Management Of Renewable Natural Resources Research Articles

Counting Cattle in Argentina with AI and Satellite Images

Abstract. From a specific need of the national institution responsible for plant and animal health in Argentina, SENASA, this collaborative work between the public sectors together with academia arises. The objective was the development of a Deep Learning algorithm for the detection of livestock, cows in particular, in very high-resolution satellite images (provided by the Argentine Space Agency (CONAE)) and its subsequent counting. The basic elements involved in the development of artificial intelligence are detailed, such as the selection and acquisition of satellite images, their very thorough preprocessing and labelling, details of the training stage and some forms of error quantification. The image database is made up of about 320 scenes (based on very high resolution (VHR) satellite data from the Pleiades and Pleiades NEO sensors, ©Airbus 2022, distributed by CONAE) of the Pampas and Patagonian regions in Argentina. Around 8,000 labels of different types of animals were generated, the most common were cows and sheep. Also labels that did not represent animals to contribute to training. Finally, some very promising preliminary results are presented, such as the average error in the count that was achieved was ± four cows. The usefulness of these tools is reflected in better management of renewable natural resources linked to animal health issues, fiscal issues and within the framework of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals #12, #15 and #17.

A methodological proposal of the Sustainolive international research project to drive Mediterranean olive ecosystems toward sustainability

Mediterranean olive growing characterizes, identifies, and can sustain the socioeconomic viability of rural areas, not only through the production of primary products but also through the management of renewable natural resources, and the conservation of landscape and biodiversity. However, high levels of mechanization, monocultures, intensive farming techniques, and the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are threatening the environment and affecting rural communities in turn. In the last years, the agroecological discourse emerged as a transdisciplinary science merging agronomy, ecology, and socioeconomic sciences with the purpose of responding to socioeconomic and environmental concerns, responding to the globalized industrial food processing and intensive agriculture. In this context, the research project Sustainolive, guided by an international consortium of stakeholders from academia and the productive sector, has the aim of promoting sustainability in the olive oil sector through the implementation and promotion of innovative and technological solutions based on agroecological concepts. Through an innovative, transdisciplinary, and multi-actor approach, Sustainolive combines different types of knowledge (e.g., scientific, empirical, and traditional), disciplines (ranging from engineering to the humanities), and methodological approaches (e.g., Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, Social Agrarian Metabolism and multicriterial analysis tools) to provide practical solutions that address the complexity of the olive sector. The results from the application of this methodology are expected to highlight which agroecological practices are more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable and uncover how Mediterranean societies use agrarian biophysical resources.

Indonesia’s Renewable Natural Resource Management in the Low-Carbon Transition: A Conundrum in Changing Trajectories

A paradigm shift is required to transform current natural resource management (NRM) in Indonesia’s decision to move into low-carbon development to achieve the greenhouse gas emission target. No study has been conducted to assess whether or not the current approaches are reliable in anticipating the conundrum of the new juncture. We reviewed 10 cases of NRM practices in Indonesia from 2019–2023 collected from the Scopus dataset by integrating the prisoner’s dilemma approach into the socio-ecological framework to analyze the practices and the anticipated gaps. Our finding revealed that socio-economic governance is the dominant view in interpreting the competition between personal and collective interests in NRM. Seeing NRM as an allocation problem and the excessive use of the legal normative approach in interpreting and addressing the problem are flaws in the approach. Combining the prisoner’s dilemma approach with the socio-ecological governance framework enabled us to address the flaws. Promoting polycentric governance that accommodates social trust, reciprocities, and socio-ecological beliefs and reduces uncertainties about ownership and the resources necessary to reduce defective behavior is a solution to transform the structure of the competition. Revising the socio-economic payoff into a socio-ecological value-oriented institution is the strategy to address the conundrum.

