Sustainable Management Efforts Research Articles

Co-occurrence and abundance of pollinators and pests in horticultural systems in Africa using an integrated Earth observation-based approach

ABSTRACT Flower-visiting insects that are pollinators play a critical role in promoting biodiversity in agroecosystems and agricultural food production through their pollination ecosystem service. However, several factors affect the survival of these pollinators and flower visitors, including the heavy and indiscriminate application of agrochemicals to control crop insect pests, which is impacted by various cropping patterns in a landscape and by shifting environmental conditions. Thus, this study focused on investigating the influence of cropping patterns on the spatial distribution of pollinators (Apis mellifera, Hymenoptera other than A. mellifera, and Syrphidae), flower visitors (Calliphoridae), and pests, i.e. fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) and false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) of the avocado, a pollinator-dependent crop. Cropping patterns, earth observation data and relevant environmental variables were used as the predictor variables for modeling the potential distribution and abundance of avocado pollinators, flower visitors and pests in one of the leading regions in avocado production in Kandara, Maragua, and Gatanga sub-Counties in Murang’a County, Kenya. In specific, species distribution modeling (SDM) and species abundance modeling (SAM) techniques, i.e. the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model (presence-only data) and negative binomial (NB) distribution in a generalized linear model (GLM) (abundance data) were used, respectively. Additionally, the spatial distribution probability of the co-occurrence of the pollinators, flower visitors and pests was also analyzed. This study revealed that cropping patterns was the most consistent influential predictor variables for the distribution of avocado pollinators, flower visitors and pests. A large area of Kandara and some parts of Maragua and Gatanga sub-Counties showed a high spatial distribution probability of the studied avocado pollinators, flower visitors and pests. However, only the majority of Kandara sub-County had a high spatial distribution probability score of the potential co-occurrence of the avocado pollinators, flower visitors and pests. Further, A. mellifera was the most abundant flower-visiting pollinator compared with the other studied pollinators, while B. dorsalis was the most abundant avocado pest compared with T. leucotreta. In addition, GLM analysis indicated that no environmental variable was significant in explaining the abundance of the studied avocado pollinators, whereas precipitation and elevation derivatives of aspect and hillshade were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) in explaining the abundance of B. dorsalis. Solar radiation was significant in explaining only the abundance of T. leucotreta. Our study revealed that SDM and SAM modeling outputs can be used to inform decision-making for the implementation of sustainable management efforts regarding pollinators, flower visitors, and insect pests.

Consumer Preference for Fisheries Improvement Project: Case of Bigeye Tuna in Japan

In recent years, demand for sustainable fisheries certification, also known as seafood ecolabeling, has grown worldwide, with retailers actively promoting ecolabeled seafood, mainly in Europe and the United States. However, the costs associated with assessment and maintenance are typically incurred before certification, and the potential benefits are uncertain, which deters many fisheries from entering the certification process. The Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) is a market-driven mechanism that allows a fishery to gain recognition for its sustainable management efforts aimed at achieving sustainable certification. Market differentiation of FIP-participating fisheries from conventional fisheries has the potential to generate additional benefits that may offset some of the certification costs. However, successful differentiation efforts require consumer awareness, willingness to pay a premium, and effective communication strategies. This study investigates consumer preferences for bigeye tuna sashimi in Japan using a discrete choice experiment to determine if Japanese consumers are willing to pay a price premium for FIP-participating fisheries. The analysis resulted in a significant price premium for FIP and domestic certification valued more than international brands. These findings suggest that FIP-participating fisheries have the potential for cost recovery, even during the certification process.

