Restoration Of Natural Resources Research Articles

Impact of land use/land cover (LU/LC) changes on ecosystem service values in Muger Sub-basin, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to estimate the impact of land use/land cover (LULC) changes on the ecosystem service value (ESV) in the Upper Blue Nile basin over three-decade (1986–2020). The findings revealed that there is a decline in total ESV from US$ 492.77 × 106 in 1986 to US$ 400.65 × 106 for the year 2020. The ESV lost between 1986 and 2020 was about US$ 92.11 × 106. In terms of the individual ecosystem services, the contribution of all service values declined except food production and biological control. Among the major contributors of ESVs, food production, water regulation, erosion control, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, waste treatment, and water supply represent 89%, 88%, 86% in 1986, 2003, and 2020, respectively. Soil erosion and sediment transport under environmental pressure significantly contributed for the loss of ecosystem services (ES) in the sub-basin. In addition, FGD and KII ranked provisioning ecosystem services first in order of importance for communities in the study area. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the sustainable conservation and restoration of natural resources through natural vegetation protection, enhanced vegetation cover, conservation practices and wetland management to enhance the natural capital and ecosystem services in the Muger Sub-basin.

ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION AS A FACTOR IN ENSURING THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE REGION (similar to the Volga federal district)

The article presents the results of a study of the impact of environmental safety on the economic security of the region. The economy of a country and its regions is inextricably linked to the state and functioning of its elements, including the environmental situation. This factor has an impacton the resource supply of production, life expectancy and working capacity of the population, aswell as on trade opportunities in both domestic and foreign markets. Without ensuring environmental safety, it is impossible to ensure the safety of economic processes. Assessment of regional environmental safety is currently an urgent area of research, since many regions of Russia are characterized by a high proportion of industrial production, high anthropogenic load and the presence of environmental problems that can negatively affect the economic security of the region. The article presents the results of an assessment of the environmental safety of the regions of the Volga Federal District using various methods. The authors analyzed the state of environmental safety of the regionson the basis of a number of indicators outlined in the Strategy of Environmental Safety of Russia. The results of the evaluation using the indicative method are presented. In addition, a cluster analysis was carried out over several years, which, based on official statistical data, allowed the formation of groups of regions according to the level of environmental safety. The authors identified the following are as for neutralizing threats to environmental safety: improvement of legislation in the field of environmental safety; development and implementation of new technologies that will be more environmentally friendly; creation of programs for environmental cleanup and restoration of natural resources; strengthening control over compliance with environmental norms and standards. The identification of the interrelationships between environmental and economic security will allow us to develop effective strategies to ensure the sustainable development of the region, reduce the negative impacton the environment and increase the level of environmental safety.

The importance of constitutional protective norms in the system of principles for the implementation of the right to a safe environment

The scientific article analyzes the doctrinal provisions for the classification of constitutional norms. Two main approaches were clarified and preference was given to the one that gives a special place to protective norms in the system of constitutional norms. The concept of "environmental protection” has been analyzed, three main approaches have been identified, in which we have singled out the following common features - the systematicity of those protective measures that are applied and the purpose of their use (to contribute to the preservation and restoration of natural resources). The constitutional protective norms contained in the Basic Law of Ukraine, as well as in general and special legislative acts, were analyzed and highlighted. Among the main protective norms in the field of environmental protection, which are contained in the Law of Ukraine "On environmental protection”, the following are highlighted: the basis of sustainable development is not only environmental protection, but also rational approaches to the use of natural resources, which must proportionally take into account the tools of protection and prevention negative impacts from business entities, etc.; predicting environmental safety, monitoring compliance with relevant regulations and limits in the field of natural resource use; protective regulations stimulate the introduction of new technological solutions in the process of greening production processes, guaranteeing conditions for the restoration of natural resources, their integrity and diversity; protective regulations must be scientifically based, take into account interdisciplinary and be predictable, etc. It is substantiated that the list of protective norms-principles defined in Article 3 of the Law "On environmental protection” needs to be supplemented with such a principle as "guaranteeing sustainable development for better environmental protection”.

