Local Communities Research Articles

A threatened heritage: sustainable alternatives for Mediterranean small-scale fisheries

This study underscores the crucial role of small-scale fisheries (SSF) in promoting sustainable fishing practices within the Mediterranean context, emphasizing the necessity to align fisheries commerce with local seafood consumption. SSF in the Mediterranean, particularly in the Balearic Islands, are vital for local communities, contributing significantly to fish catches, while being deeply intertwined with cultural heritage and traditional values. However, these fisheries face several threats, including resource depletion, management strategies favouring fleet reduction, and increase of seafood imports. Our research investigates the relationships between the local fishing sector and resident population, exploring perspectives on sustainability. We examine SSF activities and perceptions through face-to-face questionnaires in nine fishing ports and assess seafood consumption habits through phone questionnaires. The study reveals an aging fishing sector rooted in family traditions that face administrative hurdles in implementing strategies such as fish tourism and direct sales, but seeks to enhance local product consumption. Despite the traditional relevance of fish in the Mediterranean diet, our findings also show low consumption of fresh and local seafood due to consumer’s limited knowledge on local species and related cooking methods and perceived high costs. However, the cultural importance of these products remains undiminished. To reinforce the cultural heritage of SSF and improve the future perspectives of the sector, we advocated for a multi-pronged approach, including raising consumers’ awareness about local species, controlling local prices, and promoting certified products through a reduction in the administrative burden and by promoting the active involvement of SSF.

The bumpy road to conservation: challenges and opportunities in updating the Galapagos zoning system

In 2014, the Galapagos National Park Directorate, sponsored by various international non-governmental organizations, initiated a comprehensive marine and terrestrial spatial planning process to improve the management effectiveness of Galapagos’ protected areas. This effort aimed to reconfigure management areas by expanding or redistributing no-take zones to protect Key Biodiversity Areas and ensure the conservation of at least 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems in the Galapagos. However, this process encountered significant challenges, notably the erosion of fishers' trust following the implementation of a "Marine Sanctuary". This top-down decision resulted in socio-political tension, compelling the Ecuadorian government to delay the implementation of the new marine zoning until there was conclusive scientific data on its socio-economic impact on local small-scale fishers’ livelihoods. This paper examines the achievements and shortcomings of the Galapagos zoning update process, highlighting the successful integration of scientific zoning criteria and the enhanced protection of critical biodiversity areas, together with the reduced support from fishers and legal disputes. To move forward, we recommended a bottom-up approach centered on rebuilding trust among the fishing community via innovative engagement strategies and the introduction of market incentives to promote sustainable practices. Assessing the long-term impact of no-take zones is essential for refining management approaches. Additionally, the application of cutting-edge technology within an adaptive co-management model is recommended to improve fisheries and ecological data gathering and analysis, facilitating proactive and well-informed management decisions. Our suggestions aim to reconcile conservation objectives with the needs and aspirations of the local communities in this iconic archipelago.

Cumulative climate-induced fatigue damage in wooden painted surfaces: The case of wooden churches in Sweden

Environmental variations of Temperature (T) and Relative Humidity (RH) in air cause a superficial and/or sub-surface deformation (shrinkage/swelling) of organic hygroscopic objects, as for example wood. These environmental variations may be due to the natural variability of climate, to the use of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and to the presence of people. This contribution focuses on a group of wooden rural churches located in harsh climates in Sweden. The churches, which are still in use for the local communities, are heated during wintertime to reach acceptable indoor comfort levels causing potentially risky T and RH fluctuations for hygroscopic objects. In this framework, the main goal is assessing the risk of fracture on wooden structural elements caused by hygrothermal fluctuations. The method is based on a preliminary approach for reconstructing the climate history experienced by a typical wooden structural element of these churches and that, over time, results in a cyclic fatigue loading, naturally induced by the outdoor climate. Then, the effect of the artificial heating on the indoor microclimate and, therefore, on the reconstructed fatigue curve is assessed. Main outcomes were obtained by using a methodology that is preliminary based on simplifying assumptions, due to a severe lack of knowledge, in literature, about the fatigue behavior of wood. Finally, main considerations on the fatigue behavior of exposed wooden elements are drawn up, namely the estimation of their residual life (or “life-to-damage”), which may support conservators or church managers in better managing the microclimate to reduce the risk of fracture on valuable objects.

