Sustainable Development Policy Research Articles

Driving human development through ecological impact for emerging economies: the role of trade openness.

The present study attempts to examine the link between trade openness and sustainable human development (SHD) in 19 emerging economies. The study used the data for the period from 1996 to 2019. The study employed fixed-effect regression with Driscoll-Kraay standard error techniques robust to cross-section dependence. The study found the favorable impact of trade openness on sustainable development through sustainable human development. Trade openness affects sustainable human growth in many ways. It is a critical component that should not be ignored in sustainable development policies. Moreover, foreign direct investment, economic growth, and renewable energy consumption positively impact the sustainable human development. In contrast, innovations and institutional quality have an adverse impact on SHD. The study also provides policy suggestions for the emerging economies that will promote all the dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental.

Strategies for Land Economic Development in South Delhi District

This research paper examines the land economic development strategies in South Delhi, focusing on their impact on the socio-economic and spatial dynamics of the region. South Delhi, a diverse and economically vibrant district within the National Capital Region of India, presents a unique case study to explore how tailored land use policies and economic planning can foster sustainable growth. Using a mixed-method approach, this study integrates qualitative analysis of policy documents, stakeholder interviews, and quantitative assessment of economic indicators to analyze land use changes, economic transformations, and policy effectiveness from 2011 to 2021. The analysis spans both macro and micro levels, investigating transformations in key areas like Mehrauli, Lado Sarai, and Aya Nagar. Findings highlight significant shifts in land use from agricultural to residential and commercial purposes, driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and policy reforms. While certain strategies have effectively promoted economic growth, challenges such as environmental degradation, congestion, uneven policy enforcement, and socio- economic disparities persist. The study underscores the need for sustainable land use planning, improved infrastructure, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptive governance frameworks to balance economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability The research offers comprehensive insights and practical recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders to optimize land economic development strategies in South Delhi, with implications for similar urban contexts globally. The study advocates for a holistic approach that integrates sustainable development, community engagement, and resilient policy frameworks to create livable and prosperous urban environments. Index Terms— Land Economic Development Strategies,South Delhi, Socio-Economic Dynamics ,Spatial Dynamics, Land Use Policies ,Economic Planning ,Sustainable Growth ,Mixed-Method Approach, Policy Documents, Stakeholder Interviews, Economic Indicators, Land Use Changes, Urbanization, Infrastructure Development ,Policy Reforms Environmental Degradation, Socio- Economic Disparities ,Sustainable Land Use Planning, Stakeholder Collaboration, Adaptive Governance, Urban Environments.

“Akili zetu ziwe moja / Let our minds be one”: Emergent strategy for adapting to seafood insecurity in coastal Kenyan fishing communities

Small-scale fisheries provide food sovereignty and capital for millions globally. However, coastal Kenyan communities who harvest reef fishery resources are often still food insecure, especially due to the detrimental effects of climate change and overfishing in their communities. This study aims to understand the environmental perceptions and priorities of fishing families in Kilifi County, Kenya, and how these relate to both food security and sustainable development policy. We rely on qualitative methods including interviews with household caregivers from 42 fishing families to provide insights not only on fishery sustainability but also on the additional aspects of reproductive labor related to fish food security, including the food securing aspects of availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. Our findings highlight the complex challenges that environmental change places on families in this situation: lack of fish availability, seasonal food inaccessibility, shifting baselines, and experiences of loss in the food system are markedly a prevalent result. Despite these struggles, we see emergent strategies to address food needs unfold in a variety of resilient and opportunistic ways, including adaptation, trust, and multimodal networks of support. Further policy support must be given to communities to practice food sovereignty in their own contexts, especially as climate changes continue and these strategies become salient adaptive practices elsewhere.

Інститут корпоративної звітності: особливості ґенези та проблеми розвитку

Reporting is the main source of information for internal and external stakeholders. It is emphasized that the main purpose of financial statements is to provide financial information about the reporting entity that is useful to all investors and creditors in making decisions about the resources of such an entity. However, the emergence of new accounting objects and social and environmental problems of humanity create an information crisis that public financial reporting cannot solve. The contemporary information crisis is not the first in the history of corporate reporting, but it has given rise to problems that cannot be solved by traditional accounting tools – double entry bookkeeping. The reasons for recognizing the imperfection of corporate reporting by the international regulator are identified, which are the insufficient level of satisfaction of all information requests of various stakeholders. It is substantiated that in the context of market globalization, a significant gap has emerged between the market value of companies and their book value, which is presented in consolidated financial statements and general purpose financial statements. In addition, new challenges related to the implementation of sustainable development policies have begun to emerge. These trends are accompanied by the emergence of new stakeholders, in particular, non-profit organizations and civil society, which have begun to formulate their own requests to international and national regulators and companies regarding the environmental impact of their activities. All of this is leading to a crisis in traditional public financial reporting, as there is a need for additional financial and non-financial information that cannot be fully provided by public financial reporting institutions. The purpose of the article is to investigate the development of the institution of corporate reporting in an evolutionary context on the example of European countries (for example Great Britain, France, Germany). Using the historical method, the author has carried out a periodization of the development of corporate reporting as a social institution. Moreover, the paper deals with the features of each corporate reporting development stage. This makes it possible to better understand the nature of the emergence of corporate reporting when studying its essence. The paper type – research paper.

