Sustainable Community Research Articles

Waste Segregator: Waste Management Prototype

Smart Waste Dustbins utilize IoT, AI, and computer vision for efficient waste management. They feature multiple compartments, sensors, and automatic lid mechanisms for real-time waste sorting. Computer vision and AI algorithms accurately identify and segregate waste. Smart Waste Dustbins monitor fill levels and offer a user-friendly interface for public engagement. Sensors include ultrasonic, moisture, and metal sensors for proximity, moisture analysis, and metal item segregation. Smart Waste Dustbins revolutionize waste management, enhancing efficiency in segregation, recycling, and collection processes, leading to reduced environmental impact and improved resource utilization for sustainable communities.

Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil

The current effective method of mitigating soil acidity is the application of lime. However, the costs associated with acquiring lime make it challenging for small-scale farmers in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the liming potential of ground eggshells relative to aglime and its effect on P availability in two acidic soils differing in textural classes, and its subsequent effect on the growth of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.). Two soils used in the study were sandy clay loam, which had an initial pH of 4.52, and sandy loam with an initial pH of 5.23. Both lime sources were applied at a rate of 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 t/ha through incubation for 120 days. Our results indicated that applying eggshells and aglime significantly increased soil pH within 7 days (p < 0.05) compared to the 0-rate application across all application rates in both soil types. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in pH between the two applied lime sources. Plant-available P was not significantly different between the applied lime sources at all application rates and the 0-rate application; however, the two lime sources increased plant-available phosphorus above 25 ppm, which is the minimum health level of plant-available phosphorus. The results of plant yield showed no differences (p > 0.05) between the plant dry weights. However, Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy clay loam showed poor and stunted growth while Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy loam did not exhibit poor and stunted growth. According to the study’s results, eggshells have a similar liming effect as aglime and their dissolution rate is similar; therefore, eggshells can be used as a substitute of aglime to increase soil pH. Using eggshells as a substitute for aglime could offer substantial benefits to small-scale farmers by reducing input costs and providing a locally sourced, sustainable alternative. This approach can also enhance economic sustainability in rural communities by promoting the recycling of agricultural by-products and making essential soil amendments more affordable and accessible.

Rethinking Local Government Asset Management in Indonesia: Governance, Planning, and Policy Evaluation

Effective asset management is essential for enhancing operational efficiency and achieving sustainable development within local governments in Indonesia. This study explores key challenges in asset management, focusing on governance, planning, and policy evaluation. Several critical issues are identified: fragmented governance, insufficient transparency and coordination, outdated asset inventories, and misalignment between asset management practices and broader development goals. Policy evaluation mechanisms are also inadequate, failing to measure asset utilisation effectively. These challenges lead to inefficiencies in resource allocation, underutilisation of assets, and missed opportunities for local economic growth. The findings align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which promotes efficient resource use, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), which supports enhanced infrastructure management. Addressing these goals enables local governments to align asset management strategies with broader sustainability objectives, fostering equitable growth and long-term development. Through a qualitative literature review, this study analyses data from government reports and prior research to highlight these challenges and propose solutions. An integrated approach—aligning governance frameworks, improving asset management planning, and strengthening policy evaluation—can overcome the identified barriers. By adopting this model, local governments can optimise asset management, leading to improved efficiency, better resource utilisation, and sustainable development. Future research should explore applying this framework across regions in Indonesia to validate its effectiveness.

Machine Learning-Based Local Knowledge Approach to Mapping Urban Slums in Bandung City, Indonesia

Rapid urban population growth in Bandung City has led to the development of slums due to inadequate housing facilities and urban planning. However, it remains unclear how these slums are distributed and evolve spatially and temporally. Therefore, it is necessary to map their distribution and trends effectively. This study aimed to classify slum areas in Bandung City using a machine learning-based local knowledge approach; this classification exercise contributes towards Sustainable Development Goal 11 related to sustainable cities and communities. The methods included settlement and commercial/industrial classification from 2021 SPOT-6 satellite data by the Random Forest classifier. A knowledge-based classifier was used to derive slum and non-slum settlements from the settlement and commercial/industrial classification, as well as railway, river, and road buffering. Our findings indicate that these methods achieved an overall accuracy of 82%. The producer’s accuracy for slum areas was 70%, while the associated user’s accuracy was 92%. Meanwhile, the Kappa coefficient was 0.63. These findings suggest that local knowledge could be a potent option in the machine learning algorithm.

