Sustainable Resource Management Research Articles

Framing water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEFE) nexus interactions in the Tana-Beles Sub-basin of Ethiopia

The water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) provide vital resources that are essential to human existence. Exploring synergies and trade-offs in these systems has been of interest in recent years to increase economic gain while sustaining the environment. The Tana-Beles Sub-basin of Ethiopia is challenged by population density, climate change, and ecosystem degradation that requires a WEFE Nexus thinking. To understand the current WEFE nexus interactions in the basin, a systematic review of 102 scientific research articles published from 1991 to 2021 was undertaken. Additionally, the systematic review is complemented by spatial data analysis to identify synergies and trade-offs among the WEFE nexus indicators. The analysis revealed the dominance of food–water–ecosystem interdependencies in WEFE nexus research for the Tana-Beles Sub-basin. This dominance is driven by extensive food production activities, which lead to substantial water abstraction and hydrological alterations to meet the intensive water demands of crop cultivation. Simultaneously, the energy-ecosystem interactions are critical due to excessive biomass utilization that exceeds the biomass production potential of the area. Furthermore, the available vegetation cover of the area is very limited to supplement the growing fuel wood demands, which is exerting extreme land degradation and threatening the ecosystem in the sub-basin. This study identifies gaps in WEFE understanding, highlights specific challenges and opportunities within the basin, and calls for coordinated stakeholder action for sustainable resource management through a Nexus approach.

Spatial prioritization of groundwater resources in mountain region of Nepal: a GIS and AHP integrated framework

ABSTRACT Climate change and anthropogenic activities pose major challenges to water resource management in water-scarce mountain regions. Managing and monitoring groundwater effectively is crucial in mitigating these challenges. Understanding groundwater resources and their distribution is necessary for effective management. The present study covers Doramba rural municipality of Nepal. It employed the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tool integrated with remote sensing (RS) data and geospatial techniques to identify groundwater potential zones (GPZs). The parameters for analysis include drainage density, slope, rainfall, lineament density, land use/land cover (LULC), soil, geology, curvature, roughness, topographic wetness index, and topographic position index. These 11 thematic layers of the study area were prioritized using Satty's AHP method for the delineation of GPZs. The results classified the study area into very high, high, moderate, low, and very low groundwater potential classes, covering 26.71, 27.98, 46.61, 34.71, and 4.89 km2, respectively. The delineated map accuracy was confirmed with a 70.7% prediction rate based on the spatial distribution of 56 springs in the study area. The study's results can be applied to the sustainable management of groundwater resources in the study region and other areas with similar hydrogeological conditions.

Linking HRM with Sustainability Performance Through Sustainability Practices: Unlocking the Black Box

AbstractIn response to the triple‐bottom‐line sustainability challenges facing today's world, organizations are increasingly incorporating sustainability principles into their strategies; however, this is challenging for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources. While sustainable human resource management (HRM) has recently gained scholarly prominence, the impact of sustainable HRM practices on an organization's sustainability performance remains under‐explored. Anchored on signalling theory, we address this gap by examining the impact of sustainable HRM on an organization's sustainability performance. Drawing upon survey data collected from 254 employees across SMEs in Vietnam, we found that sustainable HRM practices and managerial competency positively impact sustainability practices, which in turn predict sustainability performance, while sustainability practices mediate these relationships. Employee sustainability participation and long‐term orientation strengthen the relationship between sustainability practices and sustainability performance. Further, co‐worker sustainability support moderates the relationship between sustainable HRM practices and managerial competency and sustainability practices. We discuss the contributions to theory and practice and provide future research directions.

Flexible supply-demand side management towards a sustainable decentralized distribution network: A net-negative Water-energy-emissions Nexus assessment

Severe water and energy shortfalls hinder widespread access and challenge sustainable resource management in various supply systems. This study proposed a new decentralized distribution network with net-negative emissions concept and flexible strategies to ensure efficient water and mix-energy with low-carbon emissions The proposed net-negative water-energy emission decentralized distribution network (N-NWEE-D2N) was formulated by assessing spatio-temporal interactions at local-regional scale of multi-sector water and energy demand and supply using flexible nexus regulation strategies. The feasibility of self-production and CO2-based regeneration from biogas recovery in activated sludge process and non-renewable energy generation, respectively, was investigated. The N-NWEE-D2N-based water-energy distribution showed an effective balance between supply and demand, with low deficits, efficient surplus utilization, and reduced CO2 emissions. The water and energy management efficiencies based on N-NWEE-D2N improved by 67.196% and 78.11%, respectively, compared to scenarios without such considerations, due to the effective decentralized distribution of water and energy among the regions. Thus, proposed N-NWEE-D2N can contribute to the sustainable operation of WWTPs and promoting long-term sustainability in water and energy distribution transmission.

