Local Community Support Research Articles

Nuove ecologie / Nuovi significati

In December 2022, the COP15 for Biodiversity approved the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a protocol for the protection of planetary ecosystems that complements the Paris Agreement on Climate Change with the aim of preventing the collapse of the biosphere. A global network of areas with different degrees of naturalness and anthropization, capable of halting the loss of biodiversity and reducing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, is projected to extend over 30% of the Earth by 2030 to be further consolidated by 2050. The agreement raises a multiplicity of issues that landscape design engages: the conservation of species and ecosystems of the biosphere; the environmental requalification of degraded terrestrial and marine areas; the equitable management of ancestral lands and the rights of indigenous populations; the protection of cultural landscapes and the support of local communities; the abandonment of both the unsustainable exploitation of territories and the musealizations and vernacularizations at the service of global tourism; the enhancement of the ecological contributions of degraded, exploited or underutilized areas, on the inhabited margins or in the operational hinterlands of planetary urbanization; the stwewardship of contemporary anthro-ecological systems towards new forms of equilibrium, conventionally defined by the terms of sustainability and resilience. In short, the Kunming-Montreal agreement requires us to imagine new forms and structures for the evolution of urban and rural space and, at once, new areas for the resurgence of nature. In the colossal, collective undertaking envisaged, the trans-disciplinary design of the contemporary landscape seems to have the opportunity to conquer vast fields of operation and a key role that goes beyond both the technical action of environmental engineering and the taxidermy of natural and cultural conservation. The design of the landscape is in fact called upon to implant a new meaning on portions of the planet, tiny fragments hidden in forgotten interstices, vast settlement or productive expanses, logistical corridors or segments of natural systems. This issue of Ri-Vista collects reflections, experiences, and cases, from the local to the geographical scale, in which the landscape design is capable to establish new ecologies and new ecosystemic balances, while transcribing in situ new narratives and new topologies, scenarios of re-signification of places and dynamics between society and nature, and, with that, new meanings of our living on Earth.

Identification of topical issues of the energy transition in publications of the scientific content aggregator Scilit. Part 2. Keyword clustering

Background. The access of Russian researchers to Scopus and Web of Science has become restricted, so the use of open reference databases becomes relevant. Objective. Identification of topical problems of energy transition in publications presented in Scilit, a content aggregator for scientific publications with free access. Materials and methods. The study utilized 10,121 bibliometric records of articles from 2019–2023. Publications were systematized using Gibbs sampling algorithm for Dirichlet mixture model. The topics of publications within the obtained clusters were analyzed using the demo version of the Carrot2 program. Publications were ranked using the sumy utility with the lex-rank algorithm. Results. The identified topical topics are devoted to systemic problems of energy complexes, including integration of different sources of energy generation, energy storage in “accumulators” or “green hydrogen” and optimization of their operation. Much attention is paid to the social aspects of the energy transition, especially relevant for rural areas and regions with a low level of economic development. Conclusions. Without financial support and appropriate infrastructure for local energy communities, the energy transition may be rejected by them. Households should be encouraged to use cleaner energy sources that are less harmful to health and the environment.

The Role of Posyandu Cadres in Reducing Stunting in the Community

The general background stunting is a major health issue that threatens the quality of human resources in Indonesia. Specific background posyandu cadres play a crucial role in disseminating health information and educating mothers to prevent and reduce stunting in communities. Knowledge Gap: While previous research has focused on general health initiatives, there is limited evidence on the specific role of posyandu cadres in reducing stunting in rural areas. Aims this study to examine the role of posyandu cadres in reducing stunting rates in the local community. Results the findings demonstrate that posyandu cadres have successfully carried out their role by conducting regular health programs such as providing supplementary food, vitamin A, blood supplements for pregnant women, and monitoring child growth. These efforts have contributed to a steady decrease in stunting rates. Factors influencing the success of the programs include the knowledge and active participation of trained cadres, high community involvement, and support from local health workers and officials. Novelty this study highlights the importance of community-based health initiatives and posyandu programs in addressing stunting, emphasizing the need for well-trained cadres in achieving long-term health outcomes. Implication the research underscores the importance of continuing support for posyandu cadres through training and resources to further improve public health and reduce stunting rates in other regions. Highlights: Posyandu cadres are key in reducing stunting through regular health activities. Knowledgeable and trained cadres contribute to lower stunting rates. Local community and health worker support strengthen program success. Keywords: Stunting, Posyandu Cadres, Community Health, Child Nutrition, Rural Development

