Sustainable Resource Management Research Articles

A thorough assessment of various forest management planning initiatives and development of improvement strategies towards an ecosystem-based planning

Management planning for forests in Turkey has undergone gradual evolution over the last century. Developing and implementing a comprehensive management planning framework present significant challenges. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of various forest management planning approaches implemented across the country over different time periods, with overarching planning principles. It formulates a robust planning framework and proposes improvements grounded in scientific advancements and international standards. The assessment indicated that the management plans were developed using reputable scientific methods and principles aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of forest resources with certain strengths and opportunities presented by SWOT analysis. All management plans shared a common planning concept primarily focused on maximizing wood production through the area-control harvest scheduling method (except for continuous cover forest, which employed the single tree selection method). Each management plan established its unique vision, targets, policies, objectives, and planning guidelines. Forest inventory data were gathered through a combination of ground surveys and remotely sensed data to characterize and stratify the landscape. A robust in-house management authority and governance system with appropriate technical capacity and guidelines were developed and implemented, fostering a sound common working culture and tools. However, some notable drawbacks were identified, including political pressure, biomass/carbon accounting, growth-yield modelling, economic analysis, limited characterization of the full range of ecosystem services, risk and uncertainty analysis, food security and, particularly, long-term sustainability and scenario analysis with the appropriate decision-making tools and methods. Despite a few strengths, these limitations may raise concerns about the far-sighted design and application, potentially jeopardizing the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Proposed improvement strategies for an efficient forest ecosystem management planning system include characterization of ecosystem services, modelling their productivity, scenario analysis with a decision support system, stakeholder involvement, balancing utilization and conservation targets, conducting risk and uncertainty analysis and economic analysis of management actions.

Development of alginate beads loaded with bioactive ingredients from Chlorella vulgaris cultivated in food industry wastewaters

Microalgae are increasingly recognized for their potential in the food sector due to their rapid growth and rich content in proteins, carbohydrates, and pigments. The extraction of pigments from microalgal biomass holds promise for their utilization as natural colorants and antioxidants. To address the economic challenges associated with microalgae cultivation, particularly high nutrient costs, this study focused on cultivating Chlorella vulgaris in a mixture of food industry wastewaters (brewery wastewater, expired orange juice and cheese whey). This resulted in a microalgae-bacteria consortium with a concentration of 2.2 g·L−1 dry weight after 5 days of cultivation. The wastewater bioremediation ranged between 23 and 77 %, and the produced microalgae biomass contained 21.68 ppm lutein, 36.47 ppm a-chlorophyll and 11.19 ppm b-chlorophyll. The extraction process employed a solvent screening strategy with food industry-accepted solvents used to extract high-value compounds efficiently. Ethanol was the most effective solvent, outperforming acetone, ethyl acetate, and hexane. An upscaled extraction process was conducted using 10 g lyophilized microalgae. After ethanol evaporation, the microalgal extract was re-diluted in sunflower oil and encapsulated in alginate beads, achieving an encapsulation yield of 93.3 %. Lutein, identified as one of the main compounds in the extract, exhibited a satisfactory encapsulation efficiency of 55 %. The efficient encapsulation of the microalgae components in alginate beads was verified by the alteration of the colorimetric parameters of these alginate beads compared to those loaded with pure sunflower oil as well as empty beads. These findings highlight the potential of microalgae as a valuable tool for transforming food industry wastewater into high-value products, especially when microalgal extract is encapsulated in alginate beads. This strategy presents substantial prospects for the food industry, merging effective wastewater valorization with biomass production and bioactive compound extraction. It exemplifies a circular bioeconomy, showcasing sustainable resource management and value creation.

