Ecological Principles Research Articles

Freedom that is not Absolute: Ecological Ethics and Human-Nature Relationship in the Qur'an

This article presents an analysis of ecological ethics in the holy scripture of Islam through the intellectual interpretations of Muslim scholars. The primary focus is on discussing the limitations of human rights in utilizing ecology and the obligation to preserve it according to the perspective of the Qur'an. This discussion is particularly relevant for Indonesia, a country with a majority Muslim population, which is experiencing increasing ecological degradation. The article urges Muslims in Indonesia to refer back to the ecological principles within Islam, avoiding capitalist ideologies that contradict Islamic teachings. The research methodology used is literature analysis, drawing from the texts of the Qur'an and its exegesis, analyzed through thematic and descriptive-analytical interpretative approaches. Two main themes discussed are the limitations of human creativity towards ecology and the relationship between humans and nature. Research findings indicate that the Qur'an explicitly prohibits human behavior that can harm environmental sustainability. Although nature was created to meet human needs, humans are still forbidden to treat the environment carelessly. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of maintaining ecological balance, forbids isrāf (wastefulness), and warns of punishment in the afterlife for those who damage the environment.

Role of prey refuge and fear level in fractional prey–predator model with anti-predator

Ecological modeling is an effective tool for studying the interactions between predator and prey species by considering various functional responses and ecological effects. Employing computational or mathematical models allows us to determine the impact of specific human interventions or animal behaviors on the evolution of these species. The fear experienced by prey due to the presence of predators plays a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of their interactions. The manuscript focuses on developing and examining a novel prey–predator model that considers predation fear, prey refuge, and anti-predator effects. Caputo fractional derivative is utilized in the construction and analysis of the model, which integrates ecological principles like memory effects to improve our comprehension of species relationship. The study investigates aspects such as stability, well-posedness, and solution uniqueness for the proposed model. We carried out extensive numerical simulation to support theoretical results. Graphical results are provided for the model encompassing a broad spectrum of fractional order values. The effect of the fear level, growth rate of prey, saturation rate and prey refuse on the behavior of the solution are discussed.

Variations and Commonalities of Farming Systems Based on Ecological Principles

In the last few decades, various types of farming systems based on ecological principles have been proposed and developed. There is often interest in knowing about the differences between these systems, but such information must be obtained from several sources describing each of these systems. Therefore, this paper is an effort to consolidate the information on these systems in a concise manner without making comparative ratings between them. We found three components contained in the overarching theme of these systems: the reduction in external inputs, environmental protection, and sustainability. However, several variations exist between them, each with its own focus and guiding principles. Also, these farming systems contain their own specific terms to identify themselves and contain their own set of philosophies based on their founder. In this review, we provided a short description of some of the major ecologically based farming systems such as “agroecology”, “regenerative agriculture”, “holistic management”, “carbon farming”, “organic farming”, “permaculture”, “biodynamic farming”, “conservation agriculture”, and “regenerative organic farming”. We summarized these farming systems as “variants of farming systems based on ecological principles” and outlined the similarities and differences between them. We also discussed how the themes of these systems relate to the United Nations’ thirteen principles of agroecology. Although these systems share several similarities, their philosophy is rooted in their founders and the communities that choose to adopt these philosophies. Last, we discussed some of the challenges in implementing these ecological agriculture systems.

Long-term environmental awareness and attitudes among Israeli Junior High school students in Hiriya Ecological Center

At present, many countries have multiple problems related to environmental awareness and environmental care. In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly established through the 2030 Agenda a total of 17 Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a more sustainable future for all societies. This article is a case-study about relationship between environmental ethics and environmental responsibility (or behavior) among young students in Israel. The basic question of this case study was whether and to what extent environmental values influence environmental responsibility development? The main objective of this study to give the students an opportunity to participate in outdoor experiences, learn about ecological principles, and develop an understanding of their relationship to and role within nature through this study. The problem is that it was unknown whether or not students were learning (or sufficiently learning) on the field trips currently undertaken. Specifically, the changes in environmental awareness among the ninth-grade participants (N= 40) in the Hiriya Visitors Center, the landmark of garbage in Israel, taking an excursion to said center, have been examined. The main result was a greater knowledge of students about environmental concepts and awareness of the local environment with significant improvements. It was also found one year after the excursion that the students recalled what they had seen and heard and had developed a perceived pro-environmental attitude towards the environment and became agents of change towards the environment compared to a control group (N = 30 students) who had not disclosed any environmental responsibility in additive environmental activities.

