Socio-environmental Challenges Research Articles

Oneiromancy – Divination through Dreams

Oneiromancy – Divination through Dreams by Buena Onda Collective (Dominika Ksel and Camila Morales) is an immersive, interactive animated project designed to empower the Far Rockaway, Queens community in the face of climate crisis and environmental injustice. Collaborating with local organizations like RISE and Shore Corps, as well as residents and CUNY students, the project engaged over 100 participants (ages 5-65+) in workshops to create drawings, 3D models, audio recordings, and animations that reflect personal histories, dreams, and ecological connections. Guided by questions about capitalism and rising tides, the collective envisioned alternative futures, blending fantasy, dystopia, and resilience. Using open-source software, AI, and stop-motion animation, these visions were transformed into immersive 360-degree experiences, accessible via mobile devices and QR codes across the Rockaway Peninsula. The 360 animations culminated in an interactive exploratorium built with Unity and Community Toolkit, showcasing the power of artistic collaboration and digital media in addressing socio-environmental challenges, and moving from scarcity to empowerment and abundance.

EDITORIAL

With great enthusiasm, we present Volume 57, Issue 1, of the journal Arquivos de Ciências do Mar, reaffirming the commitment of this publication to the dissemination of highquality scientific research in the fields of oceanography, marine ecology, and coastal studies. In this volume, we have assembled a diverse selection of 10 original articles, 3 critical reviews, and 1 scientific note that offer significant contributions to the understanding and management of marine and coastal ecosystems, with a special focus on biodiversity and the socioenvironmental challenges of tropical and subtropical regions. The original articles in this issue explore emerging and multidisciplinary topics, including fungal contamination on beaches and its impact on environmental quality, the development of tools to assess ocean literacy, and studies on environmental perception as a tool for coastal management. We also highlight research on the gametogenic cycle of Lytechinus variegatus, population dynamics modeling of Ucides cordatus, and advances in understanding the ontogenetic development of otoliths in coastal fish. Additionally, this volume includes systematic reviews that expand knowledge about the Serranidae family in the Atlantic and the life history parameters of snapper species (Lutjanidae), as well as a comprehensive analysis of bycatch of non-target species in Brazil, a crucial topic for marine conservation. In the scientific notes, we highlight contributions to the knowledge of length-weight relationships of threatened shark species from the Brazilian Amazon coast, underscoring the importance of baseline data to support conservation and management strategies. This issue reflects the dedication of researchers and reviewers, as well as the commitment of the editorial team to ensuring the quality and relevance of the published works. We hope the contents presented here inspire new research, promote knowledge exchange, and support informed decision- aking for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. We thank the authors for sharing their findings and the readers for their trust in our publication. We invite everyone to explore this issue and actively participate in the scientific dialogue it fosters. Enjoy your reading!

Pilot Assessment of Knowledge and Compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals as Drivers for Strengthening BioTrade

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and BioTrade are fundamental to address socio-environmental challenges and promote sustainable development. This study assessed the level of knowledge of the SDGs among students, faculty, and administrative staff of the Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam (URAI) using a validated survey and also analyzed Ikiam’s contribution to the fulfillment of the SDGs. Through a qualitative analysis of interviews with experts, a SWOT matrix was designed to understand the status of BioTrade, and strategies were proposed to improve the understanding of the relationship between BioTrade and SDG compliance. The results showed that there is limited knowledge of the SDGs, with significant variations between groups. Also, it was shown that the SDGs to which the university population is most related, according to the area to which they are linked, are SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 6, and SDG 11, while the greatest contribution of Ikiam to the SDGs is made through research and outreach projects. On the other hand, it was shown that the main limitation faced by BioTrade is the lack of knowledge of this initiative in the population, so it is important that academia promotes the strategies proposed to promote the fulfillment of SDGs through effective tools such as BioTrade.