Exergy and Energy Analysis of Bifacial PV Module Performance on a Cloudy Day in Saudi Arabia

Bifacial solar modules, capable of harvesting sunlight from both sides, present a promising pathway for sustainable energy generation. This study examines the performance of bifacial modules on a cloudy day through comparative exergy and energy analyses. The analysis considers both the quality and quantity of energy produced by bifacial and monofacial modules. Conducted at Qassim University in Buraydah City, Saudi Arabia, the study recorded measurements during two intervals on a cloudy day using a real-time photovoltaic measurement system. Module performance was evaluated concerning energy yield, exergy yield, and solar irradiance, factoring in ambient and module temperatures. The results demonstrate that bifacial modules outperformed monofacial modules in electrical energy and output exergy. In the first period, the bifacial modules showed a 9.5% higher exergy efficiency and a 7% greater energy efficiency compared to the monofacial modules. During the second period, the bifacial modules achieved a 4.5% higher exergy efficiency and a 3.5% increased energy efficiency over the monofacial modules. These findings contribute to global sustainability efforts by reducing fossil fuel dependence and optimizing bifacial PV module design and operation for enhanced energy and exergy efficiency, even in cloudy conditions. The study’s implications for sustainable development and energy policies underscore the essential role of advanced PV technologies in achieving sustainable energy goals.

Sustainability of the Urban System Planning in Shu City, Kazakhstan: An Evaluation through Residents’ Perception

It is important to consider the local people’s evaluation in increasing the effectiveness of the sustainable planning process in urban system planning. In this work, the sustainability of urban system planning in Shu city of Kazakhstan is evaluated according to the defined dimensions, which play a key role in determining the population’s living standard, and the indicators of each dimension are compared. The data are obtained mainly through the household questionnaire survey, field observations, in depth interviews, and focus group discussion. In total, 832 representative respondents were surveyed with five-point Likert scale questions in this paper. The study used 42 indicators based on six dimensions: environmental, social, cultural, economic, religious/spiritual, and institutional dimensions. The results of this analysis show that the sustainability level of urban system planning in Shu city is at a low level in all six dimensions. The results of the indicator analysis show that the people of this region are generally not satisfied with the solution of some environmental, social, and economic problems in Shu city. At the same time, residents rated the indicators of institutional stability as better, on the contrary, they rated cultural and religious/spiritual indicators relatively high. As a result, we initially asserted that the sustainability of the urban system planning in Shu city is not satisfactory considering the existing possibilities. To eliminate this shortcoming, the authorities responsible for planning the urban system should jointly develop a project policy for sustainable development with all interested parties.

Decoupling economic development from carbon emissions: Insights from Chinese provinces

Decoupling economic development from carbon emissions is crucial for achieving sustainable development, particularly at the regional level. It also guides coordinated socio-economic development between regions. However, fewer studies analyze the long-term and short-term factors affecting decoupling from a dynamic perspective. Using annual data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2000 to 2021, this study assesses the level of decoupling in each province at both temporal and spatial levels and explores the factors influencing decoupling in the long and short term. The empirical results show that in the long run, the growth of industrial structure, R&D investment intensity, urban-rural income gap, and foreign trade promote the decoupling of economic development from carbon emissions. Conversely, the growth of energy consumption structure and energy prices inhibit decoupling. Short-term factors affecting decoupling vary significantly from province to province. To ensure the accuracy of the empirical results, this study conducted multidimensional heterogeneity and robustness analyses. Combined with the impulse response and variance decomposition results, it provides rational suggestions for effective decoupling strategies. This study offers a scientific basis for formulating sustainable development policies in various regions and serves as a valuable reference for other developing countries aiming to achieve harmonious economic and environmental development.