7.C. Scientific session: Commercial determinants of health: impeding attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract The commercial determinants of health (CDOH) and the adverse impacts they have on health equity globally, have recently emerged as an innovative growing field of research in public health. The corporate playbook comprises a myriad of strategies and tactics that aim to enhance profitability for the commercial actors, while harming health and posing grave risks to planetary health for current and future generations. The literature however, rarely explicitly makes the connection between commercial determinants and the impact they have on the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations in 2015. This workshop aims to use the commercial determinants of health framework as a new approach to draw attention to, and make linkages between, commercial determinants and the challenges they pose to the attainment of several if not all the global SDGs. The four presentations showcase exemplars of the commercial determinants to include the firearms industry, fossil fuel industry, food industry and the tobacco industry focusing on impacts in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The workshop will start with a brief overview of the CDOH framework, their corporate playbook, and the progress in SDG attainment globally while presenting the first case on the firearms industry trade impacting armed conflicts that impede SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing), 10 (reduced inequalities), and 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions). The second presentation will discuss how the fossil fuel industry uses greenwashing tactics to conceal its harmful activities thereby compromising SDGs 7 (affordable and clean energy), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and 13 (climate action). The third presentation will address how the tobacco industry impedes the advancement of SDG 3, 8 (decent work and economic growth), 13 (climate action) and 17 (partnerships for the goals) perpetuated by national system level attributes. The last presentation will showcase how the food industry challenges SDG 3 in its production of ultra-processed foods. The workshop will draw on evidence from LMICs, but is also eye opening for high-income countries of Europe which face industry interference in social and health policymaking progress in SGD attainment. The audience will be engaged in a short warm-up exercise at the start of the workshop through an app for real-time feedback accessed through a QR code on the screen, and will interact with the presenters at the end of the workshop if time permits. Key messages • All commercial actors pose a direct or indirect threat to progress in attaining the SDGs. • The commercial determinants of health pose are in direct contradiction to the SDG 17 through their corporate playbook.

Sustainability in the Next Generation Hospital. Needs and Requirements collection from healthcare infrastructures supply chain stakeholders with One Health approach

Abstract Technological, demographic, epidemiological, environmental and social changes require investment in new sustainable hospital infrastructure; there is a lack of guidelines and interaction between Stakeholders. In February 2022, the Joint Research Platform Healthcare Infrastructures (JRP HI) was established consisting of Hospital Strategic Directions and Industrial Partners in Italy. Starting from the WHO Techincal Brief “Hospitals of the Future”, a national survey was carried out via web-survey and semi-structured interviews with a sample of 30 stakeholders to collect the main drivers and constraints for innovation and the framework from a One Health perspective and in terms of sustainability. The main needs to be addressed through the guidelines refer to digitalization (27%), flexibility (32%), environmental sustainability (36%) and economic sustainability (27%) as well as flow management (18%) and hospital infection (14%). The participants consider SDG-3 ‘Good Health and Wellbeing’ to be the most relevant for development activities. Hospital managers prioritize SDG-8 ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’ (23%); vice-versa the industrial partners suggest SDG-11 ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ and SDG- 13 ‘Climate Actions’ (32%) as topics to be addressed. Furthermore, 57% of the respondents state that they lack adequate training, budget or leadership to apply innovative strategies in the day-to-day management of the healthcare organization. The survey highlighted a lack of initiatives, budget, and standardization for enhancing environmental sustainability in healthcare infrastructures. The sustainability of building systems depends on factors such as energy consumption, alternative energy sources, thermal comfort, water usage, waste management, ventilation, lighting efficiency, air quality, and construction materials. Ensuring the adoption of monitoring systems and harmonized standards of performance measurement is crucial for increasing the environmental sustainability.