Applying landscape ecological principles in comprehensive landscape protection: Šumava National Park as a case study

In the face of ongoing anthropogenic pressure and biodiversity loss, there is a need to protect nature more effectively. Therefore, we propose a comprehensive and consecutive approach utilising landscape ecological principles and methods for effective landscape protection and spatial nature conservation. Methods applicable in various conditions are exemplified through case studies from the Šumava National Park, the largest NP in Czechia. Using a set of spatial environmental, landscape ecological and geographical data we can: Characterise the area of interest from the physical-geographical, socioeconomic, and management point of view to create the concept´s framework and review important background information for analysis of the area. Therefore, the key factors for landscape protection and biodiversity conservation are defined. Analyse trends and processes of landscape dynamics in terms of land cover, landscape structure and habitat fragmentation and connectivity, which helps us to set main objectives of landscape protection and nature conservation. Use data about environment conditions and key species and habitat occurrence to model habitat suitability, identify their suitable areas, and thus improve their protection. As a result, areas of high conservation value are distinguished. Synthetize outputs of the above-mentioned steps and prioritise the target goals of landscape protection and biodiversity conservation in the area of interest. This leads to the effective zonation, which is a necessary condition for the application of appropriate management measures.

ECOLOGIZATION OF GEOGRAPHY AND SOME THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF GEOECOLOGY

The ecologization of science is aimed at ensuring the active participation of various sciences in solving existing ecological problems. The ecologization of geography, i.e., the introduction of ecological principles and methods into geographical research, involves using an ecological approach, formed as a result of the integration of ecology and geography. In other words, the ecologization of geography is nothing more than the appluying an ecological approach to it. On this basis, a new scientific direction was formed - geoecology. This article shows the processes of ecologization geographical science and some theoretical aspects of geoecology.

노년층 대상의 생태교육 프로그램이 정신적 행복 및자아존중감과 자연과의 유대감에 미치는 효과

Connectedness to nature, based on the biophilia hypothesis, is a psychologicalfactor that signifies the extent of one’s connection with nature. It is known to have a positivecorrelation with an individual’s mental happiness and self-esteem. The aim of this study is todevelop an ecological education program for the elderly to enhance their connectedness tonature and to verify the effects of the developed program on their mental happiness andself-esteem. We developed a four-week ecological education program that allows for indirectexperiences of ecological phenomena, recognizes the ecological principles of interdependence,energy flow and material cycle, dynamics, and biodiversity, and provides insight into therelationship between nature and humans. The application of the developed ecologicaleducation program to the elderly showed a positive effect in enhancing their connectedness tonature. Although the positive effect on mental happiness and self-esteem was not significant,the positive effect observed in emotional well-being suggests that the ecological educationprogram can contribute to the improvement of the subjective well-being of the elderly. Manyof the elderly who participated in the program evaluated the ecological education programpositively and acknowledged its positive impact on their attitude towards nature and life. These results support the effectiveness of programs indirectly connected to nature andunderscore the need for various ecological education programs to be developed and utilizedfor the well-being of elderly people who have difficulty in participating in nature-basedoutdoor activities.

The value of organic agriculture beyond contemporary food sufficiency in the developing world

Understanding the value of organic agriculture beyond contemporary food sufficiency is crucial in addressing sustainable agriculture and the welfare of the community. Yet, economic analysis of agricultural output usually focuses on crop yield rather than other intangible values related to environmental health, which mainly encompass human health and the environment. The non-marketable value of the ecosystem services in organic agriculture is always higher than in conventional agriculture. When the non-market value is considered during yield assessment, the difference in crop yield between organic and conventional agriculture may be insignificant or even higher for organic. This paper aims to give a gritty overview of the intangible values of organic agriculture in comparison with conventional agriculture to account for other environmental and health benefits associated with organic farming. This is crucial because productive agroecosystems for sustainable development should be able to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the future generation to meet their needs. It has been revealed that the application of ecological principles under organic agriculture brings several environmental and socio-economic benefits. Therefore, there is a need to explore some insights into the values of organic agriculture beyond the contemporary food sufficiency which are usually given less attention during economic analysis, for increased understanding and adoption of this kind of farming to harness the associated potentials.

