Opportunities For Sustainable Development Research Articles

Organisational learning and sustainable tourism: the enabling role of digital transformation

PurposeOrganisational learning drives tourism organisations towards more sustainable tourism. Digital transformation also provides opportunities for sustainable tourism development. This study aims to combine these perspectives and explore how digital transformation enables organisational learning to contribute to sustainable tourism, following organisational learning theory (OLT).Design/methodology/approachBased on a critical realist paradigm, this study focuses on developing an in-depth understanding of organisational learning in tourism organisations. Thirty qualitative interviews with tourism organisations participating in an executive development programme (EDP) show how tourism organisations create, retain and transfer knowledge.FindingsThis study demonstrates that the EDP initiates knowledge creation through content transmission and exchange, triggers knowledge retention through utilisation of digital technologies and reinforces digitalisation through data value creation. Furthermore, this study enables knowledge transformation as implementation, which contributes to the three pillars of sustainable tourism and facilitates the development of networks encouraging sustainable tourism.Originality/valueThis study identifies approaches that enable economic, social and environmentally sustainable tourism development by facilitating collaborations via digital transformation, digital technologies that guide guest streams, online mobility offers and online environmental awareness campaigns that reduce environmental impacts. Thus, this study strengthens OLT and has implications for organisational learning and tourism policymakers.

Challenges and Opportunities for Niger's Economic Development: A Focus on Agriculture and Mining

This paper examines the challenges and opportunities for sustainable economic development in Niger, focusing on the agriculture and mining sectors. While agriculture is the mainstay of Niger's economy, it faces challenges such as climate change, low productivity, and lack of infrastructure. The mining sector has great potential, but also faces challenges related to regulation, environmental protection, and social impacts. The government has implemented policies and initiatives to support these sectors and promote sustainable development. The paper identifies key policy options, including revising regulations, improving infrastructure, promoting local content, and implementing social and environmental safeguards. To achieve sustainable and inclusive development, Niger needs to prioritize investments in human capital, social protection, and environmental sustainability, while also promoting private sector engagement and regional integration.

The impact of spring wheat species and sowing density on soil biochemical properties, content of secondary plant metabolites and the presence of Oulema ssp.

The physical and chemical properties of the soil are important factors influencing the yield of crops. One of the agrotechnical factors influencing the biochemical properties of soil is sowing density. It affects the yield components, light, moisture and thermal conditions in the canopy and the pressure of pests. Secondary metabolites, many of which are known to act as a defense mechanism against insects, are of importance in the interaction between the crop and abiotic and biotic factors of the habitat. To the best of our knowledge, the studies conducted so far do not sufficiently reveal the impacts of the wheat species and the sowing density, together with the biochemical properties of the soil, on the accumulation of bioactive ingredients in the crop plants, and the subsequent impacts on the occurrence of phytophagic entomofauna in various management systems. Explaining these processes creates an opportunity for more sustainable development of agriculture. The study aimed to determine the effect of wheat species and sowing density on the biochemical properties of the soil, concentrations of biologically active compounds in the plant and the occurrence of insect pests in organic (OPS) and conventional (CPS) production systems. The research was conducted on spring wheat species (Indian dwarf wheat-Triticum sphaerococcum Percival and Persian wheat-Triticum persicum Vavilov) grown in OPS and CPS at sowing densities 400, 500, 600 (seeds m-2). The following analyzes were performed: (i) soil analysis: the activity of catalases (CAT), dehydrogenases (DEH), peroxidases (PER); (ii) plant analysis: total phenolic compounds (TP), chlorogenic acid (CA), antioxidant capacity (FRAP); (iii) entomological analysis of the number of insects-Oulema spp. adults and larvae. Performing analyzes in such a wide (interdisciplinary) scope will allow for a comprehensive understanding of the soil-plant-insect biological transformation evaluation. Our results showed that an increase in soil enzyme activity caused a decrease in TP contents in the wheat grown the OPS. Despite this, both the content of TP and the anti-oxidative activity of the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were higher in these wheats. Bioactive compound contents and FRAP were most favoured by the lowest sowing density. Regardless of the production system, the occurrence of the Oulema spp. adults on T. sphaerococcum was the lowest at a sowing density of 500 seeds m-2. The occurrence of this pest's larvae was lowest at a sowing density of 400 seeds m-2. Research on bioactive compounds in plants, biochemical properties of soil and the occurrence of pests make it possible to comprehensively assess the impact of the sowing density of ancient wheat in the ecological and conventional production system, which is necessary for the development of environmentally sustainable agriculture.