Healthy design strategies to promote Urban Public Mental Health, according to the contemporary cities’ climate resilience and the SDGs’ challenges

Abstract According to the “Urban Health Rome Declaration” at European meeting “G7 Health” that defines the strategic aspects and actions to improve Public Health into the cities, and referring to the Agenda 2030 in which the 11th SDG argue about “Sustainable Cities and Communities. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”, one of the most expressive syntheses of the challenging relationship between urban planning and Public Health is stated by WHO (2016): “Health is the precondition of urban sustainable development and the first priority for urban planners”. Referring to the Healthy Cities & Urban Health definitions, we can consider Public Health not merely an aspect of health protection and promotion, but an individual and collective condition, strongly influenced by the environmental context and by the strategies implemented by local Governments. The “Health in All Policies” strategy, clearly underlines how health doesn’t depend only on the supply of healthcare services, but also, on the quality of outdoor and indoor living environments. Aim of the Presentation 3 is the share the findings of a literature review about the link between the urban contexts’ morphological and functional features; the results are divided into: 14 Health Outcomes, representing the main Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) whose come from the urban environment’s quality and by the adoption of healthy lifestyles; 8 types of Environmental Risk Factors (Urban Heat Island Effect; soil/air/acoustic/light pollution; vehicular traffic; Safety & Security; weak attractiveness of places); and 14 Healthy Urban Planning Strategies (green/blue/grey infrastructures; biodiversity protection; adverse meteoric events management; public transport systems; vehicular traffic reduction; pedestrian and cycling paths; social and functional mix; urban solid waste’s management; renewable energy and efficiency; outdoor spaces lighting; Design for All).

Community Engagement in the Management of Urban Green Spaces: Prospects from a Case Study in an Emerging Economy

Urban green spaces (UGSs) play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in cities, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions such as the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (MRSP). However, significant challenges related to equitable management and access persist, often exacerbated by socio-environmental inequalities. While much of the existing literature on UGS management focuses on developed economies, there is a gap in our understanding of how community engagement influences UGS outcomes in emerging economies, which face unique socio-economic and infrastructural constraints. This study addresses this gap by investigating the impact of community engagement on UGS management in the MRSP, specifically examining how increased participation correlates with improved UGS access and reduced socio-environmental inequality. Utilizing survey data from 33 municipal environmental departments across the MRSP, this research applied correlation tests, generalized linear models, and a non-parametric analysis of variance to evaluate the relationships between community engagement, UGS coverage, and inequality. The findings reveal a moderate positive correlation between community engagement and UGS coverage, alongside a negative correlation with socio-environmental inequality. Increased levels of community participation were associated with greater access to UGSs and a reduction in disparities across socio-economic groups. These results underscore the potential of fostering community involvement in UGS management to promote urban equity and environmental sustainability in emerging economies, particularly through institutional support and transparent information sharing. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the long-term effects of sustained community engagement and incorporate qualitative data from community members to provide a more comprehensive analysis of participatory processes. Additionally, expanding the scope of analysis to include informal and private green spaces will offer a more holistic understanding of urban greening dynamics.

The Development of Characteristic Towns in China - Take Yangzhou as an Example

The construction of characteristic towns has been popular in recent years. These towns are trying to utilize their distinctive features to create competitive advantages and foster local economic growth. Among all types of towns, its evident that significant opportunities exist for developing tourism-focused characteristic towns in China. This paper's primary case study centers on Yangzhou, a town renowned for its rich tourism tradition in China. Also, a comparative case of Xi'an provides insights into the operational patterns and strategic advantages in tourism development. Methodologically, a hybrid approach is employed, including direct observations and a tailored survey to assess the impact of tourism on Yangzhou's residents. The findings from this research are anticipated to offer targeted recommendations for enhancing tourism development and resident satisfaction in characteristic towns like Yangzhou. Overall, this essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to the success of characteristic towns in China, with a focus on tourism, cultural and technological integration, and sustainable community development.

