Protection Of Natural Resources Research Articles

Effect of the Replacement of Wheat Straw by Spent Mushroom Substrate in the Diet of Dairy Ewes during Late Lactation on Milk Production, Composition, Oxidation Stability and Udder Health

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different dietary levels of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) at the expense of wheat straw (WS) on milk characteristics in dairy sheep. Thirty ewes at their final stage of lactation (145 ± 5 days after parturition) were randomly assigned into three groups; control (C), provided with a diet consisting of concentrates, alfalfa hay and WS, and SMS1 and SMS2, where WS was replaced by SMS at 50 or 100%, respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days, and milk yield, composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and oxidative stability were monitored weekly, while milk fatty acid and immune cell profile were also determined on day 28. No significant differences were found in produced milk quantity, fat, protein, lactose, total solids non-fat, SCC and fatty acid profile between the experimental groups. However, milk oxidative stability was significantly improved as an effect of SMS (p < 0.001). At the same time, milk polymorphonuclear leukocyte percentage was decreased in SMS2 group (p < 0.05). As indicated, SMS seems to be a promising agro-industrial by-product for ewes’ diet that could improve milk oxidative stability, without negatively affecting milk yield, composition and ewe health status, contributing in the context of sustainability, circular economy and protection of natural resources.

EXPLORING THE EVOLUTION OF SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEXITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS

Objective: The objective of this study are to investigate what and how existing sustainability programs are, to group and map these sustainability programs' main ideas to gain a more constructive and integrated understanding, and to find clues or opportunities to improve efforts to achieve sustainability. Theoretical Framework: The concept of sustainable development remains complex, ambiguous, and challenging to implement. The global environmental situation is worsening, leading to disasters and unfavorable climate change. Despite numerous efforts such as seminars, research, conferences, and work programs, both locally and globally, the understanding and implementation of sustainability remain unclear. There are differing views on the focus and strategy needed to address the development paradox, indicating a lack of consensus on the true meaning of sustainability. Method: This qualitative descriptive research employs a two-tiered literature review approach. The first focuses on the historical correlation between development and sustainability, examining early human civilization's development activities during the Neolithic era. The second tier analyzes and categorizes existing sustainability programs, reviewing various research articles on environmental preservation, natural resource protection, impact reduction, and social equity programs since the first industrial revolution. The findings are synthesized critically and comprehensively to identify common themes and core ideas. Results and Discussion: This study acknowledges the complexity and challenges of sustainability, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of conservation and resilience as core concepts. To address the dichotomy of development, new sustainability programs must also consider the revitalization of natural resources, continuity of ecosystem services, biodiversity maintenance, and resilience building. Approaches such as ecosophy and predictive methods based on dynamic phenomena can contribute (as a clue) to achieving sustainability goals by encouraging holistic thinking, balancing human and environmental needs, and promoting co-evolution. Research Implications: The complexity and constellation of diverse and intricate sustainability programs can be seen through this research. Although limited, these findings are expected to contribute to Sustainability science through a more comprehensive and constructive understanding of sustainability history and knowledge that has been described. Originality/Value: This study conducts a comprehensive research method covering various disciplines and a broad scope of sustainable development, including its evolution since the industrial revolution and aspects related to history of development. The research result creates a visual map representing the structure of existing sustainability programs, serving as a guide for proposing new research initiatives. This knowledge facilitates aligning new proposals with existing themes, bridging gaps in theories, and fostering the exploration and development of innovative sustainability ideas.

