Community Involvement Research Articles

Implementation of CITES in Tanzania: Fairytale or Promising Journey? An Analysis of Legal Framework and Practice

Tanzania is rich in natural resources and home to one of Africa’s largest networks of wildlife-protected areas, including over 1,000 bird species and the world’s largest elephant population. As a dedicated wildlife conservation advocate, Tanzania ratified the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1979 and became a party in 1980. The Wildlife Conservation Act (WCA), enacted in 1974 and revised in 2009, along with CITES-specific regulations from 2005, guide Tanzania's conservation efforts. Using both descriptive and normative research legal approaches, this article expounds the Country’s implementation with CITES. It notes that, while the country generally complies with CITES obligations by designating authorities and regulating trade, challenges remain in maintaining trade records, reporting, and controlling illegal wildlife trade. Since 2015, political will to enforce wildlife laws has increased, but Tanzania still faces constraints in human and financial resources, limited capacity to investigate wildlife crimes, and lack of awareness among communities and law enforcement agencies. Additionally, weaknesses in Zanzibar’s legal framework hinder conservation effectiveness. Despite these issues, Tanzania has the potential to improve CITES enforcement by enhancing resource allocation, legal reforms, and regional collaboration. Community involvement in conservation efforts is key to achieving sustainable management of the country's rich natural heritage.

Factors influencing delayed cancer health seeking in Meghalaya, Northeast India: A qualitative study.

Background & objectives India accounts for about seven per cent of the global cancer burden with the highest cancer incidence reported from the North-Eastern Region (NER), including Meghalaya. Despite this, there is paucity of published studies on health seeking behaviour for cancer in the NER. To address this gap, this study used a qualitative approach to document patient, caregiver and provider perspectives to understand the factors influencing healthcare seeking for cancers in Meghalaya. Methods In-depth interviews were undertaken with 37 individuals diagnosed with one of the top five cancers in Meghalaya, namely, oesophageal, breast, oral, cervical and lung cancer. They were identified from the State referral cancer hospital. Twelve caregivers and five healthcare providers were also interviewed. All interviews were conducted in the local language using semi-structured interview guides. Transcripts were translated to English, coded, categorized and analyzed using thematic framework content analysis approach. Results A key factor influencing delayed cancer treatment in Meghalaya included misconceptions regarding the causes of cancer and cultural concepts such as bih and skai (Khasi language), i.e. notions of a figurative 'poison' or ill intent that makes one susceptible to illness. A general reluctance to discuss cancer diagnoses, perceived stigma, apprehension of treatment methods influenced their decision. Other factors included negligence and misinterpretation of early symptoms of cancer, self-management, preference for traditional medicines, financial constraints and health system-related factors. Interpretation & conclusions This study underscores the importance of addressing barriers to cancer diagnosis and treatment in indigenous populations in northeast India, advocating for culturally appropriate messaging, capacity building for healthcare workers, integration of traditional healers, and community involvement to enhance early healthcare seeking and improve outcomes.

Sustainable Tourism Post-Pandemic: Strategies for Reviving Local Economies Through Eco-Friendly Practices

This study explores sustainable tourism strategies for reviving local economies in the post-pandemic era, focusing on the integration of eco-friendly practices. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study conducts a comprehensive literature review based on existing academic sources and case studies. The research highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the global tourism industry, devastating local economies dependent on tourism revenues. As destinations reopen, the need for sustainable recovery has become a central focus, with emphasis on eco-tourism, responsible travel, and community-centered development. This study examines various strategies that tourism sectors worldwide are implementing to balance economic recovery with environmental sustainability, including promoting low-impact tourism, supporting local businesses, and encouraging tourists to adopt green travel behaviors. Furthermore, it analyzes the role of government policies, industry standards, and community involvement in fostering long-term sustainability in tourism. The findings suggest that sustainable tourism not only helps revitalize local economies but also contributes to environmental conservation and social equity. The study concludes by offering recommendations for policymakers and tourism operators on how to effectively incorporate eco-friendly practices in the recovery process, thus ensuring resilience against future crises.

