Sustainable Resource Management Research Articles

Role of Self-Help Groups in Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Management of Minor Forest Produce in Rural Chhattisgarh

Minor Forest Produce (MFP) is an important source of income for tribal communities living in forests, and self-help groups (SHGs) are involved in procuring and aggregating MFPs. The sustainable management of natural resources relies heavily on women's contributions.This study aims to focus mainly on the role of SHGs in enhancing the empowerment of women and on assessing the impact of the same on MFP management practices that are concerned with adopting the sustainability approach. To assess how SHG empowered women at the grassroots levels of rural Chhattisgarh, a multidimensional index of empowerment was adopted. 200 women were selected through the stratified sampling method for in-depth surveys and interviews. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The result showed that after joining SHG women are becoming more confident, assertive decision-makers, and better natural resource managers. Self-help groups have the potential to improve environmental and economic results in their communities by focusing on the empowerment of women. This study revealed that empowering women through the formation of SHGs is crucial in determining the sustainable management of minor forest products in rural Chhattisgarh. Therefore, there is a continual requirement for assistance and capacity building of self-help groups for them to continue playing an important role in activities that empower women while also supporting sustainable methods in operating microfinance programs (MFP).

Development of a spectral repository for the identification of western Himalayan medicinal plants using machine learning techniques

The identification of medicinal plant species is a crucial task for assessing the status of our bioresources. Conventional methods primarily rely on taxonomy and laboratory-based instruments, which are time-consuming and require the requisite expertise. Thus, there is an escalating demand for efficient techniques that can quickly identify these precious species. The advent of Hyperspectral Remote Sensing (HRS) with artificial intelligence has significantly increased the scope of HRS techniques by offering rapid and precise plant identification. This study utilised non-imaging HRS handheld sensors to build a spectral repository for 10 important medicinal plant species from diverse locations across Indian Himalayan states, representing varying altitudinal and ecological conditions. The spectral repository encompasses 1237 distinct spectral signatures obtained from the leaves and canopies of the targeted plant species. Subsequently, an identification model has been developed using Random Forest (RF) with several feature selection methods, and it has been revealed that the RF model, coupled with wrapper-based feature selection, is an effective combination for classifying the targeted plant species. The calibration and test datasets accounted for accuracies of 87.87% and 91.39%, respectively, with corresponding kappa coefficients of 0.85 and 0.89. Furthermore, the developed RF model was applied to ‘PRISMA’ satellite data to identify Saussurea costus crops in farmers' croplands, achieving a classification accuracy of 81.31% and a kappa coefficient of 0.76. Therefore, the study highlights the potential of integrating RF, in-situ HRS, and satellite HRS for the non-destructive, precise, and accurate identification of medicinal plants that can significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.

Use of the SWAT Model to Simulate the Hydrological Response to LULC in a Binational Basin between Ecuador and Peru

Land use change has played a crucial role in altering the hydrological behavior, making detailed assessments essential to ensure sustainable water resource management and the conservation of natural ecosystems. This study focuses on simulating the impact of different Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) scenarios for the years 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015 on the water balance in the Puyango-Tumbes River basin, which spans across Ecuador and Peru, during the period 1981-2015. The results indicated an 18.3% increase in the grassland areas and a significant 38.2% reduction in the savanna zones, contributing to an annual 2.1% increase in the Evapotranspiration (PET) rates. These land use changes led to a 29.2% decrease in the Percolation (PERC), a 20.7% decrease in the Surface Runoff (SURQ), a 33% reduction in the Groundwater Flow (GW_Q), and a 26.6% decrease in the Annual Water Yield (WYLD), as well as a slight reduction of 0.9% in the Lateral flow (LAT_Q). These findings highlight the importance of considering land use changes to ascertain the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly in a transboundary basin.

Navigating the path to environmental sustainability: Insights from CIVETS on the intersection of ICT diffusion, natural resources, and green technological innovation.

