Degradation Of Resources Research Articles

Nutrient changes from Zhoushan coastal upwelling fluctuations since 1900 and its implications for fisheries

This study aims to elucidate the environmental changes signified by biogenic components, assess fluctuations in upwelling over the past century, and evaluate the potential risks associated with variations in coastal upwelling intensity on the degradation of fisheries within the Zhoushan Fishing Ground. High-resolution sediment records were established to reveal long-term variations in Zhoushan coastal upwelling. Results showed a significant reduction in nutrient components between 1900s and 1950s, suggesting a decline in upwelling strength. Since the 1960s, lightened δ15N and the incline of nutrients suggests an increase in anthropogenic nutrients influx, and increased OP and CUISST (SST-based coastal upwelling index) indicates strengthening of upwelling during the 1950s to 1980s. A positive correlation between organic phosphorus (OP) and δ13C has been observed since the 1960s, implying that P is a limiting nutrient due to increasing anthropogenic N influx, and the change in CUISST coincides well with our OP records. OP is a potential indicator of upwelling strength because upwelling contributes to over 90 % of the P on the East China Sea shelf. A prominent decline in the nutrient composition occurred from the 1980s to 2010s, despite substantially increased anthropogenic nutrients influx and eutrophication in adjoining Changjiang delta regions in the past decades. Weakening upwelling and the consequent decreasing nutrients influx has presumably hindered recovery and thus contributed to the degradation of fishery resources in recent decades.

Monitoring Heavy Metals and Spatial Analysis Using Pollution Indices and Cartographic Visualization: A Case Study in Kosovo

ABSTRACT Environmental challenges in Kosovo are intensified by extensive anthropogenic activities, leading to significant pollution and degradation of natural resources. This study examines inadequate waste management practices, a major contributor to environmental harm, by analyzing heavy metal concentrations – Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Fe – in the water and sediment of Lake Henci and the surrounding soils. We used Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES) for precise metal determination. To quantify pollution levels, we calculated indices such as the Heavy Metal Index (HMI) and the Contamination Factor (CF). This approach allows for a comprehensive evaluation of metal contamination in the region. The findings are illustrated through thematic maps, developed using interpolation techniques within a Geographic Information System (GIS) at a spatial resolution of 10 meters. Furthermore, spatial analyses were conducted to deepen our understanding of contamination patterns and inform regulatory frameworks. The results show slight pollution in the water samples, with some metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni) exceeding EPA and WHO guidelines. In contrast, sediment and soil samples showed heavy metal levels within normal ranges. These findings underscore the necessity for ongoing monitoring and the implementation of comprehensive oversight and regulatory measures to address the environmental challenges in this area.

Investigation of genetic diversity in the loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus revealed by whole-genome resequencing

BackgroundThe loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) is a significant freshwater economic fish in China, renowned for its tender meat, delicious taste, and high nutritional value. It is widely distributed across the country, except for the western plateau. However, the loach is currently at risk of population decline and degradation of wildlife resources. Research on genetic diversity provides a crucial foundation for the conservation and development of these fish resources. To enhance the protection and utilization of wild loach germplasm resources, we analyzed the genetic structure and diversity of 60 wild loach populations from Xiangtan City (XT), Shaoyang City (SY), and Yueyang City (XY) in Hunan, Guilin City (GL) and Guiping City (GP) in Guangxi, and Wuhan City (WH) in Hubei. Additionally, we mapped the DNA fingerprints of these 60 wild loaches using 12 high-quality SNP sites.ResultsWhole genome resequencing (WGRS) was conducted on 60 loaches from six regions, yielding a total of 1047.17 Gb of raw data and 1046.98 Gb of clean data. From this 2,812,906 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, of which 10,022 core SNPs were selected to analyze the population genetic structure, and 12 core SNPs were used to assess the genetic diversity and DNA fingerprint. The analysis revealed that the 60 loach samples could be grouped into three clusters: Cluster A comprised the XT, SY, and XY groups; Cluster B included the WH group; and Cluster C consisted of the GL and GP groups. The mean nucleic acid diversity (Pi), heterozygosity (Ho), and expected heterozygosity (He) of SNP markers were 0.130, 0.140, and 0.123, respectively. The average inbreeding coefficient was 0.552, indicating high levels of inbreeding.ConclusionsWhole genome resequencing is an effective high-throughput approach for identifying SNP information in loach germplasm and describing genetic relationships within this genus. DNA fingerprinting based on SNP marker technology can accurately assess the genetic structure and variation within natural loach populations, making it a valuable tool for strain and variation identification. Our findings provide a scientific basis for the conservation, development, and optimal breeding of native loach germplasm resources and contribute to expanding the genetic diversity database of wild loach populations.

