Sustainable Development Model Research Articles

Young Women as Social Entrepreneurs in the Environmental Sector in Ghana: Development Hackers and the Re-imagining of Sustainable Development Models

The article considers the extent to which social entrepreneurship of young women is contributing to sustainable development in Ghana, based on field research conducted between October 2018 and April 2019. Data collection involved a review of the literature and a questionnaire survey of actors within the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ghana but is primarily based on the life histories of 13 women entrepreneurs collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Social entrepreneurship is undergoing a boom in Ghana which is characterized as having the most entrepreneurs as a proportion of the population globally and with women outnumbering men. Critical discourse analysis was employed to highlight the potential difference between grand narratives of entrepreneurship for development—how it is supposed to work, and how it is working in practice for young women social entrepreneurs in Ghana. The life histories demonstrate that the social entrepreneurship of young women in Ghana does not appear to be contributing to sustainable development because the enterprises yielded small or non-existent economic benefits for the entrepreneurs, demonstrating the limitations of this framework in the Ghanaian context. Indeed, most of the enterprises do not go beyond the ideation stage while the fame of winning social entrepreneurship competitions is used by individuals to build social and symbolic capital for employment by the public sector and the United Nations. In this way, young women are “hacking” social entrepreneurship for their own purposes as it is one of the opportunities open to them but it does not lead to sustainable enterprises. While the social entrepreneurship sector in Ghana is booming, it appears in reality to be a survival activity for women who are subject to gender inequalities and social-cultural harassment.

Proposing a Model for Sustainable Development of Creative Industries Based on Digital Transformation

This research aimed to develop a comprehensive model for the sustainable development of creative industries in Iran through digital transformation and interpretive structural modeling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 experts to extract the dimensions and components of sustainable development. The validated components were presented using a structural equation modeling questionnaire to obtain a comprehensive model. These components were identified and confirmed: sustainable competitive development, consolidation and freeze, sustainable development drivers, digital technology cultural taste, structural social capital, environmental and industrial intelligence, digital work environment, creativity and innovation, financial supply chain management, and digital entrepreneurial ecosystem. The experts validated these components through the research process. It is essential to focus on developing digital infrastructure to achieve sustainable development in creative industries based on digital transformation. It includes digital communications, necessary technologies, and information security, which serve as the foundation to promote creative industries in the digital sphere.

Sustainable urban development based on an adaptive cycle model: A coupled social and ecological land use development model

With the emphasis of modern societal development on the ecological environment, urban environmental issues have been lessened. However, green space occupies a significant amount of land resources, leading to more prominent human-land conflicts in some areas, thus creating serious social issues that urgently require solutions. As a result, social and ecological factors must be integrated into urban sustainability planning. Using the Chinese city of Fuzhou as an example, this study constructed an adaptive cycle model framework for sustainable urban development based on adaptive cycle theory by coordinating three core characteristic attributes of sustainable urban development: potential (urban development potential), connectedness (conflicting land use), and resilience (suitability for sustainable development). This framework was used to identify the development stages (exploitation, conservation, release, reorganization) of different areas in the city. Finally, the ecological value of the landscape created by sustainable development was verified through a multi-scenario simulation. The results were as follows: 1) land expansion under the constraints of the sustainable development model had higher ecological value and could effectively mitigate conflicts in urban land use while balancing socio-ecological contradictions during urban development; 2) the model effects varied across urban areas in different stages of development; and 3) our proposed sustainable development planning pathway based on the adaptive cycle model divided land use into eight categories and proposed targeted development measures based on zoning characteristics. This study can effectively alleviate the contradiction of sustainability between urban social and ecological development. It can be used as a policy tool for managing land assessment and zoning during future urban development and land use.

