scholarly journals Unburnable and Unleakable Carbon in Western Amazon: Using VIIRS Nightfire Data to Map Gas Flaring and Policy Compliance in the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Facchinelli ◽  
Salvatore Eugenio Pappalardo ◽  
Daniele Codato ◽  
Alberto Diantini ◽  
Giuseppe Della Fera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Pollution Source ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Associated Gas ◽  
Gas Flaring ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
Environmental Technologies

In the Amazon Rainforest, a unique post-carbon plan to mitigate global warming and to protect the exceptional bio-cultural diversity was experimented in 2007–2013 by the Ecuadorian government. To preserve the rainforest ecosystems within the Yasuní-ITT oil block, the release of 410 million metric tons of CO2 would have been avoided. The neologism “yasunization” emerged as an Amazonian narrative on “unburnable carbon” to be replicated worldwide. Considering the unburnable carbon, petroleum-associated gas flaring represents the unleakable part. Flaring is an irrational practice that consists of burning waste gases, representing not only a leak of energy but also a pollution source. The general aim of the paper is to monitor gas flaring as a tool, revealing, at the same time, the implementation of environmental technologies in the oil sector and the compliance of sustainable policies in the Amazon region and the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve. Specific objectives are: (i) identifying and estimating gas flaring over seven years (2012–2018); (ii) mapping new flaring sites; iii) estimating potentially affected areas among ecosystems and local communities. We processed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Nightfire annual dataset, based on the elaboration of imagery from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and developed a GIS-based novel simple method to identify new flaring sites from daily detections. We found that 23.5% of gas flaring sites and 18.4% of volumes of all oil industries operating in Ecuador are located within the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve (YBR). Moreover, we detected 34 additional flaring sites not included in the NOAA dataset—12 in the YBR and one in Tiputini field, a key area for biological and cultural diversity conservation. We also found that at least 10 indigenous communities, 18 populated centers and 10 schools are located in the potentially affected area. Gas flaring can be used as a policy indicator to monitor the implementation of sustainable development practices in complex territories.

Vulnerabilities and Threats to Natural Forest Regrowth: Land Tenure Reform, Land Markets, Pasturelands, Plantations, and Urbanization in Indigenous Communities in Mexico

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1340
Author(s):  
Elena Lazos-Chavero ◽  
Paula Meli ◽  
Consuelo Bonfil
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Tenure ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Forest Conservation ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Landscape Restoration ◽  
Peasant Communities ◽  
Tenure Reform ◽  
Biological Corridor

Despite the economic and social costs of national and international efforts to restore millions of hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes, results have not met expectations due to land tenure conflicts, land-use transformation, and top-down decision-making policies. Privatization of land, expansion of cattle raising, plantations, and urbanization have created an increasingly competitive land market, dispossessing local communities and threatening forest conservation and regeneration. In contrast to significant investments in reforestation, natural regrowth, which could contribute to landscape regeneration, has not been sufficiently promoted by national governments. This study analyzes socio-ecological and economic vulnerabilities of indigenous and other peasant communities in the Mexican states of Veracruz, Chiapas, and Morelos related to the inclusion of natural regeneration in their forest cycles. While these communities are located within protected areas (Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, El Tepozteco National Park, and Chichinautzin Biological Corridor), various threats and vulnerabilities impede natural regeneration. Although landscape restoration involves complex political, economic, and social relationships and decisions by a variety of stakeholders, we focus on communities’ vulnerable land rights and the impacts of privatization on changes in land use and forest conservation. We conclude that the social, economic, political, and environmental vulnerabilities of the study communities threaten natural regeneration, and we explore necessary changes for incorporating this process in landscape restoration.

Baghdad and Erbil policy moves may deter oil investors

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Water Injection ◽  
Oil Production ◽  
Political Stability ◽  
Kurdistan Region ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Associated Gas ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
Bureaucratic Reform

Significance Although some important hydrocarbons projects have seen progress, both Baghdad and Erbil have made fresh moves seen as prejudicial by oil sector investors. Uncertainty continues over the authorities’ commitment to contracts, while the Kurdistan region has yet again fallen behind on payments to oil firms. Impacts Increased oil production as OPEC+ limits ease will make progress on associated gas capture and water injection more urgent. A dire electricity situation may pose a threat to political stability. Uncertainties over the upcoming elections in October and poor prospects for bureaucratic reform may further deter investment.

