Local Community Participation Research Articles

Density estimation of the globally threatened fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus through a participatory science approach in the Chilika lagoon, eastern India

The fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus is an Indo-Malayan wetland-dependent felid which is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its main prey, fish, has low energetic demands and is abundant in productive aquatic habitats. This facilitates high piscivore densities and potentially alters expected scaling patterns that link population density to the body mass of small cats. With local community participation, we estimated the density of the fishing cat in Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, located in the state of Odisha, eastern India, with community participation. The study was carried out in 2 phases in different habitats during 2021 and 2022: a homogeneous marshy habitat and its buffer (Northern Block), and a heterogeneous matrix of different land-use types (Southern Block). We deployed a total of 144 camera traps across 4380 trap nights. Using spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR), we estimated mean (±SE) fishing cat density to be 0.69 ± 0.1 ind. km-2 in the Northern Block and 0.67 ± 0.33 ind. km-2 in the Southern Block. The population abundance estimates for the Northern and the Southern Blocks were 159 ± 23 and 185 ± 91 respectively. In the former, SECR modelling indicated an effect of anthropogenic habitat modification upon the species’ home range extent. Our density estimates are amongst the highest reported for the species outside protected areas. The results imply that Chilika holds an abundant population of the fishing cat, the continued persistence of which requires mitigation of local and external threats to fish populations. Furthermore, our study, with its inclusive approach, sets a precedent for the use of camera trapping for obtaining robust density estimates of species with uniquely marked individuals in wetland habitats.

Studi Identitas Regional untuk Pariwisata Berkelanjutan di Kecamatan IV Koto Kabupaten Agam

Tourism is growing rapidly globally, making an important economic contribution in Indonesia. However, it is necessary to focus on sustainable tourism that considers ecological and cultural aspects. This research aims to identify regional identity for sustainable tourism in IV Koto Sub-district, Agam Regency based on the potential of natural and cultural resources. The research method used in this research is quantitative and qualitative approaches, this research analyzes primary and secondary data to evaluate the attractiveness of natural attractions and cultural elements of interest to local communities. The results showed that the Great Wall of Koto Gadang was the natural attraction with the highest potential as a regional identity, while traditional ceremonies, particularly batagak gala, became the most significant cultural identity. The findings emphasize the importance of utilizing natural and cultural resources in a sustainable manner, involving the active participation of local communities in tourism development.

Ethnoprimatology reveals new extended distribution of critically endangered banded langur Presbytis femoralis (Martin, 1838) in Pahang, Malaysia: Insights from indigenous traditional knowledge and molecular analysis.

The banded langur (Presbytis femoralis) is a critically endangered primate, restricted to Johor, Malaysia, with an estimated population size of less than 500 individuals. Traditionally, distribution studies on this highly threatened primate have relied on conventional methods such as DNA identification, live counting, and camera trapping. However, ethnoprimatology offers an alternative approach to data collection, involving the active participation of indigenous and local communities possessing valuable knowledge and experience with local primate species. This study employed an integrated approach incorporating ethnoprimatology by utilizing pooled local expert opinion, local surveys, interviews, and fecal DNA analysis, resulting in a novel distribution range for the banded langur. The combination of expert opinions revealed this species' most optimistic distribution scenario across Johor and Pahang, inhabiting various ecosystems, including lowland forests, peat swamps, and human-modified landscapes. Further interviews and surveys conducted within the Orang Asli community in Tasik Chini and Tasek Bera have provided additional support for the revised distribution, documenting occurrences of banded langur utilization in indigenous practices, such as food consumption, cultural beliefs, medicinal applications, and craftsmanship. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated genetic differentiation between populations in Johor and Pahang, with the populations in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia likely serving as ancestral sources for other populations. Consequently, this study not only elucidated the updated distribution of banded langur through DNA records and direct observations but also established the efficacy of ethnoprimatology as a precursory tool for uncovering the present distribution patterns of other primate species in Malaysia.

