Unsustainable Utilization Research Articles

REDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF UNSUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION OF FORESTRY RESOURCES IN NIGERIA

Introduction: The unsustainable utilization of forest resources in Nigeria has led to deforestation, biodiversity loss. And climate change impacts, posing sustainability and socio-economic implications, and propose strategic interventions for sustainable forest management. Utilizing theoretical frameworks in ecological economics and sustainable development, the research explores the complex dynamics between forest resources exploitation and environmental degradation. The findings highlight the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, incorporating policy reforms, community-based resources management, and the promotion of alternative livelihoods to ensure sustainable forest utilization. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on forest resource management in developing economies and offers actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to address the challenges of unsustainable forest resource utilization in Nigeria by identifying root causes, evaluating impacts, and proposing sustainable strategies to mitigate environmental and socio-economic consequences. Method: The study employs a mixed-methods approach by adopting the doctrinal method on the sources of the law, the interpretation and analysing of relevant statutes, conventions and regulations by way of a critique of existing legal material on the subject of forest resources utilization and development. And assessment of existing forest management policies and their effectiveness in addressing sustainability goals. Implications of Research; The study underscores the importance of adopting holistic, inclusive, and adaptive strategies to address forest resource challenges in Nigeria. Key policy implications include: Strengthening enforcement mechanisms forest conservation laws. Promoting community-based forest management practices. Facilitating alternative livelihoods to reduce dependency on forest exploitation. Encouraging afforestation and reforestation programs to restore degraded ecosystems. Originality/Value: This research provides a novel perspective by integrating ecological economics and sustainability frameworks to analyze forest management challenges in Nigeria. It offers practical and actionable solutions tailored to the unique socio-economic and ecological context of the country. By engaging diverse stakeholders, it ensures that the proposed strategies are inclusive and realistic, enhancing their potential for successful implementation. Conclusion: Unsustainable forest resource utilization in Nigeria poses a significant threat to environmental socio-economic sustainability. This study highlights the critical need for holistic, multi-stakeholders approaches to address the drivers of deforestation and promote sustainable practices. By leveraging community participation, policy reforms, and capacity building, Nigeria can achieve a balance between forest conservation and socio-economic development, ensuring a sustainable future for its forest and communities.

Economic valuation of changes in ecosystem services of 77 Ramsar wetlands in West Asia over 37 years (1984–2021)

SummaryIn the West Asia region, the vulnerability of Ramsar Convention wetlands due to unsustainable utilization driven by water scarcity continues to grow. Here, a global surface water product generated by the European Joint Research Centre was used to assess changes in surface water in 77 wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention over a 37-year period (1984–2021). By combining this product with a quantitative valuation model, estimates were made of the economic value of the ecosystem services provided by these wetlands, enabling the determination of the economic losses resulting from any reduction in surface water. We show that 20% (7550 km2) of permanent surface waters in Ramsar sites have disappeared or are no longer classified as permanent. Based on this, USD 106 billion of the economic value of wetlands ecosystem services have been lost. Additionally, 33% (12 100 km2) of seasonal surface waters in these wetlands have experienced a decrease in area. Iran and Iraq account for 90% of water losses, primarily in 34 wetlands (30 in Iran and 4 in Iraq). These findings underscore the urgent need for water management policies and conservation strategies in the West Asia region.

Patterns of Mangrove Resource Uses within the Transboundary Conservation Area of Kenya and Tanzania

Mangrove forests provide a wide range of goods and services that sustain communities around the world. This paper explores utilization patterns of extractable mangrove resources by communities within the proposed Kenya–Tanzania transboundary conservation area (TBCA). Some 152 household surveys and 12 nominal group technique discussions were carried out. At least 16 direct-use products were reported to be extracted from the mangroves, with 90% of households found to use mangrove products. Changing patterns of mangrove use in the areas and accessibility point towards unsustainable utilization and promote illegal activities. Mangrove use patterns also show a high level of mangrove dependence by communities for their livelihood. Overharvesting of mangrove wood products is reported to be the major threat facing the forests. There is a need to address the problems of open access through capacity building and awareness creation, development and implementation of harvest plans, and introduction of alternative livelihood options. The results of this study can be used to inform development of the proposed TBCA as well as the establishment of a conservation policy in order to contribute to sustainable utilization of mangroves. These findings are important within the TBCA as well as similar environments around the world.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants of Tehsil Deedwana, District Deedwana-Kuchaman, Rajasthan