Teacher education students’ experiences navigating inherent requirements within their courses of study

ABSTRACT Inherent requirements define core competencies that all students must demonstrate to be accepted, progress, and successfully complete professionally accredited programmes such as teaching. This paper presents research that examines how students of teacher education navigate supposed abilities to teach through their courses of study, to inform the development of a statement of inherent requirements for a large school of education in an Australian university. Drawing on critical disability perspectives, we present results from a survey conducted with students enrolled in teacher education courses. This analysis demonstrates that inherent requirements have little affect for students whose bodily capacities align with preconceived notions of abilities to teach. Yet, students with disabilities will likely experience impose barriers to their success within teacher education because of perceived inherent requirements to practice, which is not easily addressed through disclosure and reasonable adjustments. The paper concludes with a discussion addressing how when seeking to expand their impact in support of inclusive local and global communities, universities must necessarily start by paying close attention to the ways that they frame competency in relation to equity. Here we draw from concerns raised by students in the present study, and critical disability theory, to support an institutional transposition from inherency to coherency, reframing how ability to teach can align with contemporary policy aspirations and inclusive practices. The paper is unique for drawing on student experiences to inform the development of knowledge in the field of teacher education along with critical disability perspectives with which to analyse them.

Exploring factors influencing the microfinance program sustainability

Ensuring the sustainability of development interventions such as microfinance programs is essential for making sure that the financial access is available for the poor in long term. However, many project-based microfinance have faced sustainability issues. Therefore, exploring the factors affecting the sustainability of the programs is essential. Using institutionalist view of microfinance sustainability and considering project implementation aspects, this study aims to explore the factors that influence the sustainability of project-based microfinance institutions (MFIs). Quantitative approach by using a statistical tool is used to analyse the survey of the 85 microfinance bankers from 65 Microfinance institutions (MFIs). The result showed that project-based microfinance sustainability is influenced by local project characteristics, community support and project management. It implies that project implementation and its sustainability is concomitant. Project implementation that considers local community and is supported by project management could hold an important role in the sustainability of the project. Furthermore, developing sustainability strategies in planning and implementation stages is crucial. Hence, international development project actors should take them into account.

Analisis Framing Pemberitaan Online Amsakar Achmad sebagai Calon Walikota Batam Potensial pada Media Online Batampos.co.id dan Batamnews.co.id

This study aims to identify and analyze the framing used by BatamPos.co.id and BatamNews.co.id in their coverage of Amsakar Achmad as a candidate for Mayor of Batam, compare the framing employed by these two media outlets, and assess the impact of such framing on public perception. This qualitative research utilizes framing analysis based on framing theory. Primary data consists of news articles from BatamPos.co.id and BatamNews.co.id published during the period of May-June 2024. Secondary data is derived from literature related to framing theory and previous studies. Data collection was conducted through purposive sampling, and analysis was performed by identifying main themes, categorizing the news coverage, and evaluating the impact of framing on public perception. The analysis reveals that the framing of news about Amsakar Achmad on BatamPos.co.id tends to emphasize strong political support, popularity, and Amsakar’s concrete visions and programs. In contrast, BatamNews.co.id focuses more on Amsakar’s direct interactions with the public, local community support, and political communication. Both media construct a positive image of Amsakar, albeit with different approaches. BatamPos.co.id creates the perception that Amsakar is a strong candidate with solid political backing and a clear plan for Batam’s progress, while BatamNews.co.id portrays Amsakar as a leader who is close to the people, adaptive, and collaborative. This research provides insights into how media framing can influence public perception of political candidates.

The influence of conservation policies and legislations on communities in Tanzania

Benefit-sharing mechanisms have been instrumental in securing the support of local communities living on the edge of protected areas, and in resolving human-wildlife conflicts. Understanding how current conservation policies influence benefit-sharing and the management of human-wildlife conflicts is vital for designing strong mechanisms to achieve both conservation and ethical community outcomes. Here we examined how benefit-sharing and human-wildlife conflicts are acknowledged and addressed within the current conservation policies (wildlife policies, legislations, regulations and strategic plans) using the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem (GSE) as a case study. The fourteen policies focusing primarily on wildlife conservation in Tanzania are analysed. We also drew on the findings of three studies conducted during 2021 and 2022 documenting community interactions with wildlife and adjacent protected areas. These studies covered the types of benefit provided by various conservation institutions to local communities, the effectiveness of benefit-sharing mechanisms, and the conservation-related losses incurred by communities. The study uncovered a wide range of benefits provided to local communities in the form of social amenities, livelihood support and employment. However, the losses and costs experienced are far greater than these benefits. Integrating these findings with policy analysis, we identified that the main limitations reducing the impacts of benefits in motivating positive conservation behaviours to be: losses of livestock and crops were more than four times the value of benefits/compensation offered to communities; a lack of details and clarity of benefit-sharing mechanisms; benefit/conservation rates that have not been indexed against inflation and; shortcomings in implementation. To achieve conservation outcomes, we recommend revising the conservation policies and legislation across the country in collaboration with local communities who experience the impacts of conservation in their day-to-day life. We also propose a coordinated approach for all conservation institutions managing wildlife to address widespread human-wildlife conflicts across the country effectively and to achieve better conservation outcomes rather than leaving that task to a single organization (i.e. Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority).

