Opportunities For Sustainable Development Research Articles

Strategy for Restoration and Increasing the Sustainability of Fish Resources: A Holistic Analysis in Fisheries Management

This research aims to design a comprehensive strategy to restore and improve the sustainability of fish resources. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we investigate the impacts of environmental change, fishing patterns and economic sustainability on fish populations. We also consider social aspects, including impacts on the livelihoods of fishing communities and the involvement of local communities in fisheries management. Ecological studies include evaluating the condition of marine ecosystems, assessing risks to biodiversity, and identifying sustainable fishing practices. From an economic perspective, we evaluate operational efficiency, analyze costs related to conservation policies, and opportunities for sustainable economic development in the fisheries sector. Social aspects are analyzed through surveys and direct interaction with fishing communities. We identify the impact of fisheries management policies on livelihoods, understand the social dynamics of coastal communities, and explore opportunities to strengthen the role of communities in fish resource management. It is hoped that the results of this research can provide a basis for developing policies that are sustainable and can be widely applied in the context of fisheries management. This research not only focuses on restoring fish resources but also on improving the welfare of coastal communities, creating harmony between ecological, economic and social sustainability.

Exploring the impact of partner match on business model innovation: the mediating role of interfirm dynamic capabilities-based on ecosystem orchestration perspective

PurposeWithin the context of an open innovation business environment, the frequent interaction and coordination activities among heterogeneous partners have a significant impact on enterprises' business model. Nevertheless, fewer empirical research has been made to explore how to match external partners and update organizational dynamic capabilities at an ecosystem level. Therefore, this paper attempts not only to investigate the direct impact of partner match on different business model innovation (BMI) themes (efficiency-centered BMI and novelty-centered BMI) but only to shed light on the pivotal mediating role of interfirm dynamic capabilities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilized the methodology of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to investigate the impact of diverse partner selection criteria and interfirm dynamic capabilities on two distinctive themes of BMI. More than 20 industry clusters with multiple industries were selected as representatives of the creative ecosystem, predominantly from the Yangtze River Delta region. Valid data were collected from 254 managers by both online questionnaires and offline interviews.FindingsThe findings of the study show that different partner match criteria have distinct direct impacts on BMI themes. Partner complementary and partner synergy, deriving from the “task-related criteria”, are significantly correlated with both EBMI and NBMI. Conversely, partner compatibility, deriving from “Partnering-related Criteria”, shows a positive correlation with EBMI but not NBMI. Furthermore, compare the indirect effect on EBMI, the paper’ results demonstrate interfirm dynamic capabilities as mediator can more maximize external benefits to promote NBMI.Practical implicationsThe study findings effectively help enterprises implement different BMI themes. From a management perspective, whether pursuing EBMI or NBMI, enterprises should consciously seek partners who can provide complementary support or share mutual goals across diverse industries. This strategic approach can significantly enhance the opportunities for sustainable and innovative business development. Furthermore, to successfully accomplish NBMI, enterprises must cultivate interfirm dynamic capabilities encompassing a comprehensive range of cross-organizational innovation capacities, such as bolstering organizational learning capability, establishing interactive network platforms to enhance coordination capabilities and engaging in integrative activities to foster a collective mindset.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the match theory by introducing three critical matching criteria, enabling enterprises to discern partners based on diverse organizational characteristics. Additionally, this paper broadens the scope of the dynamic capability literature by adopting a network perspective to strengthen interaction and relationship mechanisms. The authors primarily elucidate the concept of interfirm dynamic capabilities as a formative higher-order model formed by three sub-capabilities (absorptive capacity, coordination capability and collective mind). Finally, this paper combines matching theory with dynamic capacity theory to the field of BMI, which adds depth and complexity to the existing ecosystem innovation research.

Combining a hydrological model with ecological planning for optimal placement of water-sensitive solutions

Newer water management approaches aim to better utilize runoff by treating it as a resource rather than a nuisance and by promoting a more holistic handling of runoff. These approaches use nature-based green infrastructure solutions to increase infiltration and detain water. Identifying optimal placement for these solutions is challenging due to multiple and sometimes competing objectives. Here, we propose a methodology to help planners and stakeholders maximize the benefits of flood mitigation projects by identifying opportunities for sustainable development. Most studies examine placement decisions based on metrics obtained from hydrological models. However, solely depending on hydrological indicators, without accounting for social and ecological indicators, might bias the placement decisions. We propose combining hydrological and land-use planning models. We used the revised version of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) known as SWAT+ to simulate existing hydrological conditions and the results as initial input for the conservation decision support software MARXAN. We added data on endangered species and distance from the human population as ecological and social indicators. This addition shifted the selected areas and provided a more complete view of runoff management than only hydrological indicators. Furthermore, we show that coupling SWAT+ and MARXAN can effectively balance hydrological concerns with ecological and social factors.

