Well-being Of Local Communities Research Articles

An Analysis of Transformation of Teaching and Learning of Japanese Schools that Significantly Addressed Education for Sustainable Development

Abstract Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) requires learner-centred and interactive teaching strategies such as critical thinking, participatory decision-making, value-based learning, and multi-method approaches, all of which to some degree contrast traditional lecture-based teaching practices. As there is very little evidence providing international comparison across different educational backgrounds, the research digs deeper into the effects of a pluralistic ESD approach to teaching in the context of Japanese primary and secondary education. Based on answers from a questionnaire administered by head teachers in 469 ESD schools, the present research shows that teachers recognise that at least in relation to the local environment, community welfare, and depopulation of communities, the students are increasingly aware of their role and the need to act ambitiously to create a sustainable society. In these teacher comments about ESD methods, the main emphases were on the whole system, for example, the use of integrated studies (referred to 37 times), cross-curriculum development (13), and the ESD calendar (12). The fact that ESD is learner-centred (26), learning in the society (23) focused on collaboration with local community, and based on active learning (20) also frequently appeared. The research also reveals that by using local resource materials and conducting experiential activities, studentsí awareness of their local district deepens, and students then start to tackle with difficulties of local society such as declining population, protection of natural environment, and preservation of traditional culture by themselves. However, it cannot be said that teachers clearly understand their role as coaches and change agents, and there were no reported cases of teachers and students collaboratively designing school activities. Thus, there is still space for more profound teaching and learning growth in ESD in Japan.

Modeling current and future freshwater inflow needs of a subtropical estuary to manage and maintain forested wetland ecological conditions

Riverine input is essential for the sustainability of the estuaries, wetlands, and swamps into which they flow. An existing coastal ecosystem model was used with forested wetland and fish habitat indicators to evaluate current environmental conditions as well as future restoration projects via 50-year simulations of riverine flow with sea level rise and subsidence. The objective of this study was to utilize the Integrated Compartment Model developed for the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s 2017 Coastal Master Plan to understand how alternations of riverine flow from existing rivers and future restoration projects may influence the spatial and temporal distribution of wetland habitats and suitability of fish habitats. The model was applied to the Lake Maurepas ecosystem where the Amite River flows into the lake and supports vital fisheries for surrounding communities, as well as a unique and valuable recreational resource. Additionally, the Amite River nourishes the marshes and swamps around Lake Maurepas that are essential for storm surge protection for the broader region. Modeling results suggest that the major contributing factor to the freshwater conditions to the Lake Maurepas area is the challenge of relative sea level rise − the combination of rising seas and subsidence. Fresh forested areas comprised of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) and tupelo gum (Nyssa aquatica) in Maurepas Swamp decrease significantly under all future climate and relative sea level rise simulations except when future restoration projects are utilized. An estimated ∼1000km2 of fresh forested wetland could be maintained over a 50-year period when considering certain restoration projects that increase freshwater flow and under climate change-related rainfall patterns, sea level rise and subsidence. However, modeled results indicate that more than 100% of the current riverine flows into the Maurepas Swamp region are still not sufficient to fully counteract the impacts of the assumed future sea level rise scenario and maintain the current forested wetlands surrounding Lake Maurepas. The higher salinities and more estuarine open water areas provide additional habitat in the future that will likely be more suitable for spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), and adult bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli) than largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Modeled future conditions of this ecosystem can inform restoration agencies and organizations by helping to prioritize and plan for future decades by incorporating critical factors such as sea level rise, subsidence and precipitation patterns, including the possible need to plan and prepare for changes in the fish communities and consider how that might influence the well-being of local communities.

