Showing papers in "International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology in 2012"

Principal sustainability components: empirical analysis of synergies between the three pillars of sustainability

Abstract: Starting from the concept of three fundamental sustainability dimensions (environmental, social, and economic), this study investigated professional contributions to sustainability by means of principal component analysis (PCA). Graduates from the Environmental Sciences program (N = 542) at ETH Zurich described their best professional contributions to sustainable development. Next, they evaluated whether their best practice example contributed to achieving any of the five environmental, social, and economic objectives of the Swiss national sustainability strategy. These judgments served as the basis for a PCA aiming to identify principal sustainability components (PSCs) covering typical synergies between sustainability objectives within and transcending the three fundamental dimensions. Three PSCs capturing important synergies were identified. PSC 1 Product and Process Development reflects how ecological innovation and modernization can generate social and economic benefits and at the same time facilitate...

Attitudes and opinions of local and national public sector stakeholders towards Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Botswana

Abstract: Local and national public sector stakeholders are considered to be primary stakeholders and their knowledge and support for conservation initiatives of transfrontier parks are important for sustainable management of resources. Hence, it is critical to assess the attitudes and opinions of a major stakeholder group in order to establish partnerships between protected areas (PAs), adjacent communities and other management agencies. This study employed a qualitative inquiry to identify and assess factors that influence public sector stakeholder support for community-based ecotourism (CBE) development and for conservation of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (KTP). In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to solicit data from 15 local and national representatives who have worked or resided in the Kgalagadi region for a period of at least 6 months. Findings revealed variations in opinion between local and national representatives in relation to collaboration and partnership initiatives, conservation project...

The problematic social dimension of sustainable development: the case of the Forest Stewardship Council

Abstract: The Problematic Social Dimension of Sustainable Development : the Case of the Forest Stewardship Council

Linking poverty, HIV/AIDS and climate change to human and ecosystem vulnerability in southern Africa: consequences for livelihoods and sustainable ecosystem management

Abstract: People in southern Africa are facing escalating levels of risk, uncertainty and consequently vulnerability as a result of multiple interacting stressors, including HIV/AIDS, poverty, food insecurity, weak governance, climate change and land degradation, to name but a few. Vulnerability or livelihood insecurity emerges when poor people as individuals or social units have to face harmful threats or shocks with inadequate capacity to respond effectively. In such situations, people often have no choice but to turn to their immediate environment for support. Evidence suggests that rising levels of human vulnerability are driving increased dependency on biodiversity and ecosystem services, which in turn, and along with other threats, is rendering ecosystems more vulnerable. This paper explores the dynamic and complex linkages and feedbacks between human vulnerability and ecosystem vulnerability, drawing on data from the southern African region. Human vulnerability is conceptualized as a threat to ecosystem heal...

Contingent valuation of ecotourism development in country parks in the urban shadow

Abstract: To optimise the use and management of Hong Kong's country parks, ecotourism has recently been promoted by the government and echoed by the leisure sector. Visitors' valuation of ecotourism development hitherto remains scant and could add a new dimension to the knowledge and management base. This study estimated the potential value of ecotourism development using the contingent valuation method (CVM). A total of 613 visitors in three country parks were interviewed. The results showed that the bid amounts and the motives to experience and learn more about nature were significant predictors of willingness-to-pay (WTP). The mean and median WTP were, respectively, HK$101.1 and HK$85.0 annually, varying slightly between parks. The differences were associated with the special ecological and accessibility characteristics of individual parks. The results could justify financial support from the government for ecotourism development and associated nature conservation endeavours and promote the incorporation of natu...

