Despite having an increased risk of developing dementia, individuals from minority ethnic communities are largely overlooked by research and dementia services and are less likely to receive timely diagnosis and appropriate support. Culturally specific programmes and policies that promote awareness and engage with minority ethnic communities around brain health and dementia are urgently needed to prevent, diagnose and support people living with dementia. In response to these challenges, we developed and evaluated the Healthy Brain Healthy Life project, a targeted culturally tailored dementia-prevention public engagement project to create dialogue and engage with minority ethnic communities around brain health and dementia. The project involved a series of co-produced, culturally tailored interactive workshops with minority ethnic communities and community organisations in the UK. Outputs, which remain an available resource, included: (a) co-produced culturally tailored information booklet; (b) a recipe book, including six recipes and information on ingredients that support brain health; and (c) digital stories from each workshop, sharing the experiences of participants and highlighting key messages on brain health. This article is a practice case study that describes the co-production process, implementation and evaluation of the workshops. The project achieved national and international impact, creating dialogue around dementia in the workshops, the local community and on social media. Here, we share the learnings from our approach as an example of best-practice in engaging minority ethnic communities to develop knowledge and understanding of this stigmatised condition to inform future research. Our lessons demonstrate the value and impact of co-production and participatory methods embedded in cultural competency to create community discussion around public health agendas and messages.

Purpose This study aims to develop a sustainable renewable energy strategy for Nakhon Ratchasima (KORAT), Thailand, in response to growing energy demands driven by rapid population growth and industrialisation. The research explores the optimal mix of renewable energy sources to maximise energy efficiency and sustainability in the region. Design/methodology/approach The hybrid optimisation of multiple energy resources (HOMER) Software was employed to simulate a microgrid system tailored for KORAT. The model integrated local demand profiles and climatic data to evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of various renewable energy technologies, including solar, hydropower, wind and energy storage systems. Findings Simulation results indicated that solar power systems are the most effective and cost-efficient renewable option for the region, closely followed by hydropower systems. Wind power demonstrated lower performance and economic viability due to local wind speeds falling below the cut-in speed of the selected turbines. Similarly, battery storage did not significantly enhance the renewable energy fraction due to limited surplus energy, indicating lower cost-effectiveness. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to a single province – Nakhon Ratchasima – which may not fully represent the diverse geographic and climatic conditions across Thailand. Despite these limitations, the findings offer a replicable framework for regional energy planning and highlight the importance of site-specific data in designing cost-effective hybrid renewable systems for Thailand and similar developing regions. Practical implications This study provides a practical framework for designing region-specific hybrid renewable energy systems using real-world data and HOMER software. The findings support policymakers, utility providers and investors in making informed decisions about energy planning in Thailand. Social implications The transition to hybrid renewable energy systems in Thailand, as demonstrated in this study, can significantly improve energy access, affordability and reliability for local communities. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, contributing to better public health outcomes. Originality/value This study presents the first HOMER-based microgrid simulation specifically focused on KORAT, providing a replicable framework for integrating renewable energy in similar regions across Thailand. It contributes valuable insights for policymakers and energy planners aiming to advance renewable energy adoption through evidence-based system design.

This study examines the role of co-creation storytelling practices in enhancing the cultural tourism experience within traditional weaving communities in Sikka, Indonesia, and Kumasi, Ghana. This research seeks to elucidate the processes through which narratives concerning traditional weaving are collaboratively constructed and disseminated among weavers, tour guides, local stakeholders, and tourists. This collaborative effort serves to enhance the authenticity and emotional resonance of the tourist experience. The study employed an ethnographic approach in Sikka through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis, while literature review and secondary data were used to examine Kumasi. The findings indicate that storytelling functions not only as a means of cultural preservation but also as a strategic instrument in the development of cultural tourism. Through the process of co-creation, storytelling is revealed as a dialogic mechanism wherein diverse participants contribute to the development of meaningful and immersive experiences. Nonetheless, the study also underscores the tension between cultural authenticity and commodification within tourism contexts. Theoretically, this study advances the field of tourism literature by integrating the frameworks of cultural heritage, narrative theory, and co-creation. Practically, it underscores the significance of empowering local communities in the construction of narratives and engaging tourists as active participants.