Microplastic Contamination of the Seawater in the Hamsilos Bay of the Southern Black Sea

The marine ecosystem is severely threatened by microplastics. The entire marine environment of the Black Sea is contaminated with both macro- and microplastics but the contamination of the water column with this pollutant has received less attention. This study aims to obtain data on the microplastic abundance, and vertical and temporal distribution of the microplastics in the water column of Hamsilos Bay which is a natural protected area, and an important area for fishery and tourism on the Sinop coast in the Black Sea. This study was carried out for 12 months in 7 stations. Microplastic abundance varied among 5.58 ± 6.12–8.12 ± 9.17 pieces/m3 in and 1.74 ± 0.80–21.07 ± 3.84 pieces/m3 in stations. The dominant microplastics were fibre by shape (73.92%), 1–2 mm (28.35%) by size class, and blue (37.98%) by colour. The synthetic polymers in the examined microplastic samples of this study were PET (47%), PE (34%), HDPE (10%), PVC (7%) and PS (2%). The results of this study show that the coastal area is widely contaminated with microplastics. Microplastic pollution is an increasingly significant environmental issue that poses a threat to the Black Sea which is particularly vulnerable to microplastic pollution. The region is an important ecological hotspot in the Black Sea and this study can provide valuable insights into the extent of microplastic pollution and will contribute to the literature on the evaluation of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems. These types of investigations; efforts to address the environmental challenges facing the Black Sea, including the development of programs to reduce pollution, increase sustainability, and support the protection of the region's natural resources, are crucial to its continuity.

Time to get some ZZs? Navigating Generation Z values in extension programming through a systems lens

The purpose of this study was to identify programming values of Generation Z college students to offer insight into future programming and adaptation of current systems within Extension to prepare for the next generation of stakeholders. Researchers approached this study with the philosophy that Extension should aspire to be a learning organization and continually seek to understand current and future stakeholders to navigate societal changes. Q-methodology was used to quantitatively capture student priorities for 42 programming areas with three subcategories of people, environment, and economy and jobs. An initial sample of 158 was paired down to a P-set of 21. Results of the Q-Sort indicated three factors of group priorities: (a) Economic and People-Centric; (b) People-Environment Centric with Limited Focus; and (c) Environmental-Centric. Results show a need for programming related to the environment and the protection of natural resources (Factor 3) and addressing societal concerns like drug and alcohol abuse (Factor 1). For non-urban and prior Extension user audiences (Factor 2) developing programming that connects environmental issues with people and societal issues is important. Future research should be conducted in other Extension systems to develop a broad understanding of Generation Z’s programming needs.

Modeling the influence of mineral rents and low‐carbon energy on environmental quality: New insights from a sustainability perspective

AbstractIn recent decades, the detrimental impacts of climate change have been increasingly felt worldwide. This is due to the extreme consumption of natural resources to fuel economic activity. Confronting a widening ecological deficit, humanity must urgently accelerate its journey toward sustainable development goals (SDGs). This demands active efforts to curb environmental pollution and protect natural resources, safeguarding the planet for future generations. Since Brazil has high biocapacity and ecological areas, the impact of energy resources on ecological sustainability policies cannot be excluded. Moreover, Brazil holds a vital position in the world for global foreign direct investment flows. In this regard, this paper considers the asymmetric impact of mineral rents and foreign direct investments when investigating Brazil's environmental sustainability. In addition, it evaluates elements like economic growth and low‐carbon energy consumption from 1970 to 2021. To this end, the research applies the Fourier nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model and draws three significant conclusions. First, resource extraction undermines environmental sustainability. Second, the inflow of foreign direct investment reduces the load capacity factor, implying that the pollution haven hypothesis holds for Brazil. Third, low‐carbon energy consumption contributes to environmental sustainability. Our findings highlight the critical role of regulating mineral resource rents in achieving SDGs in Brazil. Moreover, increasing investment in clean energy sources and transitioning toward low‐carbon energy can promote sustainable development in Brazil. The Brazilian government should abandon mineral extraction, focus on low‐carbon energy consumption, and prevent companies from destroying nature by introducing strict environmental regulations for foreign investment flows.

