Sustainable Development Research Articles

ABSTRACT As China undergoes a strategic shift from a growth-centric development paradigm to one that prioritizes environmental sustainability, the Eco-Environment-Oriented Development (EOD) model has emerged as a policy innovation and is currently being implemented across multiple jurisdictions. This study seeks to elucidate the core characteristics and underlying design logic of the EOD model in the Chinese context through an integrated approach that combines case study analysis with theoretical investigation, while also identifying the inherent limitations and challenges of existing research. The development of the EOD model typically unfolds in three sequential stages. First, a designated area is identified for ecological integration, environmental protection, and restoration. Next, targeted industries and supporting infrastructure are introduced to promote land development in line with ecological goals. Finally, a long-term operational phase commences, with regular monitoring and evaluation of input-output metrics to determine holistic efficacy. This model, as an innovative approach to planning and development, provides an effective strategy for reconciling the tensions between China’s pursuit of high-quality, sustainable urban-rural development and the nation’s ecological and low-carbon goals, thereby helping China avoid the “develop first, address environmental damage later” trajectory observed by many industrialized nations.

ABSTRACT The ethnic economies of women who migrate from less developed to more developed countries in Asia have been ignored. The present study employed life course theory and qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with eight female immigrants to examine the relationship between ethnic businesses and the life courses of Vietnamese female immigrants to Taiwan. The findings indicate that small ethnic food businesses initially function as survival strategies but gradually become central to economic, cultural, and social engagement. These findings highlight the ‘hidden agency’ of Vietnamese immigrant women as they navigate multiple disadvantages in Taiwan’s predominantly patriarchal Confucian culture through largely unrecognised efforts. Overall, this study offers recommendations for fostering more inclusive societies and meeting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 5.5, 8.5, and 10.2.

The article analyzes the systems for generation, purification, transportation and storing of gaseous hydrogen as the alternative renewable energy source for ensuring of level of ecological safety of power plants with reciprocation internal combustion engines exploitation process. Purpose of the study is to improve the description of the process of purifying gaseous hydrogen from associated impurities during its production, storage and transportation based on the results of mathematical modeling analysis using improved mathematical apparatus based on modified thermodynamic perturbation theory. Problem of the study is the imperfection of the existing mathematical apparatus for describing the processes of purification of gaseous hydrogen as a commercial product and renewable ecological safe energy carrier using sorption metal hydride technologies based on TiMn 1,5 . Idea of the study is to develop a list of recommendations and organizational and technical measures for obtaining ultra-high purity gaseous hydrogen in environmental protection technologies by improving the adequacy of the mathematical description of the processes of its sorption-desorption by intermetallic compounds based on TiMn 1,5 . Task of the study is to adapt the mathematical apparatus of the modified thermodynamic perturbation theory to describe the process of selective sorption of hydrogen by metal hydrides of the type TiMn 1,5 from gas mixtures obtained during its production, storage and transportation. Object of the study is sorption processes in metal hydride technologies for the purification of gaseous hydrogen as an alternative fuel and a useful commercial product based on TiMn 1,5 . Subject of the study is mathematical description of the course of hydrogen sorption processes by intermetallic compounds of the type TiMn 1,5 when purified from gas impurities. Methods of the study are literature analysis, modified thermodynamic perturbation theory, mathematical modeling. Scientific novelty of results of the study is for the first time, an apparatus for mathematically describing the processes of hydrogen sorption by intermetallic compounds of the type has been suggested TiMn 1,5 from gas mixtures during its production, storage and transportation based on the improvement of the modified thermodynamic perturbation theory. Practical value of results of the study is the improved mathematical apparatus and the results of its application which are suitable for developing a list of recommendations and organizational and technical measures for obtaining ultra-high purity gaseous hydrogen as an ecologicale safe renewable fuel in environmental protection technologies both during the times of armed aggression and during the post-war reconstruction of critical infrastructure and economic potential of our country. The main part of the research is devoted to the adaptation of the mathematical apparatus of the modified perturbation theory to describe the sorption processes of the interaction of hydrogen, which is in the state of a gas mixture, and intermetallic compounds of the type TiMn 1,5 . It has been shown that based on sorption metal hydride technologies of the type TiMn 1,5 it is possible to achieve ultra-high purity of gaseous hydrogen as a commercial product when using it as an environmentally safe, renewable type of motor fuel. Mathematical modeling of hydrogen sorption by intermetallic compounds, performed on the basis of the mathematical apparatus of the thermodynamic perturbation theory improved in the study and on the example of the intermetallic hydride TiMn 1,5 , based on the application of the lattice gas model for metal hydrides. A list of recommendations and organizational and technical measures has been developed for the implementation of this type of environmental protection technologies in the practice of the units of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, in particular the operation of fire and emergency rescue equipment with internal combustion piston engines, both during armed aggression and during the post-war reconstruction of critical infrastructure and the economic potential of our country and ensuring the fulfillment of the requirements contained in the Order of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine No. 618 (on the main activity) dated September 20, 2013. «On Approval of the Regulations on the Organization of Environmental Support of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine» and in the historical perspective of achieving the sustainable development goals contained in the Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 722/2019 of September 30, 2019 «About the Goals of Sustainable Development of Ukraine for the Period up to 2030».

