Livelihoods Of Local Communities Research Articles

Good intentions meet complex realities: CITES listing of diverse frankincense (Boswellia species) might do more harm than good

Frankincense gum resin is a globally traded forest product, likely generating more than $1 billion USD in value annually for its use in perfumery, medicines, and incense. It supports thousands of rural livelihoods in Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, India, and several other countries, where it is harvested from Boswellia trees. Recent research indicates unsustainable practices and population declines in both heavily and minimally traded species, prompting a review by the CITES Secretariat and consideration of potential listing of the genus (or species therein) in Appendix II. We argue that each of the 24 Boswellia species faces different circumstances and challenges with respect to trade and must be treated as an individual entity rather than being lumped together as part of a homogenous multi-species entity. The trade-conservation relationship for Boswellia species is not straightforward, with both positive and negative impacts of trade apparent, and interventions must account for this. CITES as a mechanism relies heavily on the infrastructure of exporting states, some of which suffer from limited resources, severe corruption, and existing trade suspensions. These limitations make CITES listing inappropriate as a conservation and regulatory tool. Tougher standards are needed, but without aiming for simple answers, we suggest that these are better implemented through importing country regulation driving private supply chain improvements rather than through exporting country-based CITES regulations. This can avoid foreseeable unintended negative consequences for both the conservation of different Boswellia species, populations, and the livelihoods of local communities frankincense tapping has supported for thousands of years.

Towards Sustainability in Seed Supply for African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Culture in Kenya: Lessons from Asian Catfishes Industry

The culture of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, is constrained by the high mortality of fry, occasioning a shortage of high-quality seeds for stocking by farmers. Asia, a continent with many success stories for aquaculture, leads in farmed production of some catfishes, a diverse group of 37 different families. Globally, the culture of catfishes ranks fifth in global farmed finfish production. Globally, Vietnam leads in the production and export of farmed striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, with 1,400,000 tonnes produced annually from about 7,000 hectares. Similarly, China farmed the non-native Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, into the major crop, with a current annual production of 250,000 tonnes. On the contrary, C. gariepinus, the main farmed catfish species in Africa, records low annual yields, with 240,000 tonnes for the whole continent. This paper explores the factors behind the high production of P. hypophthalmus and I. punctatus in Vietnam and China, respectively, and draws lessons for C. gariepinus farmers in Africa. Specifically, the use of differentiated hatchery and nursery husbandry practices was critical in boosting seed production, quantity, availability, and distribution for expanding the culture of P. hypophthalmus in Vietnam. Improvement of fish species through well-designed genetic improvement programs helped China substantially increase production of I. punctatus. For both species, intensive fish production, as well as the adoption and implementation of suitable policies, increased seed production from hatcheries in both countries. These are discussed as some of the factors that spurred catfish production in the two Asian countries. We argue that if these are adopted by farmers in Africa, they could help improve the production of farmed C. gariepinus on the continent for food and nutrition security as well as generation of livelihood for local communities.

Tree Diversity and Its Ecological Importance Value in Silvopastoral Systems: A Study along Elevational Gradients in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, Ecuadorian Amazon

This study analyzes tree diversity and its ecological importance value in silvopastoral systems in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve (SBR), Ecuador, along an altitudinal gradient of 400–2000 masl. Twenty-six plots distributed into low (400–700 masl), medium (701–1600 masl) and high (1601–2000 masl) zones were used. The Shannon index and the importance value index (IVI), based on abundance, dominance and relative frequency, were estimated. The results highlight that in pastures with dispersed trees, the richness of trees decreases with increasing altitude in the elevational gradient; they also show a higher tree density at lower altitudes in contrast to the Andean–Amazonian primary forests. The lower and middle zones showed higher diversity, linked to regeneration and the presence of nearby forests. Species of high commercial value, such as Cedrela odorata and Jacaranda copaia, were common, reflecting knowledge of the local timber market. In the lower and middle zones, the 10 most important species accounted for more than 70% of the trees, with up to 96% in the upper zone. A total of 51 taxa (including 42 species and nine taxa at the rank of genus) were identified, which were mostly native; 64.7% are classified by the IUCN as least-concern (LC) species, 31.4% as not evaluated (NE) species and 3.9% as vulnerable (VU) species, specifically highlighting Cedrela odorata and Cedrela montana. The study concludes with policy recommendations related to the importance of trees in silvopastoral systems for the conservation of species and the livelihoods of local communities, highlighting the need for responsible management of Amazonian pasturelands.