Abstract: The aim of present survey is to identify and documenting the plants used in the area of Deedwana regions of Deedwana-Kuchaman district, Rajasthan, India. The study aimed to identify and classify the medicinal plants, document indigenous knowledge related to their therapeutic properties, and assess their cultural and economic significance. Recently, focus is given to study of herbal drugs and traditional remedies. The present study highlights useful ethnobotanical information about the uses of plants by the inhibitant of central part of Rajasthan specially of the Deedwana as medicine traditionally. A total of 331 species of angiospermic plants belonging to 218 genera and 65 families were recorded from this area, out of them a total of 83 species of plants representing 74 genera and 40 families employed in the literature as traditional medical practice have been recorded from the study area. Ailments such as mental disorder, diorrhoea, fever, skin-problems, dysentery, rheumatism, jaundice, piles etc. are mostly treated with the different medicinal plants traditionally. The survey will be helpful in formulate strategies for future conservation. Though many of these plant species have immediate attention for their conservation. Due to overgrazing, encroachments, unsustainable utilization and other developmental activities in the regions, several persistent medicinal plant species are on the verge of extinction

Evolutionary adaptation in the laboratory and the process of retrograde engineering augment autotrophic proliferation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Genetic engineering provides various avenues for CO2 transformation into biological matter or bio-substances, aiding in mitigating the unsustainable utilization of organic raw materials that contribute detrimentally to global warming. The employment of widely recognized industrial microorganisms, like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for the creation of innovative carbon (C) biomanufacturing frameworks may detach biological technology from raw materials with potential substitute applications in agricultural output. Lately, the primary C utilization of S. cerevisiae was rewired through a systematic manipulation strategy, enabling the resultant strains to achieve autotrophic growth with a maximum growth rate (μmax) of 0.002 h−1, which was subsequently enhanced to 0.02 h−1 via evolutionary engineering. By employing retrograde gene manipulation to manipulate Copy Number Variations (CNVs) variations happening in the genes encoding hexokinase and nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) following evolution, we assessed their impact on the enhanced self-sustaining characteristics. The modified CNVs induced reduced catalytic capabilities in potential bifurcation reactions and energy-balancing-related chemical processes. Moreover, we demonstrate how subsequent evolution enables peroxisomal intake and augments proliferation in self-sustaining circumstances. The genetically modified S. cerevisiae strains provide a foundation for the advancement of a versatile innovation that harnesses CO2 for the manufacturing of high-value goods, including cellular organic matter, specialized catalysts, and compounds while circumventing the consumption of organic raw materials alongside potential substitute applications in agricultural output. Additionally, the detection and validation of three critical mechanisms might facilitate the assimilation of foreign CBB cycles or analogous routes to foreign microorganisms.

High-resolution assessment of the carrying capacity and utilization intensity in mountain rangelands with remote sensing and field data

Dry rangelands provide resources for half of the world's livestock, but degradation due to overgrazing is a major threat to system sustainability. Existing carrying capacity assessments are limited by low spatiotemporal resolution and high generalization, which hampers applied ecological management decisions. This paper provides an example for deriving the carrying capacity and utilization levels for cold drylands at a new level of detail by including major parts of the transhumance system. We combined field data on vegetation biomass and communities, forage quality, productivity, livestock species and quantities, grazing areas and their spatiotemporal variations with Sentinel-2 and MODIS snow cover satellite imagery to develop maps of forage requirements and availability. These products were used to calculate carrying capacity and grazing potential in the Pamir-Hindukush Mountains. Results showed high spatial variability of utilization rates between 5% and 77%. About 30% of the area showed unsustainable grazing above the carrying capacity. Utilization rates displayed strong spatial differences with unsustainable grazing in winter pastures and at lower elevations, and low rates at higher altitudes. The forage requirements of wild herbivores (ungulates and marmots) were estimated to be negligible compared to livestock, with one tenth of the biomass consumption and no increase in unsustainably grazed pastures due to the wider distribution of animals. The assessment was sensitive to model parameterization of forage requirements and demand, whereby conservative scenarios, i.e. lower fodder availability or higher fodder requirements of livestock due to climate and altitude effects, increased the area with unsustainable grazing practices to 50%. The presented approach enables an in-depth evaluation of the carrying capacity and corresponding management actions. It includes new variables relevant for transhumance systems, such as the combination of forage quantity and quality or accessibility restrictions due to snow, and shows utilization patterns at high spatial resolutions. Regional maps allow the identification of unsustainable utilization areas, such as winter pastures in this study.

