scholarly journals Dissemination of Environmental Information and its Effects on Stakeholders’ Decision-Making: A Comparative Study between Swedish and Polish Municipalities

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-47
Author(s):  
Anna Cregård ◽  
Iwona Sobis
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Environmental Information ◽  
Development Economic ◽  
Agenda 21 ◽  
Positive Effects

Abstract According to Action Agenda 21, which was adopted at the Rio Conference in 1992, sustainable development is a major objective for local and global development. Economic growth, good living conditions, and protection of the earth’s natural environment are important to all people in the world. This article focuses on one aspect of sustainable development, i.e. on environmental sustainability. Research shows that local government can take a leading position in protecting the natural environment and disseminating information on it among stakeholders. However, our knowledge about the dissemination of environmental information practices among stakeholders is limited. The purpose of this research is to fill a gap in current knowledge, to describe and compare the practical work with dissemination of such information among stakeholders in Swedish and Polish municipalities. The questions to be answered are: What environmental information is collected and produced by the local government ? At what stakeholders is such information targeted ? and What effects does it have on decision-making by stakeholders in the investigated municipalities ? The study is based on state regulations, the homepages of municipal offices, and policy documents, official reports, and semi-structured interviews with key managers responsible for the protection of the natural environment in the studied municipalities. Data were collected from late 2015 to early 2017. This research indicates that dissemination of environmental information has a positive effect on the decision-making of internal stakeholders. In both countries, the municipal authorities follow the EU recommendations, resulting in innovative work and growing environmental awareness among the municipal authorities, the residents, and other stakeholders. Improvement of the natural environment is perceived as “a must” for the future. Nonetheless, especially larger municipalities face challenges because the production and dissemination of environmental information is time-consuming. In the long run, however, surprisingly positive effects on the local protection of the natural environment appear.

Ecotourism in Protected Areas

2019 ◽  
pp. 22-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaunette M. Sinclair-Maragh
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Environmental Justice ◽  
Protected Areas ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Ecological Resources

This chapter explores the role of ecotourism in the sustainable development of protected areas. It specifically examines the aims of ecotourism in simultaneously contributing to economic development and environmental sustainability in protected areas. The chapter further analyzes protected areas within the ecological, human, and institutional dimensions, and demonstrates how the outcomes of ecotourism are linked to the economic, social, and environmental pillars that drive sustainable development. The chapter also discusses challenges surrounding the sustainability of ecotourism in protected areas and several mitigation strategies. It concludes that while ecotourism aims for economic development it can have detrimental effects on the ecological resources and host communities if not managed in a strategic sustainable way. The chapter recommends that ecotourism in protected areas should be carried out within the realm of environmental justice where all stakeholders and the natural environment are treated with respect and equity.

scholarly journals Transitioning to a Green Economy—Possible Effects on the Croatian Economy

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (22) ◽  
pp. 9342
Author(s):  
Nada Denona Bogovic ◽  
Zvonimira Sverko Grdic
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Development Economic ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Total Employment ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Strategic Goals ◽  
Negative Environmental Impact

Following the global economic crisis of 2008, the concept of green economy has become a significant field of interest for scientific research as well as for specific development policies in various countries around the world. More recently, the transition towards green economy has been considered a desirable model and alternative approach to development encompassing all elements of sustainable development—economic, ecological and social. By adopting the 2019 European Green Deal, the European Union has explicitly opted for a new pattern of development that involves all European countries transitioning their economies, i.e., achieving economic growth while significantly reducing their negative environmental impact. The aim of this paper was to assess the possible effects of Croatian economy transitioning in accordance with the European Green Deal strategic framework and resources planned for Croatia in the following EU budgeting period (2021–2027). Based on the regression analysis results and two developed investment scenarios for the green transition, the authors have shown the potential positive effects of such a process on the gross domestic product and on total employment. These results were further supported by arguments based on examples for specific sectors and economic activities. The authors conclude that transitioning towards green economy, i.e., implementing specific green economy policies can serve to push sustainable development in the EU while simultaneously contributing to the implementation of the strategic goals of the European Green Deal.

scholarly journals Integration of Environmental Sustainability Issues into the “Game Design Theory and Practice” Design Course

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 6334
Author(s):  
Hsiu Ching Laura Hsieh
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Design Education ◽  
Design Theory ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Art And Design ◽  
Positive Effects

