Sustainable Environmental Conservation Research Articles

Assessing the impact of land use and land cover change on the Densu Delta wetland using Markov chain modeling and artificial neural networks

This study investigates the dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Densu Delta wetlands, a critical ecosystem in Ghana. Here, satellite images spanning from 1998 to 2023 were used to analyse the spatio-temporal patterns of LULC changes and their implications for water bodies, wetlands, vegetations, bare lands and urban areas in the Densu Delta wetland. Employing advanced techniques such as Markov chain modelling and artificial neural networks (ANNs), the research assesses and predicts LULC alterations. Significantly, the largest loss of LULC is observed in the Densu Delta wetland, where wetlands transition to waterbody cover type (14.02 km²). Model validation for 2023 attests to the accuracy of the model, boasting a correctness percentage of 70% and a kappa value of 0.74. In-depth analyses explore regional variations in the Densu Delta wetlands, revealing distinct patterns in the rates of LULC change before and after 2013. Notably, urbanization emerges as a prominent factor post-2013, with urban areas experiencing remarkable rates of change in the wetland. Transition matrices underscore the intricate interplay of different land cover classes over the years. Simulated LULC predictions for 2033 and 2043 highlight the urban land cover type as having the highest positive change, recording approximately 0.39% for the Densu Delta wetland. The wetland land cover in the Densu Delta wetland exhibit negative changes of about −0.52%. The synthesis of LULC data enhances our understanding of the complex interactions shaping these critical ecosystems. This research offers valuable insights for sustainable environmental conservation, emphasizing the pivotal role of informed urban planning policies. It also unveils potential challenges posed by climate change, advocating for a holistic approach to preserve these vital wetland ecosystems.

Time series land use/land cover mapping and change detection to support policies on sustainable environmental and economic management

The upper Tekeze River Basin is facing challenges of widespread deforestation and natural vegetation cover degradation that could exacerbate the water scarcity, food insecurity and extreme poverty in the region. Using remote sensing and GIS, this study quantified the land use land cover change trend in the last three decades and analyzed the current land use / cover statues in the basin. A hybrid classification technique is applied to obtain better classification accuracy. Moreover, for automated cloud and cloud shadow detection the newly developed Mountainous Fmask is used. Using post classification change detection technique, seven major land use/cover classes were identified. These classes remained the dominant classes during the study period, showing marked changes in the area coverage within them. Based on the error matrix statistical indices, the classification accuracies of each class are found to be strong. The overall accuracy and the kappa coefficient for the 2021 map are 91% and 89%, respectively. The techniques used have contributed to improving the accuracy of the classification process and helped the classified images to practically match the ground truths. The analysis revealed settlement expansion by 570.31% in parallel with the expansion of farmland by 52.32% during the period 1991–2021. In contrast, the forestland decreased significantly, by 75.55%. The environmental degradation and unplanned use of land resources could have contributed to why the upper Tekeze basin is experiencing worsening poverty, water scarcity and food insecurity. Thus, land use/cover time series modeling is essential for various purposes, including land use planning and, managing natural resources. In this regards this study provides basic information for implementing sustainable environmental conservation strategies in the area. Furthermore, the applied methodologies may have practical applications in other similar areas.

From Tradition to Action: The Potential of Community Empowerment Through Local Wisdom for Sustainable Environmental Protection Practices

Local wisdom is the values, norms, and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation in a community group. This research aims to explore the potential for community empowerment through local wisdom values in the context of protection environmental practices in the community of Lawang Agung Village, South Sumatra, Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative approach with case study analysis techniques. Data collection was carried out by conducting systematic observations and in-depth interviews with participants and supported by documentary data to strengthen the results of research analysis. The informants in this study totalled 8 people consisting of 2 community leaders, 2 traditional leaders, and 4 people who play an active role in various cultural activities in the research locus area and have participated in cultural and environmental communities for more than 5 years. All research data were collected and reduced within the research boundaries so that the research results could be presented in accordance with the research objectives. The research analysis will be interpreted to develop a deeper understanding of the phenomenon under study. The research results show several things including: (1) Lawang Agung Village has a long history of practicing local wisdom and using natural resources wisely. (2) The spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation) and community cohesiveness is starting to fade due to the impact of individualism and modernization, shifting collective priorities to achieve personal gain. (3) The potential for empowerment for environmental conservation practices can be optimized with the stages of identifying empowerment potential, planning and organizing, implementing, and disseminating results/experiences. (4) Integration of spiritual values is also an important step in strengthening the transformation of local wisdom values into concrete actions in sustainable environmental conservation practices. The implication of the findings of this research is the exploration of various potentials of local wisdom values to strengthen environmentally wise behavior by integrating them in people's daily lives. This research also contributes to the strengthening of the theory and practice of environmental empowerment that prioritizes the local wisdom of the community.