Sustainable human resource management: a mixed-method analysis of the research field focusing on the visegrad countries

PurposeI aimed to analyze and synthesize the literature on sustainable HRM and its sub-concepts, such as green HRM and socially responsible HRM, with the focus on research conducted in the Visegrad Group (V4) countries. I posed the following research questions: (1) What are the main characteristics of sustainable HRM research in the worldwide literature? (2) What are the main characteristics of research conducted in the V4 countries? (3) Which future research directions are promising gaps to be filled by research conducted in V4 countries?Design/methodology/approachFor the purpose of this study, I applied bibliometric analysis, scientific network analysis and in-depth content analysis.FindingsThe results of the analyses of articles indexed in the Scopus database revealed that there is a growing trend in research on sustainable HRM. However, scarce research comes from the V4; scholars have conducted such studies only in Slovakia and Poland. There are five thematic clusters in the main sample, though the concept of green HRM has been explored the most. Although the keyword network analysis showed that the V4 articles focus mostly on sustainable HRM, the in-depth content analysis provided evidence that the V4 sample represented all concepts.Originality/valueThis is the first study to analyze the achievements of scientists from the V4 in this research field. It applies methodological rigor and a mixed-method approach. Moreover, it presents directions of research that go beyond the recommendations presented in the analyzed articles.

Review: Application of hydrogeological models coupled with agent-based models to address sustainable groundwater management in Latin America

AbstractAgent-based models (ABMs) have long been applied in economics and social science research. The combination or coupling of these models with those of natural systems is a more recent application, and their use in conjunction with groundwater flow and transport models can be considered an innovative way to take advantage of their potential. In the Latin American region, sustainable management of groundwater resources can still be considered understudied. Among other characteristics, the existence of large transboundary aquifers in the region adds a further complication for addressing the sustainability of groundwater resource use. In this type of system, the impacts of joint regulations for utilization by different countries, the diversity of socioeconomic drivers and the conservation interests of each group of users might be consistently represented and explored through flow models coupled with ABMs. This review of the scientific literature aims to compile up-to-date information regarding the application of hydrogeological models coupled with agent-based models, focusing on their contributions to the sustainable management of groundwater resources and analyzing their potential for the Latin American region.

Natural resources, trade and fintech in the era of digitalization: A study of economies involved in Belt and Road Initiative

The present study aims to elucidate the impact of digitalization, fintech, trade, and industrial growth on natural resource consumption in emerging economies within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. Employing the Cross-sectional Augmented Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) method to mitigate Cross-sectional Dependence (CD) and heterogeneity in slope parameters across panels, this study investigates the previously mentioned relationship. Meticulously selecting panel data from twenty-four emerging countries spanning from 1995 to 2021 in the BRI region, the study offers a robust analysis. The findings of this study reveal the positive impact of digitalization on natural resources, as the proliferation of digital devices, data centers, and internet connectivity contributes to higher energy demands, surging the use of natural resources like fossil fuels and electricity. However, the negative impact of fintech on natural resource consumption shows the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, implementation of e-waste management policies, and advocacy for renewable energy addition in energy system. The result shows trade can reduce pressure on natural resources and endorses that BRI can improve trade activities in the member countries, however, actions such as emphasizing green technology adoption, allocating funds for conservation, promoting sustainable resource management, and investing in resource-efficient production, may contribute positively to preserving natural resources in the member nations. Thus comprehensive approach encompassing trade, industrial growth, and the promotion of financial technologies, collectively could strengthen sustainable resource management efforts in the BRI economies.

A critical appraisal of the legal and policy framework for sustainable mining in Ethiopia

The integration of the concept of sustainable mining into major legal frameworks presents a complex challenge of balancing short-term economic gains with the long-term objectives of economic and social development as well as environmental well-being. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of how the Ethiopian legal framework incorporates the principles of sustainable mining. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study examines the adequacy of the legal framework in addressing sustainability issues arising from mineral resource extraction. Through document analysis, the article investigates the legal challenges associated with achieving sustainable mining practices. It scrutinizes constitutional provisions, mining laws, and policies governing mineral resources in Ethiopia. The findings indicate that the Ethiopian government has made notable efforts to develop a competitive legal framework that ensures that mining activities are conducted in an economically efficient, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible manner. However, this research uncovers significant gaps and inconsistencies within the existing legal framework, which results in uncertainty and confusion among various stakeholders. These problems impede the effective and sustainable management of mineral resources and ultimate ly undermine their potential contribution to Ethiopia's economic growth and social development. Considering these findings, this article proposes several recommendations to address the identified legal and practical challenges associated with regulating mineral resources.

