scholarly journals Dog Walkers’ Views of Urban Biodiversity across Five European Cities

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 3507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonie K. Fischer ◽  
Ingo Kowarik
Keyword(s):  
Field Survey ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Urban Ecosystem ◽  
European Cities ◽  
Dog Walking ◽  
Positive Side ◽  
Urban Greenspaces ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Positive Side Effects

Contact with nature makes people feel better, live healthier and act more environmentally-friendly. We hypothesized that dog walking, an omnipresent people–nature interaction in cities, translates to a more positive view of urban nature and, subsequently, to more support for conservation initiatives. Insights into such positive side-effects of dog walking are relevant for dog-related urban policies that often focus on negative impacts of dogs (e.g., health risks, disturbance of wildlife). Based on a field survey in five European cities (N = 3717), we analyzed if people who walked dogs regularly valued four urban ecosystem types (park meadows, wastelands, streetscapes, forests), and the plant species diversity within, differently from other people. Opposite to our hypothesis, participants from both groups valued urban ecosystems and their biodiversity very similarly across the cities. Thus, our study does not confirm that regular dog walkers value natural elements more than other people. It thus remains an important challenge for urban planners to balance services and disservices of dog walking in urban greenspaces.

Planning for Sustainable Urban Futures

2011 ◽  
pp. 15-25
Author(s):  
Didem Dizdaroglu ◽  
Tan Yigitcanlar ◽  
Les Dawes
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Urban Ecosystem ◽  
Sustainable Urban Development ◽  
Ecological Planning ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Human Needs ◽  
Planning Approach ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Many

In recent years, cities have shown increasing signs of environmental problems due to the negative impacts of urban activities. The degradation and depletion of natural resources, climate change, and development pressure on green areas have become major concerns for cities. In response to these problems, urban planning policies have shifted to a sustainable focus and authorities have begun to develop new strategies for improving the quality of urban ecosystems. An extremely important function of an urban ecosystem is to provide healthy and sustainable environments for both natural systems and communities. Therefore, ecological planning is a functional requirement in the establishment of sustainable built environment. With ecological planning, human needs are supplied while natural resources are used in the most effective and sustainable manner and ecological balance is sustained. Protecting human and environmental health, having healthy ecosystems, reducing environmental pollution and providing green spaces are just a few of the many benefits of ecological planning. In this context, this chapter briefly presents a short overview of the importance of the implementation of ecological planning into sustainable urban development. Furthermore, it presents a conceptual framework for a new methodology for developing sustainable urban ecosystems through ecological planning approach.

Planning for Sustainable Urban Futures

2011 ◽  
pp. 1922-1932
Author(s):  
Didem Dizdaroglu ◽  
Tan Yigitcanlar ◽  
Les Dawes
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Urban Ecosystem ◽  
Sustainable Urban Development ◽  
Ecological Planning ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Human Needs ◽  
Planning Approach ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Many

In recent years, cities have shown increasing signs of environmental problems due to the negative impacts of urban activities. The degradation and depletion of natural resources, climate change, and development pressure on green areas have become major concerns for cities. In response to these problems, urban planning policies have shifted to a sustainable focus and authorities have begun to develop new strategies for improving the quality of urban ecosystems. An extremely important function of an urban ecosystem is to provide healthy and sustainable environments for both natural systems and communities. Therefore, ecological planning is a functional requirement in the establishment of sustainable built environment. With ecological planning, human needs are supplied while natural resources are used in the most effective and sustainable manner and ecological balance is sustained. Protecting human and environmental health, having healthy ecosystems, reducing environmental pollution and providing green spaces are just a few of the many benefits of ecological planning. In this context, this chapter briefly presents a short overview of the importance of the implementation of ecological planning into sustainable urban development. Furthermore, it presents a conceptual framework for a new methodology for developing sustainable urban ecosystems through ecological planning approach.

scholarly journals Didymo and Its Polysaccharide Stalks: Beneficial to the Environment or Not?

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-79
Author(s):  
Hurmat Ejaz ◽  
Esther Somanader ◽  
Uday Dave ◽  
Hermann Ehrlich ◽  
M. Azizur Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Structural Component ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Adhesive Properties ◽  
The Past ◽  
Positive Side ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Bodies Of Water ◽  
Agricultural Setting

Didymosphenia geminata diatoms, or Didymo, was first found to be an invasive species that could have negative impacts on the environment due to the aggressive growth of its polysaccharide-based stalks. The stalks’ adhesive properties have prompted park officials to alert the general public to limit further spread and contamination of this algae to other bodies of water. Although the negative effects of Didymo have been studied in the past, recent studies have demonstrated a potential positive side to this alga. One of the potential benefits includes the structural component of the polysaccharide stalks. The origin of the polysaccharides within stalks remains unknown; however, they can be useful in a waste management and agricultural setting. The primary purpose of this study was to describe both the harmful and beneficial nature of Didymo. Important outcomes include findings related to its application in various fields such as medicine and technology. These polysaccharides can be isolated and studied closely to produce efficient solar power cells and batteries. Though they may be harmful while uncontained in nature, they appear to be very useful in the technological and medical advancement of our society.