Promoting Responsible Tourism: Assessing Sustainable Practices, Community Engagement, and Environmental Conservation for Balancing Economic Growth and Ecological Preservation in Global Travel Destinations

This study explores the concept of responsible tourism and its role in balancing economic growth with ecological preservation in global travel destinations. By assessing sustainable practices, community engagement, and environmental conservation, the research aims to highlight the importance of a holistic approach to tourism development. Sustainable tourism practices, such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and eco-friendly infrastructure, are essential for minimizing the environmental impact of tourism activities. Moreover, community engagement is a critical aspect, as it ensures that local populations are actively involved in tourism decision-making and benefit from economic opportunities while preserving their cultural heritage. Environmental conservation efforts, including biodiversity protection, the establishment of protected areas, and eco-tourism initiatives, are crucial for maintaining the ecological integrity of destinations. This study employs a qualitative methodology, incorporating a comprehensive literature review, case study analysis, and expert interviews to gather insights into the challenges and successes of implementing responsible tourism. Case studies of destinations such as Costa Rica, Bhutan, and Kerala illustrate how these regions have integrated sustainable tourism practices while fostering community participation and environmental protection. The findings suggest that while responsible tourism presents numerous opportunities for long-term economic and ecological sustainability, challenges such as over tourism, resource constraints, and conflicting stakeholder interests remain. The study concludes that effective collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities, supported by clear policies and tourist education, is essential for promoting responsible tourism. This approach ensures that tourism not only contributes to economic growth but also safeguards the natural and cultural assets that make destinations attractive to visitors.

Customer-Centric digital transformation framework: Enhancing service delivery in SMES for underserved populations

This paper introduces a customer-centric digital transformation framework designed to enhance service delivery in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) catering to underserved populations. As digital technology becomes increasingly essential in today’s economy, SMEs face the challenge of integrating these tools effectively to serve marginalized communities. This review explores how a customer-centric approach can enable SMEs to create inclusive digital solutions that meet the specific needs of underserved populations, ultimately driving economic empowerment and social equity. The proposed framework encompasses three core components: accessibility, personalization, and engagement. Accessibility ensures that digital platforms are designed with user-friendly interfaces that accommodate individuals with varying levels of digital literacy. By prioritizing mobile optimization and providing resources in local languages, SMEs can eliminate barriers to entry and facilitate greater participation among underserved customers. Personalization is a key element that allows SMEs to tailor their offerings based on customer insights and preferences. Utilizing data analytics and feedback loops, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of their customers' needs, enabling them to deliver customized products and services that resonate with underserved populations. This tailored approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters loyalty and trust within these communities. Engagement emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful relationships between SMEs and underserved populations. By leveraging digital channels such as social media, mobile applications, and community forums, SMEs can create platforms for two-way communication and collaboration. This engagement empowers communities, allowing them to voice their needs and influence the development of products and services. In conclusion, the customer-centric digital transformation framework presented in this paper serves as a strategic guide for SMEs seeking to enhance service delivery for underserved populations. By focusing on accessibility, personalization, and engagement, SMEs can drive economic inclusion, promote social equity, and contribute to sustainable community development. This approach not only benefits the businesses involved but also creates lasting positive impacts within underserved communities.. Keywords: Customer-Centric, Digital Transformation, Smes, Underserved Populations, Accessibility, Personalization, Engagement, Economic Empowerment, Social Equity.

Evaluation of water quality and heavy metal contamination in Cauvery River: Tamil Nadu region India

Abstract Comprehensive water quality control is a fundamental requirement for environmental preservation and the sustainable development of communities around the globe. To showcase the importance of local quality controls in identifying the sources of pollution, a case study was conducted to analyze the quality of drinking water from different locations along the Cauvery River from Mettur to Trichy (200 km) in Tamil Nadu, India. The quality of water samples from different locations was indexed and compared with the World Health Organization and Indian Standards of water quality. The results indicate some high local values of TDS, hardness, and chloride content. These high values may be due to effluents from industries, dying factories, and sewage from the urban areas on the banks of the Cauvery River. This is most prevalent near Mohanur, where industrial waste and effluents were directly linked into the river. The results emphasize the importance of local quality control for accurately pinpointing the factors affecting the environment.