ABSTRACT Sustainable development has become integral to modern trade policy, and the engagement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with sustainable development provisions (SDPs) in free trade agreements (FTAs) is gaining renewed attention. ASEAN has notably taken steps forward to incorporate sustainability elements into certain upgraded and ongoing ASEAN + FTAs, such as the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand FTA, the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, and negotiations toward an ASEAN–Canada FTA. These provisions are, however, generally framed in cooperative terms and not subject to binding dispute settlement. Meanwhile, several ASEAN member states have concluded bilateral and plurilateral FTAs containing more detailed and enforceable SDPs, including Singapore and Viet Nam’s agreements with the European Union, and the participation of Viet Nam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This has created a legal landscape in which regional and national commitments differ in both ambition and enforceability. This paper undertakes a comparative legal analysis of ASEAN’s treaty practice in light of the regulatory approaches developed by the European Union and the United States. It examines how ASEAN’s current SDPs relate to these models and considers the implications of maintaining distinct regional and national approaches. The paper advances, for consideration, a model SDP chapter that could form part of a coordinated regional framework, with the objective of fostering consistency in SDP integration and supporting ASEAN’s capacity to engage credibly in sustainable trade governance.

Purpose This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends at the intersection of Industry 4.0, circular economy, and human resource management (HRM). Design/methodology/approach This study analyzes 693 documents from 2019 to 2024 using a bibliometric approach, including performance, citation, keyword co-occurrence, thematic mapping and trend topic analysis, highlighting a sharp rise in research driven by digital transformation and sustainability. Findings We demonstrate that Industry 4.0 and circular economy practices are well-established, while HRM's role in supporting them is emerging. The role of HRM practices like digital skills, green HRM, and leadership in enabling sustainability is underexplored. The analysis highlights gaps in workforce development for digital and sustainable transformations and the importance of global collaboration. Practical implications Theoretically, the study integrates HRM into Industry 4.0 and Circular Economy frameworks; practically, it guides organizations, policymakers and educators in developing workforce competencies, green HRM practices and leadership skills for sustainable digital transformation. Originality/value This is the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis integrating Industry 4.0, Circular Economy and HRM. Unlike earlier work focused on technology or operations, it highlights HRM's emerging role in digital and sustainable transformation. The study offers an integrated roadmap for future interdisciplinary research connecting technology, sustainability and human capital development.