The rapid technological and economic growth in CIVETS countries poses challenges to environmental sustainability. This study explores the intricate relationships between Information and Communication Technology (ICT), natural resource usage, and green innovation in these economies. Employing advanced statistical models uncovers long-term and short-term patterns, providing valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and scholars. Key findings reveal that ICT diffusion can potentially reduce carbon emissions, while natural resource rent is linked to increased ecological footprints. Conversely, green technological innovation is promising in alleviating environmental degradation. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive policies integrating ICT diffusion, sustainable resource management, and green innovation. To achieve environmental sustainability, the study recommends responsible natural resource extraction, fiscal incentives for green innovation, digital tools for environmental monitoring, and international collaboration. Public awareness and sustainable urbanization practices guided by ICT are also crucial. These insights help policymakers balance economic development with ecological preservation in the CIVETS nations.

Examining the Impact of Tungsten Production on China’s Economic Growth: Evidence for the Resource Curse Hypothesis

This study investigates the potential impact of China’s dominant position in global tungsten production on its national economic growth, examining the applicability of the resource curse hypothesis. While prior research has extensively explored the resource curse in relation to oil and other resources, the role of tungsten remains largely unexplored. Utilizing annual data from 1994 to 2022, this study employs an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to analyze the long-run relationship between per capita income from tungsten production and per capita GDP. The results reveal a significant negative relationship, suggesting that the increased income from tungsten production may be associated with a decline in overall economic output, supporting the resource curse hypothesis. The study contributes to the growing body of the literature on the resource curse by investigating the unique case of tungsten and highlighting the importance of sustainable resource management, diversification, and effective governance in maximizing economic benefits while mitigating potential downsides.

Assessing the Implications of Deforestation and Climate Change on Rural Livelihood in Ghana: a Multidimensional Analysis and Solution-Based Approach.

The Ashanti region in Ghana, abundant in natural resources such as forests and vegetation biomes, significantly supports the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population. The sustainable management of forest resources remains a significant challenge to achieving environmental and economic growth and poverty alleviation. The study aims to identify the drivers of deforestation and assess its impact on the livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable communities in the Ashanti region. The study utilized qualitative and space-based data to examine the patterns of vegetation cover and deforestation from 2000 to 2020. The results revealed moderate to sparse vegetation in Ashanti from 2002, 2005, 2011, 2015, 2017, and 2018, with no vegetation in the northcentral part, attributed to climate change, agricultural practices, government policies, and deforestation-related disasters. The study found a significant correlation (R² = 0.8197) between years and deforestation areas, especially in 2018 at around 16,000 Sqkm, indicating an exponential increase with severe implications for sustainable livelihoods. Much of these changes were reflected in 2020 with a high peak of deforestation towards the southeastern parts of the region. Additionally, the results show that the poor groups are not passive actors but are actively involved in identifying systems and processes through which to build their adaptive capacity and resilience to environmental and climate change-induced changes. The findings provide evidence-based and all-inclusive approaches that would encourage vulnerable and marginalized groups to participate in the co-production and co-creation of policies and strategies. This outcome is geared towards transformative and sustainable communities while ensuring efficient and effective response and recovery capacities of deforested lands.

Political factors and efficiency in the responsible production of municipal solid waste services: A dynamic DEA with a network structure approach

The production of municipal solid waste (MSW) is driven by socioeconomic development and population growth. In this context, public policymakers, mainly in developing countries, are increasingly focused on ensuring sustainable production and consumption patterns through sustainable management and efficient use of resources. Because of this, we seek to contribute to the effectiveness of public policies and the role of managers in achieving the global Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, 11, and 12. This study examines the relevance of political and contextual factors on the dynamic efficiency of the network structure of municipal solid waste services in Brazil. We used Dynamic Data Envelopment Analysis with Structure Network to calculate the overall efficiency and specific efficiency of the two proposed divisions: operational and economic. We then analyzed the effects of years in political cycles (pre-election, election year, post-election) and contextual factors (ideology, GDP, density, transfers, political size, and geography) on MSW efficiency using Generalized Estimating Equation. The dataset included longitudinal panel data from 218 MSW from 2012 to 2022. Our results showed an average efficiency score of 57.5 %, with only six MSW positioned on the efficiency frontier. Evidence of stagnation in the sector's productivity was also revealed, undermining the goals and objectives of public policies. The results suggest that the years within political cycles significantly impact sector operator efficiency before, during, and after the electoral period. Specifically, lower levels of efficiency are observed during election years, suggesting potential opportunistic behavior throughout most periods of the electoral cycle. The main contribution of this work lies in its analysis of the different periods of a political cycle, and role of capital and ideological politics in intertemporal efficiency across two divisional networks.