Smart design upcycling of post-production display panels into new creativematerials to support the sustainable development of a circular economy inthe furniture industry

Smart design upcycling of post-production display panels into new creative materials to support thesustainable development of a circular economy in the furniture industry. The economy is currently transformingfrom a linear economy to a circular economy. This is increasingly supported by policy, legislation, industry, andacademia. A circular economy means more efficient management of renewable natural resources, which hasimplications for businesses’ bioeconomies, as expressed in the sustainable development goals of the UnitedNations’ 2023 Agenda. Our study contributes to solving a research gap by seeking to answer several questions:How can post-production residues be used to improve a company’s bioeconomy? Can they bring profit toa company while saving natural wood? Is upcycling using the smart design of post-production a helpful solutionfor material and cost savings in the bioeconomy? The outcome of our study is twofold. From a creative inputperspective, we show the creative possibilities of upcycling production residues. For business models, we refinethe conceptualisation of a sustainable SME circular bioeconomy through the profit gained from such a productsolution. Based on our research, we present conclusions and suggestions for small and medium-sized enterprises,scientists, designers, and technologists to help the furniture industry transition from a linear economy toa sustainable circular economy. This promotes company profitability and growth and helps to save natural wood.

Principal-agent Relationships: A Note on Biomass Depletion

Public authorities frequently mandate public or private agencies to manage their renewable natural resources. Contrary to the agency, which is an expert in renewable natural resource management, public authorities usually ignore the sustainable level of harvest. In this note, we first model the contractual relationship between a principal, who owns the renewable natural resource, and an agent, who holds private information on its sustainable level of harvest. We then look for the Pareto-optimal allocations. In the situation of an imperfect information setting, we find that the Pareto-optimal contracting depends on the probability that the harvesting level stands outside the sustainability interval. The information rent held by the agent turns out to be unavoidable, such that stepping outside the sustainability interval implies the possibility of depletion of the renewable natural resource. This, in turn, compromises the maintenance of the ecological balance in natural ecosystems.

How does governance mediate links between ecosystem services and poverty alleviation? Results from a systematic mapping and thematic synthesis of literature

Many efforts to improve the sustainable management of renewable natural resources in low- and middle-income countries seek to achieve ‘win-win’ outcomes – improved ecosystem health and improved livelihoods. Yet achieving such win–win outcomes is challenging, since many variables affect the potential for synergies. These variables include the quality and performance of governance. We conducted a systematic mapping of the literature and a thematic synthesis to identify how governance mediates relationships between ecosystem services and poverty alleviation. The systematic mapping focused on identifying which components of governance are studied and how much attention each geographic region and natural resource has received. We found that the literature is ‘clumped’, with some governance components, geographic areas and sectors studied well, and others poorly. The thematic synthesis drew on 191 papers and found very little literature that looked at the three areas of governance, ecosystem health/services and poverty alleviation/livelihoods together in detail, with little evidence of interdisciplinary investigation. Much of the research instead focuses on either governance itself or governance and livelihoods or governance and ecosystem health/services. Three key analytical themes were identified in response to the research question, which are that: locally owned and inclusive governance increases the potential for ecosystem services to deliver on improved livelihoods; there are often multiple governance structures and systems in place making causality difficult to trace, though such multiplicity creates opportunities for improved governance, ecosystem health and livelihoods as well as challenges; and, appropriate and adequate incentives are needed for governance to mediate positive links between ecosystem services and poverty alleviation.

