Local Communities Research Articles

Heritage as a development engine for people in nature: A case study of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, China

This paper explores strategies to promote sustainable tourism for people living in natural areas through a case study implemented in the renowned World Natural Heritage Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a World Heritage Site inscribed for its natural values. The study is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Program’s Chinese Pilot Studies. Various interventions, including understanding local values, revitalizing traditional handicrafts, and making culinary innovations, were implemented to enrich tourist experiences, empower local communities, and boost economic opportunities. Based on these interventions, this paper discusses community capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and conflict resolution as initiatives to enhance heritage conservation and promote sustainable tourism at the community level. On the level of the World Heritage property, a new management zone, the Traditional Eco-agricultural Heritage Zone, recognized the residency of the locals within the heritage site and fostered the harmonious co-existence of culture and nature. The successful integration of heritage conservation, community development, and sustainable tourism in Wulingyuan not only ensures the conservation of the site but also contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This case study offers a model for sustainable development of Natural World Heritage Sites, emphasizing the importance of respecting and involving diverse local communities.

Impact of military activities and hostilities on the ecosystem services of the North-Western Black Sea coastal zone

Satisfaction of human needs for living environment and food, as well as level and quality of life, depend on ecosystem services. The article studies the main methodological principles of ecosystem services assessment for the coastal zone of the North-Westen Black Sea region. Reduction of opportunities for using the ecosystem services negatively reflects the growing anthropogenic impact on environmental components due to urbanization processes, development of industry, energy sector, transport, agricultural sector of the economy, etc. and, since February 2022, - due to military activities and hostilities. The research presents the main indicators used to assess the ecosystem services. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, the environment of Odesa Oblast was subject to the highest anthropogenic pressure across the whole NWBS region. The forecast indicators of anthropogenic pressure on the components of the NWBS's environment for the next 10 years showed that, within Odesa Oblast, there was a trend towards increasing level of anthropogenic pressure for almost all components. As for Mykolaiv Oblast, an increasing load was predicted for air basin and water bodies, and as for Kherson Oblast – for air basin and soil and geological environment. The article considers the groups of ecosystem services and the factors reducing the possibility of their use as a result of ongoing military operations. Affected by military activities and hostilities, the possibilities of using the resource component of the ecosystem services are brought to minimum. Military activities and hostilities practically stopped the recreational and health function within the coastal zone of the NWBS region. The primary task is to determine the needs of local communities in terms of use of ecosystem services, to collect and summarize information on their condition, agree on methods for assessment of services for the NWBS region, and conduct such assessment. It is necessary to identify the ways to transition to the models of natural resource management across the coastal zone of the NWBS region, taking into account the decline in delivery of the ecosystem services due to both anthropogenic load and military activities and hostilities affecting environmental components.

Drug problems and treatment services at the community level: findings from a national sample of key informants in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Aims This study aimed to provide community-level perspectives on substance use, related health and social harms and utilization of treatment for substance use disorders in Nigeria. Methods The study is based on descriptive-qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 2,787 key informants (e.g. police officers, health workers) from the 36 states of Nigeria. Results The findings highlight social, economic, legal, academic, occupational and health problems linked to drug consumption. Drug-related problems extended beyond individuals who consume drugs to impact close relations and local communities. Government-funded facilities (e.g. general hospitals, specialist psychiatric facilities) were thought to be more available, accessible and acceptable to people seeking treatment for substance use disorders than other types of facilities (e.g. faith-based facilities, NGO treatment centers). The provision and uptake of services in these facilities are constrained by financial cost and inadequate specialist services for drug use owing to shortage of skilled professionals. Conclusion There exist a need to improve access to substance use disorder treatment through development of skilled manpower, expansion of health service coverage and strengthening of community-based services. Further, prioritizing healthcare services and combating stigma against people who use drugs could contribute to uptake of services.