Challenges and way forward in the handling and disposal of battery waste: Towards sustainable practices

<p>The management and disposal of battery waste, particularly lead-acid batteries, present numerous challenges that must be addressed to ensure environmental protection, public health, and sustainable resource management. This thesis examines the multifaceted nature of these challenges and explores potential solutions for sustainable battery management. Drawing on insights from prior research, field observations, stakeholder interviews, and literature reviews, the study synthesizes existing knowledge to inform strategies for mitigating the environmental, safety, and economic impacts associated with battery waste. The current scenario on battery waste management highlights significant challenges, including environmental pollution, health risks, safety hazards, recycling challenges, regulatory compliance issues, technological limitations, infrastructure constraints, and the need for public awareness and education. Countermeasures to address these challenges encompass regulatory interventions, technological innovations, infrastructure development, capacity building, and public engagement initiatives. By integrating findings from diverse sources, this thesis aims to contribute to the existing knowledge base on battery waste management and propel strategies for sustainable resource management.<strong></strong></p>

Unpacking the environmental quality through the effects of natural resources, renewable energy consumption, banking development and industrial value addition: An empirical evidence from BRICS countries

This study explores the association between natural resources rent, industrial value addition, banking development, renewable energy consumption, total reserves and environmental quality in the dynamic context of BRICS nations from 1995 to 2019. BRICS economies are responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions and confront pressing environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss and pollution. For the dependent variable, the environmental quality, the study constructed a composite index using PCA for all environmental indicators where interdependencies among variables are prevalent. Besides this, the study incorporates two interaction terms to determine the indirect influence of natural resource rent and banking development on environmental quality through the mediating role of industrial value addition. By applying the CS-ARDL technique, the outcomes of the study reveal that natural resources rent, industrial value addition, and total reserves positively influence ENQ, indicating the adverse consequences of industrial sectors on environmental quality and continued environmental degradation due to resource-intensive industrial production, underscoring the urgency of sustainable resource management. In contrast, banking development and renewable energy consumption negatively influence ENQ, signifying the positive role of developed banking sectors in supporting eco-friendly projects and enhancing environmental quality. This study offers valuable insights for policy interventions to foster a more sustainable future.

Analyzing porous cold storage unit in presence of hybrid nano-powders considering Galerkin method

The article presents a comprehensive simulation study on cold storage porous containers, employing the Galerkin method to analyze their thermal behavior. A key focus of the investigation is the incorporation of both radiation and conduction modes within the mathematical model, acknowledging their significant roles in the freezing process. To enhance the freezing rate, hybrid nanoparticles are introduced into H2O, aiming to speed up the solidification. Notably, the study integrates adaptive grid techniques to achieve higher modeling accuracy, with verification processes confirming a high level of agreement between simulation results and experimental data. This research also underscores the potential for improved energy efficiency in cold storage systems, contributing to the sustainability of natural resources by reducing energy consumption and enhancing the overall efficiency of thermal storage systems. Through meticulous examination, the study explores the impacts of various factors on freezing, including the fraction of hybrid nano-powders (ϕ), porosity (γ), and the radiation factor (Rd). Remarkably, the introduction of porous media causes to a substantial increment in the freezing rate, resulting in an improvement of approximately 91.19%. Moreover, the inclusion of the radiation term in the model significantly reduces the completion time by approximately 30.85%, underscoring the importance of considering radiation effects in such systems. Additionally, dispersing hybrid nano-powders into the water, results in a decrement in the freezing time around 7.21%. This approach highlights the significant potential for optimizing energy use in thermal storage applications, thereby promoting the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

Regulating the Interface Polarity Distribution of Zr-Based MOFs by Amino Acid-Like Ligand Functionalization Enables Efficient Recovery of Gold.

The recovery of gold from industrial effluents is crucial for environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, and promoting the green development of gold resources. We designed a Zr-based MOF (UKM-78) by incorporating functional organic ligands that resemble amino groups, using MOFs' inherent sieving effect for ion separation. This novel material exhibited enhanced gold recovery under acidic conditions, with an adsorption capacity three times and an adsorption rate four times higher than those of nonfunctionalized UKM-77. Notably, UKM-78 efficiently captured gold solutions at concentrations as low as 1 ppm and achieved an adsorption rate exceeding 90%, owing to the electrostatic interactions and coordination between its functionalized groups and the synergistic effect of its porous structure. Despite multiple regeneration cycles, UKM-78 retains 99.4% of its adsorption capacity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), kinetic studies, and thermodynamics collectively demonstrated that Au(III) binding on UKM-78 involved cooperative electrostatic interactions and chemical adsorption through coordination. This study highlights the potential of MOFs for efficient and sustainable recovery of gold from complex waste streams.