“Green” Financing and EsG: Opportunity for sustainable socio-Economic Development

The implementation of the sustainable development strategy and the formation of a “green” economy model provide for the reorientation of financial resources, accounting by economic entities and public authorities and management of ESG-principles and the development of “green” financing tools.The purpose of the paper is to develop theoretical provisions and modeling of the impact of “green” financing on the socio-economic development of the subjects of the Russian Federation.Methods of data mining were used with temporary delays and corresponding lags responses of endogenous indicators, as well as cluster and correlation analysis. The result of the study was the specification of the economic content of the definition of “green” financing, as well as the construction of econometric models of the degree of interrelationship between “green” financing and the socio-economic development of the regions of Russia. The authors described the economic content of the definition of “green” financing, developed econometric models of the degree of interdependence of “green” financing and socioeconomic growth of Russia’s regions, calculated an integral indicator of sustainable socio-economic development of the regions of the Russian Federation taking into account ESGfactors (social risks, environmental risks, quality of management). Clustering of Russian regions according to the level of influence of “green” financing on their socio-economic development has also been carried out.The article concludes that the relationship between the level of socio-economic development of the regions of the Russian Federation and the volume of “green” financing is direct, strong, and can be expressed by increasing linear regression. The prospects for further research may be related to the assessment of the real needs of the volumes of “green” financing in the context of ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Seaweed Waste in Nusa Dua: An Analysis of Environmental Challenges and Recycling Opportunities

Nusa Dua, a prominent tourist destination, grapples with the multifaceted challenge of seaweed waste accumulation. Through a qualitative approach anchored in extensive literature review and observational data, this study delves into the environmental implications and the latent opportunities that seaweed waste presents. The research reveals significant potential repercussions ranging from ecological disturbances to potential economic downturns linked to reduced tourist appeal. However, it also uncovers various recycling possibilities, including biofuel production and sustainable packaging, offering viable solutions to the problem. This paper underscores the necessity of collaborative action, innovative policies, and community engagement to transform Nusa Dua's seaweed waste challenge from an environmental concern into an opportunity for sustainable development.

Sustainability of territorial systems in the context of economic indicators

Purpose: of the study is to identify factors and parameters that provide opportunities for sustainable development for territorial systems (regions), based on the analysis of the dynamic series of key statistical indicators.Methods: the basis of the study is the use of various methodological approaches, systemic, multivariate analysis, methodology of institutional reforms. The research methodology is based on the systematization and comparative analysis of the main statistical indicators of the development of the economic and innovative spheres of the Volga Federal District and Russia as a whole, which ultimately makes it possible to identify the growth drivers of territorial systems.Results: the study analyzes the indicators of economic and innovative development of the subjects of the Volga Federal District and Russia. Based on this, four types of sustainability of territorial systems were identified: sustainability of the depressive type, sustainability of the adaptive type, sustainability of the advanced type, sustainability of the innovative type. The type of economic stability was determined for each subject of the region, which made it possible to identify drivers and growth points. In the context of rapidly changing external factors of development, the results obtained are relevant, since they allow us to determine the trajectory of the development of territorial systems.Conclusions and Relevance: economic and innovative indicators of development make it possible to classify the Volga Federal District as a region with an established adaptive type of stability. The drivers of the region's development are developed agriculture, industrial production, high-tech and innovative production. The positive dynamics of the socio-economic indicators of the region with a focus on innovative components ensures an increase in the degree of stability of the regional system. Activation of drivers and stimulation of growth points is the result of the strategy and implementation of socio-economic policy measures to achieve innovation-type sustainability in the region.