Analysis of the Adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies in Partnership with the Association Comitê Ponto Chic, in Nova Iguaçu, Baixada Fluminense, Brazil

Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate whether the adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies can positively impact the contribution to territorial development and social inclusion of the local community through sustainable practices, highlighting the importance of incorporating CSR as a strategy administrative and its role in the current socio-environmental and economic scenario. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of the paper is addressed the importance and evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), from its origins to the current practices adopted by organizations. The literature review explored the growing need for companies to incorporate social, environmental and ethical dimensions into their strategies, highlighting the role of corporate social responsibility and highlighting how companies can act more responsibly and socially towards society and the environment. Method: The methodology adopted for this research involves the use of qualitative and quantitative methods. Documentary research, interviews and field research were carried out with interviews at the headquarters of the Ponto Chic Nova Iguaçu Committee Association, Rio de Janeiro. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that organizations that work with CSR contribute to collective, social and environmental development in the territories where they operate. It was observed that the adoption of CSR practices has positive impacts on promoting territorial development and social inclusion. Research Implications: The results of this study influence the field of administrative social sciences, since the understanding of CSR in Brazil is growing, and implies that Baixada Fluminense is a socially vulnerable region witch new articles of this theme. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature in the field of administrative social sciences, and the originality of this article lies in its analysis of the implementation of CSR strategies in the Association object of this article, the Ponto Chic Committee, highlighting the role of CSR as a fundamental tool for organizations face socio-environmental challenges.

Educação Inteligente e Imersiva e Educação para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável

This article investigates the transformative potential of Smart and Immersive Education in promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), connecting technological innovations to global sustainability demands. Through a conceptual model, it explores the contributions of emerging Technologies — such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) — for the transformation of education, making it adaptive, engaging, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The argument is made that these technologies enhance learning and empower both managers and students to take on leading roles in addressing socio-environmental challenges. The study provides a basis for new empirical research and educational practices, suggesting pathways to turn environmental and social challenges into opportunities for innovation and positive impact.

Imagined futures in sustainability transitions: Towards diverse future-making

The study of addressing socio-environmental challenges through sustainability transitions inherently considers the future in various ways, although these considerations are often only implicit. In this essay, we argue that it is crucial to engage more explicitly in understanding how imagined futures are enacted and comprehended within research on sustainability transitions. This endeavour is necessary to navigate both the uncertainty and complexity of the future and to avoid perpetuating cognitive path dependencies and unsustainable modes of production and consumption that uphold existing injustices. Our paper discusses characteristics of futures and future-making that are relevant to transition studies. Given the spatial contingency of futures, the social construction of time, and the tendency to reproduce incumbent futures in transitions research, we outline contours of diverse futures through which we can not only analyse but actively engage in diverse future-making. Finally, we discuss the limitations of our approach for the study and community of sustainability transitions.

The Territory as a Victim: Geological Assessment to Analyzing the Impact of Colombia’s Armed Conflict on Geo-Bio Megadiversity at the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

This study delves into the intricate relationship between Colombia’s status as one of the world’s 17 Megadiverse countries and the socio-environmental challenges the country faces, with focus on the geological diversity of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM); the world’s highest coastal massif laying in the Caribbean Region of Colombia. Despite its natural splendors and magnificence, SNSM’s ecosystems have been significantly shaped by the enduring Colombian armed conflict (1964- latent today), leading to alarming environmental degradation that affects both geological and biological diversity, and hence the local communities inhabiting the territory. Employing modern geological methodologies such as Remote Sensing and Landscape Metrics, this research explores and quantifies the extent of degradation within the SNSM. The findings, spanning the pivotal years from 2000 to 2020, offer an innovative analysis of the Geo-Bio-Megadiverse ecosystems of the Sierra. This comprehensive examination reveals crucial insights to advancing informed environmental management, while supplying a groundwork for potential geoconservation strategies in this embattled territory; unequivocally acknowledged as a victim of a multifaceted and long-lasting socio-environmental conflict. The definition “territory as a victim” originated by local indigenous communities and is now incorporated in transitional justice systems such as the Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz (JEP, Colombia), condenses the profound violence experienced by the land, one that muted the spiritual guardians inhabiting its waters, trees, plants, soils, and stones. By spotlighting the intricate interplay between social struggles and environmental degradation as a central element of the ecosphere-techonosphere conflict in the Anthropocene, this study heightens awareness of the urgent issues confronting the SNSM, while advocating for targeted conservation initiatives to preserve its distinctive and invaluable natural heritage.