Sustainable Human Resource Management Practices: Scale Development and Validation

Sustainable Human Resource Management Practices: Scale Development and Validation

Sustainable Human Resource Management Practices: Scale Development and Validation

Sustainable Human Resource Management Practices: Scale Development and Validation

Community-based agricultural revitalization in Ngringo Village, Jaten Subdistrict, Karanganyar Regency

Background: Development involves conscious efforts and activities aimed at achieving positive change within a community. It requires the participation of all societal layers, with the government acting as a facilitator and guide. The government and the community must work harmoniously to achieve the desired goals. National agricultural development often focuses on villages close to municipalities, benefiting from hierarchical governance and advanced rural agricultural practices. This development can progress with political support, as outlined in Law Number 6 of 2014 on Villages, which aims to improve welfare, enhance human resources, and reduce rural poverty through sustainable management of local resources and the environment. This study aims to understand the potential and issues facing Ngringo Village, analyze the structural transformations, examine the institutional changes, assess the technology transfer, and identify a suitable agricultural development model. Methods: The research employs qualitative methods, including field observations, interviews with key informants, and analysis of secondary data from relevant literature and official documents. Result: The results indicate that Ngringo Village has significant potential due to its strategic location and developed infrastructure. However, challenges such as reduced agricultural land and a shift in economic activities from agriculture to industrial sectors are evident. Institutional support through local farmer groups and technology adoption has been crucial in addressing some of these challenges. Conclusion: In conclusion, while Ngringo Village faces challenges due to rapid structural changes and urbanization, the village has managed to sustain its agricultural practices through effective institutional support and technology transfer. The study suggests that a location-based development model, considering both agricultural and non-agricultural factors, is essential for the sustainable development of Ngringo Village. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study produces a location-based agricultural development model that considers both agricultural and non-agricultural factors, providing practical guidance for local governments in planning sustainable development in villages facing rapid urbanization, such as Ngringo Village.

Potential application of batang garing cultural values of Dayak tribe in orangutan conservation

Background: This is intended to describe the Batang Garing symbol of the Dayak Ngaju tribe in Central Kalimantan as a container for preservation. From the previous study mentioned about Batang garing arise environmental consciousness, and this study attempts to identify the cultural values of the Batang Garing tribe in the life of the Dayak tribe and to seek opportunities to apply the cultural values of the Batang Garing Dayak tribe in orangutan conservation. Methods: This study using qualitative techniques is used to measure rehabilitation and assess the contribution of rehabilitation to conservation. Findings: It can be concluded that the Batang Garing concept is in harmony with the idea of orangutan conservation. The construction of meaning that is carried out provides space for collaboration between local values and modern values in the conservation agenda, it is hoped that this alignment will facilitate the involvement of indigenous peoples in harmony with orangutan conservation so that they play an active role in conservation because there are several overlapping values. Conclusion: The constructs provided are expected to be useful in forming universal knowledge/which can be understood by the wider community, including policy makers, namely the Government, as well as policy observers, both academics and practitioners regarding the agenda of forest conservation. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of the potential application of the Dayak Tribe's Batang Garing cultural values in orangutan conservation. This research uniquely combines indigenous wisdom with modern conservation efforts, aiming to foster community involvement and promote sustainable natural resource management.

Evaluation of Geohazards Research in the World and Pacific Region: A Comparative Bibliometric Study

Geohazards are natural phenomena that endanger infrastructure, the environment, and human activity. Understanding and mitigating them is crucial for public safety, disaster preparedness, and sustainable land and resource management. This research objective is to analyze geohazard research trends globally and then compare them with countries around the Pacific Ring. Ninety-six geohazard publications were analyzed using bibliometric analysis and the VOSviewer application. The general trend of geohazard research increased slightly. It is critical in dealing with the expanding threats posed by geohazards, adapting to changing conditions, protecting vulnerable people, and leveraging technological improvements for more effective hazard management and disaster risk reduction. The Annual Offshore Technology Conference Proceedings and Engineering Geology are the most popular scholarly journals for authors to publish research on geohazard. The most popular topic area for geohazard papers is Earth and Planetary Sciences, followed by engineering, environmental science, and computer science. It is consistent with the growing use of technology in geohazard research. This study also includes an authorship profile. This research implies enhancing disaster risk reduction strategies and contributing to global efforts to address the challenges posed by geohazards.

