Sustainable Resource Use Research Articles

Investigation of the carbon footprint of the cultivation of the heterotrophic microalga Galdieria sulphuraria on hydrolyzed straw and digestate

The purpose of this study was to assess the carbon footprint of a production process for 1 kg of dry algal biomass powder (Galdieria sulphuraria) cultivated on straw and digestate as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, for further optimization. It was examined whether and to what extent the use of straw and digestate can reduce the environmental impact (global warming and resource efficiency) and how this can result in a more sustainable use of resources. The investigated process was compared to a process where conventional glucose serves as a carbon source. The findings demonstrate that the hydrolysis of straw results in a worst environmental impact compared to the conventional process. Hydrolysis alone releases approx. 8 kg CO2-eq., which is predominantly caused by the energy demand. The results of this study therefore clearly revealed that the hydrolysis of straw needs to be optimized to foster a sustainable use of agriculture residues.

Turismo rural comunitario en un bosque seco de Perú: Diagnóstico y propuesta para la sostenibilidad

El turismo rural comunitario representa una actividad propulsora del desarrollo económico local aprovechando sosteniblemente los recursos de una comunidad. El Área de Conservación Privada Bosque Seco de Colina Juan Velasco Alvarado -ACP BSC JVA- tiene potencial turístico latente que, hasta la fecha, no ha sido debidamente explotado por la Comunidad Campesina Juan Velasco Alvarado -CC JVA-. El objetivo del estudio consiste en formular una propuesta de desarrollo de turismo rural comunitario del ACP BSC JVA. Se ejecutó un análisis situacional de la oferta y demanda turística del área donde se reconocieron al Cerro Pilán, la Mina Inca, los Jaguayes Salas y Cerezo como los recursos turísticos más importantes, mientras que el principal problema identificado fue la deficiente gestión del turismo del ACP BSC JVA por parte de la CC JVA. Como resultado final, se elaboró una propuesta de plan de acción que plantea el fortalecimiento de capacidades, la mejora de la infraestructura ecológica y la formación de alianzas estratégicas, para así lograr la sostenibilidad de la gestión de los recursos naturales en el bosque seco y el progreso de la comunidad local.

A novel hybrid model combined with ensemble embedded feature selection method for estimating reference evapotranspiration in the North China Plain

The reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is a key parameter in achieving sustainable use of agricultural water resources. To accurately acquire ETo under limited conditions, this study combined the northern goshawk optimization algorithm (NGO) with the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model to propose a novel NGO-XGBoost model. The performance of this model was evaluated using meteorological data from 30 stations in the North China Plain and compared with XGBoost, random forest (RF), and k nearest neighbor (KNN) models. An ensemble embedded feature selection (EEFS) method combined with the results from RF, XGBoost, adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), and categorical boosting (CatBoost) models is used to obtain the importance of meteorological factors in estimating ETo, and thereby determine the optimal combination of inputs to the model. The results indicated that by using the top 3, 4, and 5 important factors as input combinations, all models achieved high ETo estimation accuracy. It is worth noting that there were significant spatial differences in the estimation precisions of the four models, but the NGO-XGBoost model exhibited consistently high estimation precisions, with global performance indicator (GPI) rankings of 1st, and the range of coefficient of determination (R2), nash efficiency coefficient (NSE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean bias error (MBE) were 0.920–0.998, 0.902–0.998, 0.078–0.623 mm d−1, 0.058–0.430 mm d−1, and −0.254–0.062 mm d−1, respectively. Furthermore, the accuracy of the NGO-XGBoost model in estimating ETo varied across different seasons, which was more significantly affected by humidity and wind speed in winter. When the target station data was insufficient, the NGO-XGBoost model was trained by using the historical data from neighboring stations and still maintained a high precision. Overall, this study recommends a reliable method for estimating ETo, which provides a reference for accurately calculating ETo in the North China Plain in the absence of meteorological data.