Participatory governance of intangible heritage to develop sustainable rural tourism: the timber-raftsmen of La Pobla de Segur, Spain

ABSTRACT Rural areas face the challenge of managing intangible heritage in ways that avoid problems such as the loss of authenticity linked to over-tourism, or living heritage becoming disconnected from the local community due to overprotection. This study explores an innovative method for promoting a participatory governance process for intangible heritage currently managed on a non-participatory basis, in that the local community establishes a consensual model of sustainable tourism development that promotes both the rural renaissance of the area and the preservation of its Intangible Cultural Heritage. This research explores the case of the ‘raiers’ (timber-raftmen) of La Pobla de Segur, an ancient trade of transporting timber by river, recently awarded Intangible World Heritage status by UNESCO. Methods include participant observation, interviews, and discussion groups. The local community felt empowered to find a consensus on how to manage this Intangible Cultural Heritage by focusing on sustainable tourism development that preserves heritage while contributing to the rural renaissance of the area. The local community eagerly engaged by putting forward proposals, indicating the importance of agreements and new initiatives.

Sewage treatment decreased organic carbon resources in Hong Kong waters during 1986–2020

Riverine organic carbon (OC) transport plays a role in regulating terrestrial and marine carbon pools and deteriorating coastal water quality. However, long-term OC transport in Asian rivers and its diffusion in marginal seas have remained unreported. This study reported the spatiotemporal variations in OC resources for Hong Kong waters, China, based on monthly monitoring data collected at 82 river stations and 94 ocean sites during 1986–2020. The station-based riverine OC varied spatially and was generally high, with a mean value of 1.4–52.0 mg/L. Moreover, along with improving water quality, OC at 97.6% of the river stations decreased during 1986–2020; overall, sewage treatment accounted for 83.4% of the exponential decrease in riverine OC (R2 = 0.68, p < 0.01). However, the reduction in riverine OC accounted for only 10.4% of the reduction in the marine five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), which occurred at 70.2% of the ocean sites, especially those closest to the shore. The linear reduction in the marine BOD5 (R2 = 0.24, p < 0.01) was mainly attributed to reduced OC input from the adjacent Pearl River (61.9%) and decreases in phytoplankton growth (19.0%). These results indicated that sewage treatment improved water quality and decreased OC resources in Hong Kong waters, which can serve as a sustainable development model for other coastal cities. This study has important implications for mitigating organic pollution in the context of human efforts to manage the water environment.

A model of sustainable development of science and high technology cities taking into account the area's life cycle

Subject. This article analyzes the cyclical nature of urban development. Objectives. The article aims to identify new areas for the development of cities of science and high technology. Methods. For the study, I used the methods of general systems, logical, comparative, and multivariate analyses, grouping, generalization, expert assessments, and optimal control. Results. The article proposes a methodology for constructing an economic and mathematical model of sustainable development of cities of science and high technology. Conclusions. A self-developing innovation ecosystem will help ensure the sustainable development of science cities in the long term.

Conceptualization of The Alternative Zakat and Ushr Based Poverty Allviation and Sustainable Development Model: An Empirical Case Study in Bangladesh

The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of ‘Zakat and Ushr’ as a key tool to achieve sustainable development in Bangladesh. The study also proposes an alternative model for Zakat distribution analyzing drawbacks and challenges of prevailed Zakat distribution system. The present study used qualitative approach with intensive interview on about zakat practices in Bangladesh. The study finding from the literature surveys about Zakat distribution affirm that an alternative model for Zakat distribution system can ensure sustainable development through decreasing the rate of poverty based on the Umar bin Al Khattab (RA) and Ummar bin Abdul Aziz poverty model. The study shows that Zakat providers in Bangladesh distribute Zakat in an unplanned and unstructured way which is not the purpose of Zakat according to the direction of Quran and Sunnah. In the prevailed system, Zakat providers distribute Zakat mainly in the month of Ramadan and individual Zakat providers divide whole portion of individual Zakat amount among mass people which are being helpful for poor people to run their family for a very short period of time. Therefore, based on above findings the present study proposes an alternative model for distributing Zakat in Bangladesh considering the direction of Al-Quran and Hadith. This proposed model suggests engaging local leaders, Imam of mosques, Zakat providers and Zakat receivers that can ensure building community-based Zakat funds to develop individual poor people for a long period of time.