A Global Comparative Constitutional Analysis of Natural Resources Protection

Abstract Natural resources are the foundation for all life on earth, which all living creatures depend on to exist. Thus, it is subject to many sorts of laws and policies. Globally, constitutions follow different approaches to dealing with their respective country’s natural resources, which are rooted in the diverging cultures, political, economic, and legal systems, as well as in the distinct historical developments of the diverse constitutional orders. Accordingly, the present contribution discusses the prominent similarities between the inclusion of provisions relating to ownership, exploitation and exploration, and the use of, natural resources, be they renewable or non-renewable, but also notes the different perspectives adopted and methods of protection applied in the analysed countries’ constitutions. The countries discussed in this paper are South Africa and Chad; Brazil, Cuba, and Bolivia; India and Iran; Germany; and Australia. This paper begins by, firstly, defining ‘natural resources’ and delineating its overlapping concepts. Secondly, the framework for comparison of the analysed countries is set out. Thirdly, the countries selected are separately discussed. Lastly, the comparative analysis is presented with a few concluding observations.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE OBJECTS ACCOUNTING OF URBOECOSYSTEMS: METHODOLOGICAL AND APPLIED ASPECTS

Introduction. The need to improve and develop methodical approaches to the accounting of green infrastructure objects is due to the lack of a unified system for determining the green infrastructure objects status of municipal territorial communities; the high dynamism of changes in the quality of the urbanized environment natural components and the economic conditions of society's existence; insufficiently regulated spatial development of cities and intra-system zoning and zoning of cities; lack of an ecosystem approach to the procedure of green infrastructure objects assessment and accounting.
 The purpose of the article: to justify the need in determine the green infrastructure objects status of urboecosystems, generalize methodical approaches to the accounting of such objects and develop proposals for their improvement.
 Results. The article substantiates the necessity of determining the green infrastructure objects status in municipal territorial communities, improving and developing methodical approaches to their accounting. The institutional prerequisites for the green infrastructure objects accounting of urban ecosystems, the tools of quantitative and quantitative-qualitative accounting of green spaces (interactive maps and plans, GIS accounting, mapping methods) that have gained practical application are considered. International approaches to the accounting of green infrastructure objects of urban ecosystems are analyzed. Current approaches that can be used for the identification of green infrastructure objects, their inventory, and certification have been identified, which allows us to assert the feasibility of considering green infrastructure as natural assets of the urban economy with all the prerequisites and consequences, namely, reflection in the General Development Plans, development strategies, plans and projects, accounting on the accounts of municipalities, distribution of responsibility for creation, operation, restoration, etc., which will be directly reflected in the green infrastructure management system. Proposals have been developed to fill in the criteria for quantitative and qualitative accounting of green spaces, which must be included in inventory lists, registers and passports of green infrastructure objects. As well as value indicators: book value, restoration value, improvement value, value increase, depreciation of green infrastructure objects. The experience of accounting implementation for the value indicators of green infrastructure objects ecosystem services is substantiated, since ecosystem capital is no less important than financial capital, and over time it will become the basis of the national wealth of the world countries.
 Conclusions. The green infrastructure formation is one of the strategic directions of the green course principles implementation in urban planning, and the accounting system of green infrastructure objects is an institutional environment element of the green cities functioning, information support for making management decisions that will contribute to the natural resources protection of urban ecosystems, and the quality improvement of the city`s residents living environment.

PHIC DESIGN CONNOTATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

This study aims to explore the benefit of graphic design in awareness campaigns promoting sustainable tourist destinations and to determine its contribution to the success of campaigns in terms of increasing the protection of natural and economic resources of the destination. The study applies semiotics to the field of social marketing to build a conceptual model that links graphic design of a campaign with public environmental awareness and destination preservation. The aim is to preserve the natural environment and pastoral activities, and that the semiotics of graphic design affects public environmental awareness. This innovative framework for graphic design can be adapted to marketing campaigns or other brands to improve the images of destinations. Tourism activities are closely linked to the environment. It is important to increase awareness among tourists, local residents, and stakeholders about the importance of adopting sustainable practices to ensure the sustainability of the tourism industry and the preservation of local resources. This is crucial in enhancing the reputation and competitiveness of tourist destinations. The increasing demand for new tourist experiences has led to the popularity of natural areas as tourist destinations, offering unique and authentic experiences for visitors seeking to escape their daily routine. The research consists of three chapters. The first chapter addresses the research methodology, which is the study of the effectiveness of these indicators in this context and how to improve them to support environmental awareness campaigns for sustainable

