Environmental Protection Practices Research Articles

Wetland conservation and legal layering: Managing Cambodia's great lake

A challenge in the implementation of wetlands conservation targets lies in translating principles into practice in an array of different biophysical, social and regulatory settings. The interpretation of global protection objectives can become garbled if the institutional arrangements, particularly the regulatory ones, are ill suited to the task. When decision‐making processes are complex and multi‐layered, the regulatory regime can become ineffectual because it fails to take adequate account of the intricate connections between people, place and law. This dissonance compromises the effectiveness of law as a means of regulating human–environment interactions and may threaten the viability of critical wetlands. This paper draws attention to the need for more in‐depth analysis of the effects of legal layering [following Roth, Boelens, & Zwarteveen, (The Journal of Legal Pluralism and Unofficial Law, 47, pp. 456–475) and the von Benda‐Beckmann tradition] in conservation and environmental protection practice. Based on field data from the Ramsar listed wetlands of the Tonle Sap lake in central Cambodia, closer analysis of legal layering reveals regulations that appear to perpetuate existing power structures and decision‐making dynamics through a process of bricolage (Rusca, Schwartz, Hadzovic, & Ahlers, , European Journal of Development Research, 27, pp. 777–792). In this context a legal geographical perspective proves a powerful lens to expose the dynamics of environmental use/protection decision‐making.

Development trends of environmental protection technologies for Chinese steel industry

Chinese steel industry has made significant progress on reducing fresh water consumption and CO2/SO2/COD (chemical oxygen demand)/dust emissions, and improving comprehensive utilization of solid waste. Some steel companies have become topped worldwide. However, due to the large output quantity of crude steel, the whole steel industry is still a huge source of pollutants. At present, environmental protection standards are encountering challenges of lack of technical support, taxation policy and other issues. Steel industry is currently facing enormous environmental pressure. The development trends of environmental protection technologies were studied by summarizing different development stages. To realize the development targets, the industry needs to carry out its research with independent intellectual property rights, develop comprehensive management systems and establish ecological chain with other industries. This can not only raise the level of environmental protection in a broader range, but also improve the energy efficiency of iron and steel plants and increase added value of waste utilization. Finally, 23 environmental protection technologies were proposed and 4 new environmental protection practices were studied.

Mobile Social Networks: Emerging Power for Environmental Protection Practices.

Mobile Social Networks: Emerging Power for Environmental Protection Practices.

AN ANALYSIS ON THE APPLICATION OF EIA PROCESS IN MALAYSIA

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been introduced in Malaysia as an interactive planning tool since 1976 through the Environment Quality Act (EQA) 1975. The implementation of the EIA process in Malaysia has played a significant role in cultivating environmental protection and sustainable development practice in Malaysia. This paper focuses on the EIA process that is being implemented in Malaysia in ensuring effective application of EIA. The purpose of this paper is to present the research findings that have contributed in the analysis of the existing EIA process that is currently implemented in Malaysia. An application of qualitative research was incorporated which utilises in-depth semi-structured interviews in the data collection process. The research findings on the EIA guidelines, policies and the current EIA process are presented to provide a thorough understanding of this study.

Public Opinions of Farmer-Oriented Environmentally Friendly Extension Programs: A Case of Best Management Practices

Public concern about environmental protection has been developing for decades. However, a knowledge gap exists between farmers and consumers regarding the implementation of environmental protection practices through the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs). Extension can bridge this knowledge gap by developing effective educational programs about BMP use. This study sought to identify consumers’ perceptions of BMPs and preferred communication channels to facilitate the development of farmer-oriented Extension programs which assist with direct communication between farmers and consumers. Residents in seven Florida counties (N = 700) were surveyed for this descriptive study. Respondents were asked about their perceptions, beliefs, trust, and attitudes related to BMPs, as well as preferred communication channels for farming practices. The findings indicated the respondents either agreed or were undecided if farmers practice BMPs properly, and the majority perceived farmers’ engagement in BMPs as important. Over 60% of the respondents believed farmers practicing BMPs care about the environment and would trust and purchase products from BMPpracticing farmers. The respondents indicated their preferred information sources were mass media and communicating directly with farmers at farmers’ markets and local festivals. Therefore, Extension educators should develop educational programs for farmers emphasizing the need to communicate with consumers using consumers.