A comprehensive AHP numerical module for assessing resilience of Kabul City to flood hazards

The present study aimed to assess the resilience of Kabul City, Afghanistan, towards flood hazards, using the AHP numerical module. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, including secondary data, a questionnaire survey, AHP analysis and GIS. The findings revealed limited community awareness (55.7% of the respondents were aware of the hazard while only 31.3% were well-informed) and participation in flood preparedness in the city. While the city demonstrated high levels of social (global weight score of 0.28) and physical (global weight score of 0.21) resilience, it exhibited lower levels of institutional (global weight score of 0.16), human (global weight score of 0.13), economic (global weight score of 0.12), and technical (global weight score of 0.10) resilience. The study underscores the importance of local institutions, urban planning, community participation, and early warning systems in enhancing resilience. However, there are several key limitations, such as data availability, a shortage of skilled personnel, policy constraints, and the absence of a city-level flood management policy. Consequently, the study recommends the development of city-level flood hazard management and resilience policies to mitigate the impacts in Kabul City.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of Farmers Towards Restoration of Degraded Land; the Cases of Harbo and Adea districts in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Land restoration is one of Ethiopia's top priorities for aligning development efforts with a climate-resilient green economy. In Ethiopia, initiatives to rehabilitate degraded land are generally evaluated in terms of the local people's economic and environmental impacts. Farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and actions toward land restoration, on the other hand, have to be taken into consideration for long-term natural resource conservation. As a consequence, this study examines the relationships between farmers' knowledge, attitude, and contributions to behavioral change in the restoration of degraded land. Data were collected from 120 farmers who participated in the restoration of degraded land. Structural equation models and mediation analyses were utilized for path analysis. The findings indicated that farmers had a good understanding of land restoration techniques. Analysis of the causal models revealed that farmers' attitude toward land restoration is highly influenced by their knowledge level of farmers. The outcome also revealed that positive attitudes of farmers resulted in behavioral change towards land restoration. Effective local community participation in the land restoration process and strengthening of their knowledge and attitudes that influence their behavior should be the cornerstones of sustainable land restoration.

Determinants of local community participation in forest fire management in the northern Iran

Forest fire is one of the environmental events that occur under the influence of human and non-human (such as lightning, volcanoes, etc.) factors. In Iran, forest fires are a recurring problem. Human activities, such as negligence by local communities or travelers, play a major role in their occurrence. Intentional and unintentional fires pose the most significant threats, leading to the destruction of vast forest areas, especially in northern Iran, in recent years. In this regard, the participation of local communities in the management of such occurrences is essential. The purpose of this study was to analyze the determinants of local community participation in forest fire management (CPFFM) in Northern Iran, focusing on Nowshahr township. The research includes seven independent variables: quality of extension services (QES), awareness of rules and regulations (ARR), social norm (SN), place attachment (PA), environmental belief (EB), pro-environmentalist attitude (PEA) and social capital (SC) and their impact on CPFFM was measured. This research is a type of descriptive-correlational and causal-relational research that was conducted with a survey. The statistical population included local communities living on the edge of the forest in Nowshahr township (N = 78,786), of which 350 people were selected as a sample using stratified random sampling with proportional assignment. The research instrument was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by subject experts and the reliability of its items was achieved with Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.711 ≤ α ≤ 0.921). The results of causal analysis indicated that QES (β = 0.522), SN (β = 0.156) and ARR (β = 0.305) have the highest direct effect on CPFFM, respectively. Also, EB had the greatest non-causal effect (0.083) on CPFFM. This research, by emphasizing the variables of human ecology from the point of view of environmental psychology in the conceptualization of some key variables affecting CPFFM, can be useful for decision makers and planners of forest fire management.

Implementation of Public Policy to Achieve Sustainable Development: Challenges and Strategies

This research aims to analyze and understand various challenges and effective strategies in implementing public policies for sustainable development. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, with data obtained from a review of related literature. The data is processed and analyzed to identify relevant trends and patterns. The research results show that coordination between agencies, adapting policies to local conditions, limited funding, and community participation are the main challenges in policy implementation. Effective strategies include developing cooperation, policy flexibility, innovative funding, and improving communication and public education. Technology, particularly in information and communications, has proven important in increasing transparency and efficiency. Response to climate change and adaptation to global economic and geopolitical challenges are also critical aspects. In conclusion, a collaborative and adaptive approach is needed to overcome these challenges and achieve effective sustainable development.

Smart rest area development to support tourist trip in limited access transport area. Study in the Dieng area, Central Java

The concept of cluster development has characteristics that are identical to tourism activities. Based on the Master Plan for the KSPN Dieng and its Surroundings, the Dieng Plateau is developed with several development strategies, namely the development and strengthening of local potential-based tourist attractions in a sustainable manner, increasing regional carrying capacity and the participation of local communities to support tourism, as well as developing cross-sectoral and regional policies. Accessibility in the Dieng area and its surroundings is supported by road and the availability of public transport. However, accessibility to the Dieng area, which is in an enclaved area, still faces limitations and causes the time and distance to be quite long. Proposal are taken to develop a rest area with many functions. As in Japan, the concept of “michinoeki” or roadside station was developed to provide comfortable facilities for tourists while resting on their way to main attractions or even making “michinoeki” one of the tourist destinations.