Association Analysis among Fungi Colonizing Wheat Crop Residues During Decomposition for Sustainable and Environment-Friendly Management of Renewable Natural Resources

The interspecific associations between selected fungal species were calculated based on assumption; the species occurring together in Petri dishes during isolation from litter might be associated as well. Each Petridis was considered as a quadrate for association analysis. The presence and absence of different species in Petri dishes at different sampling dates were recorded as done in grasslands by the quadrate method. In the present study, the interspecific association between 16 fungal species was evaluated, which was isolated during the decomposition of above-ground residues of wheat crop. A sum of 136 combinations was analyzed. The chi-square (χ2) values were calculated to assess the significance of association (positive or negative), and the coefficient of association (V) was also enumerated to find out the extent of association between species in nature. Any organism was influenced by abiotic and biotic factors constituting its environment. The fungi are no exception; the colonization of a substrate by a fungus and its survival and multiplication depends upon the environment it gets. Therefore, before using any fungus as a bioinoculant, we must make sure that other microbes, especially the fungi already present on the substrate, do not negatively impact it. An analysis of the association between species colonizing the substrate would help determine the bioinoculant to be used for the degradation of organic waste in the interest of the environment to make it safe for everyone.

Understanding Causes of Conflict Over Common Village Pastures – A Comparative Analysis of Property Rights in Azerbaijan and Georgia

Conflicts in the management of renewable natural resources are situations in which actors have diverging opinions on issues of natural resource use. In the literature, among the causal factors for conflicts discussed are resource wealth or scarcity and the role of governance. The evidence, however, is contradictory. In order to analyze the role of governance in more detail, we propose a combined analysis of property rights and conflicts. In this way, an improved understanding of the causes of local conflicts over renewable natural resources can be achieved. We use comparative case study data from pasture management in the Caucasus region, first, to classify conflicts according to the bundle of property rights approach and, second, to explore how the causal factors resource scarcity and current governance contribute to those conflicts.

Perception, Utilization and Management of Renewable Natural Resources by Rural Women: A Brief Review

Natural resource management at household level assumes significance in effective utilization of scant resources. Over-exploitation of the country's resources like land, water, fuel etc. has resulted in degradation of resources mainly due to industrial pollution, soil erosion, deforestation and urbanization. Women have direct contact with natural resources like fuel, food and fodder, forest, water and land especially in rural areas where 70 percent of Indian population resides and directly dependent upon natural resources. Because women are the primary users of natural resources, their role in the management of renewable natural resources cannot be overlooked. Women are responsible for using these resources to satisfy the basic needs of their families. The scarcity of natural resources of water, fuel wood and fodder causes social tension and disturbances in the social system. This paper discusses the challenges in the management of renewable natural resources and participation and utilization of renewable natural resources by women who live in close association with these resources.

Analysis of performance of the forestry sector in the Czech and Slovak Republics

The forestry sector provides several social and economic benefits to the whole economy. It is based on the sustainable management of renewable natural resources and production of raw wood. It is therefore able of sustainable growth. The interest of the European Union is to build economy based on renewable natural resources, resulting in the need to pay increased attention to the development and support of the forestry. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the performance of forestry sector in the Czech and Slovak Republics for a period of five years. System of indicators measuring sectorial performance was set up to reach the goal. Obtained results in indicators have shown that the profitability and value added rate of Slovak and Czech forestry are at a high level and the performance is affected by high investment efficiency.

Construction and evaluation of a Toolbox for the formulation of the Hydrologic component of the Basin Management Plans in Colombia

Abstract. The Colombian Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development issued the Policy for Integrated Water Resources Management in 2010, with the formulation of Basin Management Plans (POMCA) as a key component. The main purpose of these plans is to support land use planning and sustainable management of renewable natural resources. Since the announcement of the policy; however, advances in the formulation of POMCAs have been limited, due to the need of generating knowledge and the necessary information to formulate such plans. To contribute to the generation of such knowledge, we developed HidroCHEP: a Toolbox to support the formulation and hydrologic characterization of Colombian basins. In this paper, we report the design, architecture, implementation and use of the toolbox, to understand the climatic variability of the country and to improve predictions in ungauged basins. The use of the toolbox is illustrated and evaluated through its application in three pilot river basins (Pamplonita, Gualí and Ceibas) each with different level of available hydrologic and climatic data. This paper focuses on the use of the toolbox for the development of one of the products required by the technical guide for the formulation of POMCA, in the Pamplonita river basin. Main advantages and disadvantages of its application are evaluated. It is demonstrated that the toolbox has the potential to support the formulation of POMCAs in the country and to contribute to integrated national water resources management.

