Showing papers in "Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal in 2007"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the governance aspects of China's environmental policy making and the conditions for meaningful public participation in sustainable urbanization policy making, showing the interrelatedness of environmental governance and public participation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to focus on the governance aspects of China's environmental policy making and the conditions for meaningful public participation in sustainable urbanization policy making. China is facing a big urbanization challenge. Rapid economic growth and inefficient use of natural resources lead to excessive pollution and rapid depletion of China's natural resources. Water scarcity, especially in the north‐eastern part of the country, already is a big problem. The Chinese government has formulated policies and legislation to protect the environment and to produce a more sustainable growth, but implementation is lagging. Moreover, rapid modernization of Chinese society also led to first experiments with the organization of public hearings on environmental issues. Design/methodology/approach – Literature is presented on governance and public participation in environmental policy making supplemented with material from case study research and expert meetings in China. Findings – The findings show the interrelatedness of environmental governance and public participation, which leads to policy recommendations for public participation in sustainable urbanization processes. Originality/value – This paper highlights the potential environmental gains through public participation in sustainable urbanization strategy policy in China.
169 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the origin of the solid wastes contamination for an isolated beach (Varzea do Una), through the classification of the plastics fraction into specific use-related categories along a full seasonal cycle.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the origin of the solid wastes contamination for an isolated beach (Varzea do Una), through the classification of the plastics fraction into specific use‐related categories along a full seasonal cycle. Design/methodology/approach – The assessment was made through the sampling of a transect along a full hydrological year, delimited at an isolated tropical beach under the direct influence of a river. The registered items were then classed according to their most probable sources, with emphasis to plastics of riverine origin. Findings – Results indicated an exceptionally high level of contamination of the beach by plastics of urban origin. The main items found were related to household activities. Hospital wastes were also present, highlighting the riverine contribution to the solid wastes contamination of the beach. Practical implications – The work reports the gravity of the situation in the urban centers of this river basin concerning basic sanitation. It compels the local administrations to act in order to abate the solid wastes collection and final destination. Originality/value – In Brazil, as well as in other tropical/developing countries, there is a lack of scientific reports on the theme. However, they are in great need, since the local, State and Federal administrations' disregard the basic sanitation problem of small and/or isolated coastal communities. The solid wastes generated by these populations easily reach the coastal and marine environments with a number of consequences, themselves also unassessed.
92 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the emissions of CO2 in Italy during 1861 to 2002 using the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) to explore the relationship between CO2 emission and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the emissions of CO2 in Italy during 1861 to 2002. The Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) is applied to explore the relationship between CO2 emission and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita. An Index Decomposition Analysis (IDA) is also applied to investigate changes in emissions between 1990 to 2002. Several factors contribute to change in the emission of CO2. These factors generally include a scale effect, a technological effect and a composition effect.Design/methodology/approach – The main discussion in the paper is about the exiting of EKC in Italy and how a decomposition analysis can be used to look behind the time series of the environmental accounts.Findings – The findings in the paper indicate the typical inverted “U” form of EKC is not confirmed with our data set for Italy. According our econometric results, there is a positive relationship between economic growth and CO2; following the trend, the maximum emission of CO2 per capita in Italy wo...
84 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of rapid population growth due to uncontrolled and unplanned urbanization as it affects environmental degradation through solid waste generation in Port Harcourt Metropolis, which has brought about the problem of solid waste management to city authorities and state government was examined.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of rapid population growth due to uncontrolled and unplanned urbanization as it affects environmental degradation through solid waste generation in Port Harcourt Metropolis, which has brought about the problem of solid waste management to city authorities and state governmentDesign/methodology/approach – The study involved the administration of questionnaires to 76 different households with a total population of 393 persons giving an average size of 7 persons per household. Also, formal interviews with officials of relevant government departments as wells as private stakeholders in urban solid waste management were conducted. The questionnaires were designed to elicit information on the characteristics of the respondents and waste generation capacity as well as disposal methods. The data abstracted from the questionnaires were analysed using the multiple linear regression to test for the significant differences. The study period was between Janu...
