Search Results (181)

The integrated assessment of watershed ecosystems is increasingly critical for sustainable water resource management amid global environmental change. Multi-source data integration—encompassing in situ monitoring, remote sensing, and model-based observations—has significantly expanded the spatial and temporal scales at which watershed processes can be analyzed. Concurrently, advances in model coupling strategies, ranging from loose to embedded architectures, have enabled more dynamic and holistic representations of interactions among hydrology, water quality, and ecological systems. However, a unifying operational framework that links multi-source data, cross-scale coupling, and rigorous uncertainty propagation to actionable, real-time decision support is still missing, largely due to gaps in interoperability and stakeholder engagement. Addressing these limitations demands the development of intelligent, adaptive modeling frameworks that leverage hybrid physics-informed machine learning, cross-scale process integration, and continuous real-time data assimilation. Open science practices and transparent model governance are essential for ensuring reproducibility, stakeholder trust, and policy relevance. The recent literature indicates that loose coupling predominates, physics-informed ML tends to generalize better in data-sparse settings, and uncertainty communication remains uneven. Building on these insights, this review synthesizes methods for data harmonization and cross-scale integration, compares coupling architectures and data assimilation schemes, evaluates uncertainty and interoperability practices, and introduces the Smart Integrated Watershed Eco-Assessment Framework (SIWEAF) to support adaptive, real-time, stakeholder-centered decision-making. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainably produced food has intensified interest in fermented milk products, such as yoghurt, which combine nutritional value with environmental and ethical considerations. However, the authenticity of sustainability claims in this sector remains contested, raising concerns about consumer trust and regulatory clarity. This review examines the role of certification and labelling in verifying and communicating the sustainability of fermented milk products. The analysis covers regulatory frameworks, consumer perceptions, and the potential of digital tools to improve transparency. Findings highlight inconsistencies in defining key terms such as organic, probiotic, and carbon-neutral, which hinder certification harmonization. Complex labels and allergen declarations can reduce clarity and trust, while overlapping or vague eco-labels risk contributing to consumer confusion and skepticism. Despite this, credible certifications still enhance purchase intent. Modern technologies, including blockchain traceability, interactive QR codes, and digital product passports, offer new ways to reinforce trust, though implementation costs and regulatory gaps remain barriers. This review concludes that effective sustainability communication must integrate robust certification schemes with simplified, transparent messaging. Harmonized standards, improved label design, and consumer education are essential to support informed choices and foster trust in sustainable dairy. Full article

The China–Russia northeast–far east transboundary region is ecologically complex and economically promising, but fragmented cross-border management poses challenges to ecological security and regional sustainable development. To scientifically reveal functional differentiation and support bilateral cooperation, this study established a comprehensive evaluation system comprising 21 indicators across five categories: natural, ecological, economic, social, and resource. Using the Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) clustering algorithm at the grid scale, eight initial clusters with distinct eco-economic characteristics across administrative boundaries were identified. Based on these results, spatial patterns were refined using expert knowledge from both China and Russia, ultimately delineating ten core eco-economic functional zones. The study finds that (1) the results of the eco-economic zoning scheme reveal clear spatial functional differentiation, with the northern part of the region focusing on ecological conservation and resource development, and the southern part on agricultural and forestry production as well as port trade; and (2) China and Russia show significant differences in natural resource endowments, infrastructure levels, and population distribution, indicating strong potential for functional complementarity and coordinated development. Further, this study breaks through traditional administrative-unit-based zoning approaches and proposes a grid-scale eco-economic zoning scheme across administrative boundaries, providing spatial support for ecological protection, resource development, and regional governance in the border areas between China and Russia. The findings may also serve as a methodological reference and practical demonstration for eco-economic zoning scheme and coordinated management in other complex transboundary regions around the world. Full article