Internet of Things (IoT) for Environmental Monitoring

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to explore the Internet of Things for environmental monitoring. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the Internet of Things for environmental monitoring. Preliminary empirical review revealed that IoT technologies have significantly enhanced environmental management practices by revolutionizing data collection and analysis across various ecosystems. By integrating IoT sensors with existing monitoring frameworks, real-time data on air and water quality, agriculture, wildlife habitats, and urban green spaces was efficiently gathered. This data facilitated proactive decision-making, early detection of environmental risks, and evidence-based policy formulation to address climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource management challenges. Despite challenges like data security and interoperability, collaborative efforts among stakeholders paved the way for more effective environmental monitoring and sustainable development initiatives globally. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Complex Adaptive Systems Theory, Diffusion of Innovations Theory and Resource Dependence Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the Internet of Things technology. The study provided several recommendations that contributed significantly to theory, practice, and policy in environmental management. The study emphasized interdisciplinary approaches to enhance theoretical frameworks, advocating for advanced models and algorithms integrating IoT with environmental science and data analytics. In practice, it recommended widespread adoption of IoT-enabled sensor networks with enhanced capabilities for precise and reliable data collection. Policy-wise, the study called for regulatory frameworks supporting IoT integration, data standards, and international cooperation to address global environmental challenges collaboratively. Capacity building and continuous research and development were also highlighted to optimize IoT technologies for sustainable environmental monitoring and management globally.

Virtuous Legislation: The Royal Decree for the Sustainable Management of the Woods of Serra San Bruno, Stilo, Mongiana, and Ferdinandea

The Saving Forests Decree of 1773, issued by Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, marked a fundamental step in the sustainable management of the forests of the Serre Calabresi. Metal mining and processing in the region dates back to ancient times, with Greek colonies exploiting local resources for tools and coins. With the arrival of the Normans, the mines became strategic and were granted to the Carthusian monks, and the Norman smelting furnace improved military production. Under Ferdinand II, the Ferdinandea foundry reached its peak, producing high-quality weapons. The Salvaboschi decree demonstrated a growing awareness of the need to balance industrial needs with environmental protection. This study analyzes the decree, examining how its provisions are in line with modern environmental protection laws. The analysis of this study focuses on the provisions of the Salvaboschi decree and their compliance with current environmental protection laws. The main objective of the decree was to implement sustainable forestry practices through regulated logging cycles to prevent deforestation and promote natural regeneration. Analysis of the law reveals its progressive nature and its conformity with modern principles of environmental conservation. This historic legislation testifies to the early recognition of the importance of sustainable resource management and the foresight of the Bourbon administration in implementing practices that would benefit both the environment and industrial development. Through the study and analysis of the rules present in the document, it was possible to make significant comparisons with the laws in force. The decree demonstrates considerable foresight in the protection of natural and forest heritage. This document represents an important step towards environmental protection, highlighting a concrete and proactive commitment to the protection of natural resources. The ability to compare existing regulations with new provisions offers a clear and in-depth perspective on legislative evolution in environmental matters, confirming the importance of regulatory updates to address contemporary ecological challenges.

How do energy efficiency, technology, natural resources and globalization impact environmental sustainability? Fresh evidence from load capacity curve theory

For sustainable development, the roles of energy efficiency and renewable energy is undeniable. We are passing through the era of globalization and economies are expanding their economic activities across borders. In this scenario, nations are striving for sustainable economic development without hurting the climatic conditions. Therefore, this study employs Bai and Carrion-i-Silvestre unit root test and Westerlund cointegration tests. The variables were found to have mix order of integration and Westerlund test shows cointegration in the panel data. The Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) is used to ascertain the effects of energy efficiency and economic, environmental, and globalization factors on the load capacity factor (LCF), a measure of environmental quality in G-20 countries. Key findings supporting the Load Capability Curve (LCC) theory show that while initial economic growth (GDP) has a negative impact (coefficient of −0.035 at the median quantile), advanced economic growth (GDP2) improves LCF (coefficient of 0.513 at the 90th quantile and 0.388 at the median). The median quantile coefficient of 0.055 indicates a positive association between the consumption of renewable energy and LCF. Natural resources exhibit a coefficient of 0.061 at the 90th quantile and 0.037 at the median. However, there are drawbacks to both financial globalization and contemporary environmental technology; their coefficients at the median quantile are −0.021 and −0.058, respectively. The work suggests targeted strategies, including more stringent environmental legislation, backing for renewable energy, sustainable resource management, advancements in environmental technologies, regulation of financial globalization, and bolstering of international cooperation.