Nexus between country governance, globalization, sustainable development policy, fair trade and economic sustainability: a mediation-moderation approach

Sustainable development of the economy is the goal of every country in the world. The eco¬nomic growth of China is accepted worldwide, but the Chinese economy also suffers from an economic crisis. The role of the Chinese government is important for chinses businesses and the economic sus¬tainability of the country. The theoretical framework of this study is designed to determine the impact of globalization and sustainable development policy on fair trade and economic sustainability in China. A questionnaire based on Likert scale were employed with a random sampling technique to collect the cross-sectional data for this research and 1094 responses were collected at the rate of 55%. AMOS sta-tistics tool was employed for the findings of this study based on a research questionnaire. The research concludes that globalization and sustainable development policy have a significant impact on fair trade and economic sustainability in China. This study introduced a new framework related to economic sus¬tainability in the body of knowledge. The theoretical and practical implications of this study have signif¬icance for literature and practitioners in China to achieve sustainability in the economy. The research is novel as it highlighted the importance of globalization and sustainable development policy for fair trade and economic development in China. Accordingly, it would be helpful for the policy makers to have reli¬able decisions for sustainable development and promotion of fair trade.

Revisiting policy and practices of sustainable development in Turkey

Revisiting policy and practices of sustainable development in Turkey

Artificial intelligence and sustainable development during urbanization: Perspectives on AI R&D innovation, AI infrastructure, and AI market advantage

AbstractThis study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on sustainable development across 51 countries during urbanization. Using panel data, the study examines AI's effects on sustainable development through three dimensions: R&D innovation, infrastructure, and market advantage. The results demonstrate that AI promotes sustainable development, with AI R&D innovation exerting the strongest influence, followed by AI infrastructure, whereas AI market advantage has the smallest impact. Additionally, the study uncovers regional heterogeneity in AI's impacts. In countries with upper middle sustainable development levels (60%–70% quantiles), AI's promoting effect is the strongest. Moreover, urbanization plays a threshold role in the relationship between AI and sustainable development. When urbanization is below the threshold, AI infrastructure and R&D innovation promote sustainable development, whereas AI market advantage inhibit it. Conversely, when urbanization exceeds this threshold, AI infrastructure inhibits sustainable development, the impact of AI R&D innovation becomes insignificant, and AI market advantage begin to promote sustainable development. This study recommends governments should consider the level of urbanization and sustainable development when crafting sustainable development policies utilizing AI.

Optimizing cropping patterns and resource allocation for sustainable agricultural development: A case study of Ilam province, Iran

Establishing connections between ecosystems and agricultural mechanization can help address erroneous decision-making in agricultural management and prevent further harm to ecosystems. It is essential for authorities and decision-makers in the agricultural sector to understand ecosystem dynamics and influencing factors to develop appropriate policies for sustainable development. This study focuses on identifying optimal conditions for determining crop patterns and input allocation in Ilam province's agricultural practices, considering technical and energy parameters. Cultivating one hectare of wheat and barley in the region requires an average energy consumption of 1.79 GJ from various sources, with an estimated energy output of 38.04 GJ ha−1 for these crops. The research involved farmers cultivating wheat, barley, fodder maize, and canola in the southern region of Ilam province, covering cities like Abdanan, Dareshahr, and Dehloran. The study suggests adjustments to cropping patterns, including reducing wheat cultivation and increasing irrigated fodder maize cultivation under optimal conditions. It also recommends exploring rainfed cultivation or enhancing the yield of rainfed wheat to offset the reduced wheat cultivation. The goal planning model indicates a shift towards sustainability, with changes in cropping patterns focusing on wheat, barley, fodder maize, and canola crops, including expanding the cultivation areas of irrigated wheat, barley, and fodder maize. Efforts aim to enhance the productivity of irrigated crops to promote sustainability and improve agricultural practices in the province for long-term sustainability goals.

Building bridges: impact of regional cooperation and the belt and road initiative integration on Afghanistan’s trade balance

The main purpose of the study is to shed light on how the Belt and Road Initiative, Foreign Direct Investment, and Regional Cooperation affect Afghanistan's Trade Balance. In research, we used a mixed-methods approach to thoroughly investigate the relationships among distinct variables. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability analysis were carried out using SPSS and AMOS was utilized in the research to validate the data and establish a measurement model, for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The study found that integration with BRI has a significant impact on Afghanistan’s trade balance (M = 3.925, SD = 1.048), with effective regional cooperation Afghanistan can enhance trade, ease barriers, and promote cooperation with neighboring countries (M = 4.017, SD = 1.095). Trade Balance (M = 3.938, SD = 1.112), Also, the importance of attracting FDI is to boost exports and reduce dependence on imports and it is necessary to implement policies for sustainable development (M = 3.983, SD = 1.096). To promote trade, and cooperation and ensure prosperity in the region, the governments can utilize strategic cooperation and create investment opportunities. In conclusion, the study found the importance of cooperation, strategies, and attracting FDI to address both trade facilitation and promote investment for a positive impact on trade balance and influence development.