MAP, PEOPLE, AND POLLUTANTS: LINKING SOCIOLEGAL-SPATIAL SCIENCE TO UNDERSTANDING WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SLEMAN REGENCY, INDONESIA

Indonesia’s waste management strategy promotes sustainable management and effective use of natural resources, as do many others. Due to a shortage of final processing sites (FPSs), ineffective solid waste management, and low environmental awareness, delivering information on ecologically friendly waste management has been difficult. Therefore, this research aims to locate typical landfills in highly populated metropolitan regions, explore solid waste management difficulties, and suggest feasible solutions. Sleman Regency, Province of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, was our focus while choosing an FPS location and assessing socioeconomic factors. We filter and classify quantitative and qualitative data from maps, observations, interviews, and document searches before using them in our mixed-methods approach. This study used sociolegal-spatial methods to improve waste management. The results show that geographical accuracy and comprehensiveness may be achieved within legal and institutional contexts. Trash reduction can be achieved if provincial, district/city, sub-district, and village administrations are compelled to adopt waste management policies and plans. These findings show that the government cannot accomplish its 2,030 waste elimination goal without systematic and long-term public infrastructure and village home socialisation.

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ВОПРОСОВ, СВЯЗАННЫХ С ФИТОРАЗНООБРАЗИЕМ И ЛЕКАР-СТВЕННЫМ РАСТЕНИЕВОДСТВОДСТВОМ НА ТЕРРИТОРИИ РЕСПУБЛИКИ ТАТАРСТАН.. 90

Any plant phylogenesis is a long-term historical complex of plant species, including elements of different ages, different origins and differing from other floristic complexes in its systematic composition. This complex is a dynamic and unstable phenomenon that changes over time. Its individual elements disperse, or, conversely, remain within the boundaries of their range, de-pending on changes in external ecological and geographical factors. Therefore, when study-ing any floristic composition, it is necessary, first of all, to systematize the plant world. The distribution of species between systematic categories of the highest rank characteristic of each flora. Issues related to the characteristics of the growth, procurement and protection of plant medicinal raw materials are one of the leading links in ongoing activities for the ration-al use of natural resources throughout the world. Medicinal pharmacopoeia plants growing in various regions of Russia are a valuable source of biologically active substances used in med-icine and pharmaceuticals. The study of medicinal plants is important for optimizing the drug production process, as well as for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources. Methods for studying medicinal pharmacopeial plants include a botanical description of plants, analysis of the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of raw materials, the study of factors affecting the quality and quantity of biologically active substances, as well as the development of methods for growing and collecting plants. Much attention is also paid to the issues of sustainable use of medicinal plants and their conservation in natural ecosystems. The study of medicinal pharmacopoeia plants growing in various regions of Russia, including the Republic of Tatarstan, allows us to determine the optimal conditions for their cultivation, evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the raw materials used, and also develop new drugs based on natural components. The more work there is related to the study of the growth of medicinal plants, the more it will contribute to improving medical practice, enriching the range of medicines and providing access to effective and safe medicines.

Calibration, validation and uncertainty analysis of a SWAT water quality model

Sediment and nutrient pollution in water bodies is threatening human health and the ecosystem, due to rapid land use changes and improper agricultural practices. The impact of the nonpoint source pollution needs to be evaluated for the sustainable use of water resources. An ideal tool like the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) can assess the impact of pollutant loads on the drainage area, which could be beneficial for developing a water quality management model. This study aims to evaluate the SWAT model’s multi-objective and multivariable calibration, validation, and uncertainty analysis at three different sites of the Yarra River drainage area in Victoria, Australia. The drainage area is split into 51 subdrainage areas in the SWAT model. The model is calibrated and validated for streamflow from 1990 to 2008 and sediment and nutrients from 1998 to 2008. The results show that most of the monthly and annual calibration and validation for streamflow, nutrients, and sediment at the three selected sites are found with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency values greater than 0.50. Furthermore, the uncertainty analysis of the model shows satisfactory results where the p-factor value is reliable by considering 95% prediction uncertainty and the d-factor value is close to zero. The model's results indicate that the model performs well in the river's watershed, which helps construct a water quality management model. Finally, the model application in the cost-effective management of water quality might reduce pollution in water bodies due to land use and agricultural activities, which would be beneficial to water management managers.