74 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that social resilience to environmental risks should be considered as a potential mechanism of transfer of vulnerability from one social actor to another and/or transformation of vulnerability to one risk to vulnerability to another.
Abstract: Purpose – The present paper attempts to prove that social resilience to environmental risks should be considered as a potential mechanism of transfer of vulnerability from one social actor to another and/or transformation of vulnerability to one risk to vulnerability to another. This means that social resilience should not be treated always as a desirable attitude; it is desirable under certain conditions only.Design/methodology/approach – Widespread views are challenged by alleging both theoretical knowledge and empirical outcomes. By carrying out insights to the epistemological roots of the concept resilience, its use in the domains of ecology, social and behavioural sciences, and actual experiences of resilience processes to risks in Greece, the author re‐integrates resilience analysis in the context of systemic understanding of society, the environment and interrelations between the two.Findings – The paper introduces a clear dissociation of individualized from collective resilience and evidences that...
70 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on how the social and economic impacts of mining should be assessed and negotiated with local and regional communities, and the results showed that impact assessment should be addressed using different economic and social science tools to ensure regulatory approval as well as community acceptance.
Abstract: Purpose – The coal mining industry makes a key contribution to the Queensland economy, and is the underlying driver of employment and economic conditions in many local and regional communities. This article aims to focus on how the social and economic impacts of mining should be assessed and negotiated with local and regional communities.Design/methodology/approach – The following assessment tools were trialed to ascertain the impacts on communities of changes in the mining industry: extended stakeholder analysis of key community representatives; economic modeling of changes in the level of mining activity; a random survey of householders involving choice experiments to assess tradeoffs; and experimental workshops to assess how residents were prepared to prioritise different community development options.Findings – The results showed that impact assessment should be addressed using different economic and social science tools to ensure regulatory approval as well as community acceptance.Originality/value –...
67 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the results of two projects aimed at testing market responses to the first fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) independently certified as sustainable as a sustainable product.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the results of two projects aimed at testing market responses to the first‐ever fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) independently certified as sustainable.Design/methodology/approach – The method used comprised three phases: independent sustainability certification of products using a full life cycle assessment; nationwide roll‐out of seven certified household products in retail outlets throughout New Zealand, and trials of certified lamb meat in three butcher shops in Brisbane, Australia; and monitoring of sales data and consumer responses to certified products.Findings – Record sales averaging +52 per cent above historical were achieved and sustained for the seven household products over a period of 18 months. Certified lamb meat product was well received, with 95 per cent of customers surveyed indicating that they would consider buying certified meat in future.Practical implications – The paper indicates that there is consumer demand for products that ar...
62 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the importance of peri-urban forests to the process of urban growth is investigated and a brief description of their contribution to the improvement of people's prosperity in urban centres by means of reducing the negative effects due to urbanisation and improving the standard of living is provided.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of peri‐urban forests to the process of urban growth. The article aims at providing a brief description of peri‐urban forests' contribution to the improvement of people's prosperity in urban centres by means of reducing the negative effects due to urbanisation and improving the standard of living. Design/methodology/approach – The article adopts a descriptive approach and not a specific methodology. It focuses on providing a general review about the usefulness of peri‐urban forests in relation to urban development. In addition, there are presented figures about the number of peri‐urban forests in Greece as well as forest management issues. Findings – The environmental importance of peri‐urban forests is highlighted as well as their contribution to the reduction of soil erosion and the protection of inhabited areas. It also presents their importance to social growth and to the change in land prices in areas adjacent to peri‐urban forests....
55 citations
TL;DR: The findings in this paper indicated that the waste generation rate is between 3.87 kg/bed/day and 7.44kg/ bed/day, which indicates that hospital waste makes up approximately 30% of solid wastes produced in Kuwait.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the amount of different kinds of solid wastes produced, segregated, collected, stored, transported and disposed off in the governmental hospitals of Kuwait.Design/methodology/approach – The research in this paper shows that all governmental hospitals were assessed in a period of six months (September, 2005 through December, 2005 and June, 2006 through July, 2006). The weight fraction of each component in the sorting sample was calculated by the weights of the components. The amount of non‐infectious and infectious waste generated in kg/day in each ward and various hospital blocks were determined and recorded.Findings – The findings in this paper indicated that the waste generation rate is between 3.87 kg/bed/day and 7.44 kg/bed/day. Subsequently, this waste consists of 10,534.5 kg (71.44 percent) of domestic waste, 4,099.4 kg (27.8 percent) of hazardous/infectious waste, and 112.1 kg (0.76 percent) of sharps. Hospital waste makes up approximately 30 perc...