Today, there is an ongoing discourse on the notion of carbon farming on an international scale. The underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon are numerous. Firstly, the degradation of intensively farmed soils is increasing, and secondly, there is a clear need to restore their biodiversity. A multitude of pollutants stemming from agricultural production have incited the implementation of targeted measures, notably by the European Commission. Consequently, the adoption of the European Green Deal in Poland has prompted the agricultural sector to implement a series of modifications to its practices, with the objective of enhancing soil cultivation and animal husbandry methods. In response to these changes, the introduction of carbon farming practices is being proposed. These practices, which are to be implemented in Polish agriculture with the support of EU subsidies, are intended to mitigate the effects of climate change. This prompts further inquiry into the potential evolution of carbon farming practices and the extent of farmer interest in them. According to the available data, in Poland, 56% of the total agricultural area was covered by payments under the carbon farming eco-scheme. However, support was accessed by barely 31% of farms with an area of more than 1 ha. In turn, from a regional perspective, data analysis reveals significant regional differences in the use of support. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the structural, environmental, and production reasons behind differences in the use of the “Carbon farming and nutrient management“ eco-scheme across the Polish territory. The headline result is that participation is strongly associated with farm structure, moderately with production performance, and only weakly with environmental status. Full article

This paper examines the characteristics of agriculture in High Nature Value farmlands (HNVf) in Poland and assesses their capacity to implement key environmental measures under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027. Using spatial and statistical analyses at the municipal level, the study compares agricultural structures, production types, participation in eco-schemes, organic farming and agri-environment-climate measures under the CAP 2023–2027. The delimitation of HNVf areas was based on the EU methodology, focusing on the extent of agricultural production and the environmental value of the surrounding landscape. The results indicate that HNVf areas are predominantly located in regions with challenging natural conditions, a high share of permanent grasslands, and limited capacity to diversify crop structures. Farms in these areas show lower participation in eco-schemes compared to more intensive farming regions, suggesting that current instruments may not fully align with the specific needs of low-intensity systems. In contrast, higher levels of engagement were observed in organic farming and agri-environment-climate measures in HNVf. These findings highlight the need for better-adapted CAP instruments that reflect the environmental and economic realities of HNVf areas. Enhancing support mechanisms for these regions is essential to safeguard biodiversity, promote sustainable land use, and maintain the socio-environmental functions of rural landscapes. Full article

The outlook for biobased plastics in packaging applications is increasingly promising, driven by a combination of environmental advantages, technological innovation, and shifting market dynamics. Derived from renewable biological resources, these materials offer compelling benefits over conventional fossil-based plastics. They can substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, are often recyclable or biodegradable, and, in some cases, require less energy to produce. These characteristics position biobased plastics as a key solution to urgent environmental challenges, particularly those related to climate change and resource scarcity. Biobased plastics also demonstrate remarkable versatility. Their applications range from high-performance barrier layers in multilayer packaging to thermoformed containers, textile fibers, and lightweight plastic bags. Notably, all major fossil-based packaging applications can be substituted with biobased alternatives. This adaptability enhances their commercial viability across diverse sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, agriculture, textiles, and consumer goods. Several factors are accelerating growth in this sector. These include the increasing urgency of climate action, the innovation potential of biobased materials, and expanding government support through funding and regulatory initiatives. At the same time, consumer demand is shifting toward sustainable products, and companies are aligning their strategies with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals—further boosting market momentum. However, significant challenges remain. High production costs, limited economies of scale, and the capital-intensive nature of scaling biobased processes present economic hurdles. The absence of harmonized policies and standards across regions, along with underdeveloped end-of-life infrastructure, impedes effective waste management and recycling. Additionally, consumer confusion around the disposal of biobased plastics—particularly those labeled as biodegradable or compostable—can lead to contamination in recycling streams. Overcoming these barriers will require a coordinated, multifaceted approach. Key actions include investing in infrastructure, advancing technological innovation, supporting research and development, and establishing clear, consistent regulatory frameworks. Public procurement policies, eco-labeling schemes, and incentives for low-carbon products can also play a pivotal role in accelerating adoption. With the right support mechanisms in place, biobased plastics have the potential to become a cornerstone of a sustainable, circular economy. Full article