Although the history of the Ombilin mining site and its infrastructural transformation has received scholarly attention, studies specifically tracing the functional transformation of the Goedang Ransoem Museum in Sawahlunto remain limited. This research aims to describe the process of functional transition of the Goedang Ransoem Museum from its inauguration as a museum to its transformation into a heritage tourism destination in the city of Sawahlunto. The study employs historical research methods, including the heuristic stage for data collection, followed by source criticism through external and internal evaluations, data interpretation, and historiographical writing as the final stage. The findings reveal that following the closure of the Ombilin mine in the early 1990s, various remnants of colonial infrastructure—including the former communal kitchen building for mine workers—underwent functional changes. The Goedang Ransoem Museum, which had previously served several non-museum functions, was officially inaugurated as a museum in 2005 and reclassified as a heritage tourism site in 2019. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of post-industrial spatial transformation in the context of colonial heritage preservation. The implications highlight the importance of adaptive management of historical assets as part of a sustainable cultural tourism development strategy in post-mining regions.

Morocco is currently experiencing a severe drought, which has led to the implementation of wastewater reuse strategies to support sustainable development. Ibn Tofail University has installed a biological wastewater treatment plant, but the production of treated water is insufficient to irrigate the university’s green spaces. This study proposes the adoption of sequential batch reactor (SBR) technology to address these challenges, with a comparison to activated sludge (AS) treatment. The results show that the integration of SBR into the biological basin has significantly increased the volume and quality of treated water, while reducing energy consumption, enabling the system to meet irrigation criteria without wasting energy. Compared to AS, SBR demonstrated superior performance in pollutant removal, achieving 114.15 mg/l O2 for chemical oxygen demand, 23.88 mg/l O2 for five-day biochemical oxygen demand, and 74.66 mg/l for total suspended solids. The SBR reduced the pollutant load by 95% instead of 85% for AS, ensuring optimal oxygenation and producing high-quality effluent suitable for sustainable irrigation. This improvement enhances the environmental impact while contributing to the sustainable management of water and energy resources.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for one-third of global mortality, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries. These settings face intersecting pressures including under-resourced health systems coupled with rapid urbanisation and environmental shifts. Despite broad global commitments, CVD control has lagged behind historical progress in other health domains, such as HIV, tuberculosis and maternal–child health. This review reframes CVD within a broader global health framework, distilling lessons from successful public health campaigns including infectious diseases and maternal–child health, in which significant mortality declines have been observed over the past decades. It argues that CVD control can benefit from the strategic convergence of simplified treatment protocols, integrated service delivery, community and political engagement, and robust accountability frameworks. With deliberate investment and adaptation, and accompanied by recent technical innovations, CVD programmes are well-poised for transformative progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing premature non-communicable disease mortality by one-third by 2030.

This study investigates the mechanical and thermal characteristics of hybrid composites made from jute, kenaf, and glass fibers, reinforced with varying proportions of nanographene nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Different nanofiller loadings were incorporated into composite samples and tested for tensile strength, flexural strength, fracture toughness, microhardness, moisture absorption, and thermal stability. Tensile and flexural tests assessed mechanical performance, while fracture toughness and microhardness measured resistance to crack initiation and surface deformation. Moisture absorption tests showed a significant reduction in water uptake with increasing nanographene and MWCNT content, indicating enhanced hydrophobicity and improved durability in humid environments. Thermal stability and degradation behavior were analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), revealing that MWCNT addition positively influenced thermal resistance. Optimal mechanical and thermal properties were achieved with filler concentrations of 2 wt.% for MWCNTs and 3 wt.% for nanographene. These enhancements collectively demonstrate that reinforcing natural fiber-based hybrid composites with nanographene and MWCNTs significantly improves their strength, moisture resistance, and thermal stability. Utilizing natural resources such as jute and kenaf fibers supports sustainable development by providing eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials. As a result, these composites have promising potential as sustainable and high-performance alternatives to conventional structural materials in advanced engineering applications, particularly where enhanced durability and environmental exposure resistance are required.