Spatial–Temporal Evolution Pattern of Soil Erosion and Its Dominant Factors on the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2020

Global changes have led to significant changes in soil erosion on the Loess Plateau. Soil erosion leads to the degradation of land resources and a decline in soil fertility, adversely affecting agricultural production and the socioeconomic situation. Therefore, revealing the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of soil erosion in the Loess Plateau region and investigating the influencing factors that contribute to soil erosion are crucial for its management and restoration. In this study, the RUSLE monthly model and the Geodetector model were utilized to reveal the spatiotemporal trends of soil erosion in the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2020 and to determine the dominant influencing factors in different periods. The main results are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the soil erosion in the Loess Plateau initially weakened and then intensified, indicating that precipitation and precipitation intensity have different effects on surface soil. (2) From 2000 to 2015, the area experiencing slight and mild erosion increased. This is attributed to the increase in vegetation coverage in the Loess Plateau region, which has alleviated soil erosion in the area. (3) From 2000 to 2020, zones of severe soil erosion were mainly located in the cities of Yan’an and Yulin and their surrounding areas. The gravity center of soil erosion shifted northwestward from Yan’an City overall, indicating an improvement in the soil erosion conditions in the Yan’an area. (4) The predominant level of soil erosion across different land-use types was slight erosion, accounting for over 40%. This may be a result of forestry ecological projects that effectively reduce soil loss. (5) In slope zones of 0–5°, slight erosion accounted for the largest area proportion. As the slope increased, the area proportion of severe and extremely severe erosion also increased. This is attributed to the protective role of vegetation on soil in gentle slope areas. (6) From 2000 to 2020, vegetation was the dominant single factor influencing the spatiotemporal changes in soil erosion, while the interactions between vegetation and land use had the largest explanatory power, indicating that changes in land-use types partially affect variations in vegetation coverage. Our research findings could provide important data support for soil erosion control and eco-environment restoration in the Loess Plateau region.

Climate change perceptions, expectations, observations, and projections at Lake Victoria

Abstract Understanding people's perceptions of climate change and associated environmental risks is paramount in assessing how individuals respond to climate change. Awareness of the consequences of climate change determines the present and future behaviours and expectations, as well as the actions taken to mitigate the likely impacts. We surveyed the perceived and expected climate change consequences of experts and community members in the Lake Victoria basin in East Africa, compared them with hydro-meteorological observations and projections, and established that some perceived trends, such as increasing temperature or rainfall intensity, correspond with meteorological observations.
However, the perceived increase in drought occurrence (believed to be a recent consequence), was not substantiated by the meteorological data. It was only in the northwestern region that drought frequency increased since the year 2000, while the rest of the basin did not experience such a trend. Community members were concerned about the already noticeable consequences of climate change on their livelihoods through agriculture or fishing, while experts were mainly focused on the amplification of hazards such as floods and droughts. This divergence may imply that experts underestimate the consequences that society is already facing. Nevertheless, both groups agree that climate change will undoubtedly lead to the deterioration of human well-being by affecting food security, increasing poverty, and increasing the incidence of disease.
This is a serious concern that requires immediate attention. Such insights into people's climate change perceptions can help policy-makers, researchers, and community members to better tailor adaptation solutions acceptable to the local context. Effective governance is essential to enable people to adapt to climate change and other challenges, including those resulting from the impacts of globalisation, demographic trends, and the degradation and scarcity of resources.