Application of BIM technology in the reinforcement and renovation of existing building inspection projects

PurposeDue to the characteristics of visualization, simulation, information integrity, and flexibility, Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology would be widely applied in every stage of construction projects. MethodThe existing building structure inspection methods used in this article included safety inspection of existing buildings, applicability inspection of existing buildings, and durability inspection of existing buildings. In visual collaborative design, a project information data model was established based on BIM, and the real-time information dynamics of the building information model were mastered through the sharing and updating of local files. The “reinforcement family” established in this article was mainly composed of beams, columns, walls, etc. In order to achieve widespread applicability of reinforcement families, it was necessary to select family templates based on lines or faces that were not limited by the host when creating reinforcement families. ResultThe implementation plan of the building renovation in this article had an annual power consumption of 1260476.5KW·h. ConclusionWhile reducing costs and risks, BIM technology brought higher efficiency, higher quality, and more sustainable development opportunities to the construction industry.

Is biodiversity disclosure emerging as a key topic on the agenda of institutional investors?

AbstractAll industries depend on natural capital assets and ecosystem services, either directly, through their supply chains, or through their investments. Companies are therefore challenged to reorient their production systems and turn the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into an opportunity for sustainable economic development. In this paper, we analyze the interest of institutional investors in these corporate policies through the role they play in the disclosure that companies make about them. For a balanced data panel of 8,320 firm‐year observations from 832 global companies operating in different sectors of activity over the period 2011–2020, the results obtained indicate that institutional investors, especially those with investment a long‐term investment horizon, are interested in biodiversity commitments and exercise their demand for information on these initiatives through their representatives on the board of directors. Furthermore, we show that companies are rewarded for disclosing relevant information on business policies, biodiversity management, and the valuation of ecosystem services in the value chain.

Assessment of water quality ions in brackish water on drip irrigation system performance applied in saline areas

Utilizing brackish water with drip irrigation technology, due to its precise water control alleviates the secondary soil salinization, and improves crop yield and quality, which offers sustainable agricultural development opportunities in saline areas. However, the complex characteristics of brackish water increase the risk of drip irrigation emitter clogging, which inhibit its promotion and adoption. It is necessary to find out the dominant water quality ions that lead to emitter clogging under multiple ion interactions when using brackish water under multiple ion coexistence conditions. Thus, the in-situ pilot research was conducted to study the emitter clogging mechanism using brackish water collected from 16 different salt-alkaline regions. A comprehensive evaluation with the consideration of 11 water quality ions on emitter clogging were conducted. Results showed that the degree of emitter clogging gradually increased in the first 40 days of irrigation, hereafter started an accelerated reduction until the days 64 of brackish water application. Spearman correlation and structural equation modelling were used to identify the main factors contribute to emitter clogging. And results indicated that calcium fouling (CF) and silica fouling (SF) were the major fouling minerals in the emitter flow channels. Ca2+, CO32-+HCO3-, pH, total hardness (TH), and zeta potential (ZP) were the key water characteristics leading to emitter clogging. These factors directly affected CF and SF, while also affecting the Mg2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, and other water quality factors which indirectly enhanced the CF and SF. Thereafter a few water quality control strategies were proposed based on emitter clogging and soil salinization mitigation. This study identified the key water quality ions that induce drip irrigation emitter clogging when using brackish water, provided solid support for solving the clogging issue, and promoted the high-efficient utilization of brackish water in saline areas.

Development of New Business Opportunities for Sustainable Development – Lesson Learned from Pandemic Crisis

Development of New Business Opportunities for Sustainable Development – Lesson Learned from Pandemic Crisis

Development potentiality of peri-urban region in India: a quantitative analysis on Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC)

India's census towns are determined by specific criteria, including a minimum population of 5,000, 75% male working population in non-primary sector, and a population density of 400 person km−2. The urban population has grown significantly between 1951 and 2011 (62.44 million to 377.1 million) with 186% increase of census towns. However, issues like land scarcity, rising living costs, and urban sprawl persist. The peri-urban area serves as a transitional region between rural and urban environments. The study assesses the development potentiality of Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC) peri-urban areas using various indicators, including population density, growth rate, household density, labor force, literacy rate, and basic activities. It aims to gain insights into the socio-economic status, infrastructure requirements, and growth opportunities for sustainable regional development. Techniques like TOPSIS, Moran's Index, and hotspot analysis are employed to visualize development concentration and analyze correlation coefficients. The study reveals that the western and southern sectors in DMC have higher development levels due to better accessibility with respect to both roadways and railways, proper availability of natural resources, and so on. This knowledge guides policymakers in developing sustainable, balanced, and equitable growth strategies.