This article examines how value systems and place-based characteristics shape the ways in which local communities define, represent and prioritise climate risks in urban and rural settings. Drawing on 10 climate impact-chain assessments—co-developed through participatory processes with stakeholders in demonstration regions across Europe within the EU project VALORADA—we explore four hazard domains: urban warming, heatwaves, droughts and extreme precipitation. Building on previous literature and based on our observations, we show that the identification, definition and prioritisation of climate risks extend beyond biophysical aspects or existential threats and are also influenced by locally salient values, including sustainability, security, safety, identity, human health, cooperation and trust. These values can, at times, come into tension—particularly where the management of scarce resources (e.g., water) is contested, or where policy goals such as environmental conservation and economic development intersect within the same decision arena. We conclude by suggesting that addressing the challenge of integrating value-based and place-specific characteristics into climate risk assessments may benefit from illustrating how climate hazards influence local value frameworks and shape meaningful societal participation.

Restoring the environmental quality of lakes is essential to encourage sustainable tourism and maintain the ecological balance of conservation areas. This study has explored the dynamics of collaboration between local communities and stakeholders in managing environmental restoration in lake conservation areas in Indonesia, emphasizing the intention and support for community collaboration. By applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a guiding framework, this study has examined the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intentions on community participation in restoration efforts. A cluster random sampling method has been utilized to survey local communities in the Lakeshore region. The study findings have revealed that positive attitudes and strong subjective norms significantly encourage collaboration intentions, while perceived behavioral control moderates’ community support and restoration initiatives. These findings highlight the necessity of aligning local perceptions with conservation goals to enhance collaborative efforts and ensure the success of sustainable lake management. This study has contributed to the understanding of community-based environmental management and provided policymakers with some applicable insights to encourage effective collaboration and sustainable tourism development.

This study examined the effect of unemployment on the economic welfare of households in Mandevu Township, Lusaka District. The primary objectives were to assess the effects of unemployment levels on the consumption of basic goods, acquisition of assets in investment and the coping strategies in the stage of unemployment. Using a mixed method research design, data were collected from 100 different households through structured questionnaires. The findings revealed that unemployment did not significantly reduce overall household welfare, as all respondents reported affording the general basic needs such as three meals a day, although other essentials like transport, education, and healthcare were less accessible. A statistical significant test yielded a no significant difference in terms of meeting basic needs without employment compared to those in employment (ANOVA test at n = 100, df treatment = 1, F stat= 127.29 and p = 4.07e-23). Results further revealed interesting positive significant effects of unemployment on levels of investment. Most respondents 85% owned assets, and their priority on owning assets was high, and 15% never owned any asset. A mean vs hypothesis value test gave 0.66 phi coefficient and Cramer’s V value with significance test and Cramer’s V degree of association between unemployment and investment and a significance test p value = 9.68e-9. The study found that unemployment is managed by engaging in business as 88% relied on small businesses as coping strategies. The study concluded that unemployment is not as bad as perceived, being out of formal employment enables households to engage in other economic activities which sustain them, and it increases the propensity to invest for security compared to those in formal employment. While the study recommends policies that promote job creation, much effort should be placed on SME development, skills training, and social protection to enhance household welfare and resilience in Mandevu Township.

The failure of top-down conservation in natural resource management continues to provoke resistance led by local communities. This study analyzes how the coastal community of Torosiaje constructs a polycentric governance system through collective action in response to ecological crises and to the state's appropriation of living space, aiming to achieve blue justice in the management of marine and coastal resources. The complex, polycentric governance in joint management involves various actors, including the state, local communities, and the private sector, who collectively play active roles in decision-making for sustainability. Meanwhile, blue justice requires the fair distribution of natural resources and ecosystem benefits, which is pursued through the collective struggle of the community against ecological injustice. Using social movement and political ecology theories as an analytical framework, this research redefines Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) as a more inclusive and responsive model to local dynamics. A qualitative case study design was employed through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, which were subsequently analyzed thematically. The findings reveal that integrating local knowledge and formal rules, embodied in the paddakuang and sipakullong conservation groups, results in a more adaptive and just CBNRM model in response to resistance. Cross-village collaboration, participatory ecotourism, and culture-based education strengthen the socio-ecological dimensions of this polycentric governance. This study contributes theoretically by applying social movement theory to redefine successful CBNRM. It argues that sustainable governance is a political outcome shaped by community resistance to ecological injustice and state dispossession, rather than merely a technical model.

The article contains an analysis of the activities of two museums: in Tykocin and in Włodawa. These institutions have a number of common features: both are located in small towns in the eastern part of Poland, where large and flourishing Jewish communities existed before World War II. In addition, in both cases, these institutions are housed in buildings that belonged to Jews before the war: a synagogue, bet midrashim, the Kahal headquarters. The article aims to analyse how these institutions affect local communities – both in the general context of the development of social and cultural life and the memory of the pre-war local Jewish community.