Can multi-stakeholder platforms and dialogues facilitate the meaningful and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples in managing natural resource conflicts?

Indigenous Peoples have important roles and contributions in the systematic and sustainable management of natural resources; however, their full and effective participation in the related processes, mechanisms including related multi-stakeholder platforms, and dialogues (MSPDs) are not always ensured at the national and global levels. This article focuses on the review and analysis of the published and online papers, reports on Indigenous Peoples, and their contributions and conflicts related to natural resources, especially concerning power, politics, and policies with specific examples in the Asian context. The interest-based “power sharing” and “power with governance” model is appropriate for the effective engagement of Indigenous Peoples in multi-stakeholder dialogue on natural resources.

Artificial intelligence in environmental conservation: evaluating cyber risks and opportunities for sustainable practices

This study explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into environmental conservation efforts, aiming to assess AI's transformative potential in enhancing sustainability practices. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the research scrutinizes peer-reviewed articles, reports, and case studies from 2014 to 2024, focusing on the application of AI in biodiversity preservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable resource management. The methodology hinges on a comprehensive search strategy, adhering to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance and quality of the literature analyzed. Key findings reveal that AI significantly contributes to environmental conservation by optimizing resource management, improving predictive analytics for biodiversity conservation, and facilitating advanced monitoring and analysis to mitigate environmental impacts. However, the deployment of AI technologies also presents ethical and cybersecurity challenges, necessitating robust frameworks for responsible use. The study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and the development of ethical AI solutions to address these challenges effectively. Finally, AI holds immense promise for advancing environmental sustainability efforts. Strategic recommendations include fostering partnerships across disciplines, prioritizing ethical considerations in AI development, and enhancing AI literacy among conservationists. Future research directions emphasize the need for innovative AI applications in conservation and addressing the socio-technical complexities of integrating AI into environmental strategies. This study contributes valuable insights into leveraging AI for a sustainable and resilient future, highlighting the critical balance between technological advancements and ethical considerations. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Environmental Conservation, Sustainability, Cyber Risks.

The Relationship between Perceptions of High-Performance Work Systems and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Considering the Moderating Effect of a Positive Diversity Climate

Companies have shown interest in advanced human resource management as a means to secure distinctive competitive advantages for organizational survival and growth through sustainable management systems. Hence, in the current context, where sustainability in business is a growing concern, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between high-performance work systems and a company’s social performance, taking into account the organizational climate as a situational variable. Specifically, this study aimed to analyze the impact of perceptions of a high-performance work system on the perception of a company’s social responsibility (CSR) among employees of Jordanian companies with an organizational size of 300 or more. This study used 175 valid questionnaires, and SPSS and AMOS 24 were used to test the hypotheses. The results showed that there was a positive relationship between the perception of a high-performance work system and the perception of a company’s CSR. Furthermore, this study found that a positive diversity climate could enhance the positive relationship between the two. These findings suggest that high-performance work systems can contribute to the development of sustainable human resource management systems and that a positive diversity climate is essential in shaping these systems. Based on these results, it is recommended that companies implement HPWSs and encourage workforce diversity to maximize the value of CSR activities and ensure their sustainability.