Past behaviour intentions, present normative beliefs, and future customer loyalty

AbstractTourists are often motivated by a desire to reduce their impact on the environment and support local communities. By understanding the motivations and preferences of different types of tourists, destinations can tailor their offerings to attract and retain a diverse range of visitors. This study aims to determine if tourists who are attracted to the natural environment in a destination are more likely to engage in sustainable behaviors. It also explores whether easy access to information on sustainability influences decision‐making when traveling. The article raises the question of whether post‐pandemic tourists seek sustainable destinations due to both internal motivations and external influences. This article examines the convergence of pull‐push tourist motivations in sustainable destination preferences post‐pandemic. Using data from 12,101 Eurobarometer 2021 respondents from the TOP 12 countries with high pro‐environmental attitudes, the study found a confirmation of sustainable behaviors among European citizens. Future research directions and limitations are discussed.

The impact of local taxes and fees on the financial sustainability of territorial communities in times of war

The paper analyses the impact of local taxes and fees on the financial sustainability of territorial communities. The concept of financial sustainability is considered in relation to financial management, investment planning and debt control. It is noted that in the context of finance, the concept of ‘financial sustainability’ is identified with stability, security and flexibility. The author also analyses the share of local taxes and fees in the tax and total revenues of local budgets of Ukraine for the period 2021-2023. In turn, this allowed us to highlight changes in the structure of local budget revenues, in particular, changes in tax revenues and their relative contribution to total revenues. The calculated coefficients were used to highlight the role of local taxes and fees in ensuring financial sustainability on the example of the budget of the Lviv territorial community. The values of key financial indicators that characterise the level of financial sustainability of the budget of the Lviv city territorial community for the period 2021-2023 are also investigated. Using tables, the author analysed the coefficients such as the coefficient of independence, budget coverage, tax independence, budget security, subsidy and withdrawal of funds to the state budget. Fluctuations in these indicators over three years and their impact on the financial sustainability of local budgets in times of war were studied, i.e., the current state of the system of local taxes and fees was demonstrated. An important aspect of the study was the impact of the military conflict on the local taxation system in Ukraine, as in the context of the war in the country, it was necessary to consider not only the threat to security and stability, but also the economic consequences that significantly affect the financial support of local communities. Particular attention was paid to the efficient allocation of financial resources and the creation of reserve funds to ensure financial stability in unforeseen circumstances. The importance of local taxes as a key mechanism for strengthening the financial base and stability of territorial communities is highlighted, as this aspect contributes to their development and improves the quality of life of residents.

The Role of Regional Development Banks (BPD) In Enhancing Community Welfare: A Case Study in West Kalimantan

Regional banks, known as Bank Pembangunan Daerah (BPD), play a vital role in regional economic development in Indonesia, particularly in supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) and various local development programs. This study focuses on the BPD in West Kalimantan, examining its contribution to economic development and community welfare. Utilizing a literature review methodology, we analyzed various studies and data from 2010 to 2017, highlighting the performance and impact of Bank Pembangunan Daerah Kalimantan Barat (Bank Kalbar). The findings reveal significant growth in Bank Kalbar's assets, third-party funds, and credit disbursements, reflecting its commitment to supporting UMKM. Additionally, the bank’s initiatives in sustainable finance, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and inclusive finance have enhanced local economic development and social infrastructure. Programs aimed at promoting technopreneurship, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability have bolstered community welfare, demonstrating the bank's role in improving living standards and environmental conservation. The study underscores the importance of Bank Kalbar’s role in providing financial services and support for local communities, contributing to economic resilience and poverty alleviation in West Kalimantan. Furthermore, the research highlights challenges faced by BPDs, including the need for better regulatory support and operational efficiency. The study concludes with recommendations for optimizing the role of BPDs in sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of effective governance, risk management, and community engagement to enhance their impact on regional development and welfare.