Assessing the impact of agriculture value chains on food and water environments in Meerut District, India

Water and food are interconnected elements crucial for agricultural production and food security. While sufficient water resources have facilitated significant food production, intensive agricultural practices have contributed to the degradation of water resources. Agriculture value chains play a pivotal role in shaping food systems and can lead to virtual water movement through the production and trade of water-intensive crops. These chains affect both water and food environments, with water being a driver and food determining factors like availability and accessibility. Despite the economic benefits, agriculture value chains pose non-economic challenges, including environmental and social impacts. The focus on profitability often overlooks sustainability and equity concerns, leading to mono cropping and exclusion of small farmers from markets. This trend is evident in Meerut district, situated in the fertile Indo Gangetic plain and a top farming state in India. Despite its agricultural potential, the district has shifted towards sugarcane monoculture, impacting water and food environments. This study aims to explore the complex relationship between agriculture value chains, water sustainability, food availability and accessibility. The objectives include understanding these interlinkages, analyzing baseline scenarios, and assessing the implications of value chains on food and water environments. The analysis reveals the adverse effects of sugarcane monoculture on water environment, food environment and agricultural sustainability. To address these challenges, the study puts a way forward to adopt value chains approach for the strategical promotion of crop diversification, emphasizing resilience and sustainability.

A Comprehensive Review of Water Quality Analysis

The effluent discharge of domestic wastewater and industrial effluents into watercourses has necessitated the development of monitoring systems with the purpose of characterizing levels of pollution. Substantial levels of pollution in emerging nations have been exacerbated by rapidly growing populations and inefficient enforcement of sustainable management initiatives. The Water Quality Index (WQI) can help fill the gap between water quality reporting and monitoring by offering a simple and effective way to assimilate and communicate results from a large amount of data. WQIs are the kind of communication tools that can facilitate knowledge sharing between scholars and the general public. The degradation of natural water resources, such as lakes, streams, and estuaries, is the most significant problem facing humanity. Water that is not clean has far-reaching effects on all aspects of life. Water resource management is therefore essential if it is to maximize water quality. If data are analyzed and water quality can be predicted in advance, water pollution may be efficiently addressed. Although this subject has been the subject of numerous earlier studies, additional research is still required to fully understand the effectiveness, reliability, accuracy, and application of the present approaches to water quality management. In this research work, a comprehensive review has been conducted on water quality assessment using artificial techniques. It reviews 75 research works on water quality analysis. The data collected in each research work have been analyzed. Moreover, the type of water resource surface water, groundwater, drinking water as well has been analyzed. The parameters considered in each work are “Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Potential of Hydrogen (pH), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), chloride, hardness, alkalinity, nitrate–nitrite”. In addition, the Artificial Intelligence technique utilized for water quality analysis is also assessed. Finally, the research gaps identified in water quality detection are exhibited.

Recent innovations in land capability classification for sustainable development: a brief overview.

Land is a finite resource that must be managed wisely to ensure its sustainability. Consequently, land evaluation has become essential. Identifying and utilizing productive capacity of land efficiently and profitably is crucial; otherwise, resource degradation can severely impact natural ecosystems and food production. Over the years, various methodologies have been employed to assess land resources, and one such method is the Land Capability Classification (LCC). LCC is a widely used and fundamental approach to land-use planning, traditionally assessing land based on its intrinsic qualities and climate. This study aims to highlight new approaches and developments in land evaluation techniques. It provides a brief overview of recent technological and scientific advancements integrated into land evaluation. The findings suggest that LCC alone is inadequate for precise land assessment, emphasizing the need to integrate new technologies. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies are becoming increasingly significant. Integrating various software, decision-making systems, and mathematical models can also enhance the accuracy of land assessment results. The continuous advancement of GIS and remote sensing technologies is paving the way for new tools to facilitate natural resource mapping, appraisal, surveillance, and management. Utilizing these technologies for future projections will be highly beneficial in accurately assessing the long-term impacts of current land management practices.

