Sustainable Resource Management Research Articles

Sustainable management of freshwater resources in Ghana: an analysis of the perspectives of local residents

Sustainable management of freshwater resources in Ghana: an analysis of the perspectives of local residents

Unlocking sustainable resource management: A comprehensive SWOT and thematic analysis of FinTech with a focus on mineral management

The mining sector faces growing demands for sustainable and responsible mineral management practices in light of the changing global economy and growing environmental concerns. This sector plays a role in economic growth in both developed and developing nations, which in turn contributes to the nation's overall social and economic well-being. The goal of sustainable mineral management is to achieve a balance between the need to reduce harmful effects on ecosystems and communities and the economic benefits of mineral resources. The integration of Financial Technology (FinTech) into organizations' workflow has gained attention in the field of sustainability and environmental protection. In order to acquire the requisite knowledge for informing strategic planning, decision-making processes, and strategy development, a comprehensive review of pertinent literature is imperative. This study aims to address this issue by conducting a thematic analysis of the literature in the context of sustainability and Fintech. Following that, an in-depth Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis of FinTech in sustainable mineral management is deployed. The study investigates FinTech's integration into sustainable mineral management to advance responsible resource extraction practices and sheds light on effective FinTech utilization while highlighting implementation challenges.

A non-cooperative game approach on isolated water-energy microgrids

The integration of renewable energies into water systems emerges as a crucial challenge and an opportunity within the water-energy nexus, particularly in isolated communities, emphasizing the importance of developing sustainable and self-sufficient isolated water-energy microgrids (IWEMGs). This study addresses a significant gap in existing research by proposing a comprehensive model that simultaneously considers operation and dispatch in IWEMGs. Our work introduces a framework based on game theory to model and optimize resource management in IWEMGs, where actors, including consumers, producers, or prosumers, engage in a non-cooperative game (Cournot competition), enabling an effective resource allocation mechanism for water and energy that considers strategic interactions among participants. The application of this model to a case study in a rural community, known as Ranchería, in La Guajira, Colombia, demonstrates the practicality and effectiveness of IWEMGs in meeting the water and energy demands of users. The model is implemented and solved using the GAMS software. Our quantitative results show optimal performance in resource management, highlighting the model’s ability to facilitate informed decision-making. Through a detailed analysis of water and energy transactions and the net benefits achieved, the study illustrates the potential of game theory to enhance the operational performance of IWEMGs. Furthermore, this research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable resource management, offering insights that could guide the development of policies and strategies for implementing IWEMGs in similar contexts globally.

Site-specific condition evaluation for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) site selection in granitic aquifers, Ghana

ABSTRACT Water has prominence over all the usable natural resources to humankind due to its very significance to human life. Approximately, 70% of Ghana's populace relies on groundwater exploitation for freshwater consumption. Managed aquifer recharge is capable of sustaining water resources for all livelihood activities. Underperformance of MAR systems is often due to site-specific hydrogeological conditions turning out to be less favorable than anticipated. This study evaluates the site-specific conditions for MAR sites identification in granitic aquifers, integrating in situ hydrogeological factors and GIS-MCDA. One hundred and twenty-one datasets from different boreholes comprising hydro geophysics, borehole drilling and pump test reports were used. The constraint mapping results indicate 92% suitable for MAR application within the study area, implying available enormous bare lands for flooding recharge technique. The suitability analysis discloses that 48 and 51% of the studied area fall within very high and high suitable zones, respectively, showing convincing and great potential to support infiltration ponds for MAR technology application. The valuable information provided through this study can serve as a guide for MAR implementation and for sustainable groundwater resources management within the Upper East region of Ghana.