Evaluation of water resources sustainable development in karst area based on the improved emergy ecological footprint model: A case study of Yunnan Province

Abstract This study combined emergy theory with water ecological footprint to analyze and evaluate the sustainable development status of water resources in Yunnan Province from 2012 to 2021. The water pollutant account and the water product account were supplemented to the water ecological footprint. The results showed that the water resources in Yunnan Province were generally in an ecological deficit during the study period, but their absolute values were very small. The ecological pressure index of water resources was high, while the sustainable utilization index of water resources was low, indicating that the water resources were in a state of unsustainable utilization. However, the emergy ecological footprint of water resources and the emergy ecological footprint of water resources of 10,000 Yuan GDP showed a decreasing trend, and the eco-economic coordination index of water resources was relatively high, indicating that the water resources will show a sustainable development trend in the future. The sustainable development of water resources was influenced by both natural ecological factors and social factors. Therefore, suggestions such as improving the utilization rate of water resources development, developing a green low-carbon economy, preventing and controlling water pollution, and protecting the water environment are conducive to promoting the sustainable development of water resources.

Biotechnological approaches for in vitro propagation, conservation and secondary metabolites production in Bulbophyllum, an endangered orchid genus: a review.

Bulbophyllum represents the largest genus in the family Orchidaceae. The orchid species of this genus are widely used in the traditional medicine systems in different Asian countries such as China, India, Indonesia and Thailand. Studies on the secondary metabolites of Bulbophyllum have revealed the presence of important phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, steroids and glycosides. Some species of Bulbophyllum are reported to be of horticultural importance for their unique flowers. Habitat destruction and unsustainable utilization of different species of Bulbophyllum have led to a decline in the natural populations. The present review provides insights into the phytochemistry and ethnomedicinal uses of different species of Bulbophyllum, and highlights the biotechnological approaches developed for its conservation and sustainable utilization. Overall, the details provided in the present review can potentially be used for genome editing and biotechnological advances to develop plants with improved traits, which will be essential for the judicious utilization of the Bulbophyllum species so as to conserve and save the populations in the wild.

Digital economy, resource richness, external conflicts, and ecological footprint: Evidence from emerging countries

The overexploitation and unsustainable utilization of important natural resources owing to economic progress have accelerated the negative externalities of overwhelming consumption leading to massive increases in ecological footprint. In addition, the situation of increasing conflicts poses severe challenges, such as energy insecurity, increased fossil fuel use, and environmental unsustainability. However, the transformation of energy systems and economic processes by stimulating clean energy utilization and supporting the process of digitalization may influence resource usage and environmental footprints. Accordingly, this study investigates the impact of natural resources, digital economy and clean energy on ecological footprint in emerging countries from 2003 to 2018 by including external conflicts in the model. The Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG) method is employed which produces panel estimates robust to cross-sectional dependence (CSD) and slope heterogeneity. The empirical results indicate that natural resources expand footprints in emerging economies and pose serious threats to ecological quality. However, the digital economy and clean energy help to reduce ecological footprint. In addition, decreasing conflicts curtail ecological footprint while economic progress worsens environmental quality. Based on these estimates, comprehensive policies for energy transition, sustainable natural resource use, and digitalization are directed to support environmental quality.