Camelid herding may homogenize Andean grassland plant communities

The current global decline in biodiversity is a matter of pressing concern, necessitating the conservation of diverse ecosystems across various spatial scales. Regions such as the tropical Andes face the imminent threat of biotic homogenization due to intensive livestock grazing, posing a significant risk to biodiversity. This study is focused on the sub-humid grasslands of northwestern Bolivia, within the the National Park Apolobamba. We surveyed a total of 105 plots distributed across seven sites, representing a natural gradient of grazing intensity. Within each site, the plots were organized into five clusters to explore the impact of environmental factors on plant diversity within and among communities. Our research reveals that local plant diversity, quantified by species richness and the inverse Simpson index, is predominantly shaped by soil pH. Notably, more acidic soil is associated with diminished diversity. Furthermore, our findings highlight that the dissimilarity in species composition among local communities may be linked to grazing intensity. This suggests that intensified grazing may have the potential to homogenize plant communities across the landscape. A concerning implication is the likelihood of communities becoming dominated by acquisitive species, leaving them more susceptible to the impacts of climate variability. The study underlines the necessity to analyze multiple facets of diversity for a comprehensive understanding of the environmental factors regulating and therefore to address potential drivers of diversity loss. To mitigate these threats, managers may consider adjusting livestock quantities and the spatial range used by grazers, aiming to sustain multiple aspects of plant diversity and prevent homogenization and degradation of grasslands in a changing world.

Supporting recovery, healing and wellbeing with Aboriginal communities of the southeast coast of Australia: a practice-based study of an Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation’s response to cumulative disasters

BackgroundThe recent crises of bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic on the southeast coast of Australia were unprecedented in their extent and intensity. Few studies have investigated responses to cumulative disasters in First Nations communities, despite acknowledgement that these crises disproportionately impact First Nations people. This study was conducted by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers in partnership with Waminda, South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO). It investigated the collective experiences of people affected by cumulative disasters to identify the practices that support healing, and recovery for Aboriginal communities. The study addresses a knowledge gap of how Waminda, designs, manages and delivers responses to address complex health and social issues in the context of cumulative disasters.MethodsUnderpinned by practice theory this study employed Indigenous-informed, narrative inquiry. Culturally-appropriate, multiple interpretive methods were used to collect data including: observations; yarns with Aboriginal community members, yarns with Waminda practitioners, management and board members; interviews-to-the-double, visual images and documentation. The data were collated and analysed using the phases of reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe paper articulates a suite of culturally safe and place-based practices that enhance social, emotional and spiritual well-being following cumulative disasters. These practice bundles include: adopting a Country-centred conception of local communities; being community-led; viewing care as a collective, relational, sociomaterial accomplishment and having fluid boundaries. These practice bundles ‘hang together’ through organising practices including the Waminda Model of Care, staff wellbeing framework and emergency management plan which orient action and manage risks. The paper demonstrates the need for disaster responses to be community-led and culturally situated. ACCHOs are shown to play a crucial role, and their local responses to immediate community needs are grounded in contextual knowledge and use existing resources rather than relying on mainstream system-wide interventions.ConclusionsThe paper suggests crafting responses that focus on assisting communities (re)gain their sense of belonging, hope for the future, control over their lives and their capacities to care for and to be cared for by Country, are key to both enhancing healing, health and well-being and harnessing the strengths of communities.

KAJIAN PERENCANAAN PASAR INDUK KABUPATEN BADUNG DENGAN PENDEKATAN TATA RUANG, ARSITEKTUR, DAN BUDAYA LOKAL BALI

In the central market planning project in Badung Regency, Bali, the main objective was to develop an economic center that combines cultural elements with sustainable economic growth. The planning goes beyond the traditional paradigm of development by integrating cultural, social, environmental, architectural, civil engineering and economic factors, creating an entity that carries more value than just commercial transactions. The central market is intended to represent a balance between cultural heritage and the dynamics of modernity, with reference to the principles of Tri Hita Karana (balance with God, fellow humans, and the natural environment) as well as the concept of Hulu - Teben which directs the organization of space based on the flow of the river. The Tri Mandala and Sanga Mandala concepts guide the zone mapping and building orientation, optimizing air circulation and natural lighting. The market architecture adopts traditional Balinese elements such as limasan and jineng roof forms, and utilizes natural materials such as red bricks and temple stones. A purposeful and iconic signage system, including the Ratu Niang Sakti statue, became an important part of the design. The result is a synergy between cultural values and global progress, forming a neighborhood that functions not only as a place of transaction, but also as a vehicle for cultural preservation and a driver of inclusive economic growth. The project encourages active community participation in the development process, accelerates the welfare of local communities, and improves the competitiveness of the region. Thus, the project achieves its goal not only as physical infrastructure, but also as a platform that integrates cultural significance and economic dynamism within the framework of sustainable development

Landcare and Landscapes and Accidental Beauty: Failing Digital Technologies and the Gaze of Child Researchers

This visual essay curates an exhibition of photographic data from a project with children about Landcare, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to managing environmental issues in local communities across Australia. The project sought to empower children to engage with Landcare Reserves through participatory arts-based research to map their awareness of and participation in local Landcare Reserve sites. This visual essay recognizes the images as agentic entities, with the power to activate the gaze beyond the boundaries of this project as embedded yet transcendent from it whilst simultaneously acknowledging the ‘failing’ agency of the sensing body of the camera.