43 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors draw from literature to understand the not-so-direct or non-implicit impacts of environmental regulations and propose some consequences on economic and business activity.
Abstract: Purpose
– The purpose in this paper has been to draw from literature to understand the not‐so‐direct or non‐implicit impacts of environmental regulations and propose some consequences on economic and business activity. In more general terms this research facilitates understanding on the broad concerns about the consequences of environment legislations, that is, the nature and magnitude of their capacity to produce significant change in industry and business structures in the long run, through indirect and not‐so‐obvious routes.
Design/methodology/approach
– The discussion of the indirect and unintended consequences is based on systematic review of literature that includes studies in the area of international trade, technology, interactions at the national and regional level, industrial processes and dynamics, psychology, communication and organisational systems.
Findings
– Review evidence reveals indirect and unintended impacts at the levels of economy and industry such as unintended negative effects on the environment itself, discrimination and additional international trade barriers, evolution of new commercial structures like secondary and used goods markets and recycling and refurbishment as a new industry, need for secondary level legislative support, decreased entrepreneurship and small firm activity, and emergence of circular supply chain models and strategic‐collaborative inter firm competition models.
Practical implications
– The paper suggests possible future business and economic scenarios. Some of the possible models include emergence of a new industry in recycling and waste management, growth of secondary goods market for domestic consumption and trade, and emergence of a circular supply chain model where consumers and competitors play an interactive and collaborative role for survival and productivity. However it is imperative to empirically test these finds before generalisations.
Originality/value
– The paper is a comprehensive review of an inadequately studied theme of indirect and unintended effects of environmental regulations. As environment issues become increasingly important it becomes more and more critical for both researchers and practitioners to understand what are these indirect impacts and the directions these indirect environment impacts will compel business and economies to move towards. It sets an agenda for future research.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce methods that have been developed to consider social sustainability aspects in the initial phases of projects in industry, i.e. in the design stage of technological systems, whereby a proactive approach in industry can be ensured.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce methods that have been developed to consider social sustainability aspects in the initial phases of projects in industry, i.e. in the design stage of technological systems, whereby a proactive approach in industry can be ensured. The inclusion of social aspects in both the sustainability debate and practice has been marginal compared with the focus on the other two dimensions of sustainable development, i.e. economic and environmental performances, especially from a business perspective. The tools that have focused on social business sustainability aspects have mainly addressed business sustainable development reporting, operational conditions, and product social life cycle assessments.Design/methodology/approach – The first method builds on a framework of social sustainability criteria that has been introduced for the South African process industry. A Social Impact Indicator (SII) calculation procedure has been developed based on a previously introduced...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the existing state of MSW in Kanpur city with the aim of identifying the main obstacles to its efficiency and the prospects for improvisation of the solid waste management system in the city.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to assess the existing state of MSW in Kanpur city with the aim of identifying the main obstacles to its efficiency and the prospects for improvisation of the solid waste management system in the city.Design/methodology/approach – The research has been conducted in three stages. The first stage involved collection of background information through various reports, publications of various organizations to understand the state of MSWM in the city, followed by interviews with various heads of the Municipal Corporation involved in SWM, municipal workers and residents of the city. Field studies were conducted in few wards of the city and official dump sites. The third stage involved conducting interviews with planning experts and representatives from NGOs to derive information on various SWM related problems and prospects for improvising the system.Findings – The existing solid waste management system in the city appears to be highly inefficient. Only primary and secon...