This study proposes a design method for near-slope roads along multi-level slopes that integrates excavation requirements and post-construction ecological restoration through sprayed eco-protection. Firstly, the design principles and procedural steps for near-slope roads are established. The planar layouts of multi-level slopes are categorized, including mixing areas, turnaround areas, berms, and access ramps. Critical technical parameters, such as curve radii and widths of berms and ramps, as well as dimensional specifications for turnaround areas, are systematically formulated with corresponding design formulas. The methodology is applied to the ecological restoration project of multi-level slopes in the Huamahu mountainous area, and a comparative technical-economic analysis is conducted between the proposed design and the original scheme. Results demonstrate that the optimized design reduces additional maintenance costs caused by near-slope roads by 6.5–8.0% during the curing period. This research advances the technical framework for multi-level slope governance and enhances the ecological design standards for slope protection engineering. Full article

Research on ecosystem carbon sequestration services and ecological compensation is crucial for advancing carbon neutrality. As a public good, ecosystem carbon sequestration services inherently lead to externalities. Therefore, it is essential to consider externalities in the flow of sequestration services. However, few studies have examined intra- and inter-regional ecosystem carbon sequestration flows, making regional ecosystem carbon sequestration flows less comprehensive. Against this background, the research objectives of this paper are as follows. The flow of carbon sequestration services between Henan Province and out-of-province regions is studied. In addition, this study clarifies the beneficiary and supply areas of carbon sink services in Henan Province and the neighboring regions at the prefecture-level city scale to obtain a more systematic, comprehensive, and actual flow of carbon sequestration services for scientific and effective eco-compensation and to promote regional synergistic emission reductions. The research methodologies used in this paper are as follows. First, this study adopts a meta-coupling framework, designating Henan Province as the focal system, the Central Urban Agglomeration as the adjacent system, and eight surrounding provinces as remote systems. Regional carbon sequestration was assessed using net primary productivity (NEP), while carbon emissions were evaluated based on per capita carbon emissions and population density. A carbon balance analysis integrated carbon sequestration and emissions. Hotspot analysis identified areas of carbon sequestration service supply and associated benefits. Ecological radiation force formulas were used to quantify service flows, and compensation values were estimated considering the government’s payment capacity and willingness. A three-dimensional evaluation system—incorporating technology, talent, and fiscal capacity—was developed to propose a diversified ecological compensation scheme by comparing supply and beneficiary areas. By modeling the ecosystem carbon sequestration service flow, the main results of this paper are as follows: (1) Within Henan Province, Luoyang and Nanyang provided 521,300 tons and 515,600 tons of carbon sinks to eight cities (e.g., Jiaozuo, Zhengzhou, and Kaifeng), warranting an ecological compensation of CNY 262.817 million and CNY 263.259 million, respectively. (2) Henan exported 3.0739 million tons of carbon sinks to external provinces, corresponding to a compensation value of CNY 1756.079 million. Conversely, regions such as Changzhi, Xiangyang, and Jinzhong contributed 657,200 tons of carbon sinks to Henan, requiring a compensation of CNY 189.921 million. (3) Henan thus achieved a net ecological compensation of CNY 1566.158 million through carbon sink flows. (4) In addition to monetary compensation, beneficiary areas may also contribute through technology transfer, financial investment, and talent support. The findings support the following conclusions: (1) it is necessary to consider the externalities of ecosystem services, and (2) the meta-coupling framework enables a comprehensive assessment of carbon sequestration service flows, providing actionable insights for improving ecosystem governance in Henan Province and comparable regions. Full article