Sustainable Agriculture Development and Optimum Utilization of Natural Resources: Striking a Balance

There is a finite supply of natural resources, and unchecked exploitation may harm the ecosystem. The strategy for their sustainable use must be determined. The framework of sustainable development is used to define strategies of ongoing societal and state advancement that do not negatively impact the environment or the natural resources that will be needed for future human activities. A model that governs sustainable use takes into account the legal and strategic guidelines for the extraction of energy and natural resources. Ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources both nationally and internationally is the aim. Environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources are closely intertwined. Additionally, a healthy environment's value and the degree to which the public is educated about its preservation are linked to the preservation of the working and living environments. All areas of human endeavour see improvements in quality of life as a result of faster technical development, but increased environmental deterioration is also a potential. Consequently, in order to achieve the objectives of the society's development policy, it is imperative to incorporate the appropriate standards that would support sustainable development. This review paper is a quick response to maintain the ecosystem's equilibrium and the surrounding area.

Institutional Transformation of Proactive Environmental Characteristics of State Procurement into Imperative Ones: The Regional Case

Ensuring sustainable economic development, environmental protection, and conservation of natural resources are the top priorities of the new edition of the "National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation". One key aspect highlighted in the strategy is the significance of green public procurement, which plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of human activities and promoting environmentally responsible behavior among companies. The lack of established regulatory mechanisms and the ongoing debates surrounding the concept of "green procurement" have prompted the research objective of identifying the factors influencing the successful implementation of green public procurement through econometric modeling. The goal is to assess how well public contractors are currently implementing green procurement practices and to develop strategies to enhance their adherence to these practices by 2023, particularly within the Southern Federal District. An analysis of existing literature has revealed gaps in scientific knowledge, particularly in the realm of comparing the actualization of green economy institutions in regional strategies and monitoring the implementation of green procurement within the Southern Federal District. These research issues will guide the comparative assessment of green economy institutions, monitoring of green procurement practices, and structuring of data within the study. The study will rely on statistical data obtained from the Unified Information System for procurement, using keywords related to the environmental sustainability of purchased goods to analyze the trends in green public procurement practices. Through this research, recommendations for the institutional transformation of green procurement practices into a must-follow standard for public contractors will be developed.

Preliminary Diagnosis of Integrated Coastal Management in Colombia

Over the years, a growing number of coastal areas around the world have been affected by the mismanagement and misuse of their natural resources, which has attracted the interest of countries to implement strategies that modify public policies to create actions with a sectoral focus towards the coastal zone, with achieving sustainable use of the seas and coasts. Colombia, being a megadiverse country due to the large number of coastal ecosystems that make it up, has been affected by environmental problems such as pollution, loss of biodiversity and damage to ecosystems due to construction and infrastructure. Due to the above, the objective of this research is to carry out a preliminary diagnosis, supported by a search for documents associated with integrated coastal management through the Google Scholar platform, in such a way that allows us, taking as a guide the decalogue of Barragán (2012), to know the current situation of the coastal areas of the Republic of Colombia. In the results we find that Colombia has policies that aim to implement the sustainable use of coastal resources, however, it does not have regulations that have Integrated Coastal Management as their main theme, which causes the competencies and institutions interested in contributing to the protection of natural resources do not have adequate legal support. On the other hand, relevant advances were found in terms of instruments related to Integrated Coastal Management as well as in education and sustainability, since initiatives for education and training have been implemented. Important advances have also been found in the knowledge and distribution of information in digital media. There are several universities that offer master’s and doctoral degrees with a focus on coastal management, but unfortunately the offer is not enough. Likewise, there are not enough financial resources for the implementation of integrated management, and although citizen participation is incipient, it is becoming more and more organized. Keywords: Politics, coastal zone, environmental problems, natural resources, Colombia.