Microalgae production as a biofuel feedstock: risks and challenges

Abstract: From a sustainability perspective, the potential risks associated with microalgae production for biofuel extraction will be investigated in this paper, including the environmental, economic, social and cultural dimensions Environmentally, four main concerns are mapped out: first, there are potential water safety risks, such as water resource abuse, water pollution and groundwater recharge deficiency; second, unreasonable construction will lead to land-use overexpansion, land pollution and service expectancy reduction; third, microalgae production may exert a detrimental effect on the local ecosystem, causing algal blooms and biological invasion; finally, microalgae might emit unexpected greenhouse gases [nitrogen oxides (NO x ), methane (CH4)] and ammonia (NH3) From an economic risk standpoint, microalgae production requires an overwhelming investment due to the expensive start-up and operation Socially, contaminant discharge will threaten the health of local animals and people Moreover, the safety ef

Natural resource use, income and dependence among San and Mier communities bordering Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, southern Kalahari, South Africa

Abstract: Contemporary strategies for natural resource management espouse the need to integrate local people and their livelihood needs into biodiversity conservation projects to achieve sustainable ‘development and ecological integrity’. Valuation of natural resource use provides empirical evidence and conceptual arguments of local people's dependence on these resources, which could be factored into biodiversity conservation planning. Based on household surveys and key informant interviews, this study looked at the contribution of dryland natural resources to the livelihoods of two culturally different but neighbouring communities, the San and Mier, bordering Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa. Overall, natural resources represented an important livelihood source for the San, contributing on an average 32% of total annual income, compared to 9% for the Mier. Fuelwood was the predominant contributor to natural resource incomes in both cases. Income quintile analysis showed that dependence on natural resourc...

Environmental and energy-related challenges to sustainable tourism in the United States and China

Abstract: This article examines the relationship between tourism, energy, and environment. This article approaches tourism as a complex adaptive system composed of consumers, transportation providers, travel intermediaries, and destinations composed of multiple tourism-related companies and other stakeholder groups. Environmental and energy-related challenges of components to the system are examined as well as various units – the system as a whole, enterprises and individuals – within the system. A total of 92 peer-reviewed articles were studied that address ‘energy’ and ‘tourism’ published between 1974 and 2011. Also addressed are the impacts of social and cultural differences between the United States and China concerning responses to environmental and energy-related challenges. This article concludes with recommendations for addressing the challenges associated with such challenges, including building system capacity, technology development and adoption, support of individual behavior change, increasing understa...

Stakeholder engagement in sustainable adventure tourism development in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, India

Abstract: Stakeholder involvement is often cited as critical to sustainable tourism development, but there is limited documentation for niche areas, such as adventure tourism. The main purpose of our research was to understand stakeholder roles in adventure tourism in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), Uttarakhand, India, to identify opportunities for achieving sustainable adventure tourism. Our interviews, treks and other activities revealed that organised adventure activities were still in the early development phase, with trekking being the most popular activity. The roles of various stakeholders are yet to be clearly defined, but the State Forest Department is playing a lead in the rapidly evolving network of relationships among adventure tourism stakeholders. Significant opportunity exists for a more systematic approach to adventure tourism planning that builds on the existing strengths of the various players.

Relationship of firm attributes, ownership structure and business network on climate change efforts: evidence from Malaysia

Abstract: Climate change has become an increasingly important issue in Malaysia. The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between firm characteristics, firm ownership, business networks and climate change mitigation activities in Malaysia. Firms' annual report and corporate social reporting (CSR) content analysis are used to obtain the climate change mitigation activities. Five main themes adopted from Freedman and Jaggi (2005) were measured using the weighted weighting schemes. The 2009 annual reports and CSR of 100 companies from seven industry memberships were selected. Of the 100 companies, 35 were members of the sustainable business networks in Malaysia. Size, profitability, industry membership, government ownership and business network were found to be positively and significantly related to climate change mitigation efforts. Only foreign ownership was found to be negatively related. This research suggests that climate change mitigation efforts from members of sustainability business netw...