Phytosociological Analysis of Functional Components in Silvipastoral Land Use Systems of Himachal Pradesh, India

Phytosociological studies are important for devising suitable conservation strategies of the plant genetic resources. Himachal Pradesh is a north-western Himalayan state with diverse landscape having rich and unique floristic diversity. Silvipastoral systems are one among the most prominent agroforestry land use systems which contributes significantly in productivity, ecological balance and livelihood of local communities. Thus, to know the status of floristic and phytosociological diversity in these land use systems, the present study has been conducted from April 2018 to March 2022 in 12 selected villages in Himachal Pradesh. Total number of plant species recorded in study area was 1046 (including 114 tree, 170 shrub and 762 herb species), belonging to 108 families and 538 genera. Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae were the five most dominant families. Maximum tree density recorded for species Myrica esculenta (980 ind. ha-1) at site 3, Grewia optiva (660 ind. ha-1) at site 2 and Grewia optiva (640 ind. ha-1) at Site 1 Naun, Mandi, followed by Bauhinia variegata (630 ind. ha-1) at Site 2 Banalgi, Solan in zone-II. On the basis of IVI, Cedrus deodara (252.30) was most dominant species followed by Quercus oblongata (193.11), Pinus wallichiana (164.68) and Myrica esculenta (149.10). Among the shrubs Hippophae salicifolia (119.24) was most dominant species followed by Berberis lycium (96.14) and Berberis aristata (90.98). However, Achyranthus aspera (107.66) was most dominant herb species followed by Commelina benghalensis (97.50) and Sonchus asper (44.01). The lowest value of IVI was observed for Capsella bursa-pastoris (9.63) and Tanacetum dolichophyllum (10.54). According to CAMP (Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization), 2013 nine species viz., Angelica glauca, Berberis aristata, Dioscorea deltoidea, Polygonatum cirrhifolium, Hyoscyamus niger, Bunium persicum, Ephedra gerardiana, Juniperus communis and Selinum vaginatum are threatened and requires conservation and management efforts. In past no study was conducted on floristic and phytosociology diversity of silvipastoral systems of Himachal Pradesh. Hence, present study will definitely act as base line data for further in-depth studies on restoration of degraded lands and silvipastoral system management and improvement programs. 

The Implications of Climate Variability on the Livelihood of Local Communities of Melamchi Municipality

The Implications of Climate Variability on the Livelihood of Local Communities of Melamchi Municipality

Geo-ecological, shoreline dynamic, and flooding impacts of Cyclonic Storm Mocha: A geospatial analysis

This research comprehensively assesses the aftermath of Cyclonic Storm Mocha, focusing on the coastal zones of Rakhine State and the Chittagong Division, spanning Myanmar and Bangladesh. The investigation emphasizes the impacts on coastal ecology, shoreline dynamics, flooding patterns, and meteorological variations. Employed were multiple vegetation indices—Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Modified Vegetation Condition Index (mVCI), Disaster Vegetation Damage Index (DVDI), and Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC)—to evaluate ecological consequences. The Digital Shoreline Assessment System (DSAS) aided in determining shoreline alterations pre- and post-cyclone. Soil exposure and flood extents were scrutinized using the Bare Soil Index (BSI) and Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), respectively. Additionally, the study encompassed an analysis of microclimatic variables, comparing meteorological data across pre- and post-cyclone periods. Findings indicate significant ecological impacts: an estimated 8985.46 km2 of dense vegetation (NDVI >0.6) was adversely affected. Post-cyclone, there was a discernible reduction in EVI values. The mean mVCI shifted negatively from −0.18 to −0.33, and the mean FVC decreased from 0.39 to 0.33. The DVDI underscored considerable vegetation damage in various areas, underscoring the cyclone's extensive impact. Meteorological analysis revealed a 245 % increase in rainfall (20.22 mm on May 14, 2023 compared to the May average of 5.86 mm), and significant increases in relative humidity (14 %) and wind speed (205 %). Erosion was observed along 74.60 % of the studied shoreline. These insights are pivotal for developing comprehensive strategies aimed at the rehabilitation and conservation of critical coastal ecosystems. They provide vital data for emergency response initiatives and offer resources for entities engaged in enhancing coastal resilience and protecting local community livelihoods.