A multi-criteria decision framework to evaluate sustainable alternatives for repurposing of abandoned or closed surface coal mines

Surface coal mines, when abandoned or closed, pose significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Repurposing these sites is crucial for sustainable land use and responsible resource management. This study presents a comprehensive decision framework tailored to the Indian mining context, utilizing a hybrid approach combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) methodology. The proposed framework assesses and ranks alternative repurposing options by considering a multi-criteria evaluation, including ecological, economic, social, and regulatory factors. AHP is employed to determine the relative importance of these criteria, reflecting the unique priorities and perspectives of stakeholders involved in the repurposing process. TOPSIS then identifies the optimal alternatives based on their overall performance against the established criteria. This hybrid methodology contributes to informed decision-making in the sustainable repurposing of abandoned surface coal mines in India. It aids in identifying the most viable and environmentally responsible alternatives, promoting efficient land use and resource conservation while addressing the challenges associated with abandoned mine sites. The methodology’s applicability extends globally to industries facing similar repurposing challenges, facilitating the transition toward a more sustainable and responsible land reclamation and resource management approach. The methodology is implemented using real mine data and demonstrates the analysis for evaluation among multiple alternatives such as solar parks, fish farming, eco-resorts, forestry, and museums. In our study, eco-resorts show more promise based on the significant potential for local economic development, provision of local employment, long-term revenue generation, potential for upskilling local youth in management, gardening, construction, and animal husbandry, and serving as a site for exhibitions of various arts and crafts.

Analysis on the spatiotemporal evolutions of groundwater hydrochemistry and water quality caused by over-extraction and seawater intrusion in eastern coastal China

The over-extraction of groundwater has resulted in seawater intrusion and the southward migration of the saltwater interface, gradually deteriorating the groundwater quality in the Weibei Plain. In this research, groundwater samples were gathered from 46 monitoring wells for shallow groundwater during the years 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021. The hydrochemical features of regional groundwater and the factors influencing the issue were subjected to statistical analysis. Additionally, the assessment of spatiotemporal variations in groundwater quality was conducted using the customized entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) method. The relationship between groundwater over-extraction and the southward intrusion of the saltwater interface was compared and analyzed. The results of this paper revealed that the Weibei Plain has been in a state of long-term over-extraction of groundwater from 2000 to 2021, with an average annual over-extraction of 118.49 million m3. The groundwater depression cone areas in the northern part of the study area increased from 3,247.37 to 4,581.34 km2 from 2006 to 2021, with the center of the cone experiencing a drop in groundwater level from −22 to −85 m. The saltwater interface shifted southward by 711.71 km2 from 2006 to 2021. In groundwater, the high concentrations of TH, TDS, and Cl− were primarily related to the seawater intrusion, while higher concentrations of NO3− were mainly determined by frequent agricultural production, industrial wastewater, and domestic sewage discharges. The groundwater hydrochemical types in the study area transitioned from predominantly HCO3·Ca-Mg type in 2006 to HCO3-Na type and SO4·Cl-Ca·Mg type in 2021 due to seawater intrusion. The results of PCA and HCA show the effects of seawater intrusion, human activities, and rock weathering on groundwater hydrochemistry. The evaluation results based on the EWQI revealed that the average value of the samples in 2021 was 101.36, which belonged to Class IV water quality standards, representing the poorest water quality among the 4 years. The southward migration of the saltwater interface led to the deterioration of groundwater quality in the groundwater depression cone areas, which gradually worsened from 2006 to 2021. The maximum increase in EWQI value was 174.68 during the period, shifting from Class III water quality to Class V water quality. Groundwater quality remained relatively better in the western and southern regions which were less affected or unaffected by seawater intrusion. The results of the study can provide a certain reference value for the sustainable management of groundwater resources and the management of groundwater pollution and seawater intrusion in the Weifang City area in the future.