Capacity development in protected area management

Abstract: Increasing land consumption and loss of biodiversity make it particularly important that protected areas fulfil their function. This, however, is often impaired by insufficient political and financial support. This study investigates how existing protected area management capacities can be used more effectively in a prompt and lasting manner. Therefore, data from protected area management effectiveness evaluations were analysed. Efficient workflows and teamwork were identified to be key capacities for effective management. Simultaneously, deficient financial and social security, lack of incentives and inflexible management structures prevent the productive use of existing capacities. In order to improve the situation, greater attention should be given to intangible assets. Additionally, protected area managers and employees must be enabled to be more self-reliant and self-responsible in order to foster a lasting learning process.

The role of social learning for soil conservation: the case of Amba Zuria land management, Ethiopia

Abstract: Social learning plays key roles in sustainable natural resource management; however, studies on its role show mixed results. Even though most current studies highlight positive outcomes, there are also negative effects of social learning with respect to natural resource management. This paper explores the influence of social learning outcomes on the adoption of soil conservation practices in Amba Zuria, Ethiopia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, group discussions and in workshops. The interviews were transcribed and analysed with the qualitative data analysis software ATLAS.ti. In addition, a review of pertinent documents and literature complements the analysis. We found that social learning results in positive outcomes in interactions among the actors, broader understanding on soil conservation, trust and mutual understanding, and the creation of opportunities to apply both indigenous and scientific knowledge. These outcomes, in turn, foster the adoption of stone terraces to conser...

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) projects: lessons for future policy design and implementation

Abstract: In response to the pressing global challenges of climate change, initiatives under the auspices of 'Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation' (REDD) have since 2005 been implemented in over 30 developing and least developed countries. It covers nearly every significant and vulnerable forest ecosystem worldwide. In this study we review six representative initiatives, two each from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, and Threat (SWOT) analysis is done to evaluate each initiative's policy framework, design, implementation, and results thus far. The main policy and project implementation factors that appear to lead to effective and successful REDD project outcomes include: having clearly formulated project design; governance, land tenure rights and capacity; equity and transparency; indigenous peoples' rights and knowledge; local-international coordination; and enhancing local and institutional capacities. Based on these findings, authors provide recommendations for future REDD policy action and project implementation to make it work for the poor and achieve its intended goals.

Rising sea and threatened mangroves: a case study on stakeholders, engagement in climate change communication and non-formal education

Abstract: Scientific consensus shows that the changes related to climate change are already occurring and will intensify in the future. This will likely result in significant alterations to coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, increase coastal hazards and affect lifestyles of coastal communities. There is increasing speculation that mangrove, a socio-economically important ecosystem, will become more fragile and sensitive to uncertain climate variability such as sea level rise. As a result, mangrove-dependent societies may find themselves trapped in a downward spiral of ecological degradation in terms of their livelihoods and life security. Strengthening the resilience capacity of coastal communities to help them cope with this additional threat from climate change and to ensure sustainability calls for immediate action. In this context, this paper critically examines the regional implications of expected sea level rise and threats to mangrove-dependent communities through a case study approach. The main objective...

Justice in sustainability indicators and indexes

Abstract: At least since the Brundtland Report, technical assessments of what can be sustained and values about what is desirable to sustain, for whom, and for how long have been intertwined. This intersection is particularly evident in the assumption that justice among people living today and between present and future generations is a key part of sustainability. In official international policy documents and academic studies of sustainability, this justice may include the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens, distributive justice, or the ability of people to meaningfully contribute to decisions that affect their lives, participatory justice. Yet, the process of developing indicators and indexes to track movement toward or away from sustainability has been dominated by technical, economic, and environmental assessments. This raises questions about whether or not indexes align with and thus will monitor and encourage progress toward sustainability in a technically possible and desirable way....