Making work a calling: the role of meaningful leadership and sustainable human resource management practices in fostering a sense of calling in employees

PurposeThis paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsThis study explores the role of meaningful leadership and sustainable human resource management practices in fostering a sense of work as a calling in employees, and finds that the role of meaningful leadership is critical in developing work calling through sustainable HRM practices in the presence of meaningful work.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Digital technologies for the development of sustainable tourism in mountain areas

The promotion of sustainable tourism models in mountain areas represents a critical success factor for the territory and the environment. In political and economic literature there has been much debate in the attempt to interpret the phenomenon of growth and development with the changing socio-economic environment. Today the topic remains at the center of the debate of many economic policy authorities due to the exodus phenomena occurring in internal areas. In this study, we examined how the resources of mountain areas can create income opportunities as a function of the diffusion of sustainable income. On the one hand, in mountain environments, we have natural resources that represent common goods that must be maintained precisely according to the opportunities they create for sustainable tourism where they represent its essential feature. The complexity of the economic phenomena, which on the one hand leads to an exodus from these environments, determines the need to create new management structures, that can satisfy the needs of the local community and guarantee appropriate management of natural resources. In this study, we analyzed the relationships between sustainable tourism models and natural resource management considering the case of the Ficuzza Forest and applying new digital technologies such as mobile apps that allow you to make hotel reservations, read reviews about the best restaurant in the area, and buy museum tickets to avoid the queue. Starting from the theoretical framework, and subsequently analyzing the empirical case, we highlighted the utility flows that descend from the Bosco. The resulting results have considerable relevance for the planning of mountain territories. The study highlights that the interconnection between public and private management models can guarantee the growth and development of mountain territories.

Deploying a Computer Vision Model Based on YOLOv8 Suitable for Drones in the Tuna Fishing and Aquaculture Industry

In recent years, the global tuna fishing and aquaculture industry has encountered significant challenges in balancing operational efficiency with sustainable resource management. This study introduces an innovative approach utilizing an advanced computer vision model, PA-YOLOv8, specifically adapted for drones, to enhance the monitoring and management of tuna populations. PA-YOLOv8 leverages the capabilities of YOLOv8, a state-of-the-art object detection system known for its precision and speed, tailored to address the unique demands of aerial surveillance in marine environments. Through comprehensive modifications including downsampling techniques, feature fusion enhancements, and the integration of the Global Attention Module (GAM), the model significantly improves the detection accuracy of small and juvenile tuna within complex aquatic landscapes. Experimental results using the Tuna dataset from Roboflow demonstrate marked improvements in detection metrics such as precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP), affirming the model’s effectiveness. This study underscores the potential of integrating cutting-edge technologies like UAVs and computer vision in promoting sustainable practices in the aquaculture sector, setting a new standard for technological applications in environmental and resource management. The advancements presented here provide a scalable and efficient solution for real-time monitoring, contributing to the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems.

Quantifying spatial dynamics of urban sprawl for climate resilience sustainable natural resource management by utilizing geostatistical and remote sensing techniques

Quantifying spatial dynamics of urban sprawl for climate resilience sustainable natural resource management by utilizing geostatistical and remote sensing techniques

An Improved Q-Learning Algorithm for Optimizing Sustainable Remanufacturing Systems

In our modern society, there has been a noticeable increase in pollution due to the trend of post-use handling of items. This necessitates the adoption of recycling and remanufacturing processes, advocating for sustainable resource management. This paper aims to address the issue of disassembly line balancing. Existing disassembly methods largely rely on manual labor, raising concerns regarding safety and sustainability. This paper proposes a human–machine collaborative disassembly approach to enhance safety and optimize resource utilization, aligning with sustainable development goals. A mixed-integer programming model is established, considering various disassembly techniques for hazardous and delicate parts, with the objective of minimizing the total disassembly time. The CPLEX solver is employed to enhance model accuracy. An improvement is made to the Q-learning algorithm in reinforcement learning to tackle the bilateral disassembly line balancing problem in human–machine collaboration. This approach outperforms CPLEX in both solution efficiency and quality, especially for large-scale problems. A comparative analysis with the original Q-learning algorithm and SARSA algorithm validates the superiority of the proposed algorithm in terms of convergence speed and solution quality.

