Sustainable Environmental Protection Research Articles

The Pyrolysis Characteristics of Bagasse Were Studied by TG-MS-FTIR

Sugarcane bagasse is rich in cellulose and lignin, and the recycling of bagasse has become an important research field with the increasing global concern for sustainable development and environmental protection. In this paper, TG-MS-FTIR equipment was used to analyze the pyrolysis characteristics of bagasse from Guangxi under different heating rates and different atmospheres, which is conducive to the reuse of bagasse from the waste gas produced in the sugar plant. The results showed that the pyrolysis rate of sugarcane bagasse in the air atmosphere was faster than that in the nitrogen atmosphere and showed a double-peak trend, and the Coats–Redfern computational model could more accurately simulate the process of pyrolysis. The lower heating rate could overcome the heat transfer hysteresis phenomenon in the process of pyrolysis. In the air atmosphere, the contact time between oxygen and volatile products was shorter due to the high heating rate, and more and more complex species were precipitated at 10 °C/min than at 20 °C/min. In the nitrogen atmosphere, it was favorable to produce more kinds and quantities of gas products, because it did not react with oxygen. FTIR detected CH4, CO, H2O, CO2, C-O-C, and C=O during pyrolysis in nitrogen, and some of C-O-C and C=O were cracked into small molecule compounds at high temperature.

The Multifaceted Soils of Himachal Pradesh, India: Types and Characteristics

The soils of Himachal Pradesh face a multitude of pressing issues that threaten their health and agricultural productivity. The diverse geographical features, temperature regimes and biological zones of Himachal Pradesh have resulted into a vast range of soil types in the state. Alpine, forest, alluvial and sub-mountain soils are the four major soil categories into which the state's soils can be generally divided. Only a particular species and adapted plants can thrive in the extreme weather circumstances of alpine soils, which are located at higher elevations and possess soils having thin, stony and acidic in reaction. The mid-hill areas are dominated by forest soils which are distinguished by their high levels of organic matter and nutrients. These soils support luxuriant vegetation and make effective agricultural methods possible. Alluvial soils, which are mostly found in river valleys and are deposited by ravine systems are extremely rich and perfect in fertility and suitable for growing a range of crops including vegetables, rice and maize. Located in the foothills, sub-mountain soil exhibits a blend of traits from alluvial and forest soils, thus providing a range of uses for horticulture and agriculture. In addition to supporting a diverse array of plant and animal life, Himachal Pradesh's varied soil types are vital to the region's agricultural economy. One of the biggest problems is soil erosion, which is made worse by the steep terrain and abundant rainfall in the area. This results in the loss of topsoil and decreased fertility. Deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable farming methods all contribute to land degradation, which further reduces biodiversity and soil quality. Furthermore, crop development is impacted by soil acidity in high-altitude regions, which restricts nutrient availability. However, these issues need efficient conservation measures and soil management techniques. In order to maintain Himachal Pradesh's rich biodiversity and agricultural potential for future generations, sustainable agricultural development and environmental protection in this ecologically sensitive area depend on an understanding of the complex soil dynamics. Addressing these interconnected issues requires a comprehensive approach, emphasizing sustainable land management practices, community engagement, and restoration efforts to preserve the vital soil resources of this ecologically sensitive region.

Environmental Taxation and Sustainable Environmental Protection - Reality or Myth? An Integrative Review

The increase in environmental pollution has different origins, and in each of them we can observe the actions and activities of human beings, whether natural or legal persons. In response to this, the legal figure of the environmental tax has been applied as a strategy and means of income to prevent, compensate for environmental damage and improve ecological quality, constituting a route to improve sustainable environmental protection. In this sense, this article examines, based on the scientific literature, the relationship between environmental taxation and sustainable development. The research topics are varied in terms of methodologies and theoretical perspectives, and the relationship between environmental taxes and their objectives remains controversial. The main findings of the review highlighted the importance and purpose of taxes; the difference between types of taxes; the justification for tax collection; and the orientation of the resources raised towards improving environmental protection and sustainable environment, which allows us to conclude on the need to reflect on the implementation of viable environmental policies aimed at ensuring social justice. In this sense, policy makers must have the appropriate profile that demonstrates expertise since sustainable development encompasses the protection of the environment by reducing pollution with educational and awareness-raising policies. Received: 11 July 2024 / Accepted: 30 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