Mhealth-based interventions to improving liver cancer screening among high-risk populations: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLiver cancer (LC) screening, such as AFP test and abdominal ultrasound, is an effective way to prevent LC, one of the most common cancers worldwide. Despite the proven screening benefits, screening participation among high-risk populations for LC remains low. This suggests that targeted, systematic, and effective interventions should be provided to improve knowledge and awareness related to LC screening, enhance screening intentions, and thereby promote screening behaviors. Telephone is people’s main medium of daily communication and mHealth-based programs offer a potential and effective solution for promoting health behaviors. The purpose of this study is to develop and implement a mHealth (WeChat app) based intervention guided by Fogg’s Behavior Model (FBM) to augment the knowledge of LC prevention among people at risk of LC and enhance their motivation for screening, and to validate its effectiveness in improving LC screening.MethodsWe propose a two-arm, single-blind randomized controlled trial with 82 at-risk individuals of LC, delivering a 6-month mHealth-based intervention program with optional health counseling. Recruitment will be through tertiary hospitals and community organizations in 4 districts in Heng Yang. In total, 82 individuals at high risk for HCC will be randomized 1:1 to intervention or control (usual care) groups. The intervention group will receive intervention, whose contents are based on the FBM model, via multiple forms of media including PowerPoint presentation, multimedia video, health information booklet and screening message, which is delivered in the WeChat Applet. Control dyads will be provided with usual health education. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.DiscussionThe findings of this study will provide evidence of the benefits of utilizing mHealth-based approaches in intervention development to enhance the effectiveness of screening adherence for high-risk people of LC. Further, the findings would provide reference to the potential incorporation of the targeted intervention in local community organizations.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400080530) Date registered: 31/1/2024.

The Role of Creative Communities in Supporting Development of Urban Heritage Tourism Kota Tua Jakarta

Kota Tua Jakarta or Jakarta’s Old City is a Cultural Heritage Area as well as a National Vital Object. This area is managed by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government as a historical tourist destination. The increase in tourist visits to this area is caused by various things, one of which is the existence of tourist attractions developed by the local creative community. The role of the creative community has not been identified thoroughly. This study aims to explain the role of the creative community as a supporting tourist attraction in Kota Tua area. In addition, identifying this role is also important to help the government plan regulations that have an impact on optimizing tourism potential. This study was conducted using a qualitative method with descriptive data presentation. The results of the study show that the creative community also plays a role in developing tourism in Kota Tua ​​Jakarta. The role of the creative community is not only in providing new experiences, but also in being able to enliven the attractive atmosphere in the area of ​​cultural heritage sites that have developed into tourist destinations. The creative community has also become a tourism identity in the Kota Tua ​​Jakarta, apart from the physical side of the interesting colonial-style building architecture.

Determinants of the Root Causes and Success Factors for the East African Community Regional Force Intervention in Managing Intractable Intrastate Conflicts in the DRC