Urban development strategies in the EU: the relationship between the procedural and substantive dimensions

ABSTRACT The European Union (EU) has been developing a model for urban intervention since the 1980s, which we refer to in this study as the Integrated Sustainable Urban Development Model (ISUDM). A defining element of this model is its integrated nature and understanding of a city as a complex, multidimensional social system. We analysed the EU’s database of urban development initiatives (the Urban Data Platform) and studied the relationship between the procedural and substantive dimensions of the urban development strategies implemented within the framework of EU Cohesion Policy. Our findings indicate those strategies that were supported by multiple EU funds and delivered through decentralised instruments targeting several cities that were the more integrated ones. In contrast, strategies financed by a smaller number of EU funds or a single fund, using more centralised delivery instruments, and targeting only one city, were less integrated.

Waqf and sustainable development law: models of waqf institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia

This research aims to find out the regional waqf (endowment) and sustainable development models in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia in terms of their laws, managements and investments. It uses a qualitative approach through observation, documentation and interviews with officials and those in charge of waqf from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. The data was then elaborated with expert opinions based on Herman Daly’s sustainable economic theory and John Locke’s theory of ownership and Islamic law theory (hifz al-mãl, himãyah al-bī‘ah and istiṣlãh). This study found that through the waqf system, the waqf institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Indonesia managed to reach certain achievements, namely good education, poverty reduction, hunger alleviation, and decent work. It was found that waqf institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia carried out various programs in every area of sustainable development, including providing drinking water. Another service included digging wells in areas where they were needed, which we rarely found in Indonesia. The Sustainable Waqf Law contributed to several aspects that could positively impact society and sustainable development in general. The Sustainable Waqf Law could positively impact sustainable social, economic, and environmental development. In addition, the waqf contributed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, 13 and 16. Finally, it is important to involve various parties, including waqf institutions, government, communities, and other stakeholders, to ensure the sustainability, transparency, and fairness in the management of waqf assets and their utilization in achieving sustainable development goals.

Analiza i audyt sprawozdawczości zrównoważonego rozwoju dla sieci handlowych i kierunków ich doskonalenia

In the modern world, the issue of achieving a sustainable economic development model is becoming more and more urgent. One of its components is compliance with the Goal of sustainable development by companies and verification by state authorities and independent auditors of companies in matters of environmental sustainability. Thus, consideration of modern methods of submission and audit of sustainable development reports (SDR), analysis of opportunities for their improvement becomes relevant. In this work, attention is paid to companies engaged in retail trade, taking into account the peculiarities that they face when submitting the SDR. The purpose of the research was to conduct an analysis of the most common methods of reporting on sustainable development and to develop an effective model (and recommendations for it) for auditing and analyzing sustainable development reporting. Modeling became the main method when writing the paper, taking into account the developed model of analysis and verification of the SDR. The article proposed a new model of verification of non-financial information in sustainability reporting and its graphical display in the audit report. On its basis, it becomes possible to build a new methodology for the audit of the SDR. In addition, the most common international methods of SDR were analyzed, namely the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). The authors concluded that the GRI is the most universal of the three, while the SASB is focused only on investors. IIRC, being similar to both described above, is an intermediate option. Nevertheless, submission according to the SASB system is the most effective for trade networks, taking into account the peculiarities of the functioning of this type of companies and the level of their influence on the external environment. The results of the conducted research and the data presented in the article make it possible to evaluate the modern methods of submitting financial statements in a new way and provide a basis for building new standards for the audit of these reports.

Strategic Objectives of Sustainable Development Model in Production and Education

