated with residential undergraduate fieldtrips, particularly those overseas. It will finish by discussing the Department’s revision to its fieldtrip design through the creation of a value-based fieldtrip framework grounded in the twin agendas of sustainability and Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI). This “sustainable and inclusive” fieldtrip framework becomes an important way for the Department to reduce the environmental impacts of this teaching activity and strengthen its accessibility and social justice work, thereby ensuring that the Global North HE sector leads by example.

Examining Drinking Water Preferences among University Students: A Comparative Assessment

In recent years, there has been a clear increase in bottled water consumption globally, which has led to significant health and environmental concerns. This cross-sectional study aims to understand the attitude and preferences of university students in Qatar towards the use of bottled and tap drinking water using an online survey questionnaire (September and October 2022). The number of students who responded to the online survey was 14% (n = 688) of the student population, with a mean age of 22.23 ± 5.15 years from the different colleges. Overall, a higher fraction of students preferred plastic bottled water as the main drinking source on campus (n = 468; 68.02%), with a majority of them being females (72.08%). Out of the 468 students who preferred plastic bottled water, safety was the most important factor (43.80%), followed by convenience (16.88%) and taste (15.60%). Cost (15.17%), personal/family habits (5.13%), environmental concerns (2.14%), and mineral content (1.28%) were found to be the least important factors. Among the 45 students (6.54%) who preferred tap water over plastic bottled water, cost (46.67%) was the dominant factor, followed by convenience (20.00%), environmental concerns and safety (13.33% each), taste (4.44%), and personal/family habits (2.22%). Around 72% believed that plastic water bottles were more harmful to the environment, yet the greater majority still resorted to this source. The research study underscores safety as the major factor favoring bottled water over tap water. Further, it suggests that knowledge alone does not fully explain student behavior, implying other influential factors. This study recommends campaigns focus on attitude and behavior change and not solely emphasize knowledge. There is an immediate need to further educate students through environmental and health literacy programs on water consumption and quality. Enabling the population to understand the positive and negative aspects of their choices may be an effective remedy for ensuring a healthy population and healthy environment.

Organizer of biological science: to the 100th anniversary of P. A. Lehr’s birth

2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Pavel Andreyevich Lehr’s birth (09.27.1923–09.15.2005). He was an outstanding Soviet scientist, a leading expert on dipteran insects, a corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, director of the Institute of Biology and Soil Science of the Far Eastern Scientifi c Center/Far Eastern Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences during 1981–1991. The article highlights the contribution of P. A. Lehr to the organization and development of biological research in the Far Eastern region between 1988 and 1991, when he was deputy chairman of the Presidium of the Far Eastern Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences. At the same time, Lehr led a temporary creative team to develop the Environmental Program of Primorsky Krai, which he managed to bring to completion and offi cial approval during the collapse of the USSR. Unique documents from the Archive of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the personal archive of the author are presented.

REDD+ in Indonesia: An assessment of the international environmental program

AbstractThis paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature and assesses the progress on the effects of Indonesia’s REDD+ program. Due to the significance of Indonesia in terms of global rainforests and the comprehensive implementation practice of REDD+ programs since 2009, focusing on the case study of Indonesia enables interesting insights regarding the challenges and opportunities of REDD+. Indonesia faced challenges during the project’s implementation, but there were also reductions. This success is attributed to the set program design of REDD+. In this paper, we show that without international development cooperation in the field of climate change mitigation, the countries in the Global South lack locally driven forest conservation or restoration incentives. These incentives emanate exogenously from international development cooperation programs in the field of climate change mitigation. The review of the program also shows that despite the rigorous institutional design of REDD+ in Indonesia, not all the stakeholders could benefit from the program appropriately. Because of the de facto weakness of the smallholder farmers, indigenous population groups, and other vulnerable categories in the political process of Indonesia, these groups’ interests have not come fully to their own in Indonesia. Hence, we conclude that international programs that target environmental protection, while addressing inferior institutional quality, bad governance and operate through more accountable NGOs than government agencies would perform better in terms of global environmental targets and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