A Novel Phenology-Based Index for Plastic-Mulched Farmland Extraction and Its Application in a Typical Agricultural Region of China Using Sentinel-2 Imagery and Google Earth Engine

Plastic-mulching technology has a crucial role to play in modern agriculture by optimizing crop growth environments and enhancing yields. Accurately detecting and mapping the distribution of plastic-mulched farmlands (PMFs) is essential for improving both agricultural management and production efficiency. By analyzing the temporal spectral characteristics of PMFs and crop phenological information, we developed a phenology-based plastic-mulched farmland index (PPMFI). This index, when combined with Sentinel-2 imagery and an automated high-precision extraction process via the Google Earth Engine platform, effectively distinguishes PMFs from other land cover types, especially in complex agricultural landscapes. Validation across areas varying in their background complexity and PMF coverage demonstrated that the proposed PPMFI consistently achieves an overall accuracy rate that exceeds 90%, showcasing its robust performance and significantly outperforming other comparative extraction methods. Applying the PPMFI to the Yudong agricultural region of Henan Province, China, further confirmed its capability for large-scale PMF monitoring, thereby offering critical technical support for sustainable agricultural management and environmental protection.

Development of Particulate Matter Concentration Estimation Models for Road Sections Based on Micro-Data

With increasing global concerns related to global warming, air pollution, and environmental health, South Korea is actively implementing various particulate matter (PM) reduction policies to improve air quality. Accurate data analysis, including the investigation of weather phenomena, monitoring, and integrated prediction, is essential for effective PM reduction. However, the factors influencing the PM generated from domestic road sections have not yet been systematically analyzed, and currently, no predictive models utilize weather and traffic data. This study analyzed the correlations among factors influencing PM to develop models for estimating fine and coarse PM (PM2.5 and PM10, respectively) concentrations in road sections. Regression analysis models were used to assess the sensitivity of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations to the traffic volume, whereas machine learning-based models, including linear regression, convolutional neural networks, and random forest models, were constructed and compared. The random forest models outperformed the other models, with coefficients of determination of 0.74 and 0.71 and mean absolute errors of 5.78 and 9.60 for PM2.5 and PM10, respectively. These results indicate that the random forest model provides the most accurate PM concentration estimates for road sections. The practical applications of the developed models were considered to inform effective transportation policies aimed at reducing PM. The developed model has practical applications in the formulation of transportation policies aimed at reducing PM. In particular, the model will play an important role in data-driven policymaking for sustainable urban development and environmental protection. By analyzing the correlation between traffic volume and weather conditions, policymakers can formulate more effective and sustainable strategies for reducing air pollution.

Preparation and characterization of a low viscosity spray dust suppressant based on xanthan gum grafted sodium α-olefin sulfonate copolymer with proactive coal-adhesive and surface-active properties

To address the problem of the high viscosity of current composite dust suppressants, which results in spray droplet sizes that are not optimal for capturing respirable dust, a low viscosity, proactive coal-adhesive, long-lasting spray dust suppressant, XG-AOS/Tre, has been developed. The suppressant utilizes xanthan gum (XG) from microbial fermentation, with α-olefin sulfonate grafted onto its hydroxyl groups to form a copolymer (XG-AOS), reducing its viscosity while maintaining the surface activity of the hydrocarbon chain and its affinity for coal dust. It has a weighted average molecular weight of 398341, a surface tension of 26.1 mN/m, a viscosity of 1.59 mPa·s, and a contact angle of 48° with coal cake. The suppressant achieves a total dust suppression rate of 85.7 % and a respirable dust suppression rate of 85.9 %. Because of its surface activity and high molecular weight, it efficiently wets and settles coal dust. It retains 47.3 % of the water in its solution 24 h after being sprayed and forms an adhesive film upon complete evaporation, providing the coal dust with resistance to wind erosion. The dust suppressant improves the dust suppression rate for dust control in coal mining. Its properties contribute to the sustainable development and environmental protection of the coal industry.

Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution via yolk–heteroshell TiO2@TiO2/SiO2 nanoreactor with confined Pt nanoparticles

The upper limit of photocatalytic efficiency is largely determined by the light-harvesting capability of a semiconductor. To address this challenge, we developed a yolk-heteroshell TiO2@TiO2/SiO2 (T@T/S) nanoreactor, leveraging a novel design based on an in-depth understanding and innovative utilization of light-matter interactions. The T@T/S nanoreactor significantly enhances solar light capture and utilization efficiency through total internal reflection mechanisms facilitated by the heterogeneous shell. This heteroshell, consisting of an outer SiO2 shell an inner monolayer of TiO2 nanoparticles, maximizes light confinement due to the different refractive indices of SiO2 and TiO2, while also minimizing mass transfer resistance due to the thin inner shell layer. These unique structural features result in high photocatalytic activity under simulated solar light. Additionally, we successfully applied a “ship-in-a-bottle” strategy for the confined growth of platinum nanoparticles within T@T/S nanoreactor. The Pt0.5-T@T/S nanoreactors demonstrated excellent hydrogen production, achieving a hydrogen evolution rate of 24.43 mmol g−1h−1 under simulated sunlight and an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 7.8 % at 350 nm. This study highlights the importance of nano-engineered designs in optimizing semiconductor photocatalysts and shows the significant potential of our approach for sustainable energy conversion and environmental protection.

OPTIMIZING CHARCOAL PRODUCTION: A COMPARISON OF THREE WOOD SPECIES AND METHODS

For sustainable forestry management and environmental protection, it is crucial to compare three wood types and processes in order to optimise charcoal production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability of using diverse waste materials and carbonization techniques to produce wood charcoal. The upcountry wet zone and low-country dry zone regions of Sri Lanka provided the samples, which were each repeated ten times and came in three different sample sizes. To make charcoal, these samples were put through the barrel and pit processes. The results showed that the barrel method produced 28% charcoal instead of the 21% produced by the pit method, demonstrating its higher efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This improvement was ascribed to the barrel's enhanced ability to regulate airflow and temperature during pyrolysis. The study emphasizes the use of wood off-cuts and the barrel method to increase efficiency, save costs, and improve charcoal quality. It provides helpful advice for small charcoal producers.

A conceptual and numerical model of fluid flow and heat transport in the Topusko hydrothermal system

Comprehensive understanding of hydrothermal systems is often obtained through the integration of conceptual and numerical modelling. This integrated approach provides a structured framework for the reconstruction and quantification of fluid dynamics in the reservoir, thereby facilitating informed decision-making for sustainable utilisation and environmental protection of the hydrothermal system. In this study, an updated conceptual model of the Topusko hydrothermal system (THS; central Croatia) is proposed based on structural, geochemical, and hydrogeological analyses. The stratigraphic sequence and the structural framework of the THS were defined based on geological maps and field investigations. As depicted by hydrochemical and isotope analyses, thermal waters in Topusko (temperatures of up to 65 °C) are of meteoric origin and circulate in a carbonate aquifer. The THS receives diffuse recharge approximately 13 km S from Topusko, where Triassic carbonates crop out. Gravity-driven regional groundwater circulation is favoured by regional thrusts that tectonically uplifted Palaeozoic low permeable rocks. These structures confine the fluid flow in the permeable, fractured and karstified, Triassic carbonates favouring the northward circulation of the water. A regional anticline lifts the aquifer closer to the surface in Topusko. Open fractures in the anticline hinge zone increase the fracturing and permeability field of the aquifer promoting the quick upwelling of the thermal water resulting in the Topusko thermal springs. Numerical simulations of fluid flow and heat transport corroborate the proposed conceptual model. In particular, a thermal anomaly was modelled in the Topusko subsurface with temperature values of 31.3 °C and 59.5 °C at the surface and at the base of the thermal aquifer, respectively, approaching the field observations. These findings showed that the circulation of Topusko thermal water is influenced by regional and local geological structures suggesting that the enhanced permeability field in the discharge area enables the formation of the natural thermal springs.