Purpose: The research aims to create a general economic-geographical model and explore its application possibilities using various criteria to achieve sustainable development in production and education. Introducing a new model is one of the most critical conditions since scientific research in this direction only partially solves the problem. In this regard, creating an economic-geographical model in production and education is very important. The model can positively affect the regulation of mutual relations of any economically developed countries with a favourable geographical position. Theoretical framework: The model we have presented can be applied from a theoretical point of view in creating new production areas, increasing personnel potential, and improving the quality of education. However, there is a need to conduct scientific research in this direction. Because in order to achieve the principles of stable and sustainable development in production and education, a favourable and accessible environment must first be formed so that people's social well-being and quality of life can reach a high level of development. Nevertheless, all forms of education provide us with a wealth of experience and information related to various scientific fields, as well as an understanding of the wider world and human interactions. Design/methodology/approach: From a methodological point of view, several scientists and specialists deal with ways of developing production and education and their application mechanisms. In this direction, we approached the scientific works of N.A.Iskakov, L.N.Rodionova, Y.I.Vaisman, R.Jovovic, M.P.Todaro, Z.T.Imrani and others, their ideas and scientific results from a synergistic point of view. Besides these, there are different methods of approach in the field of production and education. Grouping methods were used: event, fact, cause and effect, as well as a deduction, systematic study of objects, synthesis of events and processes, characterizing production and education, comparison in determining optimal options, generalization, establishing interaction and in preparation of the model. Findings: In our modern times, economic power reflects the social and ecological components and the ability to produce products. In addition to production, this potential includes scientific and technical achievements and the level of education. The economic-geographical model of sustainable development in production and education can have different directions, but its advantage is related to meeting the minimum needs of people in the future by achieving complex development. Research, Practical &amp; Social implications: The economic-geographical model presented in the field of production and education can help to focus on many ideas based on political, economic, social as well as environmental sustainability at the local, regional and global levels. Geographical development is not only natural but also can lead to the solution of economic problems. Originality/value: Aerospace, electronic, microbiological, biochemical and other fields, which have the latest scientific achievements and are equipped with technological equipment, occupy the most essential place in modern production. However, the most critical changes in the economy are related to the advanced development of professional services, information technology and scientific research. In this regard, the value of the research will be a foundation for undergraduate and graduate students, and the application of the model will allow for the exploration of many theories and applications of sustainable development in urban and rural areas.

Research on the Tripartite Evolutionary Game of Zero-Waste City Construction in China

The aim in mind in the construction of a zero-waste city is to recycle municipal solid waste in a more reasonable way in order to achieve the sustainable development of the urban environment. This goal is widely used internationally as a green development concept in urban management. However, when only the government takes the lead in the construction process, neglecting to engage and guide the participation of the public and of enterprises, the realization of a zero-waste city becomes challenging. Therefore, effective collaboration among all stakeholders would be a more effective approach to dealing with solid waste and creating an eco-friendly and livable urban environment. In this study, we adopted an evolutionary game model and selected three typical stakeholders—the government, the public, and enterprises—in order to examine the choice of tripartite strategies and their primary influencing factors based on prospect theory. This study found the following: (1) the selection of tripartite strategies at different stages of a zero-waste city’s construction is influenced by the expected benefits and costs; (2) the government’s leading role and related subsidies can promote the enthusiasm of enterprises and the public to participate in the construction of a zero-waste city; (3) tripartite participation in a zero-waste city’s construction can maximize benefits, and after a sustainable development model has been established, each stakeholder can choose to participate actively, even without government intervention; and (4) the construction of a zero-waste city requires long-term exploration and practice, and China is currently in a transition period from government-led to government-directed planning. Establishing a perfect reward and punishment mechanism is beneficial in promoting the active participation of the public and of enterprises. The authors of this paper studied the game process of stakeholders at each stage of a zero-waste city’s construction through prospect theory and explored the influences of important parameters on the strategic choice of each subject at the current stage by conducting numerical simulations, which has implications for the construction and sustainable development of a zero-waste city.

The Quest for Proximity: A Systematic Review of Computational Approaches towards 15-Minute Cities

How can computational tools support the proposition of 15-minute cities? This paper examines the implementation of computer-aided approaches that support the analysis and proposition of urban areas where residents can access all their basic needs within a 15-minute walk, bike ride, or public transportation ride—the ultimate goal of a 15-minute city. Although this concept has gained significant attention as a sustainable and equitable urban development model, more efficient implementations require complex spatial and temporal analysis. At the same time, computational approaches such as those within the generative and parametric logic can utilize algorithms to create and test design solutions quickly and efficiently, allowing designers to address a variety of scenarios and options for producing more walkable, integrated, and resilient urban environments. Exploring a systematic review of the scientific literature (n = 244 peer-reviewed empirical studies) on Scopus and Web of Science databases, this paper synthesizes approaches to support the analysis and design of 15-minute cities, emphasizing the use of computer-aided techniques. The work contributes to developing a knowledge base on computational tools for 15-minute cities, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and potential for further development.