TL;DR: In this article, the state of the art of eco-energy labeling and its potential as a fundamental component in the transition process towards eco-sustainability are mapped and analyzed.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to map and analyse the state of the art of eco‐energy labelling and its potential as a fundamental component in the transition process towards eco‐sustainability.Design/methodology/approach – A detailed scenario of trends in eco‐energy labelling systems, both on an international and European Union scale are outlined, followed by identification and analysis of the key representative experiences. Subsequently, the main constraints that limit their full potential as a benchmark and tool of improved customer communication for environmental sustainability have been highlighted and critically analysed.Findings – The full implementation of eco‐energy labelling, as a authentic driving force in sustainability building processes, requires the elimination of the critical factors identified. Therefore, standardisation of benchmarking methodologies, based on improved customer information mechanisms regarding qualitative and quantitative indicators, need to implemented. A strong commi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe a sustainability certification system and label based on an independent, full life cycle assessment of conventionally produced goods from "cradle to grave" (C2G).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a sustainability certification system and label based on an independent, full life cycle assessment of conventionally produced goods from “cradle to grave”.Design/methodology/approach – The design approach used comprised five phases: review of presently available third party environmental certification systems regarding their suitability for use as a sustainability certification tool for conventionally produced goods; identification of desirable scientific and consumer design criteria for a sustainability certification system and label; identification of key performance indicators for sustainability; description of an independent sustainability certification system based on the desirable design criteria, in particular an independent full life cycle assessment; and market trials of the sustainability label to test consumer reactions and commercial benefits of independent sustainability certification using two commercial case studies in Australia and New Ze...
TL;DR: In this paper, a general description and analysis of the key factors important for forest biodiversity, and the development of a strategy for choosing an indicator methodology for assessment of forest biodiversity are presented.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to give a general description and analysis of the key factors important for forest biodiversity, and to show the development of a strategy for choosing an indicator methodology for assessment of forest biodiversity. Different biodiversity indicator schemes (methodologies) have been developed recently and all should be capable of being adapted to the specific objectives of biodiversity assessment and to the forest types concerned.Design/methodology/approach – A forest ecosystem comprises three main components: structure (e.g. physical characteristics); composition (e.g. number and population of species); and function (e.g. evapo‐transpiration) and it is upon these characteristics that forest biodiversity is based and determined. Forest ecosystems can therefore be characterised by key factors (parameters) which are important for the development of indicators and evaluation of biodiversity.Findings – The key factors can be grouped or classified according to major ecosys...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors aimed at understanding the extent of fuel wood consumption for cooking and the adoption of improved charcoal stoves as a policy option toward reducing the consumption of fuelwood in urban sectors.
Abstract: Purpose – The study is specifically aimed at understanding the extent of fuel wood consumption for cooking and the adoption of improved charcoal stoves as a policy option toward reducing the consumption of fuel wood in urban sectors.Design/methodology/approach – Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data were collected by use of structured questionnaires, interviews and direct field observation. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data. Based on the research plan, a total of 120 individual households were randomly selected and interviewed.Findings – The results of the analysis suggested that the majority of people still cook using traditional stoves which consume a great deal of wood to the extent of deteriorating forest resources. Since conventional fuels remain remote for the majority, improved charcoal stoves are perceived as a real option for reducing consumption of wood fuel in urban area and thus arresting the rate of deforestation. However, this can o...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate community-based natural resource management as an alternative approach to government stewardship of natural resources and suggest ways of strengthening these approaches to ensure that natural resources are managed more sustainably and efficiently and in ways that generate tangible economic benefits to local communities.
Abstract: Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate community‐based natural resource management as an alternative approach to government stewardship of natural resources. The paper discusses Kenya's experience with community‐based approaches, identifies some of the problems that have been experienced in implementing the approach, and suggests ways of strengthening these approaches to ensure that natural resources are managed more sustainably and efficiently and in ways that generate tangible economic benefits to local communities.Design/methodology/approach – The research reported in this paper was undertaken through an extensive review of existing literature, discussions with representatives of local communities and resource managers and personal observations.Findings – The paper finds that the community‐based approach to the stewardship of natural resources is a viable alternative to state management and can, if properly implemented, result in more equitable distribution of power and econ...