Value of information and natural resources decision‐making

ABSTRACTThough the potential for information to measurably improve management has been highlighted for several decades, in recent years the “value of information” has surfaced with increasing frequency in natural resources. However, the use of this phrase belies the fact that many in natural resources have only a limited understanding about what it actually means, how to measure it, and what to do with it. We introduce and describe several forms of the value of information in a context of the management of renewable natural resources. The value of information is discussed in terms of a potential gain in value with the addition of new information, as well as a loss in value associated with the absence of information. Value metrics are developed for uncertainty about resource status as well as resource processes and responses to management. We provide a common notation for the metrics of value, and discuss linkages of the value of information to strategic approaches such as adaptive resources management and partially observable decision processes. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Integration of ecosystem services into the carbon footprint of milk of South German dairy farms

Allocation of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) is challenging especially when multi-functionality of dairy farms, which do not only produce milk but also meat is considered. Moreover, some farms fulfill a wide range of additional services for society such as management of renewable natural resources as well as preservation of biodiversity and cultural landscapes. Due to the increasing degradation of ecosystems many industrialized as well as developing countries designed payment systems for environmental services.This study examines different allocation methods of GHG for a comparatively large convenience sample of 113 dairy farms located in grassland-based areas of southern Germany. Results are carbon footprints of 1.99 kg CO2eq/kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) on average if “no allocation” for coupled products is performed. “Physical allocation” results in 1.53 kg CO2eq/kg FPCM and “conventional economic allocation” in 1.66 kg CO2eq/kg FPCM on average if emissions are apportioned between milk and meat. Economic allocation which includes ecosystem services for society based on the farm net income as a new aspect in this study results in a carbon footprint of 1.5 kg CO2eq/kg FPCM on average. System expansion that puts greater emphasis on coupled beef production accounts for a carbon footprint of 0.68 kg CO2eq/kg FPCM on average.Intense milk production systems with higher milk yields show better results based on “no allocation”, “physical allocation” and “conventional economic allocation”. By contrast, economic allocation, which takes into account ecosystem services favors extensive systems, especially in less favored areas. This shows that carbon footprints of dairy farms should not be examined one-dimensionally based on the amount of milk and meat that is produced on the farm. Rather, a broader perspective is necessary that takes into account the multi-functionality of dairy farms especially in countries where a wide range of ecosystem services is provided.

DETERMINATION OF PROCESSES OF USE, PRESERVING AND REPRODUCTION IN THE SYSTEM OF RENEWABLE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

The purpose of the paper is to develop factor model of renewable natural resources management, specifying the assessment of the amount of resource, including the natural factor, consumption level and intensity of reproduction. Methodology. The survey is based on highlighting factors influencing the reproductive capacity of natural environment. It allows, on the base of taking into consideration reproductive abilities of resources and intensity of consumption, to substantiate three models for their use, including: heavy exploitation of renewable natural resources as the most commonly used model at the current level of development of society; model of reproductive use of natural resources, stipulating for the interference from the side of authorities and management, and the model of simple reproduction of renewable natural resources, at which the resource itself and the amount of its reproduction for the next period remain constant. Practical implications. The need is substantiated in implementation of the new model for determination of the processes of managing balanced use of natural resources, which will stipulate processes of reproduction in the sphere of natural management, form new approaches to environmental protection and promote the optimal ratio between the consumption and reproduction of natural resources. At this, the processes of natural reproduction are influenced by the amount of resource itself, intensity of its reproduction and level of consumption. The main objective of the managing bodies in the sphere of the use of renewable natural resources should be securing optimal ratio between consumption and reproduction of such natural resources. The efficiency of the implementation process and reproduction of natural resources presupposes providing their simple and extended reproduction, economic effectiveness and sustainability in allocation and use of such resources. This will have positive effect on ecological and economic security of the country as a whole and enhance implementation of basic provisions of the concept of balanced and sustainable nature management. Value/originality. Solving the problem of renewable natural resources preservation requires decreasing the level of consumption of natural resources to the level lower than their recovering capabilities are. Determination of the processes for securing reproductive capabilities of natural resources, their sustainable use and preservation substantiate the importance of the use of managerial approaches aiming to form favorable environment for their preservation and accumulation, and such way of using natural goods, that will provide for increase in consumption levels due to both advance growth of goods and their reproductive capabilities. The more the deviation between reproduction and consumption is, the more effective accumulation and reproduction processes will be, as well as consumption process in future.

