Sustainability

Research

20 pages, 4125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Juncus and Iris Plant Potential—Two Native Serbian Species for Utilization in Nature-Based Solutions towards Improving the Quality of Water Contaminated with Zinc and Supporting Biodiversity

by Amela Greksa, Ivana Mihajlović, Mirjana Ljubojević, Boško Blagojević, Mirjana I. Vijuk, Sanja Podunavac-Kuzmanović, Strahinja Kovačević and Mirna P. Štrbac

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6467; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156467 - 28 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1789

Abstract

The benefits of nature-based solutions to address the climate and biodiversity challenges have become widely acknowledged. In numerous ways, nature-based solutions align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Serbia, like many other countries, faces many negative impacts of climate change crises. In order to [...] Read more.

The benefits of nature-based solutions to address the climate and biodiversity challenges have become widely acknowledged. In numerous ways, nature-based solutions align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Serbia, like many other countries, faces many negative impacts of climate change crises. In order to meet sustainable development goals linked to water pollution and biodiversity, we investigated the potential of two plants, namely, Iris pseudocorus L. and Juncus effusus L., and tested for zinc reduction, previously found as an emerging contaminant of urban waters in Serbia. We focused on the investigation of native Serbian plants, that are reported as highly valuable and endangered. Results confirmed that both plant species have high accumulation capacity for Zn uptake, whereas growth and resistance were higher for Juncus effusus L. plants. While the concentration of zinc in Iris plants ranged from 45.85 mg/L to 193.05 mg/L, the concentration found in Juncus plants ranged from 36.2 mg/L to 264.59 mg/L for leaves and 53.20 mg/L for roots. This study contributes to the support for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Serbia within biodiversity conservation and sustainable water management, by providing information of plant species that can be included in future sustainable nature-based solutions projects, like bioretention systems and constructed wetlands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: Research and Practices)

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20 pages, 2173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Evaluation of China’s Biogenetic Resources Conservation Policies Based on the Policy Modeling Consistency Index Model

by Liwen Qi, Wenjing Chen, Chunyan Li, Xiaoting Song and Lanqing Ge

Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 5158; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16125158 - 17 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1012

Abstract

Biogenetic resources are the foundation of biodiversity and are of great significance to the sustainability of human society. The effective promotion of biogenetic resource conservation depends on the scientific formulation and implementation of relevant policies, so the quantitative evaluation of biogenetic resource conservation [...] Read more.

Biogenetic resources are the foundation of biodiversity and are of great significance to the sustainability of human society. The effective promotion of biogenetic resource conservation depends on the scientific formulation and implementation of relevant policies, so the quantitative evaluation of biogenetic resource conservation policies can provide decision support for the next step of policy formulation. Based on text analysis, social network analysis, and the construction of the PMC index model, this study selected 132 policy samples issued by the Chinese government in the field of biogenetic resources, established an evaluation system for China’s biogenetic resources policies, which contains 10 first-level indicators and 55 s-level indicators, and drew the PMC curve diagram accordingly to quantitatively evaluate China’s biogenetic resources policies. The results show that China’s biogenetic resources policies are generally at a good level, which can meet the current practical needs of biogenetic resources conservation, but there are problems such as the lack of policy forecasts in the relevant policy texts, the lack of flexible planning in the short and medium term, the lack of co-operation among the policy issuers, and the insufficient guidance of innovation. Based on the results, this article puts forward suggestions for improving China’s biogenetic resource conservation policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: Research and Practices)

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16 pages, 6024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Biodiversity Monitoring Case Study in Viticulture: Manual and Digitalized Collaborative Methodology to Pursue the European Commission’s Sustainable Challenges

by Sofia Matilde Luglio, Ginevra Bucalossi, Riccardo Lisci, Christian Frasconi, Stefania Lombardo, Marco Vieri, Andrea Pagliai and Daniele Sarri

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3469; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083469 - 21 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1252

Abstract

The European Commission (EC) promotes policies addressing the needs of a growing human population while adhering to ecological principles that ensure ecosystem sustainability. Viticulture, one of the most widespread cultivations in the world, is, at the same time, one of the most environmentally [...] Read more.