Analysis of Successful Strategy to Develop Sustainable Marine Ecotourism in Gili Bawean Island, Gresik, East Java

The sustainability of resources and marine ecotourism in Gili Bawean Island is still developing to the current day. The management is conducted individualistically and is currently far away from being integrated and sustainable. It is important that stakeholders understand the island’s condition and the urgency of coastal resources, to determine collective action, which leads to sustainable ecotourism on the island. This research aimed to discover stakeholders’ involvement in determining key variables and formulate a strategy of marine ecotourism development based on possible future scenarios in Gili Bawean Island, Gresik Regency, East Java. The field study was done through an expert meeting of stakeholder representatives on March–April 2017. The data was analyzed using Participatory Prospective Analysis (PPA), a comprehensive and quick framework, which was designed to demand requests in structural anticipation and exploration and also to focus on interaction and consensus among stakeholders. The results of this research show that five main variables should be emphasized in developing marine ecotourism on the island, including tourist activities, institutions, and economic activities, as well as the quality of human and natural resources. Counting heavily on those variables, it is hoped to create an integrated marine ecotourism development. Coordination among stakeholders can be declared successful when the tourist objects are managed better, and the quality of tourist destinations and the number of tourist visits increase noticeably. Good governance of marine ecotourism contributes to increments in tourist amenities, boosts the welfare of local communities, and secures sustainability of local natural resources.

Does cognition-specific computer training have better clinical outcomes than non-specific computer training? A single-blind, randomized controlled trial

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between non-specific computer training (NCT) and cognition-specific computer training (CCT). Design: Randomized controlled experimental study. Setting: Local community welfare center. Subjects: A total of 78 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were randomly assigned to the NCT (n = 39) or CCT group (n = 39). Intervention: The NCT group underwent NCT using Nintendo Wii for improving functional performance, while the CCT group underwent CCT using CoTras for improving function of the cognitive domain specifically. Subjects in both groups received 30-minute intervention three times a week for 10 weeks. Main measures: To identify effects on cognitive function, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) digit span subtests, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Trail Making Test–Part B (TMT-B), Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and Modified Taylor Complex Figure (MTCF) were used. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the Short-Form 36-item questionnaire. Results: After 10 weeks, the WAIS subtests (digit span forward: 0.48 ± 0.08 vs. 0.12 ± 0.04; digit span backward: 0.46 ± 0.09 vs. 0.11 ± 0.04) and HRQoL (vitality: 9.05 ± 1.17 vs. 2.69 ± 1.67; role-emotional: 8.31 ± 1.20 vs. 4.15 ± 0.71; mental health: 11.62 ± 1.63 vs. 6.95 ± 1.75; bodily pain: 4.21 ± 2.17 vs. 0.10 ± 0.38) were significantly higher in the NCT group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: NCT was superior to CCT for improving cognitive function and HRQoL of elderly adults with MCI.

Carrying Capacity Model Applied to Coastal Ecotourism of Baluran National Park, Indonesia

The resources of Baluran National Park have been used for marine and coastal ecotourism. The increasing number of visitors has led to the increasing of tourists and its related activities. This condition will cause the degradation of resources and the welfare of local communities. This research aims to determine the sustainability of coastal ecotourism management by calculating the effective number of tourists who can be accepted. The study uses the concept of tourism carrying capacity, consists the ecological environment, economic, social and physical carrying capacity. The results of the combined carrying capacity analysis in Baluran National Park ecotourism shows that the number of 3.288 people per day (151.248 tourists per year) is the maximum number of accepted tourists. The current number of tourist arrivals is only 241 people per day (87.990 tourists per year) which is far below the carrying capacity.

