Stakeholder's multidimensional perceptions on policy implementation gaps regarding the current status of Chilean small-scale seaweed aquaculture

Marine Policy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 103 ◽  
pp. 138-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis A. Henríquez-Antipa ◽  
F. Cárcamo
2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Arroja Eshun ◽  
E. Okyere

In recent times, stakeholders in the mining sector have expressed concerns about the environmental degradation and the social impacts of uncontrolled Small Scale Mining (SSM) activities in Ghana despite the existence of legislative instruments that define the procedures required for the acquisition of licences and operations of SSM activities in the country. This paper assesses the challenges in policy implementation in the small scale gold mining sector of Ghana by reviewing policies on regularisation and environmental management. It further identifies challenges faced by small scale mining operators in adhering to laid down policies for the smooth operation of the sector and furthermore assesses the views of some principal stakeholders on the benefits and challenges of small scale mining using the Dunkwa mining district as a test case. The methods employed include: field visits to some  small scale mining sites within the Dunkwa mining district; interviews and questionnaire administration; and statistical and content analysis of data. The study reveals the following factors, among others, to have contributed largely to the difficulty in regularisation, environmental and social challenges that have plagued the SSM sector: low level of education of majority of miners; bureaucracies and centralisation of licence acquisition processes; lack of sources of finance for SSM projects; lack of geological information on mineable areas; and lack of adequate knowledge of the laws and regulations on mining and environment. In addressing the challenges the following recommendations are made: decentralisation of the regularisation processes to simplify licence acquisition; adequate geological investigations should be undertaken on SSM blocked-out areas to reduce the try and error mining approach adopted by miners; and continuous education and training of miners on good mining and environmental practices. Keywords: Small Scale Mining, Mineral Policies, Environmental Impact, Regularisation, Challenges


2022 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Mackay ◽  
Sarah Gerritsen ◽  
Fiona Sing ◽  
Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽  
Boyd Swinburn

Abstract Background The INFORMAS [International Network for Food and Obesity/Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Research, Monitoring and Action Support] Healthy Food Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI) was developed to evaluate the degree of implementation of widely recommended food environment policies by national governments against international best practice, and has been applied in New Zealand in 2014, 2017 and 2020. This paper outlines the 2020 Food-EPI process and compares policy implementation and recommendations with the 2014 and 2017 Food-EPI. Methods In March–April 2020, a national panel of over 50 public health experts participated in Food-EPI. Experts rated the extent of implementation of 47 “good practice” policy and infrastructure support indicators compared to international best practice, using an extensive evidence document verified by government officials. Experts then proposed and prioritized concrete actions needed to address the critical implementation gaps identified. Progress on policy implementation and recommendations made over the three Food-EPIs was compared. Results In 2020, 60% of the indicators were rated as having “low” or “very little, if any” implementation compared to international benchmarks: less progress than 2017 (47%) and similar to 2014 (61%). Of the nine priority actions proposed in 2014, there was only noticeable action on one (Health Star Ratings). The majority of actions were therefore proposed again in 2017 and 2020. In 2020 the proposed actions were broader, reflecting the need for multisectoral action to improve the food environment, and the need for a mandatory approach in all policy areas. Conclusions There has been little to no progress in the past three terms of government (9 years) on the implementation of policies and infrastructure support for healthy food environments, with implementation overall regressing between 2017 and 2020. The proposed actions in 2020 have reflected a growing movement to locate nutrition within the wider context of planetary health and with recognition of the social determinants of health and nutrition, resulting in recommendations that will require the involvement of many government entities to overcome the existing policy inertia. The increase in food insecurity due to COVID-19 lockdowns may provide the impetus to stimulate action on food polices.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biplab Kumar Shaha ◽  
Md. Mahmudul Alam ◽  
H. M. Rakibul Islam

Harvesting Giant Freshwater Prawn, Golda (Macrobrachium rosenbergii de Man 1879) in the Sundarnbans mangrove forest plays an important role in the economy of the country as well as the livelihood of local community. The study focused the economic assessment of small-scale artisanal Golda fishery. Overall the Hookline gear showed the best performance in terms of economic return. However, it was found to withstand a shock from 20% decrease in market prices or 30% fall in catch rate in terms of Return on investment, payback period and Benefit-cost ratio. Operating cost and fixed cost for Hookline fishery was the lowest and Khathijal was the highest. No significant variation (P<0.05) observed in the mean catch rate per trip boat-1 among the gears studied. Total revenue earned after completion a trip varied considerably between BDT 1,307 to 1,562. Yearly, total net revenue reached at the maximum by Hookline (BDT 38,506), followed by Chandijal (BDT 38,377) and the minimum by Khalpata (BDT 33,885). The findings of this study are supposed to be helpful for policy makers in improving the current status of Golda fishery and relevant human livelihood as well as conserving the Sundarbans Mangrove Ecosystem.


Author(s):  
Anand Srinivasan ◽  
José L. López-Ribot ◽  
Anand K. Ramasubramanian

Microfluidics is the manipulation and control of fluids in small scale, and has heralded a new age in science as evidenced by the rapid increase in the amount and quality of academic and industrial research output in this area in the recent times. Microfluidics has shown tremendous promise in both fundamental and applied research in the field of vascular bioengineering. In this review, we outline the basic principles of microfluidic flow and fabrication techniques, and describe the recent advances in the applications of microfluidic devices in diagnostic and prognostic vascular bioengineering. The field is still in its infancy and has a great potential for research and development as it matures to deliver commercially viable products. This review, focusing on the current status of microfluidic applications to diagnose and treat blood-related disorders, should be a valuable and opportune addition to the literature of interest to both academia and industry.


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