Conceptualizing sustainable offshore operations: integration of renewable energy systems

This paper conceptualizes sustainable offshore operations through the integration of renewable energy systems, focusing on the adoption of solar-powered systems for remote applications. Drawing on Osayi's experience in this field, the paper proposes frameworks for the adoption of renewable energy in offshore operations, highlighting key considerations and strategies for successful implementation. The integration of renewable energy systems in offshore operations is essential for reducing environmental impact, increasing energy efficiency, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Osayi's experience with solar-powered systems for remote applications provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with this integration. The proposed frameworks for the adoption of renewable energy in offshore operations encompass several key elements. Firstly, a thorough assessment of energy needs and resources is essential to determine the feasibility and potential benefits of integrating renewable energy systems. Secondly, careful planning and design are crucial to ensure that renewable energy systems are integrated seamlessly into existing offshore operations, taking into account factors such as location, energy demand, and system compatibility. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration in the adoption of renewable energy systems. Effective communication and collaboration between industry stakeholders, regulators, and local communities are essential for overcoming barriers and ensuring the successful implementation of renewable energy projects in offshore operations. Overall, the paper provides valuable insights and frameworks for the adoption of renewable energy in offshore operations, drawing on Osayi's experience with solar-powered systems for remote applications. By integrating renewable energy systems into offshore operations, companies can reduce their carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the offshore industry.

Economic and social costs of flood disasters in Nigeria: Implications for sustainable national development

Nigeria is susceptible to flood disasters, resulting in significant economic and social costs due to natural and human factors. This paper examines the implications of flood disasters on Nigeria's sustainable national development by identifying drivers, estimating costs, analyzing social dimensions, and discussing policy options. The methodology this paper adopted relied on a range of secondary sources such as government reports, academic studies, and media sources which were analyzed through qualitative methods of content and thematic analysis. The study revealed that flood disasters caused economic losses, including damage to infrastructure, loss of income, and reduced agricultural production, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Effective disaster risk management requires an integrated approach, including investments in flood risk infrastructure, coordination among government levels, and engaging local communities to build disaster reduction capacity. The paper highlights the need for Nigeria to mainstream disaster risk reduction into national development planning for sustainable development.

Using the Tasmanian Palliative and End of Life Care Policy Framework (2022) to assess service delivery in a rural general practice.

This commentary uses the Tasmanian Palliative and End of Life Care Policy Framework (2022; the TPE Framework) to reflect upon palliative care services delivered by a rural Tasmanian general practice. Rural populations have challenges in accessing many healthcare services, including palliative care. General practitioners (GPs) and other primary healthcare workers are frequently relied upon to deliver palliative care in rural Australia. Palliative care is often needed before the end-of-life phase and patients prefer this to be delivered in the community or at home. GPs face challenges and barriers in continuing to deliver home-based palliative care services. All Medical Benefit Scheme billings for after-hours or home-based palliative care provided by the practice, between September 2021 and August 2022, were identified and patient demographic and clinical details collated. To further understand this data, nine GPs were surveyed to explore their attitudes to provision of palliative care service to the local rural communities they serve. These data highlighted several priority areas of the TPE Framework. The TPE Framework is used here to add to the shared understanding of palliative care service delivery in a rural community, and to see if GP's responses align with the priorities of the TPE Framework. Of the 258 after-hours and home-visits delivered over a 12-month period, almost 58% (n = 150) were for palliative care. Patients receiving palliative care were generally older than non-palliative patients visited (79.9 years vs. 72.0 years respectively; p = 0.004). Patients not at imminent risk of death (64.0%) were more frequently recipients of home-visits. Of the nine GPs responding to the survey, most intended to continue home visits for palliative patients. Disincentives to providing palliative care during home visits included a lack of time during the day (or after hours), low levels of interdisciplinary coordination or role-definition, and inadequate remuneration. Existing frameworks can be used as an implementation and evaluation guide to help understand local palliative care services. Using a Framework, a rural general practice in Tasmania reflected on their provision of palliative care services. Providing holistic palliative care services from a rural general practice is desirable and achievable with a coordinated, team-based approach. Access to and integration with specialist services remains a key component of community-based palliative care pathways.