This study aimed to explore the impact of organizational agility on institutional excellence in municipalities of Jordan (case study on the municipalities of Jerash Governorate). This study examined the impact of organizational agility on institutional excellence in municipalities in Jordan from the perspective of service recipients (public sector, private sector, local community). The primary objective of this study was to identify the impact of organizational agility dimensions "flexibility, responsiveness, innovation, sensing agility on institutional excellence in Jordanian municipalities. The researcher used a descriptive and analytical research method to achieve the study's objectives. A questionnaire was used to conduct this study and a convenient random sample of "200" service recipients was selected. The researcher used several statistical methods, the most important of which were arithmetic averages, ANOVA testing, and the "SPSS" statistical package. The results of the study showed that service recipients' perceptions of organizational agility in the dimensions of "flexibility and responsiveness" were moderate, while the study sample's perceptions of organizational agility in the dimensions of "innovation and sensing agility" were high. The study also demonstrated a positive impact of organizational agility on institutional excellence in Jordanian municipalities. The study recommended paying great attention to the flexibility of service provision and responsiveness to service recipients through training and raising the efficiency of employees in the municipal sector and providing material and technical capabilities, as well as enhancing employee innovation and responsiveness. The study presented recommendations for conducting a study on the impact of organizational agility on institutional excellence from the perspective of municipal employees. The study provided important practical contributions related to the dimensions of organizational agility and its impact on institutional excellence, which can be used by municipal officials to improve institutional excellence. It also provided contributions related in providing a conceptual framework for organizational agility and institutional performance.

This study examines the gastronomy of the Osing community in Banyuwangi as a socio-cultural representation that includes symbolic, spiritual, social, and ecological dimensions. The Osing people as the indigenous people of Banyuwangi have a culinary tradition that not only serves as a fulfillment of food needs, but also as a medium of cultural expression, ethnic identity, and guardian of local wisdom. Globalization and modernization affect the consumption patterns of the younger generation, so that traditional culinary values have the potential to be degraded. Through a qualitative approach with ethnographic methods, including participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. This research was conducted in Kemiren Village as the center of Osing culture. The results of the study show that ritual dishes such as pecel pitik, tumpeng sewu, and tumpeng songo contain the philosophy of human harmony with nature, spiritual relationship with ancestors, and social solidarity through the practice of mutual cooperation. Local ingredients and traditional processing techniques reflect the ecological knowledge of the Osing people that is in harmony with the principles of sustainable gastronomy. In the context of tourism, Osing culinary plays a strategic role as the main attraction, but at the same time faces the challenge of cultural commodification due to the development of the tourism industry. The community-based gastronomic tourism model is a solution to maintain cultural authenticity while providing economic benefits for local communities. This research confirms that Osing gastronomy is a holistic knowledge system that integrates cultural, ecological, and economic aspects, and contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These findings are expected to be the basis for the development of traditional culinary preservation policies and the strengthening of sustainable tourism in Banyuwangi.

This community service activity aims to improve the skills of MSMEs, village youth, final-year students, and local communities in building effective personal branding as a strategy to expand the market and increase competitiveness. The implementation method included socialization and interactive training on creating a brand visual identity (logo, typography, color). Evaluation results showed that the majority of participants successfully created a consistent, representative, and business-characterized brand identity, and were able to operate social media accounts professionally. There was an increase in branding skills, content creativity, and participants' confidence in promoting products or services. This program not only provided technical skills but also encouraged the formation of a sustainable positive branding culture within the Sanjai Village community. The success of this activity is expected to serve as a foundation for developing a broader digital marketing strategy in the future

The global biodiversity crisis brings significant environmental and social impacts, necessitating innovative approaches to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This is particularly relevant for coastal peripheries that are rich in both natural and cultural capital. The Reknotting Marine Biodiversity project adopted a trans-disciplinary approach to integrate participatory science and education, involving local communities and researchers in biodiversity monitoring using environmental DNA metabarcoding along the coast of Marina di Camerota, Southern Italy. This approach compared Posidonia oceanica habitats with areas subject to anthropogenic pressures. Results show a greater diversity of pelagic fish and benthic organisms in the presence of P. oceanica, nine species that can potentially cause Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), and eight species responsible for non-toxic algal blooms in less pristine areas. This study highlights the value of coastal habitats and the strategic value of citizen science in raising ecological awareness, proposing a replicable model for local marine observatories jointly managed by scientists and citizens.