The Role of Business Finance in Sustainable Development: Insights from Spinning Mills

Corporate finance and agricultural economics are critical to spinning mills for sustainable development and financial sustainability. This study aims to investigate the crucial role that corporate finance plays in fostering sustainable growth in the context of spinning mills. Spinning mill profitability is influenced by the cost, availability, and sustainability of agricultural goods such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers. The study comes to the conclusion that although the textile industry and spinning mills in particular is vital to the expansion of the global economy, there are often significant social and environmental consequences associated with its operations. Spinning mill financial performance is influenced by the agriculture economics that drive the raw material market dynamics. Effective corporate finance strategies consider these elements in order to avoid risks and maximize opportunities for sustainable development. Business financing initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development ought to consider social concerns such as community involvement, worker rights, and rural development. Using a comprehensive approach, the proposed study would look into the connection between agricultural finance and sustainable growth in spinning mills. Furthermore, the study sheds new insight on how a thorough understanding of agricultural economics may help spinning mills assess the social impact of their operations and allocate resources more wisely.

The Role of Business Finance in Sustainable Development: Insights from Spinning Mills

Corporate finance and agricultural economics are critical to spinning mills for sustainable development and financial sustainability. This study aims to investigate the crucial role that corporate finance plays in fostering sustainable growth in the context of spinning mills. Spinning mill profitability is influenced by the cost, availability, and sustainability of agricultural goods such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers. The study comes to the conclusion that although the textile industry and spinning mills in particular is vital to the expansion of the global economy, there are often significant social and environmental consequences associated with its operations. Spinning mill financial performance is influenced by the agriculture economics that drive the raw material market dynamics. Effective corporate finance strategies consider these elements in order to avoid risks and maximize opportunities for sustainable development. Business financing initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development ought to consider social concerns such as community involvement, worker rights, and rural development. Using a comprehensive approach, the proposed study would look into the connection between agricultural finance and sustainable growth in spinning mills. Furthermore, the study sheds new insight on how a thorough understanding of agricultural economics may help spinning mills assess the social impact of their operations and allocate resources more wisely.

Investigating the challenges and opportunities for sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City

Abstract The research paper discusses the challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. The city faces several challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and hasty urbanization, but its strategic location, cultural heritage, and economic potential provide opportunities for sustainable development. The paper presents a comprehensive literature review of successful case studies from other cities and regions to identify the best practices and innovative methods for sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City. The paper recommends green infrastructure, public–private partnerships and community-based planning and design to promote sustainable waterfront development. The paper emphasizes the need for an integrated and coordinated approach to waterfront development that focuses on enhancing resilience, preserving cultural heritage and promoting social equity. The paper suggests that further research is necessary to better understand the challenges and opportunities for sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City. The areas that require attention include stakeholder engagement, the impact of climate change and the potential for alternative financing mechanisms. The findings of this research paper can guide policy makers, planners, developers and community leaders to make informed decisions toward sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City.