Uncovering the features of rhodium metabolism in China during 2011–2022

Rhodium has unique properties, such as high-temperature oxidation resistance and catalytic activity, making it irreplaceable in various domains such as automobile exhaust purification and chemical production. Given its pivotal role in facilitating China's green and low-carbon transition and the advancement of high-tech industries, rhodium has become a strategic resource. However, China heavily relies on importing rhodium to meet its domestic demand due to its limited rhodium reserve. This study employs dynamic material flow analysis (DMFA) to trace the rhodium flows throughout its entire life cycle in China for the period of 2011–2022 so that the key features of rhodium metabolism can be uncovered, including rhodium production, consumption, trade, in-use stock, and recycling. Our results show that the domestic demand for rhodium increased by 2.18 times during this study period. The cumulative rhodium consumption reached 82,890 kg, of which automobile three-way catalysts (TWCs) accounted for 71.85% of the total rhodium consumption, followed by the chemical sector (13.64%) and the glass sector (8.95%). China's accumulative imported rhodium reached 77,447 kg, meaning an import reliance rate (IRR) of 91.81%. The total recycled rhodium reached 21,184 kg, meaning a recycling rate (RR) of 58.63%. These findings reflect that China is facing several challenges in achieving sustainable rhodium resource management, such as a significant supply risk, and inadequate recycling. Consequently, China should establish a comprehensive rhodium recycling system and diversify its rhodium supply both domestically and internationally to ensure the sustainable supply of rhodium resources.

Changes in soil conservation service supply-demand coordinations and their influencing factors: Evidence from the Loess Plateau of China

Soil conservation service (SCS) is crucial for the regulation of fragile ecosystems. As the Loess Plateau is a typically erosion-threatened region, determining the spatial matching pattern and drivers of SCS supply (soil conservation) and demand (soil erosion) is essential for sustainable development and effective resource management. This study innovatively proposed the coupling coordination framework between SCS supply and demand to assess the current state and clarify the subsequent regulation direction. First, the RUSLE model was employed to evaluate the SCS supply and demand from 1990 to 2020 and acquire the ecological supply-demand ratio (ESDR). Then, the SCS supply-demand coordination relationship was spatially quantified by utilizing the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, and a function fitting was performed between ESDR and CCD. Using the geo-detector model, the Getis-Ord Gi⁎ method, and the local Moran's I index, the influences of natural, engineering, and socio-economic factors on the SCS supply-demand coordination were explored from global and local perspectives. The results showed that: (1) the annual average supply of SCS increased by 64.93 % in 1990–2020; the average demand decreased by 52.43 %; the average ESDR increased by 28.06 %; supply surplus was the predominant feature, more conspicuously in the central and eastern regions; (2) the highest supply-demand CCD was captured in the central and eastern regions, showing “Moderate balance” and “High balance” respectively, and its area increased by 27 % in 30 years; the lowest CCD regions were mainly in the northwest and their area shrank; (3) enhancing the supply of SCS and reducing demand facilitated the coordination of the supply-demand relationship, and the threshold for the supply-demand coordination state decreased over time; (4) climate, topography and soil properties dominated the spatially non-stationary change of the SCS supply-demand pattern, followed by engineering measures such as afforestation and terraces, and finally socio-economic factors. This study offers support for cross-regional soil erosion management and natural ecosystem restoration on the Loess Plateau.