International and Taiwanese research has suggested that education for sustainable development (ESD) requires interdisciplinary research and teaching. There is a lack of sustainable art and design courses in the field of humanities. We have learned that design students have neither a concern for the surrounding environment nor the ability to resolve social issues when teaching design. This study is intended to integrate sustainable development issues into design courses and apply design to resolve issues so that students can develop the ability to think creatively and solve environmental sustainability issues. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of integrating sustainable development issues into “Game Design Theory and Practice” design course and to construct a model of “design course on environmental sustainability.” This study applied the action research method and incorporated the PBL (problem-based learning) and ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation) modes. Ultimately, based on the results of course planning and implementation, we proposed the model of “design course on environmental sustainability,” with priorities given to: (1) The introduction of environmental sustainability issues; (2) the introduction of design methods by teachers; (3) the promotion of students’ participation in design thinking and discussion; (4) students’ adjustments to the design according to players’ feedback; and (5) interaction and communication between different characters. The results demonstrated that the integration of sustainable development issues into the planning and implementation of the “Game Design Theory and Practice” design course had positive effects. Game design could be used as a method and tool to encourage students and players to assume sustainable citizenship and to generate a concern for sustainable development in interesting game contexts. These findings can contribute to the future development of design education at colleges and universities.

scholarly journals The digitalization in EMAS-registered organizations: evidences from Italy and Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 673-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossella Canestrino ◽  
Marek Ćwiklicki ◽  
Piotr Kafel ◽  
Magdalena Wojnarowska ◽  
Pierpaolo Magliocca
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
National Language ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the scope of digitalization in the EMAS-registered organizations for better understanding its extent in environmental committed firms' activities.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis was employed to examine the environmental statements of the EMAS-registered organizations. About 60 Italian and Polish entities were selected from the EMAS database using simple random sampling method.FindingsThe article fills the gap in the theory of managing change in an environmental context, suggesting that the action plan for sustainable development does not meet the objectives of digitalization. Organizations registered in EMAS do not express a strong tendency to introduce ICT in the pursuit of environmental goals, which is contrary to the assumptions about the benefits of digitalization for sustainable development.Research limitations/implicationsThe first limitation refers to the small size of the sample. Since environmental statements are always published in national languages, only two countries – Italy and Poland – were chosen for investigation. The use of national language hinders comparison, but the inclusion of more registered organizations could give additional explanations. Secondly, the content analysis would have benefited from the collection of additional source of information (webpages and company documentations), since many firms do not refer to digitalization in the environmental statements. Gathering primary data from managers explaining the motives behind their strategic environmental decisions could be also useful.Practical implicationsGiving the agreement about the environmental advantages of digitalization, this study offers to the practitioners the chance to catch new opportunities within the field of environmental sustainability by the employment of more integrated approach to digitalization.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine two dynamically developing areas, namely digitalization and environmental sustainability. This study enriches current knowledge about both areas, examining the level of digitalization of European high-environmental performing firms. In doing this, it reports lack of important use of digitalization in the action plans for environmental commitments in Polish and Italian EMAS-registered organizations.

scholarly journals Modern prerequisites for the formation of a system of indicators of sustainable development of socio-economic systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana Sausheva ◽  
Svetlana Maykova ◽  
Svetlana Kirdyashkina
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Development Economic ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Interconnected System ◽  
State Response

The growth of the world economy that does not meet the requirements of environmental sustainability is accompanied by an increase in anthropogenic pressure on the environment, which leads to an aggravation of environmental problems and increases the likelihood of man-made accidents and catastrophes. In this situation, the direction of scientific research in the field of forming a unified methodology for comprehensive analysis and evaluation of sustainable development, as a simultaneous balanced economic development and environmental conservation, becomes important. The currently used methodological approaches do not always provide a comprehensive assessment of the results achieved in economic development from the perspective of financial and economic indicators, and address social and environmental issues. The solution to this problem is possible by modifying the modern system of indicators of sustainable development of socio-economic systems based on the wider use of the DSR model («Driving forces (previously-pressure) – state-reaction») / DSR («Driving Force – State – Response»). The article presents a conceptual analysis of the system of indicators of sustainable development based on the «driving forces – state – response» model used by the Organization for economic cooperation and development. Economic activity affects (exerts «pressure», uses «driving forces») the environment, the quality and quantity of natural resources («state»); in turn, society and the state changes public consciousness and behavior, conducts environmental measures («reaction»). Possible directions of modernization of this system of indicators are defined. It is concluded that the use of an interconnected system of indicators can improve the effectiveness of public policy due to objective, reliable and comparable information about the environment and sustainable development.