Industrial Production Networks and Small Towns: A Case Study from Algeria

This paper investigates the conditions and consequences of integrating small towns into industrial production networks. It is based on empirical research conducted in Algeria, a hydrocarbon-dependent rentier economy characterized by significant regional inequalities and the political aims of economic diversification and spatial rebalancing. Elaborating the case study of a state-owned cement factory in the small town of Sigus, the research provides insights into the multiple roles of the state in shaping production network integration and the characteristics of small towns as economic locations. The methodology combines secondary data and information with primary research based on semi-structured interviews. It reveals the importance of a multi-scalar regional framework in production network integration, whereby national factors played a key role due to the centralized Algerian state, the state-owned character of the investing company, and the shortcomings of the small town’s local environment. It emphasizes the contradictory impacts of production network integration in economic, social, and environmental terms, primarily on a local level. These contradictions underscore the necessity for critical evaluations to maximize the benefits of production network integration while mitigating its adverse effects. They also call for the more consistent involvement of the local community in similar economic development decisions. Notably, this research contributes significantly to the existing body of literature by addressing the underexplored topic of integrating small towns into production networks within the Algerian context. Doing so offers a more nuanced understanding of the particular economic, social, and environmental dynamics at play in these locations, thereby enriching the discourse on economic development strategies for small towns in rentier economies like Algeria.

Forging Futures, Building a Pipeline: Testimonios From a Collective of Diverse MFP Alums in the Southwest

ABSTRACT For 50 years, the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) has supported social workers in serving diverse communities at risk of mental health issues and substance misuse, training over 1,000 masters and doctoral-level fellows, and preparing them for meaningful community engagement. Through testimonios, we explore the career paths, collaborations, and community involvement of five doctoral-level MFP alums working at a large public R1 university in the Southwest. Reflecting as MFP alums and diverse faculty of color, our testimonios bear witness to MFP’s influence on our antiracist, antioppressive, and decolonial work, our mentorship and recruitment of graduate students of color, and our efforts to build a diverse student pipeline to address mental health and substance misuse within marginalized racial and ethnic communities.

Investigating the Disclosure of Corporate Social Responsibility in International Hotel Chains

This paper examines how international hotels communicate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on their websites. In particular, this study employs a corpus-based discourse approach to investigate the content and language included in the CSR reports of two international hotel chains, Marriott and Hilton. The aim is to understand the type of information reported as well as the discursive strategies employed to promote CSR performance with regards to economic, social, and environmental issues. The findings reveal several common themes in Marriott and Hilton’s CSR reports, highlighting their commitment to sustainability, ethical behavior, and community involvement. The importance of diversity and inclusion, organizational supervision, and responsibility is emphasized in the reports. Both hotel chains prioritize supporting local communities and upholding social responsibility through charitable efforts and leadership development programs. Environmental sustainability is a key focus, with efforts to adopt sustainable practices in an attempt to achieve long-term environmental goals. Further research will include a wider range of international hotel chains and incorporate social media analysis to provide a more comprehensive understanding of CSR practices in the hospitality and tourism industry.

A Pathway to “Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN)” through Library-Driven Initiatives

The foundational years of education play a critical role in building basic literacy and numeracy skills, known as Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN). This paper delves into the strategic use of libraries within schools to support FLN, presenting libraries as essential educational resources that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction and explores the role of school libraries as strategic educational tools in supporting FLN through accessible, sustainable, community-engaged initiatives. Drawing on successful district-level projects in India, the research investigates the potential of library-driven initiatives to enhance FLN through curricular integration, community involvement, and sustainable resource allocation. With an emphasis on overcoming implementation challenges, this paper presents a comprehensive model for implementing library-driven initiatives proposed, providing a roadmap for enhancing FLN and promoting a culture of reading and learning among students.

Towards Sustainable Development of Mineral Resources in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

This study focuses on economic, governmental, social, and environmental factors and their impact on the sustainable development of mineral resources in sub-Saharan Africa. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) and data from 40 countries from 2010 to 2022, the research examines the hypothesized links between these factors and sustainable development. The results reveal a positive and statistically significant relationship between economic factors and sustainable development, underlining the crucial role of economic growth in achieving sustainable development goals. Furthermore, effective governance and policy implementation are strongly associated with better sustainable development, underscoring the importance of robust government action. This study also highlights the importance of social factors, demonstrating that increased community involvement and participation contribute positively to sustainable development. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the research reveals a positive relationship between environmental factors and sustainable development, challenging existing ideas and suggesting the need for a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between environmental practices and sustainability. This study concludes with concrete recommendations, including prioritizing economic growth, improving governance and policy effectiveness, promoting social inclusion, and reassessing environmental conservation strategies. These findings provide valuable information for policymakers, corporations, and communities in sub-Saharan Africa, thus contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of sustainable development in the region.