Aditya Birla Group's Contribution to Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the business practices that involve initiatives benefiting society. Companies adopt various CSR strategies to positively impact the public, economy, or environment. In today's socially conscious market, businesses that prioritize CSR often attract more employees and customers. Objective of the Project The project aims to provide a comprehensive study of CSR, fulfilling the requirements of the fourth semester for degree completion. Understanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) CSR is a self-regulating business model that helps companies remain accountable to their stakeholders and the public. Also known as corporate citizenship, CSR ensures that companies are conscious of their societal impact across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. CSR initiatives can include philanthropic efforts, volunteer programs, and sustainable business practices. Why Implement CSR? Many companies integrate CSR into their brand image, believing it makes them more appealing to consumers who value ethical behavior. CSR activities also serve as a crucial aspect of corporate public relations. Additionally, some founders engage in CSR driven by personal beliefs. Impact of CSR The movement toward CSR has influenced multiple domains. Many companies now focus on environmental sustainability, ethical labor practices, and local community support. While CSR programs are more common among large corporations, small businesses also participate in these initiatives through localized efforts such as donations and event sponsorships. CSR at Aditya Birla Group The Aditya Birla Group's CSR initiatives aim to enhance the social and economic development of the communities they operate in. The Group reaches out to 9 million people annually in 7,000 villages through the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development.

Engaging with avatar in virtual regenerative tourism

ABSTRACT This study explores the role of avatar tour guides in influencing travelers’ environmental awareness and support for local communities within virtual regenerative tourism. Through three experimental studies, the findings reveal that avatars, strategically designed to vary in gender (female versus male), attire (naturalistic versus commercial), and communication styles (naturalistic versus commercial), play a pivotal role in cultivating rapport with tourists. This enhanced rapport not only amplifies engagement but also fosters a deeper environmental consciousness and support for local communities. The study integrates Communication Accommodation Theory and Theory of Engagement into tourism research, offering actionable insights for optimizing virtual regenerative tourism.

Quality Perception of Short Food Supply Chains Products: From the Producer’s to the Consumer’s Point of View

Short food supply chains (SFSCs) are a still developing phenomenon in the world of food production and distribution. They involve a direct connection between local farmers and consumers, with minimal intermediaries involved. SFSCs have gained significant interest in recent years due to their potential to promote sustainable agriculture and support local communities. As a result, many governments, organisations, and individuals have been exploring ways to develop and promote these chains as a viable alternative to conventional food supply chains. However, it is still unclear how SFSCs products are perceived differently by producers and consumers: what makes SFSCs products more desirable? Starting from a European project (SmartChain), answers from twenty questionnaires from SFSCs actors across Europe were analysed to understand the strengths and weaknesses of SFSCs products according to the producers. From their answers, 18 quality criteria referred to SFSCs products were obtained and then proposed to consumers through a second questionnaire. The second questionnaire aimed to better understand whether the producers’ points of view matched the consumers’ points of view. From the analysis of the results, it was possible to understand what criteria were considered quality attributes by producers and consumers. Organic production and the presence of both trained and vulnerable personnel were not particularly relevant to the quality perception of SFSCs products. The storage method, the assortment range, and the processing of the products were not evaluated as quality criteria. The consumers who were interviewed perceived the quality of a food product coming from an SFSC linked to the characteristics of the social context of the product. They associated products sold in SFSCs with non-processed food. Overall, such a survey can be considered a useful tool to deepen our knowledge about short food supply chains and offers several ideas for further studies and analysis.

Assessing community spirit: The psychosocial impact of major sporting events - A case study of the Jakarta e-Prix

Nations that host mega-events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics reap numerous benefits. Key benefits include economic growth and development. Besides economic benefits, mega-events can benefit society. The Formula E racing series were founded in 2014 to advocate for sustainable practices and renewable energy. Jakarta hosts Formula E to demonstrate its green transformation. Despite increased scholarly interest in mega-events impact, there is little community-level research on mega-events’ social and physical capital impacts. It is crucial to capture and comprehend the enthusiasm and support of local communities to strategically enhance socio-economic systems and infrastructure. This study aimed to determine the psychosocial impact that hosting major sporting events have on the local populace. Data was collected using an online questionnaire that measured community pride and community attachment. This research found that mega sporting events appear to contribute to the development of community pride and community attachment. Furthermore, this study illuminated the benefits and constraints related to using panel surveys for the gathering of qualitative data.