CViewer: a Java-based statistical framework for integration of shotgun metagenomics with other omics datasets

BackgroundShotgun metagenomics for microbial community survey recovers enormous amount of information for microbial genomes that include their abundances, taxonomic, and phylogenetic information, as well as their genomic makeup, the latter of which then helps retrieve their function based on annotated gene products, mRNA, protein, and metabolites. Within the context of a specific hypothesis, additional modalities are often included, to give host-microbiome interaction. For example, in human-associated microbiome projects, it has become increasingly common to include host immunology through flow cytometry. Whilst there are plenty of software approaches available, some that utilize marker-based and assembly-based approaches, for downstream statistical analyses, there is still a dearth of statistical tools that help consolidate all such information in a single platform. By virtue of stringent computational requirements, the statistical workflow is often passive with limited visual exploration.ResultsIn this study, we have developed a Java-based statistical framework (https://github.com/KociOrges/cviewer) to explore shotgun metagenomics data, which integrates seamlessly with conventional pipelines and offers exploratory as well as hypothesis-driven analyses. The end product is a highly interactive toolkit with a multiple document interface, which makes it easier for a person without specialized knowledge to perform analysis of multiomics datasets and unravel biologically relevant patterns. We have designed algorithms based on frequently used numerical ecology and machine learning principles, with value-driven from integrated omics tools which not only find correlations amongst different datasets but also provide discrimination based on case–control relationships.ConclusionsCViewer was used to analyse two distinct metagenomic datasets with varying complexities. These include a dietary intervention study to understand Crohn’s disease changes during a dietary treatment to include remission, as well as a gut microbiome profile for an obesity dataset comparing subjects who suffer from obesity of different aetiologies and against controls who were lean. Complete analyses of both studies in CViewer then provide very powerful mechanistic insights that corroborate with the published literature and demonstrate its full potential.EDLr-6-tH-9CdVCxoa6z_8Video

Promoting environmental sustainability in construction: exploring implemented solutions through case studies

It is imperative to take pro-ecological actions that are beneficial to health, as well as adopt sustainable development practices in the face of the current environmental challenges facing humanity. It is crucial that environmental protection is implemented by all people on Earth, because the future is worrying – especially for what will be left for future generations. Green building solutions are being implemented worldwide, but not always in an appropriate manner. All green architecture integrates sustainable development and conservation, regardless of location. This article summarises and characterises the concept of the 6E (economic, energy-efficient, ecological, elastic, aesthetic, ergonomic) ecological building concept and the 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) principle. It also presents an analysis of two ecological buildings in Poland. The first is a wooden building located in the village of Podgać, which serves as an example of combining modern design and ecology. It was built in harmony with nature and blends in with the natural environment of the forest. A half-timbered house in the village of Jarzębia Łąka is the second example where traditional construction, modern technical solutions and environmental protection come together. The presented project examples were examined in terms of ecological building principles and then compared with the 6E concept and the 3R principle. This paper presents a comprehensive study of two distinct eco-friendly building structures. The investigation covers technical characterisation, compliance with the 6E concept, comparison of ecological efficiency, and conclusions with recommendations. The Dom Baby Jagi [Baba Jaga House] in the village Podgać showcases a harmonious blend of simplicity, functionality, and economy, utilising wood with insulation for year-round habitation. It integrates renewable energy sources and rainwater harvesting, contributing to its ecological sustainability. Meanwhile, the half-timbered building in Jarzębia Łąka employs clay-straw bricks for construction, emphasising economic and environmental benefits with vapour-permeable walls and efficient insulation. Both structures exemplify ergonomic design, eco-friendly construction practices, and aesthetic integration with their natural surroundings. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating environmentally conscious solutions in modern architecture to address contemporary environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.

Can multi‐species plantings alleviate abiotic stressors to enhance Bald cypress restoration?