Some issues of improvement of criminal legal protection of relations in the field of environment

The scientific article is devoted to the analysis of certain provisions of the draft of the new Criminal Code of Ukraine aimed at regulating legal relations in the field of combating criminal offenses against the environment. Based on the analysis of scientific publications related to the reform of criminal legislation, attention is focused on the expediency of improving the system of combating environmental crime, adapting the national Criminal Code of Ukraine to the requirements of the European Union and achieving compliance with its requirements and goals. A scientific study of the content of the fifth and sixth Books of the Project, which are an attempt to normalize legal relations in the field of criminal and legal protection of the environment, was carried out. Arguments are given regarding the expediency of adjusting the structure and content of the Project's prescriptions in connection with the different location of individual norms of its Special Part, united by a common generic object. In particular, an opinion has been developed regarding the separation of the Book on criminal offenses against the environment, which should include the chapters devoted to criminal offenses against environmental safety and criminal offenses against the order of use and protection of natural resources placed in other Books of the Project. In addition, based on the results of the research, the need to determine the most appropriate name for the corresponding section of the future criminal law, which would take into account the content and meaning of the terms "Criminal offenses against nature and environmental safety” used in it, which characterize primarily the generic object of criminal offenses in the studied sphere It is noted that certain actions provided for by the Project are of a "complex” nature and may encroach both on relations against environmental safety and on the procedure for using the state's natural resources, while directly or indirectly affecting public health. It has been proven that such a subsection of the Special Part of the future Criminal Code of Ukraine should contain both criminal offenses against environmental safety and torts against nature (the surrounding natural environment), which are actually equated with criminal violations against the order of use of natural resources.

POSSIBILITIES FOR CONSERVING NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH THE USE OF RECYCLED WASTE AGGREGATES AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR NATURAL AGGREGATES IN CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITES

The conservation of the environment and the protection of natural resources are urgent and current challenges. The objective of this experimental investigation was to evaluate the potential use of aggregates derived from recycled glass waste, blast furnace slag, recycled brick waste aggregates and recycled electronic waste aggregates (textolite) as replacements for natural aggregates in cement-based composites. The experimental tests aimed to investigate how the replacement of natural aggregates with recycled waste aggregates affects various physico-mechanical parameters, including density, compressive strength, flexural strength, abrasion resistance and capillary water absorption. This investigation also included detailed microstructural analysis using optical microscopy, SEM, EDX and XRD techniques. The aim of the research was to explore the potential for soil conservation by reducing the amount of waste to be disposed of, and at the same time to conserve natural resources by identifying alternatives using recycled materials, thereby contributing to the implementation of the circular economy concept. The results of the research confirmed this potential; however, depending on the nature of the recycled aggregates, there are influences on the physico-mechanical performance of the cement composite that can be seen at the microstructural level.

SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT IN DENTISTRY

Purpose: Examine the social and economic functions of companies and their actions, mainly regarding the protection and use of natural resources, minerals and the disposal of contaminated materials.
 Theoretical Framework: The government created regulations that thoroughly describe the management, classification and importance of implementing a Health Service Waste Management Plan in all health institutions.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: It is an exploratory case study, which compared the disposal of Health Service Waste in two dental clinics.
 Findings: The clinics' Health Service Waste Management Plan aims to minimize the production of waste, treat it and send it safely to its final destination, which prevents and controls occupational, public health and environmental risks environment.
 Research, Practical & Social Implications: We suggest that knowledge of the standards and monitoring of their compliance, together with the education and training of professionals who deal directly or indirectly with Health Service Waste, to create awareness and change habits.
 Originality/Value: Taking measures based on saving resources, preserving the environment, ethics and responsibility can guarantee a healthier future for future generations, where dental professionals learn about the correct management of waste and their participation in maintenance the environmental integrity of the planet.