The Sustainable Taman Nasional Gunung Gede Pangrango Ecotourism Policy Scheme

The environmental damage of Taman Nasional Gunung Gede Pangrango (TNGGP) is triggered by visitors or the local community, it can threaten the sustainability of the ecotourism area and disrupt the stability of the ecological are functions. The solving of existing problems is the forming of sustainable ecotourism development policy, that it can preserve and preserve the ecotourism area of TNGGP. This study method was descriptive. The research was analyzed by Analytic Hierarchy Process. AHP is one of the tools to formulate the priorities policies among many intangible factors. The needed ecotourism policy ware TNGGP area conservation, increasing the role of the local community around TNGGP and the enhancing unique ecological experiences for visitors policy. The ecotourism policies must apply based on priority of TNGGP ecosystem protection and preservation, protection of vulnerable ecosystems, activities to improve community welfare around TNGGP, protection of unique and endangered species, providing environmental education to visitors and local community around the TNGPP, management's efforts towards TNGGP entry rates, fostering TNGGP staff to improve services for visitors, and unique ecotourism experience activities and environmental awareness raising for all stakeholders in TNGGP.

Transformative Social Innovation as a Guideline to Enhance the Sustainable Development Goals’ Framework

To achieve the objectives of reversing ongoing social and environmental degradation, there is an urgent need to accelerate efforts towards more sustainable and regenerative socio-technical systems. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations’ (UN) ambitious 2030 Agenda still face significant challenges. This article explores the role of innovation in accelerating efforts, emphasizing its social and transformative aspects related to governance issues. The research method includes an initial analysis of UN reports on governance challenges. Then, some gaps related to operational aspects are identified in the SDGs’ framework, through a process-oriented view proposed by the authors. The research problem examined from this analysis is whether transformative social innovation (TSI) could help improve the operationalization of SDG indicators. A systematic literature review shows that there are no well-established guidelines to promote TSI in the SDGs’ framework. Based on the findings, this article suggests some targets and indicators linked to TSI to enhance the SDGs’ framework. This study has theoretical and practical implications for future research on leveraging the means of implementation of sustainable development policies.

Does The Consumption of Energy, Renewable Energy, Natural Resources and Emissions Affect Gross Domestic Product?: The Study of Southeast Asia

We face the challenges of economic growth productivity which still uses dirty energy and minimal efforts to cleaner energy transition. The debate on efforts to increase productivity by diverting dirty energy into clean energy while still preserving nature has long been discused. Southeast Asia is a region that has massive development potential with valuable natural resources facing regional threats in addition to decreasing environmental quality but also prosperity. This study aims to identify initial steps are needed to control energy consumption, which is still considered dirty, the extent of the scope of Southeast Asia's current clean energy transition and how emissions can be a determinant of the decline in regional economic produtivity. This is the first study to combine the Cobb-Douglass production function model with three models that focus on (1) energy consumption, (2) renewable energy and natural resources, and (3) emissions. The data used is secondary data for the period 2004-2018 sourced from the World Bank Development Indicator and ourworlddata.org. Panel data regression was used as an analytical technique. This study was conducted in the Southeast Asia region (with selected countries with developing economies and insutries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam). The results of this study show that in the energy consumption model, only labor has a significant effect on GDP, in model B there is renewable energy consumption and the labor force which significantly affects GDP and in model C there are CO2 emissions and GHC emissions that affect GDP in the Southeast Asia region. This research will provide input to policy makers and growth analysts to form policies for sustainable economic development in Southeast Asia.

G20 countries’ progress on the 7th SDG under circular economy DEA model

The purpose of this paper was to analyze the performance of the G20 nations in terms of efficiency and productivity concerning achieving the seventh Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 7) of providing affordable and clean energy between 2010 and 2019 under a circular economy framework. The diagnostic tools to measure included the output-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA, SBM) to determine efficiency and the Malmquist Productivity Index (MPI) to measure productivity. In the DEA model, renewable energy is the primary energy source as inputs and outputs as total Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions, electricity consumption, and renewable energy consumption. The results indicated that the efficiency and productivity of developed and emerging countries towards the 7th SDG targets were heterogeneous throughout the analysis. The results showed that among the G20 countries that ranked as efficient were emerging countries (South Africa, Brazil, India, and China). Developed countries have more to gain in efficiency by designing strategies with sustainable development and environmental policies consistent with CE actions than emerging countries. In addition, since productivity gains increased more due to efficiency changes than technology gains, as indicated by the MPI analysis, it seems reasonable to infer that strengthening research and development of resource-efficient technologies could help to reach the 7th SDG faster by increasing productivity through adopting new technologies. In the short run, all countries could benefit from a multilateral effort to reduce climate change and GHG emissions if developed countries provided technological support to emerging countries and the latter offered carbon credits to the former in exchange for measures to mitigate the emissions resulting from their rapid economic growth driven by capital investment.