Restoration researchers and practitioners alike advocate for novel restoration approaches, informed by ecological theories and principles, to enhance the likelihood of meeting restoration goals. Forested wetland restoration has historically focused on creating abiotic conditions that support the tolerance thresholds of desired species, but the stress gradient hypothesis provides guidance for potential new strategies that use biotic interactions to ameliorate stressful abiotic conditions. In this study, we tested whether multi‐species planting approaches can be used to enhance the survival and growth of a target restoration tree species, Bald cypress, along multiple abiotic gradients. We conducted a fully factorial controlled greenhouse experiment which manipulated above‐ and belowground interactions between two species (Bald cypress and Soft rush), as well as light availability and depth of inundation. Our findings showed that co‐planting Bald cypress seedlings with Soft rush did not increase tree biomass production or growth metrics (e.g. stem height and leaf area) under any exposed stress combination. Importantly, we found that full‐sun irradiance negatively impacted functional traits associated with the tree seedlings' health and ability to photosynthesize. Our findings are important for consideration by practitioners as light is rarely the focus of wetland ecosystem restoration and degraded forested wetlands or restoration sites often have open canopies.

Cartographic analysis as spatial determinant for climate change adaptation in the Hunter River Estuary, Australia

This paper explores the hydrological history of the Hunter River and Estuary (Newcastle, Australia), to identify pathways for incorporating climate-sensitive adaptation approaches into urban development and planning. The research method utilises mapping as a methodological discovery tools to visually articulate the correlation of pre-colonial hydrological landscapes, the transformation of the estuary over two centuries, the areas identified as at risk, and the opportunities for developing a climate-resilient estuary. This research aims to contribute to the redefinition of the discourse on the role of estuary planning for changing climate, focusing on four critical aspects: identify the impacts of urbanisation and industrialisation on ecosystems and its correlation with climate hazard at the estuary; visualise such transformations over time and space to identify critical spatial and climate factors threatening inhabitation; propose strategic spatial practices towards adaptation and resilience; and synthesising the options to foster reflective thinking and establish a correlation with novel policies, governance and practices. The study highlights that adopting new urbanism aligned with cultural and ecological principles can mitigate future climate impacts through re-naturalisation and urban adaptation to sea-level rise by focusing on proactive approaches to building resilient communities. This paper also acknowledges the need for site-specific adaptive design and planning strategies at multiple scales and governance levels.

Andai-Andai Folk Tale: A Tool to Promote Eco-Social Values among Children in Kedurang Community

Folk tales serve as a conduit for imparting knowledge concerning the natural environment and social mores to children. The 'Andai-Andai' folk tales within the context of Kedurang assumes a pivotal role in instilling ecological and societal principles in the succeeding generation. This study seeks to investigate the prevalence of the 'Andai-Andai' folk tales and its efficacy in instilling social acumen among students in Kedurang, Bengkulu. The research corpus comprises 'Andai-Andai' folk tales titled "The Clever Orphan," "The Promise of the Buffalo," and "The Buffalo and Beteri." The findings reveal a scarcity in the transmission of 'Andai-Andai' folk tales to the younger demographic. The 'Andai-Andai' folk tales epitomize commendable ecological and social values instilled in children from an early age. The monarch depicted in the 'Andai-Andai' folk tales emerges as a figure characterized by elevated social empathy, fostering community welfare and exemplifying effective leadership. Similarly, the character of Beteri embodies compassion towards others, serving as an exemplar of virtue and beauty. Furthermore, the orphan's portrayal depicts filial devotion towards his grandmother alongside devout religious observance. Additionally, the 'Andai-Andai' folk tales encapsulate the natural milieu of Kedurang, as evidenced by references to elements such as rice fields, buffalo, forests, villages, and rivers. The study findings underscore the significance of preserving 'Andai-Andai' folk tales and highlight community ardor towards this endeavor, recognizing these stories as repositories of environmental knowledge and moral values indispensable for posterity.