Local community dependence on salt licks in North and Central Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo)

Local communities worldwide utilise natural salt licks for hunting or extracting salts. In Sarawak, salt licks are not protected by legislation, and limited documentation is available regarding the community dependence on such resources. This study investigates the dependence of indigenous Sarawak communities on natural salt licks. A quantitative questionnaire survey using snowball sampling approach was conducted, targeting 27 individuals from communities residing nearby nine salt licks in northern and central Sarawak. These communities included the Kenyah (18), Iban (four), Berawan (three), Kelabit (one) and others (one). The survey revealed that the saly licks were mainly utilised for hunting (92.6%) or to collect salt (7.4%). A majority of respondents (57.1%) reported catching one to two animals on each hunting trip near a salt lick. Sambar deer (38.5%) was recorded as the most commonly observed animal at these sites, followed by wild boar (24.6%) and muntjacs (15.4%). Other species include macaques (10.8%), langurs (7.7%) and mousedeers (3.1%). The study highlights the importance of salt licks and can be used to formulate the development of conservation strategies and management plans for these sites in Sarawak.

Object Biographies, Object Agency and a Local Community's Encounter with and Response to Foreign Commodities: The Pithoi from LB Tel Burna as a Case Study

This study investigates the effects that an encounter with a foreign object can have on local traditions. Notions of object agency and object biographies will be utilized to address what happens when people become entangled with new things: the new context can have an impact on the newly introduced object, and those newly introduced objects can similarly impact locals and their traditions. The Late Bronze Age southern Levantine site of Tel Burna will serve as a case study, where a number of imported Cypriot pithoi were found alongside locally produced pithoi. It will be demonstrated that in their new context, the Cypriot pithoi were given new meaning and function. At the same time, the imported pithoi played active roles in the local potters of Tel Burna making pithoi. However, the local pithoi resemble local storage jars, so while the potters mimicked the concept of the Cypriot pithoi, they did so according to local normative forms.

Revisit Attraction–Selection–Attrition Model for Teacher Retention in International Schools

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Attraction-Selection-Attrition (ASA) model is a prominent framework for supporting employee retention, stating that organisations attract, select, and retain people who share their values. However, the ASA model only extends to the end of the recruitment stage and lacks clarity on how to assist newcomers in the assimilation process when they first join the organisation. This research proposed a refinement of the ASA paradigm by incorporating the assimilation process of new hires into the new school culture and environment. This study employed a qualitative research approach by interviewing ten participants about the retention process from high teacher retention international schools in Malaysia. Thematic data analysis revealed a new paradigm, 'Attraction-Selection-Onboarding-Retention (ASOR), ' designed to increase teacher retention in international schools. The ASOR model could assist school administrators and human resource managers working in a related setting in properly engaging the workforce to increase teacher retention. This would benefit school sustainability, performance and the local community's economy.</p>

Seasonal Variations Assessment of Air Pollutants of Communities in the Vicinity of Scrap Metal Recycling Industries in Ogijo, Shagamu South LGA, Ogun State, SW Nigeria

This manuscript presents a thorough investigation into the seasonal variations of air pollutants in communities surrounding scrap metal recycling industries in Ogijo, Shagamu South LGA, Ogun State, Nigeria utilizing advanced Gary Wolf Environmental Sensing and Particulate Counting devices. The study meticulously measures concentrations of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, PM2.5, and PM10 during both dry and wet seasons across 20 strategic sampling locations and control. The findings reveal significant seasonal fluctuations in pollutant levels, with some concentrations exceeding Nigerian ambient air quality standards, highlighting a pressing environmental health concern. The study not only underscores the critical need for regulatory oversight and the implementation of safer metal scrapping practices but also advocates for regular environmental monitoring to mitigate the adverse impacts of such industries on local communities and the environment.

A Summary Prospecting of Possibilities of Providing Public Health Services at the Level of North-East Region of Romania

This paper investigates issues related to the public health system in the North-East Region of Romania, focusing on possibilities for addressing/improving specific deficiencies/difficulties. The concerned region is characterized by the highest and densest population in the country, with a significant proportion of residents in rural areas (55%) and a high level of poverty. Population health indicators are among the weakest nationally, and the healthcare infrastructure is inadequate for the population's needs, with an uneven distribution that generates significant inequalities in access to medical services in the respective counties. Starting from the (statistical) certainty that Romania ranks among EU member states with the highest avoidable mortality, the paper addresses both preventable causes through public health interventions and treatable causes through quality care. After a brief introduction, the overall state of the public health system in Romania is examined, followed by a detailed analysis of the main issue stated in the title, highlighting multiple critical aspects based on data and information from official reports of prestigious institutions. Special attention is given to specific issues in local communities related to healthcare infrastructure and the provision of medical services, as well as possible solutions offered through the implementation of the General Regional Health Services Plan 2021-2027 in the North-East Region. The paper concludes with a section of conclusions, which includes perspectives on the future development of the analyzed sector.

Truist Financial awards $5 million for local community groups.