Enhancing Sustainability: Exploring IoT Integration in Renewable Energy Infrastructure

The management and utilization of sustainable resources have undergone a significant transformation as a result of the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology into the renewable energy sector. IoT has simplified the optimization of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower, by leveraging sensor technology, data analytics, and connectivity. This optimization has resulted in major advances in energy production efficiency, equipment maintenance procedures, and the smooth integration of renewable energy into established power grids. Operators can optimize energy output while reducing waste by adjusting operations in real time through continuous monitoring and analysis of data gathered from IoT-enabled sensors. Moreover, by predicting and fixing possible problems before they arise, predictive maintenance algorithms significantly contribute to increased equipment reliability by lowering downtime and operating expenses. Furthermore, IoT systems allow for dynamic modifications to energy flow, guaranteeing the stability and dependability of the integration of renewable energy sources into the current power networks. This research investigates the use of IoT technology in the renewable energy sector in detail, exploring its several uses and assessing how it affects industry standards, sustainability goals, and the overall energy environment.

Dynamic marine spatial planning for conservation and fisheries benefits

AbstractThe increasing global demand for marine resources raises concerns about sustainable resource management and biodiversity conservation. Spatial closures, such as marine protected areas, can be valuable tools for maintaining and restoring exploited populations. When these spatial closures adopt a dynamic nature being adapted to the changing environment, they can effectively account for factors such as shifting species distributions, which enhances their potential to achieve ecological and socio‐economic objectives. Here, we adapted a decision‐support tool (the software Marxan), typically used for selecting static and permanent areas, to produce management recommendations that integrate permanent and temporal closures to fisheries. Our aim was to compare the outputs of a static network of permanent no‐take reserves with four other dynamic scenarios, including permanent and temporal closures that account for seasonal variations in the populations of species. All scenarios prioritized sites for the conservation of one of the most valuable European fishing stocks, the Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). Additionally, we considered 12 other commercially exploited species captured by the Norway lobster fishery. The assessed outputs included retained biomass, area extent, closure type (permanent and seasonal) and opportunity costs within each scenario. We observed that all dynamic scenarios required fewer management areas permanently closed than the static scenario. This resulted in a lower opportunity cost for fisheries but also a higher capacity for biodiversity conservation. Therefore, complementing permanent with temporal closures could enhance biodiversity conservation and fisheries management. The novel dynamic planning method presented here could be applicable to other species, ecosystems and socio‐economic contexts.

Analysis of Seaweed Agroindustry Management in Indonesia: Potential, Challenges, and Prospects

This study analyzes seaweed agro-industry management in Indonesia with a focus on its potential, challenges, and prospects. The potential of seaweed agroindustry in Indonesia can be seen from the wealth of abundant seaweed natural resources and the diversity of species in various regions. The domestic and export markets are promising, with seaweed applications in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and other industrial raw materials industries. However, challenges in seaweed agro-industry management are also significant, such as complex licensing, limited production technology, and challenges in marketing and distribution. Environmental sustainability is also an important issue that needs attention. To overcome these challenges, seaweed agro-industry management in Indonesia needs to be carried out comprehensively, involving the identification of relevant stakeholders, sustainable natural resource management, production technology innovation, and effective marketing strategies. The prospects for seaweed agro-industry development include market growth potential, export opportunities and strengthening competitiveness, agro-industry cluster development, as well as the government's role in encouraging the development of this sector. This study concludes that seaweed agro-industry management in Indonesia has great potential to be developed. Despite facing significant challenges, with the right strategic measures, the sector can develop sustainably. The implications and recommendations of this research are expected to help policy makers, industry players, and researchers in supporting the development of seaweed agroindustry in Indonesia.

Assessing Recharge Sources and Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Groundwater: A Hydrogeological and Multi-Isotopic Approach