SUSTAINABLE PATHWAYS: STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT IN CHINESE ETHNIC REGIONS

This study examines sustainable development strategies tailored for Chinese ethnic regions, acknowledging their unique cultural, environmental, and socio-economic characteristics. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the research delves into the complex interplay between economic growth, cultural preservation, environmental conservation, and social equity in these regions. Drawing on empirical data and case studies, the study identifies key challenges and opportunities for sustainable development, highlighting the need for context-specific approaches that respect local cultures and empower indigenous communities. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable development dynamics in Chinese ethnic regions and offer actionable insights for policymakers, planners, and stakeholders striving to promote inclusive and resilient development in these diverse and dynamic areas.

Sustainable Development Opportunities for the Kiruna Area (N Sweden)

Sustainable Development Opportunities for the Kiruna Area (N Sweden)

Project management challenges and labour migration: opportunities for sustainable development

The management of projects faces numerous challenges, including those related to labour migration. Labour migration has been a common phenomenon across the globe, and it presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. This literature review is a vital component of an ongoing research project aimed at examining the impact of labour migration on sustainable development. The underlying objective of this paper is to address the apparent disparity between the perceptions of policymakers and project managers regarding the challenges posed by labour migration, and the actual opportunities that it presents for sustainable development. In this article we explore the challenges faced by project managers in dealing with labour migration and the opportunities it presents for sustainable development. The paper findings indicate that project managers face challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and legal issues in dealing with migrant workers. However, labour migration presents opportunities for sustainable development by enhancing cultural exchange, skills transfer, and economic growth. The implications of these findings for project management practices and labour migration policies are discussed. The study recommends that project managers and policymakers have to collaborate to develop effective strategies to address the challenges and harness the opportunities presented by labour migration for sustainable development. This study contributes to the existing literature on project management and labour migration by highlighting the need for a sustainable approach to managing projects that involve migrant workers.

Uma abordagem territorial para o gerenciamento de projetos de infraestrutura: o caso da usina hidrelétrica de Belo Monte, Pará, Brasil

Abstract The socio-political complexity and consequent transactional and institutional costs of infrastructure projects are magnified in the Brazilian Amazon, a rich-resource region with social and environmental fragilities, thus posing challenges for project management. One of the main drivers of the Brazilian development strategy is infrastructure projects. However, these projects struggle to meet results in terms of local development, overloading social services, changing livelihoods, violating human rights, and exacerbating social vulnerabilities, environmental degradation, and deforestation. Despite greater scrutiny in environmental licensing, the process remains insufficient to mitigate impacts, and social participation is limited. The decision-making process remains technocratic and isolated from civil society, ignoring its inherently political character. Territorially blind and socially deaf projects lead to contestations by civil society and poor anticipation of demands, making territories mere receptacles of investments. Consequences for project management include delays, processes in courts, reputational damages, and missed opportunities for sustainable territorial development. Through semi-structured interviews and documental analysis of the case study of the Belo Monte Hydropower Plant, we investigate how a territorial approach to infrastructure governance can affect project management. Analysis shows that territories are actively influencing and influenced by infrastructure delivery, which corroborates the idea that contextual specificities to infrastructure delivery require specific ways of planning and managing projects. Adopting a context-specific territorial approach could anticipate some of the challenges and complexities of infrastructure management in developing and emerging economies. Also, results oriented toward development goals, such as the SDGs, can be more efficient both for territories and project delivery.

Relationship of silk butterfly lifespan longitude with economic value traits in silk cocoon breeding

Agriculture plays a key role in the economy of Uzbekistan. Its importance is not limited to the goals of providing food to the population. This is reflected in the cultural heritage and traditions of the people of Uzbekistan in rural areas, in each region of Uzbekistan with its own characteristics and diversity. Today, agriculture in Uzbekistan in general, including cocooning, provides jobs and income to a significant part of the population and remains the driving force of the growth of the economy of Uzbekistan. At the same time, as the economy of Uzbekistan is gradually diversifying, this means that the agrarian sector and the cocooning sector must also be radically reformed, which encourages them to look for new opportunities for competitiveness and sustainable development in the domestic and foreign markets. This requires a new approach to the development of the industry. This article discusses the importance of the role of cocooning in the agricultural sector in the national economy, the strategy for the development of Uzbekistan’s agriculture for 2020-2030, selection and breeding in the development of cocooning, and the role of seed production. In addition, in 2018-2020, the results of the study of the correlation between the life span of butterflies and the valuable traits of their offspring at the Research Institute of Sericulture were cited. The use of the results in science and production practice, as well as the expected results, that is, increasing the quantity of cocoons produced, improving the quality and increasing the competitiveness, are highlighted by the authors.