Changes in urban green space configuration and connectivity using spatial graph-based metrics in Ardabil developing city, Iran.

Urban planning is essential for managing the diverse impacts of urban green spaces, such as public access, stormwater control, urban life quality, and landscape aesthetics, promoting sustainable urban development and urban residents' well-being by integrating green space considerations into city planning. The aim of this study is to use graph-based metrics to calculate the connectivity of UGS across the main municipal zones of Ardabil city over consecutive periods under different population growth rates. Another objective of this study is to compare the connectivity values of UGS in the four municipal zones and to evaluate changes in the connectivity indices at various distance thresholds of UGS patches. After identifying UGS in different periods, the changes in graph-based connectivity indices at various distance thresholds of UGS patches were analyzed. Additionally, the changes in connectivity indices over different periods and across various municipal zones were compared and analyzed. The findings reveal that UGS areas were larger in the past but have recently had smaller patch sizes. Connectivity between UGS nodes (dNL) decreased at various distances over the study years, showing a declining trend in different connectivity indices. UGS connectivity decreased in municipal zones 1, 2, and 3 but increased in recent years after a decline until 2012 across all four zones of Ardabil city. Zone 4 had the highest UGS connectivity due to newly developed urban areas and well-allocated UGSs. Integrating the ecological impacts of UGS connectivity in urban development and design will enhance trade-offs between conservation, public health, and social equity. New urban areas should allocate sufficient land for UGS and parks, ensuring accessibility to support health and leisure through municipal planning. The study highlights the need for sustainable urban development policies that prioritize the allocation and maintenance of UGSs.

Impact of sustainable development policy for orange tree on land use efficiency in Bac Quang district, Ha Giang province

Impact of sustainable development policy for orange tree on land use efficiency in Bac Quang district, Ha Giang province

Instruments for Supporting Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals for Construction Sector – Case of Poland

Currently, three billion people face dangerous levels of air pollution and rely on non-renewable energy sources for cooking and heating. Due to its environmental impact, the construction sector is a particularly important area for implementing sustainable development policies. On July 10, 2023, the UN published The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023 (SDGs). In accordance with the provisions of Goal 7 (which was discussed in the above document), the international community should increase its share of renewable energy sources in the global energy mix and promote investment in clean energy technologies by 2030. Achieving this goal necessitates the introduction of support mechanisms to enhance the energy efficiency of residential buildings. Hence, this study aims to showcase the legal and financial tools that aid the growth of energy-efficient construction in Poland, to compare the renovation costs of an existing residential building in order to meet energy-efficiency standards, and to detail the financial support that is available for planned thermal-modernization efforts.

Coordination analysis and evaluation of population, water resources, economy, and ecosystem coupling in the Tuha region of China

The non-coordination between the socio-economic systems and ecosystems of a region is a crucial obstacle to sustainable development. To reveal the relationships between complex urban systems and achieve the goal of sustainable and coordinated urban development, we constructed a coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) and coupling angle model (CAM) and analyzed the degree of coupling coordination and evolution process among the population, water resources, economy, and ecology (PWEE) system of the Tuha region for 2005–2020. The results indicated that: (1) During 2005–2020, the comprehensive development index (CDI) of the population, water resources and economy subsystems was 0.21–0.65, with the three subsystems portraying an overall increase; the average values of the RSEI at five-year intervals were 0.29, 0.28, 0.28, and 0.26, indicating a downward trend in the environmental quality. (2) The coupling coordination effect of the PWEE system portrayed a low level; the coupling coordination degree (CCD) values were 0.28–0.58, portraying a fluctuating upward trend. The level of CCD increased from low disorder to marginal coordination. (3) The PWEE system’s scissor difference reflects large evolutionary characteristics. The ecological support capacity was not observed until the late stage. We conclude that the PWEE composite system of the region is in a stage of disordered development. These findings significantly bolster the theoretical underpinnings of sustainable development studies, offering essential scientific theories and methodological frameworks for crafting sustainable development policies tailored to urban systems in the Tuha region.