Studying the prevalence of data in the media about wild berries using content analysis

Wild plants occupy an important place in the lives of many people, especially in Yakutia. These plants serve as a unique strategic resource and food product, and contribute to maintaining health. Natural gifts such as berries, nuts and mushrooms obtained from forests contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals and beneficial properties. They are the most important basis for ensuring the lives of many residents living in remote areas of Yakutia, and serve as a source of income. The gathering, processing and sale of forest products has become a profitable business. The article reviews various aspects of the topic of wild berries in the context of mass media. The authors study the data to determine the frequency of news on this topic and their nature. As part of the study, the results of a sociological survey conducted among the population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) were analyzed in order to find out which family members are engaged in berry picking and what are the ways of their access to the collection sites. The purpose of the study was to identify the key features of the coverage of this topic in the news. The results obtained can be used to develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of forest resources in Yakutia. This may involve supporting the development of local businesses related to the collection, processing and sale of forest products, as well as creating conditions for the conservation and use of forest areas on a long-term basis.

Sustainable Agriculture Development and Optimum Utilization of Natural Resources: Striking a Balance

There is a finite supply of natural resources, and unchecked exploitation may harm the ecosystem. The strategy for their sustainable use must be determined. The framework of sustainable development is used to define strategies of ongoing societal and state advancement that do not negatively impact the environment or the natural resources that will be needed for future human activities. A model that governs sustainable use takes into account the legal and strategic guidelines for the extraction of energy and natural resources. Ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources both nationally and internationally is the aim. Environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources are closely intertwined. Additionally, a healthy environment's value and the degree to which the public is educated about its preservation are linked to the preservation of the working and living environments. All areas of human endeavour see improvements in quality of life as a result of faster technical development, but increased environmental deterioration is also a potential. Consequently, in order to achieve the objectives of the society's development policy, it is imperative to incorporate the appropriate standards that would support sustainable development. This review paper is a quick response to maintain the ecosystem's equilibrium and the surrounding area.

Comparative Analysis in Indigenous Women's Ecological Practices Across Indonesia: A Systematic Literature Review

Indigenous women in Indonesia have long practiced ecological management and sustainable resource use, deeply embedded in their cultural beliefs, traditional wisdom, and strong connection to the land. However, their specific ecological practices have been the subject of limited research, especially compared to broader studies of the relationship between gender and ethnicity in sectors such as mining. These existing studies often highlight negative impacts on women in general but focus less on the specific practices of indigenous women, especially in relation to their contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Recognizing this gap, this research aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the ecological practices of indigenous women in various regions of Indonesia, focusing on their role in environmental conservation and sustainable development. The motivation for this research is to understand how these practices, shaped by cultural, traditional, and land-based relationships, contribute to ecological management and provide lessons for sustainable living. To achieve this, this study used a systematic literature review. The literature review will involve a comprehensive examination of existing academic literature, using databases such as JSTOR, Scopus, and local Indonesian research repositories. Literature selection criteria will include relevance to indigenous practices, focus on ecological management, and contribution to biodiversity conservation. Although specific findings have not been presented, the study expects to reveal a wide variety of indigenous ecological practices. This is expected to include traditional methods of land and resource management, contributions to the resilience of local ecosystems, and sustainable practices passed down from generation to generation. This study aims to highlight the important role of indigenous women in maintaining biodiversity and adapting to environmental change. A multidimensional approach that considers the institutionalization of gender and ethnicity in mining governance, as well as the role of gender and ethnic identity, will be adopted. The findings from this literature review and field study will make a significant contribution to our understanding of the rich ecological knowledge and practices of indigenous women in Indonesia. They will also highlight the importance of incorporating these practices into broader conservation and sustainability efforts, providing policy recommendations for a more inclusive and holistic environmental approach.

Determining climate classifications and producing climate border maps with GIS of Safranbolu district, Karabük, Türkiye.

Knowing climate characteristics enables the detection of particular climate characteristics and their boundaries. This situation is essential in terms of providing sustainable use of areal resources and directing land use plans. For this reason, in this study, climate boundary maps of the Safranbolu district were created based on the need to form a basis for planning. For this purpose, measurement data of all meteorological stations in the district for the last 30 years were obtained; data were associated with the location, and the water balance of each station was calculated using the Thornthwaite climate classification method. In addition, the climate type was determined using different climate classification methods, and the results were compared. All applied methods have shown that Safranbolu has a humid climate; however, the humidity value in the north of Safranbolu is slightly higher than that in the central and southern parts. In addition, water shortage in the north of Safranbolu is observed in July-August, while water shortage in the central and southern parts is observed in July-August-September. Considering the long-term precipitation average of the Safranbolu district, the highest annual precipitation is observed in March and the lowest in August. Etp and Etr throughout the district are highest in July and lowest in January. Surplus water and surface flow occur in the months between December and May, with the highest amount of surface flow occurring in March. There is no month without rain in Safranbolu. Safranbolu, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is a visiting area for local and foreign tourists because of its cultural, architectural, and historical features and geotourism potential. In addition to its current agricultural activities, the cultivation of the "Saffron" plant, which gives its name to the district, and its forest assets cause an increase in both the tourism capacity and population of the district. Considering all of these, studies on climate change risk management and water resources management in Safranbolu have been conducted.