Energy tunnels as an opportunity for sustainable development of urban areas

The use of renewable energies will be increasingly necessary to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. An important contribution can be provided by energy tunnels, which make it possible to draw on a form of clean, renewable and locally accessible thermal energy for heating and air conditioning of buildings. The paper describes the characteristics of an energy tunnel and the design aspects necessary for its conception. Explicit reference will be made to the studies conducted at the Politecnico di Torino which led to the development of an innovative energy segment then used to create an experimental prototype in the true size of an energy tunnel. The data collected allowed to evaluate the performance of the system and to study the possibility of thermally activating the tunnels of the future Line 2 of the Turin Metro, allocating the heat partly to the air conditioning of the stations and partly to external users. With a view to sustainable urban development, the possibility of integration with district heating systems and the possible creation of local heat distribution networks at different temperatures, directly connected to the underground infrastructure, is particularly attractive and promising.

Maritime Tourism Potential of Lasbela District (Pakistan): The Course of Sustainability

For a coastal state, the domain of Maritime Tourism is crucial for enhancing the capacity of maritime affairs. An integrated approach is required to address issues that link marine tourism with the country’s inland tourism and policies. With the growing population burst, coastal cities are immensely under pressure as they host more individuals than inland cities. Moreover, coastal cities possess significantly smaller land areas than non-coastal ones. As a coastal state, Pakistan has considerable resources to become an emerging blue economy. This study emphasizes Pakistan’s Balochistan province, specifically the area occupied by the Lasbela district. It reveals a domestic sketch of the tourist attractions of Lasbela and provides a way for policymakers to take a deep insight into current needs, future challenges, and opportunities for sustainable development. This study underlines descriptive research and uses a longitudinal design to increase the clarity of the subject.

Правовое регулирование межэтнических отношений в Европейском союзе

Introduction: The European Union is ethnically diverse and this factor can both positively and negatively influence the processes of regulation of interethnic relations. The European experience shows that it is impossible to avoid the emergence of inter-ethnic tension, the manifestation of xenophobia or discrimination, but they can be effectively combated. The main purpose of the work is to systematize the result obtained and, on its basis, to reveal the structure of the system of sources of legal regulation of interethnic relations in the European Union. Methods: the methodological framework for the study is the methods of historical and system analysis. Results: the analysis of the current legislation of the European Union revealed positive practices and gaps in the regulation of interethnic relations. Thus, despite the common European legal framework, the EU countries have not reached agreements on the development of common strategies for national and migration policies. Conclusions: In matters of regulating interethnic relations, the European Union fully relies on the standards developed by the Council of Europe, and this is natural, since the development of common approaches to the establishment of common European values is more typical for the European community. The legal experience of the European Union, taking into account interaction with the Council of Europe, creates additional opportunities for sustainable development in this area.

Cashew apple in Tanzania: status of utilization, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable development