ECOLOGIZATION OF TOURISM AS A COMPONENT OF THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Topicality. The ecologization of production processes and the transfer of the entire system of economic reproduction of humanity to the principles that meet the objectives of environmental protection are an important condition for sustainable development. The strategy of sustainable development is one of the key and priority in all branches of industry, national economy and economics. Its principles and main provisions are aimed at achieving harmony between the growth of economic indicators, stability in the social sphere and environmental protection. Preservation of natural resources, maintenance of their sustainability and the transition to resource-saving, energy-efficient technologies is almost one of the key tasks on the agenda Aim and tasks. The purpose of the work is the analysis of the basic theoretical provisions of the concept of "ecologization of tourism" and the development of its directions. Materials and Methods. Calculation and compliance with the norm of permissible tourist load on the territory involves the normalization of loads based on quantitative indicators as one of the methods of ecologically-oriented management of the development of tourist activity. Reserch results. Within the framework of the conducted research, we consider it expedient to single out the main directions of ecologization of the tourism sphere at two levels: the first - measures directly related to the implementation of ecological principles in the tourism sphere; the second level does not directly concern the tourism industry, but in general promotes the implementation of the ecological trend in the development of the tourism industry. Conclusion. It is worth noting that the implementation of the areas of ecologization proposed in the work will contribute to the sustainable development of tourism, thanks to which it is possible not only to reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment, but also to increase the level of ecological safety of the territories, as well as to more effectively implement the strategy of sustainable development.

IMPROVEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC COMPETENCES USING THE E-ACADEMY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS

Today, sustained development faces major challenges, which is based on economic, ecological and sociocultural principles, and which is a prerequisite for the development of rural areas. The goal of the work is the implementation of the professional education model for people from rural areas through the improvement of sustainable environmental and economic competencies using the E-Academy platform. The research is based on data obtained through the Survey (164 respondents), from Serbia, Slovenia and Croatia. The results show that 57% of respondents have secondary education and all are from rural areas. It has been established that the majority have elementary knowledge of the use of digital platforms and tools, so the interest in such education is at an enviable level. The significance of the results is reflected in the inclusion of the rural population in the E-Academy, monitoring the course of education and helping those who strive to improve agriculture.

Eco-friendly and Targeted through Next-generation Approaches to Insect Pest Management

Insect pests pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity, human health, and ecosystem stability worldwide. Traditional pest management approaches, heavily reliant on broad-spectrum chemical insecticides, have led to the development of insecticide resistance, unintended effects on non-target organisms, and environmental contamination. In response to these challenges, next-generation approaches to insect pest management are emerging, focusing on eco-friendly and targeted strategies. This review article explores the latest advancements in sustainable pest management, including the use of biopesticides, semiochemicals, biotechnology-based approaches, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Biopesticides, derived from natural sources such as plants, microorganisms, and insects, offer effective and environmentally benign alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Semiochemicals, including pheromones and allelochemicals, can be exploited for pest monitoring, mating disruption, and attract-and-kill strategies. Biotechnology-based approaches, such as RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and transgenic crops, provide novel tools for targeting specific pest species and reducing reliance on chemical insecticides. IPM strategies, which combine multiple pest management tactics based on ecological principles, offer a holistic and sustainable approach to pest control. The adoption of these next-generation approaches faces challenges, including regulatory hurdles, public acceptance, and the need for further research and development. However, by embracing eco-friendly and targeted pest management strategies, we can reduce the environmental impact of insect pest control, promote biodiversity conservation, and ensure sustainable food production for a growing global population. Future research should focus on optimizing and integrating these approaches, understanding their long-term ecological impacts, and developing effective knowledge transfer mechanisms to promote their widespread adoption.

Resolving the issues of translocated species in freshwater invasions

Biological invasions, driven by human-mediated species movements, pose significant threats to global ecosystems and economies. The classification of non-native species is a complex issue intertwining ecological considerations and ethical concerns. The need for nuanced and less ambiguous terminology is emphasised, considering biogeographic, evolutionary, and ecological principles. In-country translocations of native species into ecosystems in which they do not naturally occur, are often overlooked and are the least regulated among species movements, despite being increasingly common in conservation. Our case studies, spanning various ecosystems and taxa, illustrate the diverse impacts of translocations on native species and ecosystems. The challenges associated with translocated species underscore the urgency for robust risk management strategies and rigorous monitoring. A comprehensive and adaptable management framework that considers translocated species for evidence-based management decisions is critical for navigating the complexities of translocations effectively, ensuring the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability.