A Study on Socioeconomic Support Systems and Success Rate of Track and Field Athletes in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China

This study investigates the correlation between socioeconomic support systems and the success rates of track and field athletes in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. Utilizing both primary and secondary data, the research explores the role of governmental programs, educational institutions, family and community support, and financial aid in shaping athletic performance. The findings reveal a strong correlation between robust socioeconomic support and higher athletic success, with significant disparities observed between regions with varying levels of resources. The study identifies key challenges, including inadequate funding and uneven resource distribution, and proposes opportunities for improvement through increased investment, stakeholder partnerships, and enhanced community involvement. Recommendations are made to guide policy and practice towards more equitable support systems, aiming to nurture athletic talent across all socioeconomic backgrounds.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOREST FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES

This study addresses the importance of forest fire prevention and combat activities, emphasizing environmental education as a tool for preventing forest fires in Canaã dos Carajás. The social relevance of the topic is highlighted by the significant impact of forest fires on the environment, economy, and public health, especially in the context of the Amazon Rainforest, which is essential for global climate regulation. The research is descriptive and combines data collection methods, including document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The document analysis involves reviewing reports, public policies, scientific articles, and educational materials, while the interviews are conducted with a representative sample of residents, educators, local authorities, and civil defense professionals. The general objective of the study is to analyze the effectiveness of environmental education activities in preventing forest fires. The specific objectives include analyzing residents’ perceptions of the importance of prevention, the influence of public policies, and proposing improvements in environmental education strategies. The research identified the urgent need for effective conservation policies, given the importance of the Amazon Rainforest in climate regulation. In Canaã dos Carajás, rapid urbanization driven by mining and a lack of resources and infrastructure are critical challenges for forest fire prevention. The interdisciplinary approach, using qualitative and quantitative techniques, allowed for a detailed analysis of the challenges faced and best practices. Location maps and satellite images were used to analyze the distribution of fire outbreaks. The results underline the importance of an integrated approach to fire prevention, highlighting the effectiveness of public policies and the need for ongoing training. This study provides valuable contributions to the formulation of public policies and educational strategies, promoting environmental education and active community involvement as key elements for effective forest fire prevention.

Exploring the evolution of rotavirus vaccines and its impact on global public health

Rotavirus, a prevalent pathogen within the Reoviridae family, poses a significant threat to children, particularly infants and young children, causing gastroenteritis. High transmissibility and severe diarrhea lead to dehydration, severe infection, and death, especially in regions with limited resources and poor sanitation. Rotavirus infections spread through contaminated food, water, and fomites, primarily affecting developing countries due to inadequate sanitation standards. Vaccination has emerged as a crucial preventive strategy against rotavirus gastroenteritis, with the aim of reducing the global burden of the disease. The early rotavirus vaccines, exemplified by Rota-Shield, faced challenges such as safety concerns, emphasizing the importance of rigorous safety evaluation and post-marketing surveillance. Subsequent vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq, have shown efficacy and safety, significantly reducing rotavirus-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The global implementation of rotavirus vaccination programs has expanded vaccine access, leading to a decrease in disease incidence and hospitalizations. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, such as hesitantness to apply the vaccine and disparities in vaccine access. Future research directions include the development of next-generation vaccines with greater coverage and the exploration of novel vaccine delivery strategies. A sustained commitment to research, infrastructure strengthening, and community involvement is essential to eliminate the burden of rotavirus disease worldwide. The objective of this review is to explore the evolution of rotavirus vaccines and impact on global public health.

Residents’ perceptions of tourism development in the context of a new governance framework for Portuguese protected areas: The case of a small peripheral natural park

Historically, Portuguese protected areas (PAs) have been operating under top-down governance, often neglecting local communities. In 2019, the Portuguese government established a new governance model for PAs, based on co-management. The new co-management approach emphasises collaborative and participatory governance and positions sustainable tourism as a catalyst for territorial revitalisation and local development. However, local communities' attitudes and perceptions regarding tourism in these areas remain largely uncharted. This study focuses on the Alvão Natural Park (PNAL), a small rural and mountainous Portuguese PA, which is currently in the early stages of co-management implementation. Our goal was to investigate local residents' perceptions of tourism's impacts and identify potential divergence among resident groups and their level of support for tourism development. These insights are crucial because the active engagement of local communities is a key element for sustainable tourism development and the successful implementation of co-management. The study employed a self-administered survey, garnering responses from 250 PNAL residents representing over half of the park's population. Factor analysis identified four primary perceptual dimensions and cluster analysis classified residents into three distinct groups based on their tourism perceptions. While most PNAL residents express support for tourism development, there is a resounding call for new policies to revert the legacy of top-down governance. This research provides essential insights for shaping effective tourism policies, planning and development strategies, and ensuring the active involvement of local communities in co-management and sustainable development efforts within the PNAL. Moreover, this study demonstrates the applicability of this research approach in the context of evolving governance models with the potential for adaptation to other PAs across Portugal and other countries undergoing similar governance transitions.