Diversity of hunting fauna affected by hunting in the savannah region of northern Côte d'Ivoire

Meat from wild animals, commonly known as bushmeat, has always been a significant source of protein for many households in Côte d'Ivoire and other tropical regions of the world. However, population growth in recent decades, improved hunting methods and increased demand for bushmeat have intensified the burden on wildlife through the profits derived from its marketing. In the Bandama Valley, Savannah and Denguélé districts, there are a limited number of scientific studies on hunting and the animal species involved in game trafficking. The aim of this research is to provide wildlife managers with information on the particular diversity of game fauna in the study districts, with a view to promoting sustainable management. In order to achieve this objective, weekly inventories of game offered for sale in markets and restaurants in the districts visited were carried out. In all, 4,356 specimens were counted, divided into three classes, 12 orders, 22 families and 36 animal species. Among these species, the small-scaled pangolin (Manis tricuspis), the Gabon viper (Bitis gabonica), the dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) and the tortoise (Kinixys belliana) are among those in danger of extinction. In terms of abundance of specimens, mammals make up the largest number, with 77.41% of species identified. The Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus), is the species most killed with 1392 individuals or 31.96% of the total number of specimens inventoried. This work is helping to perfect and extend sustainable natural resource management strategies.

Application of circular economy principles to midstream infrastructural sector: A review of strategies for waste minimization and recycling

Circular economy in midstream operations promotes resource reuse, waste reduction, and sustainable pipeline life cycle management. The transition toward a sustainable oil and gas industry needs to be enabled through the adoption of this concept, especially in the midstream sector, where environmental impact is high. This review focuses on practices in the waste minimization and recycling strategy of midstream infrastructure, including material recycling, reuse of processing debris and the conversion of waste into valuables. It underlines potential lifecycle environmental savings and resource efficiency, besides emphasizing on how innovative approaches are important in mitigating the ecological footprint of midstream activities. It also points out the knowledge gaps on practical integration of the circular economy principles within this very industry and came up with actionable recommendations for industry stakeholders. Through the analysis of the most recent published literatures and case studies of successful implementation, it has been indicated that many companies that use these techniques have succeeded in reducing waste output by over 30%. Conclusively, full scrutiny by this review has helped to attain a holistic approach towards sustainability in the oil and gas industry through wider adoption of recycling and sustainable practices in midstream operations.

Exploring cultural ecologies of the Karbi Tribe in Assam, India, through traditional ecological knowledge and skills (TEKS)

ABSTRACT The present study explores the cultural ecologies of the Karbi Tribe in Magursila village of Assam, India, through their Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including field observations, household surveys, oral interviews, and participatory methodologies, the research investigates different aspects of Karbi TEKS, including water resource management, crop cultivation, biodiversity conservation, and traditional practices related to costume creation. The results reveal that traditional methods such as managing human-made canals (dongs) and ponds, organic farming, and biodiversity conservation practices demonstrate a holistic approach to maintaining ecological balance and cultural heritage. However, challenges from modernization and urbanization threaten the sustainability of these practices and disrupt the ecological balance. Thus, the manuscript argues that Karbi TEKS are vital living systems that sustain both ecological balance and cultural identity, warning that their loss would undermine sustainable resource management and the tribe’s connection to the environment.

Unpacking the Mixed Influences of Sustainable Human Resource Management on Employee Resilience: Effects of Challenge–Hindrance Appraisal and Trait Mindfulness

Unpacking the Mixed Influences of Sustainable Human Resource Management on Employee Resilience: Effects of Challenge–Hindrance Appraisal and Trait Mindfulness

Enhancing Regional Topsoil Total Nitrogen Mapping Through Differentiated Fusion of Ground Hyperspectral Data and Satellite Images Under Low Vegetation Cover