TL;DR: In this article, a simple, practical structure for integrating policies and instruments that are aimed at facilitating sustainable construction and buildings is proposed, with the aim of contributing to the objective of the sustainable development process.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to seek to contribute to the objective of the sustainable development process. A factor that may be hindering progress towards sustainable building in many developed states is the sheer complexity of the instruments available and the convoluted nature of policy. Acknowledging this difficulty, this article questions whether a simplified, integrated structure to coordinate policy and instruments is feasible. Compared with many developed nations, New Zealand's approach to sustainable construction and buildings is de minimis. The New Zealand Government is, at present, reviewing building legislation and policy in order to incorporate, inter alia, the objective of sustainable development.Design/methodology/approach – The article employs a literature review.Findings – This article proposes a simple, practical structure for integrating policies and instruments that are aimed at facilitating sustainable construction and buildings. It concludes that New Zealand is in a prime p...
TL;DR: In this paper, the conservation and management of crop diversity in traditional agro-ecosystems as a crucial component for sustainable landscape development in the mountains of the Indian Himalayan region is emphasized.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the conservation and management of crop diversity in traditional agro‐ecosystems as a crucial component for sustainable landscape development in the mountains of the Indian Himalayan region. The results indicate that mountain farming has the potential to produce good output from a low input system where farmers still use local resources and locally developed technology.Design/methodology/approach – The discussion of major issues in this paper is based on our empirical study involving a survey of the area and field‐based experiments to evaluate the productivity in traditional mountain farming systems. Additionally, landscape change was monitored with the use of satellite data.Findings – The paper finds that the rate of genetic erosion within the study area during the last three decades is documented and the factors responsible for such erosion identified. The efficiency of traditional agro‐ecosystems of Himalayan Mountains in terms of energy and monetary ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe how Bangalore city is typical of the features of peninsular India in that it is made up of ridges, valleys and undulating terrain and build up perspectives for the conservation and restoration of the various spoilt water bodies within the Bangalore metropolitan area.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to build up perspectives for the conservation and restoration of the various spoilt water bodies within the Bangalore metropolitan area.Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes how Bangalore city is typical of the features of peninsular India in that it is made up of ridges, valleys and undulating terrain. Monsoon rainfall is substantial and the tanks and lakes can receive and contain substantial amounts of water from rains. Only thing is to de‐clog the natural water flow routes and to restore the bunds of tanks and repair the spillways and put in place legal and administrative measures to preserve the interiors of tanks; free them from construction activities and launch suitable afforestation programs to contain soil erosion, improve the quality of subsoil water and raise if possible medicinal and ornamental trees so that Bangalore gains in its aesthetic appeal.Findings – The study reveals that the existence of water bodies is an important asset to the env...
TL;DR: In this paper, a one-hectare experimental plot of Gigantochloa scortechinii (buluh semantan) was established with a split plot design of fertilizer treatments 0, 2 and 5 kg of NPK 15:15:15 and felling intensities of 0, 40, 60 and 80 percent.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this study was to contribute towards the systematic management of the natural stand bamboo resource at Nami, Kedah, Malaysia and to improve the forest environment rather than leaving it neglected and unmanaged. In addition, the study examines the commercial value of the abundant bamboo culms for a sustained industry in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approach – A one‐hectare experimental plot of Gigantochloa scortechinii (buluh semantan) was established with a split plot design of fertilizer treatments 0, 2 and 5 kg of NPK 15:15:15 and felling intensities of 0, 40, 60 and 80 percent. The experiment was conducted for four years. Parameters such as the number of shoots, culms and basal area were observed throughout the study.Findings – From this study significant results were obtained and management principles were formulated. Due to the effect of fertilizer application, there was an increment of 30 percent of shoots sprouted per clump per application. Thinning should be done selectively an...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an analysis of a methodology for the buildings' intelligence assessment through the development of a matrix tool, which is used to compare different buildings in terms of intelligence.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is the analysis of a methodology for the buildings' intelligence assessment through the development of a matrix tool. Techniques and technologies for use in designing, constructing and operating intelligent buildings are well known or available on the market and many intelligent buildings have been built. However, just how intelligent these buildings actually are in comparison to conventional buildings is often a question. Due to the lack of commonly accepted methods and pertinent supporting data, the assessment of the overall performance of intelligent buildings cannot be carried out. It remains difficult, if not impossible, to carry out a fair comparison between different buildings in term of intelligence. As a result, the construction industry proceeds without adequate knowledge about the best practice in intelligent building.Design/methodology/approach – For the purpose of the present assessment, the definition of an intelligent building has been reviewed and refine...