A Study of Heavy Road Freight Transport in Poland in the Context of the Pursuit of Sustainable Road Transport

The efficiency of road freight transport determines—to a significant degree—the total environmental footprint and the amount of greenhouse gases and other pollutants released into the atmosphere by inland transport. The rate of empty or partially empty vehicles is one of the key metrics for improvement of the environmental performance of freight road transportation. This paper presents the characteristics of road freight transport in Poland on the basis of data collected by weigh-in-motion stations. Data aggregation for environmental analysis represents a novel aspect of the work. Indicators describing the degree of loading, the share of empty vehicles in traffic, and the share of vehicles of maximum permissible total weight in traffic were determined for a representative group of heavy goods vehicles. Based on the representative load factor value (LFA), a classification of the road section into four groups was proposed. The results obtained show a clear differentiation of the values of the indicators analyzed for individual groups and their variability in the three-year period covered by the analysis. The aggregation method presented can be used to identify the nature of the distribution of the weight categories of the heavy goods vehicles and provide input information for targeted analyses relating to sustainable road transport management and environmental protection. Finally, the grouped LFA values were linked with indicators of energy consumption (ECI) and on-road emissions (EI).

Environmental Accounting and Sustainability: A Meta-Synthesis

This study conducts a comprehensive meta-synthesis of review-based research on environmental accounting, spanning from 1995 to 2024. Environmental accounting, also known as green accounting, has evolved as a critical tool for integrating sustainability into corporate financial practices. Using bibliometric methods via Bibliometrix R-package (Biblioshiny—Version 4.2.0) and VOSviewer (Version 1.6.20), the research mainly examines scholarly discussion in review-based studies and identifies dominant themes. The main clusters identified are (1) environmental audits and management, (2) green accounting, financial reporting and sustainable development, (3) CSR, stakeholder engagement, and accountability, and (4) environmental accounting and protection. On the descriptive end, publication trends, prominent authors, articles, and sources are identified. The findings highlight a significant increase in review-based studies since 2022, coinciding with the growing global awareness and importance of sustainability. This study contributes to the field by consolidating fragmented research on environmental accounting, offering a framework for future academic exploration. Practically, it informs policymakers and business leaders on the importance of unified reporting standards across regions; integrating environmental considerations into financial decision-making; promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability accounting; and disclosure across industries and regions.

Attitudes of consumers towards ethical buying and fair trade in Slovakia

Nowadays, more and more consumers have an increased interest in the field of ethics and social responsibility, which they present in connection with the companies they buy from. The attitude towards ethical shopping becomes particularly important in the context of sustainable development and environmental protection. Slovakia, as a member of the European Union, is not left out of this trend. In the contribution, we focus on the attitude of consumers in Slovakia towards ethical shopping through an applied questionnaire inquiry. Ethical shopping is the way consumers think when choosing products, considering the conditions under which products are produced, distributed, and disposed. When choosing products, consumers consider not only the impact of these products on the environment but also whether adequate working conditions were observed during their production. We obtained data on the attitudes of consumers in Slovakia through a survey, using the questionnaire method. The survey focused on selected areas of ethical shopping, with a special focus on fair trade and its knowledge among consumers in Slovakia. Based on the results of the survey, we suggest ways to educate as well as motivate consumers in Slovakia to realize ethical buying to a greater extent.

Methylene blue adsorption by chemical-activated Trichanthera gigantea leaf

ABSTRACT This study investigated the potential of NaOH-treated Trichanthera gigantea leaf (TGL) powder as a sustainable, low-cost biosorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal from wastewater. Characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques confirmed favorable morphology, identifying micropores, suitable functional groups, notable surface area, pore volume, and elemental diversity. Batch experiments systematically investigated the influence of operational parameters, including contact time, initial MB concentration (5–35 mg/L), pH (2–10), and biosorbent dosage (2–10 g/L) on adsorption performance. The Langmuir isotherm model best represented the experimental data (R² values of 0.993 and 0.9725), indicating favorable adsorption (RL < 1) and maximum MB adsorption capacities of 0.822 and 0.330 mg/g for treated and untreated TGL, respectively. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) results further identified the most significant factors influencing MB biosorption. These findings highlight the potential of NaOH-treated TGL powder as an effective and eco-friendly solution for removing MB dye from industrial effluents, contributing to sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental protection.