Planned Degrowth

In the introduction to this summer's special issue on "Planned Degrowth," John Bellamy Foster outlines the major themes of degrowth thought, including, above all, a recognition of the need to challenge current notions of "growth" and "prosperity" and move toward a more sustainable model of human development, one that meets the needs of individuals and communities. This, Foster writes, requires a massive revolutionary shift in the social relations governing the means production and the prioritization of planning our economy around the survival of the species, rather than the endless drive to accumulation that has devastated the planet.

Sustainable development models strategies analysis in the dynamic railway industry linking technological transformation

Currently there is a global need to generate a sustainable development model that optimizes the functioning of the dynamic railway industry and that can be updated along with technological transformations. The objective of this research was to analyze the strategies of sustainable development models in the dynamic railway industry, linking technological transformation to ensure its long-term operation. On the other hand, railway systems that operate with well-structured sustainable development models have ample possibilities of long-term persistence, however, railway systems that lack this are destined to fail before the economy that can generate subsidies detonates. The methodology was carried out by a mixed analysis for it, it was relevant the application of quantitative and qualitative methods of parameters of sustainable development in train systems based on control variables such as economic, social, environmental, equity, areas. Socio-economicenvironmental, stability, viability and ecological. The technical data obtained from different sources of scientific information were the basis for decision-making that contributed to the formulation of a sustainable development model in railway systems. The characterization and optimization of the model will be the subject of future work.

What lies about circular economy practices and performance? Fresh insights from China

The circular economy has indeed been the subject of increasing academic and industry interest in recent years, particularly in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. This study explored the implications of circular economy practices for corporate performance using panel data from Chinese-listed firms between 2009 and 2019. To this end, the text analysis method was used to acquire the frequency of circular economy-related words to measure corporate circular economy practices. This study has yielded four main findings. First, circular economy practices can improve firm performance based on resource-based theory. Second, innovation and digital transformation strategies can amplify the positive impact, and resource use efficiency improvements are the principal means for circular economy practices. Third, there is firm heterogeneity in the influences of circular economy practices on corporate performance. Namely, the circular economy practices have a greater impact on state-owned enterprises, large enterprises, and heavily polluting enterprises. Fourth, only appropriate circular economy practices can positively impact firm performance. These findings suggest that circular economy practices are an effective model for sustainable corporate development. It is indeed important to understand the role of circular economy practices in emerging countries such as China, where rapid economic growth and urbanization have led to significant environmental challenges.

Adaptation of environmental protection legislation of Ukraine to the conditions of marital state

The essence of environmental protection legislation is analyzed. For this purpose, foreign and Ukrainian scientific literature as well as normative and legal documents, in which the right of nature protection is enshrined, was studied. It has been proven, that in the conditions of martial law in Ukraine, environmental protection legal acts should be aimed at mitigating the consequences of the armed aggression of the russian federation. For this, it is advisable to use the development of the law of the World Trade Organization.&#x0D; Environmental legislation is considered in the system of international environmental law (International Environmental Law). This approach is due to the global consequences of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine. Since mitigating the consequences of military actions on the territory of Ukraine requires a return from imbalance to stability, the issue of sustainable development has been brought up to date. Therefore, the essence is outlined and the main goals of sustainable development are listed, the implementation of which guarantees stability in the world, in particular in the field of nature protection. Implementation of the goals of sustainable development in life, restoration of balance in nature and international relations depends on specific subjects, so a list of them is given, and the main powers in the field of nature protection are outlined.&#x0D; Some decisions of such an international organization as the World Trade Organization regarding the provision of nature protection by economic methods are commented on.&#x0D; The importance of nature protection organizations in the field of environmental protection, their interaction with subjects of authority is also outlined.&#x0D; Since nature protection is closely related to the use of natural resources in the process of agricultural production, which guarantees the food security of humanity in general and Ukraine in particular, new approaches of the European Union to the regulation of the Common Agricultural Policy have been studied.&#x0D; In general, this work is based on the statement about the importance of applying all possible measures to mitigate the impact of Russian military aggression on the environment, in particular in the field of nuclear security. This will make it possible to return to the implementation of the model of sustainable development, the creation of which was aimed at solving the global problems of our time, but the implementation of which is made impossible by the active warfare on the territory of Ukraine