Promoting sustainability literacy for students in Thai higher education institution: a case of Siam University

PurposeThe objectives of this study were (1) to explore and analyze sustainability literacy of undergraduate students and (2) to propose guidelines for promoting sustainability literacy of the undergraduate students at Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand.Design/methodology/approachA 5-point rating scale survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 235 students registered in General Education courses in Semester 2 of academic year 2022. The analyzed data was presented to a focus group discussion, conducted with 19 internal and external stakeholders, as a basis to propose guidelines for promoting sustainability literacy.FindingsThe students perceived that they had better knowledge about sustainable development and sustainable development goals (SDGs) and that their knowledge about and degree of participation in SDGs-related activities were at high level. Intrapersonal competence was rated as their highest sustainability competence, followed by futures-thinking, and systems-thinking. The focus-group suggested that competency-based GE curriculum should be used as a platform to enhance sustainability literacy. Guidelines concerning learning outcomes, learning content, learning culture, learning with technology, and learning assessment were then proposed.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s methodological limitations include the use of purposive sample case of the Siam University and self-perceiving assessment survey instrument for the data collection that provide sufficient insights on the present state and problems concerning sustainability literacy of university students.Practical implicationsSustainability is one of the national pillars in Thailand 20 years strategy (2018–2037). Hence, the government encourages all educational institutions, including universities to transform themselves toward this goal. Siam University has used education program as a vehicle to meet this aspiration. Lesson learnt from the study will not only benefit the university per se but will be valuable for practices in other universities. In addition, findings and implications from the study will help accelerate the transformation of Thai higher education institutions toward sustainable universities.Social implicationsSustainability has been promoted in education and social context. Siam University is recognized as a leading university in promoting campus and community sustainability through our “living learning lab” approach. We have used social living labs for teaching and learning activities for years. Partnerships among academia, private and public sectors, as well as community members will benefit from this research.Originality/valueThe study explores the scholarly topic of significant social importance and implications in the Thai context. The present study on sustainability literacy opens a path for further research and cross-institutional and national comparative studies on the issue.

Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health Among Vulnerable Groups: A Systematic Literature Review

Objective: This study aims to explore the impact of climate change on mental health among vulnerable groups, including low-income populations, Indigenous communities, children, women, and the elderly, to highlight their unique vulnerabilities and mental health outcomes. This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), addressing the need for climate resilience and mental health equity. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in social vulnerability theory, emphasizing how structural inequalities exacerbate the impact of climate change on mental health. The framework integrates psychological theories of eco-anxiety and solastalgia, which explain the mental distress caused by environmental changes. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. This involved a comprehensive search of academic databases, screening studies, and qualitatively synthesizing data from 35 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2023. Results and Discussion: Findings reveal that climate change exacerbates mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD among vulnerable groups due to their limited adaptive capacity and exposure to climate-related hazards. Vulnerable communities, including Indigenous groups and low-income populations, experience heightened psychological impacts such as eco-anxiety and solastalgia. The results underscore the importance of integrating mental health considerations into climate adaptation policies and developing targeted interventions to enhance resilience among these populations. This study also supports global efforts toward achieving SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Research Implication: The study suggests the need for comprehensive and equitable mental health strategies that prioritize vulnerable groups in climate change adaptation planning. Policymakers must consider social equity and community-based approaches to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change. Originality/Value: This review uniquely addresses the intersection of climate change and mental health within marginalized populations, emphasizing the need for mental health integration in climate adaptation frameworks. The study highlights the underexplored psychological dimensions of climate change, providing valuable insights for developing inclusive and sustainable adaptation strategies. sustainability

Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development: Cumulative Environmental Exposures and All-Cause Mortality in Colorado Counties