Transforming Pakistan's Agriculture Sector through Fintech: Opportunities for Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Development

This study investigates how fintech solutions can increase financial inclusion for smallholder farmers and other stakeholders in Pakistan's agriculture sector. Using a thematic literature review, the study identifies effective and sustainable fintech solutions and explores the challenges and opportunities for scaling up these solutions. The study found that digital platforms for loans, payments, and market linkages have the potential to provide farmers with greater access to finance and other financial services. To promote financial inclusion, the study recommends that policymakers, investors, and fintech startups prioritize the development of fintech solutions that address the specific needs of smallholder farmers and other underserved communities. These solutions should be designed to promote trust and transparency to ensure their long-term sustainability. The study also calls for greater collaboration between the fintech and agriculture sectors to develop innovative solutions and promote financial inclusion in Pakistan's agriculture sector. The findings of this study have important implications for promoting financial inclusion in Pakistan's agriculture sector, which is a vital contributor to the country's economy. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and fintech startups who are interested in leveraging fintech solutions to transform the sector and promote financial access and empowerment for underserved communities.

Examining the Most Important Factors Affecting the Egyptian Family’s Choice of the Ideal Number of Children in the Light of the 2015 Demographic and Health Survey

Examining the Most Important Factors Affecting the Egyptian Family’s Choice of the Ideal Number of Children in the Light of the 2015 Demographic and Health Survey

Defining the term “Brownfield” in India

AbstractBrownfields are viewed as an opportunity for sustainable development. Researchers across the world have argued about the benefits of brownfield redevelopment. However, India is still in the initial stages of defining brownfields, as no attempts have ever been made by researchers to define it and no definition is available for it in the Indian context. The main objective of this study is to derive a definition for a brownfield and fill the gap. We used the Delphi technique involving a panel of experts from relevant fields posted in governmental agencies and organizations. A list of eight keywords, derived from the definition of brownfields from various countries, and two keywords recommended by experts were rated in multiple rounds. Statistical validation for the responses was established using gray relational analysis and relative to identified distribution (RIDIT) analysis. A significant finding of this study is the importance given by the Indian experts to the “condition of the land” while attempting to define a brownfield. With a proposed definition “previously used, derelict, or polluted land is identified as a brownfield,” this research represents an attempt to provide further avenues for research on brownfields for sustainable cities in India.

Retraction: Energy transition, sustainable development opportunities, and carbon emissions mitigation: Is the developed world converging toward SDGs-2030?

Retraction: Energy transition, sustainable development opportunities, and carbon emissions mitigation: Is the developed world converging toward SDGs-2030?

Selecting a suitable model for the closure of building material stone mines for sustainable development in Binh Duong, Vietnam

The closure and environmental restoration of quarry sites for construction material extraction in Vietnam in general and in Binh Duong province in particular still face various challenges that have not brought significant and sustainable development opportunities. The study aims to select a suitable model for the closure of building material stone mines to contribute to sustainable development in Binh Duong. Based on the survey of economic-social characteristics, environmental safety, and development policies of the construction material quarrying area in Binh Duong province, this study applied SMART methods to determine specific objectives as a basis for constructing measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound criteria for evaluating quarry closure options. The simple additive weighting method was employed to calculate the value of each option, which was optimized through the analytic hierarchy process for clear criteria or the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process method for dealing with uncertain or ambiguous criteria, to determine the reasonable option for mine closure. For criteria that was ambiguous or unclear, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was employed to establish reasonable options for quarry closure. Synthesizing the research results for two closure options after extraction for a typical quarrying area in Binh Duong, the study selected a viable option that effectively utilized land resources, created new residential areas for the local population, and utilized the quarry pit for solar energy extraction, which is a clean energy source that brings economic and social benefits to the region. This approach could serve as a valuable reference for mine closure decision-making processes in Vietnam and other countries facing similar challenges in sustainable development.