Wetland Roofs as an Attractive Option for Decentralized Water Management and Air Conditioning Enhancement in Growing Cities—A Review

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1845
Author(s):  
Andreas Zehnsdorf ◽  
Keani C. U. Willebrand ◽  
Ralf Trabitzsch ◽  
Sarah Knechtel ◽  
Michael Blumberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Positive Side ◽  
Climate Regulation ◽  
Decentralized Treatment ◽  
Attractive Option ◽  
Stormwater Retention ◽  
Positive Side Effects

While constructed wetlands have become established for the decentralized treatment of wastewater and rainwater, wetland roofs have only been built in isolated cases up to now. The historical development of wetland roofs is described here on the basis of a survey of literature and patents, and the increasing interest in this ecotechnology around the world is presented. In particular, this article describes the potential for using wetland roofs and examines experience with applications in decentralized water management in urban environments and for climate regulation in buildings. Wetland roofs are suitable as a green-blue technology for the future—particularly in cities with an acute shortage of unoccupied ground-level sites—for the decentralized treatment of wastewater streams of various origins. Positive “side effects” such as nearly complete stormwater retention and the improvement of climates in buildings and their surroundings, coupled with an increase in biodiversity, make wetland roofs an ideal multi-functional technology for urban areas.

scholarly journals DAMPAK PEMBERITAAN PENYALAHGUNAAN FORMALIN DI SEKTOR KELAUTAN DAN PERIKANAN

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Yayan Hikmayani ◽  
Siti Hajar Suryawati ◽  
Agus Heri Purnomo ◽  
Zahri Nasution
Keyword(s):  
Policy Analysis ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Fish Products ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Central Java ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
The Impact

Riset dampak pemberitaan penyalahgunaan formalin di sektor kelautan dan perikanan telah dilakukan pada tahun 2006. Riset ini bertujuan untuk melihat sejauhmana dampak yang ditimbulkan akibat pemberitaan tentang penyalahgunaan formalin di sektor kelautan dan perikanan pada produsen dan konsumen. Pendekatan studi digunakan melalui analisis kebijakan. Data primer dan sekunder dirumuskan sesuai keperluan analisis kebijakan ini yaitu penelusuran terhadap dampak pemberitaan formalin terhadap produsen dan konsumen di sektor kelautan dan perikanan. Kemudian data hasil verifikasi dan survey lapang yang berasal dari kuesioner dan catatan lapangan (field notes) diolah secara deskriptif untuk mendapatkan interpretasi logis. Lokasi studi ditetapkan secara sengaja (purposive) dengan kriteria tersebut merupakan sentra penanganan dan pengolahan produk perikanan dan diberitakan banyak menggunakan bahan kimia formalin yaitu Jawa Barat (Karawang), Jawa Tengah (Semarang), DKI Jakarta dan Bandar Lampung. Hasil studi menunjukkan bahwa bagi produsen yang meliputi nelayan, pengolah dan pembudidaya ikan dampak negatif dari pemberitaan formalin adalah menurunnya permintaan ikan hasil tangkapan dan olahan sehingga pendapatan nelayan dan pengolah menjadi berkurang, sedangkan bagi konsumen dampak negatifnya konsumen jadi takut mengkonsumsi ikan laut dan hasil olahan sehingga lebih memilih mengkonsumsi tempe/tahu dan telur. Dampak positifnya bagi produsen baik nelayan dan pengolah yaitu sebagian dari mereka jadi mengetahui bahwa formalin tersebut membahayakan dan berusaha tidak menggunakan lagi. Dampak positif bagi konsumen bertambah pengetahuan tentang bahaya formalin sehingga mereka akan lebih hati-hati dalam mengkonsumsi ikan dan untuk sementara konsumsi ikan mereka dialihkan ke ikan hasil budidaya yang banyak dijual dalam kondisi hidup. Tittle: The Impact of Announcement on The Mis-used of Formalin in Marine and Fisheries SectorResearch on impact of mis-used of formalin in marine and fisheries sector have been done in 2006. The aim of the research was to show the impact of announcement on the mis-used of formalin to producers and consumers. Policy analysis approach was used as the method of study. Primary and secondary data were formulated accordingly to meet the requirement of the policy analysis, that is impact of media release on both side of producers and consumers. Verified data and field survey processed descriptively to build logical interpretation.The locations of study were specified in purpose to represent the center of handling and processing of fisheries product indicated with formalyn abuse. These location were West Java (Karawang), Central Java (Semarang), DKI Jakarta and Bandar Lampung. The results of study showed that the negative impacts of the news on formalin abuse to the producers were decreasing on demand of catch and processed fish products, which in turn reduce the income of the fisherman and fish processors. On the other side, the consumer shift their preference to other products such as tempe, tofu and eggs. The positive impacts to the fisherman and fish processors were the knowledge of the danger of formalin abuse on their products and they avoid to use the chemical. The positive impact on fish consumers were the awareness on formalin use on health arose and temporary their fish consumption shifted to the aqucultured fish which sold in living form.