Health Impacts of the M74 Urban Motorway Extension: A Natural Experimental Study

Background In 2011, a five-mile extension to the M74 motorway was opened in Glasgow, United Kingdom, constructed through a predominantly urban, deprived area. We assessed how this new motorway affected travel and activity patterns, road accidents and wellbeing in local communities, and explored how these impacts were experienced and brought about. Methods We conducted a mixed-method controlled before-and-after study. Data were collected from repeat cross-sectional survey samples of 1345 and 1343 adults, recruited in 2005 and 2013 respectively. Of these, 365 formed a longitudinal cohort; 196 took part in a quantitative sub-study using accelerometers and global positioning system receivers; and 30, living within 400m of the new motorway, took part in a qualitative sub-study along with 12 other informants. Complementary analyses used police STATS19 road traffic accident data (1997-2014) and Scottish Household Survey travel diaries (2009-2013). We defined three study areas - the first containing the new M74 motorway extension, the second containing an established motorway and a third control area with no motorway. Within each area, we calculated individual measures of motorway proximity. Using regression analyses, we explored the relationship between living near a motorway and travel behaviour, physical activity, wellbeing and the incidence of road traffic accidents, complemented by novel qualitative methods. Results Both benefits and harms were identified. Cohort participants living closer to the new motorway experienced reduced mental wellbeing over time compared with those living further away (SF8 mental component summary -3.6, 95% CI -6.6 to -0.7). In repeat cross-sectional analyses, participants living closer to a new motorway junction were more likely to report using a car at follow-up than those living further away (odds ratio 3.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 10.7). We found weaker quantitative evidence of a decline in physical activity participation, and no quantitative evidence of an overall change in either active travel or accidents, associated with motorway exposure. Qualitative evidence suggested that while the new motorway improved connectivity for those with dispersed social networks and access to motor vehicles, the impacts were more complex for others, some of whom found the motorway to be a cause of severance. Changes in community cohesion and perceptions of personal safety were widely perceived as more important to local people. Conclusions While we identified both benefits and harms, overall these findings highlight the potential for new major road infrastructure to add further burdens to already disadvantaged communities, exacerbating inequalities and contributing to poorer health outcomes.

Comments: Shale Sustainability

Editor's column Public and government concern over unconventional oil and gas production continues. Hardly a month goes by before another study into the potential health effects of shale production is launched or a public hearing is conducted regarding the impact of a project on the local landscape. For example, last month the Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project opened a public health registry to track and analyze the impact of shale gas development on people living near wells, pipelines, and other infrastructure. That followed the release of a Duke University study that concluded that hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale did not pollute groundwater in West Virginia but that wastewater spillage contaminated some surface water. Many of the reports and studies are drawing similar conclusions—that hydraulic fracturing poses little or no risk but that contamination can occur during the transportation or treatment process. Shale oil and gas development has certainly changed the world order in these commodities, from OPEC strategy and commodity prices to global import/export patterns. The US, with abundant gas still depressing prices, is becoming an exporter of liquefied natural gas rather than an importer. Shale oil is largely responsible for the low oil prices of the past 2 years, turning the US into the world’s “swing” producer, a position Saudi Arabia once held. Industry resiliency amid low oil prices led to slashing of service company costs, operational efficiencies, and high-grading of properties. As service costs now begin to rise, profitable production in a world of USD 40–60/bbl oil will require further innovation. But the industry also continues to face regulatory challenges based on environmental concerns. Maryland has recently followed New York in legislating against hydraulic fracturing. A new book, Sustainable Shale Oil and Gas: Analytical Chemistry, Geochemistry, and Biochemistry Methods by Vikram Rao and Rob Knight argues that this type of policymaking is hampered by inadequate data, which in turn is caused by shortcomings in analytical techniques. The authors describe new cost-effective analytical methods for detecting fugitive methane as well as particulate matter and volatile organic chemicals, including a portable shoe-box-sized mass spectrometer with performance approaching that of a laboratory machine. The last line of the book states, “That which cannot be measured, cannot be regulated or otherwise controlled or exploited.” They apply this reasoning to improving the economics of recovery as well. The book discusses analytical methods to illuminate the unconventional reservoir, including a fascinating method using DNA sequencing to characterize reservoir rock through examination of microbial populations. The book lays out how analytical chemistry, geochemistry, and biochemistry play prominent roles in hydraulic fracturing and that they are central to the three tenets of sustainable production: protecting the environment, protecting the well-being of local communities, and profitability. Innovation has been a necessity for survival in the low oil and gas price market, and continued innovation will result in an industry resilient to future unexpected challenges. And the authors contend that that innovation and production is achievable in environmentally responsible fashion.