Chalcones—Features, Identification Techniques, Attributes, and Application in Agriculture

This review article is a comprehensive and current overview on chalcones, covering their sources, identification methods, and properties with a particular focus on their applications in the agricultural sector. The widespread use of synthetic pesticides has not only led to increased resistance among weeds and pests, resulting in economic losses, but it has also raised significant health concerns due to the overuse of these chemicals. In line with the European Green Deal 2030 and its Farm to Fork strategy, there is a targeted 50% reduction in the use of chemical pesticides by 2030, emphasizing a shift towards natural alternatives that are more environmentally sustainable and help in the restoration of natural resources. Chalcones and their derivatives, with their herbicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, and antiviral properties, appear to be ideal candidates. These naturally occurring compounds have been recognized for their beneficial health effects for many years and have applications across multiple areas. This review not only complements the previous literature on the agricultural use of chalcones but also provides updates and introduces methods of detection such as chromatography and MALDI technique.

Environmental protection in the farming system

The urgency of the problem of environmental protection in the modern agricultural system emphasizes the urgency of not only ensuring food security, but also sustainable impacts on ecosystems. This article examines a set of measures in the field of agriculture aimed at preventing soil degradation and pollution, rational use of natural resources and restoration of natural resources. Particular attention is paid to topics such as protection of the humus status of soils, anti-erosion measures, a scientifically based soil cultivation system, a rational system of fertilizer application, integrated plant protection from pests and diseases, as well as water conservation measures and land reclamation. Crop rotation, as a fundamental element of modern agrolandscape farming systems, deserves special attention in the context of environmental protection. This article provides the scientific rationale for the role of crop rotation in promoting ecosystem resilience and preventing the negative environmental impacts of agricultural activities. The principles and advantages of crop rotations aimed at maintaining biological diversity, preserving the humus status of soils, and preventing erosion are considered. The article also highlights the impact of crop rotation on the energy balance, efficient use of resources, and reproduction of soil fertility. The importance of crop rotation is emphasized as a key factor in balanced and environmentally oriented agriculture, contributing to the creation of sustainable agroecosystems and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ОТХОДОВ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЙ ЧЕРНОЙ МЕТАЛЛУРГИИ В ЭКОЛОГО-КЛИМАТИЧЕСКОЙ ПРАКТИКЕ РЕГИОНА: ТЕХНОЛОГИИ И ИНТЕГРАЛЬНЫЙ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЙ ЭФФЕКТ

The problem of environmental pollution with industrial waste is currently becoming an environmental disaster of a global nature, which has a complex negative impact on all components of sustainable development of the regions where industrial giants are located, including the climate. At the same time, the current level of development of technology and technology in developed countries allows building a closed-loop economy through the reduction, reuse and recycling of secondary products. The study is based on the hypothesis of the possibility of solving the ecological and climatic problems of the region by using slag from ferrous metallurgy enterprises. Based on the results of the study, the authors systematized advanced technologies for the use of metallurgical waste for environmental purposes of regional policy, identified the reasons for the insufficiency of their distribution in Russian practice, substantiated the economic, social and environmental benefits of modernizing steelmaking industries, established the possibilities of using the resulting slag for the purpose of reclaiming disturbed lands and implementing climate projects, and determined the ways of transforming the indicators of restoration of natural resources of the region into an integrated economic effect.

Implications of the Role of Tourism Carrying Capacity in the Development of Sustainable Tourism Destinations

Tourism contributes to increasing global and national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. However, there are also negative impacts on tourism activities. One of the implementations to minimize negative impacts can be carried out by applying the carrying capacity of the destination (tourism carrying capacity/TCC). This study aims to determine the implications of the role of tourism carrying capacity in sustainable tourism development, which focuses on the causality relationship between tourism destination governance policies and tourism carrying capacity (TCC). This study uses a qualitative library/desk study method with a Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impacts, and Responses (DPSIR) framework analysis approach. The five dimensions of the carrying capacity of tourism destinations used in the DPSIR framework are territorial, governance, economic, social, and environmental. As a result, three framework findings and strategic analysis implications were obtained. First, it required the restoration of natural resources, environment, and ecosystems; second, carrying out integrated planning in land use, economic growth, strengthening socio-demographics, and a sustainable environment; third, educating tourists to transform the attitude, behavior, and ethics of tourists. The overall strategic analysis framework aligns with various tourism development programs to maintain natural, economic, social, and environmental balances that apply sustainable tourism by implementing stakeholder cooperation.