LAHAN BASAH BUATAN UNTUK PENGOLAHAN AIR LIMBAH GREY WATER MENGGUNAKAN SALVINIA ROTUNDIFOLIA

Household wastewater consists of 80% grey water and 20% black water. The decline in water quality can have adverse impacts on well-being. Constructed wetland is an engineered system designed to harness the ecological principles of natural wetlands to address water pollution issues. The Free Water Surface system within the constructed wetland involves the flow of water on the surface. An appropriate plant example for use in a constructed wetland is Salvinia rotundifolia. Plant acclimatization was carried out for 12 days. The reactor operation continued for 12 days using a continuous system. The percentage removal of parameters in the constructed wetland reactor were as follows: COD 23.40-84.38%, BOD 37.93-72.73%, TSS 43.24-85%, phosphate 59.47-65%, and nitrate 10.99-31.08%. The values of areal removal rate constant (kA) and volumetric removal rate constant (kV) for the constructed wetland reactor were as follows: for COD, 1.48-3.75 m/day and 0.80-22.28 /day; for BOD, 1.70-3.73 m/day and 1.43-15.59 /day; for TSS, 2.11-8.83 m/day and 1.70-22.77 /day; for phosphate, 1.40-6.61 m/day and 2.89-11.20 /day; and for nitrate, 0.18-2.32 m/day and 0.58-1.54 /day. This study demonstrates that the constructed wetland reactor with Salvinia rotundifolia plants achieves removal efficiencies of up to 85%, thus meeting the standards set by the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 68 of 2016 regarding Domestic Wastewater Quality Standards.

New Business Models in Agroecology

Agroecology is a new area of knowledge and emerging body of experience linking in a transdisciplinary manner, experiments, research, and action-oriented innovations targeting enhanced food systems’ resilience, environmental and socio-economic sustainability at the farm, organizational and institutional levels. Authors view is that applying ecological principles and social values to agricultural production and consumption has to have a market recognition. This paper investigates in which conditions agroecology can also offer new business models that are more inclusive, diverse, and profitable for farmers and other food system actors especially those small farmers actioning in a regional context and willing to cooperate to co-create new business models. These business models involve the adoption of innovations such as integrated management, organic fertilizers, participatory guarantee systems, and collective marketing in a regional value chain perspective. The paper investigates as well some pathways to agroecology developed in IH Bio Danubius, a regional cluster already engaged in organic agricultural practices and willing to further embrace new agroecological principles. One important pathway, in wich our research is conducted are conditions under which private (voluntary) standards based on indicators can meet market requirement through a viable business model.

Ecological restoration at pilot-scale employing site-specific rationales for small-patch degraded mangroves in Indian Sundarbans

To date, degraded mangrove ecosystem restoration accomplished worldwide primarily aligns towards rehabilitation with monotypic plantations, while ecological restoration principles are rarely followed in these interventions. However, researchers admit that most of these initiatives' success rate is not appreciable often. An integrative framework of ecological restoration for degraded mangroves where site-specific observations could be scientifically rationalized, with co-located reference pristine mangroves as the target ecosystem to achieve is currently distinctively lacking. Through this experimental scale study, we studied the suitability of site-specific strategies to ecologically restore degraded mangrove patches vis-à-vis the conventional mono-species plantations in a highly vulnerable mangrove ecosystem in Indian Sundarbans. This comprehensive restoration framework was trialed in small discrete degraded mangrove patches spanning ~ 65 ha. Site-specific key restoration components applied are statistically validated through RDA analyses and Bayesian t-tests. 25 quantifiable metrics evaluate the restoration success of a ~ 3 ha degraded mangrove patch with Ridgeline distribution, Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) tests, and Mahalanobis Distance (D2) measure to prove the site’s near-equivalence to pristine reference in multiple ecosystem attributes. This restoration intervention irrevocably establishes the greater potential of this framework in the recovery of ecosystem functions and self-sustenance compared to that of predominant monoculture practices for vulnerable mangroves.