The European Commission (EC) promotes policies addressing the needs of a growing human population while adhering to ecological principles that ensure ecosystem sustainability. Viticulture, one of the most widespread cultivations in the world, is, at the same time, one of the most environmentally impactful cultivations. Many studies have been conducted worldwide to identify more sustainable practices because vine monoculture, when repeated for long periods in the same territory, combined with low attention to the agronomic balance of vineyards, is causing biodiversity loss. The study aims to implement analytics for the accounting of biodiversity supported by digital tools like smart applications and digital platforms. Two farms were analyzed in a vacated area for red wine production in the center of Tuscany (Italy). A conventional biodiversity assessment protocol was used to evaluate the magnitude of biodiversity. Smartphone applications and a digital database creation platform supported this. The results highlighted an overall low level of biodiversity from a biodiversity perspective, while the use of smart applications and digital platforms represents an efficient tool for mitigating recognition errors in flora and fauna assessments and a powerful instrument for monitoring and tracking farm biodiversity. The study provides an overview of biodiversity status in a wine production area and a methodology to make its assessment easier and more reliable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: Research and Practices)

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26 pages, 2575 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Evolution of Open Space Planning within a Developing, Biodiverse City (Durban, South Africa)

by Cameron T. McLean, Debra C. Roberts and Rob Slotow

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 3073; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16073073 - 7 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2275

Abstract

Conserving and restoring biodiversity is central to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The need to curb biodiversity loss through the mainstreaming of biodiversity considerations within land-use planning is consistently highlighted in global biodiversity assessments intended for policymakers and practitioners. We present [...] Read more.

Conserving and restoring biodiversity is central to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The need to curb biodiversity loss through the mainstreaming of biodiversity considerations within land-use planning is consistently highlighted in global biodiversity assessments intended for policymakers and practitioners. We present a Global South local government-led examination of the mainstreaming of biodiversity issues within a biodiversity hotspot area. Here, we evaluated the four-decade-long evolution in open space planning in Durban, South Africa, in response to shifting urbanisation, governance and policy/legislative contexts. We assessed the role of science in responding to contextual changes, the need for champions, and key institutional interventions undertaken to embed a biodiversity function within local government. In addition, we investigated how biodiversity concerns have been incorporated into land-use planning applications via the city’s environmental planning function. We provide evidence of the advancement of mainstreaming biodiversity concerns within local government processes, institutional functions, and land-use decision-making. This has been achieved through effective and sustained leadership; the use of science and scientific information in advancing the policy and legislative environment and building political support by responding to shifting governance contexts; investment in institutional scientific capacity and generating scale-appropriate biodiversity information. Learnings from this paper may be useful for other local governments addressing biodiversity loss through land-use planning processes, by identifying critical investment areas that may shorten the time required for effective mainstreaming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: Research and Practices)

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26 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Greening the Future: Harnessing ICT, Innovation, Eco-Taxes, and Clean Energy for Sustainable Ecology—Insights from Dynamic Seemingly Unrelated Regression, Continuously Updated Fully Modified, and Continuously Updated Bias-Corrected Models

by Yupu Wang, Md. Qamruzzaman and Sylvia Kor

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16417; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316417 - 29 Nov 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2482

Abstract

This research endeavors to investigate the impacts of information and communication technology, green technological innovation, and environmental tax on the attainment of ecological sustainability with advanced panel date estimation for 2001–2019. The results of this study demonstrate a noteworthy inverse relationship between information [...] Read more.

This research endeavors to investigate the impacts of information and communication technology, green technological innovation, and environmental tax on the attainment of ecological sustainability with advanced panel date estimation for 2001–2019. The results of this study demonstrate a noteworthy inverse relationship between information and communication technology and ecological footprint, suggesting that progress in ICT has the potential to yield positive consequences in terms of ecological restoration and the promotion of environmental sustainability. Furthermore, this study underscores the significance of GTI in mitigating carbon emissions and effectively addressing environmental challenges. The findings indicate that the incorporation of environmentally sustainable technology can yield favorable ecological consequences and make significant contributions towards the attainment of worldwide climate targets. Nevertheless, the study highlights the importance of considering potential rebound effects. It underscores the imperative for ongoing research and the implementation of comprehensive policies within the realm of environmentally sustainable technology. Moreover, the present study elucidates the favorable ramifications of GF on ecological sustainability, underscoring its pivotal contribution in curtailing carbon emissions, augmenting environmental benchmarks, and facilitating the ecological footprint. Enhancing the utilization of green finance, making adjustments to national regulatory frameworks, and achieving harmonization of public financial incentives to bolster sustainable development are important. Additionally, the study posits that the incorporation of ET can catalyze businesses and individuals to embrace environmentally friendly energy sources and sustainable practices, thereby fostering positive outcomes for the environment. The study offers significant insights into the contributions of information and communication technology, green technology innovation, and environmental technology to advancing ecological sustainability. It emphasizes the need for collaborative endeavors among academia, industry, and government to cultivate a supportive ecosystem for sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: Research and Practices)

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16 pages, 501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Analysis of an Ecological–Economic Model of Asian Elephant Population Development under the Influence of Human Disturbance

by Wei Huang and Wenhui Chen

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6910; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086910 - 19 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1662

Abstract

The population development of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) has been greatly affected by the intensification of human activities. In this study, development of the Asian elephant population under the influence of human disturbance was analyzed logically, with expansion of the rubber [...] Read more.