Performance for Environmental Sustainability in Uganda: A Collective Community Engagement Approach through Theatre for Development

With the rapid economic development and population growth in Uganda, people have neglected the protection of the ecological environment to satisfy the pursuit of material life. This article discusses an ongoing Theatre for Development (TfD) project in which I explore through a Practice as Research (PaR) methodology the significance of community engagement and collective learning through TfD in pursuing environmental sustainability goals in Kigorobya, Hoima District–Bunyoro sub-region, Uganda. The ongoing work investigates how multi-stakeholder partnership and participation of people achieved in TfD can foster sustainable use of environmental resources. The practice-based research project is predicated on the notion that achieving environmental sustainability requires concerted collective community action. Consequently, to achieve ownership of environmental issues, all stakeholders in the community need to be mobilized and engaged in a collective effort to achieve a safe and habitable environment. The project interrogates: to what extent can TfD be posited as a process of achieving a plenitude of praxis and reflection on the deep-seated issues pertaining to environment sustainability?

The Long-Term Dynamics of Walleye Pollock Stocks in Relation to Oceanographic Changes in the East Sea

The decline in walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) stocks in Korean waters is a major concern for fishery conservation and management. However, the causes and mechanisms of this collapse remain unclear. This study investigated the complex dynamics influencing the abundance of walleye pollocks in the East Sea of Korea over several decades, by analyzing data from long-term changes in biological factors including composition of length and sex, catch, and oceanographic condition. Prior to the mid-1980s, the catch ratio of juveniles was higher than that of adults, with a higher proportion of females in both juvenile and adult catches compared to males. Especially, high fishing pressure on female individuals can be an important factor contributing to declining reproduction. Consequently, after the mid-1980s, there was a sudden decline in juvenile pollock catches. In the late 1980s, there was a rapid increase in sea surface temperature (SST) in the spawning grounds, resulting in a decrease in both the duration of suitable temperature for spawning and the regional proportion for suitable spawning conditions. Consequently, the decline in pollock stocks after the late 1980s due to overfishing of pollock in the mid-1980s was further exacerbated by the effects of SST warming after the late 1980s. These findings highlight the impact of overfishing and environmental factors on pollock stocks and indicate the need for appropriate fishery management practices to ensure the sustainable use of fishery resources.

A Stochastic Production Frontier Analysis of Factors That Affect Productivity and Efficiency of Logging Businesses in Virginia

Abstract Understanding the effect of the relationship between timber harvesting attributes on loggers’ productivity and efficiency is crucial for the feasibility and expansion of sustainable forest management and logging. We applied a stochastic production frontier model to firm-level operational data collected from 202 loggers in Virginia, United States, in 2019. Logging equipment value, physiographic region, tract area, number of workers and crews in the woods, college education level, and harvest type statistically increase harvesting productivity. Harvesting productivity in the Coastal Plain was the greatest of all physiographic regions, and pine clearcut productivity was statistically greater than that of hardwood thinning. On the other hand, manual felling reduces harvesting productivity. We found an average efficiency rate of 67% among firms in our sample, which is similar to that found in the literature. The estimated values can show factors that improve forest harvest productivity through better planning and investments while improving the sustainable use of inputs and resources. Study Implications: We empirically analyzed factors affecting logging productivity and efficiency in the southern US state of Virginia. Increased productivity was associated with working in the Coastal Plain physiographic region, investing in logging equipment, increasing the number of workers and crews in the woods, increasing pine clearcut as opposed to hardwood thinning, choosing optimal harvesting tract size, and having a college education as opposed to no high school degree. Manual felling reduces harvesting productivity, and average BMP implementation time does not affect harvesting productivity. Our results can be used as a guide in planning future decisions to increase logging productivity.