An examination of sustainable human resource management for achieving financial, social, and environmental goals

A comprehensive analysis of sustainable human resource management (SHRM) techniques for accomplishing organizational financial, social and environmental objectives is done in this study. Here, we examine the diverse function of SHRM in coordinating human capital practices with more extensive organizational goals, acknowledging the growing significance of sustainability in today's corporate environment. We contend that although SHRM has not performed up thus far, it possesses the capacity to greatly aid in bolstering an organization's endeavors. We investigate the causes of this failure and talk about how SHRM can be involved in the formulation and execution of a company's strategy. Our proposal for a multifaceted, multistakeholder approach to sustainable SHRM builds on previous efforts to include environmental and corporate responsibility in the SHRM assessment framework. This approach includes actions meant to prevent negative consequences for stakeholders as well as to contribute to successful results along the triple bottom line as we explore the implications for study and develop a number of assertions as well as suggestions for more investigation.

Comparative VGP models to analyse the primary productivity in the north Indian ocean and the linkages with rising sea surface temperature

The Primary Productivity of an ecosystem is an indicator of the health of the marine ecosystem and fishing yield. Primary productivity across the continental sea of the North Indian Ocean (NIO) basin was estimated using two vertically generalised production models. We examine the productivity using two non-parametric tests and present the changes using a gridded basin map. In the Behrenfeld and Falkowski (BF) approach, estimated primary productivity shows a significant decline of over 6550 km2 from 2003 to 2020, recorded spatially 100 km2 adjacent to the coastline. However, an area of 825 km2 across the exclusive economic zone of the Indian sub-continent has seen a significant rise in primary productivity. The Kameda and Ishizaka (KI) model limits productivity reduction to 2500 km2 across the NIO basin. The seasonal trends indicate reduced summer productivity across the basin. Both models point towards a significant reduction of productivity observed across the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and Arabian Sea (ARS) coastal regions owing to the damaging effects of anthropogenic-induced global warming. Secondly, simultaneous regression analysis using climate-based indicators and satellite-based NPP and Chlr-a data shows a significant reduction with high magnitude in the levels of NPP across the BoB and ARS between 1997 and 2020 due to rising sea surface temperature and a reduction of 9% and 6% in chlorophyll-a levels, respectively. These results point towards the inverse linkage between the rising SST on the primary productivity of the NIO basin and its devastating impacts on marine fisheries, especially in the BoB. These findings underscore the need for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable management of marine resources.

Investigating seawater intrusion and salinization using the integration of hydrochemical and geoelectrical techniques

Seawater intrusion poses a significant environmental threat to water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems. We investigated the extent of seawater intrusion and salinization in the eastern coastal aquifers of Saudi Arabia. Hydrochemical measurements and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) techniques were employed to assess groundwater quality and subsurface extension of seawater intrusion. Two resistivity profiles, 475 m long each, were analyzed to gain insights into subsurface geology and seawater intrusion. The inversion of the recorded resistivity data revealed four distinct subsurface layers. The uppermost layer consists of surficial deposits, followed by a sandy seawater intrusion layer, beneath that lies a marl layer, and at the bottom, a dolomitic-limestone layer representing the brackish-water aquifer. The ERT results are integrated with hydrochemical and hydrogeological results from 12 wells to overcome the limitations of the ERT. Our conclusions are required to develop efficient mitigation strategies and sustainable management of groundwater resources in the study area or similar coastal regions affected by seawater intrusion. Understanding and delineating the boundary between saline and fresh water is crucial for safeguarding water resources for agricultural purposes, preserving ecosystem health, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water supplies in coastal areas.