The missing link in New Jersey’s Hurricane Sandy recovery: Land use management

Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey with record storm surge, coastal erosion and inundation, widespread flooding, and associated property damage. The federal response to this catastrophic storm event was swift, with passage of a supplemental appropriation bill in excess of $60 billion to facilitate response and recovery. In New Jersey, hurricane recovery included a range of positive mitigation actions, including structural elevation of residential and smaller commercial buildings, property acquisitions, restoration of natural resources, enhanced construction standards, and large-scale beach nourishment. However, New Jersey’s recovery plan promoted quick rebuilding without consideration of long-term storm vulnerability concerns, and without fully understanding the cause of damages and appropriate land use management actions that could mitigate future storm and flood damages. There was a conspicuous absence of land use planning and management strategies in the context of future conditions of increasing sea level rise, chronic coastal erosion and increasing risk to people and property. This deficiency represents a significant gap in New Jersey’s Hurricane Sandy recovery and a missed opportunity to address a long-standing vulnerability.

Анализ факторов продвижения эффективной органической аквакультуры семиаридного климата России, Китая и Казахстана

This overview report provides insights intothe internal reserves of aquaculture production in Russia, China and Kazakhstan, highlighting their potential in ensuring sustainable production of environmentally friendly commer-cial fish products. China, for instance, currently produces 72 million tons of hydrobionts annually, accounting for 56.7% of the global aquaculture production in 2022. On the other hand, Russia’s current production level remains modest, representing only 0.53% of China’s output. The report emphasizes the importance of implementing a conservation strategy that promotes organic aquaculture practices within inland waters. This approach aims to ensure compliance with environmental regulations while transitioning towards fish production. It emphasizes the need for common approaches and self-regulating technologies in balanced and sustainable aquaculture, prioritizing the conservation and restoration of natural resources. Furthermore, the report delves into the specific challenges and prospects of semiarid aquaculture in southeastern China, as well as the Caspian regions of Russia and Kazakhstan. These are as share similar agro-climatic conditions f for inland reservoirs. The report underscores the potential of utilizing agricultural lands for the development of organic aquaculture, emphasizing environmentally friendly production practices and high fish productivity. Organic aquaculture is portrayed as an adaptive and sustainable form of nature management. It aims to enhance agricultural production, increase productivity, and preserve the ecological balance of water resources in semiarid territories. Moreover, it highlights the economic feasibility of organic aquaculture, making it accessible to fish farmers and fisheries industry professionals alike.

How financial mechanisms can incentivize provision of ecosystem services from land restoration: A systematic review protocol.

The current food chain both contributes to, and is affected by, climate change. While GHG emissions and emissions to water and soil are a problem for the whole food chain, the majority of such emissions and the major solutions to them can be found in the farming and land use sector. The farming system needs to reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions and adapt its supply chain to cope with climate change. A broad variety of payment tools have been proposed to motivate farmers and landowners to take certain actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the protection or restoration of natural resources. The protocol described here (OSF preregistration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/STGQ6) outlines the methodology for a systematic review to explore how financial mechanisms such as green bonds can provide incentives to agri-food sector to support environmental sustainability and ecosystem service delivery through land-use change. Our primary research question is: how do financial mechanisms incentivize land restoration? Studies will be categorized according to the types of financial mechanisms, their characteristics, methods of land restoration and their impact on mitigating agri-food footprint. The results are expected to increase our understanding about the design of financing tools currently used to accelerate nature restoration. Moreover, they will inform us about the effectiveness of deploying such tools on rural communities, food companies and landowners.