Remote Sensing for Deforestation in Rural Areas of Ghana

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to investigate remote sensing technology for deforestation in rural areas of Ghana.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to remote sensing for deforestation in rural areas of Ghana. Preliminary empirical review illuminated the multifaceted nature of deforestation in this region. It harnessed remote sensing technology and drew upon theories such as environmental determinism, Land-Use and Land-Cover Change (LUCC), and spatial diffusion to unveil the complex drivers and spatial patterns of deforestation. These findings underscore the crucial role of the natural environment, human activities, and diffusion processes in shaping deforestation dynamics. The study's relevance extends to policymakers, NGOs, and local communities, offering a foundation for evidence-based decision-making and sustainable land management practices that balance economic development with environmental conservation. Ultimately, this interdisciplinary approach enhances our understanding of deforestation and informs strategies to address this pressing environmental challenge.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental Determinism Model, Land-Use and Land-Cover Change (LUCC) Theory and the Spatial Diffusion Theory may be used to anchor future studies on deforestation. Based on the study's findings on "remote sensing for deforestation in rural areas of Ghana," key recommendations include strengthening forest conservation policies, enhancing remote sensing capacity for monitoring, promoting community engagement and education on forest conservation, and emphasizing continued research and monitoring efforts to adapt and refine conservation strategies in response to evolving deforestation patterns and drivers. These recommendations aim to mitigate the impacts of deforestation, protect vital ecosystems, and support the livelihoods of local communities in rural Ghana.

Unravelling blue landscape fragmentation effects on ecosystem services in urban agglomerations

The blue landscape (BL), which refers to the wetlands, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, is of immense importance for a sustainable environment. It provides a variety of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water purification, soil fertility, and habitat for diverse flora and fauna. These services are crucial for sustaining the livelihoods of local communities and maintaining the health of the environment. In megacities like Kolkata, India, the BL is often subjected to fragmentation and degradation due to rapid urbanisation, industrialization, and other human activities. This has serious implications for ecosystem services and the overall health of the environment. This study is intended to value ecosystem service losses over the last 25 years and assess the influence of blue landscape fragmentation on ecosystem services in Kolkata, India. To accomplish this goal, satellite data was collected from 1994 to 2019 for both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The results of the study showed that significant losses in ecosystem services were observed over this time period, primarily due to the decline of the East Kolkata Wetland and its conversion for settlement and agricultural purposes. Despite the existence of some policies aimed at protecting the wetland, more robust restrictions and remedial strategies are required to conserve and restore the blue landscape in Kolkata. This work adds to the corpus of research on the value of blue landscapes (BLs) and the environmental services they provide. The findings of this study highlight the need for increased attention to the conservation and management of BLs in India and provide a valuable foundation for future research and policy development. Furthermore, this research introduces the innovative concept of urban BLs as a nature-based framework for understanding urban landscape fragmentation, a novel contribution that fills a gap in the existing literature on this topic.