Socio-economic predictors of domestic wood use in an Atlantic forest area (north-east Brazil): a tool for directing conservation efforts

Abstract: Given the excessive use pressure on forests, characterisation of the major users of forest resources can help guide conservation efforts. This study examines whether socio-economic variables explain domestic wood use in an area of Atlantic forest in the community of Tres Ladeiras (Pernambuco, north-east Brazil). Socio-economic data were collected from 62 households, and geometric measurements of wood products in each household were taken to calculate the wood volume. An informant in each household indicated the average replacement time for each type of wood use. Data were analysed for static volume (wood volume found at the time of the visit) and dynamic volume (rate of wood consumption, calculated as the ratio between volume and replacement time). Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the relationships between wood volume (static and dynamic) and the number of species used; independent variables including monthly family income, number of residents, average age of heads of the household...

Effect of surrounding land-use change on the wetland landscape pattern of a natural protected area in Tianjin, China

Abstract: The ecological and environmental relationship between a natural reserve (NR) and its surrounding area is a ‘hotspot’ in the human–environment relationship. However, the effect of landscape pattern of the surrounding land-use changes on the NR has not been thoroughly explored. How to protect the NR has become an issue of major concern. This research analysed the land-use/land-cover (LULC) change of the NR and its surrounding area using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images and applied theories of landscape ecology to study the effect of the surrounding LULC on the wetland landscape of the NR in Tianjin, China. The results show that (1) the wetland area decreased from 122,461.11 ha in 1988 to 111,753.99 ha in 2008 while the built-up area expanded from 11,983.22 ha in 1988 to 20,197.71 ha in 2008; (2) landscape diversity will increase along with direct LULC in the NR and its surrounding area, where human activities have already diversified the original wetland landscape; and (3) the unitary landscape has been ...

Climate change: what future for small, vulnerable states?

Abstract: Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are not only among the smallest countries in the world, they are also among the most vulnerable. Prime amidst the challenges that result from such vulnerability and that constrain the sustainable development efforts of SIDS is climate change, which represents the most immediate threat to their future. Although SIDS are among the least responsible for climate change, they are the hardest hit by its effects. Impacts are already being experienced in terms of environmental degradation, loss of infrastructure, increasing health risks, economic stress and national security, all of which contribute to increasing poverty levels and diminishing the quality of life. The objective of this paper is to shed new light on the complex relationship between SIDS and climate change, with a view to better understanding the current vulnerabilities, future projections and possible impacts, as well as to outline proposed courses of action. In order to achieve its objective, this paper will ...

Investigating knowledge and perceptions of citizens of the National Park of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece

Abstract: The designation and management of protected areas (PAs) is a challenging task significantly influenced by numerous parameters, both economic and social. In this paper, these issues are explored by means of an empirical survey in a PA of international importance in Greece: the National Park of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (NPEMT). In particular, the survey explored the knowledge and perceptions of different interest groups concerning environmental issues in general, awareness of the restrictions imposed by the current management framework, benefits connected with the designation of the PA and willingness of individuals to pay for protection of the NPEMT. These interest groups were created depending on their level and type of involvement with PA issues. The results revealed a low level of awareness, indicating that further efforts should be conducted, both by the state and non-governmental organisations, to inform the local community and visitors about the existence of the PA and also the social and economi...

A research design for mapping national CSR terrains

Abstract: Most of the evidence on national progress in corporate social responsibility (CSR) relates to North America and Western Europe, making broad cross-national comparisons difficult. This study seeks to contribute to this end by developing a research design for CSR assessment in a national context. Drawing on prior theory and well-established research methods, developed in order to assess the multi-dimensionality of CSR, a research approach is proposed that can be applied to any country, regardless of the extent to which the notion has penetrated the domestic business sector. Such a research design can expand the existing pool of knowledge on national CSR patterns, inform managers on the national dimension of CSR and contribute to further identifying the relationship between cultural specificity and responsible business behaviour.