Sustainable food chains designed for optimised resource use: Optimising downscaled food chains for sustainable resource use: A comprehensive case study on tomato juice

As consumers increasingly prefer locally sourced food, there is a growing movement towards optimising resource use and reducing emissions in supply chains. While Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) traditionally emphasise social and institutional proximity, this study strategically addresses the environmental impact by implementing innovative technologies on a smaller scale. This article explores the possibility of implementing a mobile processing unit (FOX unit) that utilises two innovative technologies, one for gentle juice extraction (spiral filter) and the other for preservation of freshly pressed products (pulsed electric fields - PEF). The study investigates a solution that could streamline the supply chain between producers and consumers by offering a decentralised and modular approach to processing. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), tomato juice production is compared under traditional thermal pasteurisation (Scenario 1) and the FOX unit (Scenario 2). This study also assesses the impacts of centralising production and shipping raw materials between countries (Scenario 3), considering the FOX unit as part of the evaluation. Further analysis includes relocating this unit to the countries of raw material origin (Scenario 4). Data retrieved from literature, databases, and practical trials, revealed that tomato juice production with the FOX unit led to a 15% reduction in environmental impact across all categories compared to traditional thermal pasteurisation. When relocating the unit, the overall environmental impact decreased as the volume of processed raw materials increased, reaching levels comparable to the results obtained from shipping 1 ton of raw material to a centralised location in various studied countries (with variations in midpoint categories depending on the location, such as 200 tons in France, 15 tons in Italy, and 45 tons in Spain), albeit with variation in the categories. This study highlights the potential environmental benefits of integrating the FOX unit in SFSCs, offering valuable insights for sustainable food supply chain practices.

Editorial Wetlands for human well-being

Editorial Wetlands for human well-being

Marine-Derived Peptides with Anti-Hypertensive Properties: Prospects for Pharmaceuticals, Supplements, and Functional Food.

Hypertension, a major health concern linked to heart disease and premature mortality, has prompted a search for alternative treatments due to side effects of existing medications. Sustainable harvesting of low-trophic marine organisms not only enhances food security but also provides a variety of bioactive molecules, including peptides. Despite comprising only a fraction of active natural compounds, peptides are ideal for drug development due to their size, stability, and resistance to degradation. Our review evaluates the anti-hypertensive properties of peptides and proteins derived from selected marine invertebrate phyla, examining the various methodologies used and their application in pharmaceuticals, supplements, and functional food. A considerable body of research exists on the anti-hypertensive effects of certain marine invertebrates, yet many species remain unexamined. The array of assessments methods, particularly for ACE inhibition, complicates the comparison of results. The dominance of in vitro and animal in vivo studies indicates a need for more clinical research in order to transition peptides into pharmaceuticals. Our findings lay the groundwork for further exploration of these promising marine invertebrates, emphasizing the need to balance scientific discovery and marine conservation for sustainable resource use.

Preliminary Diagnosis of Integrated Coastal Management in Colombia

Over the years, a growing number of coastal areas around the world have been affected by the mismanagement and misuse of their natural resources, which has attracted the interest of countries to implement strategies that modify public policies to create actions with a sectoral focus towards the coastal zone, with achieving sustainable use of the seas and coasts. Colombia, being a megadiverse country due to the large number of coastal ecosystems that make it up, has been affected by environmental problems such as pollution, loss of biodiversity and damage to ecosystems due to construction and infrastructure. Due to the above, the objective of this research is to carry out a preliminary diagnosis, supported by a search for documents associated with integrated coastal management through the Google Scholar platform, in such a way that allows us, taking as a guide the decalogue of Barragán (2012), to know the current situation of the coastal areas of the Republic of Colombia. In the results we find that Colombia has policies that aim to implement the sustainable use of coastal resources, however, it does not have regulations that have Integrated Coastal Management as their main theme, which causes the competencies and institutions interested in contributing to the protection of natural resources do not have adequate legal support. On the other hand, relevant advances were found in terms of instruments related to Integrated Coastal Management as well as in education and sustainability, since initiatives for education and training have been implemented. Important advances have also been found in the knowledge and distribution of information in digital media. There are several universities that offer master’s and doctoral degrees with a focus on coastal management, but unfortunately the offer is not enough. Likewise, there are not enough financial resources for the implementation of integrated management, and although citizen participation is incipient, it is becoming more and more organized. Keywords: Politics, coastal zone, environmental problems, natural resources, Colombia.