Analysis of Sustainability Status and Management of Brown Seaweed Sargassum sp. in the Waters of Ujung Kulon Conservation Area

The potential of seaweed resources in Indonesia has a significant economic value that is quite competitive and useful in the food and non-food sectors. One of the habitats of Sargassum sp. in Indonesia is Ujung Kulon, Banten Province. However, the existence of this species has not been utilized optimally and sustainably by the community. In addition, the problem is the lack of community participation in conservation water areas and sustainable management. The study aimed to determine the resource potential of brown seaweed Sargassum sp. in the location. In addition, it will evaluate the management and utilization, as well as the role of the community in sustainable management. Sustainability analysis was conducted using the Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) technique through the RAPFISH (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries) approach reinforced with Monte Carlo and Leverage analyses. The preparation of sustainability attributes is based on ecological, economic, social, and institutional dimensions. The results of this study showed that each dimension's value for the environmental dimension (66.15 entirely) is sustainable. The sustainability index value in the economic dimension (81.68) is sustainable. The results of the ordination analysis show that the sustainability index value in the social dimension (20.97) is not sustainable, institutional (31.92) with less sustainable status, so it needs to be a top priority for improvement on several sensitive attributes as leverage factors. In this case, the economic dimension is the value with the highest index, which aligns with the main livelihoods of the conservation area's people. As for the social and institutional dimensions, appropriate improvements still need to be made to support sustainable development. These results are expected to provide information and illustrations for stakeholders and the community in sustainable management efforts in formulating policy strategies.

PENGEMBANGAN EKOWISATA MANGROVE GILI SULAT SEBAGAI UPAYA KEBERLANJUTAN EKOSISTEM PESISIR DAN KARBON BIRU (BLUE CARBON) UNTUK BAHAN AJAR PEMBELAJARAN IPA

In this paper, the author wants to examine the development of the benefits of Gili Sulat mangrove ecotourism in relation to the concept of blue carbon which can be integrated into efforts to develop ecotourism on sustainable coasts and waters. This research is descriptive qualitative research. Data sources consist of primary and secondary data. Primary data collection was carried out by interviews using questionnaires, focus group discussions and observation of all activities in the Gili Sulat ecotourism area. Secondary data was obtained by searching literature and publications carried out by relevant agencies and documenting research results. Interview techniques using questionnaires were carried out to be more efficient in identifying the parameters to be analyzed and to find out the respondents' desires. The aquatic ecosystem on Gili Sulat is very beneficial for the people of Tekaloq hamlet, Sugian village as protection from disasters, such as abrasion, erosion, high waves. The link between blue carbon and ecotourism can be a strong measuring tool to support the preservation of coastal and aquatic ecosystems. Increasing public awareness about environmental conservation, ecotourism, and the role of blue carbon in mitigating climate change is very important to achieve sustainability and is a step in increasing public awareness and knowledge that can be carried out by stakeholders in collaboration with experts and environmental activists. By increasing public awareness and sustainable management efforts, it is hoped that it can support ecotourism activities which can make a significant contribution to mitigating climate change through the blue carbon concept.

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of bullet tuna (Auxis rochei Risso, 1810) in the waters of Mamuju District, West Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Abstract. Nur M, Tenriware, Nasyrah AFA. 2023. Length-weight relationship and condition factor of bullet tuna (Auxis rochei Risso, 1810) in the waters of Mamuju District, West Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 5253-5259. Bullet tuna (Auxis rochei Risso, 1810) is a fish species with a wide distribution and high socioeconomic value. Furthermore, it serves as a primary catch for fishermen, offering a crucial protein source to the community and generating employment opportunities in various sectors, including fresh fish sales, fish freezing, drying, and smoking industries. To maintain the sustainability of bullet tuna, it is necessary to know basic information regarding the study of length-weight relationship and condition factors because it is related to the fish growth and condition of fish in their habitats. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the growth pattern of bullet tuna, fundamental data for sustainable management efforts. The investigation was conducted from May to August 2023, and the sample fish were collected at the Fish Landing Port (PPI) Kasiwa, Mamuju District, West Sulawesi Province. Analysis was conducted in the Fisheries Department Laboratory, Sulawesi Barat University. The study procedures involved determining the total length and weight of the fish using a measuring instrument and digital scale, respectively, with accuracies of 0.1 mm and 0.01 g. Based on the data collected, 302 samples were obtained, consisting of 187 males and 115 females. The results showed that the relationship between the length and weight of bullet tuna yielded the equations of W = 0.027L3.4783 for male fish, W = 0.0052L3.2732 for female fish, and W = 0.0033L3.4141 when combined. A t-test was conducted on the coefficient b, showing a calculated t-value greater than the tabulated values. It indicated that bullet tuna belongs to the negative allometric growth type (minor) (b<3), where body weight increased faster than body length. Condition factors for male and female fish ranged from 0.3186 to 1.6961 and 0.6990 to 1.5011, respectively, with averages of 0.9957 and 0.7997. It indicates that the bullet tuna fish are in good condition in Mamuju District water.