Multidimensional Analysis of Water Poverty and Subjective Well-Being: A Case Study on Local Household Variation in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Water poverty is difficult to evaluate because it is multidimensional. It is determined not only by the availability of water sources but also whether communities have adequate access to clean, uncontaminated water. It is also dependent on the resource needs of those using the water. Under the premise that water scarcity is multidimensional, we use a Water Poverty Index approach using Principal Component Analysis to develop an index at the household level in 10 villages in one large farming community to examine each household’s subjective view of well being as a result of water poverty. This paper reviews how water resources endowments and depletion because of indiscriminate disposal of untreated industrial wastewater, household sewage and climate change are posing serious threats to water poverty at the household level in developing agrarian economies like Pakistan. We report from our results that both the perceived level of pollution and the proximity to clean and polluted water sources matter significantly for subjective well-being in rural households of Pakistan. The villages closer to polluted water sources are unhappier while the villages, which have better access to fresh water, have relatively higher subjective well-being. A strong implementation of environmental protection measures and regional strategies are suggested to alleviate water poverty and increase subjective well-being in local communities.

A management model to assist local communities developing community-based tourism ventures: a case study from the Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACTA number of authors have endorsed the view that community-based tourism (CBT) can improve the well-being of local communities through the generation of economic and social benefits. This study proposes a management model that may be employed to assist local communities develop ventures of this nature. The findings of a study of a relatively successful CBT venture on Marajó Island in the Brazilian Amazon were used in tandem with a review of the literature to build the model based on an action pathway approach. Semi-structured interviews were employed to identify the sequence of actions that occurred commencing when the CBT venture was first suggested to the present. The results indicate that participation, partnerships, encouragement and acquisition of skills are important elements in developing CBT. The study also found that transfer of ownership from an external actor to the community will only be successful if the community has the required management skills necessary to run the project as a commercial business. The model that emerged from this research has the ability to be widely used to assist communities embarking on CBT ventures.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECOTOURISM-BASED FISHERMEN HOUSING ON PANNIKIANG ISLAND

Pannikiang Island is an ecotourism area developed by the government of Barru Regency. The exist e nce of ecotourism is expected to bring positive influence to the local community, especially to the local fishermen’s housings. Nevertheless, the housing quality and the welfare of local community are as yet weak. This reserach aims to analyze the proper and integrated development directives with environmental potential. The method used in the research is descriptive method by applying qualitative, quantitative, comparati ve and spasial analysis. Based on the analysis, the development directives of ecotourism-based housing on Pannikiang Island is semi-intensive tourism activities that give the knowledge as well as the education for tourists, fishermen’s housings is developed as an support accommodation to ecotourism activity and having double function as a homestay and a place where processed marine and mangrove are marketed, enhancing the quality of the ecotourism facilities and infrastructure and furthermore, the development of ecotourism based on community participation.

Health impacts of the M74 urban motorway extension: a mixed-method natural experimental study