One of the crucial challenges of our time is climate change. The consequences of rising sea levels and drought greatly impact water resources, potentially worsening seawater intrusion. Characterizing coastal aquifers is an essential step in devising strategies to address these phenomena. Seawater intrusion poses a critical socio-economic and environmental issue in the coastal plain of Muravera, southeastern Sardinia (Italy). This coastal plain is an important agricultural area in Sardinia, and the health of the crops is compromised by the increasing salinization of shallow groundwater. To enhance our understanding of the hydrogeological conceptual model, which is essential for a sustainable resource management system, hydrogeological investigations were conducted and complemented by the chemical and multi-isotopic analyses of groundwater. The main objectives of this study were to identify groundwater recharge areas, understand salinization mechanisms and trace the evolution of water chemistry. Within this framework, a monthly survey monitoring piezometric level and electrical conductivity was carried out for one year. This survey was integrated with chemical and isotope analyses, including δ18OH2O and δ2HH2O, δ11B, δ18OSO4, δ34SSO4, and 87Sr/86Sr. Hydrochemistry analysis results revealed the occurrence of seawater–freshwater mixing, extending up to 4 km inland. H2O isotope analysis confirmed the mixing processes and indicated the meteoric origin of recharge waters for both shallow and semi-confined aquifers. The strontium isotopes ratio facilitated the identification of four main groundwater flow paths, confirmed by the SIAR model. The results of this combined hydrogeological–geochemical–isotopic survey provide essential elements for the future implementation of an integrated and sustainable management system. These findings enable interventions to slow the process of seawater intrusion and meet the economic needs for the development of local communities.

Sustainable Human Resource Management in the Hospital Sector: A Review of Literature

The field of personal management has undergone a significant change in the past decade. During the initial phases of sustainable practices—organisations seem to be responsible towards their society and environment along with a focus on financial profits. Building on sustainable management theory, ‘sustainable human resource management’ concept receives significant interest from management, academicians and scholars. Studies related to this area are limited and are still emerging in the developing country context. In this article, the literature review suggests that sustainability could be the driver of the hospital sector in the system. Sustainability in the hospital sector through sustainable human resource management practices is necessary to build and adapt a concrete sustainable practices structure. The various service sectors are focusing on embedding environmental sustainability and lesser focus has been given to the other three elements of sustainability that is the strategic, social and humanistic approach. The present article approaches headed for the full range implementation of sustainable human resource management practices in the hospital sector. In light of this, we proposed a model (SHRM—layout). We offer recommendations for the managing the hospital sector to implement these practices and influence others to maximise sustainable performance from the findings. The framework acts as a guide to organisations for incorporating sustainability practices in their management development plans.

When outsiders are resource users: Fishers’ migration in Southwest Panay, Philippines, and its impact on small-scale fisheries

This paper examined the fishers’ migration in Southwest Panay, Philippines, how it has shaped the small-scale fisheries management in the receiving area, influenced local resource access and utilization, and the potential impacts of the phenomenon on fishing technology and practices. The study was conducted in two municipalities in the province of Iloilo (Miagao and San Joaquin) and two in the province of Antique (Anini-y and San Jose de Buenavista). It utilized household surveys, key informant interviews (KII), and focus group discussion (FGD) as research methodologies. Results show that there are various push and pull factors that influence the migrant fishers (locally known as pangayaw) to migrate to other areas. The most common reason cited is the presence of a richer fishing ground or better livelihood opportunities in their host community.Migrant fishers play a vital role in the local fishing economy as sources of new fishing technology. However, results revealed that most of the technologies that they introduced were either more efficient gears (e.g., use of purse seine and gill nets) or modifications (e.g., use of kati or decoy) that would increase the efficiency of the fishing gears. This may have a consequent negative impact on the sustainability of the fishery resources in the host community.It is evident from the available data of the local government units and the observations of the participants through their local ecological knowledge that migration has a potential impact on local resource access and utilization patterns, and may influence the socio-cultural landscape of the receiving area. It poses a challenge to the sustainable utilization of the resources, and exerts additional pressure on the social services of the receiving local governments. Instead of treating them as “outsiders”, they should be treated as partners of the local community and must share the responsibilities of sustainable utilization and management of the fisheries resources.