Economic Potential of Coastal Communities in Regional Development in Timbala Village, West Poleang District, Bombana Regency

This research aims to examine the economic potential of coastal areas as an effort to develop the region in Timbala Village, West Poleang District, Bombana Regency. This study uses a library research type that relies on various literature as sources of research data. The research results can conclud that Timbala Village has great potential for development because it offers various significant opportunities to improve community welfare. With a wealth of natural resources such as fisheries, tourism, and industry, Timbala Village has a strong foundation for local economic development. In addition, its tourism potential, including beaches, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity, can be a driving force for a sustainable economy. Infrastructure development and community empowerment are the keys to optimizing this potential. Through sustainable environmental conservation efforts and wise use of resources, it is hoped that Timbala Village can achieve a higher level of prosperity for its entire community. The synergy between various parties, including the government, community, and private sector, will be the key to success in developing the coastal potential of Timbala Village.

Sosialisasi Peraturan Pemerintah tentang Perlindungan Tumbuhan Dan Satwa Liar untuk Mendukung Pengelolaan Hutan Desa Tuwung

Background: The highly biodiverse Tuwung Village Forest has been the site of a productive collaboration between the village community and the government in an effort to manage a sustainable environment. The unique and rare flora and fauna in this forest have benefited significantly from this collaboration. Populations of rare species have increased, and disturbed ecosystems have also experienced significant recovery. The main objective of this collaboration is to maintain the sustainability of the environment and natural resources in Tuwung Village in line with applicable regulations, especially the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 106. Method: Assistance using the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) method has been adopted in the implementation of PLHD management socialization in Tuwung Village. Result: The results of the analysis show that the participants, namely the managers of KPHD Tuwung, have achieved a very good level of understanding regarding various key aspects, such as the role and function of the area protection and security section (95%), area patrol scheme (98%), animal protection status (100%), data collection and reporting (90%), and animal release (100%). Conclusion: The high level of enthusiasm from the participants reflects their commitment to implementing PLHD management concepts, which are expected to contribute significantly to sustainable environmental conservation in Tuwung Village.

Charcoal briquetting: Alternative energy sources and waste management solution for sustainable cities in Tanzania

<p>This paper presents a report as part of a comprehensive study on the utilization of some forms of solid waste (SW) to make charcoal briquettes (CB) as an alternative fuel source in communities that are reliant upon traditional charcoal (TC) and wood as the primary cooking fuels. The study coincides with the Tanzanian government’s efforts to diminish reliance on wood and charcoal as a primary fuel source, particularly for large-scale consumers. Nevertheless, the government restriction on TC usage comes with little or no presentation of alternative sources that are both eco-friendly and economically sustainable. Introducing the mechanism that meets both environmental and economic criteria, the study employs a cross-sectional approach to collect the required data and uses experimental methods to evaluate the performance of the produced CB. Such tests focused on cooking duration, burning rate (BR), specific fuel consumption (SFC), and the general efficiency expressed by the percentage of heat utilized (PHU). In most cases, CB performs by far or less well than TC. Such results make the study important as it develops clean cooking technologies to solve the existing fuel crisis and improve health and environmental conditions from SW pollution while reducing deforestation, subsequent desertification, and climate change for sustainable environmental conservation.</p>

Charcoal briquetting: Alternative energy sources and waste management solution for sustainable cities in Tanzania