International Marine Tourism

In today’s globalised and open world, international marine tourism needs renewal, reorganisation and definition of perspectives, including in the context of the concept of sustainable development. In order to determine the state and possible prospects for the development of international marine tourism in the context of sustainable development priorities, a bibliometric and contextual analysis of the conclusions and recommendations of selected scientific publications was carried out. Relevant publications since 1987 were searched using the Dimensions research database search engine. This analysis identified the trend in the number of publications, the most numerous research categories according to Fields of Research and the Sustainable Development Goals, the most productive journals and the network of authors. As a result of the contextual analysis of the selected articles, the need for (1) management reforms and (2) scientific research at all levels, in accordance with the concept of sustainable development and the Global Code of Ethics in Tourism, (3) clustering and externalization of marine tourism in accordance with the orientation towards specific community and (4) further development of the blue economy and protection and restoration of natural resources of coastal areas as a basis for marine tourism activities. The results of the research can be useful for the scientific community, the general public and specialists in the field of bibliography.

Diversification of Livelihood from Animal Waste and by-Product for Small and Marginal Farmers in India

Background: Utilization of livestock waste and by products are always considered to be an important source of livelihood for environment protection and agricultural development. The study explores the prospective scope of livestock waste utilization by dwelling into the livestock holdings and their health profile, waste management and bio-security practices for sustainable livelihoods of small and marginal livestock farmers of tribal belts. Methods: With an empirical survey, an analysis is made on the waste management practices in selective states of North East India (Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland). The percentage and average method were applied to understand the management practices of pig production system. In the qualitative tools mainly Focused Group Discussion (FGD) and Interview methods were used to understand the perception of people on waste management. Result: It is found that the untreated waste is utilized in field and only 2% of farmers use the manure in pisciculture where waste is used in its integrated form. A comprehensive model of treating and marketing the livestock waste and by products with the application of modern technology can not only contribute in augmenting the income but will also help in quality restoration of natural resources in rural areas.

STRATEGIES OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE MARKETING OF COMPANIES IN THE SPHERE OF SPORTS

The main goal of the research is to study and evaluate modern socially responsible marketing strategies of global sports brands for the development of proposals for the domestic sports business. The article examines the role and significance of the social responsibility of business in modern marketing strategies of companies. The essence of socially responsible marketing and types of marketing strategies have been studied. The key marketing strategies that are relevant under modern market conditions are distinguished. It was determined that charity, sponsorship, and active participation in environmental protection programs are the most popular forms of social responsibility of sports companies. The largest and most popular sports companies were chosen on the basis of the rating evaluation results of the world's sports brands. According to the official websites of the world's leading sports companies, the content of strategic marketing initiatives that take place in their management practice was analyzed. It was found that all global sports brands have a high level of activity in the field of social responsibility of business. Among the most popular marketing strategies, these companies use the production of goods from ecological raw materials, the strategy of transformational cyclicality and energy efficiency, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among potential and contact audiences, the involvement of consumers in programs for the preservation and restoration of natural resources, the observance of human rights, the strategy of inclusiveness and equality for all categories of consumers. Studies of the Ukrainian market of sports brands have shown that many new companies have appeared in the country in recent years, however, their level of social business responsibility remains low compared to global sports brands. In order to create favourable conditions for the success of Ukrainian sports companies on the basis of the best global practice, strategic areas of socially responsible marketing were proposed. The main elements of marketing strategies were identified as key elements of the implementation of these strategic initiatives, including reputational capital and branding, active promotion technologies based on digital potential, socially significant long-term values, unity of business interests and the interests of society.

Organization of rational and environmentally sound use of forest resources, taking into account the economic factor on the example of the Kartopsky forestry of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug (Yugra)

Balanced ecological and economic development is possible only with the development and implementation of a single comprehensive program for the use of natural resources, taking into account the need for environmental protection, restoration of natural resources, restoration and production of flora and fauna resources. The scale of the impact of anthropogenic factors has not yet been fully assessed, however, it can be said with confidence that the environmental losses that nature incurs from all types of negative impact on the environment significantly exceed the currently calculated economic losses.

Environmental Impact of Oil Exploration in Nigeria: A Case Study of Nembe Local Government.