Loss of temporal structure of tropical soundscapes with intensifying land use in Borneo

Conservation and sustainable management efforts in tropical forests often lack reliable, effective, and easily-communicated ways to measure the biodiversity status of a protected or managed landscape. The sounds that many tropical species make can be recorded by pre-programmed devices and analysed to yield measures of biodiversity. Interpreting the resulting soundscapes has developed along two paths: analysing the whole soundscape using acoustic indices, used as a proxy of biodiversity, or focusing on individual species that can be either manually or automatically recognized from the soundscape. Here we develop an intermediate approach to divide the soundscape into frequency categories belonging to broad taxonomic groups of vocalizing animals. While the method was unable to distinguish between amphibian and mammal communities, it was successful in assigning parts of the soundscape as likely produced by birds and insects. Applying the approach in Borneo revealed that, with increasing land use intensity, i) the spectral saturation of the soundscape, a proxy of species richness, loses dawn and dusk peaks, ii) bird acoustic communities lose recurrent diurnal patterns, becoming less synchronized across sites, and that iii) insect Soundscape Saturation increases at night. If soundscapes are partitioned similarly in different regions, our method could be used to bridge soundscape-level and individual-species level analyses. Regaining dawn and dusk peaks, the synchrony of bird acoustic communities, and losing nocturnal dominance of insect could be used as a set of simple indicators of tropical forest retaining high levels of biodiversity.

Spatial patterns and species composition of new forest areas present challenges for forest management in Latvia

Forest area increase has been characteristic to the Eastern Baltic region since the early twentieth century. The emergence of new forest areas in significant amounts changes the visual and ecological character of landscapes and affects forest management decisions. The aim of this study was to investigate how emerging spatial patterns and stand characteristics of new forest areas impact forests in Latvia. Four study areas were selected in Latvia – Skrunda, Bauska, Skujene and Kaunata to analyze new and stable forest areas. Inside these four areas, 27,205 forest compartments were analyzed from new forests and 93,902 compartments in stable forests for reference. New and stable forest areas were mapped for the period of 1967–2017. Latvian State Forest register database provided compartment-level characteristics for new and stable forests. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze differences in tree species composition, ownership structure and management restrictions; and GIS methods – to assess compartment accessibility by roads. Spatial pattern metrics were calculated using Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis in Guidos Toolbox 2.6. Results show that the majority of new forest areas have emerged from spontaneous afforestation, this was especially pronounced in Kaunata area (only 5% of new forest areas were planted). Scots pine, Norway spruce and two birch species comprised the majority in stable forest areas compared to new forest areas, where the proportions of dominant tree species were more evenly distributed. Spatial pattern analysis showed that the emergence of new forest areas has contributed to the homogenization of forest pattern with increasing Core area, reducing Edge and Islet (isolated patch) proportion. 93–99% of new forest areas identified in this study were not state-owned. Compartment accessibility was very good for all four study areas in Latvia, with 60–80% of stands being located closer than 500 m from roads. This study demonstrated that management of such small, spatially scattered and young forest compartments can be problematic. Since the majority or Latvia’s private forest owners’ holdings are smaller than 50 ha, the lack of resources and education as well physical factors impede successful involvement of these numerous small owners in sustainable management efforts.