Simulating Associated Gas Flaring in a Recovery Combustion Chamber

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. L. Bachev ◽  
O. O. Matyunin ◽  
A. A. Shilova ◽  
R. V. Bul’bovich
Keyword(s):  
Combustion Chamber ◽  
Associated Gas ◽  
Gas Flaring

scholarly journals Thermal impact on oil-producing areas of the Tomsk Region during associated gas flaring

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 52-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
М.N. Alekseeva ◽  
◽  
I.G. Yashchenko ◽  
T.O. Peremitina ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Impact ◽  
Associated Gas ◽  
Gas Flaring ◽  
Tomsk Region

scholarly journals Local Knowledge of Utilisation and Threats Patterns of Termites around Pendjari Biosphere Reserve, West – Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Kpèdékpo Gbeffe ◽  
Thierry D. Houehanou ◽  
Francis A. Adesina ◽  
Musiliudeen A. Onilude ◽  
Marcel B. R. Houinato
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
P Value ◽  
Agricultural Activities ◽  
Termite Mounds ◽  
Demographic Traits ◽  
Age Category

Abstract Background: Termites are social insects filling many ecological functions and ecosystem services in tropical ecosystems, and are also used differently for human well-being in several parts of the world. Documenting their use knowledge and associated threats are fundamental for their sustainability. Thus, this study aimed at analysing use knowledge patterns and threat factors of termites within the local communities around Pendjari biosphere reserve (PBR). Methods: Semi-structured questionnaire was administrated to 151 informants to collect socio-demographic data, use-types and use-categories of termites and their threat factor levels. Fidelity indexes, informant diversity and equitability indexes were computed and compared regarding socio-demographic traits by using a generalized linear models. A pairwise ranking of threat factors followed by series of ordinal logistic regression were performed to assess how informants’ socio – demographic traits do influence the perceived effect of threats on termite species. The statistical analyses were done by using R programming language in Rstudio. Results: Twenty five use-types of termites and termite mounds were recorded. Ethnicity and gender have significant (P-value < 0.05) influence on the use knowledge pattern of termites, with Gourmantche and Berba the most knowledgeable ethnics of termite and termite mound uses, while women are more knowledgeable than men. Ethnicity and age category have significant (P-value < 0.05) influence on perceived threats of agricultural activities and bush fire, while the reported global use values and age category have significant (P-value < 0.05) influence on the perceived threat of climate change on termites. Old informants are likely to perceive the influence of bushfire, agricultural activities and climate change threats than adult and young informants. Berbas are likely to perceive the influence of agricultural activities and bushfire threats than Gourmantche, Waama and other ethnics. Conclusion: The findings were therefore supported by gender, age and dynamic of knowledge hypothesis, with gender and ethnicity, the two factors that have significant influence on the uses’ diversity and use knowledge pattern of termite and termite mounds. Thus, the sustainable management of termites will be achieved by sensitizing indigenous communities to adopt sustainable agricultural practices associated with the creation of alternative activities to reduce pressure on termites.

scholarly journals Quality water not everywhere: Exploratory Analysis of Water Quality Across Ebocha-Obrikom Oil and Gas Flaring Area in the Core Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morufu Olalekan Raimi ◽  
Olawale Henry Sawyerr ◽  
Clinton Ifeanyichukwu Ezekwe ◽  
Opasola Afolabi Olaniyi
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Strict Adherence ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Gas Flaring ◽  
Rivers State

Abstract Background:In Rivers State, Nigeria, Indigenous communities of Ebocha-Obrikom have nearly worst drinking water quality in the province with concerns extending from worsening water quality to deficiency of support from oil companies operating in the environment. The minute water is suspected, or recognized of being unsafe or hazardous to human consumption, community people are likely to be positioned under a wasted health.Objectives:To compare water quality parameters in the vicinity of Gas Flaring Area of Ebocha-Obrikom of Rivers State with that of the recommended standards.Methods:The research utilized standard analytical procedures. All sampling, conservation, transportation and analysis followed standard procedures described in APHA (2012). All the samples collected were transported to the laboratory through keeping in an icebox to prevent degradation of the organic substances.Results:Result depicts that Turbidity, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, Magnesium, Iron, Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, and Nickel exceeded the desirable limit meant for drinking purpose as well as could potentially pose threats toward human society. Hence, remain unsuitable for drinking, as the inhabitants were more vulnerable for their total lifetime period of exposure through continuous consumption of unsuitable drinking water.Conclusion:It is recommended that the local government environmental health officers and other regulatory agencies frequently monitor the levels of these pollutants within the area and also ensure strict adherence to guidelines to ensure a healthy environment. As exposure to the above stated parameters can have a remarkable impact on human health living in the vicinity of the gas flaring area by drinking water around the study area; thus, groundwater needs to treated before using for household purpose or drinking. Thus, this study would help in decision making for stakeholders and relevant authorities in the execution of reasonable groundwater management strategies and remediation plans in the area to protect public and environmental health.