Influence of Temperature Differentials on Germination and Growth of <i>Terminalia ivorensis</i> (A. Chev)

This experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora to assess the influence of temperature differential on germination and early growth of Terminalia ivorensis. The Terminalia ivorensis seeds that were used were procured from Centre for Environmental Renewable Natural Resources Management Research and Development (CENRAD, Ibadan). A total of nine buckets were arranged in 3 treatments with 3 replicates and watering was done. Five kilogramme soils were poured in each perforated bowl of 7kg capacity. One seed of Terminalia ivorensis was planted in each bowl. Weeding was done on each bucket manually by handpicking. The parameters assessed were number of germinated plant, number of leaves, height of plant, length of internode. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. Terminalia ivorensis seed treated with T3 (98.40C) at boiling point has the highest effect on the seeds, followed by T2 (250C) lukewarm water, the seeds planted with cold water did not germinate at all, that is the control T1. In conclusion, Terminalia ivorensis seeds need to be in boiling water before planting. This will help in further propagation of this threatened tree species.

Conflict Management of Renewable Natural Resources in the Border of Indonesia-Malaysia: Sustainable Environmental Approach

Limitations and abundance of natural resources have become some of the conflict triggers of renewable natural resources at the border of Indonesia and Malaysia. There are fundamental differences between the conflicts over renewable natural resources and non-renewable natural resources especially in the border area. The renewable natural resource conflict is cyclical, while the non- renewable resources conflicts only apply temporarily in the same location. The analysis uses modification of RAFISH method by using multidimensional scaling (MDS) technique. This index indicates that only economic dimension is sustainable, legal and institutional dimensions are less sustainable and ecological, socio-cultural and technology dimensionsare not sustainable. According to leverage analysis, it shows that thereare some attributessuch as leverage factor to ecological, socio-cultural and technology dimensions.

Adaptation options under climate change for multifunctional agriculture: a simulation study for western Switzerland

Besides its primary role in producing food and fiber, agriculture also has relevant effects on several other functions, such as management of renewable natural resources. Climate change (CC) may lead to new trade-offs between agricultural functions or aggravate existing ones, but suitable agricultural management may maintain or even improve the ability of agroecosystems to supply these functions. Hence, it is necessary to identify relevant drivers (e.g., cropping practices, local conditions) and their interactions, and how they affect agricultural functions in a changing climate. The goal of this study was to use a modeling framework to analyze the sensitivity of indicators of three important agricultural functions, namely crop yield (food and fiber production function), soil erosion (soil conservation function), and nutrient leaching (clean water provision function), to a wide range of agricultural practices for current and future climate conditions. In a two-step approach, cropping practices that explain high proportions of variance of the different indicators were first identified by an analysis of variance-based sensitivity analysis. Then, most suitable combinations of practices to achieve best performance with respect to each indicator were extracted, and trade-offs were analyzed. The procedure was applied to a region in western Switzerland, considering two different soil types to test the importance of local environmental constraints. Results show that the sensitivity of crop yield and soil erosion due to management is high, while nutrient leaching mostly depends on soil type. We found that the influence of most agricultural practices does not change significantly with CC; only irrigation becomes more relevant as a consequence of decreasing summer rainfall. Trade-offs were identified when focusing on best performances of each indicator separately, and these were amplified under CC. For adaptation to CC in the selected study region, conservation soil management and the use of cropped grasslands appear to be the most suitable options to avoid trade-offs.