Epistemicide in The Indonesian Food Estate Project in a Critical Approach of Boaventura de Sousa Santos

Food is one of the basic human needs that must be met. Historically, food security has become a dominant topic in the public policies of various countries. Food security is defined as the availability of food and the ability of individuals to afford adequate foodstuffs. To achieve food security, it is necessary to develop a modern food production system, hence, the Indonesian government started a food estate program to achieve national food security. The food estate project is projected to convert potential land into agricultural land which will create food availability for the community. However, the food estate project has not been able to fulfil the promised yields. The food estate project ignores the participation of the local community which has long had a traditional food production system. The development of a food estate project that ignores the role of the community ultimately displaces local wisdom and replaces it with a modern food production system. The development of food estate projects that trigger deforestation and rely on monoculture farming also hurts land fertility; this approach is contrary to local wisdom which prioritises sustainability principles. This condition can result in epistemicide, the systematic murder of local knowledge which will have an impact on local community livelihood. This situation will result in the food estate project perpetuating a food production system dominated by Western knowledge and eliminating the local community’s sustainable food production system. Thus, epistemicide in a food estate project will create a situation where food availability and food affordability cannot be achieved. This research describes how epistemicide appears in Indonesian food estate projects. This research is philosophical research on actual problems that aims to present criticism of Boaventura de Sousa Santos’ epistemicide theory for Indonesian food estate projects. 

Wild mushrooms: A Source of livelihood and future urban food

Wild edible mushrooms are more popular non timber forest products (NTFPs) which are highly valued as functional food for their medicinal and nutritional benefits. Several wild mushroom species have been pointed out as sources of bioactive compounds, in addition to their important nutritional value. They are the major source of income for the indigenous communities throughout the world. In Bonai Forest Division, Sundargarh, Odisha, survey was conducted during 2021 to 2022 with informants using semistructured interviews and gathered the information about the wild edible mushrooms available in their forest with their marketability. It was observed that the mushrooms play as an excellent source of livelihood for local communities in Bonai Forest Division and these mushrooms are sold in the local markets starting from 10- 20 rupees to 400 rupees. Therefore, the wild edible mushrooms which are available in the state need more exploration. It could be a valuable nutraceutical, making them essential in combating food insecurity. Additional research is needed so that the wild edible mushrooms can be commercialized which can play a key role in the socio-economic upliftment of the tribal people and will add organic food to the urban food basket.

Approaches to Enhance Sugar Content in Foods: Is the Date Palm Fruit a Natural Alternative to Sweeteners?

The current levels of added sugars in processed foods impact dental health and contribute to a range of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This review presents sugars and sweeteners used in food processing, the current possibility to replace added sugars, and highlights the benefits of using dates as a new natural, nutritious and healthy alternative to synthetic and non-nutritive sweeteners. In the context of environmental sustainability, palm groves afford a propitious habitat for a diverse array of animal species and assume a pivotal social role by contributing to the provisioning of sustenance and livelihoods for local communities. The available literature shows the date as an alternative to added sugars due to its composition in macro and micronutrients, especially in bioactive components (fiber, polyphenols and minerals). Therefore, dates are presented as a health promoter and a preventative for certain diseases with the consequent added value. The use of damaged or unmarketable dates, due to its limited shelf life, can reduce losses and improve the sustainability of date palm cultivation. This review shows the potential use dates, date by-products and second quality dates as sugar substitutes in the production of sweet and healthier foods, in line with broader sustainability objectives and circular economy principles.

From agricultural practices to mining activities: The consequences of this paradigm shift for the food security in Guinea

This study aims to analyse the effects that the mining activity exercises on agriculture and the livelihoods of local communities in the Republic of Guinea. Mining and agricultural activities are intertwined in such a way that the operation of one affects the other. Over the years, mining activities have been seen to negatively affect farming, livestock grazing and fisheries in the surrounding communities. Mining consists in the excavation of useful and economically valuable minerals from deposits in the earth. Despite its potential to generate a large amount of revenue, the mining sector is not adequately regulated, and as a consequence creates a ground for illegal mining activities. These activities, depending on the type of mining, have a spectrum of effects on agricultural activities including competition for land control and use, pollution of water bodies and exposure of crops and livestock to the harmful effects of heavy metals. The cumulative effects of these activities have modified the agricultural practices, disrupted landscapes, and negatively influence the availability of food crops in the areas where mining activities are carried out, which in turn threatens the food security of the region of Boké. This article also evaluates the impacts of mining on agricultural activities in the region, with a view of providing evidence for policymakers for taking necessary action and foster sustainable solutions.