Background Making travel easier can improve people’s access to opportunities, but motor transport also incurs substantial undesirable health and social impacts. Aims To assess how a new urban motorway affected travel and activity patterns, road accidents and well-being in local communities, and how these impacts were experienced and brought about. Design The Traffic and Health in Glasgow study, a mixed-method controlled before-and-after study. Setting Glasgow, UK. Participants Repeat cross-sectional survey samples of 1345 and 1343 adults, recruited in 2005 and 2013, respectively. Of these, 365 formed a longitudinal cohort, 196 took part in a quantitative substudy using accelerometers and global positioning system receivers and 30, living within 400 m of the new motorway, took part in a qualitative substudy along with 12 other informants. Complementary analyses used police STATS19 road traffic accident data (1997–2014) and Scottish Household Survey travel diaries (2009–13). Intervention A new 5-mile, six-lane section of the M74 motorway, opened in 2011 and running through predominantly deprived neighbourhoods in south-east Glasgow, with associated changes to the urban landscape. Main outcome measures Differences in self-reported travel behaviour (1-day travel record), physical activity (short International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and well-being [Short Form 8 Health Survey (SF-8) and a short version of the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale], and in the incidence of road traffic accidents. Methods A combination of multivariable cohort, cross-sectional, repeat cross-sectional and interrupted time series regression analyses comparing residents of the ‘M74 corridor’ intervention area and two matched control areas, complemented by novel qualitative spatial methods. Graded measures of the proximity of the motorway to each participant’s home served as a further basis for controlled comparisons. Results Both benefits and harms were identified. Cohort participants living closer to the new motorway experienced significantly reduced mental well-being (mental component summary of the SF-8 scale) over time compared with those living further away [linear regression coefficient –3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) –6.6 to –0.7]. In the area surrounding an existing motorway, this association was concentrated among those with chronic conditions. In repeat cross-sectional analyses, participants living closer to a new motorway junction were more likely to report using a car at follow-up than those living further away (odds ratio 3.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 10.7). We found weaker quantitative evidence of a decline in physical activity participation and no quantitative evidence of an overall change in either active travel or accidents associated with motorway exposure. Qualitative evidence suggested that, although the new motorway improved connectivity for those with dispersed social networks and access to motor vehicles, the impacts were more complex for others, some of whom found the motorway to be a cause of severance. Changes in community composition and cohesion, and perceptions of personal safety, were widely perceived as more important to local people. Limitations A key limitation of natural experimental studies is that the risk of residual confounding cannot be eliminated. Conclusions Overall, these findings highlight the potential for urban infrastructural projects of this kind to add further burdens to already disadvantaged communities, exacerbating inequalities and contributing to poorer health outcomes. The health and social impacts of such initiatives should be more fully taken into account in planning and research. Funding The National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research programme.

Measuring the Unmeasured: Cultural Heritage Studies in Honor of Prof. Francesco Forte

This paper presents the contributions of Francesco Forte to the measurement of art and cultural goods and services, as I worked with him as his co-author. These contributions range from the valuation of art goods by the art matrix we conceived, to the valuation of the cultural welfare of nations, regions and local communities. Our work also assessed the provision of cultural welfare at the national, regional and local level for the public and non-profit sectors and measured the efficiency and effectiveness of museum bureaucracies. We also studied the profitability of investments in the arts by considering product life cycles, artistic movements and economies. More recently, with Michele Caputo, we focused on the long-run life cycle and success of the movie industry for select countries competing with foreign movie industries and TV entertainment by adopting Caputo’s fractional derivatives theory, which captures the role of past history. Professor Forte and I also developed the Differential Touristic Development Index to measure the effects of art and cultural enterprises as tourist attractions. The most innovative contributions of Francesco Forte to the measurement of the economic value of cultural goods and services demonstrate that it is possible to “measure the unmeasured,” and therein improve public collection of statistical data with the goal of increasing the preservation and valuation of cultural goods and services and highlighting their potential as economic multipliers.

Magnitudes, sources, and management of beach litter along the Atlantico department coastline, Caribbean coast of Colombia

Twenty-six beaches belonging to Atlántico department, Caribbean coast of Colombia, were surveyed to determine magnitudes, sources, and management of litter. Beach litter was observed along the entire coastline, and a total of 7,597 items weighing 412 kg were collected from all 26 beaches surveyed. The average abundance of litter found along the study area was 2.9 items m−1. Vegetation debris and plastic items dominated the samples respectively with 59% (Avg: 1.72 items m−1) and 27% (Avg: 0.82 items m−1). Other litter groups were polystyrene 3% (Avg: 0.1 items m−1), rubber 3% (Avg: 0.08 items m−1) and glass 2% (Avg: 0.04 items m−1). Metal, organic, processed wood, paper and biohazards items reached 5%, while textiles and miscellaneous represented less than 1%. Concerning buoyancy characteristics, the most represented litter category was persistent buoyant litter (with 91% of items), followed by short-term (6%) and non-buoyant litter (3%). The primary source of litter corresponds to litter transported by rivers, mainly the Magdalena River, together with human activities related to beach use (i.e. tourism). Litter produced poor scenic scores along the Atlántico department coastline and improvement can easily upgrade scenic beach quality scores. Results such as those given are necessary to identify, improve and conserve beaches standards together with the contribution that they make to the environmental, social and economic, well-being of local communities. Beach litter management along the study area (as well along the Caribbean coast of Colombia) must be based on strategies to reduce or eliminate litter sources. For that, it is necessary to consider beach types to define the intensity and periodicity of actions to be implemented.