An adaptation and validation of disaster resilience scale based on community engagement theory.

This study aimed to adapt and validate the Disaster Resilience Scale, originally developed by Becker etal. and revised by Paton etal., for assessing disaster resilience within the Turkish school community with a focus on Community Engagement Theory. This theory emphasizes the role of community involvement in disaster resilience at various levels, including the individual, community, and societal/institutional. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, data from 428 teachers were analyzed to assess the validity and reliability of the scale's Turkish version and its alignment with dimensions. In the second phase, data from 1,422 teachers were used to further verify the reliability of using the Generalizability Theory test, and confirm validity through confirmatory factor analysis. The results confirmed that the Turkish version of the scale, with its 12 factors and 52 items was valid and reliable. Cronbach's Alpha coefficients for the dimensions ranged from 0.80 to 0.91, indicating high reliability. The findings highlight the practical implications of adapting the DRS for enhancing disaster resilience in school communities and underscore the importance of community engagement in disaster preparedness and education.

Communication as a Strategic Asset of Sustainable Development Planning of Rural Territorial Systems

Successful application of the communicative approach focused on the involvement of local communities in the process of planning the sustainable development of rural territorial systems greatly increases the effectiveness of planning processes. Where state management policy guarantees the participation of local communities in the process of rural territorial systems development, creates conditions for their involvement in the dialogue with local authorities, the chances of successful implementation of sustainable development plans increase significantly. The article makes an attempt to substantiate the necessity of introducing the communicative approach into the management system of rural territorial systems, as it will allow transforming the system of regional planning in Russia and achieving real breakthrough results in the sphere of development of social-ecological-economic components of rural territorial systems.

A student-community partnership to enhance cancer research training

BackgroundDespite the importance of community involvement in research, little formal training in community outreach and engagement (COE) is offered to cancer research trainees. A collaboration between the Office of COE and the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson led to the COE-CRTEC Trainee Working Group, a unique program in which trainees in cancer research each created a novel COE initiative.MethodsFour cancer research trainees were selected to serve as COE Program Liaisons (CPLs), each aligned with one of the four cancer center research programs. Each CPL developed, implemented, and evaluated a project that enhanced the bidirectional relationship between their research and the community. Trainees were provided a modest budget, support from the Office of COE, and a requirement to complete the project within one academic year.ResultsProjects included a cancer education seminar for older adults at a senior center, a prostate cancer education and screening event at a predominantly African American church, a video demonstrating a day in the life of a skin cancer researcher, and a podcast that featured SKCCC investigators answering research questions from community members.ConclusionStudents who would not typically be exposed to COE training gained experience developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based initiatives. Projects were diverse in topic and approach, reflecting the diversity of the trainees and the community. Allowing trainees, those who are the next generation of cancer researchers, to design community-based research may lead to more patient-centered research in the future.

Strategies to enhance civic awareness for state defence in Indonesia: Measurement and benchmarking of the State Defence Index (SDI)

Countries employ various strategies to strengthen their soft power through education, public campaigns, mandatory service, and community involvement, essential for building a well-informed, prepared, and resilient citizenry. In Indonesia, the Civic Awareness for State Defence (CASD) program is designed to instil state defence awareness among citizens. This study introduces the Indonesia State Defence Index (SDI), a novel metric grounded in theoretical constructs such as national identity, nationalism, patriotism, and national pride. Differentiating from previous indices, our SDI employs advanced methodologies including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to enhance measurement accuracy. Unlike earlier approaches that used traditional aggregation methods, our use of PCA ensures the reduction of dimensions for each state defence indicator, thereby guaranteeing that only the intended dimensions are measured. Utilising data from the State Defence Survey conducted by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence from 1 March to 26 June 2024, we aim to measure and benchmark SDI values across Indonesian regions, thereby elucidating the civic awareness profile in the context of state defence. The refined SDI provides critical insights for policymakers, highlighting regions that require focused interventions to bolster state defence preparedness.