Total nitrogen in soil (STN) serves as a crucial indicator of soil nutrient content and provides an essential nitrogen source necessary for crop growth. Precisely inversion of STN content is crucial for the sustainable management of soil resources and the advancement of agricultural development, particularly to achieve efficient fertilization—reduction in fertilizer usage without compromising yield or increase in yield while maintaining the total fertilization amount. Spectroscopy technology is regarded as an ideal non-destructive method for nutrient detection. However, due to the weak spectral signals of STN and its spatial heterogeneity, hyperspectral imaging technology presents significant potential for high-resolution measurements and precise characterization of STN heterogeneity. In this paper, the STN content was selected as the study subject, and three aspects of soil spectral feature enhancement, multi-source remote sensing data differentiated fusion, and STN content inversion model construction were studied. Therefore, a differentiated fusion of enhanced multispectral image bands (DFE_MSIBs) method combined with Random Forest (RF) algorithms was developed for spectral inversion of STN content. The findings demonstrate the following: 1. The enhanced spectral characteristics and differentiated fusion method not only strengthen the relationship between STN and Sentinel-2A MSI data but also enhance the precision of regional STN inversion models. 2. For the differentiated fusion of enhanced multispectral image bands (DFE_MSIBs) method combined with Random Forest (RF) algorithms, the R2 was 0.95, RMSE was 0.10 g/kg, and LCCC was 0.89. 3. Compared to the unfused model, the average R2 value was increased by 0.02, the average RMSE was decreased by 0.01 g/kg, and the average LCCC was increased by 0.03. These findings hold practical significance for utilizing multi-source remote sensing data in STN mapping and precision fertilization in agricultural fields.

Blue Economy and the Impact of Industrialisation on Sustainable Livelihoods: A Case Study of Fisheries in the North Coastal Region of Java

This research explores the impacts of the blue economy and industrialisation on sustainable livelihoods in the coastal areas of the North Coast of Java, with a particular focus on the fisheries sector.The main objective of this research is to analyse how changes in blue economy practices, which include sustainable marine resource management approaches, interact with industrialisation processes and their impact on the survival of local fishing communities.The research method used was qualitative with a case study approach, where data was collected through in-depth interviews with fishermen, government officials, and relevant stakeholders, as well as direct observation in the field. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis techniques to identify patterns and significant relationships between the factors involved.The results of this study show that industrialisation in the coastal areas of Java's North Coast has vital and complex impacts on the sustainable livelihoods of local fishing communities. On the one hand, industrialisation provides new economic opportunities, such as jobs in the fishing and manufacturing sectors, which can increase community income. However, on the other hand, negative impacts on the aquatic environment due to industrial activities and overexploitation of natural resources threaten the sustainability of the marine ecosystem, which is the main source of livelihood for fishermen.The managerial implications of these findings emphasise the need to integrate blue economy policies with the maturity of sustainable industrial development planning. Policy development that accommodates the needs of local ecosystems and fishing communities, with a pattern of regulating marine protected zones and supporting the shift to environmentally friendly fisheries practices, is key to ensuring the sustainability of fishers' livelihoods and healthy coastal ecosystems. This research provides important insights for policy makers and practitioners involved in marine fisheries resource management and industry development in coastal areas.