A data engineering approach for sustainable chemical end-of-life management

The presence of chemicals causing significant adverse human health and environmental effects during end-of-life (EoL) stages is a challenge for implementing sustainable management efforts and transitioning towards a safer circular life cycle. Conducting chemical risk evaluation and exposure assessment of potential EoL scenarios can help understand the chemical EoL management chain for its safer utilization in a circular life-cycle environment. However, the first step is to track the chemical flows, estimate releases, and potential exposure pathways. Hence, this work proposes an EoL data engineering approach to perform chemical flow analysis and screening to support risk evaluation and exposure assessment for designing a safer circular life cycle of chemicals. This work uses publicly-available data to identify potential post-recycling scenarios (e.g., industrial processing/use operations), estimate inter-industry chemical transfers, and exposure pathways to chemicals of interest. A case study demonstration shows how the data engineering framework identifies, estimates, and tracks chemical flow transfers from EoL stage facilities (e.g., recycling and recovery) to upstream chemical life cycle stage facilities (e.g., manufacturing). Also, the proposed framework considers current regulatory constraints on closing the recycling loop operations and provides a range of values for the flow allocated to post-recycling uses associated with occupational exposure and fugitive air releases from EoL operations.

Spatial and temporal analysis of surface temperature in the Apacheta micro-basin using Landsat thermal data

<p>High Andean ecosystems, such as grasslands and peatlands, are fragile and, due to the effects of climate change, their sustainability is being jeopardized. A key factor hampering sustainable management efforts from the government and communities, is the lack or scarcity of in-situ eco-hydrological and climate data. In that sense, remote sensing techniques offers a powerful alternative for the assessment of the evolution of these ecosystems, by providing a holistic view of the territory. The objective of this work is to determine both the spatial and temporal evolution of the local atmospheric temperature of the Apacheta micro-basin in Ayacucho over the past 34 years, using the soil surface temperature (SST) as a proxy. For this, thermal data of Landsat series (TM, ETM+ and TIRS sensors), covering the period from 1985 to 2018, were used. The TSS estimates were made from the emissivity correction of the brightness temperatures at the top of the atmosphere, considering the negligible atmospheric effect due to the conditions of high atmospheric transmissivity in the study area. The results show a positive trend of the SST with an increase of 4.9 °C, equivalent to 27.5% of the SST. Trends are higher (5.8 °C) in the snowy areas (equivalent to 35.3% of the TSS in the whole micro-basin). The SST in the snow area explains the 83.6% of the behavior of the snow cover derived by the NDSI, with a decreasing surface as SST increase.</p>

A study on the effect of hotels’ sustainable management efforts on corporate performance

현 시대와 미래를 위한 전략적이고 차별화된 노력의 지속가능경영 노력은 기업운영의 존속 유무를 위한 방법이다. 이에 본 연구는 호텔의 지속가능경영 노력이 기업성과에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지에 대하여 알아보았다. 선행 연구를 바탕으로 채택된 독립변수인 지속가능경영(경제적 책임⋅사회적 책임⋅환경적 책임)의 요인과 종속변수의 기업성과(재무적 성과⋅비재무적 성과)의 요인으로 구성하여, 호텔 직원을 대상으로 자기기입식 방법과 편의표본추출법으로 표본조사를 실시하였다. 실증분석 결과 가설 1은 경제적 책임과 환경적 책임이 경제적 성과에 정(+)의 관계가 나타났고, 가설 2는 사회적 책임과 환경적 책임이 사회적 성과에 정(+)의 관계가 있음을 알 수 있었다. 본 연구결과의 시사점으로 기업의 사회적 책임과 환경적 책임이 중요한 시대로 부상하면서 기업의 경제적 성과로 연결된다는 통합적인 사고에서 시작되었다. 또한 기업의 지속가능경영 노력은 기업이 사회의 일환이자 고객과 소통할 준비가 되어 있음을 보여줌으로써 기업이미지에도 큰 영향을 미치게 되었다. 즉, 호텔의 지속가능경영 노력은 경제적 성과를 위한 원동력이 되는 요인이자 경쟁우위를 이루기 위한 핵심으로 제안한다. 마지막으로 일반기업과 환대산업의 특성이 다른 이유로 호텔산업에 맞는 지속가능경영에 대한 측정연구가 필요할 것이다.