Calendars as an educational tool for life, training and socio-environmental challenges

Este trabajo aborda el reto que supone para la educación materializar en la práctica cotidiana constructos abstractos que prometan dar soluciones a las necesidades sociales y ambientales actuales. A partir de una experiencia educativa con comunidades nahuas de la sierra de Zongolica, en Veracruz (México), se creó de manera colectiva el Calendario Estacional Nahua como una alternativa pedagógica. El seguimiento y análisis de las posibilidades educativas de esta herramienta, objetivo de este trabajo, se ha realizado de manera individual en un proceso autoetnográfico en el que se identifican y describen los elementos constitutivos del calendario, se sistematiza la experiencia como estrategia educativa y se sintetizan los aportes bioculturales y educativos del uso del calendario. Se presentan los alcances de esta herramienta educativa en términos de su construcción como proceso pedagógico social, como experiencia de aprendizaje individual y colectivo, en términos de su dinámica y su diseño, y como herramienta didáctica. El valor de esta propuesta radica en identificar las relaciones bioculturales como germen de interacciones cognitivas contextualizadas y pertinentes. La limitación del estudio radica en una evaluación colectiva de los procesos. Concluimos que los aportes de la herramienta calendario se ubican en su carácter integrador y complejo.

Comparable yet distinct: a systematic review of social and small and medium-sized enterprises growth trajectories

Purpose This study aims to expand the concept of business growth by incorporating sustainability demands, particularly in the context of the Anthropocene era. It explores the growth trajectories of social enterprises (SEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), examining how SEs integrate social and environmental objectives into their growth process. Through a systematic literature review (SLR), this study compares these approaches with traditional SME growth paradigms, highlighting the need for a holistic understanding of business growth that addresses contemporary socioenvironmental challenges. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative SLR was conducted, using a structured search algorithm to identify and evaluate research on growth and scaling in SMEs and SEs. The search of the Web of Science database with specific growth-related keywords yielded 5,362 articles, which were narrowed to 194 after filtering by journal relevance. Content analysis, guided by an inductively developed codebook, examined growth definitions, operationalizations, and methodologies. This paper focused on key growth dimensions (economic, social and environmental) and identified whether growth was addressed as an outcome or process, along with its enablers and barriers. Findings While there are areas of intersection between the literatures, the findings reveal that traditional SME growth frameworks do not entirely align with SEs growth conception and management. Furthermore, SE’s growth barriers and facilitators, as well as growth trajectories more broadly, emerge as distinct from those of traditional SMEs. The results distill insights from SE growth paths that can be valuable for traditional SME managers, particularly in terms of managing stakeholders and the institutional environment. Social entrepreneurs commonly use strategies for reshaping business norms, influencing consumer culture and raising social issues awareness, leveraging the values of stakeholders to secure essential support. Originality/value As SMEs confront escalating pressure to align with the sustainable development agenda, the findings underscore the critical significance of drawing insights from the burgeoning SE growth literature. This suggests that traditional SME growth literature stands to gain invaluable insights from recent SE research, fostering a more nuanced comprehension of sustainability-centric SME growth trajectories.

Argentina's rejection of 2030 agenda undermines environmental sustainability and human well-being

In a recent speech to the UN General Assembly, Argentine President Javier Milei rejected the Pact for the Future and the 2030 Agenda, a comprehensive global framework for sustainable development encompassing ‘people, planet, and prosperity.’ This position undermines Argentina’s capacity to tackle urgent socio-environmental challenges like poverty, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and wildfires. By walking away from this international initiative, Argentina risks isolation and exacerbating these interconnected crises.

Data visualisation for decision making under deep uncertainty: current challenges and opportunities

Abstract This perspective article explores the role of data visualisation in decision-making under deep uncertainty (DMDU), a growing discipline tackling complex socio-environmental challenges, such as climate impacts and adaptation, natural resource management, and preparedness for extreme events. We discuss the role of visualisation for both analysis (or exploratory) purposes, as well as communication (or explanatory) purposes, including to stakeholders and the public. We identify a lack of comprehensive guidelines on how visualisations are currently used and their potential in enhancing DMDU processes. Drawing on literature and insights from a recent workshop, we identify key challenges DMDU analysts face when visualising data: managing complexity and dimensionality, effectively communicating uncertainty, and ensuring user engagement and interpretability. We propose a research agenda to address these challenges, by taxonomising and evaluating the effectiveness of different visual forms in decision-making contexts, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. We argue that, through these efforts, we can improve the communication and usability of DMDU analyses, ultimately aiding in more informed and adaptive decision-making in the face of deep uncertainty.

Use of Fatty Acids in Fertilizer Formulation: A Systematic Review

Synthetic fertilizers have been a subject of socio-environmental challenges. A more sustainable approach is necessary to develop these farm products. Thus, this review presents a strategy for fertilizer production by utilizing fatty acids and by-products derived from renewable sources. However, given the scarcity of data on the topic in scientific journals, this review used the PRISMA report methodology from patent databases. Results show that China is this field’s most significant intellectual property holder. Patents were predominantly vegetable-based (60%), mixed (14%), and animal- based (8.47%), with innovations including liquid fertilizers of plant and animal-based fatty acid esters, as well as the use of controlled-release technology. 80.60% of fertilizers were applied to the soil, followed by foliar application (12.75%) and seed application (0.60%). Notable contributions included fertilizers acting as pesticides and anti-caking agents. Thus, we realize the urgency of continuing scientific research to pursue more responsible and efficient agricultural practices.