Some Aspects of Research on the Problems of Ensuring Environmental Safety of the Aral Region During the Years of Independence of Uzbekistan

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively examine the challenges associated with ensuring environmental safety in the Aral region during the years of Uzbekistan's independence. The focus is on understanding the multifaceted issues arising from the Aral Sea crisis, including its historical context, socio-economic implications, and ecological impact on communities.
  
 Methods: The research methodology involves a detailed analysis of the historical background of the Aral Sea crisis, investigating the root causes related to extensive irrigation projects and natural factors. The study assesses the effectiveness of environmental conservation and rehabilitation efforts by examining policies and initiatives implemented by the Uzbek government and international organizations. Additionally, it explores the contributions of local communities, scientific institutions, and non-governmental organizations in sustainable development and environmental protection initiatives.
  
 Results: The findings of the study reveal the severity of the environmental degradation in the Aral region, emphasizing the adverse effects on the health and livelihoods of local communities. The analysis of government and international initiatives provides insights into the ongoing challenges and successes in addressing the Aral Sea crisis. The role of local communities, scientific institutions, and non-governmental organizations in sustainable development and environmental protection is highlighted, showcasing the complexities surrounding these efforts.
  
 Conclusion: In conclusion, this study underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to tackle the multifaceted challenges of environmental safety in the Aral region. It acknowledges the historical and ongoing efforts by the Uzbek government, international organizations, and local stakeholders. The study offers recommendations for future strategies to mitigate the environmental crisis, emphasizing sustainable development as a key component in ensuring the long-term well-being of the Aral region.

The Current Status and Potential Development of Genetic Resources of Indigenous Toraya Spotted Buffalo in Indonesia: A Systematic Review

Buffaloes are integral to the Asiatic market as they are crucial for agricultural work and transportation and provide a significant source of dairy and meat, contributing to various industries, local economies, and cultural practices across the region. Indonesia is a mega biodiversity country abundant in livestock genetic resources, including indigenous, local, and introduced breeds that play a crucial role in agriculture and the livestock industry. These genetic resources offer the potential for selective breeding and improving the quality of livestock populations through well-designed breeding programs, ensuring sustainable livestock production for the future. The current study was performed using the “Publish or Perish” software, and the data obtained was analyzed using the CADIMA web tool. The Toraya buffalo population is the largest in the Tana Toraja and North Toraja regencies and is widely distributed within South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The population of Toraya buffalo in this region reached 43674 heads. Toraya buffaloes exhibit diverse body color characteristics, such as black, gray, white, and mixed. Moreover, Toraya buffaloes possess distinct quantitative traits that set them apart from other swamp buffalo breeds. Although there are limited studies on Toraya buffaloes, the potential for broader and more comprehensive studies offers opportunities to uncover new information on the characteristics, genetics, reproduction, health, and management of Toraya buffaloes. The development of Toraya buffalo farms also holds significant economic promise, as it can lead to increased agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods for local communities by enhancing the quality by implementing well-planned breeding programs and leveraging reproductive technology, and genetics-based selection, growth, and productivity can be produced. To increase the population and productivity of Toraya buffaloes, a well-structured breeding program integrating reproductive technology and selection based on quantitative and molecular genetics is essential. The development potential of Toraya buffalo is vast, not only due to its high cultural value but also its superior quantitative traits compared to common swamp buffalo, positioning it as a potential national meat provider. The present review article aimed to discuss the characteristics and development potential of Toraya buffaloes, along with the implementation of reproductive biotechnology and molecular genetics to enhance the population, productivity, and quality of Toraya buffaloes in Indonesia.