Assessing the Relationship between Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Environmental Behavior in the Employees of Educational Hospitals of Yazd University of Medical Sciences-2022

Background: Considering the fundamental role of organizational citizenship behavior and environmental behavior of hospital employees in the quality of services provided and the general health of society, the current research was conducted aiming to determine the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior and environmental behavior in the employees of educational hospitals of Yazd University of Medical Sciences. Methods: The present analytic cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 on 181 employees of educational hospitals of Yazd University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling method. Data collection was conducted using the two standard questionnaires, including the Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) Questionnaire and the Environmental Behaviors Scale. The descriptive and analytical statistical method of Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used in SPSS 22 software for data analysis. Results: The total mean score of organizational citizenship behavior was reported as 52.28 out of 75, and the conscience subscale gained the highest score (12.79) and the politeness and consideration subscale gained the lowest score (5.96). The total mean of environmental behavior was obtained at 106.26 out of 140, and the highest mean score was related to saving gas consumption (20.75%) and the lowest was related to the use of products with environmental standards (15.6%). A significant positive correlation was also observed between the total score of the use of products with environmental standards (r=0.031; P=0.160) and protection of natural resources (r=0.011; P=0.190). Conclusion: Incorporating training into the curricula and in-service programs, encouraging a culture of appreciation, and also providing rewards are the keys to strengthening the synergistic association between these two behaviors.

Assessment of the Environmental Public Goods of the Organic Farming System: A Lithuanian Case Study

Organic farming is a farming system that combines environmental farming practices, a high degree of biodiversity, and the protection of natural resources. All these environmental services are used in society as public goods, contributing to societal welfare. Understanding the opinions of residents on these environmental public goods is essential because they are both consumers and financial contributors to the common agricultural policy. Therefore, it is imperative to further existing scientific knowledge in the field of consumer behaviour. Using Lithuania as a case study, the present study focuses on analysing societal opinion and willingness to pay (WTP) with respect to the environmental public goods (reflected in three components: the reduction in water, soil, and air pollution) of organic farming. This study uses the contingent valuation (CV) method to obtain the WTP for public goods. The median WTP was calculated for multiple environmental public goods from organic agriculture, excluding the protest zero. This study revealed that the residents of Lithuania understood the contribution of organic farming in creating environmental public goods and were concerned about environmental issues. It was crucial for them to have a clean environment with, for example, better drinking water quality, lower air pollution and soil erosion. The application of the CV method showed a median WTP of EUR 24.58 annually per family for environmental public goods. The preference towards environmental public goods differs depending on the socioeconomic characteristics and knowledge about organic farming. These findings provide quantitative information regarding the demand for the environmental effects of organic farming, which could be useful for policy-makers. Such research could also prove useful in setting the future direction of the common agricultural policy. The example of Lithuania was used to present a universal research problem that concerns European countries, especially those in the European Union.

Investigation of Zero Waste Management Behavior in Turkey

<p>Population growth, industrialization and technological advances have significantly increased waste production, waste collection, transportation and disposal induced significant costs. Waste could be considered a resource that allows nations to reduce the consumption of primary raw materials, protect natural resources and improve economic revenues by reducing environmental pressures. Zero waste approach for sustainable waste management has been approved and implemented globally. The present study aimed to investigate the basic zero-waste management in Turkey. Thus a scale that included eight items was developed and validity and reliability of the scale were analyzed. Explanatory factor analysis (EFA) was initially applied. Then, the fitness of the model was tested with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's α (internal consistency coefficient) was calculated as 0.778. Chi-square test, RMSEA, GFI and CFI fit indices were employed in the first-order confirmatory factor analysis conducted on the whole sample. Chi-square was calculated as 1.310 in confirmatory factor analysis. Also, comparative and absolute fit indices were determined as follows: RMSEA=0.035, GFI=0.976, CFI=0.987, RMR=0.030. The analysis of the findings revealed that “Zero Waste Management Behavior” scale fit indices demonstrated excellent model fit for the findings. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between one-way ANOVA and T test results on participant statements based on gender, while there were significant differences between these variables based on age, education level and the region of residence.</p>