Dancing to the State

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meenaxi Barkataki-Ruscheweyh
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Small Groups ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
State Policies ◽  
Northeast India ◽  
The State ◽  
Ethnographic Fieldwork ◽  
Political Borders ◽  
Ethnic Festivals ◽  
Cultural Entities

Can small indigenous communities survive, as distinct cultural entities, in northeast India, an area of mind-boggling ethnic, linguistic, and cultural diversity? What are the choices such communities have, and what are some of the strategies such communities use to resist marginalization? In recent years, many such small groups are participating in large state-sponsored ethnic festivals, and organizing their own community festivals. But are these signs of their increasing agency or simply proof of their continued marginalization? How do state policies and political borders— inter-state as well as international—impact on a community’s need to perform their ethnicity? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this work, on the basis of ethnographic fieldwork conducted among the small Tangsa community living in Assam in northeast India. The study also reveals the asymmetry in the relations between the dominant power-wielding Assamese and the Tangsa. In summary, this is a study about marginality and its consequences, about performance of ethnicity at festivals as sites for both resistance and capitulation, and about the compulsions, imposed by the state and dominant neighbours, that can force small ethnic groups to contribute to their own marginalization.

scholarly journals Field Environmental Philosophy: A Biocultural Ethic Approach to Education and Ecotourism for Sustainability

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4526
Author(s):  
Alejandra Tauro ◽  
Jaime Ojeda ◽  
Terrance Caviness ◽  
Kelli P. Moses ◽  
René Moreno-Terrazas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Social Economic ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Environmental Philosophy ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
Life Habits ◽  
Other World ◽  
Biocultural Conservation ◽  
Educational Methodology

To contribute to achieving local and global sustainability, we propose a novel educational methodology, called field environmental philosophy (FEP), which orients ecotourism practices to reconnect citizens and nature. FEP is based on the systemic approach of the biocultural ethic that values the vital links among the life habits of co-inhabitants (humans and other-than-humans) who share a common habitat. Based on this “3Hs” model (habitats, co-inhabitants, habits), FEP combines tourism with experiential education to reorient biocultural homogenization toward biocultural conservation. FEP’s methodological approach seeks to integrate social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability by generating new links between biological and cultural diversity at different spatial and social scales. Ecotourism has an underutilized potential to link sciences with education and conservation practices at different scales. By incorporating a philosophical foundation, FEP broadens both understanding and practices of environmental education and sustainable tourism. FEP has been developed at the Omora Ethnobotanical Park in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile, at the southern end of the Americas since 2000, where it has oriented transdisciplinary work for the creation of new protected areas and ecotourism practices. FEP enables an integration of biophysical, cultural, and institutional dimensions into the design of ecotourism activities that transform and broaden the perceptions of tourists, local guides, students, and other participants to better appreciate local biological and cultural diversity. FEP’s methodology is starting to be adapted in other world regions, such as Germany, Japan, and Mexico, to integrate education and ecotourism for sustainability.

scholarly journals Impact of gas flaring on communities in Delta region of Nigeria, narrative review part 1: environmental health perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 186
Author(s):  
Nkem Obi ◽  
Alero Akuirene ◽  
Phillip Bwititi ◽  
Josiah Adjene ◽  
Ezekiel Nwose
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Health ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Associated Gas ◽  
Gas Flaring ◽  
Environmental Health Risks ◽  
Oil Exploitation ◽  
Government Institution

<p class="abstract">Gas flaring is the combustion of associated gas from crude-oil exploitation and exploration operations and occurs in refineries, oil wells, oil rigs by fiery of the gas. Nigeria is one of the main producers of gas in the world and oil exploration activities have occasioned high rate of gas flaring because of poor enforcement of anti-gas flaring laws by the regulatory authorities. Gas flaring comes with serious environmental concern because it is a major source of air pollution with adverse public health consequences particularly in the gas flaring communities. The objective of this narrative review is to identify the risks associated with gas flaring in relation to the environment. Literatures from diverse databases including peer reviewed journals as well as governmental and organizational papers were searched to develop the narrative. Over the years, several laws have been enacted in Nigeria with stipulated dates to end gas flaring, but the targets have not been met. The Federal government of Nigeria updated the legal framework titled flare gas (prevention of waste and pollution) regulations, 2018 to facilitate financial profits through utilization and commercialization of associated gas, with a view to reduce or exterminate flaring. This effort appears ineffective due to weak enforcement and poor monitoring mechanism. The statutory government institution entrusted to enforce anti-gas law may benefit from some sort of motivation to ensure oil operators comply to combat environmental health risks from gas flaring.</p>

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