The European Union’s latest common agricultural policy (CAP) aims to minimise the negative consequences of agriculture on the environment and climate. This ambition has been translated into the introduction of eco-schemes, which stimulates farmers to transition to sustainable agriculture. This paper answers three questions regarding the operation of the eco-scheme for livestock farming in The Netherlands. First, who are the recipients of the eco-scheme grants? Second, how have EU grants developed over time for these recipients? Third, do eco-scheme recipients farm more sustainably? To answer these questions, we conducted an empirical analysis based on administrative and microeconomic data, which included indicators to measure sustainable farming practices. Our results show that most recipients of the Dutch eco-scheme are dairy farmers and that larger farms receive relatively more grant funding per hectare. The introduction of the eco-scheme marked a shift toward less grant funding for income support and more to encourage sustainable farming practices. This has triggered a significant downturn in the financial situation of many Dutch dairy farmers. Dairy farmers who score higher on sustainability indicators on average benefit more from the eco-scheme, although there is also a substantial share of dairy farmers who have benefited financially but score relatively low on sustainability. These insights contribute to the further improvement of the EU’s agricultural policies toward a successful transition to more sustainable agriculture. Full article

This study investigates the spatial dynamics of participation in the carbon farming eco-scheme in Poland under the EU CAP for 2023–2027. Addressing the broader context of sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation, this research explores how farm size and structural characteristics influence the adoption of regenerative practices incentivised through this eco-scheme. Using spatial statistical methods, including the global Moran’s I test and the global spatial cross-correlation index, this study analyses county-level data from 2023 to 2024 on farm size, the number of beneficiaries, and payment levels. The findings reveal distinct spatial clusters in eco-scheme participation, with larger farms showing greater regional concentration and smaller farms displaying stronger local clustering in payment distribution. The findings highlight varied spatial mechanisms that influence adoption and financial support patterns, indicating that both farm size and regional context play a significant role in shaping the uptake of eco-schemes. This study emphasises the significance of comprehensive spatial and socio-economic data in the formulation of effective, evidence-based policies pertaining to sustainable agriculture. It establishes a basis for more precisely targeted interventions and optimal resource allocation, thereby supporting both national and EU climate objectives while simultaneously enhancing the resilience and sustainability of rural regions. Full article

The textile industry encounters serious environmental challenges from wastewater with persistent organic pollutants, demanding sustainable solutions for remediation. Herein, we report a novel green synthesis of flexible BiOBr@PZT nanocomposite membranes via electrospinning and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) for visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation. The hierarchical structure integrates leaf-like BiOBr nanosheets with PAN/ZnO/TiO₂ (PZT) nanofibers, forming a Z-scheme heterojunction. This enhances the separation of photogenerated carriers while preserving mechanical integrity. SILAR-enabled low temperature deposition ensures eco-friendly fabrication by avoiding toxic precursors and cutting energy use. Optimized BiOBr@PZT-5 shows exceptional photocatalytic performance, achieving 97.6% tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation under visible light in 120 min. It also has strong tensile strength (4.29 MPa) and cycling stability. Mechanistic studies show efficient generation of O₂⁻ and OH radicals through synergistic light absorption, charge transfer, and turbulence-enhanced mass diffusion. The material’s flexibility allows reusable turbulent flow applications, overcoming rigid catalyst limitations. Aligning with green chemistry and UN SDGs, this work advances multifunctional photocatalytic systems for scalable, energy-efficient wastewater treatment, offering a paradigm that integrates environmental remediation with industrial adaptability. Full article

Amberboa moschata (L.) DC. (Asteraceae) is an endangered species, listed in the Red Book of Plants of the Republic of Armenia. The restricted extent of occurrence and habitat degradation necessitate conservation measures of this species, not only in the wild but also through ex situ cultivation. This study examines the comprehensive morpho-phenological, karyological, palynological, eco-physiological, and ornamental characteristics of A. moschata in the context of ex situ conservation. A. moschata plants cultivated ex situ demonstrated high adaptive traits, undergoing a full development cycle and experiencing less water stress compared to wild populations. The diploid cytotype has been found for the species to be 2n = 32, the karyotype is asymmetric, with chromosomes, 0.77–1.91 µm in size. The average pollen fertility of A. moschata is high, 96.7–96.9% in both natural and cultivated samples. A scale of decorativeness was developed, which includes 15 characteristics of the plant, providing an objective means to assess its visual appeal. The scale can be useful for integrating A. moschata into various landscaping schemes. Under cultivation, the total ornamental period lasts approximately 98 days, with the peak ornamental effect observed during the flowering phase, which spans 68–70 days. The study recommends A. moschata for inclusion in living collections in botanical gardens and for use in ornamental gardening and landscaping as part of its ex situ conservation strategy. A map, original photographs, and tables illustrate the article. Full article