Assessment of groundwater quality for agricultural purposes in Qazvin Province, northwestern Iran: A fuzzy inference and indicator Kriging approach

This study addresses the challenge of assessing groundwater quality for agriculture in Qazvin Province, northwestern Iran. In this region, over-extraction has led to significant degradation of groundwater resources. Traditional assessment methods often overlook uncertainties and spatial variability in groundwater quality. To address this, our study aimed to integrate fuzzy inference and geostatistical methods to assess groundwater quality under uncertain conditions. The research was conducted in two stages. First, a fuzzy inference system classified six key water quality parameters: Electrical Conductivity (EC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Total Hardness (TH), sodium ion concentration (Na⁺), and chloride concentration (Cl⁻), into three categories: “desirable,” “acceptable,” and “unacceptable,” using 54 fuzzy rules. In the second stage, we applied ordinary Kriging and indicator Kriging to spatially interpolate these classifications and produce probabilistic maps of groundwater quality risk across the study area. In ordinary Kriging, the average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values for EC, SAR, RSC, TH, Na⁺, and Cl⁻ were 0.94 dS/m, 1.54, 1.42 meq/L, 3.13 mg/L, 3.03 mg/L, and 2.62 mg/L, respectively, indicating reliable assessments of groundwater quality parameters. Results also suggest that by 2023, areas classified as “unacceptable” increased by 142.0% since 2009, with an additional 25.2% of the region facing a 40–80% probability of further degradation. These findings highlight important trends in groundwater quality, assisting local authorities in prioritizing areas for preventive interventions. This supports sustainable agricultural practices and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 for water resource management.

Conservation Agriculture and Crop Residue Management

India being a populous country the intensification of the cropping system is mandatory. However, this intensification of the cropping system results in the degradation of soil and other natural resources. Considering this situation, conservation agriculture is the most suitable alternative to achieving sustainable yield and productivity. Conservation agriculture is based on three major principles those are minimum disturbance of soil, crop rotation, and maintenance of crop residue. Crop residue management plays a major role in conservation agriculture as it helps in improving soil productivity, soil organic matter content, soil structure, soil water conservation, air quality, and reduction in soil erosion. India produces 273 Mt of crop residues annually which contain a total of 7.16 Mt of nutrients (N-1.28, P2O5-1.97, K2O-3.91). In modern agriculture, green manure crops like Sesbania and sunhemp increase the quantity and quality of the crop residues in the crop field. Among various residue management practices mulching has been practiced prominently in dry lands as it increases the resource use efficiency. The residue decomposition is affected by various factors like quality of crop residue, edaphic, management, and climatic factors. In modern scientific research crop residues are being used especially for site-specific nutrient management. It is observed in most studies that zero tillage or reduced tillage with crop residue gives comparatively higher net returns, water use efficiency, and resource use efficiency than conventional agriculture. In Indian context. The management of rice residue particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India is challenging, where the rice-wheat cropping system is intensively followed and the farmers are more anxious about timely seeding of wheat in combine harvested paddy fields (Sidhu et al., 2007; Singh et al., 2020).

Analysis of Land Use and Occupation in a Neighborhood of the City of Manaus-AM Using Geotechnologies

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the land use and occupation that occurred between 1999 and 2021 in the Tarumã neighborhood located in the city of Manaus-AM, with the aim of carrying out, through remote sensing techniques, the investigation of the environmental impacts that occurred, considering the classes of soil, vegetation and hydrography. Theoretical Framework: The accelerated population expansion and the lack of environmental planning contribute to the increasing degradation of natural resources. The disorderly distribution of the territory represents one of the main problems in Manaus. Method: Land use and occupation mapping was obtained from the supervised classification of Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 satellite images, RGB bands, through the United States Geological Survey – USGS (Earth Explore). Data comparisons were made based on the temporal analysis of the images and shapefile. Results and Discussion: The results obtained identified the class transformations that occurred in the last 22 years, which corresponds to 41.71% of primary vegetation, 8.98% of secondary vegetation, 17.70% of exposed soil. In the urban area, there was interference of 30.16%, with a 1.74% decrease in the water class, including the Environmental Preservation Area Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this study favor the understanding, measurement and prediction of environmental impacts caused by the ordered and disordered urban occupation of cities. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the monitoring of occupations in the Tarumâ neighborhood, contributing to decision-making in preservation areas.

Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies of Pentahelix Stakeholders in Realizing Sustainable Supply Chains in Indonesia

The sustainable supply chain sector is increasingly becoming an important concern in Indonesia, especially amidst the threats of climate change, environmental degradation, and exploitation of natural resources. This study aims to identify the challenges, opportunities, and strategies faced by pentahelix stakeholders in realizing a sustainable supply chain in Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. The data collection technique in this study is through literature studies. The data that has been collected is then analyzed in three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that efforts to realize a sustainable supply chain in Indonesia require strong collaboration between the government, academics, business, society, and the media. Pentahelix is ??the right strategy to ensure that each stakeholder plays its role optimally. By taking advantage of existing opportunities, such as increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products and strong government support and overcoming challenges through technological innovation and comprehensive policy development, Indonesia has great potential to become a leader in sustainable business practices at the global level.

The Nature of Environmental Degradation and Inter-Ethnic Conflict in Meru County, Kenya

Environmental degradation continues to be one of the most serious challenges in achieving Kenya's Vision 2030 sustainable development goals. For instance, parts of Meru County where this study was done experience persistent conflict from environmental degradation and depletion of the natural resources, due to farming and livestock raring. The conflict pits the agriculturist Meru and other communities who are pastoralists. This study sought to examine the nature of environmental degradation and inter-ethnic conflict in Meru County, Kenya. This study employed phenomenological study research design using qualitative approach. The research instruments used were, interview guides and Focused Group Discussion guide (FDGs). The analysis of data was done thematically and presented as narrations and quoted verbatim. The study found that environmental degradation in Meru County is primarily driven by overgrazing, deforestation, and poor land management practices. These factors have led to soil erosion, water and pasture scarcity, and reduced agricultural productivity, which in turn escalate inter-ethnic conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. The analysis revealed that environmental degradation not only strains the already limited resources but also intensifies competition and disputes over land, pasture and water. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between environmental degradation and escalating inter-ethnic conflicts in Meru County. Effective strategies to mitigate these issues include enhancing community engagement, implementing robust environmental policies, promoting sustainable land use practices, and fostering conflict resolution mechanisms. Addressing environmental degradation is crucial for reducing inter-ethnic conflicts and promoting peace and sustainable development in the region. To address environmental degradation in Meru County, prioritize sustainable agriculture, reforestation, and waste management to combat erosion and pollution; engage the community in conservation efforts, strengthen policies against harmful activities, and integrate land use plans to balance conservation and development.; implement conflict resolution mechanisms and revive traditional practices to enhance resilience; and capacity building and advocacy are key to fostering sustainable practices and ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.

Unveiling Environmental Crime Trends and Intensity in the EU Countries Through a Sustainability Lens

AbstractEnvironmental crime poses a significant threat to global ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being, encompassing activities such as pollution, illegal waste disposal, trade in protected species, and natural resource degradation. Understanding the dynamics of these crimes is essential for devising effective mitigation strategies and promoting sustainability at micro, meso, and macro level. The aim of the study is to examine environmental crimes in the EU, focusing on their current trends, patterns, and Intensity, as well as the impact on sustainability across its three dimensions. Fourteen EU countries environmental crime data from 2016 to 2021were analysed to reveal variations and trends. Geographic information systems (GIS) utilized to identify countries with elevated environmental crime rates, emphasizing the need for interventions in pollution control, waste management, and resource conservation. Results indicate high environmental pollution intensity in Italy, Sweden, and Denmark. Moreover, Italy emerges as the epicentre of illegal waste dumping, with notable cases also present in Belgium and France. Additionally, France, Slovakia, and Italy show alarming levels of illegal wildlife trade. Furthermore, France and Sweden exhibit the highest density of natural resource degradation cases. In addition, the study unveiled a positive correlation ($$\:b>0$$) between environmental pollution, trade in protected species, and natural resource degradation with population growth, while waste disposal exhibited a negative correlation ($$\:b<0$$). Moreover, trade in protected species and resource degradation correlated negatively ($$\:b<0$$) with the poverty ratio. Addressing environmental crimes aligns with the pursuit of green justice, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic factors. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, environmentalists, and communities, guiding interventions towards a sustainable and resilient future.