Innovating Civil Engineering: Strategies for Fostering Stakeholder Engagement in the Circular Economy

Sustainability and circular economy principles are increasingly important in civil engineering, as highlighted by the United Nations Environmental Programme in 2023 the construction activities represented 36% of global energy use in 2020. However, the sector's focus on reducing operational carbon overshadows the need for addressing embodied carbon from materials like cement, steel, and aluminium. To address this, a shift towards incentivizing all supply chain stakeholders and cultivating collaborative models is necessary. This research provides an initial scoping for the development of the Lithuanian Construction Materials Reuse Optimization (LSEPO) platform, a pioneering regional initiative fostering a marketplace for reused building materials. Such platforms are recognized for their potential to overcome sustainability barriers by utilizing digital technologies for efficient data management and stakeholder collaboration. Our research identifies a significant gap in the existing literature concerning effective stakeholder engagement strategies critical for the success of such platforms. To bridge this gap, we employed a three-tiered methodological approach: firstly, a semi-structured literature analysis delved into existing stakeholder engagement strategies within the circular economy. This review highlighted a fragmented understanding of incentives and collaboration dynamics across different sectors. Secondly, a content analysis of global material exchange and circular construction platforms provided insights into best practices, showcasing successful communication methods, innovative incentive models, and robust collaboration frameworks. Lastly, integrating these findings, our study proposes a conceptual stakeholder engagement framework tailored for social innovation in civil engineering, more specifically Lithuanian Construction Materials Reuse Optimization (LSEPO). Practical implications of our findings underscore the necessity for platforms like LSEPO to incorporate adaptive engagement strategies that are context-sensitive and inclusive, facilitating a broad spectrum of stakeholder inputs. The study demonstrates that effective stakeholder engagement goes beyond traditional communication methods; it requires a systemic integration of technological innovation and incentive alignment to promote sustained participation and collaboration. By providing a comprehensive foundation for the development of the LSEPO platform, this research not only aims to advance it as a beacon of social innovation and environmental stewardship within the civil engineering sector but also sets a benchmark for future initiatives aiming to embed circular economy principles effectively.

Participatory Environmental Governance and Payments for Environmental Services: the Strategic Role of Universities

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the integration of Participatory Environmental Governance into Payment for Environmental Services (PES) programs, with the aim of proposing a theoretical model that actively involves universities as facilitators in this process. Theoretical Framework: The theories of Participatory Environmental Governance and the Payment for Environmental Services model are highlighted, providing a solid foundation for understanding the research context. Method: A theoretical and qualitative approach is used. The study involves a review of existing literature on PES and Participatory Governance, followed by a discussion of the limitations of current models and the proposal of a new framework for the proposed integration. Results and Discussion: The results revealed the potential effectiveness of Participatory Environmental Governance in improving the equity and sustainability of PES programs. The relationships between community participation, universities, and the success of PES are highlighted. Research Implications: The implications of this research can be applied to public policies and environmental management practices. These implications may encompass areas such as environmental education, conservation policies, and the role of universities in sustainability. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by proposing a novel integration between Participatory Environmental Governance and PES programs, highlighting the strategic role of universities. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its potential application in different contexts, promoting more participatory and sustainable natural resource management.

Improving the Safety of UN Peacekeepers through Data-Driven Training

Abstract Peace operations personnel are often targeted while on mission by armed groups and individual actors seeking to cause harm. This paper outlines recent events driving force-protection concerns, analyzes trends in peacekeeper fatalities, and proposes steps for improving force-protection research and training in the future. Among our recommendations are continued efforts to monitor and evaluate the experiences of peacekeeping personnel, including but not limited to violent incidents on mission that result in fatalities to peacekeepers or civilians. With that, broadening access to anonymized incident data from the field would facilitate both research and training teams and ultimately allow troop contributing countries (tcc s) to better target the specific needs of their deployed units. Our recommendations are built upon a decade of experience providing pre-deployment force protection training to tcc s through the Identifying Threats in Peacekeeping Environments program. The best way to help personnel stay safe on mission is through an understanding of current trends in the field; improving access to incident data would dramatically help stakeholders understand the points of impact for peacekeeper safety so they can ultimately help deployed personnel stay safe.