<p>This paper presents a report as part of the comprehensive study on the utilization of some forms of solid waste (SW) to make charcoal briquettes (CB) as an alternative fuel source in communities that are reliant upon traditional charcoal (TC) and wood as the primary cooking fuels. The study coincides with the Tanzanian government’s efforts to diminish reliance on wood and charcoal as a primary fuel source, particularly for large-scale consumers. Nevertheless, the government restriction on TC usage comes with little or no presentation of alternative sources that are both eco-friendly and economically sustainable. Introducing the mechanism that meets both environmental and economic criteria, the study employs a cross-sectional approach to collect the required data and uses experimental methods to evaluate the performance of the produced CB. Such tests focused on cooking duration, burning rate (BR), specific fuel consumption (SFC), and the general efficiency expressed by the percentage of heat utilized (PHU). In most cases, CB performs by far or less well than TC. Such results make the study important as it develops clean cooking technologies to solve the existing fuel crisis and improve health and environmental conditions from SW pollution while reducing deforestation, subsequent desertification, and climate change for sustainable environmental conservation.</p>

Determinants of Waste Management Programmes on Sustainable Environmental Conservation in Mukuru Slums in Kenya

Surging amounts of waste are reported globally and especially in lower-income countries, with negative consequences for health and the environment. Increasing concern has been raised for the limited progress achieved in practice by diverse sets of policies and programmes. Waste management is a wicked problem characterized by multilayered interdependencies, complex social dynamics and webs of stakeholders. Interactions among these generate unpredictable outcomes that can be missed by decision makers through their understanding and framing of their context. This study therefore aimed at unlocking the intrigues behind unending waste management concerns that have continued to bedevil Mukuru slums despite the interventions in place and to develop sustainable mechanisms to address the challenges. The study was descriptive in nature and tried to understand determinants of waste management towards attaining a sustainable environmental conservation. The study targeted key informants drawn from the Nairobi county department of environment, water and sanitation, civil society groups, NEMA and local provincial administration and community members in Mukuru slum. Stratified sampling technique was used to select the sample population for the study. Since the study used primary data, a well set of questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. The collected data was subjected to scrutiny through screening to ensure completeness and eliminate all the errors, before final analysis, aided by statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) software. Regression analysis was also performed to determine the relationship between the poverty, management capabilities, financial resources and regulatory policies on sustainable environmental conservation. Data presentation was achieved through tables, graphs and charts. Findings revealed that poverty level, financial resources, management capabilities, and regulatory policies have great influence on sustainable environmental conservation in Mukuru slums. Therefore, the study recommended for integrated waste management approach that is community centered to bring every community member on board and other key stakeholders. On financial resources, the study recommended for robust public-private sector partnership to build up financial capital necessary for management of waste menace and conserve the environment and allocation of more resources. There is a need for more trainings, and awareness creation and formulation of elaborate policies to create autonomy for NEMA to enable the organization implement and enforce its regulations effectively. The study outlined that further studies can be done on the impact of socio-demographic factors, household perceptions and attitudes on waste management and socio-economic factors on sustainable environmental conservation.

Rationality of Developing the Protected Mangrove Forests as Ecotourism

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to analyze the rationalities and strategies of developing mangrove forests as ecotourism and its impact on socio-economic transformation. Method: The research was conducted using exploratory qualitative methods with data collection techniques through observation, in-depth interviews, and document studies. Interviews were conducted with representatives of local governments, tourism agencies, the village head, the local communities, mangrove tourism management groups, local traders, employees, and tourists. The data were analyzed with an interactive model using an inductive approach. Result and conclusion: Based on the analysis, two main rationalities were identified in developing protected mangrove ecotourism; economic potential and environmental conservation of mangroves. In addition, three strategies were carried out to transform protected mangroves into ecotourism; building community awareness, conducting good cooperation across sectors, and strengthening tourism development by making mayoral regulations. Finding implication: The mangrove ecotourism has an impact on collective awareness and encourages the community to preserve mangroves for their economic interests based on the principle of sustainable environmental conservation. Finally, this study confirms that economic rationalities and mangrove conservation as ecotourism objects encourage stakeholders to find sustainable strategies for managing ecotourism-protected mangroves to ensure the realization of a blue economy.

FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF AGROFORESTRY FARMING SYSTEM AS A MEANS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION METHOD IN JERE LGA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Farmers were exposed to agroforestry but did not adopt the system due to some perceived factors. However, unless they adopt agroforestry farming system, the potential benefits of the technology for livelihood improvement and sustainable environmental management will not be realized. Thus, this study was carried out to assess the factors influencing adoption of agroforestry farming systems as a means for sustainable environmental conservation method in Jere L.G.A of Borno State. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select the respondents for this study. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents interviewed for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics which include fre­quency distributions, means, and percentages. The ordered logistic regression was used to estimate the factors influencing the adoption of agroforestry as a means of sustainable conservation practices by farmers in the study area. The result revealed that majority of the farmers were aware of agroforestry mostly through their farmers’ association. The major factors that positively influenced adoption of agroforestry include gender, household size, extension services and farming experience. Despite the numerous benefits of agroforestry to environmental conservation, farmers were constrained by land fragmentation possibly due to inheritance, inadequate nurseries where seeds/seedlings can be accessed, inadequate incentives and poor government policies, poor access to extension services, inadequate capital, long gestation period of trees, damage caused by animals/humans, limited use of machineries and unavailability of labour. It was recommended that land fragmentation should be discouraged, extension services, seedlings and incentives should also be provided to farmers in the study area to encourage and motivate them to go into agroforestry farming to sustain environmental conservation in the area.

우리나라 주요 산업군별 수출수요 결정요인 비교 분석

After COVID-19, supply chain management problems were exposed in the global economy. As a way to prevent this, each country has established a strategy to pursue supply chain localization that expands domestic production from food to strategic products for efficient supply chain management.
 In this study, the export demand function was used to analyze the export determinants by industry by dividing 10 industries of Korea's total exports from 1995 to 2021 for 10 major export destinations. In particular, it was intended to propose a plan to expand agricultural exports in the mid- to long-term by comparing general manufacturing products with agricultural products through empirical analysis.
 As a result of the analysis, it was found that there were differences in factors affecting exports by industry. In particular, in the case of exports of agricultural, forestry and fisheries products, the total production of trading partners, the price of Korean export goods, and whether or not an FTA was signed had a significant impact at the 1% significance level. Although Korea's agriculture accounts for a low proportion of gross domestic product, it is evaluated as a field with various functions at various levels, such as food security and sustainable environmental conservation.
 In the recent growth process of the global agri-food market in the global economy, Korea's agri-food sector is emerging as a blue ocean field. In order to expand the export sector of Korean agricultural products, a national strategy should be established to efficiently combine the roles of agricultural producers, exporters, and the government.

The impacts of environmental science on Bhutanese students’ environmental sustainability competences

AbstractThe subject of environmental science (ES) was introduced into Bhutanese schools to educate students about sustainable environmental conservation. This study aims to answer the research question: What are the impacts of studying ES on Bhutanese students for environmental sustainability? The study employed mixed methods to draw data from interviews with six principals, 14 teachers and 189 students, and surveys with 14 teachers and 563 students from six secondary schools. Participants indicated the development of students’ Gross National Happiness value of sustainable environmental and socioeconomic development. However, an anthropocentric perspective appeared to be dominant among participants, suggesting a need to develop ecocentric worldviews to support sustainability. Most students noted their changed behaviours, development of optimism, stewardship and agency towards ecological sustainability from studying ES. To prepare students to take action to address sustainability issues, teachers could leverage students’ optimism, agency and stewardship through action-oriented approaches to teaching ES.

Agrotourism as peripheral and ultraperipheral community livelihoods diversification strategy: Insights from the Okavango Delta, Botswana