PENGEMBANGAN POTENSI PARIWISATA, EKONOMI LOKAL BERBASIS E-COMMERCE KAWASAN WISATA GUNUNG IJEN KAB. BANYUWANGI

The era of globalization make the move into tourism industry's largest and strongest in the financing of the global economy. The development of tourism has three functions Promote the economy; Maintaining the national identity and preservation of function and quality of the environment; foster a love for the homeland and the nation. Rapid technological advances that make more rapid dissemination of information. The purpose of the study is to examine the promotion of e-commerce can increase the number of tourist visits in the tourist area of Mount Ijen and through the increase in traffic would improve the welfare of local communities. The study population was a tourist visitor Mount Ijen by taking the sampling method using a random sampling of 350 samples, data collection techniques using questionnaires and interviews. Methods of qualitative and descriptive analysis using bivariate analysis. The results of this study indicate that the tourism promotion Ijen crater through e-commerce can increase the number of tourist visits. Ijen crater tourism information through the Internet easier and cheaper to obtain travel information. With the increasing number of tourist visits Ijen crater members positive impact on the welfare of local communities, especially sulfur miners who were around tourist sites Mount Ijen.

Philanthropy and the Third Sector in Korea: Overview, Extent, Activities, and Impacts

This is a part of a major work undertaken by the Asia Pacific Philanthropy Information Network (APPIN. This segment on Indonesia is divided into two sections. The first section provides an overview of philanthropy (including zakat and sadaqa), the third sector (including waqf or Muslim foundation), historical growth, policy environment, and the laws related to incorporation and tax treatment of the third sector. The second section provides an overview of an activity-based classification, identifying various fields internationally where non-profit organizations are active. The Johns Hopkins Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project developed the International Classification of Non-Profit Organisations or ICNPO. We used this classification to explore the variety of third sector activity in each country, but we extended the ICNPO to include trading co-operatives. Traditionally, philanthropy in Indonesia has been spontaneous and un-planned occurring within the family or neighborhood. Different community or occupational groups used to have their own informal bodies like Subak in Bali organised to ensure sustainability of water supply from common-pool resources. There also have been organized philanthropic activities in a hamlet or a village for protecting and creating public goods. There also have been self-reliant community organizations (LSMs) working to improve social and economic conditions as well as the welfare of local communities through community participation. Most importantly 500,000 or so arisan groups participated by housewives, employees, or young men for mutual savings, called pre-cooperatives, facilitate significant amount of savings to meet many financial needs of the members. Besides the above philanthropic activities, religion-based philanthropy is also practiced in Indonesia. For example, Muslims (85% of the population in Indonesia) provide zakat ul mal, zakat ul fitr, sadaqa, etc in charity. There are 623,829 mosques; 41,874 Protestant churches; 12,406 Catholic churches, 68,861 Hindu temples; and 7,424 Buddhist monasteries available for religious practices and educations in Indonesia (as of 2000). These organizations collect funds, build religious facilities, provide religious educations, and promote religious ethics and morale values. The re-emergence of democracy in 1998 resulted in many changes in the government’s policy and strategies. The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights issued a new law on foundation in August 2002. The newly created NGOs (mostly as foundations) are demanding and undertaking stronger roles in the on going political and democratic reform activities. Thus the identity of the Indonesian NGOs is being established as civil society organizations fighting for democracy. Some civil society organizations played considerable advocacy and consciousness raising roles in Indonesia for decades. For example, Nahdatul Ulama (NU), the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia, with millions of members, 330 branch offices, 6,000 traditional boarding schools or Pondok Pesantren, and 21,000 schools throughout the country has been an influential civil society organization since the beginning of the 20th century. Muhammdiyah, as the oldest Islamic non-profit organization in Indonesia, followed a similar path. Both the organizations, following the revival of democracy moved to national politics. The NU established its own political party, the Partai Kebangkitan Bangsa (PKB, or National Awakening Party) in 1999. One of the charismatic leaders of Muhammadiyah founded a political party, Partai Amanat Rakayat Nasional (PAN, or National Mandate Party) in 1999. These two newly formed political parties provided a president and the speaker of the parliament, respectively, to reinforce influence of the civil society organizations in Indonesian politics.