Truist Financial awards $5 million for local community groups.

Exploring Crop Choices: Benefits, Challenges, and Rationale Among Rwandan Farmers

Farming decisions on crop choices are guided by different factors including natural conditions, household needs, traditions, stakeholder recommendations, and productivity. The best decision varies for each farmer based on specific circumstances. There are both benefits and challenges in farmers’ crop growing experience. In Rwanda, agriculture employs 70% of the population, contributing 33% to the GDP across three main agricultural seasons. However, food and nutritional insecurity remain pressing issue affecting both human and economic progress. This study explored the rationale, benefits, and challenges of farmers’ choices. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach, conducting six focus group discussions (FGDs) in each participating district. Each FGD comprised 10 participants, ensuring gender balance. Recruitment was facilitated by local community health workers (CHWs), with participants providing informed consent. Trained data collectors utilized voice recorders to collect the data. The researchers transcribed the data verbatim, anonymized the data, and translated the same data into English. Data analysis revealed four key themes: reasons for cultivation, factors influencing crop choice, farmers’ livelihoods, and farming challenges. Findings highlight the need for holistic and context-specific solutions in Rwandan agricultural development, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration to support informed decision-making and sustainable agriculture.

Agricultural Extension Model based on Local Wisdom in Creating Household Welfare in the Dayak Tunjung Tribe Community, West Kutai Regency

Agricultural extension is non-formal education for farmers which includes extension activities, knowledge and skills for farmers and their families which takes place through a teaching and learning process. Agricultural instructors must be able to guide farmers, instructors also provide motivation, provide information and increase farmers' awareness so that they can encourage their interest in learning in facing problems in the field. Local wisdom is a view of life and knowledge as well as various life strategies in the form of activities carried out by local communities in responding to various problems in meeting their needs. The traditional culture of the Dayak Tunjung Tribe in West Kutai is rich in various local wisdom and plays an active role in preserving the environment. Local wisdom is the noble values that apply in community life to, among other things, protect and manage the environment sustainably. Local wisdom not only understands the knowledge of indigenous/local communities between humans and how good relations between humans are, but also concerns knowledge, understanding and customs about humans, nature, and the relationship between all, where all knowledge is lived, practiced, taught and passed on from one generation to generation. The Dayak community as local farmers have local wisdom in farming and opening farms. The Dayak community does not burn forests except for farming, and this is also done through traditional calculations that have been taught from generation to generation. The aim of this research is to analyze the factors that influence changes in farmer behavior towards household welfare in the local wisdom of shifting cultivation. This research approach uses a mixed method approach. In this research, it uses a sequential explanatory design where the first sequence uses quantitative methods, and the second sequence uses qualitative methods. The number of samples (n) in this study was 110 farmers. The data analysis used is GSCA, which is an analysis that combines the characteristics found in PLS-SEM with Covariance Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM). Based on the research results, it was found that factors influence changes in farmer behavior in improving the welfare of farmer households, namely: (1) internal factors of farmers which have a significant influence on changes in farmer behavior in farming. Factors that do not influence changes in farmer behaviour are: (1) external factors of farmers and (2) the role of extension workers does not have a real influence on the farming activities of the local Dayak Tunjung Tribe community. Changes in farmer behaviour in the shifting agricultural activities of the Dayak Tunjung community, namely knowledge (Y1.1), attitudes (Y1.2), and skills (Y1.3), all of these indicators have a real and large influence on improving farmer welfare. farmer household. This means that in order to improve the welfare of farming households, farmers must change the behaviour of farmers in carrying out shifting cultivation activities in Barong Tongkok District

Assessing the Availability of Spatial Geothermal Information Using Business Tools and Exploratory Data Analysis

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that utilizes heat from the earth's core. Because of that, it is a reliable source of energy demonstrating great potential, which is still used to a small extent. Barriers to the wider use of geothermal energy include high investment costs, location constraints, and the quality of resources at various depths. Opposition from local communities is also a barrier. It results from low environmental awareness of geothermal opportunities, exacerbated by the lack of free access to good-quality geothermal spatial information. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess geothermal spatial information availability for selected geoportals using selected business tools and exploratory data analysis. The authors examined geoportals in terms of the information provided, the way it is presented, and the features available. They performed the assessment of their degree of similarity using competitive profile assessment, image graphs, cluster analysis, and affinity analysis. The research confirmed that the available spatial information is characterized by high variability, which indicates the lack of uniform rules for collecting, gathering, storing, and sharing geothermal data. The foregoing leads to information chaos, which can impede investors' investment decisions regarding implementing a geothermal installation on a property.