Purpose As climate change continues to escalate, the urgent challenge of protecting heritage structures vulnerable to earthquakes in flood-prone areas cannot be ignored. Conducting thorough vulnerability assessments is essential to tackle this pressing issue, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 13 and New Zealand’s National Climate Change Adaptation Plan. Design/methodology/approach This study introduces an index-based approach to evaluate the flood vulnerability of earthquake-prone heritage buildings in Auckland, New Zealand, taking into account the evolving climate patterns. Data collection involved document analysis, on-site observations and mapping of ten earthquake-prone heritage buildings in Auckland. Findings The results reveal significant variations in 11 identified flood vulnerability indicators across the selected buildings, categorised into “Exposure”, “Susceptibility” and “Resilience”. The type of use, surface condition, number of storeys and finishing material of the façades were identified as the most influential indicators affecting the flood vulnerability of the selected buildings. Originality/value The study’s findings offer significant insights for stakeholders involved in the preservation of earthquake-prone heritage buildings in New Zealand, particularly in the context of increasing flooding risks from climate change. By providing a robust decision-making framework, the study enables local communities, heritage organisations and government bodies to collaborate more effectively in safeguarding cultural assets. The introduction of a quantitative intervention priority index is a valuable tool for assessing flood vulnerability, enabling stakeholders to prioritise resources and actions based on specific indicators. Ultimately, these insights will help protect New Zealand’s rich heritage and support its flood resilience efforts.

Biodiversity hotspots are areas of exceptional ecological value and they often coincide with high human population densities. These biodiverse areas may experience high levels of human-wildlife conflict, threatening both wildlife and local communities. While environmental education (EE) offers a promising tool for mitigating conflict, the ecological, cultural, and political diversity across hotspots poses significant challenges for designing and adapting effective EE interventions. To test whether an EE program could scale across the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India, we developed and implemented the Wild Shaale program in government schools across three states: Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu from June 2022 to February 2023. Our objective was to assess whether the program had a consistent impact across states or if regional differences influenced learning outcomes. Here, we report on data from 7381 students from 200 schools around 11 wildlife reserves with equal participation from boys and girls across the three states. We found that participation in the Wild Shaale program led to significant increases in environmental knowledge and knowledge of safety behaviors in all three states, as well as small positive shifts in most measures of environmental attitudes. We also found that there are significant differences in baseline attitudes towards wildlife and baseline levels of environmental knowledge across states. Students in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had a more positive baseline attitude towards wildlife in general compared to Goa and students in Tamil Nadu had the lowest pre-test scores on environmental knowledge questions. Despite small regional differences, we found that Wild Shaale emerges as a scalable education program that is effective across diverse cultural, political and ecological contexts. We show that a single, adaptable EE program can be effectively scaled across diverse socio-ecological contexts.

Crisis situations highlight the need for timely planning to mitigate their impacts on the economy and society. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of prevention, preparedness, and effective communication in tourism crises. As tourism involves numerous stakeholders, transparent communication and cooperation are essential for coordinated crisis responses. The aim of this work is to examine management’s perception of the relationship between crisis planning, communication, and cooperation with the achievement of sustainable destination management, and to identify key factors in the preparatory and reactive phases of a crisis. The questionnaire was distributed online to 533 directors of Croatian tourist boards, of which 165 responses were valid and analyzed using regression analysis. The results confirmed a statistically significant connection between planning for crisis situations, communication, cooperation with effective tourist destination crisis management, and the contribution of these factors to resilience and long-term sustainability. Crisis management in tourism contributes to the preservation of the social, economic, and ecological values necessary for sustainable development. To align economic growth with environmental and social concerns, coordinated action by governments, the private sector, and local communities is required. Enhanced education, trust, and systematic cooperation help build resilient destinations that are prepared to respond effectively to short-term shocks and long-term challenges.