Redefining Eco Tourism from Society Development Triangle: Case of Merauke, Papua, Indonesia.

Ecotourism is a tourism industry that is strategic to the improvements of local community welfare. In contradiction to the tourism industry in general that is packed with modernity and massive material investment, ecotourism takes its basis on its self potency which is explored from the value and the resources of the nature. The different basis of the development of tourism industry potency could become one chance for many regions in Indonesia that are remarkable with their natural resources. This article proposes the model for developing eco tourism industry based on the society’s empowerment. Among the various definitions about ecotourism, this article offers a model of ecotourism which is developed on the basis of the study of the potency in Merauke. This model was developed by considering 3 main factors, namely, the nature, the local community as the subject and local wisdom preservation as the guidance of the development of tourism industry. As an area which lies on the border with subtropical climate, Merauke has the conditions of flora and fauna which cannot be found in other areas in Indonesia. The unique environmental background makes this area very potential for eco tourism. Meanwhile the people empowerment will help the citizens who are able to manage themselves through the local wisdom preservation. The research method of this study is qualitative which is based on the literary study and field data.

Economic development via dam building: The role of the state government in the sarawak corridor of renewable energy and the impact on environment and local communities

Since 1970, as a consequence of Malaysia’s New Economic Policy (NEP) and its integration into the global economy, the development achievements and per capita GDP growth of the resource-rich state of Sarawak have been impressive—although not without problems. Since timber and petroleum resources are exhaustible, and there is a concern with finding new sources of growth and revenue, the federal and state governments advocated industrial diversification in 2008 via the development of a multibillion-ringgit regional development corridor called the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE). Central to the success of the huge developmental corridor was cheap hydroelectric power (HEP). For the Sarawak government, SCORE’s launch and eventual success were based on the availability of abundant water resources and suitable hydropower dam sites in the state. Yet, SCORE is likely to contribute to further environmental degradation and impact negatively upon the livelihoods and welfare of local communities. This paper examines this recent development trend and its consequences. Specifically, it examines the role of the Sarawak state government in advocating the construction of numerous HEP dams, the role of foreign and local investment in SCORE, and their collective impact upon the environment and local communities. What this paper reveals is the nexus of close relationships that binds key politicians in the state administration with crony businesses associated with foreign-linked contracts that has proven to be destructive socially and environmentally

A Communication Network for Local Community Welfare in the Philippines: An Alternative Approach Using Mobile Phone Technology

Objectives: The main objective of this study is to design and develop a communication network facility utilizing the Short Message Service (SMS) of the mobile phone. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In disseminating the SMS among the people in the local community, a mobile broadband device, and a computer station is added to the existing network structure of the mobile phone. These devices were used to receive SMS, processed and forward the SMS information to the desired recipients based on the incorporated keyword. To ensure authenticity and network security, some mechanisms such as the registration of the senders and the designated responders and classification of messages based on their sources and content are being implemented. Findings:The designed communication facility was deployed and tested in a village. Results of the study showed that the communication facility is reliable and efficient in receiving and processing of SMS and as well as the channeling of SMS information to the desired respondents. Moreover, evaluation of its acceptability and usability yields positive affirmation thereby validating the need and significance of the communication facility. Application/Improvements:The study can be extended to other towns or municipality using the same architecture. The system can also be upgraded and improved which can cater not only SMS but also Multimedia Services (MMS).