Interconnection Between Ecosystem Services and Local Communities: Knowledge Gap Identification in the Area of Kakamega Forest

The potential for accelerate loss of ecosystem services exists when the livelihood of the rural poor is heavily reliant on local ecosystems. For an improvement in livelihood of the rural poor there is need for assessment of key elements of the livelihood framework. This is especially important to Kakamega forest, the last remaining tropical rainforest in Kenya. This paper is a comprehensive literature review aimed at identifyed the research gaps in the area of the relationships between local communities and Kakamega forest ecosystem services. We derived the 42 case studies using ROSES framework and used descriptive statistics to analysis the data set. 93% of the case studies analyse provisional ecosystem, 83% cultural, 55% regulating and 31% supporting ecosystem. We identified r research gaps in our interest area. Most used research methodology is the participatory rural methods which involved interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussion. The identified research gaps will enable us to develop tools that can be used to assess the livelihood improvement of local forest communities in Kakamega. The comprehensive review is also useful for planning the research in other parts of Kenya and beyond, in order to improve livelihoods of local forest communities.

Assessing the economic, social and environmental potential of wild and domesticated olive growing options in a far Western District of Nepal

CONTEXTClimate change and extreme weather events undermine smallholder household food and income security in many rural areas of developing countries. Nature-based solutions and the use of climate resilient and nutrient dense Neglected and Underutilized Species into the local farming system have been claimed to sustainably help farmers adapt to climate change and to manage risk more effectively. OBJECTIVEThis paper investigated the potential implementation of three options based on the collective cultivation and management of olive groves and wild forests for production purposes in a mountain region of Nepal. The analysis was aimed at assessing the potential benefits of such strategy in comparison with the status-quo. METHODSThe study conducted an ex-ante simulation exercise for evaluating three options: 1) 1500 ha of new and restored wild forests; 2) 500 ha of olive groves; and 3) A combination of option 1 and 2. We calculated the financial, economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits of such options using agricultural and economic data collected from representative households identified from a sample of 31 small, 9 medium, and 3 large farm households. To conduct the economic, social and environmental analysis (ESE), we calculated the Social Return on Investment and we integrated it into the economic analysis. Then we compared the results to assess which was the most profitable option. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results of the analysis showed that all three proposed options are stable with an Internal Rate of Return always above 27% with values over 100%. The greatest increase in terms of NPV is observed when shifting from the financial to the ESE analysis in options 1, 2, and 3 (+397.5%, +132.0%, +187.2% respectively) as the benefits increase more than the costs. The results further suggested that the integrated option is the most profitable one also in terms of labour generation. Indeed, we observed a substantial increase in the Return to Labour indicator especially in the ESE analysis (from 1.9 in the financial analysis to 2.8 in the economic analysis to 6.0 in the ESE analysis). SIGNIFICANCEThis study provides evidence of the potential that similar strategies based on the use of local resources and species, if properly designed, implemented and managed, may have to restore the ecosystem and enhance the livelihoods of local communities. The most innovative element of this study is the proposed ESE analysis, which takes into account the social and environmental dimension besides the economic one.

Permasalahan Pengelolaan Sampah Desa Tegal Sari Kel. Mandala I Medan Denai, Kota Medan

Waste is a problem that often occurs in an area, one of which is the village of Tegal Sari Mandala I. Waste management that is not complex will create a problem for the village and will require innovative solutions to overcome the problem of waste in the village. The aim of this research is to identify waste management issues and the reasons why waste cannot be managed properly by the people of Tegal Sari Village. This research method uses a qualitative approach, sampling is carried out by interviewing information identified according to their identity and problems related to the area studied. Data analysis used in data reduction research, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The main cause of the waste problem in the village is that the local community's livelihood is scavengers and this causes large piles of rubbish to be piled up by the community, lack of public awareness of managing waste or sorting waste and turning it into a craft with economic value. This research can be used as a guide for villages that have similar problems, by utilizing participatory and innovative waste management in rural areas.

