scholarly journals More Sustainable Bioenergy by Making Use of Regional Alternative Biomass?

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (19) ◽  
pp. 7849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Pehlken ◽  
Kalle Wulf ◽  
Kevin Grecksch ◽  
Thomas Klenke ◽  
Nina Tsydenova
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Preference Ranking ◽  
Ecological Data ◽  
Plant Operator ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
The Social ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Eu

Bioenergy is a building block of the ongoing transformation toward renewables-based energy systems. Bioenergy supply chains are regionally embedded and need to be seen in a place-based context with specific characteristics and constraints. Using a German case study, the potential of regionally embedded bioenergy chains in the past and the future is analyzed and discussed in this paper. The analysis integrates socio-ecological data and applies sustainability criteria in a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) using the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enriched Evaluation (PROMETHEE) methodology. The case study is focused on an industrial biogas fermenter in northwestern Germany, which currently uses predominantly maize as a substrate for bioenergy. Objectives for future development according to the ambitions of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) discussion are set and include the involvement of the farmer as biogas plant operator and other regional stakeholders. Since the focus of the research is put on the contribution of alternative biomass, such as grass, for the optimization of bioenergy settings, the question concentrates on how different mixtures of alternative biomass can be embedded into a sustainable management of both the landscape and the energy system. The main findings are threefold: (i) bioenergy supply chains that involve alternative biomass and grass from grasslands provide optimization potentials compared to the current corn-based practice, (ii) with respect to more sustainable practices, grass from grassland and alternative bioenergy supply chains are ranked higher than chains with increased shares of corn silage, and, more generic, (iii) optimization potentials relate to several spheres of the social–ecological system where the bioenergy structure is embedded. To conclude, sustainable enablers are discussed to realize optimization potentials and emphasize the integration of regional stakeholders in making use of alternative biomass and in making regional bioenergy more sustainable.

scholarly journals The role of conservation physiology in mitigating social-ecological traps in wildlife-provisioning tourism: a case study of feeding stingrays in the Cayman Islands

2020 ◽  
pp. 125-140
Author(s):  
Christina A.D. Semeniuk
Keyword(s):  
Social System ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Human Dimensions ◽  
Cayman Islands ◽  
Physiological Indicators ◽  
Social Ecological Systems ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
The Social ◽  
Effective Selection

In feeding marine wildlife, tourists can impact animals in ways that are not immediately apparent (i.e. morbidity vs. mortality/reproductive failure). Inventorying the health status of wildlife with physiological indicators can provide crucial information on the immediate status of organisms and long-term consequences. However, because tourists are attempting to maximize their own satisfaction, encouraging the willingness to accept management regulations also requires careful consideration of the human dimensions of the system. Without such socio-ecological measures, the wildlife-tourism system may fall into a trap—a lose–lose situation where the pressure imposed by the social system (tourist expectations) has costs for the ecological system (maladaptive behaviours, health), which in turn feed back into the social system (shift in tourist typography, loss of revenue, decreased satisfaction), resulting in the demise of both systems (exhaustion). Effective selection and communication of physiological metrics of wildlife health is key to minimizing problem-causing and problem-enhancing feedbacks in social-ecological systems. This guiding principle is highlighted in the case study presented here on the socio-ecological research and management success of feeding southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) as a marine tourism attraction at Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.

scholarly journals Measuring sustainable development in the education area using multi-criteria methods: a case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 1219-1241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Roszkowska ◽  
Marzena Filipowicz-Chomko
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Target Point ◽  
Ideal Solution ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Negative Ideal Solution ◽  
Integrated Sustainability ◽  
The Eu

Abstract Sustainability is a holistic and complex multi-dimensional concept comprising economic, social and environmental issues. The EU Sustainable Development Goals’ indicator set, developed by European Commission, is implemented online in Eurostat’s database and constitutes the basis for assessing the level of sustainability assessment in different areas. The integration of the sustainability indicators was carried out in many studies by using the multi-criteria techniques. This work proposes a new methodological framework based on extended TOPSIS procedure, which takes into account EU targets and/or national targets in building positive ideal solution and negative ideal solution. This algorithm allows compensatory and non-compensatory approach in integrated sustainability assessment from the target point of view. This framework has been applied to measure sustainable development in the area of education in 28 EU countries in 2015. The results of this research also illustrate the complexity of measuring sustainable development, where multiple sustainability criteria and targets are considered.