Cashew apples, although widely available and rich in nutrients are still underutilized after harvest in Tanzania. Approximately 2,327,000 metric tonnes of cashew apples are lost each year. Their counterpart, the cashew nut is highly appreciated and successfully contributes to the national economy. The huge underutilization of cashew apples is a challenge that requires urgent attention in order to achieve both national and global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Improvement of the cashew apple sector could have a positive impact on global SDGs 1, 2, and 3 targets of no poverty, zero hunger, and good health and well-being respectively. At national level, this sector could contribute to the goals of the Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2025, namely: high quality livelihood, particularly food self-sufficiency and food security; and a strong and competitive economy, particularly a diversified and semi-industrialized economy with a substantial industrial sector comparable to typical middle-income countries. In addition, the country’s Third Five Year Development Plan III (FYDP III) 2021/22 – 2025/26 has established key strategic interventions, notably those related to competitive industrialization, energy, and food and nutrition security to ultimately achieve the goals of the TDV 2025. To be effective, however, these strategic interventions require continued strong central and local government support and active involvement of stakeholders to ensure program effectiveness yielded towards efficient utilization of widely available natural resources such as cashew apples which has cross-cutting benefits in food, agriculture, health, energy, and economic perspectives. Therefore, the work provides evidence on the utilization status, challenges, and opportunities for sustainable development in Tanzania.

Экологическая ответственность бизнеса как критерий ESG и устойчивого развития

Introduction: in the context of a sanctioned foreign policy, which includes the possibility of abandoning Russian energy carriers, in addition to risks, some opportunities for sustainable development and implementation of ESG strategies are revealed. The innovative green projects in the interests of the Russian Federation are implemented for sustainable development mainly by the business community, whose responsibility is interpreted in the context of ESG criteria. The purpose of the study: to substantiate the concept of environmental responsibility of business as a criterion of ESG and sustainable development. Methods: the research was carried out by means of a set of methods of scientific cognition, namely, analysis (the analysis of concepts, identification of their signs, traits) and synthesis (the generalization of debatable conclusions, contrasted definitions), the method of analogies, by which the characteristics of the studied theses and definitions were projected onto legal relations. The preparation of the paper required the use of special legal research methods, such as formal legal and comparative legal. Results: ESG as a new trend and category is correlated in content with the sustainable development goals. The principles of ESG and sustainable development are implemented in Russia taking into account the local peculiarities. The ESG criteria are data that capture the measure of responsibility of business in the environmental protection field. The environmental responsibility of business as a type of environmental responsibility is a responsible approach of business to nature protection not out of fear of being held liable, but on the basis of the calculations of stimulating indicators, positive factors. The environmental responsibility of business, in this sense, becomes a value criterion, an incentive for the use of green technologies, innovative “clean” business models and can be attributed to the criteria of ESG and sustainable development. Conclusions: the environmental responsibility of business as an ESG criterion is achieved by external and internal factors, requires the state participation, achieving environmental transparency, improving environmental insurance, developing a system of taxonomy and criteria assessment.

Value-Added Products of Rice Husk in Various Disciplines

Abstract: Oryza sativa is a highly produced crop for human consumption and survival so as the most ever waste-generating crop in Asian parts of the world, this creates problems due to its ancient disposal system that occupies large spaces and harms the environment in many ways. Thus, in order to present this waste as a golden opportunity for economic development and sustainable development, this review aims to mention different value-added products like bioadsorbent, biofertilizers, bioinsulators, and superhydrophobic coatings that would show a great utilization of agricultural waste. One of the most studied products is bioadsorbant showing a very high absorbing capacity towards methylene blue and As (V) in the groups of dyes and metals respectively. Biofertilizers are found to be a good and better alternative to chemical fertilizers by having higher shelf life and a good carrier of microbes. Due to very high silica content, Rice Husk was found to be a better bioinsulators on the basis of lower thermal conductivity properties. This presence of silica which gives sufficient roughness also made it possible to produce superhydrophobic coatings better than other coatings. All four products have been thoroughly reviewed, which still require further research for other value value-added products. This review can give a most important direction towards lignocellulosic biomass utilization in different applications rather than just using it in the production of biofuel.