Main issues in research and practice of environmental protection for water conservancy and hydropower projects in China

In this paper, we generally summarize the main issues in the operational period of water conservancy and hydropower projects in China over the past several decades. First, the adverse impacts of these projects since the technical guidelines were proposed in 2006 are analyzed. Then, combined with projects and experience from 2006 to 2014, the four main issues are summarized: (1) There exist many questions in the design and construction of fishways, which are useful for fish migration, and the migration effects are not as expected. (2) Temperature stratification affecting the downstream fish is the major impact of temperature, and alters fish spawning in the reproduction season. (3) Ecological base flow has been one of the primary questions of the last 30 years in China, the greatest related difficulty being quantification of the amount and flow process necessary to satisfy fish life history. (4) Fish habitat protection and restoration are popular topics in recent years with the development of river ecosystem restoration. Fish habitat loss due to the impacts of dam construction and habitat fragmentation has become more and more serious. These four issues are now the main difficulties in water project management, and interact with one another to bear combined effects on river ecosystems. The issues of eco-hydraulic consideration in the design period are the key factors. Finally, future priorities for research and practice of environmental protection for water conservancy and hydropower projects in China are proposed. The main purpose of this paper is to enhance the scientific research, monitoring, and assessment of operating effectiveness.

Investigating public awareness and perception towards environmental protection and waste management practices - evidences from emerging economies

The paper investigated the public awareness and perception towards environmental protection, waste management and recycling aspects. 171 respondents were interviewed in Sultanate of Oman with reference to their awareness and perception towards environmental aspects. The results revealed that the respondents positively aware and perceive the environmental aspects selected for the study. Further analysis revealed that: 1) respondents have high awareness of environmental protection aspects; 2) high perception towards recycling aspects.

Abstract CN02-02: Research on establishing policies for comprehensive UV protection

Abstract Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. In July 2014, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a Call to Action to prevent skin cancer by reducing exposure to solar and non-solar ultraviolet radiation (UV), a primary risk factor. Policies in educational, occupational, and public spheres are an important component in these prevention efforts. Comprehensive policies are comprised of environmental controls, administrative procedures, and personal protection practices. Policy approaches can overcome low perceived risk, equalize differences among subgroups, maximize health education, and clarify personal and organizational responsibilities. Policy initiatives require effective strategies to achieve changes in organizations. This presentation reviews research by the author and other scientists evaluating strategies for promoting policy change. This works was guided by the diffusion of innovations theory, which holds that policy promotion is achieved through two phases initiation in which organization leaders identify a problem and decide that policy addresses it and implementation where actions dictated by the policy are initiated, organizations adjust their practices or the policy to improve fit, and policy actions become institutionalized. Children are a key target for sun protection interventions and schools have been a common venue for these efforts. A policy promotion program containing in-person meetings with district administrators, printed and online policy materials, and follow-up communication was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial enrolling 112 public school districts in Colorado (n=56) and California (n=56). At follow-up, school districts assigned to the intervention had more (M=2.41) and stronger (M=3.21) school board approved sun protection policies than control districts (content M=1.35, p=0.020; strength M=1.68, p=0.013). Policies on sunscreen (p=0.026), outdoor shade (p=0.026), and parent outreach (p=0.096) were improved. Individuals who work outdoors are chronically exposed to UV and have high prevalence of skin cancer. Workplace sun protection policies are being promoted to city, county, and special district employers (n=98) in a randomized controlled trial in Colorado. The campaign includes training for employees and a sun safety consultant who works with senior managers on policy creation. Assessment of written workplace policies showed that while 86% of employers already had a policy on a sun safety component (e.g., headwear and eyewear) at baseline, most pertained only to personal protection and only 21% were explicitly intended for sun protection. Proximity to the urban Colorado Front Range was the sole predictor of having a sun safety policy (p<0.01). In the public arena, efforts are underway to convince state legislators to restrict access to indoor tanning (IT) facilities by minors. Up to 15% of teens indoor tanned in the past year (23% of girls; 6% of boys). Nearly all states (n=44) have some IT policies. Currently, 23 states have age restrictions but only 11 ban all minors under 18. Also, 28 states have exceptions for parental permission. Age restrictions are more effective at reducing IT by minors than parental permission. Many parents are unaware of the risks and maternal permissiveness is a strong predictor of IT initiation by girls. There are several important lessons from this research. Policy change is feasible with a theory-based, systematic intervention but it takes time to succeed. Most organizations prefer policies on personal protection; strategies are needed to change environments and administrative procedures. Many decision makers need to be educated on skin cancer prevention, and policy initiatives can face strong competing pressures. Making policy adoption easy and supporting policy implementation are necessary to achieve their potential benefits. Citation Format: David Buller. Research on establishing policies for comprehensive UV protection. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2014 Sep 27-Oct 1; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Can Prev Res 2015;8(10 Suppl): Abstract nr CN02-02.