Utilizing Waste Cooking Oil for Sustainable Biodiesel Production: A Comprehensive Review

The environmental and economic challenges posed by the over-reliance on fossil fuels have driven the search for alternative and sustainable energy sources. Waste cooking oil (WCO) presents a viable feedstock for biodiesel production, offering a dual solution to waste management and renewable energy generation. This comprehensive review examines the current state of biodiesel production from waste cooking oil, exploring the benefits, challenges, and processes involved. Biodiesel derived from WCO has several environmental advantages, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, biodegradability, and enhanced engine lubricity compared to traditional fossil fuels. Moreover, utilizing it for biodiesel addresses waste disposal issues, reducing the contamination of land and water resources. Despite these benefits, several challenges remain, such as the variability in its composition, contamination, and the need for efficient purification and transesterification processes. The review explores various methods for converting WCO into biodiesel, highlighting the key stages of the transesterification process, including the use of catalysts, alcohols, and reaction conditions. Additionally, advanced techniques such as ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted transesterification are discussed for their potential to increase efficiency and reduce processing time. This paper also addresses the sustainability aspects of biodiesel production from it, emphasizing its role in promoting a circular economy and reducing waste. The use of its contributes to a closed-loop system, where waste is transformed into a valuable resource. Furthermore, the review explores the economic and social impacts of biodiesel production, noting its potential to create jobs, reduce import dependence, and support local communities. In conclusion, this review underscores the significant potential of waste cooking oil in sustainable biodiesel production. It calls for continued research and technological innovation to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and overcome existing challenges, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.

Sustainable forest management for nut and fuelwood production in the Jalalabad region, Kyrgyzstan: insights from local communities

Jalalabad region in the Kyrgyz Republic is home to the world’s largest natural walnut (Juglans regia L.) forests and pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) forests. These nut-fruit forests serve as the primary source of income for local people; however, deforestation has led to a decline in the availability of these resources. Wood from the forest is also used as a crucial energy source for cooking and heating in this region, despite state protection of the walnut forest due to a lack of alternative energy sources. This study aimed to explore solutions to restore nut-fruit forests while providing a fuelwood source and improving the income of local people. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews and survey questionnaires with farmers and central and local government officials. The study investigated the main environmental problem of forest degradation and the challenges of forest management, such as livestock and complicated lease arrangements, and determined possible government support and incentives for local communities to participate in forest rehabilitation, such as planting instead of paying lease fees. The findings indicated that a tree-based farming approach can be a promising alternative land-use solution. Seventy-four percent of local farmers expressed their readiness to plant fruit trees and fast-growing tree species to meet their demand for fuelwood and improve their livelihoods if the government can provide temporary fencing support. The study also highlighted the need for capacity building for farmers to learn proper planting, managing, and harvesting for more sustainable practices. Policymakers need to modify legislation through simplified and incentive-based forest lease arrangements.

Bureaucratic Reform at Bandung Departement of Culture and Tourism in the New Public Service Perspective

This study purposed to analyze the application of New Public Service principles in bureaucratic reform through bureaucratic simplification policies at the Culture and Tourism Office of Bandung City. The research was conducted using descriptive qualitative methods. The data sources were collected through interviews, observations, and document studies. The results showed that the Department of Culture and Tourism of Bandung City has implemented New Public Service principles, such as: serving citizens, not customers; prioritizing public interests; respecting citizenship values; thinking strategically and acting democratically; multidimensional accountability; serving and empowering, leading; and respecting people, not just productivity. The application of these principles can be seen in programs such as online data and interview services, Bandung Creative Hub, intellectual property registration, collaboration with tourism stakeholders, art environment legalization programs, tax incentives for cultural heritage, and support for local art communities. This study concludes that the bureaucracy simplification policies of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Bandung have been implemented by promoting democratic values, public participation, and community service orientation, in line with the principles of New Public Service.