New opportunities for sustainable bioplastic development: Tailorable polymorphic and three-phase crystallization of stereocomplex polylactide by layered double hydroxide

Stereocomplexation between enantiomeric poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(d-lactide) (PDLA) is a promising sustainable approach and gaining momentum to overcome the shortcomings of polylactide (PLA) for its use as a replacement for fossil-based plastics. Filler addition in tailoring the crystallization of stereocomplex PLA (SC-PLA) has attracted extensive attention; however, research has primarily focused on the heterogeneous nucleation effect of filler. The impact of filler on the chain behavior of SC-PLA during crystallization has not been exclusively discussed, and the rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) development remains unknown. In this study, the crystallization of PLLA/PDLA blends was modified by low loading of layered double hydroxide (LDH) (≤ 1 wt%) with the proposed local effect of such filler, and additional RAF development was incurred. In the early stage of crystallization, LDH facilitates the pairing of PLLA and PDLA and arrests the ordered SC pairs during the dynamic balance between the separation and pairing of racemic segments. This explains the severely suppressed homochiral (HC) crystallization, promoted SC crystallization, and additional RAF formation driven by the nucleation-induced chain ordering. This work, for the first time, highlights the role of LDH in creating SC-PLA with tailorable polymorphism and RAF, where the mechanism can be extended to other filler-type nucleator systems.

A transdisciplinary approach to define and assess wild food plant sustainable foraging in Norway

Societal Impact StatementForaging wild food plants is sometimes perceived as a conservation threat or, alternatively, as an opportunity for sustainable development. Little is known of how foragers themselves define and ensure sustainable foraging. Here, we collaboratively assessed the activities and motivations of the forager community in Norway in order to achieve a combined social and ecological assessment of foraging sustainability. Current foraging of wild food plants in Norway contributes to an increased appreciation of nature rather than generating negative environmental impact and is hence an opportunity for sustainable development.Summary Wild food plants are well recognized as local sources of nutrition that can contribute to food security, but foraging is sometimes viewed as a threat to biological conservation. Here, we characterize and assess sustainable foraging in Norway through transdisciplinary research co‐constructed with the Norwegian Association for Mycology and Foraging. We conducted 19 face‐to‐face interviews with key stakeholders and produced an online questionnaire returned by 219 recreational and commercial foragers to enquire about what species are harvested, by whom and how, where do foragers learn and what are their perspectives on the sustainability of foraging. Foraging fosters a strong connection with the natural environment. Foragers decide when and how much can be harvested considering location, plant and plant part being harvested. They pay attention to native plants' conservation status and local abundance and plant individual's survival after foraging and aim to not spread invasive species. We define sustainable foraging as the knowledge and practices that enable enriching forager–biodiversity relationships over time. Such a definition can support collaborative sustainability efforts between the academic community and civil society.

Assessment of Sustainable Economic Development in the EU Countries with Reference to the SDGs and Environmental Footprint Indices

The article analyses sustainable economic development of EU countries according to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), by using indices of integrated sustainable development and environmental footprint. Sustainable economic initiatives can be driven by economic, environmental and social aspects, applying principles of innovation and knowledge. However, development requires skills, human and financial resources; in turn, it increases productivity, efficiency, competitiveness, profit, and promotes a better working environment. In general, sustainable business initiatives contribute to SDGs and reduce the environmental footprint. The scientific problem is how to develop a sustainable economy while ensuring the achievement of SDGs and at the same time reducing the environmental footprint. The object of the scientific research is the evaluation of sustainable economic development through the analysis of integrated sustainable development indicators. The aim of the research is, upon the evaluation of SDGs and environmental footprint indices as well as the analysis of the integrated sustainable development indicator, to identify the opportunities for sustainable economic development in the EU countries. The research has been carried out by analysing the scientific literature, and applying SDGs and environmental footprint methodology to calculate individual and integrated sustainable development indices. The results have shown that despite the disparity of SDG indices, the overall value of the integrated sustainable development indicator is distributed quite evenly among the EU countries. The impacts from each of the SDG indices range from 11% to 31% but the environmental footprint index has the greatest impact on the sustainable development of a country—up to 31%.