The primary objectives include investigating the mechanical properties of used construction steel, and evaluating the feasibility of reusing the old materials in green construction projects. The methodology involves gathering samples from demolition sites which are over 40 to 50 years old(1980-1985 construction sites), conducting mechanical testing (such as tensile test and bending test), and performing microstructural analysis.By promoting the utilization of used construction steel, the project seeks to reduce waste, lower material costs, and minimize the environmental impact for sustainable activities. The results we found were that the average maximum load the material can bear was 1.35KN and was bended till 6mm. The average grain size of the material was found to be 20µm. the average elongation percentage came out to be 15.27% and the elements of the material identifies that it is of grade A-36 Steel.Ultimately, this project aspires to facilitate a shift towards more eco-friendly construction practices and supporting the construction industry's transition to sustainable development.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to critically analyze the corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts of multinational oil companies (MOCs) operating in Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on evaluating how the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) model influences the participation of rural women in heritage tourism development within the Niger Delta. A survey involving 800 rural women from across the region was conducted. Findings from the logit model reveal that cultural and traditional norms and practices often prevent rural women from actively engaging in the GMoU programs introduced by the MOCs. This suggests that unless GMoU initiatives are specifically designed to break down systemic barriers, promote equal access, and support the full participation of women – including in cultural and heritage tourism – progress toward gender equality and cultural transformation in the region may remain limited. Consequently, this could hinder poverty reduction efforts and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in sub-Saharan Africa. The study highlights the potential for the private sector to help address cultural and logistical obstacles faced by rural women and to foster gender inclusion and broader economic access through CSR initiatives in Africa.

ABSTRACT Environmental pollution has become a critical challenge to sustainable development in Asia, particularly in densely populated countries such as, China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Increasing pollution levels are a threat to the ecosystem and also risk derailing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG‐13. To fill this gap, this study examines the tech‐industry (TI, aligned with SDG‐9), poverty alleviation (PA, SDG‐1), renewable energy consumption (REC, SDG‐7), GDP growth rate (GDP gr ), urban population (URB), and environmental pollution (GHG) across these five economies from 1991 to 2022. The CS‐ARDL method indicates that tech‐industry, poverty alleviation, and renewable energy consumption significantly reduce environmental pollution and play a vital role in the attainment of SDG‐13. Further, the reliability of these outcomes was confirmed through various robust methods (MG, AMG, CCEMG, and DK), while the Dumitrescu‐Hurlin (DH) causality method outcomes indicate unidirectional causality from REC, PA, TI to GHG emission, whereas bi‐directional causality between GDP gr , UB to GHG. Further, critical findings provide vital policy insight that integrating tech‐industry products, poverty alleviation, and renewable energy consumption is crucial to reducing emissions and ensuring environmental sustainability. By aligning with the SDGs, particularly SDG‐13, these strategies provide actionable policy insights to effectively mitigate climate change and advance environmental sustainability by 2030.

This paper aims to identify and analyze the existence of bengkok land as a village asset and a supporter of sustainable village development. The approach used in this research is juridical and sociological, namely combining legal aspects with social reality in the field. The research specifications are descriptive, and data were collected through interviews with related sources and literature studies, then analyzed qualitatively. The results of the study show that the Village Law (Law 6/2014 jo. 3/2023), Permendagri 1/2016 and Permendagri 3/2024 state that the existence of bengkok land is a village asset or is referred to as village treasury land. This is because the regulation recognizes the original rights. Bengkok land is village land allocated to the village head and his staff as a source of additional income, which can be managed and utilized for activities such as farming, fish farming, or renting but with the restriction that it cannot be sold or mortgaged without permission from the village. Proper management of bengkok land can support sustainable village development. Utilization of bengkok land for organic farming, renewable energy, or ecotourism can boost the economy. The success of bengkok land management is highly dependent on the active participation of the village community. Transparency and accountability in the management of village assets are essential to prevent misuse and ensure that the benefits are felt by all residents.