Mainstreaming Indigenous Knowledge of Pastoralists into Climate Change Policies in Cameroon

Indigenous pastoralists are hardest hit by the impacts of climate change because of their dependence on nature and limited adaptation. This paper seeks to examine the level of integration of traditional knowledge systems into adaptation policies in Cameroon, using the specific case of Mbororo pastoralists in the Western Highlands. Using a mainly qualitative approach in data collection, in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 purposively selected pastoralists from 4 divisions with intense pastoral activity, comprising 19 Mbororo pastoralists, 2 members of the Mbororo Social and Cultural Association (MBOSCUDA), 2 Mbororo traditional rulers, 5 Mbororo women and one focus group discussion. Discussions were recorded and voice notes were transcribed, coded and treated according to content and thematic with the aid of Atlas. Ti software. Results show that Mbororo pastoralists migrated into the region in the 1950s as nomadic herders and occupied marginal lands due to the nature of their activity. With climatic aberrations being acute, their closeness to nature permitted them to develop a wide array of knowledge and traditional practices to adapt and exploit existing opportunities. Semi-nomadic and transhumance methods of rearing, cross-breeding local species with high-breed species to produce resistant breeds of cattle, cultivating resistant pasture species, rotational grazing and using traditional medicines to treat cattle diseases have reduced resource degradation and curbed the effects of climatic aberrations. Nevertheless, these indigenous knowledge systems are eroding fast due to poor indigenous institutions and non-integration into policy. This work will reinforce capacities of decentralized communities in developing and implementing local adaptation plans on climate change.

Industrial Pollution in Patna City : Physico-Chemical Analysis of Effluents and Their Effects on Water and Soil

Industrial pollution is a significant concern in Patna City, with rapid urbanization and industrial growth contributing to the degradation of natural resources. This study focuses on the physico-chemical analysis of industrial effluents and their effects on the water and soil quality in and around Patna. Effluents from various industries, including textile, sugar, rice mills, and small-scale manufacturing units, are released into nearby water bodies and soils, posing serious environmental risks. The research aims to assess the levels of pollutants by analysing key physico-chemical parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), heavy metals (lead, chromium, cadmium), and organic contaminants in industrial effluents. Samples were collected from various locations near industrial zones and water bodies. The study also evaluated the impact of these pollutants on soil and groundwater quality. It was found that prolonged exposure to industrial effluents led to the accumulation of toxic metals in soil, reducing its fertility and altering its structure. Additionally, groundwater sources were contaminated with hazardous chemicals, making them unfit for drinking and irrigation purposes. The implementation of advanced treatment technologies and sustainable industrial practices is crucial for safeguarding the environment and public health in Patna City.

Embracing complexities in agricultural water management through nexus planning

AbstractA major challenge for agricultural water management (AWM) in the 21st century is to feed a growing population in the face of increasing intersectoral resource competition, evolving diets, degradation, pandemics, geopolitical conflicts and climate change. This has to be achieved within the planetary boundaries and without compromising the livelihood and environmental (ecosystem) objectives linked to water, including provisioning, supporting and regulating services. This paper uses a systems and nexus lens to unravel the centrality and complexities in AWM, with particular emphasis on the interconnected dimensions and objectives of AWM, as well as its practices and technologies. AWM exists beyond water and food with linkages to human and environmental well‐being. AWM needs to catalyse transformation and integrate approaches across systems, users and scales to meet its objectives in a changing climate. It must provide perspectives beyond productivity, managing water risks and safeguarding food security – as important as these are – and integrate our understanding of the interconnected climate, land, water, food and ecosystems to address planetary health outcomes. By doing so, AWM could catalyse contextualised, equitable, innovative solutions that acknowledge local socio‐economic and institutional structures and limitations while catalysing sustainable development and climate resilience.