Morphometric Analysis of Waghora Micro Watershed of Jam River Basin Using ALOS-PALSAR DEM

Intergrating Remote sensing and Geographic Information System(GIS) Proves useful for Evaluating and understanding morphometric parameters, especially Watershed Management of - Soil and Water Conservation at microlevel for sustainable Natural Resource management. The Linear , Areal and Relief characteristics of the basins Drainage can be analytsed Morphometrically. In this investigation, geospatial techniques were employed to assess the hydrological features of the Waghora Micro watershed within the Jam River basin, covering an area of 13.03 km². Utilizing the ALOS-PALSAR RTC DEM -12.5 m resolution, the basin and drainage network were delineated using ArcGIS software. The analysis revealed a dendritic drainage pattern within the Waghora micro-watershed, with drainage streams delineated up to the fourth order. The ratio of bifurcation (Rb) can be ranged within ~ 3 - 4.66, with an mean average of 3.76, showcases Geologic Structures are undistorted and the drainage system sorted by moderate peaks and lower orer streams. Additional morphometric parameters were assessed, using Form-factor(Rf), Circulatory-Ratio(Rc), and finally Elongation-Ratio(Re) values of 0.32, 0.68, and 0.62 respectively. This is a clear indication of Micro watershed being moderately Elongated with time. The Estimated Relief, Relief Ratio(Rr), relative Relief (RR) and Ruggedness Ratio Number were determined to be 75 m, 1.2, 0.97, respectively, indicating a moderate erosion potential. Overall, the study underscores the necessity for implementing – Soil and Water Conservation measures to be taken within the watershed. These findings hold significant implications for various stakeholders, including managers and decision-makers involved in Management of Watersheds and Conservation of the Natural resources using sustainable initiatives.

Synergizing trade and sustainability: advancing SDG 14 through international trade dynamics

This paper explores the intricate relationship between international trade and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), focusing on the potential of trade to contribute positively to marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources. By examining the intersection of economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the study delves into how trade policies and practices can be aligned with environmental objectives, particularly concerning marine ecosystems. A principal challenge identified is the tension between economic growth driven by international trade and the sustainability of marine ecosystems, exacerbated by practices such as overfishing and pollution from maritime transport. Another significant challenge is the lack of robust enforcement mechanisms for existing environmental provisions in trade agreements. To address these challenges, the paper recommends the integration of stringent and enforceable environmental clauses in trade agreements, coupled with the promotion of sustainable trade practices through international cooperation and capacity building. Furthermore, the study suggests the adoption of innovative trade mechanisms, such as eco-certification and the implementation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), to enhance the protection of marine life, support sustainable fisheries, and reduce ocean pollution. The paper concludes with specific policy recommendations for leveraging international trade as a tool for the sustainable management of marine resources, ultimately contributing to the broader agenda of sustainable development.

The impact of GHRM and EGB on organization’s financial and operational performance – an empirical analysis on Indian ICT sector

PurposeThe study aims to conduct an empirical research to examine how green human resource management (GHRM) can influence sustainable organizational performance (SOP) in terms of financial performance (FP) and operational performance (OpP), both directly and through employee green behavior (EGB), in the backdrop of the Indian information and communication technology (ICT) sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on primary data collected through a questionnaire survey from 387 employees engaged in the ICT sector. Confirmatory factor analysis validates the measurement model, while structural equation modeling (SEM) using the partial least squares (PLS) method examines the hypothesized relations.FindingsResults confirm that GHRM significantly contributes to EGB, FP and OpP, with a theoretical underpinning concerning resource-based view (RBV) and ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) concepts. The study also confirms that connections of GHRM with both FP and OpP are significantly and positively mediated by EGB.Practical implicationsThe study provides evidence-based implications of different GHRM practices toward EGB, FP and OpP, which are highly pertinent to strategists, policymakers, managers and supervisors in implementing GHRM for adding value to both operational and financial statements while protecting nature and natural resources through the green efforts of employees.Originality/valueThe study bridges a significant theoretical and practitioner gap by providing a deeper understanding of GHRM as a sustainable human resource management (HRM) model in the context of the Indian ICT sector. It empirically explores the connections between GHRM and OpP, which is a crucial dimension of SOP, and highlights noteworthy implications for promoting EGB, an individual micro-sustainability dimension directed toward the achievement of broader organizational goals, which are essentially oriented to macro-sustainability.