(1) Background: Colorado’s (CO) Environmental Justice mapping tool, CO EnviroScreen, quantifies environmental injustices through “EnviroScreen Scores”, highlighting areas likely affected by environmental health disparities. Identifying the specific scores most strongly associated with mortality could help prioritize interventions and allocate resources to address these issues. This study contributes to sustainable development goals by examining the relationship between environmental justice indicators and population health outcomes. By utilizing the CO EnviroScreen tool, we assess how cumulative environmental exposures and vulnerabilities impact mortality rates, providing insights for sustainable planning and public health policies. (2) Methods: We assessed the cross-sectional association between county-level all-cause mortality rates in CO, using 2019 data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and three county-level component scores obtained from CO EnviroScreen: sensitive populations (i.e., health-related outcomes), environmental exposures (e.g., from air, water, noise), and climate vulnerability (i.e., risk of drought, flood, extreme heat, wildfire). A quasi-Poisson generalized linear model was utilized, incorporating covariates (county-level metrics for insufficient sleep, alcohol overconsumption, physical inactivity, and smoking) to explore associations adjusted for behavioral risk factors (n = 64 counties). (3) Results: The analysis revealed that a 10% increase in the “Environmental Exposures” component score was associated with a 3% higher all-cause mortality rate (95% CI: 1.00, 1.05), highlighting the importance of addressing environmental determinants for sustainable community health. No significant associations were observed for the “Sensitive Populations” or “Climate Vulnerability” component scores. (4) Conclusions: This study provides novel evidence of an association between the CO EnviroScreen score, particularly the environmental exposure component, and all-cause mortality rates at the county level in Colorado in 2019. The findings suggest that cumulative environmental exposures may contribute to geographic disparities in mortality risk, even after adjusting for key behavioral risk factors. These results underscore the importance of integrating environmental justice considerations into sustainable development strategies to promote equitable health outcomes and resilient communities. While our study demonstrates the utility of CO EnviroScreen in identifying areas at risk due to environmental factors, it does not establish a direct link to broader environmental justice outcomes. Further research is needed to explore specific environmental exposures and their direct impacts on health disparities to provide a more complete picture of environmental justice in Colorado.

Mother-Led Science: Rethinking Science-Based Social Movements Through Temporality and Care

This article explores the subjective and temporal modes of organizing underlying science-based social movements through an analysis of two mother-led movements in Argentina. The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo appropriated forensic anthropology and nascent DNA technologies to identify their disappeared grandchildren during the 1976–83 dictatorship. The Madres de Ituzaingó Anexo developed community-led epidemiology studies and agrochemical contamination mapping to argue for a causal relation between intensive pesticide use and high rates of childhood illnesses. We focus on how these movements delineate visions of time, responsibility, and collective action by closely examining the underlying histories and practices of each social movement as they politicized motherhood and appropriated scientific practice. We offer the concept of mother-led science through the temporal registers of constancy, desgaste, and durability to illuminate the iterative relationship between care work, creating sustainable communities and institutions, and the fragile processes of stabilizing facts. Mother-led science, with its dual claims to scientific authority in an epistemic register and maternal authority in an affective register, articulates a potent form of scientific organizing. We suggest that these affective temporalities may be present across all science-based social movements but can be obscured by narratives of linear progress toward objective truths.

Research on the Design of Child-Friendly Landscape Space in Chengdu Crown Community Based on SDG

Objective: This study aims to explore and implement a child-centred landscape space design strategy to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the old residential environment of the Crown Community in Chengdu, China. Theoretical Framework: The study constructs a theoretical framework for child-friendly communities based on the United Nations' children's rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). Method: Through literature review and field research, combined with questionnaires, this study collected 120 child samples, analyzed their behavioural needs, and proposed corresponding landscape space design strategies. Research Implications: The study found that the needs of children in the Crown Community mainly focus on natural experience, research experience, game interaction, and hiding exploration. The design strategy transforms the existing space into an art garden, a book garden, and a children's playground to meet these needs and promote the realization of SDGs. Research Significance: The study emphasizes that improving children's living environment through landscape design is significant to achieving the goals of sustainable cities and communities in SDGs. Originality/Value: This study provides an innovative approach to integrating SDGs into renovating old communities and offers a new perspective for designing child-friendly landscape spaces, which will help promote the renewal of old urban communities and the construction of child-friendly cities.