Globally, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has had one of the most intractable conflicts. Several attempts, ranging from global, continental, and regional levels, have been made to address these conflicts with little success. The deployment of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in 2022, a period characterized by the emergence and intensification of the March 23 Movement (M23) — a rebel group that seeks to advance the interests of the Congolese Tutsi ethnic group within the DRC military and political system — was envisaged to change the fortunes regarding the conflicts in the DRC. This was because it would be the first localized attempt at intervention. However, since the intervention of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the DRC, there seems to have been little progress regarding the management of intractable conflicts. This paper sought to investigate the determinants of the success of the EACRF intervention in the management of the DRC’s intractable intra-state conflict. The study is underpinned by the interpretivism research philosophy, and the paper was anchored on Conflict Transformation Theory to sustain the study variables. The researcher adopted two research designs — descriptive survey and historical longitudinal research designs — to ensure valid research results. The target population was 297, from which a sample of 177 was derived, including EACRF ground personnel, military attachés, members of the local community, leaders of rebel groups, and refugees, who were sampled using census, simple random, snowballing, and purposive sampling techniques. The study findings established that EACRF's success was inhibited by a number of factors: 91 (60.66%) respondents acknowledged that institutional weaknesses in East African Community (EAC) states contribute to prolonged conflicts in the DRC. Additionally, 43 (28.66%) respondents stated that regional security competition, namely power rivalry, affects the management of the DRC conflict. Furthermore, 8 (5.33%) respondents cited the informal economy, and 8 (5.33%) respondents mentioned trans-border social networks as additional factors contributing to the complexity of internal conflict in the DRC. The paper concludes that the EACRF has had limited success due to several factors, thereby inhibiting its management of intractable intra-state conflicts in the DRC. The paper recommended that the EAC strategically focus on region-centric intervention in New Warfare in eastern DRC, especially in the Republics of Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, given that rebel groups originating from these nations frequently operate in the Eastern Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Strengthening good governance in these states, including the DRC, is necessary to quell ethnic unrest that fuels internal and regional conflicts within the EAC.

Interactive effect of air pollution and genetic risk of depression on processing speed by resting-state functional connectivity of occipitoparietal network

BackgroundAir pollution, a reversible environmental factor, was significantly associated with the cognitive domains that are impaired in major depressive disorder (MDD), notably processing speed. Limited evidence explores the interactive effect of air pollution and the genetic risk of depression on cognition. This cross-sectional study aims to extend the research by specifically examining how this interaction influences depression-related cognitive impairment and resting-state brain function.MethodsEligible participants were 497 healthy adult volunteers (48.7% males, mean age 24.5) living in Beijing for at least 1 year and exposed to relatively high air pollution from the local community controlling for socioeconomic and genomic. Six months’ ambient air pollution exposures were assessed based on residential addresses using monthly averages of fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5). A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and cognitive performance assessments. The polygenic risk score (PRS) of MDD was used to estimate genetic susceptibility.ResultsUsing a general linear model and partial least square regression, we observed a negative association between resting-state local connectivity in precuneus and PRS-by-PM2.5 interactive effect (PFWE = 0.028), indicating that PM2.5 exposure reduced the spontaneous activity in precuneus in individuals at high genetic risk for MDD. DNA methylation and gene expression of the SLC30A3 gene, responsible for maintaining zinc-glutamate homeostasis, was suggestively associated with this local connectivity. For the global functional connectivity, the polygenic risk for MDD augmented the neural impact of PM2.5 exposure, especially in the frontal-parietal and frontal-limbic regions of the default mode network (PFDR < 0.05). In those genetically predisposed to MDD, increased PM2.5 exposure positively correlated with resting-state functional connectivity between the left angular gyrus and left cuneus gyrus. This connectivity was negatively associated with processing speed.ConclusionsOur cross-sectional study suggests that air pollution may be associated with an increased likelihood of cognitive impairment in individuals genetically predisposed to depression, potentially through alterations in the resting-state function of the occipitoparietal and default mode network.

Early-stage implementation of peer-led interventions for emergency department patients with substance use disorder: Findings from a formative qualitative evaluation

IntroductionEmergency department (ED)-based peer recovery coach (PRC) programs can improve access to substance use disorder treatment (SUD) for ED patients. As literature on early stages of PRC implementation is limited, we conducted a qualitative assessment of ED PRC program implementation from several US-based PRC programs focusing on barriers and facilitators for implementation and providing recommendations based on the findings. MethodsWe collected qualitative data from 39 key informants (peer recovery coaches, PRC program managers, ED physicians and staff, representatives of community-based organizations) via 6 focus groups and 21 interviews in February–December 2023. We transcribed audio-recordings and analyzed data using codebook thematic analysis. ResultsWe identified the following major themes related to specific barriers and recommendations to address them. To facilitate timely linkage to PRCs, programs would regularly inform ED staff about the program and its linkage procedures, establish trust between PRC and ED staff, streamline the linkage procedures, and choose an “opt-out” linkage approach. To address barriers related to external referrals, programs use “warm handoff” and “warm line” strategies, maintain and update a comprehensive catalog of resources, and familiarize peer coaches with local service providers. Telehealth services implementation requires addressing logistical barriers, ensuring patients' privacy, and training peer coaches on building trust and rapport online. Peer coaches' wellness and quality of services can be improved by limiting PRC's workload, prioritizing quality over quantity, facilitating self-, peer- and professional care to mitigate stress and burnout; and, importantly, by providing supportive supervision and training to peer coaches and advocating for PRC team as an equal partner in the ED settings. To facilitate PRC program adoption and sustainment program managers engage local communities and program champions, seek diverse sources of funding, and advocate for structural changes to accommodate recruitment and retention of peer recovery coaches. ConclusionsWe compiled a wealth of best practices used by PRC programs to address numerous implementation barriers and challenges. These recommendations are intended for PRC program planners, managers and champions, hospital leadership, and state and local public health agencies leading SUD epidemic response.

