scholarly journals Citizen Science in the Field: Co-experimentation at Pilot Scale for Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7700
Author(s):  
Rosana Maria Kral ◽  
Rizki Maftukhah ◽  
Axel Mentler ◽  
Murtiningrum Murtiningrum ◽  
Ngadisih Ngadisih ◽  
...  

Natural resource management is a cross-sectoral topic, as reflected by its inclusion in several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDGs 2, 6, 12, 15). In the study area on Bangka Island, Indonesia, agriculture is a pillar of local food security and livelihoods, making restoration of degraded lands also a local issue. The present study aims at restoring degraded land after tin mining and at restoring the natural soil base rendering it more suitable for agriculture. We use co-experimentation with citizens as a tool to develop options for re-habilitation at a pilot scale. The recruitment process in this study was reversed insofar as local citizens were at the origin of the project idea. Consequently, buy-in was high among local stakeholders. This set to increase the probability of successfully scaling up effective and actionable practices that were developed during co-experimentation at both local and regional levels. Co-experimentation provided a platform for exchange between local citizens and scientists. Citizens did not need to learn new skills to be able to participate in the scientific process and could autonomously evaluate results. We see involvement of citizens in this type of scientific projects not only as feasible, but as rewarding for all involved partners and as beneficial for the project outcomes. In light of the call for partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we can only recommend investing in communication and relationship building to work together on better solutions to the challenges we face.

Fisheries ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (5) ◽  
pp. 51-57
Author(s):  
Kamil Bekyashev ◽  
Damir Bekyashev

The article deals with the concept, content and legal consolidation of the term “sustainable use of marine living resources”. The article analyzes the norms of universal, regional and bilateral international treaties that consolidate and disclose this term. The norms of the national legislation of states are considered. Special attention is paid to the main provisions of Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on those related to the conservation of marine living resources. The law-making activity of the Russian Federation on the implementation of Goal 14 is considered. Recommendations for improving the legislation of the Russian Federation, aimed at achieving the Goal are developed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 12154
Author(s):  
Fermín Sánchez-Carracedo ◽  
Jordi Segalas ◽  
Gorka Bueno ◽  
Pere Busquets ◽  
Joan Climent ◽  
...  

This paper presents three tools developed within the framework of the project EDINSOST2-SDG, aimed at embedding and assessing the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Engineering curricula. ESD is promoted through the introduction into engineering curricula of learning outcomes related to sustainability and, specifically, to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The first tool, the “Engineering Sustainability Map”, contains ESD-related learning outcomes that any engineering student should have acquired upon completion of their studies. These learning outcomes are described according to four sustainability competencies: (1) Critical contextualization of knowledge, (2) Sustainable use of resources, (3) Participation in community processes, and (4) Application of ethical principles. The second tool, the “Sustainability Presence Map” of a degree, shows the percentage of the presence in the curriculum of each sustainability competency. The calculation of the presence of each competency is based on the effective integration of the related learning outcomes into a specific curriculum. Respective data are provided by teachers responsible for the coordination of the different subjects of the degree, collected by means of a questionnaire. The third tool presented is a questionnaire aimed at measuring the level of ESD that students perceive they have acquired through each competency. The comparison of data resulting from the Sustainability Presence Map with the data from the student questionnaire is the first step that allows the effectiveness of embedding ESD in a degree to be determined, a proper learning assessment will confirm such effectiveness. The three tools presented in this work have undergone a validation process and are currently being used in a set of engineering degrees related to the EDINSOST2-SDG project. The results of the application of these tools are part of the future research work of the authors.


One Ecosystem ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Palacios ◽  
Pieter van Beukering ◽  
Boris van Zanten ◽  
Francielle Lacle ◽  
Stijn Schep ◽  
...  

The economy and well-being in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other Subnational Island Jurisdictions (SNIJ) highly rely on marine and coastal ecosystem services (ESS). Moreover, SIDS and SNIJ share common challenges in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Building a fact-based solution to demonstrate the link between ESS and SDGs is essential for nature conservation and sustainable development in SIDS and SNIJ. In this study, we developed a 5-step approach to capture the contribution of ESS to the achievement of SDGs in Aruba by means of a shortlist of indicators, with the aim to provide information for optimal policy investments to implement the Aruba 2030 roadmap. The results numerically and spatially demonstrate the contribution of fisheries, nature-based tourism and local cultural recreational ESS to achieve SDG targets 14.7 (increase SIDS' economic benefits from sustainable use of marine resources), 8.9 (devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism) and 3.4 (promote mental health and well-being); and how investing in these key ESS could lead to multiplying co-benefits for other SDGs. This paper also discusses how the 5-step approach and the outcomes can be used to assist other SIDS and SNIJ in their ambitions to meet the SDGs.


Author(s):  
Mariana Machado ◽  
Carlos Eduardo F. Young

This chapter discusses the available financial mechanisms and public expenditures to foster research and development (R&D) applied to environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in order to meet the Brazilian commitments to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). First, the authors estimate the financial needs for environmental-related R&D for the selected SDG. Then they analyze the specific characteristics of the Brazilian science, technology, and innovation (STI) financing system, and its strengths and barriers, especially the sectoral funds. Finally, they discuss possible improvements in STI funding policies to promote technological development aligned with the 2030 Agenda. The study shows a significant financial gap for environment-related R&D and that there is an urgent need to create alternative sources of funding and improvements of the existing financing mechanisms. Brazil has developed policies and financing mechanisms that have enabled the country to advance R&D indicators. However, the STI funding pattern results in project fragmentation and decreases the likelihood of resulting in innovative process and products. Besides increasing STI investment, it is also necessary to prioritize environmental-related R&D. Therefore, institutional and budgetary adjustments will be necessary to enhance the financial R&D efforts to help Brazil meet the environmental SDG targets.


Author(s):  
O.V. Mosolova ◽  

The article examines a number of legislative measures taken by the Australian government to minimize the impact of the economy on the environment. Among other things, the author refers to the analysis of the commitment of the Australian government to reduce the economic impact on the environment and the practice of sustainable use of resources.


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