The potential of agrotourism for livelihoods diversification in remote (peripheral) and extremely remote (ultraperipheral) traditional, agrarian communities is indeed a testament of its uniqueness to enhance rural entrepreneurship development, employment creation and poverty alleviation. In an arid environment such as Botswana's where traditional agricultural concerns are generally impeded by inclement weather conditions exacerbated by climate variability and change scenarios, identifying opportunities in challenges associated with livelihood activities might provide a better pathway for improving rural socio-economic wellbeing and development. Semi-structured interviews and a literature review were used to document the current status and evolution of agrotourism in rural Botswana; and identify the associated constraints and opportunities, which the subsector might offer emerging entrepreneurs. Major findings reveal that agrotourism activities are relatively new and still fledgling in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. While 4.8 percent of the initiatives investigated accounts for agrotourism initiatives that are fully and currently operational in the area, another 4.8 percent constitutes the business initiatives, which are still not fully operational. Findings also revealed that most agrotourism businesses in the Okavango Delta were challenged by inadequate capital outlays constituting an impediment to running a successful business. While bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with registering agrotourism projects is a challenge for some entrepreneurs, a few others are bedeviled by lack of market for their products. The relatively fledgling status of agrotourism in the area might offer a good business opportunity for potential entrepreneurs and the government to fully exploit the socio-economic benefits of the subsector and push a more sustainable environmental conservation agenda, respectively.

Learners’ Knowledge of Environmental Education in Selected Primary Schools of the Tshwane North District, Gauteng Province

This study focused on determining the level of environmental education knowledge and skills among primary school learners in South Africa, under the National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12. Environmental education is important in the promotion of sustainable environmental conservation and reducing negative effects, which are caused by adverse climatic conditions. We used a qualitative approach for data collection from eight primary schools located in the North Tshwane District of Gauteng province, through interviews and observations. The sample comprise teachers, learners, and non-teaching staff working at the schools. The findings from interviews suggest that the curriculum offers learners adequate environmental educational knowledge in the Social Science and Natural Science subjects. Similarly, the results from the observations show that, from visual sights of the surroundings of the schools, the school has gardens, tree nurseries, tree plantations, and a clean environment around the school. In conclusion, learners are provided with adequate environmental educational knowledge and they are able to contribute towards maintaining a clean environment and conservation in their communities.

Environmental Licensing After the Job Creation Act in the Perspective of a Decentralized Unitary State

This research is motivated by the existence of one of the laws that are affected by Law Number 11 of 2020 concerning Job Creation, namely Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management, which is related to changes in the concept of environmental licensing, which creates differences There is a perception among the public that there are contradictory objectives in the two laws, that goals that are oriented towards attracting investment and employment have the potential to ignore sustainable environmental conservation. Changes in the concept of environmental licensing into environmental approvals in the work copyright law which then gives more authority to the Central Government regarding the formation of a Feasibility Test Team formed by the Feasibility Testing Agency of the Central Government, and the types of activities and businesses are also determined by the Central Government, so there are efforts to reduce the authority provincial and district/city areas, this is not in accordance with the implementation of decentralization on the principle of regional autonomy mandated by the constitution. This study aims to restore the function of environmental licensing as a controlling instrument in environmental activities/businesses that are attached to the central, provincial and district/city governments, using a qualitative normative juridical method with a library research approach.

APLIKASI KOMPOS MUCUNA BRACHTEATA SEBAGAI UPAYA REKLAMASI LAHAN TERHADAP SIFAT FISIKA DAN KIMIA TANAH PASCA ERUPSI DI KABUPATEN KARO

Volcanic ash resulted in the death of many farmers' crops on the slopes of the mountain. The area of land in the agricultural sector damaged by the eruption of Mount Sinabung, North Sumatra reached 50,921 ha, consisting of food crops, horticulture, and plantations and 12,399 ha of which crop failure. Problems that arise in volcanic plant growing land if used as media are not suitable to support plant growth optimally. This research was conducted at the location of soil sampling in Sukadebi Village, Namateren District, Karo Regency. This study aims to reclaim the post-eruption soil by utilizing organic material from Mucuna Brachteata compost so that it can be reused into productive agricultural land through sustainable environmental conservation. This research was conducted in 2021, using an experimental method with data analysis of Randomized Block Design. The results showed that the post-eruption soil and mucuna brachteata compost and the interaction of the two treatments had a significant effect on the parameters of the physical properties of the soil, but did not significantly affect the parameters of the chemical properties. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended to conduct further research by giving higher doses to the treatment of mucuna brachteata compost.