Bird metacommunities of urban parks in the pampean region, Argentina

Metacommunities are the set of local communities that are linked by the dispersion of potentially interacting species. The study of metacommunities is important to elucidate the relationship between processes that occur at different spatial scales. However, bird metacommunities in urban parks have been little studied. The objectives of this study were: 1) to analyze the relative role of species dispersal, environmental selection, and stochastic processes shaping urban bird metacommunities; and 2) to analyze the structure of the metacommunities of birds in urban parks. Bird surveys were made in 51 parks of six cities in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. To obtain the metacommunity structure, three elements were analyzed: coherence, turnover, and boundary clumping. We found that the metacommunity conforms to a clementsian structure, in which groups of species respond in a similar way to environmental gradients. The environmental and connectivity variables explained a greater proportion of the variance than the spatial variable. The composition of species was related to the location of the cities, the distance to the rural area, the distance to the urban center, the number of cars passing near parks, and habitat diversity. Due to the clementsian structure of metacommunities, they probably were structured under a species sorting and mass effect process. The number of cars and habitat diversity in the parks would be acting as environmental filters for bird species, while the distance to rural areas and the distance to the urban center would affect species dispersal to the parks. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining and improving park connectivity and habitat diversity for bird species, managing them as cities grow.

Methylmercury in commercial fish species from the Erhai Lake Basin, Southwest China: concentrations, health risk assessment, and implications for future monitoring.

Erhai Lake, a highland lake situated in Southwest China, provides critical aquatic protein sources for the local community, and its preservation is vital due to the sensitivity of alpine freshwater ecosystems to disturbance. However, there is a lack of research on the contamination status of methylmercury (MeHg) in aquatic organisms of the Erhai Lake Basin. MeHg concentrations in important commercial fish species from the Erhai Lake were examined, and the potential health risks associated with human consumption were assessed. Our results showed significant inter-species differences in fish muscle MeHg: the carnivorous S. asotus exhibited the highest level (303ng/g; ww), while that of the detritivorous R. ocellatus was the lowest (3.86ng/g). Moreover, MeHg concentrations in P. fulvidraco and C. auratus collected from the Luoshi River (a major tributary of Erhai Lake) were significantly higher compared to those from the Erhai Lake, indicating possible river-based input of MeHg into the Erhai Lake. Additionally, our study revealed a significant positive correlation between the MeHg levels and the length as well as weight of the examined fish species. All the fish species analyzed in our study had MeHg concentrations within the limits of China's food safety standard. Nevertheless, a relatively low consumption quantity of 16g per day of certain species (i.e., S. asotus) may still pose potential health risks especially for children. The present study provides baseline data for MeHg monitoring and risk assessment in the Erhai Lake Basin, and warrants continued monitoring and source investigation.

Could Justice40 reproduce injustices in the critical mineral sector?

The United States is reprioritizing domestic extraction and processing of critical minerals, with billions of dollars of investments. Because of their uses in low-carbon technologies, the mining and processing of these resources falls under the scope of the Justice40 Initiative, the Biden administration’s flagship environmental justice policy. Justice40 prioritizes green investments to benefit communities deemed disadvantaged, including all recognized Tribes. This can lead to the siting of “green” mineral projects in disadvantaged communities (DACs), which is problematic if such projects are unwelcome or reproduce environmental injustices. These unintended consequences are our focus. We analyze how DACs are defined and operationalized, before examining whether and under what conditions critical mineral projects could be considered beneficial for local communities. We suggest three ways to better align Justice40’s spirit with its (currently problematic) application to critical minerals and other controversial projects – (1) centering free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) and the transparency and power restructuring needed to achieve it; (2) incentivizing community ownership to strengthen economic benefits and democratize decision making; and (3) bringing currently-exempted critical mineral activities within the purview of Justice40, particularly for the Department of Defense.