This study investigates the nexus between youth empowerment and the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Edo State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 320 youth entrepreneurs across three senatorial districts to assess how access to finance, infrastructure, and skills development influence MSME performance. Descriptive and inferential analyses (including multiple regression) revealed that financial and infrastructural deficiencies significantly constrain operational efficiency and competitiveness, while skills development and training programs enhance enterprise sustainability. The findings indicate that inadequate financing mechanisms, poor infrastructure, and weak entrepreneurial education limit the potential of youth-led enterprises to contribute effectively to local economic growth. The study recommends targeted government interventions in credit accessibility, infrastructural investment, and vocational capacity-building programs to strengthen the MSME ecosystem and reduce youth unemployment. This paper provides empirical insights into policy pathways for inclusive entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.

Coastal water quality is crucial for ecosystem services, supporting biodiversity and tourism. However, high tourist influxes often overwhelm wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) capacities, leading to untreated discharge and eutrophication, which severely impacts bathing water. Water quality monitoring is currently limited to selected points at the beach and oceanographic sampling, which requires depths >20 m offshore, leaving a gap of measurements between 1 and 50 m from the beach. To resolve this gap, our study proposes a low cost-effective sampling and monitoring method by using a kayak with a submersible fluorometer FlowCAM, as well as fecal bacteria detection and quantification. The kayak sampling was carried out during high- and low-tourism seasons in coastal bathing waters surrounded by Marine Protected Areas. The results show a patchy phytoplankton distribution, with chlorophyll a concentration up to 5.5 μg/L, indicating local fertilization. The observed floating organic matter patches were fecal bacteria free, while effluents of the WWTP to the Jate river and shore exceeded the legal limits for bathing water. These results suggest that wastewater treatment was overwhelmed during the high-tourism season, likely discharging wastewater into the river that flows into the shore. These findings are discussed in a sustainable development and socioeconomical context.

Innovation ecosystems, as important models for fostering sustainable development, technological progress, and competitiveness in a modern society, enable the synergy of knowledge, technology, and capital to create innovative solutions. Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs), as key actors within the innovation ecosystem, provide infrastructural and expert support to entrepreneurs during the digital and green transition process. This paper analyzes the process of establishing an innovation ecosystem through a case study of the Digital Innovation Hub Innovamare, focused on the development and implementation of innovative marine technologies within the framework of the blue economy. This paper aims to explore and explain the process of establishing DIH Innovamare as a sustainable innovation ecosystem. The study identifies the key phases in the development of DIH Innovamare, from initiation, planning, and financing models to the establishment of its operational structure and sustainability model. Special emphasis is put on the roles of public institutions, academia, the private sector, and NGOs, as well as the importance of alignment with national and EU strategic frameworks. The results of the conducted analysis and research indicate that DIH Innovamare represents an example of successful establishment and implementation of an innovation ecosystem specialized in the field of the blue economy, contributing to the achievement of sustainable blue economy development through the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and IoT solutions. Although it faces challenges such as long-term financial sustainability, the established DIH Innovamare model demonstrates high potential for replication and scaling in other sectors and regions.

Since technical advancement in electrical and electronics engineering must strike a balance between social responsibility, economic viability, and environmental preservation, sustainability management has emerged as an essential component in today's engineering education. The fourth (SDG 4) of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is to ensure high-quality education and promote opportunities for lifelong learning, which is an essential component of sustainable development. The innovative integration of sustainability management concepts into engineering curricula, with an emphasis on the environmental, social, governance, and economic aspects, is presented in this paper. In this regard, the Sustainability Management course is one of the courses offered in the Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology with Honours programme. It is seen as added value and at the same time raises awareness of the critical role of the younger generation in improving environmental sustainability. These days, the industry seeks graduates who can contribute to the long-term viability of their company's operations in addition to having technological expertise. Thus, the course adds value for UiTM graduates as they can catalyze shaping the future of sustainable management in Malaysia and throughout the world in addition to pursuing careers in the energy and technology sectors.