Transit-Oriented Development in Middle Eastern Cities: The Urban Renewal Framework for the Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar

Cities around the world are evolving dramatically due to urbanization. Over the last few decades, rapid urbanization coupled with rapid economic growth in Qatar has resulted in transport-related issues such as urban sprawl, traffic congestion, poor walkability, and an increasingly inefficient transit network lacking pedestrian accessibility and connectivity. The related sprawl (due to a lack of compactness), a lack of intricacy, and connectivity have challenged the built environment’s sustainability. The Souq Waqif neighborhood, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, serves as the focal point of this study. Its central positioning and status as a prominent social nexus within Doha render it an ideal case study. Specifically, this research investigates the Souq Waqif metro station, evaluating it through the lens of five distinct design aspects: (1) walkability, (2) ground use balance, (3) mixed-use spaces and public spaces, (4) multi-modality and transportation hubs, and (5) public transportation network. To reach this aim, the study methodology uses a qualitative approach informed by the Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM). The IMM framework provides a means to transform underperforming neighborhoods like Souq Waqif, into more cohesive and sustainable communities by retrofitting, renovating, and reactivating the existing urban fabric. Site observations, interviews, and surveys were used to collect data to complement the analysis. Findings highlight the deficiencies in connectivity and multimodal transportation adjacent to the Souq Waqif metro station. In addition, the ability of metro stations to conserve crucial cultural legacy and social identity in rapidly urbanizing cities like Doha is explored. To this end, recommendations are given to increase the efficiency and sustainability of Souq Waqif and the like.

The relevance of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals in the promotion of sport, physical activity, and recreation in Canada.

Canada is unique in that it has established four national strategies in support of sport, physical activity, and/or recreation (SPAR). Though some of these strategies identify potential social and environmental correlates of SPAR, and articulate societal outcomes such as changes in behaviour and health, there are no explicit links to larger global initiatives such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given that countries are expected to propose a plan for addressing the 17 SDGs, and that obvious overlap exists between several of the proposed development goals and SPAR, Canada should consider whether common indicators can be identified across these strategies and the SDGs simultaneously to facilitate more efficient and effective action. To date, the only SPAR-related indicator proposed in the Canadian plan for SDGs is the health benefit(s) associated with engagement in daily physical activity under Goal 3. Taking an evidence-informed approach for identifying those SDGs for which there are synergies with existing SPAR strategies, we suggest that other goals addressing gender equality, sustainable communities, climate action, life on the land, and peace and justice also share co-benefits with SPAR in Canada. Thus, any revisions to the existing SPAR strategies should identify linkages to the SDGs and indicators.

High carnivore richness despite human pressure and prey depletion in the south-west of the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area

Abstract Transfrontier conservation landscapes, such as the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TCA) in southern Africa, play a crucial role in preserving global biodiversity and promoting the sustainable development of local communities. However, resources to facilitate management could become scarce across large areas, leading to difficulties in obtaining baseline ecological information. Consequently, in the absence of sustainable management vast landscapes may experience loss of wildlife species, which could destabilize ecosystems. This effect is particularly significant if the loss involves top predators. Hence, understanding carnivore distributions is critical to informing management. We conducted a mammal survey in the Ondjou Conservancy in Namibia, an 8,729 km2 understudied area in the south-west of the KAZA TCA. We analysed camera-trapping data from a 2,304 km2 grid and identified high carnivore richness (18 species) despite widespread human activity and prey depletion. Using a multi-species occupancy framework we found that carnivore occurrence increased with increasing distance from the main village and with closer proximity to the Nyae Nyae Conservancy neighbouring the KAZA TCA, which has large and diverse carnivore populations. Carnivore occurrence was higher when local prey richness was high. The Ondjou Conservancy could function as an important buffer for the larger conservation network, yet rural communities in this area require support for fostering human–wildlife coexistence. Additionally, restoring the natural prey base will be critical to ensuring the long-term viability of carnivore populations in this and other human-impacted landscapes. With many remote areas of transfrontier conservation landscapes being understudied, our findings illustrate the conservation potential of such areas within large-scale conservation networks.