Mangrove-Based Carbon Market Projects: 15 Considerations for Engaging and Supporting Local Communities

Mangroves provide numerous ecological, social, and economic benefits that include carbon sequestration, habitat for biodiversity, food, recreation and leisure, income, and coastal resilience. In this regard, mangrove-based carbon market projects (MbCMP), involving mangrove conservation, protection, and restoration, are a nature-based solution (NbS) for climate change mitigation. Despite the proliferation of blue carbon projects, a highly publicized need for local community participation by developers, and existing project implementation standards, local communities are usually left out for several reasons, such as a lack of capacity to engage in business-to-business (B2B) market agreements and communication gaps. Local communities need to be engaged and supported at all stages of the MbCMP development process to enable them to protect their ecological, economic, and social interests as custodians of such a critical ecosystem. In this paper, we provided 15 strategic considerations and recommendations to engage and secure the interests of local communities in the growing mangrove carbon market trade. The 15 considerations are grouped into four recommendation categories: (i) project development and community engagement, (ii) capacity building and educational activities, (iii) transparency in resource allocation and distribution, and (iv) partnerships with local entities and long-term monitoring. We expect our study to increase local participation and community-level ecological, social, and economic benefits from MbCMP by incorporating equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms in a B2B conservation-agreement model.

Fatherhood and men’s participation in antenatal care in rural sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

IntroductionMen’s participation is imperative for improving antenatal care (ANC) access and mother and child health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Research looking at improving men’s participation in ANC often focuses...

Shadows of fear: Extortion and protection racketeering amidst organized crime in South Africa

This paper investigates organized crime networks that engage in extortion and protection racketeering in South Africa. Due to socio-economic hardships and weak institutional frameworks, criminals have employed fear and violence as a means to gain control over local communities and businesses illegally. The study employed a literature analysis of scholarly materials such as peer-reviewed journals, books, and reports by law enforcement agencies and nongovernmental organizations among others to gather knowledge on extortion and protection racketeering in organized crime in South Africa. The study examines the operational strategies and impacts of organised crime networks on extortion and protection racketeering on local economies as well as public safety. The findings review that there is an all-pervasive culture of fear which underlies blackmailing as well as racketeering activities thereby increasing the vulnerability of communities while undermining social cohesion. The paper concludes by recommending policies meant to improve law enforcement capability and community resilience against this threat on communities.

Parents of Children with Disabilities: Strengths and Frailty of Human Faith Journeys

Although studies have been conducted regarding the faith journeys of people with disabilities, little is known of those nurturing and accompanying them, their parents. The faith journeys of parents of children with disabilities are a critical yet underattended source of theological insight. In this qualitative research study, we interview and study the perspective of seven married parents of children with disabilities who actively participate in ministry at their local faith communities or a national arena. While these criteria limit the number of parents caring for children with disability, they gave us greater insight into the challenges and graces received throughout their faith journeys, the role of their immediate family, their faith communities, and the universal Church. Five emerging themes were identified reflecting the rich yet complex strengths and frailty of their faith journeys. This study intends to amplify the stories of parents of children with disabilities becoming key conversation partners. Their hope-in-tension narratives inform and challenge the understanding of Christian anthropology, the centrality of faith, and the vocation of marriage, and in turn lead to concrete pastoral recommendations in three critical dimensions: ecclesiological, catechetical, and ministerial.

Bringing water values into play in the Atacama desert water crisis

The current water crisis in the Atacama Desert is explained by extractivist models based on the overexploitation of this resource. Extensive mega-mining is devastating water reserves and causing inequities in access for local indigenous communities. In the present work, through ethnographic research in the community of Mamiña, we show how the water values of different local actors come into conflict. Through a positioned analysis model, we observe two types of water-related values, some determined by worldviews and others created by socio-environmental relationships throughout history. Along these two axes, we observe the emergence of new pragmatic values that make an adequate collective response to the water crisis challenging to implement. We argue that this paradox can be better understood through an approach focused on the sociocultural analysis of water values, deriving from the context of their emergence, as well as their complementarities and dynamics.