Against the backdrop of Shenzhen’s high-density urban environment, the multifunctional design of water purification plants offers dual benefits: providing residents with urban green spaces while simultaneously mitigating NIMBY sentiments due to their inherent characteristics. Unlike traditional urban development, Shenzhen’s water purification plants integrate into residents’ daily lives. Therefore, optimizing the built environment and road network structure to enhance residents’ perceptions of proximity benefits while reducing NIMBY (Not In My Backyard effect) sentiments holds significant implications for the city’s sustainable development. To address this question, this study adopted the following three-step mixed-methods approach: (1) It examined the relationships among residents’ YIMBY (Neighboring Benefits Effect) and NIMBY perceptions, perceptions of park spaces atop water purification plants, and perceptions of accessibility through questionnaire surveys and structural equation modeling (SEM), establishing a scoring framework for comprehensive YIMBY and NIMBY perceptions. (2) Random forest models and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis revealed nonlinear relationships between the built environment and composite YIMBY and NIMBY perceptions. (3) Spatial syntax analysis categorized the upgraded road network around the water purification plant into grid-type, radial-type, and fragmented-type structures. Scatter plot fitting methods uncovered relationships between these road network types and resident perceptions. Finally, negative perceptions were mitigated by optimizing path enclosure and reducing visual obstructions around the water purification plant. Enhancing neighborhood benefits—through improved path safety and comfort, increased green spaces and resting areas, optimized path networks, and diversified travel options—optimized the built environment. This approach proposes design strategies to minimize NIMBY perceptions and maximize YIMBY perceptions.

With rapidly expanding production, aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally. In India, the advancement of innovative aquaculture practices has greatly boosted the contribution of aquatic products, generating positive economic impact. This study adopts a three-dimensional perspective covering the economic, environmental and social considerations that govern this growing industry. This review assesses the level of structural upgrading within the fisheries sector in India, identifying alignment with the global sustainability frameworks put forth by FAO, UNEP etc. With climate change emerging as a challenge to both aquatic ecosystems and production systems, associated stressors and changes such as oxygen dynamics, eutrophication, pathogen proliferation etc. need to be judiciously managed as part of mitigation and adaptation measures. As a major player in the global aquaculture sector, India has witnessed notable progress in the modernization of its fishing industry. This includes technology advancements such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) which reduce effluent discharge and feed waste, lower disease transmission, allow for nutrient recycling and sustainable intensification through biodiversity conservation. These have tangible links to inclusive growth and sustainable development as they address poverty alleviation (SDG 1), food security (SDG 2), circular economy principles (SDG 12) and biodiversity conservation/ minimizing ecological degradation (SDG 14). Currently inland fisheries in India show a higher degree of advancement compared to coastal regions, largely due to targeted government initiatives supporting industrial improvements. This study addresses real-world practices, government efforts and environmental concerns and explores broader linkages with policy and sustainability goals. Further, it offers strategic recommendations to enhance the sector’s sustainable growth by analysing its current status and identifying potential areas for improvement.

The utilization of waste cooking oil from rice bran and fish byproducts including their wastes can contribute to mitigate the environmental burden like global warming what already being faced by our society. Converting waste oils /fat bearing materials to biodiesel fuel for recycling and reusing material, and reducing Co2 emission equivalent to the amount that is produced when petroleum derived diesel fuel is used. Waste cooking oil ( rice bran oil) and fish oil have emerged as the most promising sources for biodiesel production. This study was investigated to understand the proper transesterification, amount of biodiesel production (ester) and physical properties of biodiesel. Biodiesel production was higher in rice bran waste oil than in fish byproducts oil. However, crude glycerine was lower in rice bran oil than in fish oil. There was a difference in biodiesel production in different concentrations of methanol and catalyst used in rice bran and fish oil from byproducts. These results indicate that high quality biodiesel can be produced from waste rice bran and fish byproducts oil as environmental recycling process.