Health impacts of the M74 urban motorway extension: a natural experimental study

BackgroundIncreasing people's mobility can improve access to diverse opportunities, but new roads are associated with noise and community severance, and their effects on physical activity, injuries, and health inequalities are poorly understood. This study investigated how an urban motorway, opened in Glasgow in 2011, affected travel and activity patterns, injuries, and wellbeing in local communities, and how these impacts were experienced and brought about. MethodsThis was a mixed-method, controlled, before and after natural experimental study. We conducted multivariable cohort, cross-sectional, and repeat cross-sectional analyses of survey responses from adults resident in the M74 corridor (intervention area) and two matched control areas, one surrounding the existing M8 motorway and one with no motorway (numbers by area: baseline [in 2005] 449, 431, 465, respectively; follow-up [in 2013] 430, 446, 467; cohort participants 126, 112, 127). We also conducted interrupted time-series analyses of police casualty data (STATS19 forms, 1997–2014; n=78 919), and thematic analysis of ethnographic data from 42 participants using constant comparison. Graded exposure measures based on the log distance of the motorway from each participant's home served as a further basis for controlled comparisons. The study was approved by the University of Glasgow Faculty of Medicine (ref FM01304) and Social Sciences (refs 400120077, 400130156, and 400130157) ethics committees. FindingsLiving closer to the new motorway was associated with an estimated 3·6 unit (95% CI 0·7–6·6) reduction over time in mental wellbeing (mental component summary score [MCS-8] of SF-8) per unit of proximity in cohort analysis, and associated with a greater likelihood of car use at follow-up in repeat cross-sectional analysis (odds ratio 3·4, 95% CI 1·1–10·7). We found some evidence that participation in physical activity declined among cohort participants living closer to the existing M8 motorway (0·4, 0·2–0·9). We found no evidence of changes in active travel (survey data) or casualties (STATS19 data). Although the new motorway improved connectivity for individuals with more dispersed social networks and access to a motor vehicle, the impacts on those with neither of them were more complex and sometimes negative. Changes in community composition and cohesion, and perceptions of personal safety, were widely perceived as more important influences than was the opening of the motorway. InterpretationAlthough the study identified both benefits and harms, overall these findings highlight the potential for new major road infrastructure to add further burdens to already disadvantaged communities, exacerbating inequalities and contributing to poorer health outcomes. FundingNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research Programme. The funder had no role in the design of the study, the analysis or interpretation of the data, the writing of the abstract, or the decision to submit it for publication.

A systematic review of motivational values and conservation success in and around protected areas.

In conservation projects in and around protected areas (PAs), a suite of policy instruments are used to promote conservation behavior in local people. Few studies have related psychological research on motivational values to conservation in PAs. We conducted a systematic review of 120 peer-reviewed articles to assess the relative frequencies of policy instruments that aimed to foster intrinsic versus extrinsic motivations to conserve. We examined how the type of motivation engendered by the instrument (i.e., intrinsic or extrinsic motivation and based on the description of how the project was designed and implemented) influenced the ecological, economic, and social success of the project. We assessed the success of the project in only the case studies that included a quantitative or qualitative analysis of success. Projects designed to foster at least one intrinsically motivating instrument were 3 times more likely to meet socioeconomic or ecological goals. Although certain types of instruments such as payments or fines tended to be based on extrinsic motivators more often than education or monitoring programs, several successful projects involving payments or fines were linked to intrinsic motivation in the local community. Thus, our results suggest that rather than debating the relative merits of specific types of policy instruments, conservationists may have more success by focusing on how different motivators, suited to specific contexts, can better empower local communities to conserve. Broadly, our results suggest the current emphasis on social justice and well-being of local communities is a positive step toward protecting the world's remaining biodiversity.