Biofuels and agriculture: a past perspective and uncertain future

Abstract: The US corn ethanol industry has grown from virtually nothing in the early 1980s to over 14 billion gallons in 2011. Subsidies have been an important impetus for the industry, and they have existed in one form or another throughout the life of the industry. This paper provides (1) a brief look at the history of the linkages between energy and agriculture and how they have changed with biofuels; (2) a review of some of the major impacts of the US corn ethanol program; and (3) analysis of prospective impacts of cellulosic biofuels. There is no doubt that biofuels have brought about a new era for global agriculture. Historically, the prices of agricultural and energy products moved in response to supply and demand factors relevant to each market, but moved largely independent of one another. Corn ethanol has changed that, and today there is a link between crude oil and corn that is driven by the demand side. Since agricultural commodity prices are linked both on the demand and supply sides, the corn–crude oi...

Competitive forests – making forests sustainable in south-west Ethiopia

Abstract: The forests of south-west Ethiopia are declining and degrading largely because of the demand for agricultural land. This loss has significant global, national and local implications. This paper presents data on the economic revenues from various land uses and endeavours in the Cloud Forest and Coffee Forest, which facilitates understanding of the rationale behind the livelihood and land use choices made by individuals and communities. These choices are driven by the need to maximise economic benefits from the options available. In the Cloud Forest, the focus is on forest clearance so that smallholder agriculture production can expand. In the Coffee Forest, the increasing economic returns from small-scale coffee harvesting have meant that forest clearance has been halted, but the remaining forest is altered as a result of coffee cultivation. This paper identifies interventions that could increase the value of forest-based activities and products so that livelihood choices are more supportive of forest main...

Barriers to environmental management in clusters of small businesses in Brazil and Japan: from a lack of knowledge to a decline in traditional knowledge

Abstract: This study aimed to examine the main barriers to environmental management (EM) in two clusters of small businesses (SBs). A study of two clusters was performed: one cluster in Brazil (the leather/shoe sector) and one cluster in Japan (traditional Japanese products). The case studies involved 23 interviews and an analysis of 12 SBs within these clusters. The Japanese cluster has more proactive environmental governance than the Brazilian cluster. The main barrier to environmental improvement in the Brazilian cluster is the lack of information; the main barrier to EM in the Japanese cluster is the decline of traditional and environmentally friendly knowledge. The originality of the research is linked to the scarcity of studies of EM within clusters and SBs, the comparative approach of the Brazilian and Japanese cases and the discovery of a new barrier to EM for SBs (i.e. the decline of traditional knowledge).

European Union agricultural policy scenarios' impacts on social sustainability of agricultural holdings

Abstract: This paper aims to assess the impacts of household behaviour on social sustainability by simulating agricultural policy scenarios of the European Union (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). For this purpose a multicriteria model was formulated, at farm household level, in order to study the social impacts of the CAPs using different scenarios. The scenarios were chosen on the basis of the main EU policies affecting farm households, such as the alternative crops scenario, the Water Framework Directive scenario and the agrienvironmental schemes scenario. The data for this analysis resulted from the CAP-IRE project, a European FP7-funded project. The model includes a utility function with several conflicting criteria such as maximization of gross margin and risk and labour minimization. The model is further used to simulate the impacts on social sustainability by estimating main social indicators. The model is applied in two different farm types in Greece. The results show that the CAP scenarios have multip...

The spatial nexus between population growth and land degradation in a dry Mediterranean region: a rapidly changing pattern?

Abstract: A better understanding of the spatial linkage between the distribution of land vulnerable to degradation and long-term population growth may contribute to sustainable land management of dry regions. Such a nexus has received increasing attention among politicians and local stakeholders, as its complex outcomes depend on mutual interactions between socioeconomic and biophysical factors. This is particularly true in southern Europe, where important processes of land degradation (LD) have been observed in recent years. This paper analyses population growth (1871–2007) in southern Italy and questions its relationship with the level of land vulnerable to degradation. Results indicate that vulnerable lands were more likely associated with areas where population growth has determined environmental pressures on coastal areas and the neighbouring lowlands during 1950–1980. This pattern consolidated the socioeconomic polarisation between core and peripheral areas. Since the 1980s, however, southern Italy has experi...