The population development of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) has been greatly affected by the intensification of human activities. In this study, development of the Asian elephant population under the influence of human disturbance was analyzed logically, with expansion of the rubber forest area as the main influencing factor. The ecological–economic model of Asian elephant population development was constructed using the logical analysis method, the population growth model and the integrated environmental–economic control model. The results are as follows: (1) Theoretically, the ecological–economic model could be applied to the analysis of wildlife conservation and regulation and management policies; (2) The data show that in 2016, the intrinsic growth rate of Asian elephants in Xishuangbanna was 0.0216 head/day, which has a strong proliferation capacity, meaning the population will continue to grow under natural conditions. However, at present, the population development of Asian elephants has been negatively affected by human interference, which has reduced the population growth rate of Asian elephants to 0.0193 head/day, and this impact has a tendency to intensify; (3) From 2004 to 2016, the investment rate of Asian elephants increased by 0.182, while the anti-interference protection rate of Asian elephants decreased by 0.227. The overall development trend of Asian elephants was from equilibrium point one (golden age) to equilibrium point two (dark age). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: Research and Practices)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

25 pages, 356 KiB

Open AccessReview

Rewilding as a Multifaceted Concept and Emerging Approach: The Romanian Experience

by Gabriel Gorghiu, Mihai Bîzoi, Laura Monica Gorghiu, Claudia Lavinia Buruleanu and Ana-Maria Suduc

Sustainability 2024, 16(4), 1645; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16041645 - 16 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2147

Abstract

We conduct a review of the multifaceted rewilding concept and rewilding initiatives worldwide, focusing on specific features and outcomes of European rewilding issues and Romanian rewilding projects. In this review of the literature and case studies, we undertake the following: (a) identify the [...] Read more.

We conduct a review of the multifaceted rewilding concept and rewilding initiatives worldwide, focusing on specific features and outcomes of European rewilding issues and Romanian rewilding projects. In this review of the literature and case studies, we undertake the following: (a) identify the definitions and thorough meanings of the term rewilding worldwide, including its guiding principles aiming at rebuilding the natural ecosystems; (b) map the international and European treaties and policies referring to ecosystems’ restoration, biodiversity, environment, sustainability, and rewilding-related issues; (c) explore the benefits and criticisms associated with the rewilding activities, including from a social perspective; (d) structure an overview on the tools used for rewilding assessment; (e) identify the projects and initiatives developed and on-going in Romania on rewilding. Our findings reveal a great diversity of topics addressed within the rewilding umbrella and also a significant growth in this area, despite the numerous challenges faced by experts and locals (e.g., understanding the context of rewilding and identifying the most suitable modalities of operationalizing it) and questions (such as the following: is rewilding a real need? will it bring benefits to nature and people?) that remained to be answered. In Romania, a series of efforts are being undertaken both by the government and NGOs to restore self-sustaining ecosystems and to raise awareness of this topic among different stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: Research and Practices)

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

11 pages, 3660 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Public Policies and Social Actions to Prevent the Loss of the Chiquitano Dry Forest

by Oswaldo Maillard, Carla Pinto-Herrera, Roberto Vides-Almonacid, Paola Pozo, Claudia Belaunde, Nicolas Mielich, Huascar Azurduy and Rosa Leny Cuellar

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16030969 - 23 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2463

Abstract

Despite more than two decades of efforts made to prevent the loss of the Chiquitano Dry Forest on the Bolivian side, deforestation and forest fragmentation driven by agricultural expansion, uncontrolled settlement and forest fires have continued putting its ecological integrity at high risk. [...] Read more.

Despite more than two decades of efforts made to prevent the loss of the Chiquitano Dry Forest on the Bolivian side, deforestation and forest fragmentation driven by agricultural expansion, uncontrolled settlement and forest fires have continued putting its ecological integrity at high risk. Currently, this unique forest is severely vulnerable and under considerable pressure, which should generate worldwide attention and concern, considering its importance in terms of biodiversity and climate. In this opinion piece, we address the approach of policies and social actions to reverse the situation using the experiences of locals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Development: Research and Practices)

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