Management of World Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam: Case Study at Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An Biosphere Reserve

By 2024, Vietnam has 11 Biosphere Reserves recognized by UNESCO, ranking second in Southeast Asia in terms of the number of Biosphere Reserves. However, the reception and utilization of the Biosphere Reserve designation in provinces and at the national level remain passive. In addition to maintaining annual commemorative activities and developing 10-year periodic reports, key activities to fulfill the three basic functions of Biosphere Reserves, namely Conservation, Support, and Development—have not been adequately pursued by localities. The 10-year periodic assessment reports required by UNESCO are fairly well-implemented by Biosphere Reserves and localities. However, the recommendations from these reports have not been clearly proposed to promote strengths and limit weaknesses in the sustainable development of future Biosphere Reserves. The underlying cause of these limitations is that the evaluation of the effectiveness of management and coordination of Biosphere Reserves from national to local levels still adheres to administrative trends, and the scientific evidence supporting the evaluation process is not sufficiently clear. Therefore, recommendations from periodic reports still tend to be procedural and responsible for the Vietnamese government agencies as well as UNESCO. Particularly, these recommendations have not been legally institutionalized or institutionalized to leverage the Biosphere Reserve title in the comprehensive and sustainable development of localities with Biosphere Reserves. Based on this reality, the construction of a Framework to evaluate the effectiveness of management and coordination of Vietnam's Biosphere Reserves through 6 management contents including i) Context and current management status; ii) Development of a Management Plan for each Biosphere Reserve; iii) Mobilization of input resources for management; iv) Management process and coordination mechanism; v) Output products of the management process; and vi) Results/Impacts of the management process. Within these six basic contents, 22 corresponding indicators and 65 specific indicators have been developed to accurately describe the context, conditions, reception process, and management/coordination/operation of each Biosphere Reserve with the participation of government authorities, scientists, business forces, local communities, and stakeholders. Thus, the application of the Framework for effective management evaluation for Vietnam's Biosphere Reserves in the process of building mid-term 5-year and periodic 10-year reports as well as the operation process and leveraging the Biosphere Reserve status of localities and countries, will help provide an accurate and objective description of the landscape of Vietnam's 11 Biosphere Reserves.
  

Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage: the Role of Documentation in Cultural Conservation in the Semaka District, Tanggamus Regency

This research aims to identify, document and record Intangible Cultural Heritage in the context of local communities in Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province. The implications of social change and modernization have an impact on cultural existence if identification and recording are not carried out immediately. It is important to carry out accurate and in depth recording and involve community participation for the sake of preserving and increasing understanding of culture. The research results show that there is significance in identifying and recording Intangible Cultural Heritage with cultural sustainability. Their active participation and involvement as cultral actors in safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage is an important element. Involving them not only empowers them, the main thing is to produce a deep understanding of cultural aspects that are considered important by the community itself. This research also contributes to broader cultural and social research by providing new insights into society and encouraging critical thinking on issues of cultural preservation. This means that through identification and recording involving the participation of local communities in Tanggamus, it is important for the knowledge and progress of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Combining various data sources through different recording methods, in a comprehensive manner, the identificat on and recording model is one of the cultural conservation efforts. It is hoped that the results can contribute to the cultural community understanding and appreciating cultural wealth as an asset to local communities in Tanggamus Regency

The role of summer markets in promoting authenticity and social sustainability of the regions: The case of La Santa market (Catalonia, Spain)

The greatest challenge for tourist destinations is to make themselves unique, to bet on cultural identity, with ethical values and sustainability, and to be successful over time. This is of particular interest in sun and beach tourism areas. Otherwise, in recent years, seasonal food and leisure markets have undergone significant growth as a strategy to promote regional authenticity and participation in local communities. The management of this ephemeral food markets tend to be associated to social sustainability, with a focus on issues such as the welfare of the local population; the conservation of cultural heritage; community participation in the development and planning of tourism; and health, hygiene and safety. This paper analyzes the relevance of these social sustainability matters to La Santa Market, a summer food and leisure event located in a beach and sun town in La Costa Brava (Catalonia). Using non-probability purposive sampling, the qualitative methodology is based on semi-structured interviews with 20 different stakeholders in this event. Secondary data on the economic situation and “grey” literature on this market are also used. The results reveal constant, positive involvement of the local community and private organizations in enhancing the La Santa Market experience, which is now an essential item on their summer agendas. This paper contributes to the literature acknowledging the potential of summer food markets to boost the economic and social sustainability of a coastal community. The results are useful for helping public and private sectors in the region to identify the strengths and the weaknesses of the role of local food products at summer markets to thus reinforce their authenticity and sociocultural value.