Agroindustrial By-Products as a Source of Biostimulants Enhancing Responses to Abiotic Stress of Horticultural Crops.

Together with other abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperatures, salt stress is one of the most deleterious environmental factors affecting plant development and productivity, causing significant crop yield reductions. The progressive secondary salinisation of irrigated farmland is a problem as old as agriculture but is aggravated and accelerated in the current climate change scenario. Plant biostimulants, developed commercially during the last decade, are now recognised as innovative, sustainable agronomic tools for improving crop growth, yield, plant health and tolerance to abiotic stress factors such as water and soil salinity. Biostimulants are a disparate collection of biological extracts, natural and synthetic organic compounds or mixtures of compounds, inorganic molecules and microorganisms, defined by the positive effects of their application to crops. The growing interest in biostimulants is reflected in the increasing number of scientific reports published on this topic in recent years. However, the processes triggered by the biostimulants and, therefore, their mechanisms of action remain elusive and represent an exciting research field. In this review, we will mainly focus on one specific group of biostimulants, protein hydrolysates, generally produced from agricultural wastes and agroindustrial by-products-contributing, therefore, to more sustainable use of resources and circular economy-and primarily on the consequences of their application on the abiotic stress resistance of horticultural crops. We will summarise data in the scientific literature describing the biostimulants' effects on basic, conserved mechanisms activated in response to elevated salinity and other abiotic stress conditions, such as the control of ion transport and ion homeostasis, the accumulation of osmolytes for osmotic adjustment, or the activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems to counteract the induced secondary oxidative stress. The collected information confirms the positive effects of biostimulants on crop tolerance to abiotic stress by enhancing morphological, physiological and biochemical responses, but also highlights that more work is needed to further establish the molecular mechanisms underlying biostimulants' effects.

Linking ecosystem pressures and marine macroinvertebrate ecosystem services in mangroves and seagrasses

African coastal ecosystems encompass high biodiversity that provides crucial ecosystem services (ES). However, the supply of these ES is threatened due to ecosystem degradation, which threatens human well-being and livelihoods. This study investigated the link between pressures and the ES provided by marine macroinvertebrates (MMIs) in mangroves and seagrasses. We assessed ecosystem condition (marine protected areas, MPAs), pressures, namely climate change (sea surface temperature and sea level), land-use and land-cover changes, overexploitation (mangrove deforestation and overfishing), and core MMI ES (provisioning, regulation, cultural). Our results revealed a low ratio of MPAs compared to the Aichi Target 11, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive conservation strategy. Sea temperature and level showed an increasing trend, indicating the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to climate change. The decline in mangrove forest cover highlights the need to mitigate adverse effects of land-use change. The increasing number of artisanal fishery licences suggests increased pressure on MMIs, which can have severe consequences for local communities. MMI food production, particularly shrimp, and recreational fishing increased in the last 2 decades. Regulation services and cultural services related to research and education varied through time due to the limited availability of data. This information was used to develop an exploratory conceptual model illustrating the complex relationships among pressures, condition, MMI ES, and management goals for the sustainable use of marine resources and their connection with food security. Our findings underscore the importance of preserving MMI populations and habitats while addressing knowledge gaps to enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems.

Sustainable aquatic resource management and inland fisheries in tropical Asia: Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches

The intensive utilization of tropical inland water bodies for multiple and sometimes competing activities underlines the necessity for their integrated and holistic co-management. This paper presents our synthesis on lake and reservoir fisheries in South and Southeast Asia as social–ecological systems, based on a synopsis of our research findings from a previous EU-funded research programme in Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Philippines (FISHSTRAT project). The paper attempts to merge our results with recent developments in research, policy and practice. We explore the effects of the main external and internal control mechanisms of the trophic state and pinpoint to the high production potential of traditionally unexploited small indigenous fish species. The limitations of conventional centralized management systems highlight the importance of introducing transdisciplinary approaches which integrate limnology, fish ecology and fisheries with the interests of other resource using stakeholders and decision makers in order to develop locally appropriate co-management strategies for sustainable aquatic resource use.