Research on the Network Communication Strategy of New Energy Vehicle Brand in Xi an China -- Taking NIO as an Example

With the increasing global attention to sustainable development and environmental protection, new energy vehicles have become the main direction of transformation and upgrading of the global automotive industry and green development. As one of the world s largest auto markets, China is also actively promoting the development of the new energy vehicle industry. This project will visit the sales points and service centers of NIO in Xi an market to understand the specific implementation of its network communication strategy. Therefore, this research intends to establish a perceived intention model to analyze the related factors of network communication effect in the light of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). At the same time, the questionnaire survey method is adopted to collect data on the network communication strategy and consumer feedback of NIO, learn consumers feedback and satisfaction on the network communication strategy of new energy vehicles, provide key market insights, and better understand consumers demands and expectations.

Environmental challenges and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the EU: prospects for sustainable development

The article is dedicated to analyzing the cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union, which began with the signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in 1994 and reached a new level after the signing of the Association Agreement in 2014. The focus is on the impact of this agreement on Ukraine’s domestic and foreign policies, particularly in the context of sustainable development and ensuring environmental security. The article examines the role of international agreements in regulating Ukraine’s environmental policy, particularly the principles of preventive measures and the use of natural resources within the framework of sustainable development. Despite the formal incorporation of relevant provisions in international treaties, the real situation regarding environmental security remains challenging due to the conflict between the economic interests of developed countries and transnational corporations and the demands of environmental protection. The article separately addresses the influence of international law on the development of Ukraine’s energy policy and its integration into the pan-European energy space. The importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources and the role of the European Union in financing and supporting such projects are analyzed. It is noted that sustainable development and environmental protection should become priorities within the framework of Ukraine’s energy security policy. The article also outlines the main challenges Ukraine faces in the context of international environmental security, particularly the insufficient effectiveness of international organizations in recognizing and counteracting environmental crimes. Despite this, the importance of cooperation with the EU to achieve a stable deceleration of environmental degradation is emphasized.

Sustainable Development and Protection of Environment in the European Convention on Human Rights

The concept of sustainable development is multidimensional. It can be thought of as actions taken at the social, environmental, and economic levels to ensure that the needs of future generations are met like those of current generations. Sustainable development appears in numerous acts at national and international levels. The most comprehensive approach to this issue was presented by UNESCO, which presented a list of seventeen sustainable development goals. The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is also an objective of the Council of Europe. The body of particular importance for their implementation is the ECtHR. This article addresses only a selected issue relating to one of the tasks of sustainable development, i.e., environmental rotection. The Convention does not contain provisions relating to environmental protection. Nevertheless, the ECtHR directly refers to environmental issues in its case law. The text considers how the Court tries to protect the environment. At least two such situations can be distinguished. Firstly, the Court refers to the possibility of limiting conventional freedoms and rights for the protection of the public interest, which is environmental protection. Secondly, the ECtHR forces states to need to protect the environment due to the inability to exercise the freedoms and rights conventional (in particular those expressed in Articles 2 and 8 ECHR). The text also analyzes the potential effects of complaints brought from 2020 on stopping climate change.

Use of an Ecological Compensation Model in Water Resource Development: A Case Study from Shaanxi Province, China

This study aims to analyze the current situation of water resource management in Shaanxi Province, study the basic principles of ecological compensation, evaluate the impact of water conservation projects on the ecological environment by establishing a model, and propose a sustainable water resource management model. Hanzhong City has certain typicality and representativeness within Shaanxi Province, and the problems it faces in water resource management and ecological environment may represent the entire province or similar regions. At the same time, Hanzhong City has rich data and research foundations. Therefore, by conducting a detailed analysis of the current water resource status in the Hanzhong City area of Shaanxi Province, the problems in current water resource management are revealed, and the basic principles of ecological compensation are intensely studied. The original ecological compensation plan in Shaanxi Province has been summarized. Guided by the concept of sustainable development, an ecological compensation model is established using algorithms, and the model is applied to sustainable water resource management. Establish a model for water conservation and water resource management through data collection, preprocessing, and cleaning, and apply it to practical cases in Hanzhong City. Through simulation and analysis of Hanzhong City, the new water resource management model effectively mitigates the adverse effects of water conservation projects on the ecological environment while improving water resource utilization efficiency. The changes in various environmental parameters indicate that the new plan has improved the ecological environment. Through the application of the model, the ecological compensation plan formulated has achieved sustainable protection of the ecological environment while promoting economic development. This study proposes a sustainable water resource management model through a comprehensive study of water resource management and ecological compensation in Shaanxi Province and verifies it in practical cases, demonstrating that the model has not only good applicability but also has significant effects in promoting economic growth and ecological environment protection.