Economic viability analysis of recycling waste plastic as aggregates in green sustainable concrete

Plastic waste management is one of the major global challenges at present. Recycling single used plastic waste as partial replacement of natural aggregates in concrete may reduce problems regarding mismanagement of plastic waste and unsustainable utilisation of natural resources as aggregates. This concept has been explored in many studies and positive results are obtained, but it has not been materialized at a large scale due to the uncertainty regarding economic viability. The present study therefore focuses on the economic aspects of using Polyethylene based fine aggregates and Polyethylene Terephthalate based coarse aggregates as partial replacement (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) of natural fine and coarse aggregates separately and simultaneously, with special emphasis given on environmental and social cost. A material flow diagram using STAN is first developed to calculate plastic waste generation. An industrial survey has been conducted to estimate production cost of plastic aggregates, while social cost as WTP is determined through CVM method. The result shows that the total cost of concrete decreases with increase of replacement percentage and cost reduction varies between 0.65% and 7.58% compare to conventional concrete depending on the percentage and type of replacement without compromising strength. So, alongside being hugely beneficial to environment and society in terms of reduction of leachate and greenhouse gas generation, micro-plastic pollution, requirement of landfill area, mosquito borne diseases, erosion, sedimentation, land loss etc.; the concept of recycling plastic waste as partial replacement of natural aggregates in concrete has been proved to be economically viable and beneficial too.

Feasibility Study of Managed Aquifer Recharge Deployment on the Island of Vis (Croatia)

Over the last decades, the quality and quantity of the Mediterranean freshwater resources have significantly deteriorated due to climate change, unsustainable utilization, user conflicts, and seawater intrusions. On the small and remote island of Vis, where similar issues prevail, the need for alternative water management solutions has yielded managed aquifer recharge (MAR) as a promising option for increasing the safety and resilience of the local and autonomous water supply. By performing a cost–benefit analysis (CBA) to evaluate the feasibility of the deployment of an infiltration pond method in the Korita well field, the results evidenced a positive financial performance and sustainability of the proposed MAR solution. In addition, the overall economic benefits of the project, quantified through the willingness-to-pay method, significantly exceeded its costs, as evidenced by the high benefit/cost ratio of 2.83. The most significant uncertainty related to the infiltration pond method is represented by the high sensitivity to changes in the applied hydrological assumptions (i.e., the evaporation coefficient and number of annual infiltration pond recharges). This study aims to contribute to the understanding of interrelated socio-economic factors of MAR projects in karst aquifers, and represents the first of its kind in Croatia.

Construction and demolition waste management in Jordan: a multifaceted perspective

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the multifaceted challenge of managing construction and demolition waste within the context of the Jordan construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Using data sourced through desk research, interviews and questionnaires, this study examines the principal causes of increased volumes of construction and demolition waste, as well as the obstacles to both developing and implementing better waste management strategies. Findings This study identifies multiple causes of issues related to waste management and barriers to developing and implementing solutions and concludes by recommending a holistic approach to this multifaceted problem. A lack of adequate construction waste management infrastructure, regarding both physical facilities and regulations, was highlighted as the key challenge. Social implications The accumulation of waste that results from construction and demolition activity, and activities characterized by unsustainable utilization of raw materials and inefficiency are a global issue. The challenge of effectively managing construction waste is importantly tied to factors including the availability of the necessary infrastructure; economic conditions; and the scarcity of skilled laborers, among others. Originality/value This study focuses on the Jordan construction industry, which is so far not very well researched. By building upon previous studies, this study supports further research to illuminate the causes of waste and the barriers to better management, an issue that is not only a pillar of progress at the country level but also key for a sustainable development in general.