A systematic literature review on sustainable HRM and its relations with employees' attitudes: state of art and future research agenda

PurposeThe interest in sustainable human resource management has grown in the last decades. However, comprehensive, and systematic research concentrating on the evolution of this field, is still needed. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview and synthesis of the existing body of knowledge on human resource management (HRM) related to sustainability through a bibliometric study of articles published until 2022, identifying the most relevant research in this field. In the literature review, special attention is given to articles that link sustainable HRM to employees’ attitudes, identifying gaps and future research opportunities.Design/methodology/approachA bibliometric analysis and literature review was conducted over 105 documents obtained from the WoS database, using VOSviewer software program, from which 27 were selected for full-text reading. The applied database filters were: document type (article and early access); index (SSCI and SCI-expanded) and year (2019–2022).FindingsThe results show that: sustainable HRM literature is growing, especially after 2019; “Sustainability” is the journal with more publications; and England is the leading country. The network of co-occurrence of keywords analysis unveiled that performance, job satisfaction and behaviors are the most frequently studied topics in HRM.Practical implicationsFor successful adoption of sustainable HRM practices, organizations should engage all staff comprehensively, focusing not only on consistent implementation but also on fostering a supportive organizational climate. This is vital for establishing a sustainable workplace where employees who strongly identify with the organization are less willing to leave it.Originality/valueThrough the Systematic Literature Review carried out on the articles published from 2019 to 2022, it was possible to identify opportunities for future research. These topics include employees' perceptions of the implementation of sustainable HRM practices in companies, as well as the impact of these practices on their attitudes and behaviors, taking into account the various HRM practices.

Sustainable human resource management factors

Purpose of the research is to analyze works on the topic of sustainable human resource management, study factors, as well as identify and systematize specific practices for each category of factors.Research methodology. In this work, an analysis of existing publications in the Scopus database was carried out.Originality / value of the research. Although the concept of sustainable development is not new and has been actively studied since the 1960s of the last century, the study of sustainable human resource management as a separate concept dates back only about twenty years. Works from this period focus on exploring theory regarding the definition of concept, characteristics and functions, but the specific factors and practices through which sustainable human resource management in companies is expressed have not been explored much.Findings. The result of the study was the identified factors of sustainable human resource management, a model of sustainable human resource management formed based on the De Prince approach, as well as a systematization of practices for each of the identified factors. The article may be useful both for theoretical study of the concept and for practical application in companies by human resources management departments.

Economic strategies for efficient use of natural resources: The impact of carbon taxation and fiscal policy

This study examines the efficacy of fiscal policies and carbon taxation as mechanisms to promote the efficient utilization of natural resources within the BRICS economies, against the backdrop of environmental sustainability challenges. Analyzing data from 1995 to 2018, the study incorporates Augmented Mean Group (AMG) and Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG), to provide robust empirical evidence. These methodologies adeptly address unobserved heterogeneity across cross-sections, offering insightful analyses into the impact of fiscal tools and carbon taxes. By leveraging a comprehensive dataset and engaging in a detailed policy analysis, the paper highlights the pivotal role of these economic instruments in mitigating environmental externalities associated with resource-intensive industries. Furthermore, it delineates how fiscal interventions complement market-based incentives like carbon taxes to enhance resource efficiency and curtail greenhouse gas emissions. We contribute valuable insights to the discourse on policy development and sustainable resource management within the BRICS economies.

Land Use Changes and Agricultural Developments in the Tocantins-Araguaia Basin: 1985 to 2022

Objective: To evaluate land use changes and investigate agricultural expansion in the Tocantins-Araguaia basin from 1985 to 2022. Theoretical framework: The Tocantins-Araguaia basin has undergone significant changes in land use and occupation, mainly due to the rapid expansion of agriculture and livestock. This expansion, driven by factors such as the growing demand for food and agricultural commodities, has generated socio-environmental impacts and increased discussion about sustainable use practices in the basin. Methods: Images from the MapBiomas Project were used to generate land use maps and statistical analyses. Results and discussion: The results indicate changes in land use and cover in the basin over the analyzed period. There was a reduction in forest areas, most of which were converted into agricultural areas, which showed significant growth. Analysis of the evolution of agricultural production in the basin revealed an increase in the area allocated to agriculture, mainly for crops such as soybeans, sugar cane and other temporary crops. Research implications: Patterns of change in land use highlight the pressing need to adopt sustainable agricultural development strategies that reconcile food production with the conservation of natural ecosystems and the well-being of family farmers and local communities. Originality/Value: It is important to understand the trends and effects of changes in land use in the basin to guide sustainable natural resource management policies and minimize potential negative effects of these changes on the environment and local communities.