Identifying 'Urban Void' Along the Shortest Path in the University Tramway and Walking Environment

The New City of Ali Mendjli tram line is more than just a public transportation axis; it represents a new tourist product that strongly impacts the socioeconomic environment and the city's image. Since its inauguration in 2014, it has been catering to a student population estimated at 60,000. However, the layout of this dedicated line raises issues concerning the accessibility of the neighborhoods and the buildings it serves. Throughout its 400m corridor, we have identified accessibility constraints stemming from inadequate topography, indirect access to buildings within the central areas, and an unclear urban landscape, unfortunately, unqualified due to the city's design based on a network of vehicular traffic. In this quintessential university town, student housing can present an opportunity for sustainable development, especially when taking advantage of its proximity to the tramway. Therefore, the New City needs to craft a distinctive image worthy of its status and display its local identity. This article aims to identify the tramway as a means of public transportation concerning its practical, comfortable, and secure usage. Additionally, we seek to explore perspectives on optimizing university commuters' movements through walking. To achieve this, we present an experience that analyzes students' perception of their university environment, its strengths, and risks regarding circulation, pathways, and locations through the interpretation of visual diagrams. The conclusions drawn from this exercise will aid in designing "void frameworks" intended as markers to assist pedestrians in orienting themselves from the tramway, ensuring sustainable development for the New City of Ali Mendjli.

The role of digital governance on carbon emission performance: evidence from the cities in yangtze river delta, China

Rapid industrialization and ambitious socio-economic targets have presented significant challenges to China’s carbon neutrality process. However, digital transformation offers new opportunities for sustainable development. This research examines the influence of digital governance (Digov) on carbon emission performance (Cep) and explores its underlying mechanisms. The study utilizes data from cities in China’s Yangtze River Delta from 2011 to 2019. The results show that digital governance has significantly improved carbon emission performance, a conclusion that remains robust even after conducting a series of rigorous tests and addressing endogeneity concerns. The main impact mechanisms of digital governance on carbon emission performance include energy intensity reduction, energy consumption scale reduction, industrial structure adjustment, and energy consumption structure optimization.Furthermore, the results indicate that the variation in carbon emission reduction due to digital governance can be attributed to differences in city administrative level, city size, and government capacity. In particular, digital governance plays a pivotal role in facilitating the sustainable transformation of resource-based cities.From the perspective of digital governance, this study provides effective recommendations and valuable insights for achieving low-carbon targets and promoting sustainable development of cities.

Exploring the merits of geographical diversification of solar PV power plants for a resilient PV-dominated electricity grid in India

Abstract India is highly dependent on solar photovoltaics (PV) to harness its vast solar resource potential and combat climate change. However, $\sim$90% of the installed PV capacity in India is concentrated in the top nine states, with the remaining states lagging behind. The research reveals that during monsoons, heavy cloud cover and rain lead to high solar resource variability, intermittency and the risk of very low PV generation, which can result in reliability issues in future PV-dominated electricity grids. Although energy storage can help in overcoming high intermittency, there are multiple challenges associated with it. The novelty of this study lies in demonstrating the benefits of combining multiple PV sites in various regions to mitigate the risks of low PV generation and high variability. The variability of individual sites was found to be up to $\sim$3.5 times higher than the variability of combined generation. During noon, prominent solar park sites like Bhadla and NP Kunta experience a decrease in power generation to values as low as $\sim$10% of the rated PV capacity. However, the minimum generation of the large-scale dispersed PV generation is $>$30%. Furthermore, the research identifies other benefits of dispersing PV generation across the country, viz., reduction of seasonal variability by adding PV capacity in the southern region, widening of the PV generation span, more room for PV capacity addition, reduction in storage and ramping needs, utilization of hydroelectric potential of the north-east and PV potential of Ladakh, and creating opportunities for sustainable development in rural agrarian regions through agrivoltaics.

Biomimethics: a critical perspective on the ethical implications of biomimetics in technological innovation

Biomimetics, bioinspiration, biomimicry, and related nature-inspired activities—collectively known as biom*—are witnessing an unprecedented surge in popularity, as they offer unparalleled opportunities for technological advancement, innovation, and sustainable development. The growing prevalence of biom*, however, has sparked moral debates regarding their approaches, emphasizing the need for universally applicable ethical guidelines that can effectively guide practitioners in their work. In this perspective, we outline some of the moral, ethical, and legal challenges associated with biom*, particularly the scientific discipline of biomimetics, focusing on various issues surrounding our motivations for pursuing these approaches, the valuation of nature within them, and regulations in the commercialization of biological knowledge. By highlighting the challenges inherent in biom*, this perspective aims to empower practitioners in the field to make informed decisions and take purposeful action. Specific recommendations are provided to guide them in choosing the right course of action for the right reasons.