Evaluating Public Participation Mechanisms in LA21 Programs in Malaysia

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 76-83
Author(s):  
Hardev Kaur Latchimanan Singh ◽  
Shamsinar Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Public Participation ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Community Action ◽  
Base Line ◽  
Agenda 21 ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Local Agenda 21

Objective - The role of local government in LA21 is important in order to harness local level participation. In Malaysia, as in many other countries, the need to engage the public in sustainable development issues has shifted the focus to more decentralized and bottom up approaches in harnessing public participation in achieving sustainable development. This means that local authorities as the leading partners in LA21 need to work with the local community and the private sector to develop community action plans for sustainability under Local Agenda 21(LA21). Thus, the overall goal of the study is to determine how participation can best be implemented in LA21 programmes in selective councils by evaluating the key participatory mechanisms that have been employed by the councils. Methodology/Technique - This is a qualitative study that was conducted on four specific councils in West and East Malaysia to determine the effectiveness of the participatory mechanisms used in LA21 programs. The main methods of data collection were through the use of semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document analysis. Findings - The overall conclusion is that the councils were still using the conventional methods to encourage public participation and hence were not able to enhance public participation in the LA21 program. Novelty - The study will not only create a framework for local councils intending to implement a bottom-up approach to participation but also establish a base-line description of participatory mechanisms in LA21 programmes to encourage further research in this area of evolving LA21 research. Type of Paper: Empirical Keywords: Public Participation; Participatory Mechanisms; Local Government; Local Agenda 21; Sustainable Development. JEL Classification: H83, Q01.

scholarly journals Innovation for environmental sustainability: longitudinal effects of an education for sustainable development intervention on university students’ pro-environmentalism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Collado ◽  
José David Moreno ◽  
José Martín-Albo
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
University Students ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Education For Sustainable Development ◽  
Environmental Knowledge ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Environmental Behaviors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Longitudinal Effects

Purpose Although education for sustainable development (ESD) is a key tool in the transition to a more sustainable society, its integration in higher education remains scarce. One reason for this is that more evidence is needed about the effectiveness of ESD interventions. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by examining the immediate and long-term effects of an ESD intervention on university students’ pro-environmental knowledge, personal environmental norm and pro-environmental behaviors. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quasi-experimental design that examined to what extent participating in an ESD intervention influenced university students’ self-reported pro-environmentalism (i.e. experimental group), compared to those who did not participate in the ESD intervention (i.e. control group). The authors also examined the longitudinal effects of the ESD intervention by recording students’ pro-environmentalism (both in the experimental and control group) 1 year after the intervention. Findings The findings showed that participation in the ESD intervention enhanced students’ pro-environmental knowledge, personal environmental norms and pro-environmental behaviors relative to the no-participation control group. The positive effects of the ESD intervention remained 1 year after the program finished. Originality/value This work explores the effects that ESD interventions have on university students. Its findings provide evidence about the effectiveness of the intervention and, therefore, support the inclusion of ESD at higher educational levels.

scholarly journals The sustainable development of cities with county rights in Poland in the light of selected environmental indicators

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-84
Author(s):  
Magdalena Kowalczyk
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Environmental Aspect ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Indicators

Objective: The environmental aspect plays a significant role in shaping sustainable development in local government units. Currently, efforts are being made to reduce the negative impact on the natural environment of the effects of ongoing urbanization. One of the principal ideas of implementing sustainable development is to meet the existing needs of the current generation without limiting the possibilities for subsequent generations. In assessing the degree of implementation of sustainable development, indicators that can inform about the effects of actions taken by local government units play a very important role. The purpose of this study is to assess all 66 cities with county rights during the period 2016–2018 using environmental indicators as information and diagnostic tools. Research methods: The article shows the results of statistical analysis. Select statistical methods were used. Research results: In the examined period, there was no increase in the share of green areas, forests, or legally protected areas in the examined cities. There was no increase in the percentage of the population using sewage treatment plants. A favorable change was noted in relation to municipal waste collected separately. Findings: The research indicates that using indicators to assess activities for the natural environment allows local government units to assess the positive or negative effects of their implementation. Constant monitoring of the results allows them to take corrective actions in areas where the city achieves poor results. The indicators used to evaluate activities under the sustainable development umbrella make it possible to benchmark the results achieved by the cities studied.

scholarly journals Resilience and Engagement: some thoughts on the magnetic impact of small change

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelique Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Local Participation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Local Contexts ◽  
The World ◽  
Small Change

This paper considers the gap between knowing and mobilised action and investigates local urban examples where action is mobilised. The purpose of this is to consider what such examples can tell us about the conditions required to mobilise action and hence how to foster those conditions. Making cities sustainable is now a major aim and claim of most cities in the world. A myriad of definitions of sustainable development have been proposed but it has not been easy to find one that simultaneously satisfies economists, ecologists, sociologists, philosophers and policy makers. The problem in part relates to uncertainty about the object of sustainability, rather than the idea itself. What is it that ought to be sustained? It is increasingly internationally recognised that many effective solutions for environmental sustainability have their roots in local action and co-ordination. For that reason capacity within local government and the mobilisation of participation at the local level is a pivotal enabler for change. In the context of the discussion raised by the Cities, Nature Justice Conference and project, this paper focuses on discussion of urban local contexts and discusses the importance of local participation and engagement as critical enablers for mobilised action. Of particular interest in these local contexts, is the movement from a state of awareness of social and environmental issues of sustainability, to an active, constructive awareness that informs changes in behaviour and action that lead to sustainable practices of living.

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