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that environmental management integration to a small Estonian enterprise which main activities are freightage services and vehicles' maintenance and repair works, implementing a visual, simple and practical tool called Eco-mapping.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to show that environmental management integration to a small Estonian enterprise which main activities are freightage services and vehicles' maintenance and repair works, implementing a visual, simple and practical tool – Eco‐mapping. Design/methodology/approach – The paper shows that Eco‐mapping is a practical, visual and easy‐to‐use toolbox, which gets employees, involved in good environmental practice. It is the first step towards integrating environmental considerations into the day‐to‐day activities of small SMEs. Eco‐mapping is a step‐by‐step process to gather useful information and to immediately trigger environmental action. In total, 80 percent of environmental information is location‐based. There are ten basic steps, which identify environmental aspects, significance of the problems, environmental targets and an action programme of the considered field. Findings – The findings in this paper show the implementation steps of Eco‐mapping tool into the small Estonian company. During the case study all hazardous impacts on human health and environment have been evaluated and the workers awareness was raised. Practical implications – The paper shows that after the overall analysis the company has received clear picture of the problem areas. The most worrying was connected to material storage handling that might had heavy influence to environment as well as to health and safety in particular leakages, risk of explosion, health hazard, emissions. The preventive measures that can be easily taken may decrease these risks in many times. They are the following: fire system integration; electrical system approval; correct utilization of hazardous wastes; and legal issue studying. Originality/value – The paper presents the practical example of implementation of the Eco‐mapping tool in one small Estonian company. This paper gives an overview of the implementation process, describes the main concerns and suggests possible solutions. The project helps managers and other workers to understand that careful relation to the environment might be favorable from an economic point of view, as compliance with regulation and preparing sustainable principles for future generations.
TL;DR: In this article, a fuzzy analysis-based scoring (F•EPS) method was proposed for measuring contractors' environmental performance during project construction in order to assist them in improving their environmental performance.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a fuzzy‐analysis‐based scoring (F‐EPS) method for measuring contractors' environmental performance during project construction in order to assist contractors in improving their environmental performance during project construction.Design/methodology/approach – To review relevant literature and conduct practical investigations for establishing the indicators which measure the environmental performance made by contractors. This will be followed by establishing the performance benchmarks for measuring the performance level of the environmental indicators, and presenting a fuzzy‐analysis‐based scoring method for measuring a contractor's environmental performance. A practical case was adopted to demonstrate the procedures of applying the F‐EPS model.Findings – This paper provides an alternative method, fuzzy‐analysis‐based scoring (F‐EPS) method for assessing contractors' environmental performance. Whilst there are existing methods developed in previous studies...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined several methodologies and activities taken to assess the environmental impacts of a $33 million pilot project undertaken through a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) jointly with significant Chinese government investments.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the several methodologies and activities taken to assess the environmental impacts of a $33 million pilot project undertaken through a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) jointly with significant Chinese government investments. The ADB biogas utilization project has supported construction of over 7,500 biogas digesters in more than 140 rural villages. An additional 10,000 biogas digesters are programmed as well as significant investment in biogas production through large‐scale animal agribusinesses. The latter will be supported through investments utilizing the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a longitudinal perspective by: looking at the project's Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) undertaken at appraisal; assessing the ongoing energy and environmental monitoring plan currently under way; and examining the potential for the use of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) as a tool for integrati...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address the issue of persistent and widespread drought conditions during 2000 and 2001, which were the apparent cause of the decline of water levels in the reservoirs of Brazilian hydroelectric power plants.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to address the issue of persistent and widespread drought conditions during 2000 and 2001, which were the apparent cause of the decline of water levels in the reservoirs of Brazilian hydroelectric power plants.Design/methodology/approach – This issue is addressed here through a case study of the hydroclimatology of the Paraiba river basin, in Southeast Brazil, home to four large multi‐purpose operational reservoirs.Findings – The data analysis shows that neither changes in the frequency nor magnitude of extreme hydrological events (droughts and floods) nor in annual rainfall amounts can be detected from the existing climate record. The explanation is consistent with the fact that the terrestrial water and energy cycles are tightly, and non‐linearly, coupled through evapotranspiration.Research limitations/implications – Therefore small change in the seasonality of rainfall can have a significant impact on the basin's overall hydrologic regime, and thus on the availability of wate...