Implementing circular economy principles: evidence from multiple cases

With an orientation on sustainability and economic growth, the concept of circular economy (CE) emerges to tackle socio-environmental challenges. Current literature has provided important frameworks from CE operations and business model perspectives. However, in practice, companies are still facing the challenges of insufficient knowledge, lack of standard procedure, and resource constraint. Thus, this paper aims to answer the research questions: how can companies effectively implement CE principles in their operations? And how can such implementation result in value creation such as new products or service solutions? Through conducting seven case studies mainly in Wales, UK, our paper identifies the key activities of CE implementation projects, proposes a holistic process model, and further addresses three different CE scenarios. Our study contributes to the understanding of CE process and circular business models with empirical evidence. Findings can provide future research direction as well as implication for business and policy makers.

Multilevel Drivers of Congenital Syphilis, Oregon, 2013 to 2021.

Despite the availability of curative penicillin treatment for syphilis during pregnancy, congenital syphilis (CS) cases have surged in the United States, including in Oregon. We conducted a retrospective analysis of individual- and county-level predictors of CS among pregnant people with syphilis in Oregon from 2013 to 2021. Data were collated from surveillance reports, County Health Rankings, and other sources with upstream county-level data. We used multilevel Poisson regression models to assess associations between CS and individual- and county-level factors. Among 343 people with syphilis during pregnancy, 95 (27.6%) were associated with a case of CS. At the individual level, a history of injection drug use and a history of corrections involvement were associated with an increased risk of CS, whereas a recent gonorrhea diagnosis was associated with a decreased risk of CS. County-level violent crime rate, unemployment, income inequality, and adverse childhood experiences increased the risk of CS. Higher county-level socioenvironmental challenges exacerbated CS risk, particularly among people with corrections involvement. Injection drug use, corrections involvement, and county-level socioenvironmental challenges increased CS risk among pregnant people with syphilis in Oregon. Urgent interventions are needed, including innovative care models, policy reforms targeting systemic issues, and enhanced collaboration with community services to address the escalating CS crisis.

“No fish – no fishermen”: staying as a voluntary choice despite environmental risks

ABSTRACT While climate change may amplify global mobility patterns, most affected individuals voluntarily stay in their locales. This research studies the multiple forms of voluntary non-migration amidst socio-environmental challenges, focusing on the traditional fishermen community in southwestern Bangladesh. Through 25 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions, the research uncovers that despite socio-environmental obstacles, such as the loss of the primary source of livelihood – the river, a substantial number of fishermen are determined to stay in the locality voluntarily. The households who voluntarily stay face livelihood challenges that coexist with their vulnerabilities. The fishermen employ diverse livelihood strategies to cope with the adversities and strive to maintain their livelihoods in situ. This study emphasises that voluntary non-migration could serve as both an adaptation strategy in vulnerable locales and an outcome of livelihood decisions, highlighting its fluid and dynamic nature. The implications of these findings are relevant for future research and policy formulation in promoting local adaptation and supporting the population choosing to remain in place in the face of environmental challenges.

Psychological health among adult offspring of lesbian parents at a time of anti-LGBTQ+ oppression

ABSTRACT This study investigates potential differences in psychological health (i.e. life satisfaction, anticipated future life satisfaction, distress), social well-being, and experiences of victimisation among adult offspring born to lesbian parents when compared with participants from a nationally representative sample surveyed in the same historical context of renewed anti-LGBTQ+ oppression. The research involved 75 adult offspring (M = 30.93, SD = 0.93; sex assigned at birth: 39 female and 36 male; gender identity: 73 cisgender and 2 gender nonbinary; sexual orientation: 51 heterosexual and 24 sexual minority) of the first generation conceived through donor insemination by lesbian parents. These offspring were matched with 75 participants of a U.S. probability sample based on several factors, including age, race/ethnicity, education, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The comparison group is presumed to have been raised by heterosexual parents. After applying Bonferroni’s correction to minimise the risk of Type I errors resulting from multiple comparisons, no significant differences emerged in the study variables between the two samples. Despite a climate of renewed anti-LGBTQ+ oppression, adult offspring of lesbian parents were doing well, possibly due to unique socialisation processes in childhood when their parents taught them to be resilient even in the face of socio-environmental challenges.