Surgeon stress, anxiety, and workload: a descriptive study of participant reported responses to fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery exercises

BackgroundStress while operating is an important contributor to surgeon health and burnout. Measuring stress is key to improving surgeon and patient outcomes, however biological responses to stress during surgery are variable and difficult to interpret. Participant reported measures of stress have been suggested as an alternative, but the most appropriate measure has not been defined. This study’s primary aim was to assess measures of anxiety, stress, and workload before and after surgical simulation and characterize the relationship between these measures.MethodsSurgeons completed three laparoscopic exercises from the fundamentals of laparoscopy program (peg transfer, pattern cutting, intracorporeal suturing) in a neutral environment and “stressed” environment (ergonomic, noise, or time pressure). State trait anxiety and self-reported stress on a visual analogue scale were collected prior to simulation and again immediately afterwards. The NASA task load index (TLX) was also administered post-simulation.ResultsOf the 26 participants from gynecological and general surgery specialties, state anxiety increased in 98/148 simulations (62%) with a significant mean increase during simulation (32.9 ± 7.9 vs 39.4 ± 10.2, p < .001). Self-reported stress increased in 107/148 simulations (72%), with a significant increase in mean scores during simulation (38.7 ± 22.5 vs 48.9 ± 23.7, p < .001). NASA-TLX scores immediately after simulation ranged from 40 to 118 (mean 60.5 ± 28.7). Greater anxiety and stress scores were reported in “stressed” simulations (43.6 ± 23.1 vs 54.2 ± 23.3; 68.7 ± 27.0 vs 52.4 ± 28.2 respectively) with a significant interaction effect of the “stressed” environment and type of exercise. Anxiety and stress were moderately positively correlated prior to simulation (r = .40) and strongly positively correlated post-simulation (r = .70), however only stress was strongly correlated to workload (r = .79).ConclusionStress and anxiety varied by type of laparoscopic exercise and simulation environment. Correlations between anxiety and stress are stronger post-simulation than prior to simulation. Stress, but not anxiety, is highly correlated with workload.Graphical

COF-COOH@MIP as solid-phase extraction adsorbent for selective and sensitive detection of metamitron in environmental water

Metamitron (MET) is a selective herbicide widely used in agriculture but can persist in the environment and potentially contaminate water resources. This study reports the successful synthesis of a composite adsorbent, COF-COOH@MIP, specifically designed for MET preconcentration via solid-phase extraction (SPE) before high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. COF-COOH@MIP integrates the advantages of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with their high surface area and stability and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) with their tailored recognition cavities. The adsorbent achieved a maximum adsorption capacity of 4.67 μg mg−1. The SPE column packed with COF-COOH@MIP demonstrated excellent reusability, with recovery rates of MET around 100 % after six consecutive cycles. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the established method were remarkably low, at 2.94 ng mL−1 and 9.80 ng mL−1, respectively. The linearity was credible within 0.03-400 μg mL−1 (R2 = 0.9999). The method’s applicability to real-world samples was validated by analyzing water from a farm, a ditch, and a river. This method offers a valuable tool for environmental monitoring programs to safeguard water quality from MET pollution.

Rebuilding human-nature connections in children and adolescents: insights from a meta-analysis

Beyond correlational studies exploring the benefits of nature exposure, there have been studies assessing interventions that aim to improve nature connection in children and adolescents. A feeling of connection with nature or ‘nature connectedness’ describes our attitude towards nature, primarily reflecting the emotional, cognitive, and experiential aspects. This meta-analysis of 29 studies explored the impact of experimental manipulations on nature connection in young people (less than 18 years old). The results showed that such interventions had a significant positive effect on nature connections in children and adolescents. The presence of environmental education programmes, the quality of engagement with nature (passive or active), and the duration and frequency of intervention (one-off, repeated, or residential) were predictors of effect size. The quality of engagement, such as active participation in environmental education programmes or an intensive residential experience, may be more important than the type of natural setting. Several important implications for future research and practice are suggested by the results, including the need to understand the factors that contribute to improved nature connection, to examine different nature engagement activities, and to develop interventions with regular nature engagement.