scholarly journals Convergences between the Social and Solidarity Economy and Sustainable Development Goals: Case Study in the Basque Country

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (13) ◽  
pp. 5435
Author(s):  
Unai Villalba-Eguiluz ◽  
Andoni Egia-Olaizola ◽  
Juan Carlos Pérez de Mendiguren
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Gender Equity ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Basque Country ◽  
Solidarity Economy ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
The Social ◽  
Development Goals

This article analyzes the potential of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) to foster the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Local public policies play an important role in supporting both the SSE and SDGs. We select a case study of four SSE projects of a local development agency in the Basque Country, where the SSE has a considerable presence through diverse forms and experiences. We address how these projects, which are implemented in a coordinated and transversal manner, contribute to many specific targets within SDG goals number 8 (growth and decent work), 12 (sustainable consumption and production patterns), and 5 (gender equity). However, some limitations have also been identified: (i) trade-offs, in both SSE and SDGs, between economic growth and other aims centered on environmental sustainability; and (ii) avoidance of handling issues, which limits a systemic transformation.

scholarly journals Implementation of sustainable development goals: The role for business academics

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 571-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Leanne Christ ◽  
Roger Leonard Burritt
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Jel Classification ◽  
Knowledge Generation ◽  
Grand Challenge ◽  
Modern Slavery ◽  
Development Goals

Achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 is a Grand Challenge, especially for business academics who have a responsibility to work with businesses regarding their management and contributions. Two main challenges are examined in the article: the need for academics to work together towards holistic solutions to SDG problems, and the need for stronger engagement to reduce the distance between academics and practitioners/ practice. It then develops a framework that considers the knowledge-generation and application roles business academics face in addressing groups of insiders and outsiders. Finally, the use of the framework is demonstrated via a case study of modern slavery in corporate supply chains. JEL Classification: M14, Q01

scholarly journals Enhancing Social Resilience of the Coastal Fishing Communities: A Case Study of Hilsa (Tenualosa Ilisha H.) Fishery in Bangladesh

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mozumder ◽  
Md. Wahab ◽  
Simo Sarkki ◽  
Petra Schneider ◽  
Mohammad Islam
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Social Resilience ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
The Social ◽  
Alternative Means ◽  
Building Community ◽  
Distribution Of Power

Social resilience is an essential aspect of sustainability in environmental management, especially in poor resource-dependent communities. To better understand the dynamics of social resilience, we have conducted a primarily qualitative study of communities dependent on hilsa fishing in two coastal villages in southern Bangladesh. This study applies concepts of social-ecological system (SES), social resilience and co-management in outlining our qualitative data and framing its interpretation. Our findings show that while the establishment of hilsa sanctuary areas has enhanced the previously low ecological sustainability of local small-scale fishing, the management of this program has challenged the social resilience of hilsa fishers by creating new inequalities in the distribution of power and privilege, in terms of the ways in which seasonal fishing bans are enforced and compensation for income loss during the ban periods is distributed. Based on our findings, we suggest specific measures for strengthening social resilience at the local level, including building community networks, developing community infrastructures, updating existing rules and regulations, providing alternative means of generating income for fishers during the crisis periods (e.g. natural disasters and fishing ban periods) and more active sharing of responsibility between stakeholders and government for management of the hilsa fishery. These findings are also applicable to understanding the issues beyond rules and regulations that co-management arrangements need to address in order to be successful and to enhancing the function of co-management arrangements in improving social resilience within resource-dependent communities.

scholarly journals An education approach for the Anthropocene epoch

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e448101119780
Author(s):  
Cristiane Mansur de Moraes Souza
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Social Learning ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Ecological Resilience ◽  
Considerable Uncertainty ◽  
Social Ecological Systems ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
The Social