Nigeria’s economy has relied heavily on oil exploration for many years. The Niger Delta region’s ecology and communities have, nevertheless, been significantly impacted by oil exploration and production. These effects include water and land contamination, a loss of biodiversity, and risks to public health. In-depth examination of the environmental impact of oil exploration in Nembe Local Government, Bayelsa State, is examined in this paper. It is based on a review of the literature in the field as well as interviews and surveys with people of the impacted communities. The research technique included statistical analysis of the data gathered, content analysis of the documents, and document analysis. According to the report, severe contamination of land and water caused by oil drilling in Nembe Local Government has decreased agricultural production and wiped-out aquatic life. The use of hazardous chemicals in oil extraction procedures has further exacerbated the environmental effects, putting the surrounding population at risk for conditions like cancer, respiratory illnesses, and skin irritations. In addition, wildlife habitats have been destroyed and biodiversity has been lost as a result of oil spills and pipeline vandalism. Actions to be taken to lessen the environmental impact of oil exploration in Nembe Local Government by the Nigerian government and oil exploration corporations include the application of best environmental practices in oil exploration, the use of non-toxic chemicals in oil extraction procedures, and the provision of adequate compensation to impacted populations for their loss of livelihoods and the degradation of their environment. In Addition the government should put in place strong regulatory frameworks to oversee oil exploration firms’ operations and hold them accountable for any environmental harm they may cause. It suggests that using land treatment technology, there should be a strong environmental restoration of natural resources.

Impacts of Oil Exploration (Oil and Gas Conflicts; Niger Delta as a Case Study)

The discovery of Oil and Gas in Nigeria led to exploration of crude oil for revenue basis. Oil exploration and exploitation caused environmental problems which resulted into major conflicts in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. The article examines the impact of oil exploration, and oil and gas conflicts in Niger Delta area and it highlights the problems of pipeline vandalism, structure of oil and gas and the general obstacles in the industry. It discovers that pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, pollution, oil spillage causes serious environmental degradation which resulted into serious conflicts. The article discovered that environmental problems in the area dislodged the people of their means of livelihood both in the area of fishing and farming. It recommends that there should be a compelling environmental restoration of natural resources by deploying land treatment technologies. Government should sanction multinational companies discharging oils or creating environmental pollution through necessary laws and regulations.

Environmental Taxation: Ukrainian Realities and European Practice

Environmental protection is a necessary element of the state strategy of sustainable development. Taxes are an effective tool of environmental policy in many countries of the world. The level of environmental protection in Ukraine is low. According to the ecological component of sustainable development, Ukraine ranks 109 out of 180 countries in the world in 2020. Therefore, taxation is not a sufficiently effective tool of environmental policy in Ukraine. Ukraine's international obligations regarding environmental protection and promotion of long-term goals of sustainable development determine the need to improve the system of environmental taxation in Ukraine. In modern economic conditions the issue of restoration of natural resources and redistribution of environmental tax between the relevant budgets is becoming increasingly important. Environmental taxes as a tool of environmental policy should not just fill the state budget, but stimulate the payer to have a positive and responsible attitude towards the natural environment. The funds received can be used to stimulate environmental protection, state programs for the development and import of resource-saving technologies, waste disposal, etc. Reserves for reducing the load on the surrounding natural environment can be quickly exhausted, therefore it is important to find ways to give economic growth a new quality, so that the recovery of the economy and the growth of industrial production are accompanied by the introduction of effective environmental protection technologies. As a result of the study, the main types of environmental taxes are identified. It is established that the ecological tax is an important lever for counteracting negative changes in the environment. A comparative analysis of environmental tax revenues in the EU and Ukraine was conducted. In the process of research scientific methods were used: economic and statistical - to assess the dynamics of the payment of environmental tax; analysis and synthesis - to find out the reasons that cause changes in the amount of payment. The result of the study is clearly defined trends in the flow of funds to the relevant budgets.