Contributions of Community Forestry in Rural Social Transformation: Some Observations From Nepal

This paper examines the contribution of Nepalese Community Forestry in social change process in two central hills districts of Nepal. Analysis of data indicates improvement in forest management, decision making, representation of poor and women in forest management and utilisation, awareness on economic and ecological contributions of forests. Debates and discussionshave increased as regards roles and responsibilities of users as well as mechanisms for gender-sensitive, poverty-focused and equity-based forest management activities. All these factors are contributing to achieve sustainable management of forest resources, to improve the living condition of people and to promote non-coercive social transformation.

Household characteristics and common property forest use: complementarities and contradictions

Being limited in supply but accessible for community usage, sustainable management of Common pool resources is still an important question facing both development planners and the academia. Experience from community forestry program in Nepal, and elsewhere, has so far indicated that poorer households are still marginalized even if resources are managed under community ownership. In this paper, I seek to analyze the socio-economic attributes of households that determine labor allocation decisions for forest product collection activities. This will help better understand why poorer groups have not been benefited from the management of community forests. I will then highlight the need for more effective policy and institutional interventions that would help ensure efficient and equitable access to the local level natural resource base.

Participating or Just Sitting In? The Dynamics of Gender and Caste in Community Forestry

Community Forestry has successfully promoted sustainable resource use across Nepal. But to what extent do the programs fulfill the goal of providing resources for the poorest of the poor? Although some attention has been paid to the issue of participation of women and marginalized castes within CF, there is no or limited investigation into how such members participate, the extent to which theyinfluence management decisions and the implications of this for sustainable resource management. This article first outlines why equating gender with women is problematic and then highlights the importance of integrating other forms of social difference into an understanding of social power. Using case study data from north-western Nepal, it is shown that how implementation of communityforestry needs to take into account pre-existing social relations for the programs to be universally successful.

Integrating FinTech with Industry 4.0 for sustainable mineral resource management: Exploring the interplay of technology, regulation, and economic dynamics

In the field of global geology, the intricate relationship between Earth’s mineral resources and their pivotal role in fostering sustainable human development is a fundamental area of scholarly investigation. This research thoroughly explores the complex dynamics between technological progress, financial innovations, and regulatory structures in the context of sustainable management of mineral resources. Covering the period from 2000 to 2022 and including key international stakeholders in the mineral industry, the study employs a Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to assess the effects of Industry 4.0 technologies (IND), Financial Technology (FinTech), Regulatory Quality (RQ), Energy Efficiency (EF), and per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on Mineral Resource Capital (MRC). The results reveal a substantial, positive long-term influence of Industry 4.0 on Mineral Resource Capital, underscoring the essential role of technology. Conversely, FinTech exhibits a nuanced association with Mineral Resource Capital, indicating the necessity for its careful incorporation. The analysis highlights the significance of regulatory quality in the sustainable management of resources, while the negative impact of energy efficiency points towards the need for more sustainable industrial practices. Through variance decomposition and impulse response analysis, the study delineates the responsiveness of Mineral Resource Capital to various economic fluctuations, with Granger causality tests offering additional insight into these complex interactions. This investigation contributes significantly to the existing scholarly literature and offers crucial perspectives for policy-makers and industry participants, advocating for a cohesive strategy that effectively harnesses technological and financial innovations to enhance sustainability and economic resilience in the mineral sector.