Stakeholder demands and corporate environmental coping strategies in China

This paper examines how stakeholder demand and compliance capacity jointly shape corporate environmental coping strategies and subsequently environmental protection practices. A four-dimensional classification of coping strategies—formalism, accommodation, referencing, and self-determination—is conceptualized. Drawing on survey and interview data collected from manufacturing enterprises in China between 2010 and 2012, the paper shows that compared with formalism and accommodation, coping strategies of referencing and self-determination are associated with stronger environmental protection practices. Enterprises adjust their coping strategies by taking into account the constraints defined by both their internal and external environments. The results also demonstrate the potential synergetic effects of state and non-state stakeholders working together in promoting better corporate environmental coping strategies and environmental practices in China.

Роль стандартов в обеспечении государственного регулирования водохозяйственной деятельности

Upgrading of the national standardization system creates favorable conditions for support and normal promotion of integrated environmental standards as a toolbox for control of the process of minimization of adverse impacts with their concurrent accounting and possible redistribution among the environment elements, i.e. air, water bodies, and soils. In the Russian practice of environmental protection there is no any objective toolbox for comprehensive assessment of the current activities’ negative impact. In outlook adoption of the negative impact minimization mechanism is most probable through the many-year benchmarking with European expertise based on the revealing of cause-eff ect relations in terms of «relative improvement of technique against the attained quality of environment (objectives)». Water bodies are subjected both to direct and indirect negative impact. There is no one method for assessment of water bodies’ environmental safety as a basis for adoption of adequate solutions in water sector. The developed standards on the basis of water/economic activities without considerable emissions to air and to soils propose a toolbox to secure uniform quantitative assessment both the techniques negative impact through assessment of their waste water quality and assessment of water quality of the receiving water body. The developed toolbox provides detection of the «negative impact – water body water quality» causeeffect relations. Integrated criteria proposed in the standards provide ranking and classifying of negative impact objects, detection and identification of the national water/economic best available techniques, implementation of the combined approach in the process of adoption of integrated environmental permissions.

Analyze on the Legal Subjects of Environmental Protection with Public Trust Doctrine

The public trust doctrine is just like a precious stone, which originates from the English law and even the Roman law earlier. And it realizes the limitation on the administrative behavior and the ecological protection in the American environmental protection practice. It is used in more and more occasions, and turns to the jewel shining on the crown of environmental law. The doctrine clarifies that the administrative power is authorized by the public. The settlor is the public, and the government is entrusted. The public as the settlor and beneficiary possess the right to earnings of trust property. As the trustee, the government has the right of managing and disposing the property which bases on protecting the public benefit. Nowadays, the doctrine has turned into an important legal principle aiming at environmental protection. It includes not only the primary obligation to protect environment of the government, but the privilege of the citizen to ask the government for fulfilling its duty. The core of the theory lies in restricting the administrative power and maximizing the public benefit. Most damage caused by the environmental pollution can be avoided by the subjects taking their responsibility actively.

Two Conceptions of Irreversible Environmental Harm

The concept of plays a large role in the theory and practice of environmental protection. Indeed, the concept is explicit in some statements of the Precautionary Principle. But the idea of irreversibility remains poorly defined. Because time is linear, any loss is, in a sense, irreversible. On one approach, drawn from environmental economics, irreversibility might be understood as a reference to the value associated with taking precautionary steps that maintain flexibility for an uncertain future (option value). On another approach, drawn from environmental ethics, irreversibility might be understood to refer to the qualitatively distinctive nature of certain environmental harms - a point that raises a claim about incommensurability. The two conceptions fit different problems. For example, the idea of option value best fits the problem of climate change; the idea of qualitatively distinctive harms best fits the problem of extinction of endangered species. These ideas can be applied to a wide assortment of environmental problems.

Международная научная конференция «Мониторинг и оценка состояния растительного мира» (Минск–Браслав, Беларусь, 2013)

30 September – 4 October 2013 was held the IV international scientific conference "Monitoring and assessment of the status of plant world", organized by the Institute of experimental botany. V. F. Kuprevich of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus for the purpose of consolidation of efforts, expertise and knowledge of scientists and practitioners from different countries to ensure resource-saving multi-use of natural ecosystems, conservation of biodiversity, strengthening of environmental and social functions of vegetation in terms of total anthropogenic impact and climate change. An important focus of the conference was the generalization of experience of organization of monitoring, discuss the prospects, opportunities and challenges for its development and effective application in practice of nature management and environmental protection.