Социальные факторы территориального развития в российском нормативно-правовом регулировании

The article delves into the modern Russian legislation on territorial development in relation to its human-centeredness at the levels of goal-setting and implementation. It states the existence of a problem in the man-agement of territorial development, which consists in its lack of effectiveness in overcoming the demographic compression of peripheral and semi-peripheral territories. To describe the problematic situation, the author’s concepts of action landscape and action landscaping of territorial development are proposed. Apart from this, the author presents the results of the retrospective analysis of the semantic content of the terms development and management in specialized normative-legal documents, scientific and reference sources. Legislative acts on the management of territorial development are considered in terms of their involvement of the population in the relevant processes on the ground. It is concluded that the current specialized legislation on territorial devel-opment takes into account social factors of territorial development, including the residents’ own vision of the future, grassroots practices and initiatives for its realization, the potential of direct participation of social actors and local communities in the development of territories is insufficient. The prospects for solving the problem are associated with the actualization of the National Projects of Russia.

Hydropower Plants and Ichthyofauna in the Tocantins–Araguaia River Basin: Challenges for Planning and Approaches to Ichthyofauna Conservation

The management of water resources is a complex issue, and the conservation of fish and fishery resources is a growing challenge given the increase in the number of hydroelectric projects in Brazilian river basins. This study describes the fragmentation of the Tocantins–Araguaia River Basin resulting from the installation of hydroelectric plants in operation and planned by the electricity sector until 2050, as well as its relationship with the conservation of fish fauna, especially long-distance migratory species. The hydroelectric projects in operation and planned were analyzed using data obtained from the National Electric Energy Agency. A literature review was carried out to assess the fish species of the Tocantins–Araguaia ecoregion, with an emphasis on long-distance migrants. In general, 75 hydroelectric dams are in operation, and a further 119 projects are in the electricity sector’s plans for construction by 2050 in the Tocantins–Araguaia ecoregion, including a stretch of the basin above the Tucurui dam, which will accentuate the fragmentation in the area. Of the 702 species found in the region, 31.1% are endemic, 6.1% are endangered, and several long-distance migratory species have had their populations restricted. Analysis of this information highlights the widespread impact on the ichthyofauna, affecting both species with a restricted distribution and migratory species with a long-distance distribution. The studies associated with the projects contribute to the advancement of knowledge, but they are only carried out after the works have been defined, which makes it difficult to plan conservation in advance. Transformations in the basin are imminent given the current changes and those expected in the coming years because of the electricity sector’s planning for the region. Considering the inseparable relationship between biodiversity and socio-environmental and cultural diversity, fish conservation is intrinsically linked to the conservation of socio-diversity and the effective participation of local communities from the start of the process. Fish depend on water, and people need both water and aquatic diversity. In conclusion, a well-structured and adaptative conservation plan, combined with the integration of effective fish routes, can contribute to the sustainable development of hydroelectric projects while safeguarding the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Tocantins–Araguaia Basin.

Pendampingan Masyarakat Pesisir sebagai Trigger Wisata Lokal Potensial

In the context of local tourism development in Tapulaga Village, the achievement and potential in the tourism sector, as well as the importance of sustainability, are the main focus. The active participation of local communities is the key to success in developing sustainable tourism that preserves the environment and the welfare of children, while maintaining the cultural and natural values of the village. International cooperation is important in this effort, although it also brings challenges. The necessary follow-up includes the development of fishermen's activity-based tourism, training in tourism crafts and marketing, and environmental policy supervision by the village government. Active community participation in nature conservation and child nutrition monitoring is also emphasized. All these efforts must be sustainable and require cooperation between relevant parties, both from the village government and the community. The development of local tourism is a great opportunity for the village, focusing on ecological sustainability, economic empowerment, community welfare, and good natural resource management for a better future.