BIOECONOMY – PRESENT AND FUTURE

The pressure on ecosystems has intensified as a result of excessive pollution, overexploitation and depletion of natural resources. This imposes the need of a radical change in the existing methods of processing, storage, recycling and disposal of biological resources by establishing sustainable production and consumption models. The need to step up the transition to both clean energy and sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems has never been stronger and clearer. Future implementation of the EU Bioeconomy Action Plan will need to take into account the implications for food and energy prices, as well as the prices of energy-intensive products and global supply chains, and address the resulting additional pressures on natural resources at ecosystem boundaries. Activities in the bioeconomy sectors are especially reliant on healthy ecosystems to ensure a sustained production of biomass, but at the same time activities along the bioeconomy supply chains generate environmental impacts which can damage local and global ecosystems. The bioeconomy is directly related to 11 of all 17 Sustainable Development Goals but though the EU undertakes the steps necessary to achieve sustainability, there is still a wide range of actions to be taken in order to ensure the transition towards bioeconomy and to mitigate and eliminate the negative impacts on the environment. In the study we have focused on three important indicators that give insight about current state and trends in EU and Bulgaria about bioeconomy, respectively employment in the bioeconomy, turnover in bioeconomy, and value added at factor cost in the bioeconomy. The trend in Bulgaria follows that of the EU for those indicators which indicates the continuity of the measures adopted at the EU level and the consistency of the actions at the supranational level. The paper is based on a thorough review of available reports, analysis of official documents as action plans, communications, programs, strategies and data related to bioeconomy at EU level, reviewed in the context of global efforts for achieving sustainability. The main objective of this research is to represent the international efforts aimed at the protection of natural resources and to evaluate the measures taken to stimulate the EU transition towards bioeconomy. Keywords: Bioeconomy, European Union, Sustainability, Sustainable Development Goals JEL: Q01; Q56; Q57

Environmental sustainability in high‐income countries: Does natural resource protection, financial inclusion, and energy innovation matters?

AbstractEnvironmental sustainability (ES) is critical for high‐income countries (HICs) because of their high ecological footprints. They are responsible for global environmental problems as they consume more natural resources, produce more output, and generate more greenhouse gases than other countries, which could have severe consequences for land degradation. In the context of resource conservation and land development policies, this study examined the impact of natural resource protection (i.e., land, water, and biodiversity), financial institution inclusion, financial market inclusion, and energy innovation (EI) on the enhancement of ES in 15 HICs from 1995 to 2020. The study applied Feasible GLS and Prais–Winsten regression to consider cross‐sectional dependence, autocorrelation, heteroscedasticity, and slope heterogeneity problems for unbiased and robust findings along with 2nd generation cointegration tests and the JKS Granger non‐causality test. Natural resource protection, financial institution inclusion, financial market inclusion, and EI have positive effects on ES, along with green energy and environmental regulations. It was also found that an increase in real income negatively impacts ES, as it increases the use of natural resources and energy and generates more waste and pollution which further accelerates land degradation. Cointegration and causality also exist between variables of interest. This shows that protecting natural resources, increasing financial inclusion, and EI can be successful strategies for fostering a green transition, reducing environmental impacts, and embracing more sustainable practices and laws to meet development goals and develop sustainable land use policies. This study suggests that HICs should protect land, water, and biodiversity, promote green financing, digital payments, EI, energy diversification, and environmental protection to achieve ES which is critically important to reduce land degradation.

Edukacja ekologiczna w edukacji wczesnoszkolnej i przedszkolnej – terminologia

The article discusses environmental education and terminology in pre-school and early school education, based on a short historical outline of environmental education for this age group of children in Poland. It refers to the signing of the Biological Education Convention at the Earth Summit, which determined the stimulation of ecological awareness, protection of natural resources, and natural space around man. The article is an analysis of the goals of environmental education. Natural and ecological education has a biological, emotional, motoric, creative, and spiritual aspect. It has a significant meaning in the development of a small child in preschool and early school age in cognitive, physical, health, social and emotional development.