The construction sector significantly impacts the environment, driving the development of sustainable materials like plant-based concretes. These materials offer low embodied energy, effective thermal insulation, and natural hygroscopicity. However, one of the major difficulties is that the diversity of formulations complicates the performance assessment. Furthermore, few studies model their insulating capacity based on composition. This research employs mean-field homogenization techniques (Mori–Tanaka and double inclusion schemes) to predict thermal conductivity, integrating formulation, aggregate orientation due to implementation methods, and morphological characteristics at several scales. The models analyze key factors—aggregate type, aspect ratio, and orientation—improving insulation beyond experimental limitations. A multi-criteria approach further explores binder and aggregate proportions, hygric and mechanical properties, and raw material availability. One of the major results is that a preferred orientation increases thermal efficiency by 60 percent, a difficult factor to assess experimentally today. This study enables the optimized thermal performance of plant-based concretes before production, fostering innovative manufacturing approaches for eco-friendly construction. Full article

This paper shows a case study on a novel community-based sustainability planning framework that balances environmental, social, cultural dimensions for a high-density urban setting. The case study presents a community-driven “Four-Zero” sustainability model—zero energy, zero water, zero food, and zero waste—as a foundation for environmental sustainability practices implemented in a high-density estate in Hong Kong, alongside community-led ecological and heritage initiatives that reinforce place-based resilience. Through integrated activities, such as community farming, aquaponics, organic waste composting, biodiversity monitoring, and heritage mapping, the residents co-produced knowledge and activated novel bottom–up planning schemes and fostered social cohesion while advancing environmental objectives. Notably, the discovery of rare species and historic Dairy Farm remnants catalyzed a community-led planning proposal for an eco-heritage park that stimulated policy dialogues on conservation. These collective efforts illustrate how circular resource systems and cultural and ecological conservation can be balanced with urban development needs in compact, high-density communities. This case offers policy insights for rethinking urban sustainability planning in dense city contexts, contributing to global discourses on urban political ecology by examining socio–nature entanglements in contested urban spaces, to environmental justice by foregrounding community agency in shaping ecological futures, and to commoning practices through shared stewardship of urban resources. Full article

Textile-reinforced alkali-activated mortar (TRAAM) is a composite material that is characterized by a strain- or deflection-hardening response under tension or flexure, respectively, as well as by a good bond with concrete and masonry substrates. Owing to comparable or even superior mechanical performance compared to “conventional” cement- or lime-based textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) systems and its potentially eco-friendly energy and environmental performance, TRAAM has been incorporated to retrofitting schemes. The current article reviews the studies that investigate TRAAM as a strengthening overlay for masonry and concrete members. This article focuses on the mechanical performance of the strengthened members, which, where possible, is also compared with that of members strengthened with conventional TRM systems. It is concluded that TRAAM can enhance the flexural and shear capacity of masonry and concrete members, while it can also upgrade the compression strength and seismic response of concrete members. In addition, it is concluded that the effectiveness of TRAAM can be comparable with that of “conventional” TRM systems. The combination of TRAAM with thermal insulation boards has also been proposed for structural and energy upgrading of masonry walls. Furthermore, TRAAM can be a promising solution for increasing the fire resistance of strengthened masonry members. However, research on the long-term performance of TRAAM, including durability, creep, and shrinkage, is still limited. Finally, the lack of established standards for TRM retrofitting is more evident for TRAAM applications. Full article