USOS DEL CANNABIS EN LA BIORREMEDIACIÓN DE SUELOS CONTAMINADOS CON METALES PESADOS

<p><strong>Background. </strong>Bioremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals is a vital area of research given the growing concern about environmental contamination. However, understanding of the ability of <em>Cannabis sativa</em> for this task has been limited. <strong>Objective</strong>. undertake a thorough analysis of the existing scientific literature to assess the role of Cannabis systematically and critically in the bioremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals, emphasizing its effectiveness and potential applicability in restoring ecosystems affected by pollution. <strong>Methodology. </strong>A systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out, consulting databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, and SpringerLink. Relevant studies investigating the ability of <em>Cannabis sativa</em> to accumulate heavy metals and the factors affecting this process were selected and analyzed. <strong>Results. </strong>It was found that <em>Cannabis sativa</em>, especially the sativa variety and subvarieties such as Henola and Bialobrzeskie, exhibit a notable hyperaccumulation capacity of heavy metals, especially in roots and stems. Factors such as soil type, metal concentration, and weather conditions affect its effectiveness. <strong>Implications. </strong>These findings have important implications for agriculture and environmental management, offering a sustainable and less invasive alternative for the remediation of contaminated soils. However, the need to balance bioremediation with agricultural production and to properly manage the resulting waste is highlighted. <strong>Conclusions. </strong><em>Cannabis sativa</em> shows promising potential in the bioremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals. Its hyperaccumulating capacity and the factors that influence its effectiveness offer significant opportunities for environmental restoration, remediation and sustainable resource management. The importance of future research is emphasized to maximize its effectiveness and minimize its impact on agricultural production.</p>

Utilizing Industrial By-Products in Autoclaved Aerated Concrete: A Sustainable Approach

<p><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:11.0pt;" lang="EN-US">The feasibility of utilizing natural zeolite (NZ), phosphogypsum (PG), and aluminium (Al) powder (AP) as replacements for fly ash in autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is assessed in this research. This study examines the influence of NZ, PG and AP on AAC's fresh state properties, mechanical behavior, and thermal characteristics. Gas foaming properties were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).  Results show that natural zeolite and aluminum powder have acceptable foaming properties that contribute to AAC’s porosity and lightness when combined with phosphogypsum. The optimal dosage of PG, along with 10% and 20% zeolite and aluminum powder, enhances AAC performance through a synergistic effect. PG substitution for fly ash reduced density and increased the pH of the AAC slurry, affecting foam generation. Incorporation of PG potentially reduced workability due to its smaller particle size and larger surface area. Despite this, NZ, PG, and AP combinations resulted in AAC with satisfactory strength and flexural properties. AAC with phosphogypsum showed good strength, density, and thermal conductivity, though thermal conductivity was highest in control AAC. This study demonstrates these materials' potential to meet AAC’s construction requirements economically and efficiently dispose of phosphogypsum. Future research should explore other material combinations and their impacts on AAC, supporting sustainable construction and resource management. </span></p>

Impact of Sustainable Human Resource Management on Employee Work Wellbeing: Examining the Mediating Role of Employee Empowerment and Moderating Influence of Organizational Identification

Impact of Sustainable Human Resource Management on Employee Work Wellbeing: Examining the Mediating Role of Employee Empowerment and Moderating Influence of Organizational Identification

Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Wastewater Resource Management

Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Wastewater Resource Management

Mapping the anthropogenic zinc cycle in China from 2000 to 2021: A dynamic material flow analysis

Zinc is one of strategic metals for economic advancement owing to its extensive utilization in various sectors. China is the largest zinc producer and consumer in the world and plays an important role in the global zinc supply chain. However, a clear picture of zinc metabolism, including its flows and stocks, remains unclear in China. This study investigates the anthropogenic zinc cycle within China's mainland for a period of 2000–2021 by employing a dynamic material flow analysis approach. Our results indicate that the demand for zinc ores increased from 1.86 Mt (megatons) in 2000 to 7.77 Mt in 2021, while the domestic zinc consumption increased from 1.51 Mt in 2000 to 6.39 Mt in 2021. In the use stage, galvanized zinc products dominated zinc consumption with a proportion of 62.49%, with the construction sector serving as the largest end-user with a proportion of 44.17%. However, the average zinc recycling rate was only 49.4%, primarily from new scraps collected in the manufacturing stage. In order to respond to the ambitious carbon neutrality target and rapid urbanization, the Chinese government has implemented mining restriction policies to curb domestic emissions, which induced more zinc imports. Consequently, the reliance on international trade increased from 27.57% in 2013 to 46.77% in 2021. Based upon these findings, several policy recommendations are proposed, including preparing regulatory frameworks, promoting technological advancements, and applying various economic instruments. These recommendations can facilitate sustainable zinc resource management.