Renewable resources and poverty alleviation: an application to non-timber forest products

Economists have been studying renewable natural resources for a long time and in doing so they have incorporated concepts from many fi elds (e.g. law, population biology, ecology, hydrology and entomology among others). Arguably, one of the main contributions of economics to the management of renewable natural resources has been to clarify the role played by property rights. More specifi cally, by integrating biological and economic models (in so-called bio-economic models) economists have shown that open-access conditions create economic as well as biological problems. In this chapter, I propose a methodology, based on a bio-economic model, to analyze extraction of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) under different management regimes. The objective is to illustrate the potential impacts that price increases can have on the income that extractors receive from NTFPs extraction. Participants in this kind of activities are typically poor, and changes in the income that they receive from extraction can have important implications on their wellbeing. A case study illustrates how one could evaluate the effectiveness of different price scenarios. It also shows the kind of biologic and socioeconomic information that is needed to apply the methodology suggested. More accurate the information, more confi dent one can be about the policy recommendations. This is an area of opportunity where applied research between economists and ecologists can lead to concrete policy applications.

National Game Management Database of Hungary

Advances in ecological science and increasing public environmental awareness have resulted in changes in the management of renewable natural resources. To achieve sustainable use of wildlife, managers need reliable data on populations, habitats, and the complexities of ecological interactions. The National Game Management Database (NGMD) was first mandated by the Hungarian Game Management and Hunting Law in 1996. In this paper, the authors summarize the origins, characteristics, development, and results leading to the final establishment of and uses for the NGMD. Goals of the NGMD are to store data on game populations and game management, provide input to spatial analyses and mapping, and to facilitate decision-making and planning efforts of game management administration. It contains information on the populations of game species, data from annual game management reports, trophy-scoring data, maximum allowed and minimum huntable population size, and maps and long-term game management plans for each GMU and the 24 game management regions. In Hungary, the NGMD was the first operating database in wildlife management and nature conservation providing full GIS capabilities, supporting geographical analyses.

Exploring multifunctional agriculture. A review of conceptual approaches and prospects for an integrative transitional framework

In the last decade the multifunctional agriculture (MFA) concept has emerged as a key notion in scientific and policy debates on the future of agriculture and rural development. Broadly speaking, MFA refers to the fact that agricultural activity beyond its role of producing food and fibre may also have several other functions such as renewable natural resources management, landscape and biodiversity conservation and contribution to the socio-economic viability of rural areas. The use of the concept can be traced to a number of wider societal and political transformation processes, which have influenced scientific and policy approaches in different ways amongst countries and disciplines. This paper critically discusses various existing research approaches to MFA, both from natural and social sciences. To this aim different strands of literature are classified according to their focus on specific governance mechanisms and levels of analysis into four main categories of research approaches (market regulation, land-use approaches, actor-oriented and public regulation approaches). For each category an overview of the state-of-the-art of research is given and an assessment is made of its strengths and weaknesses. The review demonstrates that the multifunctionality concept has attracted a wealth of scientific contributions, which have considerably improved our understanding of key aspects of MFA. At the same time approaches in the four categories have remained fragmented and each has limitations to understand MFA in all its complexity due to inherent constraints of applied conceptualizations and associated disciplinary backgrounds. To go beyond these limitations, we contend, new meta-level frameworks of analysis are to be developed that enable a more integrated approach. The paper concludes by presenting the main lines of an integrative, transitional framework for the study of MFA, which analyses multifunctional agriculture against the background of wider societal change processes towards sustainability and identifies a number of key elements and research challenges for this.