‘A series of abject failures’: Navigating the pitfalls of place‐based participatory histories

AbstractWhile historical geographers and historians increasingly recognise the benefits of and need for participatory research, the rigid structures regimenting academic practice have acted as barriers to successful knowledge exchange. Community involvement and place‐based research come with a number of challenges characterised by miscommunications, frustrations, and failures. This paper reflects on findings that emerged from a three‐month internship investigating public and community engagement activities at the Centre for History, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). The internship was the outcome of a collaboration between UHI and the Centre for the History of People, Place, and Community (CHPPC), Institute of Historical Research London (IHR). Based on interviews with UHI academics and heritage institutions beyond the Higher Education sector based across the Highlands and Islands, the paper explores the inevitable pitfalls that comes with community engagement and the ethical questions raised by knowledge co‐production.

ANALISIS INOVASI ROTI 7 LAPIS (RESPONSE TIME 7 MENIT LAYANAN PEMADAMAN KEBAKARAN GRATIS) DI KOTA SURABAYA DALAM PERSPEKTIF NEW PUBLIC SERVICE

The "Roti 7 Lapis" innovation by Surabaya Fire and Rescue Department (DPKP) aims to accelerate fire fighting response with a target time of 7 minutes, at no cost, to reduce material losses and casualties. The program not only focuses on efficiency, but also builds community involvement in fire prevention, in line with New Public Service (NPS) principles that emphasize inclusivity, equity, and collaboration. "Roti 7 Lapis" manages fire risk holistically through cross-sector collaboration and the latest technology. Its implementation is supported by strict regulations and a transparent reporting system that ensures accountability and service effectiveness. Development recommendations include increasing community participation, strengthening transparency, and further integrating technological innovations. In the context of growing urbanization, these measures aim to improve the sustainability and effectiveness of the program in maintaining the safety and well-being of Surabaya's citizens.

LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CONSERVATION AREA OF THE CHIPANJE CHETU PROGRAM IN NIASSA, MOZAMBIQUE

Level of involvement of local communities in the management of the conservation area of the Chipanje Chetu program in Niassa, Mozambique. Developing projects for management of community conservation areas is a process that involves several entities, including governmental institutions, NGOs, private sectors and local communities. With the aim of evaluating the “level of involvement of local communities in the management of the conservation area of the Chipanje Chetu (our wealth) program in Niassa, Mozambique”, a participatory survey was carried out in the five communities. Semi-structured interviews, direct observation and document analysis were carried out, and subsequently analyzed using R Software, based on the analysis of pattern consistency, methodological triangulation and the citizen participation scale. It was observed that the participation of communities in the process of management and conservation of natural resources is at the delegated power level. The level of community participation and the degree of importance are associated with issues of benefit sharing and man-animal conflicts in this area.

Daily living skill support for autistic people through a neurodiversity-affirming practice lens.

Supporting daily living skill (DLS) development for autistic people is a component of occupational therapy practice. DLSs are essential for an increased quality of life (QoL), independent living, and community participation. Autistic young people experience poorer outcomes in terms of QoL and independent living than non-autistic peers. Finding a balance between targeted DLS support to maximise independent living and improve QoL, while avoiding attempts to 'normalise' or 'change' autistic people, presents as a dilemma for therapists striving to align with neurodiversity-affirming practice. This theoretical paper explored literature pertaining to DLS and the neurodiversity movement in the context of occupational therapy values and the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation. Consideration of whether targeted DLS support is neurodiversity-affirming or whether occupational therapists are compelling autistic people to mimic behavioural norms perceived by society was discussed. DLSs are an important factor for maximising QoL, regardless of neurotype. Occupational therapy values align with the core tenets of the neurodiversity movement, and occupational therapists are equipped with the values and skills to support the development of DLSs utilising affirming practice. Occupational therapists should critically reflect on their practice to ensure alignment with the professions core values and recent occupational therapy models, to ensure affirming practice. Further research investigating DLS and neurodiversity-affirming practice would benefit occupational therapists striving to align with neurodiversity-affirming practice. No consumer or community involvement. Consumers have been considered throughout the development of this paper through their representation in the literature. This involved a process of reviewing the literature and considering it in the scope of the questions and how occupational therapy sits within the neurodiversity movement. It is important to help autistic people to learn to do everyday things. Everyday things include activities like showering, cleaning, and cooking. These things are important so that autistic people can live on their own. It has shown that autistic young people are less likely to be able to do everyday activities on their own. It is important that therapists help autistic people learn how to do everyday things; however, do not try and change who they are. This is because completing everyday activities is an important part of QoL for all people.