The application of information technology and environmental protection

The Aarhus Convention became a part of the Serbian legal system through the adoption of the Law on Ratification of the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters in May 2009. Although the legislation in Serbia, prior to the ratification of the Aarhus Convention, pointed, to some extent, to the realization of ideas promoted by it, following the ratification, there was the formal possibility of the consistent application of rights stipulated by the Convention. This article analyses the role of information technology (IT) in providing public access to environmental information. There are three basic ways IT may be applied in environmental protection. First, through the use of IT for environmental matters, the public can be informed about the general condition of the environment. In the legal system of Serbia, the Agency for Environmental Protection is obliged to collect environmental information from local government and compile annual reports on the environment that should be presented on the Agency website. This article analyses the information systems of the Serbian Agency for Environmental Protection and the further possibilities of using these. Second, IT can be used as a way of regular communication between government and citizens. In accordance with the principle of transparency, government bodies are obliged to provide an adequate way for the public to have an insight into their work. In addition, the authorized person is responsible for the accuracy of this information and for providing public access within a reasonable timeframe. In this sense, the article analyses the legal framework of e-access to environmental information and the relevant practice of the Commissioner for Information of Public Importance and Personal Data Protection. Third, the application of IT in environmental matters can promote public participation in environmental decision-making. If there were a legal framework, the public would be able to participate in procedures, such as environmental impact assessments, by submitting their opinions as e-documents. This article points out the relations between the application of IT and the level of public awareness about the environment, and the impact these relations have on environmental protection. Points for practitioners The article examines whether there is a possibility of using IT as a means of achieving daily communication between government and citizens in matters of the protection, preservation and improvement of the environment in Serbia, how the application of information technology achieves wider public participation in environmental decision-making, and whether the application of IT can eliminate deficiencies in the assessment of environmental impacts which occur in practice. The article provides an overview of environmental legislation in Serbia, which regulates the possibility of using IT in environmental protection and administrative practice.

The Carbon Emission Reduction Strategies: An Example of Mobile Phone Logistics

For logistics service providers, how to meet the customers’ logistics service and maintain the profit simultaneously, and also coordinate the environmental protection practices to voluntary reduced the carbon dioxide emission will be very important environmental management issue. The motivation of this paper is to use the optimal routes planning and estimation model of carbon emission reduction to help the distributor in planning the CO2 emission reduction strategies in mobile phone logistics. First, get the empirical transport data after use of intelligent distribution planning system (IDPS) for optimal routes planning. Second, when considering the priority, speed limits, transportation costs, loading limit, and load capacity with three carbon reduction strategies: practical performance with minimized vehicles, fixed routes with the best services, and the shortest path with minimized vehicles. Then, use of IDPS for optimal routes planning and estimation model of carbon emissions calculate carbon footprint when considering vehicle type, travelling distance, fuel consumption coefficient, and loading rate. Finally, use of the grey relational analysis to evaluate and select the best reduction strategy of carbon emission in integrating qualitative and quantitative factors with profit, distances, logistics requirements and carbon emission. The strategy map of carbon reduction and action plans are demonstrated in considering the operation costs and customer service with long-term business model in meeting environmental policies.

Oh Blessed Holy Caffeine Tree: Coffee in Popular Music

Oh Blessed Holy Caffeine Tree: Coffee in Popular Music

Mapping Spaces of Environmental Dispute: GIS, Mining, and Surveillance in the Amazon