The Role of Ecopreneurship in Bali’s Sustainable Tourism Development: Insights into Government Policy, Tourist Awareness and Preferences

There are numerous environmental issues in Bali, a popular tourist destination in Indonesia, including the problems of waste, critical land, beach abrasion, coral reef destruction and water contamination, all attributed to the rapid expansion of the tourism industry. Ecotourism is one of the solutions to address these concerns, and the initiatives taken involve ecopreneurship, the process of starting and running green firms that support sustainable tourism growth in Bali. The goal of ecopreneurship in the tourism industry is to create and run enterprises that have as minimum negative environmental impacts as possible, while maximising positive social and economic consequences. This is done through improvements on both public policies and tourist preferences, to promote a sustainable tourism development. A mixed method was used, combining SEM PLS, Path Methods, and qualitative research, with comprehensive interviews conducted among ecopreneurs, government agencies, tourists, and academics in Bali. Ecopreneurship variables, comprising environmentally friendly products and services, green technology innovation, environmental and natural resource management, local community involvement, environmental education and awareness, waste and emission management, collaboration and partnerships, measurement of environmental performance and sustainability, moderated by the government policy and tourist awareness and preference, were found to have a  significant influence on sustainable tourism variables, namely, natural environment preservation, social welfare and culture, local economic empowerment, resource management and environmental impact reduction, local community participation and public consultation.
  

The Role of Padepokan Ciliwung Condet in The Development of Betawi Cultural Tourism Ciliwung Condet

This research aims to examine the role of Padepokan Ciliwung Condet in developing Betawi cultural tourism in the Ciliwung Condet area. Betawi cultural tourism has great potential as a tourism attraction that can make a positive contribution to the local economy and preserve regional culture. Padepokan Ciliwung Condet, as a center for Betawi arts and cultural activities, is the main subject of this research. The research method used is qualitative with a case study approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation and documentation studies. The research results show that Padepokan Ciliwung Condet has a significant role in developing Betawi cultural tourism. The Padepokan functions as a place for training in traditional Betawi arts, art exhibitions and a cultural information center. In the context of tourism development, Padepokan Ciliwung Condet plays a role in creating an authentic and memorable tourism experience for visitors. Its existence also contributes to the preservation of Betawi arts and culture, as well as promoting local community participation in the tourism industry. This research provides recommendations for increasing the role of Padepokan Ciliwung Condet in the development of Betawi cultural tourism, including more effective marketing strategies, improving infrastructure, and closer cooperation between related parties. Thus, it is hoped that the development of Betawi cultural tourism in Ciliwung Condet can have a sustainable positive impact on the local community and preserve the regional cultural heritage.

Alleviation of Poverty Through Panchayat Raj Institutions: A Critical Study of Challenges and Prospects in Karnataka, India

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to: Analyse the role of Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) in alleviating poverty in Karnataka, India. Identify the challenges faced by PRIs in implementing poverty alleviation programs. Explore potential solutions to overcome these challenges and improve program effectiveness. Provide recommendations for strengthening the role of PRIs in poverty alleviation efforts.
  
 Theoretical reference: This paper draws on several theoretical frameworks, including: heories of poverty alleviation, focusing on the role of local governance and community participation. Theories of decentralization and the devolution of power to local governments. Theories of social justice and equity, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of poverty. Theories of sustainable development, highlighting the importance of integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations.
  
 Method: This research is primarily a doctrinal study, relying on a variety of primary and secondary sources: Primary Sources: Statutory enactments: Constitution of India, 1950, Central Government Schemes implemented by PRIs, The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993. Policy documents: National Rural Development Policy, Karnataka State Rural Development Policy, Poverty alleviation scheme guidelines.
  
 Secondary Sources: Statistical analysis: Government reports and data sets, Research reports and surveys, Research publications: Peer-reviewed articles and books on poverty alleviation, local governance, and development. Case studies: Examples of successful poverty alleviation programs implemented by PRIs.
  
 Results: This research identified several key challenges faced by PRIs in implementing poverty alleviation programs in Karnataka: Corruption: Misuse of funds and resources hinders the effectiveness of programs and prevents benefits from reaching the intended beneficiaries. Caste: Deep-rooted social inequalities limit access to resources and opportunities for marginalized communities. Lack of awareness: Many people remain unaware of available schemes and benefits, leading to underutilization of resources. Limited capacity: PRIs often lack the necessary skills and resources to effectively plan, implement, and monitor programs. Lack of coordination: Poor coordination between different levels of government and stakeholders can lead to delays, duplication of efforts, and inefficient resource allocation. Despite these challenges, the research also identified several promising practices and potential solutions: Transparency and accountability: Initiatives like social audits and public hearings can improve transparency and hold PRI officials accountable for program outcomes. Community participation: Engaging communities in program design and decision-making can ensure programs are relevant and address local needs. Capacity building: Training programs can equip PRI officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage programs effectively. Technology and innovation: Utilizing technology can enhance program efficiency, data management, and communication with beneficiaries. Partnerships: Collaborations with NGOs, civil society organizations, and private sector can contribute resources, expertise, and innovation.
  