Bhutanese Teachers’ and Students’ Perspectives on Approaches to Teaching ESD Through Environmental Science

This study investigated the teaching pedagogies deployed in teaching environmental science (ES) to adequately prepare Bhutanese youth with the knowledge, values, attitudes and skills to engage in sustainable environmental conservation that supports the country’s pursuit of Gross National Happiness. A mixed-method research strategy was employed that collected data in the form of surveys and interviews with 14 teachers, surveys with 563 students, interviews with 194 students through (46) focus groups and six classroom observations. The data indicated that the transmissive approach (teacher talk), discursive activities (presentation and group discussions), and textbook-based activities of reading and solving problems from ES textbooks are the most predominant teaching approaches implemented in teaching ES. Students are engaged in critical thinking, empirical real-world and book-based research and maintaining an environmental profile; however, there is a lack of hands-on activities of projects, experiments, fieldwork, exhibitions and surveying and interviewing people. Teachers identified that lack of time, examination-based assessments, the large syllabus and a lack of resources are the factors that impede learning activities in ES. Therefore, there is a need for more emphasis on teachers’ professional development on transformative teaching pedagogies for effective implementation of ES that will prepare students for the pursuit of environmental sustainability.

Manajemen Bencana Dan Governance Mind Set

In principle the the idea of writing this paper for mempertautkan two sides of the actual problem, namely the empirical problems associated with disaster management in Indonesia - including the problem of bureaucratic ethos in situations of disaster-related and theoretical sides of the application and development of governance models. So, how materialization of concepts and values of governance in the context of disaster management in the form of a synergistic network of inter-actor cooperation and mapping of roles and responsibilities of each party. In addition, development and environmental education within the framework of governance based disaster management is a necessity for sustainable environmental conservation.

Evaluation of spawn quality and doses on yield and biological efficiency of Blue Oyster Mushroom [Hypsizygus ulmarius (Bull.: Fr.) Redhead

Mushroom cultivation is a cost effective biotechnological approach for converting lignocellulosic wastes into edible proteins. Blue Oyster mushroom is a novel species which has a wide use due to its unique taste, flavor, nutritive and medicinal values. Since, spawn quality is the most important factor of edible mushroom production hence, the study was undertaken to determine the influence of spawn substrate and doses on the yield and biological efficiency of H. ulmarius on different agri/industrial wastes. Out of seven different grain substrates evaluated, bajra grains were found as an excellent substrate for spawn production. Growth rate, yield and biological efficiency was also recorded more on bajra grain spawn. Spawning with bajra grain spawn resulted in faster spawn run (13.67 days), first flush (20.33 days), maximum number of sporocarps (38.33), longest stipe length (5.37 cm) and maximum cap diameter (8.57 cm) on wheat straw substrate. Further it can be concluded that 5.0 per cent spawn dose on wheat straw substrate resulted in minimum spawn run period (12.66 days), maximum number of fruit bodies (42.33) and highest yield (661.67 g/0.5 Kg substrate) and maximum biological efficiency (132.33 %) followed by 4.0, 3.0, 2.0 and 1.0 per cent spawn dose respectively spawned with bajra grain spawn. These studies will help in effectively utilization of agri/industrial wastes for production of high quality proteins and crucial to help alleviate the perils of hunger as well as a step forward towards the sustainable environmental conservation.

Learners’ knowledge of environmental education in selected primary schools of Tshwane North District, Gauteng Province

This study focused on determining the level of environmental education knowledge and skills among primary school learners in South Africa under the National Curriculum Statement Grades R-12. Environmental education is important in the promotion of sustainable environmental conservation, and reducing negative effects which are caused by adverse climatic conditions. We used qualitative approach for data collection from eight primary schools located North Tshwane District of Gauteng province through interviews and observations. The sample comprise teachers, the learners and non-teaching staffs working in the schools. The findings from interviews suggest that the curriculum offers learners adequate environmental education knowledge in the Social Science and Natural Science subjects. Similarly, results from observations show, from visual sights of the surroundings of the schools, that the school compounds have gardens, tree nurseries and tree plantations, and clean environment around the school compound. In conclusion, learners are provided with adequate environmental education knowledge and they are able to contribute towards maintaining clean environments and conservation in their communities.