How can communities better prepare for future disasters? Learning from the tourism community resilience model from Bali, Indonesia

PurposeThe impact of COVID-19 on tourism destinations has been severe, but a future crisis is never far away. How communities can better prepare for disasters to come in the near future continues to be researched. This research aims to understand the tourism community’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and present the Tourism Community Resilience Model as a useful instrument to help communities better respond to disasters in the future.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a qualitative research approach which seeks to understand phenomena, events, social activities, attitudes, beliefs, perceptions and individual and group opinions that are dynamic in character in accordance with the situation in the field. Research primary data is in the form of Kuta Traditional Village local community responses in enduring the COVID-19 pandemic conducted between January and May 2022. These data were obtained through in-depth observations and interviews involving informants based on purposive sampling, including traditional community leaders, village officials, tourism actors (i.e. street vendors, tourist local guides, taxi drivers and art workers) and tourism community members. We selected the informants who are not only directly impacted by the pandemic, but also some of them have to survive during the pandemic because they do not have other job options. The results of previous research and government data concerning the pandemic and community resilience were needed as secondary data, which were obtained through a study of the literature. The data which had been obtained were further analysed based on the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) technique, which seeks to make meaning of something from the participants’ perspective and the researchers’ perspective as a result there occurs a cognition of a central position.FindingsBased on findings from Bali, Indonesia, this resilience model for the tourism community was created in response to the difficulties and fortitude shown by the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. It comprises four key elements, namely the Local Wisdom Foundation, Resource Management, Government Contributions and External Community Support. These elements are all rooted in the concepts of niskala (spirituality) and sekala (real response); it is these elements that give the tourism community in the Kuta Traditional Village a unique approach, which can inspire other tourism destinations in other countries around the world.Research limitations/implicationsA tourism community resilience model based on local community responses has implications for the process of enriching academic research and community management practices in facing future crisis, particularly by involving local wisdom foundation.Practical implicationsA tourism community resilience model based on local community responses has implications for the process of enriching academic research and community management practices in facing future crisis, particularly by involving local wisdom foundation.Social implicationsThe existence of the resilience model strengthens local community social cohesion, which has been made stronger by the bonds of culture and shared faith in facing disaster. This social cohesion then stimulates the strength of sustainable and long-term community collaboration in the post-pandemic period. For tourism businesses, having strong connections with the local communities is an important condition to thrive.Originality/valueThe value of this research is the Tourism Resilience Community Model, which is a helpful tool to optimise and improve future strategies for dealing with disasters. Illustrated by this Balinese example, this paper emphasises the importance of adding social factors such as niskala and sekala to existing community resilience models. Addressing these local characteristics is the innovative aspect of this paper and will help inspire communities around the world to prepare for future disasters better and build more sustainable and resilient tourism destinations elsewhere.

Ethnomedicinal knowledge of Baiga and Gond Tribe and plant diversity in Jagmandal Forest, Mandla, India, with phytosociological diversity and utilization strategies

Abstract. Jhariya BL, Pawar M. 2024. Ethnomedicinal knowledge of Baiga and Gond Tribe and plant diversity in Jagmandal Forest, Mandla, India, with phytosociological diversity and utilization strategies. Asian J Ethnobiol 7: 13-21. In the interior areas of the Mandla District, plants become the source of medicine because of a lack of facilities and remoteness. A medicinal exploration was made to find out the medicinal values of common plants present in the Jagmandal Forest of Mandla District (Mandla, India) during 2020-2023. During the survey, a total of 162 plant species belonging to 64 families were identified as being used for treatment of approximately 43 ailments or therapeutic indications which highest study done so far in the area. It has also been observed that more numbers of medicinal plants were recorded in the family Fabaceae. The majority of plant parts used to prepare treatments for various illnesses were leaves, as evidenced by the fact that leaves were the most often employed component of the plant against various diseases, followed by herbs (42%), trees (33%), climbers (14%), and shrubs (11%). The disease category with the highest ICF value (0.81) was the antiseptic. Aloe vera, Achyranthus aspera, and Azadirachta indica were highly preferred as treatments. More photochemical studies are needed before some of them can be used as drugs to benefit mankind. It is critical to explore, identify, and use new medicinal plants while also assisting in the conservation of existing but threatened species of rare medicinal plants in the area with the support of local communities.

Beyond individual responsibility – towards a relational understanding of financial resilience through participatory research and design

Abstract This paper contributes to an increasingly critical assessment of a policy framing of ‘financial resilience’ that focuses on individual responsibility and financial capability. Using a participatory research and design process, we construct a ground-up understanding of financial resilience that acknowledges not only an individual’s actions, but the contextual environment in which they are situated, and how those relate to one another. We inductively identify four inter-connected dimensions of relational financial resilience: infrastructure (housing, health, and childcare), financial and economic factors (income, expenses, and financial services and strategies), social factors (motivation and community and family), and the institutional environment (policy and local community groups, support and advice services). Consequently, we recommend that social policies conceptualise financial resilience in relational terms, as a cross-cutting policy priority, rather than being solely a facet of individual financial capability.