 Conclusion: PRIs play a crucial role in alleviating poverty in India. While they face numerous challenges, there are also promising solutions and opportunities for improvement. By investing in capacity building, promoting transparency, fostering community participation, and embracing technology and innovation, PRIs can be empowered to become more effective agents of poverty alleviation in Karnataka and beyond.
 Implications of research: This research has several key implications for policy and practice: The need for strengthened capacity building for PRI officials to improve program planning, implementation, and monitoring. The importance of enhancing transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of resources for poverty alleviation programs. The necessity for increased community participation in program design and decision-making to ensure programs are responsive to local needs and priorities. The need for better coordination between central, state, and local governments to ensure effective implementation of poverty alleviation programs.
  
 Originality/value: This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on poverty alleviation by: Providing a detailed analysis of the role of PRIs in Karnataka, India, a context that is often overlooked in research. Identifying unique challenges faced by PRIs in implementing poverty alleviation programs. Offering practical recommendations for strengthening the role of PRIs and improving program effectiveness. Contributing to the understanding of how local governance can be leveraged to achieve sustainable poverty alleviation.

An Assessment on the Roles and Accountability of Adjacent Local Communities in Decentralized Forest Management System in Mufindi District, Iringa, Tanzania

Purpose: This study was undertaken in Ihang’ana Forest Reserve to provide an understanding of the roles and accountability of forest stakeholders in decentralized forest management for sustainability. The study was proposed specifically to assess decentralization of forest management approach by identifying the main stakeholders and examine their roles and methods used on management of the Ihang’ana Forest Reserve.
 Methodology: Multiple research methods were used for data collection which included literature reviews, structured questionnaires survey; institutional and key informant interviews, transect walks and observation and focus group discussions. The study adopted a mixed methods approach with simple and purposive sampling procedures. Quantitative data were analysed through SPSS with support of content analysis for qualitative data. Three villages adjacent to Ihang’ana forest were studied as target population Igeleke, Kibengu and Mwatasi with a total of 102 sampled respondents.
 Findings: The key findings of the study revealed that the major stakeholders in the management of Ihang’ana forest reserves were the local communities adjacent the forest reserves, the government and non-governmental organizations. The roles played by these stakeholders were guarding and patrolling done by local communities, education provision on forest management and facilities provision of seminars and workshops. The methods used to conserve and manage forest resources in Ihang’ana forest were afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry, destocking, implementation of enacted by-laws and the use of alternative energy. Several factors that led to effective management of the Ihang’ana Forest were implementation of forest by-laws, community inclusiveness, and strictness of the forest committee and application of deterrent penalties. The study concludes that local community participation in decentralized forest management bottom up approach is of paramount. The inclusiveness of the local community had led to effective management of the forest.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that, decentralized bottom-up approach forest management should be maintained for the forest sustainability. Also the central government should continue supporting the local communities in conservation activities of the forest, maintaining the existing fire breaks and timing for clearing the fire breaks is crucial.

Citizens’ participation in local energy communities: the role of technology as a stimulus

ABSTRACT Because of their focus on the acquisition of new technologies, local energy communities are increasingly being recognised as major players in the current energy transition and revealing the valuable role of technological solutions in sustainable development. Nevertheless, the success of these communities is not limited to the acquisition of technologies. Instead, it is strongly dependent on citizen participation. Prior literature has focused much more on the institutional and policy factors than on the roles of citizens and their participation in such communities, and indirectly on sustainability. To address the lack, this study aims to explain the determinants of citizen participation in local energy communities by developing a research model grounded on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework, and then through a mixed-methods design, study the impact of technological factors as a stimulus on more social outcomes, namely the organism and response behaviours. Our results highlight the strong impact of sustainable technologies and gamification in citizens’ attitudes. Moreover, the research model reveals a strong influence of empowerment and pro-environmental behaviour in the citizen intention to participate in local energy communities.

Awareness building and improving participation of local communities in palliative care

Awareness building and improving participation of local communities in palliative care