Unveiling emerging interdisciplinary research challenges in the highly threatened sclerophyllous forests of central Chile

BackgroundThe potential ecosystem collapse of forests in Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs) by unprecedented droughts is worrisome due to the impacts on its exceptional biodiversity and human well-being. However, research integrating the impacts of global change drivers, forest resilience and the challenges facing human-nature relationships is still scarce.Methods and resultsUsing the central Chile megadrought and recently massive forest browning event as a model scenario, we identified, through a scientific literature review and an interdisciplinary scientific workshop, the research priorities and questions to address for MTEs in a context of global change. Our results highlighted knowledge gaps that need to be covered, particularly in social and environmental sciences, with an emphasis on soil science. Research priorities must focus on (1) the understanding of interactive effects of global and local anthropogenic drivers on MTEs and (2) the evaluation of the potential impacts of MTEs collapse on human well-being and ecosystem functioning.ConclusionsWe highlight the need for a collaborative approach involving scientists, landowners, managers/administrators, and policymakers to apply adaptive forest management against the current socio-environmental challenges under a global change context.

Health for Hearts United Longitudinal Trial: Improving Perceived Stress and Allostatic Load Outcomes of Mid-Life and Older African American Women.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, with African Americans experiencing higher age-adjusted mortality compared to Whites. African American women in particular carry a high CVD burden due to more exposure to adverse personal and socioenvironmental challenges. Church-based interventions can improve health behaviors and health status of African Americans, yet few have addressed stress-related health. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the 18-month Health for Hearts United intervention in relation to stress-related outcomes (perceived stress, allostatic load) of mid-life and older African American women (≥45 years of age; n = 152 overall sample, n = 65 clinical subsample). The results of the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses showed overall significant decreases in perceived stress and allostatic load for both treatment and comparison groups over the measurement occasions (baseline and 18 months) with educational level remaining as a significant correlate over time. There was no significant interaction between treatment and time, yet there were trends in improvements for the treatment group compared to the comparison group. The findings demonstrate the potential of church-based interventions in reducing both self-reported stress and allostatic load in African American women, and highlight the need for further investigation of educational level and other possible factors influencing stress management in these settings.

Organizing sustainable and fair agri-food systems: exploring the role of north-north alternative food networks in the European Union

ABSTRACT Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) have grown globally since the late 1990s to promote responsible consumption and production in the agri-food sector, although their expansion varies across countries and socio-economic contexts. Initially, the Fair Trade movement and development organizations established AFNs to address socio-environmental challenges faced by producers in the Global South. However, as cooperation and development agendas evolve, more Fair Trade and development actors are forming North-North AFNs (N-N AFNs) to tackle socio-economic imbalances in agri-food systems of the Global North, especially in the EU. Despite their prevalence, these initiatives and their structures lack extensive academic study. Drawing on Le Velly’s framework for the analysis of AFNs, this paper conducts an in-depth qualitative analysis of three N-N AFN initiatives in Belgium, Italy, and Greece. The analysis demonstrates that while these initiatives share common objectives in terms of fairness and shortness of the agri-food system, variations arise in terms of its accessibility and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the findings emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all model for N-N AFNs across Europe, as different organizational arrangements – such as farmers’ cooperatives, consumers’ cooperatives, and business partnerships – emerge in response to specific project goals within each national context.

The role of the Environmental Education in tackling the Climate Emergency and biodiversity decline: articulating Brazilian experiences

Abstract: The transition to more sustainable societies is permeated by interests, conflicts, and predatory use of natural resources, generating vulnerability, socio-environmental injustice, and poverty. Considering that we are living in an era of uncertainty and multiplication of complex and wicked issues due to the prevailing logic of society, there is an urgent and unquestionable need to re-think educational paradigms, considering the need to redesign actions within transitional and transformational perspectives. This work describes and analyzes two educational experiences related to central and connected socio-environmental challenges: biodiversity loss and climate emergency. Both experiences encompass ways created to empower teachers to understand the complexity and create paths for action, highlighting the crucial role of participation and cooperation among different social institutions such as Governmental, Universities and NGOs. The challenge is to build communities as territory transformative agents in the use of active learning methodologies that promote meaningful knowledge from a perspective of the global South. Key Words: Social learning. Sustainable societies. Climate schools. Teacher training.