The intellectual and religious legacy of Syekh Nawawi al-Bantani in Tanara, Serang Regency, possesses high historical, religious, and social value and has the potential to become a driver of the local economy through the development of religious tourism, empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the strengthening of community-based economic initiatives. This study aims to analyze the economic potential that can be developed from the heritage sites of Syekh Nawawi al-Bantani in Tanara and to identify sustainable development strategies grounded in local wisdom. The research employed a descriptive qualitative method through field observations, interviews with community leaders, site managers, and MSME actors, as well as a review of relevant literature. The findings show that the legacy of Syekh Nawawi al-Bantani has become a magnet for religious visits that stimulate increased economic activity in the culinary, handicraft, and service sectors, while community-based management patterns generate relatively inclusive economic impacts for local residents. The study concludes that strengthening the governance of religious tourism, enhancing the capacity of MSME actors, and fostering synergy between local government, academics, and the local community are key strategies to sustainably optimize the economic potential of the heritage sites of Syekh Nawawi al-Bantani, while simultaneously reinforcing the socio-religious ecology and community-based economy in Tanara.

The Innovation Development Program conducted by Group 2 in Gunung Sari Ulu Village consisted of a structured series of mentoring activities designed to strengthen the financial literacy and marketing capabilities of local UMKM. The program focused on guiding participants in recording simple cash flow using the Monly AI application, which helped them understand how Artificial Intelligence can support more accurate and organized financial management. In addition, participants were taught how to properly separate incoming and outgoing transaction notes so that their business finances could be monitored more clearly and systematically. The program also introduced strategies for promoting products through digital marketing, enabling UMKM to expand their market reach by utilizing online platforms and creating more appealing promotional content. Overall, this activity aimed to broaden the participants’ knowledge of AI-based financial recording while also equipping them with practical marketing skills needed to increase visibility and attract consumer purchasing power. By integrating technology with improved marketing practices, the program sought to empower UMKM to operate more efficiently, enhance their competitiveness, and strengthen the sustainability of their business activities within the local community.

The Rejang Dewa is one of Bali's traditional cultures that has long been preserved in the Megebeg-Gebegan tradition. However, it is nonexistent as part of the Megebeg-Gebegan. This community service activity aims to reconstruct the Rejang Dewa Dance and strengthen local cultural identity. Specifically, this activity aims to reveal the crisis facing the Rejang Dewa dance in Megebeg-Gebegan (1), reconstruct the Rejang Dewa dance in the Megebeg-Gegeban (2), and analyze the contribution of Rejang Dewa in the Megebeg-Gebegan tradition (3). Data analysis was conducted qualitatively based on the achievements of participatory observation, interviews, choreography training, and workshops. The results: 1) the loss of pride among the local community and the difficulty in finding Rejang Dewa dancers indicate a crisis; 2) the reconstruction of the Rejang Dewa dance was carried out through replication and integration of art and education in PKM activities based on local cultural studies; 3) the reconstruction of the Rejang Dewa has impacted on strengthening the aesthetic aspects and the function of religion and fostering a sense of pride in the culture of the Tukad Mungga Village community.

This study is motivated by the tourism potential of Tamsar 27 in Bengkelang Village, Bandar Pusaka Sub-district, Aceh Tamiang Regency, which offers clear river streams, scenic natural landscapes, and a peaceful rural atmosphere, yet has not been optimally managed to improve the local economy. The purpose of this research is to analyze strategies for community-based tourism management to enhance local welfare. The research employs a qualitative descriptive approach, using field observations, interviews, and documentation as data-collection techniques. Data were analyzed through reduction, presentation, and conclusion-drawing stages. The results reveal five main strategies for improving community economy through tourism management at Tamsar 27: (1) improving tourism infrastructure; (2) empowering local communities through training in tourism management and entrepreneurship; (3) diversifying tourism-related businesses such as homestays and local specialty products; (4) optimizing digital promotion; and (5) strengthening partnerships among the village government, village-owned enterprises (BUMDes), and private sectors to ensure sustainable tourism development. The implications of this study demonstrate that applying the principles of community-based tourism and empowerment theory provides an effective foundation for developing sustainable rural tourism destinations while simultaneously enhancing local income and community self-reliance.

Abstract We examine whether procuring locally leads to higher costs. Our study is motivated by the Community Wealth Building Initiatives adopted by Preston City Council in England in which social value to the local economy is considered in the procurement process. We compare contracts awarded to local and non‐local suppliers, by Preston, a group of similar local authorities, and all lower tier local authorities in England. We find that local contracts are usually of lower cost. When examining all contracts supplied to local authorities in England, we find that contracts with local suppliers have lower total costs. In a linear model of award value per month, we find a small negative association between local contracts and procurement costs after controlling for the type of good/service being supplied, the local economic characteristics, and the characteristics of the supplier. Our results indicate that local procurement does not necessarily increase costs and might help support smaller local businesses.