Modeling of Energy Usage Intensity Based on West Java Region Conditions Using Dynamic Systems Approach

Abstract West Java is a region in Indonesia experiencing significant population growth and economic activity, leading to a substantial increase in energy demand and presenting challenges for sustainable energy resource management. Energy is fundamental to economic and social activities, and efficient, sustainable management is essential for balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. Modeling energy usage intensity is crucial for understanding the dynamics of energy consumption and its influencing factors. This study aims to develop a model that accurately represents energy consumption patterns in West Java using a dynamic systems approach. The study utilizes Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD) and Stock Flow Diagrams (SFD) to systematically map and model the intricate dynamics of the energy system, providing a comprehensive understanding of the interactions and influences among various factors. The model was validated by comparing its outputs with historical data and calculating a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). This enhances confidence in the analyses and recommendations derived from the model, making it a valuable tool for understanding and influencing energy usage patterns in West Java. In conclusion, this study not only provides deep insights into energy consumption in West Java but also offers practical approaches for improved energy management, supporting sustainable development and environmental protection in the region.

Exploring public attention in the circular economy through topic modelling with twin hyperparameter optimisation

To advance the circular economy (CE), it is crucial to gain insights into the evolution of public attention, cognitive pathways of the masses concerning circular products, and to identify primary concerns. To achieve this, we collected data from diverse platforms, including Twitter, Reddit, and The Guardian, and utilised three topic models to analyse the data. Given the performance of topic modelling may vary depending on hyperparameter settings, this research proposed a novel framework that integrates twin (single and multi-objective) hyperparameter optimisation for the CE. We conducted systematic experiments to ensure that topic models are set with appropriate hyperparameters under different constraints, providing valuable insights into the correlations between CE and public attention. In summary, our optimised model reveals that public remains concerned about the economic impacts of sustainability and circular practices, particularly regarding recyclable materials and environmentally sustainable technologies. The analysis shows that the CE has attracted significant attention on The Guardian, especially in topics related to sustainable development and environmental protection technologies, while discussions are comparatively less active on Twitter. These insights highlight the need for policymakers to implement targeted education programs, create incentives for businesses to adopt CE principles, and enforce more stringent waste management policies alongside improved recycling processes.

Sustainable hydrophobic coating of paper utilizing silica nanoparticles

The preparation of hydrophobic paper involved applying thin layers of non-biodegradable plastics to the paper, which made recycling difficult and contributed to microplastic pollution. In this study, we present a new method for coating paper to enhance its hydrophobic properties and long-term effectiveness of the hydrophobic surface. We use sustainable materials such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), chitosan, monoaminopropyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and silica nanoparticles (SiNPs). We use hexamethylene diisocyanate isocyanurate trimer (HDIT) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) to link the chemicals covalently and to modify surface of SiNPs with amino groups, respectively. We also integrate PVOH to reduce the cost of the coating solution without compromising its hydrophobicity. We confirmed the long-lasting hydrophobicity of the coated paper by measuring the water contact angle for 60 min. When the paper coated with a solution containing amino SiNPs dispersed in ethanol, the maximum contact angle at 10 s and at 1 h were 132.3° and 95.7°, respectively. Additionally, the hydrophobic coating solution can be removed for potential recycling by treating it with hydrochloric acid or acetic acid. Our developed coating solution provides an environmentally friendly option for various paper-based applications, promoting paper recycling and contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection efforts.