It is now well established in the literature that there is a need to incorporate the concept of sustainability into education at all study levels. However, there is considerable uncertainty expressed concerning how it could best be achieved and how the resilience concept would enhance this idea. This article aims to address this gap. The objective is to explore aspects of socio-ecological resilience, that underlies a university case study. The methodology is exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory. Results demonstrate that civil engagement university activities are an education approach that provides students with experiences that build skills necessary for addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene Epoch. The conclusion of the article emphasizes that the education for the Anthropocene epoch should consider the enhancement of ecosystem services by demonstrating that humans are part of the social-ecological systems; considering interdisciplinarity as a methodological approach; demonstrating the variety of potentials on participation of stakeholders by civil engagement as developing autonomy both on students and stakeholders and developing the ability for proactive attitudes. Is also enhance learning and social learning by civil engagement and participation.

scholarly journals A Novel ICT Framework for Sustainable Development Goals

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivera Kostoska ◽  
Ljupco Kocarev
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Ecological Systems ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Social Ecological Systems ◽  
Social Ecological ◽  
The Social ◽  
Development Goals

Sustainable development is critical to ensure the future of humanity. Therefore, the assessment and governance of sustainability becomes a central challenge our society is facing. This paper provides a novel ICT framework for addressing sustainable development goals. It is characterized by both local and global considerations, in the context of economic, ecological, and social aspects of sustainable development. The framework consists of three modules: data module, sustainability module, and governance module. Data module integrates data from several sources, processes data, infers knowledge, and transforms data into understandable information and knowledge. The second module implements SDGs at the level of municipality/city, ensures ranking of locally transformed SDGs to arrange them in line with the values and needs of the local communities, and proposes an integrated approach in modeling the social-ecological systems. By implementing governance theories, the governance module permits an effective citizen engagement in governance of SDGs. The ICT framework addresses short-term and long-term SDGs and allows for the vertical and horizontal linkages among diverse stakeholders, as well as for their contributions to the nested rule structures employed at operational, collective, and constitutional levels. Thus, the framework we provide here ensures a paradigm shift in approaching SDGs for the advancement of our society.

scholarly journals Microbiome Research: Open Communication Today, Microbiome Applications in the Future

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1960
Author(s):  
Bettina Schelkle ◽  
Quentin Galland
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Public Communication ◽  
Open Communication ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Microbiome Research ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Eu

Microbiome research has recently gained centre-stage in both basic science and translational applications, yet researchers often feel that public communication about its potential overpromises. This manuscript aims to share a perspective on how scientists can engage in more open, ethical and transparent communication using an ongoing research project on food systems microbiomes as a case study. Concrete examples of strategically planned communication efforts are outlined, which aim to inspire and empower other researchers. Finally, we conclude with a discussion on the benefits of open and transparent communication from early-on in innovation pathways, mainly increasing trust in scientific processes and thus paving the way to achieving societal milestones such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the EU Green Deal.

scholarly journals Cybersociety and University Sustainability: The Challenge of Holistic Restructuring in Universities in Chile, Spain, and Peru

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 5722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillermo Domínguez-Fernández ◽  
Esther Prieto-Jiménez ◽  
Peter Backhouse ◽  
Eduardo Ismodes
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Problematic Situation ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Catholic University ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
The Social ◽  
Development Goals

The global challenge of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals present a framework of opportunities, in which universities must respond to the demands of a sustainable social organisation by addressing the issues of quality education, the participation and inclusion of different sectors, and the need to promote university social responsibility. In response to this situation, we examine three experiences that highlight the reorganisation demanded at each of the three organisational levels: (1) Macro: the need for cooperation between different universities in Chile’s “macrocampus”; (2) Meso: the organisation and running of faculties in light of the challenges to renew curriculums with the experience implemented by the Social Sciences Faculty of Pablo de Olavide University in Spain; and, (3) Micro: the integration of students and commitment to the needs of the social surroundings, with the E-QUIPU experience implemented at Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP) in Peru. The report we present is based on a case study, and the findings and conclusions lead us to propose a new holistic-organisational paradigm to facilitate the sustainability of universities. The results of the restructuring allowed us to conduct a meta-evaluation of the sustainability of organisations within a problematic situation (COVID-19), which tested the results of the restructuring objective of Cybersociety.

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