China's Path towards Global Green Governance on Rare Earth Elements: Challenges and Opportunities

In light of surging demands for critical minerals and its rising profile as a global provider, China can no longer dismiss the negative ecological externalities resulting from its unregulated, near-monopoly production of rare earth elements (REE) since the 1970s. REE, consisting of 17 elements with naturally enhanced chemical properties, is critical for manufacturing future green infrastructures and technologies. However, the extraction and refining processes are resource-intensive and toxic to the immediate environment, further exacerbated by improper radioactive waste management, underfunded land restoration, and illegal mining. By extension, China’s supply supremacy came at the cost of socio-ecological deprivation disproportionately experienced by the local community compared to the beneficiary beyond borders. This study aims to assess the challenges and opportunities for China as they seek global leadership in green governance through its post-reform sustainable development model guided by Ecological Civilization (EC) principle. Using narrative analysis methods, we seek to assess the intersection among three threads: the historical account of China’s REE global dominance, their elite-based approach to governance, and the unmitigated socio-ecological impacts on the local community; regarding EC and its derivatives. While domestic consolidation is strategically integral to China’s EC-guided development agenda, it poses dormant risks of supply volatility for international markets, and innovative secondary production becomes the new source of competitive edge for supply diversification and norm-making power.

Circular economy and agritourism: a sustainable behavioral model for tourists and farmers in the post-COVID era

IntroductionIn recent years, issues related to environmental and ecosystem protection have been given greater consideration than in the past. The goal of adopting sustainable development models is vigorously pursued in the European Union and is reflected concretely in the new Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027. The circular economy can certainly be an emerging economic response that can effectively replace growth models centered on a linear view. Agriculture and tourism are two crucial sectors where the “green transition” should be encouraged to help achieve sustainability goals through economic circularity. Agritourism's activity may be relevant in contributing to a behavioral change based on ethical choices. The study aim is to find out if agritourism can be the forerunner for the green transition. The objective is to know motivations and current level of awareness and adoption of concrete behaviors of the circular economy by agritourisms and their guests. The tourists' preferences for Sicilian agritourism offerings were also observed.MethodsTwo types of surveys were conducted: a Census of the Sicilian Agritourisms active at an online travel agency and a sampling survey of the agritourism's visitors.Results and discussionThe results showed that agritourism by its very nature carries the green transition, partly due to the enormous financial support of the new CAP. Second, it is a provider of quality food and ecosystem services, and a promoter of healthy behaviors and consumption of seasonal and local short-chain products by visitors, so it can be a vehicle for the adoption of the Mediterranean Diet as a sustainable lifestyle and food system. Tourists' propensity to seek out environmentally friendly products and green services can help to improve ethical, responsible, and sustainable tourism. A sustainable behavioral model for farmers and tourists was provided.

A model for sustainable development of the ship recycling industry: Empirical evidence from China

AbstractThe ship recycling industry is a labor‐intensive field that often grapples with the issue of workers not adopting appropriate practices that are environmentally friendly and safe. However, the existing literature largely overlooks the consideration of workers' environmentally friendly and safety behaviors. Therefore, this study aims to explore the determinants of workers' environmentally friendly and safety behaviors during ship recycling by proposing a theoretical model that incorporates the theory of planned behavior. Survey data were collected from 170 participants in the ship recycling industry in China. Subsequently, structural equation modeling was applied to evaluate the proposed model. The findings highlight that factors such as attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, safety awareness, and perceived susceptibility directly or indirectly affect workers' environmentally friendly and safety behavior. The study offers important implications for ship recycling companies and environmental policies, fostering the emergence of sustainable development, and stakeholder engagement in the industry.