MARKETING RESEARCH OF ENVIRONMENTAL CULTURE POPULATION OF IZHEVSK

The article presents the results of a marketing study of the environmental culture and behavior of the population of the city of Izhevsk in 2023. The goals and objectives, the population under study, the size and structure of the sample, and the analysis tools are defined. An assessment of the actual sample obtained was given, on the basis of which a database was formed and an assessment of environmental culture and behavior was carried out. This study was initiated by the author of the article with the aim of testing a previously developed marketing model for assessing the level of environmental culture and behavior of the population “cognition-feeling-action”. The study became necessary to substantiate a number of provisions in the field of: environmental management and management against the backdrop of growing environmental problems in Russia and its regions; systematization of ideas about corporate social responsibility from the standpoint of justifying the rationality of its application; formation of marketing methodology for studying environmental culture and behavior of the population. Based on the results of a mass sample survey, a general and segment-by-segment assessment of the environmental culture and behavior of the population of Izhevsk in 2023 was given. The survey made it possible to record a number of indicators of the cognitive, affective and behavioral reaction of the population in the environmental sphere in general and by segment: “young” population (18 -44 years old); “middle-aged” population (45-59 years old), “elderly” people (over 60 years old). The structure of knowledge of environmental projects and programs, public and state bodies/institutions responsible for the state of the environment in the city of Izhevsk and Udmurtia has been studied. An assessment of the environmental situation in the city of Izhevsk by segment was recorded, and differentiation of people’s opinions regarding the consequences of environmental deterioration and the relevance of environmental problems was noted. An indirect study of the behavioral attitudes of a “responsible citizen” made it possible to assess the norms of behavior of the population and their readiness to act. Based on people's opinions, a rating of the relevance of measures to improve the environmental situation in the city of Izhevsk and the Urals was formed. As a result, an assessment of ecological culture is given by segments in the “cognition-feeling-action” model and illustrated graphically.

The Transformative Power of Environmental Education in the Consumption of Safety: The Case of a Popular Housing Estate

Water is a basic resource for the survival of human beings, however, not everyone has access to this resource. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention in a popular urbanization that lacks access to drinking water and is supplied by surface wells. A pre-experimental quantitative methodology was used that involves three stages: diagnosis, educational intervention and evaluation. The results showed that the educational intervention had significant changes in knowledge and water safety consumption habits (p &lt; 0.001), furthermore learning persisted after the educational intervention and habits continued to improve; also, it was identified that there were no significant differences in gender and educational level. It is concluded that implementing short-term environmental education programs contributes to bringing about change in vulnerable populations that do not have access to safe drinking water.

Remote sensing insights into land cover dynamics and socio-economic Drivers: The case of Mtendeli refugee camp, Tanzania (2016–2022)

The purpose of this article is to present the scope and the dynamics of the environmental changes unfolded in the vicinity of Mtendeli refugee camp. It presents a new method, which combines geospatial analysis of high-resolution Earth observation data (Sentinel-1&2) with ground-based observations and input from local experts. Time series classifications of annual land use/land cover in the surroundings of the camp is developed from remote data. Subsequently main transitions and trends are quantitatively achieved. This is a first study which, not only treats the land transition process in a comprehensive manner, but also tracks the changes and their main drivers on an annual scale over the lifetime of the camp (2016–2021) and the post-closure situation in 2022. Most importantly, thanks to the involvement of social studies, it unfolds the socio-economical drivers of those changes. Drawing upon a random forest algorithm and available databases, we achieve overall classification accuracies of 83.5% (2020) and 82.0% (2022). Our findings indicate an ongoing expansion of cropland between 2016 and 2021, to the detriment of natural vegetation classes. The impact of environmental restoration programs implemented in the former camp area is visible by 2022. The proposed method can be used to identify areas of environmental risk and thus support decisions linked with sustainable development and land management.