지속가능경영 노력이 인지된 기업의 성과에 미치는 영향요인에 관한 연구

지속가능경영 노력이 인지된 기업의 성과에 미치는 영향요인에 관한 연구

DISTRIBUTIONAND DIVERSITY OF MACRO ALGAE COMMUNITIES IN THE AMBON BAY

<p>Water conditions affected by natural and anthropogenic parameters such as sedimentation and solid waste disposal can influence the growth and distribution of macro algae. Sustainable management efforts can reduce damage on the Gulf coast of Ambon due to human activities and land clearing. This study was conducted in October 2008 using the transect method with 3 replicates in five locations i.e., Tantui, Air Salobar, Hative Besar, Halong, and Lateri. The interior and exterior waters of Ambon Bay contained different habitat conditions due to sedimentation processes. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution and diversity of macro algae communities in the Ambon Bay. The results found 21 species of macro- algae consisting of 10 species of Rhodhophyceae, 6 species of Chlorophyceae, and 5 species of Phaeophyceae. The highest density value of seaweed in Tantui was 389.0 g/m² of Chlorophyceae of Halimeda genus. In Air Salobar and Halong, the highest density value was Rhodophyceae of Gracilaria genus of 172.0 g/m² and 155.0 g/m², respectively. For the other genus in the Tantui and Lateri regions were dominated by Ulva at 92.10 gr/m2 and Padina of 20.0 gr/m2, respectively. The highest dominance of macro algae in the Hative Besar was found Chlorophyceae of Halimeda genus of 2.93 %, in the Air Salobar of Phaeophyceae of Turbinaria genus of 1.43 %. The difference values in density and the dominance of macro algae indicated an influence of habitat and environment due to seasons, sediment, and solid waste disposal to the diversity of macro algae.</p> <p>Keywords: Diversity, macro algae, Ambon Bay.</p>

DISTRIBUTIONAND DIVERSITY OF MACRO ALGAE COMMUNITIES IN THE AMBON BAY

Water conditions affected by natural and anthropogenic parameters such as sedimentation and solid waste disposal can influence the growth and distribution of macro algae. Sustainable management efforts can reduce damage on the Gulf coast of Ambon due to human activities and land clearing. This study was conducted in October 2008 using the transect method with 3 replicates in five locations i.e., Tantui, Air Salobar, Hative Besar, Halong, and Lateri. The interior and exterior waters of Ambon Bay contained different habitat conditions due to sedimentation processes. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution and diversity of macro algae communities in the Ambon Bay. The results found 21 species of macro- algae consisting of 10 species of Rhodhophyceae, 6 species of Chlorophyceae, and 5 species of Phaeophyceae. The highest density value of seaweed in Tantui was 389.0 g/m² of Chlorophyceae of Halimeda genus. In Air Salobar and Halong, the highest density value was Rhodophyceae of Gracilaria genus of 172.0 g/m² and 155.0 g/m², respectively. For the other genus in the Tantui and Lateri regions were dominated by Ulva at 92.10 gr/m2 and Padina of 20.0 gr/m2, respectively. The highest dominance of macro algae in the Hative Besar was found Chlorophyceae of Halimeda genus of 2.93 %, in the Air Salobar of Phaeophyceae of Turbinaria genus of 1.43 %. The difference values in density and the dominance of macro algae indicated an influence of habitat and environment due to seasons, sediment, and solid waste disposal to the diversity of macro algae. Keywords: Diversity, macro algae, Ambon Bay.