The Common Heritage of Mankind and the Rights of Future Generations in Outer Space Exploration: The Ethical Frontier

This article explores the ethical frontiers of outer space exploration, focusing on the common heritage of mankind and the rights of future generations. It delves into the historical evolution of international space law, examines key treaties and agreements, and applies Elinor Ostrom's principles of resource management to space governance. The article emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, such as the rights of future generations, and provides a comparative analysis of different ethical theories relevant to space exploration. By integrating stakeholder perspectives, including those of non-space-faring nations and private companies, the article proposes new governance models for the sustainable and equitable management of outer space resources. The findings suggest that a balanced approach, considering diverse viewpoints and ethical implications, is crucial for the future of space exploration.

Strategic Model for Mangrove Forest Resource Management in Boalemo District, Gorontalo Province

Mangrove forest destruction in Boalemo Regency has increased significantly over the past decade. The condition of mangrove forests has been degraded due to the pressure of population growth, especially in coastal areas. Damage to mangrove forest resources is certainly very dangerous to the ecosystem of fisheries resources, biodiversity and destroys the stability of coastal forests that support the protection of inland and rural agricultural crops. The purpose of this research is to design a model of sustainable mangrove forest resource management strategy in Boalemo District, Gorontalo Province, so that it can be applied as a policy in improving and optimizing mangrove forest resource management efforts in Gorontalo Province. The method used is Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). The results showed that there are thirteen sub-elements of program requirements needed to build the model, of the thirteen elements of program requirements there are no sub-elements that occupy quadrant I, in quadrant II there are two sub-elements and in quadrant III there are six sub-elements, in quadrant IV is occupied by five sub-elements which are key elements to build a mangrove forest resource management strategy model.

Revealing the heterogeneity of socio-economic impacts on resource-environmental pressure: A novel three-dimensional framework applied to the Yellow River Basin

Assessing resource-environmental pressure and exploring its driving mechanisms are key to the sustainable management of resources and the promotion of high-quality development. To quantify the resource-environmental pressure and analyze the driving factor responses in the process of socio-economic development, an integrated Assessment-Identification-Analysis framework is proposed. First, footprint family models were used to assess the ecological pressure, water ecological pressure, carbon emission pressure, and synthesized resource-environmental pressure. Subsequently, the imbalanced relationship between resource-environmental improvements and socio-economic development was quantitatively identified using K-means cluster analysis. The response relationship between resource-environmental pressures and different socio-economic system factors, such as population, affluence, resource utilization, and technological progress, was further analyzed in combination with the STIRPAT model for provinces with underdeveloped resource-environmental systems. Finally, a case study of nine provinces in China’s Yellow River Basin was conducted. The main results are as follows: (a) The overall resource-environmental pressure index (REPI) of the nine provinces shows an increasing trend, with the upstream provinces demonstrate superior REPI compared to midstream and downstream provinces. Furthermore, three provinces maintain a multi-year average REPI surpassing the threshold of 0.6. (b) A majority of the regions within the Yellow River Basin suffer from an imbalance between resource-environmental management and socio-economic development. Among them, Ningxia, Shanxi, Henan, and Shandong have underdeveloped resource-environmental systems. (c) Population size, demographic structure, and economic level have a consistent contributing effect on REPI in the four provinces. Energy consumption structure and technological progress have spatial heterogeneity. The findings of the study can provide valuable insights for the implementation of regional high-quality development strategies and the realization of sustainable resource utilization.

Effect of pumping in a coastal aquifer of limited thickness, Buenos Aires, Argentina

In the northern sector of the Partido de La Costa, Argentina, the chemical quality of the groundwater was analyzed in the water supply area of the water utility cooperative. This resource is the only water source for consumption and is extremely vulnerable to contamination, both from the surface and from salinization processes. The impact of pumping was assessed to ensure the sustainable management of the water resources. Deep exploration wells were drilled, a monitoring network was implemented and water samples were obtained for chemical analysis. Continuously recording sensors were installed in the wells and geoelectrical methods were applied (vertical electrical soundings, electrical tomography). A chemical zonation was found at depth with a transition at 6 m. Calcium bicarbonate type water was identified above such a limit (Zone A) and sodium chloride type water below (Zone B), whose anion and cation concentrations exceed the limits set for drinking quality. In the sector where water extraction is most intensive, a deterioration of the chemical quality has been observed as a result of the salinization of the wells by water originating from Zone B. This phenomenon was identified by every method used. Electrical tomography allowed the measurement of the surface area defined by data of the individual wells. A reversal of the conductivity values occurred after the redistribution of the wells, which has been verified by the methods applied. A series of recommendations are offered to service providers for a more efficient management of the resources. The monitoring of the extraction areas is an essential tool to avoid processes of deterioration of the water resource.