Improved Fe(II) regeneration from actual ferric sludge using a biocathode with granular sludge

Ferric sludge pollution and unsustainable utilization of Fe(II) reagent were tough nuts to crack for homogeneous Fenton treatment. Previous Fe(II) regeneration methods are still limited by high reagent consumption or low regeneration rate. In this work, granular sludge was introduced into the biocathode of microbial electrolysis cell (MEC), to improve Fe(II)-regeneration rate from actual ferric sludge at near neutral pH. Wastewater constituents in the bioanode of dual-chamber MEC were used as the reducing power to regenerate Fe(II). In the flow-through biocathode, 175 ± 16 mg/L of dissolved Fe(II) was efficiently regenerated from actual ferric sludge. The regeneration rate of dissolved Fe(II) was 7.2 times higher than that of the previously reported biocathode. Besides, the actual and synthetic ferric sludge had a similar Fe(II) regeneration performance. Interestingly, recalcitrant organics and 20 mg/L NO3–N in ferric sludge were removed by 96% and 100% during Fe(II) regeneration. The biomass in the granular sludge biocathode was 12 times that of the control biocathode, in which Clostridium sensu stricto dominated. These findings provide insights and theoretical support for developing a viable biotechnology platform, to close the gap for the efficient and sustainable iron cycle.

Building sustainable ecosystems through community education

Borana Conservancy lies in the Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem in Laikipia County, just north of the Equator in Kenya. Borana, together with its neighbour Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC), is now home to 132 eastern black rhinos (Diceros bicornis michaeli) and 122 southern white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum simum). The population of black rhinos represents at least 13% of Kenya’s black rhino population. Borana’s work revolves around ‘the four Cs’: conservation, community, culture and commerce, showcasing best practices for sustainable living. The long-term goal of the Conservancy is to provide a sustainable ecosystem, in partnership with its neighbours and community, for critically endangered species on the brink of extinction. However, the survival of Borana’s rhinos and other wildlife, is threatened by the unsustainable utilization of natural resources and rangelands across Laikipia County. Expanding human populations are placing significant pressures on these rangelands, exacerbating years of over-utilization and poor management. According to Dr Dino Martins formerly of Mpala Research Centre in Laikipia, livestock stocking rates on many communally owned ranches and conservancies are estimated to be 50 times higher than the recommended ecological carrying capacity (ECC). Many of the current generation of pastoralists believe that the degraded rangelands in their landscape are normal, not realizing that the rangelands should be covered with grass that would retain moisture, sequester carbon, secure water sources, and support biodiversity, if properly utilized and the livestock carrying capacity were reduced to the ideal balance. Although the local schools teach theoretical environmental science, there is no exposure, at a practical level, to how essential intact, functioning ecosystems serve for both humanity and biodiversity. There is an increasing acknowledgement of the value of targeted, practical conservation education programmes in helping communities living adjacent to protected areas (PAs) to develop sustainable livelihoods and allow the effective, long-term conservation of wildlife and ecosystems. The future of Borana Conservancy, and of all PAs across Laikipia, Kenya and Africa as a whole, will depend on people placing a high natural-capital value on conservation and wildlife habitats, and on their having the skills to manage the wider environment in ways that support both human livelihoods and wildlife.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Endangered Ulmusvillosa in Pakistan Revealed by DNA Barcode Markers

Ulmus villosa Brandis ex Gamble, an economically and ecologically important forest tree, is native to the western Himalayas of Pakistan. The long pressure imposed by unsustainable utilization and market demands has resulted in the rapid decline of the U. villosa population in the wild. To date, very limited information on the genomic diversity of U. villosa is available and this can tremendously limit our understanding of distribution and future conservation of U. villosa. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess genetic diversity within U. villosa wild populations of the Hazara Division using four barcoding markers (i.e., rbcL, matK XF + 5R, matK 390F + 1326R and trnH-psbA). A total of six high quality sequences were obtained with rbcL, four with matK XF + 5R, four with matK 390F + 1326R, and fourteen with trnH-psbA. The sequenced regions contained insertions and deletions as well as several SNPs across the length of sequences, and PCR-based markers may be developed from these novel SNPs markers. The phylogenetic results supported the polyphyletic origin of the genus Ulmus, and the data indicated that multiple speciation events may have led to the evolution of U. villosa in this region. For deeper understanding of the origin and evolution of U. villosa, sequencing of the complete nuclear and chloroplast genomes will be pivotal. The results herein provide novel insights into the genomic diversity as well as phylogenetic relationships of U. villosa with other species, and may facilitate both in situ and ex situ conservation efforts for this endangered species.