Recent scholarship has urged increased attention to how advances in geographical information systems (GIS) technology can more equitably help to bridge gaps between the theory and practice of environmental protection and dispute resolution. This study brings new evidence to burgeoning debates in the Amazon, examining how a United Nations (UN) development initiative developed mapping systems in a shifting political climate for environmental governance while conducting campaigns with peasant miners to address environmental management. Amendments made in 2002 to the Brazilian Forest Code established natural preserves according to the geographic features of watersheds. The laws deter commercial land use on preserves, imposing strict penalties where artisanal mining is widely prevalent as a livelihood. The UN program utilized GIS and Shuttle Radar imagery to map the contested areas according to legal definitions and engaged stakeholders to discuss political implications. In 2006, new reforms made such mapping tools even more controversial—and urgent—with amendments that created opportunities for bringing “informal” mining into the legal sphere, theoretically allowing “spaces of exception” where mining can be legitimated. Our multimethod study underscores the need for appreciating diverse understandings of ecologically sensitive zones and empowering rural communities to take ownership over geospatial technologies in addressing environmental challenges. Although maps produced using the proposed methods could be useful, dominant advocacies that champion GIS as an enforcement tool often undermine local trust, inflame tensions, and render alternative “grassroots GIS” strategies impracticable. We examine the contexts, powers, limitations, and risks of the UN's technical intervention, exploring how competing views of environmental controversy lead to divergent perspectives on the politics of GIS “knowledge translation” and mapping itself.

Grupos de interés, gestión ambiental y resultado empresarial: una propuesta integradora

This work addresses a wide debate about Environmental Dirección de empresas in recent years: the connection of Environmental Protection and Performance. More specifically, it aims to contribute to this question from the stakeholders’ focus. Adopting an moderating effects approach, we have found significant evidence about the positive moderated effect of stakeholders’ integration on environmenta protection-performance connection. The paper concludes with an analysis managers’ perception about this relation and suggests that it is necessary to disseminate these results in order to influence on managers’ perception and therefore on their willingness to develop environmental protection practices.

Environmental sun protection and supportive policies and practices: an audit of outdoor recreational settings in NSW coastal towns

The results of a sun protection audit of outdoor recreational environments in three NSW coastal towns. Thirty public swimming pools, beaches, sports grounds and skate parks were visited at two time points before and after summer (October 2009 and April 2010) and audited for the availability of sun protection, supportive polices and signage. There was insufficient shade in more than half (58%) of the observed sites at sports grounds, 49% of areas at beaches and 40% of areas at skate parks with most of these sites relying on natural shade (47-58%). Although pools were more likely to have shade available over most of the observed areas (36%) and permanent shade structures (75%), no shade was observed over any main outdoor pools. Similarly, there was only shade available over one of the main sporting grounds, one main beach and none of the main skate ramps. For other types of sun protection, sunscreen was the most popular product available either for free (nine sites) or for sale (eight sites). All pools had at least one supportive sun protection policy but only two of the total 30 sites had any related signage. This study demonstrates recent findings in relation to the accessibility of sun protection in these settings and the need for health promoting organisations to support and engage councils to invest in more sun protection strategies. The areas of focus should be shade provision particularly at beaches, skate parks and sports grounds; extending the availability of other types of sun protection; and introducing related policies and signage in more sites.

Water quality of domestic wells in typical African communities: Case studies from Nigeria

Several African communities obtain their domestic water supplies from dug wells and this study takes Ibogun, Pakoto and Ifo communities in Ogun State, Nigeria as being typical. The objective is to assess the quality of the water supply from these dug wells, ascertain the contamination problems that may confront the consumers, and provide appropriate remedies. Twenty dug wells were randomly selected in each community. Water samples from the selected dug wells were collected during July - August 2009. The samples were checked for odour, colour and taste; and through standard methods, they were analyzed for pH, total solids, total hardness, chlorides, sulphate, nitrates, magnesium, calcium, manganese, sodium, copper, zinc, iron and lead; total viable count, total coliform count, faecal coliform count and faecal streptococci count. Most of the pH values of the samples were outside the recommended range of 6.5 – 8.5 for drinking water. Predominantly, the ionic dominance pattern observed were Na > Ca > Mg and HCO3 > Cl > SO4, indicating typical cationic characteristics and anionic characteristics of groundwater. For total solids and total hardness, guideline values were largely met. Levels of iron did not exceed the WHO guideline value of 0.2 mg/l for Fe in drinking water. Mean levels of Mn measured were far in excess of the average of 0.01 mg/l for fresh water, while in relation to the WHO guideline value of 0.4 mg/l for Mn in drinking water, the levels measured were low. Generally, the levels of nitrates, sulphate, chlorides, magnesium, manganese and iron were moderately high, but the WHO guidelines were not exceeded. The WHO guidelines for microbiological quality of water were met in several cases. Matching of non-technical and techno-social remedial measures is recommended. These include sensitization of the populace on merits of qualitative domestic hygiene and environmental protection practices such as cleaner compounds and strict enforcement of environmental protection laws. Key words: Dug wells, water, physico-chemical analyses, microbial analyses.