Does large-sized cities' urbanisation predominantly degrade environmental resources in China? Relationships between urbanisation and resources in Changjiang Delta Region

Abstract: Outward expansion of urban lands in the developing nations is often associated with a substantial loss of environmental resources such as forests, wetlands, freshwater and cash crop fields. Yet, determining how different aspects of urbanisation – such as city population size and spread pattern of built-up lands – contribute to the cumulative loss of resources remains controversial. In this study, data sets were constructed describing changes to land cover across 65,200 grid cells at 1 km2 spatial resolution for China's Changjiang Delta Region over the past 60 years. The results showed that the region lost 12.2% of total resource sites. The distribution of resource degradation showed a highly dispersed pattern and was not confined to a few intense areas associated with large cities. No empirical evidence was found that city population size alone accurately predicts the distribution of resource loss. Very large cities (N = 4) contributed 35% to the total loss, demonstrating impacts similar to those of much ...

Investigating the barriers to adopting a ‘human-in-nature’ view in Greek biodiversity conservation

Abstract: Recent decades have seen significant steps in the longstanding scientific, philosophical and political debates concerning the relationship between society and nature towards a more ‘human-in-nature’ view in biodiversity conservation. This progress has been reflected in both prominent scientific publications and several policy documents. However, the recent resurgence of ‘protection’ paradigms and the persistence of human practices undermining ecosystem functions on which human existence depends reveal that human and natural systems frequently continue to be treated separately in conservation practice and conventional scientific and policy discourses. Using insights from the field of political ecology and from research on social–ecological systems, and following a grounded theory research approach, we identify the critical barriers to the adoption of a ‘human-in-nature’ view in Greek biodiversity conservation. In particular, the analysis of 63 in-depth interviews with a variety of state and non-state stake...

Demonstrating a correlation between infrastructure and national development

Abstract: This paper demonstrates a correlation between the extensiveness of infrastructure and national development. This was achieved by considering kilometres of paved roads, kilometres of rail, kilometres of paved runways, quality of shipping ports and quality of urban infrastructure. Data were collected from a variety of sources including the World Bank and the United Nations databases. Measures of the quantity or extensiveness of the infrastructures were normalized based on the populations of the various countries, transforming them into per capita measures, which were then logarithmically transformed to produce indices of the extensiveness of the infrastructures. These indices were then plotted against the national development indicator, the human development index (HDI). Of the infrastructures considered, paved roads per capita index showed the strongest correlation with HDI, while quality of port infrastructure index showed the weakest correlation. When the indices for the different infrastructures were co...

Does globalisation affect consumers' pro-environmental intentions? A multilevel analysis across 25 countries

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to empirically evaluate whether the process of globalisation, through which countries become increasingly interconnected, is related to pro-environmental intentions. Due to the hierarchical nature of the data, the study uses a multilevel modelling approach to cross-culturally test the impact of globalisation on pro-environmental intentions. Using an updated indicator of globalisation, the results from 25 nations show that economic, social and political openness are not related to pro-environmental intentions, as measured by willingness to sacrifice to protect the environment. This result implies that concern for the environment is a global phenomenon and not unique to the wealthy and more globalised nations. The findings of this paper highlight the importance of simultaneously assessing individual- and contextual-level variables in determining pro-environmental intentions across nations.

The greener, the more cost efficient? An empirical study of international tourist hotels in Taiwan

Abstract: Going ‘green’ is more than a mere fad in the hotel industry, and environment-friendly green hotels are becoming popular. The purpose of this study was to conduct an investigation into the link between ‘green’ and cost efficiency in the hotel industry. Empirical evidence supporting this investigation was gathered from the Taiwan hotel industry. Data were gathered from 68 international tourist hotels in Taiwan. Moreover, our finding differs from most of the earlier studies and indicates that ‘green’ is negatively and significantly associated with the cost efficiency of a hotel. In other words, ‘green’ renders a hotel ineffective. The implications of the findings have been discussed, and the limitations of the study as well as future research directions have been addressed.