The ACHIEVE Program: Bringing Chicago Youth and Community Organizations Together to Impact Local Disparities.

To evaluate the Advancing Community Health and Individual leadership through a noVel Educational (ACHIEVE) program uniting Chicago high school and undergraduate students (scholars) and community organizations to empower youth to meaningfully impact communities while enhancing organizational capacity. Between 2020 and 2022, the ACHIEVE program engaged cohorts of youth in classroom-based learning and community-based projects targeting health and education disparities. Pre and post-program surveys were administered to scholars to assess knowledge about disparities, skills, and self-efficacy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community organization leaders to examine programmatic impact. Descriptive and thematic analyses were performed. Across four cohorts (March 2020; September 2020-May 2021; September-November 2021; March-May 2022), 85 students participated in the ACHIEVE program. Scholars supported 19 community-based projects that increased awareness of local issues and resources and evaluated programs. Scholars reported advancement in their knowledge and skills as well as interest in sustaining their community engagement. Leaders shared several benefits at the organizational and community levels from collaborating with scholars. The ACHIEVE program enabled bidirectional learning between scholars and organizations. It also demonstrated that youth can contribute positively to addressing disparities while supporting local organizations and communities.

Conservation of two freshwater turtle species in the Guru Gorakhnath Community Reserve in Western Haryana, India

The active involvement of local communities in conservation efforts is pivotal in ensuring the long-term protection and preservation of our natural environment. In the village of Kajalheri, located in Fatehabad district, the environmentally conscious Bishnoi community has been engaged in the conservation of the Indian soft-shell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) population in the village pond for nearly a century. As a testament to their efforts, the pond was officially designated as a community reserve in 2019 to safeguard these turtles. Previously, the Indian soft-shell turtle was the sole known species inhabiting this small pond. However, our observations from 2021 to 2023 have revealed the presence of two additional turtle species, namely the Indian tent turtle (Pangshura tentoria) and the Indian roofed turtle (Pangshura tecta). No study on freshwater turtles specific to the Haryana region has been carried out. Therefore, baseline data on the diversity and distribution of freshwater turtles is scanty in the state. This scientific inquiry provides valuable insights into effective habitat management strategies and instils hope for identifying similar sites within the forest-deficient state of Haryana.

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Basotho and the Bantustans: Long-Term Impacts of Historical Borders on Borderlands Communities in QwaQwa and Lesotho

ABSTRACT Drawing on archival work conducted in South Africa, the UK and Lesotho, and on oral histories collected in 2021–2023, this article historicises the experiences of Basotho living along the Lesotho–South Africa border. It focuses primarily on the part of eastern Free State designated during the apartheid era as the Basotho ‘Homeland’ of QwaQwa and the adjacent Lesotho district of Butha Buthe. Rugged and mountainous, official border markings and crossings are few, but border crossing has been a feature of this region as long as borders have existed. Governments on both sides have long resisted rationalising these crossings, instead showing remarkable continuity over almost 150 years of securitising the border and relying on the rhetoric and logics of nationality to police the crossing of these borders by local residents. Governments have resisted working with local communities, approaching them only when their testimonials might enhance the geopolitical position of the national governments. While today most borderlands residents claim Basotho ethnicity, the realities of the border have strained long-standing ties across the border in the name of national sovereignty and governments have weaponised nationality to claim the loyalty of borderlands residents without reciprocating the relationship by facilitating easier border crossings.

Sustainable tourism development through community homestays: a case study of Ayodhyapuri Community Homestay in Madi, Chitwan, Nepal

ABSTRACT In rural areas of Nepal, homestays are becoming an important source of income for many families. Homestay offers many benefits, such as experiencing the local culture, learning about different cultural practices in a homely environment, improving language skills, and many more. This study is an attempt to explore the status and homestay owners’ perceptions of Ayodhyapuri Community Homestay, Madi, Nepal. In this study, a concurrent mixed-methods approach was applied using a questionnaire and informal interviews to understand the homestay situation. The research explores how a specific community in Nepal has developed a sustainable tourism industry through the use of homestays, with a focus on how the community has balanced economic growth with environmental and cultural sustainability. Along with this, it also examines the impact of ecotourism on the local community, including the economic benefits, social and cultural impacts, and environmental sustainability practices. The finding suggests that homestays play a vital role in conserving nature, reducing human-wildlife conflict, preserving culture, and generating employment opportunities.