The influence of forest proximity to harvesting and use of provisioning ecosystem services from tree species in traditional agroforestry landscapes

ABSTRACT Traditional agroforestry landscapes play a critical role in conserving biodiversity and sustaining rural livelihoods through multiple products and services. However, an unprecedented rise in the unsustainable utilisation and management of provisioning ecosystem services from these landscapes contributes to forest biodiversity loss and impacts livelihood efforts. The objective was to evaluate the link between distance and socio-ecological determinants and the provisioning ecosystem services consumption behaviour. This study tested whether “rural people’s preferences and extent of PESs harvesting decrease as the distance from the village to forest patches increase, regardless of the prevalent socio-ecological conditions’. Using a structured questionnaire survey, data were collected in 882 households in four villages of Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province in South Africa. The data were analysed using Chi-square, Fidelity level, Use-value, Friedman test, and Generalised linear model. Consistent with the hypothesis, the results showed that local people harvest most of the provisioning ecosystem services at an immediate (1st) level, followed by intermediate (2nd) and far distance (3rd) levels. This study further revealed the existence of 108 useful tree species in the study areas. This study also found that although socio-ecological determinants influence consumption behaviour, the influence of specific socio-ecological determinants was not consistent across the different regimes of distance from the forest resources. The fact that there is a preference to use and harvest provisioning ecosystem services from the distance regime closest to the household, shows a concerted effort to conserve and enhance the abundance of multipurpose tree species in homesteads and the immediate areas.

Namares—A Surface Inventory and Intervention Assessment Model for Urban Resource Management

Densely built-up areas are challenged by reduced biodiversity, high volumes of runoff water, reduced evaporation, and heat accumulation. Such phenomena are associated with imperviousness and low, unsustainable utilisation of land and exterior building surfaces. Local authorities have multiple objectives when (re-)developing future-proof districts. Hence, exploiting local potentials to mitigate adverse anthropogenic effects and managing the resource of urban land/surfaces have become key priorities. Accordingly, a five-level hierarchy for a land-sensitive urban development strategy was derived. To support the operationalisation of the hierarchy, we present the model Namares, a highly resolved GIS-based approach to enable spatially explicit identification and techno-economic and environmental assessment of intervention measures for advantageous utilisation of available surfaces per land parcel. It uses existing data and covers the management of economic, natural, and technical resources. Nine intervention measures are implemented to identify potentials, estimate investments and annual costs, and assess the appeal of existing subsidies. The approach was applied to a case study redevelopment area in a large city in Germany. The results provide spatially explicit information on greening potentials, estimated investments, subsidy demand, and other quantified benefits. The case study results show the limited potential for additional unsealing of impervious surfaces by transforming ca. 10% of sealed ground surface area into new urban gardens. At the same time, up to 47% of roof and 30% of facade surfaces could be utilised for greening and energy harvesting. The approach enables a comprehensive localisation and quantitative assessment of intervention potentials to enhance decision support in land-sensitive urban development strategies.

Re-evaluation Survey of Fish Composition, Abundance and Distribution in Agbokim Waterfalls, Nigeria

Alterations in the diversity of the ichthyofauna of a tropical waterfalls system can be affected by unsustainable utilisation of the fisheries resources, anthropogenic activities, runoff from faulty agricultural practices and environmental perturbation. To re-establish the status of the fish composition and diversity of Agbokim Waterfalls, monthly fish samples obtained from the fishery and physico-chemical properties were investigated in rainy and dry seasons, for six months along the length of the three reaches of the waterfalls. The results revealed a total of 833 fish specimens representing 18 species belonging to 15 genera from 9 families which is in deficit of four fish species, in the previous study which are Alestes nurse (Characidae), Aphyosemion gardneri (Cyprinodontidae), Pelmatochromis guntheri and Hemichromis fasciatus (Cichlidae). Cichlidae, Clariidae and Bagridae were the most abundant families accounting for 54.4% of the total catch with Cichlidae (23.17%) as the most dominant family and Mockokidae (1.68%) as the least with Tilapia zillii (15.4%), Clarias gariepinus (10.9% ) and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (9.5%) as the most dominant species accounting for 35.8% and Synodontis clarias (1.7%) with the least abundance. Fish species distribution in the downstream reach was dominant with 15 taxa and 607 (72.9%) individuals and in the midstream reach with 11 taxa but least (12.6%) number of individuals. Shannon Wiener diversity index for the six months was 2.7101 with Evenness value of 0.9376. The Richness index of Margalef’s was 2.5279 and Menhinick’s 0.6237. Seasonal variations in physico-chemical properties showed that, dissolved oxygen and conductivity were significantly (P< 0.05) higher in the raining season while pH showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Temperature was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the dry season than in the raining season. The hydrological properties showed a significantly higher mean values of rainfall (364.67± 0.00 mm) in the rainy and transparency (45.55± 1.58) in the dry season at (P < 0.05). In order to determine the cause of decline in fish species composition and abundance, further research on the heavy metals profile of the waterfalls is suggested.