Sediment source tracing in a Brazilian subtropical catchment using diffuse reflectance: Effect of spectral ranges, pre-processing techniques, and multivariate model

ABSTRACT Agriculture intensification in Southern Brazil’s subtropical regions combined with the frequent occurrence of erosive rainfall has rendered the area a global water erosion hotspot. In this scenario, understanding and regulating erosion processes at the river catchment scale is critical for mitigating soil and water resource degradation. Traditional methods for tracing sediment sources are expensive and time-consuming and justify the development of alternative approaches. Therefore, in this study, we employed diffuse reflectance spectroscopy analyses in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS), near-infrared (NIR), and mid-infrared (MIR) ranges, combined with multivariate models and spectral pre-processing techniques to estimate sediment source contributions in a homogeneous subtropical catchment (Conceição River, 804 km²). Soil samples (n = 181) were collected to characterize the four potential sediment sources, including: cropland (n = 78), stream bank (n = 36), unpaved road (n = 40) and pasture (n = 27). Moreover, 44 sediment samples were collected, including suspended sediment (n = 8), fine sediment deposited on the riverbed (n = 15), and suspended sediment samples collected in the water column during storm events (n = 21). Vector machine (SVM) model outperformed the others, with better accuracy and reliability. While UV-VIS spectra proved less effective due to soil homogeneity across the catchment, NIR and MIR spectra provided valuable information for discriminating sediment sources. Furthermore, reducing the number of potential sources (from four to three or two) improved model predictions, especially when distinguishing between surface sources (cropland and pasture) and subsurface sources (unpaved roads and stream banks). The study’s findings shed light on the power of efficient and cost-effective alternative methods for assessing sediment sources, which are vital for promoting effective erosion control and sustainable land management in similar regions.

Research on the Role of the Third Front Construction in China’s Modernization

The Third Front Construction was a major national strategy implemented by China in the 1960s, aimed at promoting the industrialization of the central and western regions while addressing external security threats. This initiative not only laid a solid foundation for China’s industrialization but also revealed unique paths of Chinese modernization, such as regional coordinated development and the integration of national defense and economic growth. However, the Third Front Construction also brought about environmental degradation and over-exploitation of resources, providing important lessons for contemporary China’s development. In the modernization process, it is crucial to draw on the experiences of the Third Front Construction, focusing on regional coordinated development and enhancing social mobilization capabilities. By summarizing the experiences and lessons of the Third Front Construction, this paper provides historical references and future directions for the development of Chinese-style modernization.

Gas flaring, sustainable development goal 2 and food security reflections in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria

The flaring of gas is a double jeopardy of wasting valuable energy resource and environmental degradation. That had been the experience with the Niger Delta area since 1956 when oil was discovered in commercial quantity in the region. Gas flaring is an active contributor of Green House Gases (GHG) emissions, global warming, climate change crisis and the consequent acid rain, rising temperature and sea level, flooding, agricultural and aquatic food chain disruption. The Niger Delta area as a global spot rich in oil, gas, aquatic and agricultural foods had remained a paradox of plenty, poverty and hunger. In view of this stack reality, it is the concern of this study to determine if zero hunger can be achieved in the area by 2030 and make recommendations that will serve as blue print for national and global actualization SDG 2. The study adopted documentary research method, leveraged on Public–Private Partnership (PPP) and Win–Win Concept as frameworks of interpretation and unveiled that ending gas flaring is associated with inherent economic growth, environmental preservation and sustainable livelihood in and beyond Niger Delta.