The Internet of Nature: How taking nature online can shape urban ecosystems

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadinè J Galle ◽  
Sophie A Nitoslawski ◽  
Francesco Pilla
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Management ◽  
Smart Grids ◽  
Natural Capital ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Urban Ecosystems ◽  
Urban Ecosystem ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Ecosystem Dynamics ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Digital Revolution

Many of our cities are going digital. From self-driving cars to smart grids to intelligent traffic signals, these smart cities put data and digital technology to work to drive efficiency and improve the quality of life for citizens. Yet, the natural capital upon which cities rely risks being left behind by the digital revolution. Bringing nature online is the next frontier in ecosystem management and will change our relationship with the natural world in the urban age. In this article, we introduce the ‘Internet of Nature’ to bridge the gap between greener and smarter cities and to explore the future of urban ecosystem management in an age of rapid urbanisation and digitisation. The creation of an Internet of Nature, along with the ecosystem intelligence it provides, is an opportunity to elicit and understand urban ecosystem dynamics, promote self-sufficiency and resilience in ecosystem management and enhance connections between urban social and ecological systems.

scholarly journals Environmental Assessment of Large Scale Production of Magnetite (Fe3O4) Nanoparticles via Coprecipitation

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffy J. Arteaga-Díaz ◽  
Samir I. Meramo-Hurtado ◽  
Jeffrey León-Pulido ◽  
Antonio Zuorro ◽  
Angel D. González-Delgado
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Assessment ◽  
Magnetite Nanoparticles ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Large Scale Production ◽  
Magnetite Fe3o4 ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Important Challenge ◽  
Negative Impacts

Nanoparticles are materials with special properties that can be applied in different fields, such as medicine, engineering, food industry and cosmetics. The contributions regarding the synthesis of different types of nanoparticles have allowed researchers to determine a special group of nanoparticles with key characteristics for several applications. Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) have attracted a significant amount of attention due to their ability to improve the properties of polymeric materials. For this reason, the development of novel/emerging large scale processes for the synthesis of nanomaterials is a great and important challenge. In this work, an environmental assessment of the large scale production of magnetite via coprecipitation was carried out with the aim to evaluate its potential impact on the environment at a processing capacity of 806.87 t/year of magnetite nanoparticles. The assessment was performed using a computer-aided tool based on the Waste Reduction Algorithm (WAR). This method allows us to quantify the impacts generated and classify them into eight different categories. The process does not generate any negative impacts that could harm the environment. This assessment allowed us to identify the applicability of the large scale production of magnetite nanoparticles from an environmental viewpoint.

Why so different? A case study about Floras from a Mediterranean island

Phytotaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 440 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
SIMONETTA BAGELLA ◽  
GIOVANNA BECCA ◽  
GIANNI BEDINI ◽  
MARIA CARMELA CARIA ◽  
STEFANIA PISANU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Vascular Plants ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Floristic Richness ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Positive Side ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Mediterranean Island ◽  
Positive Side Effects

In light of the hypothesis that different authors, who have access to the same information and tools, can give different interpretations of the same reality, namely the vascular plants, existing within a determinate geographic boundary, this research aims to verify how and to what extent these differences can affect a checklist, and what critical issues and positive effects may arise in them.         To this purpose, we compared two different checklists which were developed approximately in the same period for the same geographic area, the island of Sardinia (Italy).        The results show that checklists of the same area can differ in quantitative terms, establishing a different value of floristic richness. Moreover, they can differ in qualitative terms due to the different approach adopted by the authors concerning nomenclature, taxonomy, and interpretation, delimitation, and circumscription of taxa.                These discrepancies may have positive side effects as they offer insights for critical reviews and further investigation.

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