Rethinking Sustainable Tourism Management: Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic to Co-Create Future of Krabi Tourism, Thailand

Despite negative consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are certain positive effects from this crisis including the restoration of natural resources. Using the institutional theory framework, this paper aims to explore how sustainable tourism management can be applied to manage recovered natural resources after the COVID-19 crisis. Qualitative research in the form of in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, and observations was conducted to demonstrate how Krabi tourism stakeholders could collaborate among themselves in order to sustain recovered natural resources after the COVID-19 pandemic. Informants of the study are Krabi tourism stakeholders; i.e., tourism business owners and managers, members of tourism associations, government officers, CBT members, that are recruited by purposive sampling method. This research has shed light on how tourism stakeholders can co-create tourism policies to respond to sustainability issues using the institutional process. In order to develop a successful sustainable tourism management plan, we propose that the plan should consist of three aspects—environmental, social, and economic. The findings from this research offer benefits to tourism stakeholders around the world for reshaping sustainable tourism management in order to take care of magnificent tourism resources after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Psychological Factors for the Formation of Collective Ecological Consciousness

This article presents the results of a theoretical analysis of the concept of collective ecological consciousness from the standpoint of its characteristics. It also displays fundamental differences between ecological and individual consciousness. Furthermore, the paper depicts the correlation between environmental culture, which arises in the process of socialization, and the power of environmental intents aimed at protecting the environment. During the integration into society, an individual learns a universal system of beliefs, values, customs, traditions, norms, and rules that are followed by dominant public. They also evolve relationships with the world and nature surrounding them. In particular, in a society with a high level of development of collective ecological consciousness, young people from an early age employ effective strategies for the conservation and restoration of natural resources. Thus, the authors draw attention to the crisis of morality and spirituality, which is the main reason for developing a selfish type of collective ecological consciousness. The authors give examples of environmental education concepts and training to lay the theoretical foundation for developing effective programs to improve environmental culture in the younger generation.

Optimal nutrient availability could alleviate diatom Cylindrotheca closterium fouling during seedling cultivation of Sargassum hemiphyllum

The common brown macroalga Sargassum hemiphyllum forms extensive beds in the intertidal zones of temperate coasts, which has important ecological roles for a healthy coastal ecosystem. Efficient production of its seedlings is in great need for both natural resource restoration and aquaculture of this species. Fouling by the diatom Cylindrotheca closterium is a main constraint for seedling cultivation of S. hemiphyllum. In this study, we investigated the interactions between S. hemiphyllum and C. closterium under different nutrient conditions. The two algae were incubated together (co-culture mode) or separately (mono-culture mode). NO3− and PO43− were used as nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) sources, respectively, and eight N concentrations were prepared from 0 to 300 μM with a N:P ratio of 10:1. The results showed that the growth of C. closterium was inhibited by S. hemiphyllum only when the N concentration was 5–50 μM, whereas the growth of S. hemiphyllum was inhibited by C. closterium regardless of N concentration in the culture medium. These results indicated that the inhibitory effects of the two algae on each other are species-specific and dependent on N availability. Inhibition was most evident under the nutrient-limited condition and was alleviated by sufficient N in the culture medium. At 5–25 μM N, co-culture decreased the tissue N and P contents and the maximal quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/fm) of S. hemiphyllum, which resulted in N- and P-limited status and decreased growth. Meanwhile tissue N and P contents and Fv/fm of C. closterium were stimulated in co-culture mode, but its growth was still suppressed, suggesting an allelopathic effect from S. hemiphyllum. At 100–300 μM N, the tissue N and P accumulation, Fv/fm, and growth rate of co-cultured C. closterium were higher than the respective mono-culture values, indicating that it had a nutrient competitive advantage over the co-cultured S. hemiphyllum and so had an inhibitory effect on S. hemiphyllum. The competitive and inhibitory effects of C. closterium on S. hemiphyllum were relatively lower when the N concentration was in the 5–50 μM range. However, S. hemiphyllum grows well when N concentration is >25 μM and didn't suffer a N- and P- limitation. Thus, we suggest that the nutrient condition in the culture medium of S. hemiphyllum be set at 25–50 μM N with a N:P ratio of 10 to weaken the adverse effects of the fouling C. closterium.