Environmental Consequences in the Neighbourhood of Rapid Unplanned Urbanisation in Bangalore City

The knowledge of landscape dynamics aids in evolving strategies for the prudent management of natural resources to sustain ecosystem services. The availability of spatiotemporal remote sensing data with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms has aided in assessing the ecological status in urban environments, markedly revealing complex patterns and interactions. The current communication presents landscape dynamics in the Bengaluru Urban district from 1973 to 2022 using a supervised machine learning technique based on the Random Forest algorithm with temporal Landsat data, which showed a 51.86% increase in the built-up area and a 26.28% decrease in the green cover. Rapid unplanned urbanization after globalization and the opening up of Indian markets (in Bengaluru city) has witnessed erosion in the natural surface (waterbodies and green cover) in the neighborhood, which has been impacting the health of the environment and people. Computation of fragmentation indices showed a decline of the native green cover by 177.2 sq. km. in the southern part of the district. Likely land use changes are predicted using the Cellular Automata Markov model considering the base case scenario. The analyses revealed a further possible increase in built-up to 1536.08 sq. km, a decrease in green cover by 14.32 sq. km by 2038, and the disappearance of water bodies, which highlights the need to mitigate the adverse impacts of land use changes through planned urbanization considering the environment and livelihood of local communities. The decline of heat sinks such as water bodies and green cover would contribute to an increase in the land surface temperature (LST), which would affect the microclimate of Bengaluru, highlighting the need to sustain ecosystem services to support the livelihood of local communities. Understanding the ecological significance of diverse habitat characteristics of the urban region and the prediction of likely changes in a high degree of spatial heterogeneity would assist the decision-makers in framing appropriate policies.

Analyzing Community Perception of Protected Areas to Effectively Mitigate Environmental Risks Using Qualitative Comparative Analysis: The Case of Savu Sea National Marine Park, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

The Savu Sea holds significant importance as a conservation area in Indonesia that provides sustenance and livelihoods for local communities. However, the sea is currently facing various threats, including overfishing, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. Therefore, the effective management of this conservation area relies heavily on the active participation of local communities. This study aims to address the research question “What combination of variables leads to the positive outcome of strong participation and could thus mitigate environmental risk?” These variables include the socio-economic condition of coastal households, environmental awareness, the existence of community-based conservation areas, attitudes towards activities within the conservation area, and participation in multi-stakeholder institutions. This study employs the crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) or csQCA methods. A survey was conducted among 22 coastal villages surrounding the Savu Sea, resulting in the identification of 14 different combinations of pathways that contribute to varying levels of perception regarding conservation. Of these 14 pathways, 10 were found to lead to the positive outcome of strong participation. Valuable lessons can be drawn from this study to enhance the design of policies aimed at effectively managing the Savu conservation area.

THE IMPACT OF THE FOOD CRISIS AND CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE LIVES OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES

The food crisis and climate change have become two critical challenges facing the lives of local communities in various parts of the world. This research aims to analyze and understand the impact of the food crisis and climate change on local communities and how they adapt to these increasingly complex conditions. This study uses a qualitative approach by collecting data through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis. The research sites involve several communities in areas that are exposed differently to food crises and climate change. The results of the study show that the food crisis and climate change are seriously affecting the daily lives of local people. Decreasing food availability, shifting weather patterns, and natural disasters further exacerbate their social and economic conditions. Local communities experience difficulties in meeting basic needs such as food, clean water and proper housing. In addition, climate change also has an impact on the agricultural sector which is the main source of livelihood for local communities. Traditional cropping patterns are no longer suited to unstable weather, and pest attacks and drought often destroy crop yields. This has resulted in reduced incomes and greater dependence on government assistance or humanitarian organizations. However, this study also identified several adaptation efforts made by local communities to deal with the food crisis and climate change. Some communities have changed cropping patterns and are cultivating crop varieties that are more resistant to climate change. The community is also actively developing local resources such as fish ponds and food processing to reduce dependence on imported food. In facing this challenge, inter-community cooperation and support from the government and international institutions are key in increasing food security and adaptation to climate change. Increasing access to sustainable agricultural technologies and financial assistance for local communities can strengthen competitiveness and reduce inequalities in the face of the impacts of the food crisis and climate change. In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of an in-depth understanding of the impact of the food crisis and climate change on local communities and adaptation efforts that can be made to strengthen their resilience. The increasing complexity of these challenges demands collective action from all parties involved to achieve sustainability and prosperity for local communities in the era of globalization and climate change.