TL;DR: The system is aimed at integrating earth observation data analysis with modern ICTs including GIS, grid, mobile communication and web technology to support disaster monitoring and to share disaster information during a crisis.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to present disaster information and a monitoring system in order to utilize earth observation data in the operative process of early warning, mitigation and management of natural disasters. The system is aimed at integrating earth observation data analysis with modern ICTs including GIS, grid, mobile communication and web technology to support disaster monitoring and to share disaster information during a crisis.Design/methodology/approach – The system development concerned outlining an operative disaster monitoring and management process. The process was derived from actual practices, suggestions and needs of different user groups involved in disaster management. After investigating state‐of‐the‐art ICTs and reviewing the existing tools and databases, a suitable system architecture was designed and a prototype system was implemented, adapting to a proven software development process.Findings – The prototype system implementation demonstrated how satellite‐based data can be used ...
TL;DR: In this article, the key pillars of the SEA framework in Kenya are assessed and analyzed, highlighting aspects that should be considered for further scrutiny and review, aiming at evolving a suitable context-specific Kenyan SEA.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper sets out to assess and analyses the key pillars of the SEA framework in Kenya, highlighting aspects that should be considered for further scrutiny and review, aiming at evolving a suitable context‐specific Kenyan SEA.Design/methodology/approach – Content analysis of the SEA framework was done through desktop research. This was supplemented by a two‐month internship at the National Environmental Management Authority in Kenya. The key documents prescribing and describing SEA in Kenya (legal documents, guidelines) formed a basis for interpretative analysis. International literature on SEA frameworks also formed a basis for analysis.Findings – Although the SEA framework is relatively complete, there are certain elements that are incomplete, e.g. environmental and sustainability standards have not been formally established. Some provisions are unclear or reveal internal incoherency within the framework. For example, the definitions of policies, plans, programmes and projects are not clearl...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors claim that the existing decision-making support, for example through spatial planning, can easily integrate risk assessment schemes, and claim that such support can be used to improve risk management.
Abstract: Purpose – Headlines of increasing financial losses caused by natural hazards and the potential impact of climate change on these raise broad interest in risk management This paper seeks to claim that the existing decision‐making support, for example through spatial planning, can easily integrate risk assessment schemesDesign/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the results of two EU funded research projects and further applications of those – as well as on conclusions drawn from presentations and discussions at the International Disaster Reduction ConferenceFindings – Discussion around risk governance highlights the role of integration This discussion is still very much in need of further development and successful ways to implement integrative, participatory governancePractical implications – The research results presented have been elaborated in close cooperation with stakeholders One example is based on a commissioned EU task that analyzed the effectiveness of European Regional Fund proje
TL;DR: In this article, a model of multimedia platform for emergency management in technological systems has been developed, which defines emergency services with appropriate information infrastructure, the structure and characteristics of the interoperability system and their mutual communication.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe research, the objective of which was the development of models, methodologies, and tools for the realization of the multimedia platform for emergency management in technological systems.Design/methodology/approach – This objective was achieved through the operationalization of the following major tasks: the theoretical research on the specific characteristics of emergency management system structure and processes; definition of educational structures, processes, and subjects for emergency management; development of models and software tools for the analysis of emergency development; development of information (web) services to support the collaborative decision making.Findings – A model of multimedia platform for emergency management in technological systems has been developed, which defines emergency services with appropriate information infrastructure, the structure and characteristics of the interoperability system and their mutual communication.Resear...