Emerging contaminants in landfill leachate and their sustainable management

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are compounds that recently have been shown to occur widely in the environment and identified as being a potential environmental or public health risk, but yet adequate data do not exist to determine their risk. This review article focuses on ECs including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, surfactants, plasticizers, fire retardants, pesticides and nanomaterials. Their source, fate and transport in landfill leachate and adjacent environments have been discussed. Furthermore, state-of-the-art control and treatment techniques for ECs in landfill leachate have been presented. Sustainable management efforts for screening and control of ECs have been discussed. Molecular biology techniques to enumerate microbes capable of degrading ECs in landfills and their leachate are introduced. The article also presents future perspectives on the management of ECs in landfill leachate.

The socio-cultural importance of Mauritia flexuosa palm swamps (aguajales) and implications for multi-use management in two Maijuna communities of the Peruvian Amazon

BackgroundFruit from the palm Mauritia flexuosa (aguaje) is harvested throughout the Peruvian Amazon for subsistence and commercial purposes. Recent estimates suggest that residents of Iquitos, the largest city in the region, consume approximately 148.8 metric tons of aguaje fruit per month, the vast majority of which is harvested by felling and killing adult female trees. In this study, we sought to better understand and document the importance of M. flexuosa palm swamps (aguajales) in two Maijuna indigenous communities to inform the sustainable management of this habitat and species.MethodsSemi-structured interviews, focus groups, and household surveys were carried out to assess the significance of aguajales and their associated plant and animal resources as well as to determine how the relationship that the Maijuna have with aguajales has changed over time.ResultsAguajales and their associated resources are culturally significant and useful to the Maijuna in a wide variety of ways. In addition to M. flexuosa, the Maijuna use over 60 different species of plants from aguajales. When M. flexuosa is in fruit, aguajales are important hunting areas with a total of 20 different animal species hunted. The Maijuna also have traditional beliefs about aguajales, believing that malevolent supernatural beings reside in them. Notably, the relationship that the Maijuna have with aguajales has changed considerably over the years as aguaje fruit went from a subsistence item collected opportunistically from the ground to a market good destructively harvested beginning in the early 1990s. The Maijuna are concerned not only about how this has affected the future commercial harvest of aguaje but also about its effects on game animals given the importance of hunting to Maijuna cultural identity, subsistence, and income generation.ConclusionsIn order to meet the multiple socio-cultural and economic needs of the Maijuna, sustainable management efforts must be expanded to not only focus on the commercial harvest of aguaje but also other facets of their relationship with this habitat. Our study suggests that the research and development of multi-use forest management plans must not be restricted to commercial forest products and ecosystem services given that many communities rely on tropical forests for a wide range of non-market cultural, economic, and subsistence goods and services.

Application of Two Quality Indices as Monitoring and Management Tools of Rivers. Case Study: The Imera Meridionale River, Italy

On the basis of the European Water Framework Directive (2000/60), the water resources of the member states of the European Community should reach good quality standards by 2015. Although such regulations illustrate the basic points for a comprehensive and effective policy of water monitoring and management, no practical tools are provided to face and solve the issues concerning freshwater ecosystems such as rivers. The Italian government has developed a set of regulations as adoption of the European Directive but failed to indicate feasible procedures for river monitoring and management. On a local scale, Sicilian authorities have implemented monitoring networks of watersheds, aiming at describing the general conditions of rivers. However, such monitoring programs have provided a relatively fragmentary picture of the ecological conditions of the rivers. In this study, the integrated use of environmental quality indices is proposed as a methodology able to provide a practical approach to river monitoring and management. As a case study, the Imera Meridionale River, Sicily's largest river, was chosen. The water quality index developed by the U.S. National Sanitation Foundation and the floristic quality index based on the Wilhelm method were applied. The former enabled us to describe the water quality according to a spatial-temporal gradient, whereas the latter focused on the ecological quality of riparian vegetation. This study proposes a holistic view of river ecosystems by considering biotic and abiotic factors in agreement with the current European regulations. How the combined use of such indices can guide sustainable management efforts is also discussed.