Enjoying the Heat? Co-Creation of Stakeholder Benefits and Sustainable Energy Development within Projects in the Geothermal Sector

Analysis of the sustainability implications of the geothermal industry has tended to take a high-level or systemic overview of national performance rather than deeper, stakeholder-focused investigations. This study seeks to begin to fill this gap in the literature, investigating the following research question: how do projects in the Icelandic geothermal energy sector create co-benefits with stakeholders and reflect the integration of sustainable energy development (SED)? The focus of the analysis is identifying the stakeholders, what the sustainability benefits co-created with stakeholders are, and when in the projects’ life-cycle do these occur. Based on eleven semi-structured interviews with project managers in Iceland’s geothermal industry, the study identifies an array of stakeholders in the sector, including national and municipal governments, public sector institutions, businesses, the public, employees, and landowners. The sustainability co-benefits of Iceland’s geothermal power projects are broad and cut across all six aspects of SED and multiple phases of the project life-cycle. Although the sustainability benefits are apparent, trade-offs are reported between pursuing an economically efficient energy system and nature conservation. This relates to unsustainable utilization of the resources and the environmental externalities of power production and consumption. Efforts to mitigate these effects are ongoing, and further pursuit of SED is likely in Iceland given its recognition within the nation’s new energy policy and to meet ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in the government’s climate action plan. These are prominent issues in other nations seeking to decarbonize energy systems through increased utilization of geothermal resources.

Ecosystem services of Hurri hills, a montane woodland ecosystem in the arid lands of northern Kenya

Hurri hills (HH) is an ungazetted mountain range in the northern part of Kenya in Marsabit County, harbouring a diverse range of ecosystems. The mountain range has been experiencing land conversion for town expansion, agricultural production and settlements threatening ecosystem service (ES) provision. Sustaining ES provision under increasing anthropogenic pressures is one of the challenges of the HH community. We used focus group discussions (FGD) in seven locations targeting eighty-two participants to identify ES, their importance, perceived drivers of change and the potential impacts on these ES. Preference ranking and Content analysis were used to determine the frequency of ES and their threats. The Jaccard similarity coefficient (J) was used to compute the similarity in ES and their threats in different locations. The FGD identified over 40 ES categorised under provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural services. The primary ES provided by HH includes water (both domestic and livestock), pasture, fuelwood, thatch grass, cultural sites, cultural material, wildlife habitat, agriculture /settlement, and climate regulation. The Jaccard index of similarity varied at 0.73 for ES, 0.27 for forage species, 0.52 for fuelwood species, 0.29 for medicinal species and 0.36 species for building purposes while the index for threats to ES provision was 0.91. The study established the presence of wildlife species of both local and international importance classified between, near threatened and endangered. Overgrazing, unsustainable utilisation of forest resources, deforestation and climate change were the main drivers impacting ES provision. These results underline the significance of HH as a biological and socio-economic system to the local population. These results further support the need for community centred participatory resource use planning that integrates the inherent threats to the provision of ES in the HH ecosystem. The study recommends undertaking a detailed baseline survey to establish the status and distribution of the main plant and animal taxa to advise the viability of establishing community conservancies in a bid to conserve the ecosystem.