Role of outdoor trees on pedestrian wind and thermal conditions around a pre-education building for sustainable energy management

Finding sustainable energy resources is essential to face the increasing energy demand.Trees are an important part of ancient architecture but are becoming rare in urban areas.Trees can control and tune the pedestrian-level wind velocity and thermal condition.In this study,a numerical investigation is employed to assess the role of trees planted in the windward direction of the building complex on the thermal and pedestrian wind velocity conditions around/inside a pre-education building located in the center of the complex.Compared to the previous studies(which considered only outside buildings),this work considers the effects of trees on microclimate change both inside/outside buildings.Effects of different parameters including the leaf area density and number of trees,number of rows,far-field velocity magnitude,and thermal condition around the main building are assessed.The results show that the flow velocity in the spacing between the first-row buildings is reduced by 30%-40% when the one-row trees with 2 m height are planted 15 m farther than the buildings.Furthermore,two rows of trees are more effective in higher velocities and reduce the maximum velocity by about 50%.The investigation shows that trees also could reduce the temperature by about 1℃around the building.

Participatory Technique Supporting Environmental Management: A Systematic and Bibliometric Review

The increasing need to manage natural resources sustainably, driven by population growth, requires the simultaneous use of Participatory Techniques (PT) and landscape planning for structured decision-making. We conducted a bibliometric and systematic review to provide an overview of PT usage, identifying evolution in scientific production. We considered the number of publications and citations, prominent journals, and highly cited articles on scientific papers published in the Web of Science database between 1993 and 2023. A total of 415 articles related to PT were identified. After content evaluation, 19 critical articles were selected that underpin the growing combined use of models and indices with PT, enhancing the robustness and credibility of decision-making processes.

Sustainable Management of Biodegradable Waste in Guinea: Effect of Compost on Eggplant and Chilli Crop Yields Pepper

The fight against insalubrity in large urban and peri-urban agglomerations is a major challenge in developing countries. This problem is compounded by that of sustainable waste management mechanisms. Indeed, the current waste collection system in Guinea has proved inadequate, as moving garbage from point “A” to point “B” is tantamount to “moving the problem”. The aim of this experimental work is to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and benefits of sustainable waste management. As part of this drive to valorize biodegradable waste, the Waste Management Research Center has undertaken a series of activities ranging from composting organic waste to testing compost on certain crop varieties. An experimental field of 8024 m2 was laid out and treated with 1500 Kg of fine compost in doses ranging from 2.5 to 5 T/ha. Two crop varieties, eggplant and chili, were tested. Compost application increased production yields: 15 to 21 tonnes of eggplant and 10.4 to 11.1 tonnes of chili per hectare. Growth rates compared with usual yields varied from 50% to 64% and from 11% to 17% for eggplant and chili, respectively. This study resulted in an optimum compost dose of 2.5 T/ha for this phase.

Adoption of Participatory Forest Management System for Sustainability in Nigeria

Forest is a composite renewable natural resource of multiple values to mankind. Over the years in Nigeria, government has been the sole player in the management of forest resources at the exclusion of the neighbouring forest-dependent communities to forest estates. The consequences of the monopolistic management are widespread illegal and destructive lumbering, degradation, deforestation and varying ecological disasters. This paper, therefore, discusses strategies that could facilitate and foster participatory sustainable forest management which include formulation of people-orientated forest policies and laws, creation of public awareness, stakeholders＇ consultation, training and capacity building, provision of incentives and creation of market channels for forest products. The aim is to underscore the potency of people-based forest management system, which considers the peoples＇ interest and welfare while ensuring effective conservation of forest resources. The method adopted is a review and appraisal of the prevailing situations. It is recommended that mass mobilization for participation in sustainable forest resources management and creation of enabling environment for organized private-sector involvement in forest resources activities could engender rapid development in forestry sub-sector of Nigerian economy.

Management Practices Towards the Embeddedness of Sustainability in European Universities

This research observed and evaluated the sustainability practices in universities. This study emphasizes the connection between theory and practice in research frame. It is intended by this research using content analysis of UI GreenMetric, universities＇ websites and sustainability annual reports observing universities＇ practices related to sustainability to answer the research question, which is： How are university managements embedding sustainability-oriented practices in sustainability focused European universities as far as CORE system （Curriculum, Operations, Research, and Engagement） is considered？ The employed research methodology mainly relies on content analysis of the studied universities from the UI GreenMetric Sustainable University assessment and ranking index. The UI GreenMetric Sustainable University assessment and ranking index was selected since it considers the Operations, Curriculum, Research, and Engagements （CORE system） of universities with indicators such as Setting and Infrastructure, Energy and Climate Change, Waste, Water, Transportation, and Education. This covers the triple bottom line of sustainability （Environment, Economy, and Society） and other indexes like GASU, AASHE, STARS and others, focused mostly on operational Eco-efficiency. UI GreenMetric index is the first and the only ranking that measures each participating university＇s commitment in developing an ＂environmentally friendly＂ infrastructure. The total sample of the study observed and evaluated in this study are five （5） top European Sustainable Universities according to UI GreenMetric sustainable ranking index. The result shows a significant progress in Operational practices except in the area of Campus Setting and Infrastructure. There was a less significant progress in the Curriculum, Research, and Engagement practices of the CORE system of sustainability-oriented practices which are being integrated into the studied universities. This research provides a state of the art result regarding the embeddedness of sustainable practice in European universities. It has the potential to help any university to better integrate sustainability in their management system.

Cassava Groundnut Intercropping: A Sustainable Land Management Practice for Increasing Crop Productivity and Organic Carbon Stock on Smallholder Farms

Cassava-groundnut intercropping is not a common practice among smallholder farmers in Sierra Leone even though both crops are well suited for intercropping. On-farm trials were conducted in three locations (Bai Largor, Bassah, and Njala Kanima) in the Moyamba district during the 2021 cropping season to investigate the efficacy of cassava-groundnut intercropping for increasing crop productivity and soil organic carbon stock on smallholder farms in the Moyamba district, Southern Sierra Leone. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in three replications with treatments of sole groundnut, sole cassava and cassava-groundnut intercropping. Data on the yield and yield components of cassava and groundnut were analysed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 and means were compared using the standard error of difference (SED). The above-ground biomass, number of roots per plant, and fresh root yield of cassava were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by the cassava-based cropping system. Averaged across locations, intercropping cassava with groundnut decreased the above-ground biomass, the number of roots per plant, and fresh root yield of cassava by 17%, 11%, and 17%, respectively. The above-ground biomass, number of pods per plant and fresh pod yield of groundnut were significantly (p 1), the highest net revenue and benefit-cost ratio. The benefit-cost ratio was also favourable for the sole cassava (BCR > 1) but not favourable for the sole groundnut (BCR < 1). Averaged across locations, intercropping cassava with groundnut increased the benefit-cost ratio by 121% and 13% when compared to the sole groundnut and sole cassava. In the event of a 40% yield loss for the cassava and groundnut, the benefit-cost ratio was favourable (1.12) only for the cassava groundnut intercropping system. The net soil organic carbon stock was favourable only for the cassava-groundnut intercrop. Averaged across locations, the net soil organic carbon for the cassava-groundnut intercropping increased by 3.4% when compared to the baseline within one cropping cycle of the cassava (12 months). The results confirm that cassava-groundnut intercropping is a sustainable land management practice that could enhance crop productivity and soil organic carbon stock on smallholder farms.

Sustainability Takes Centre Stage in Events Management

ISO International Standards constitute a toolbox not only for the environmental integrity of the planet,but also for economic growthand social equity-in other words,for all three dimensions ofsustainable development.

Blockchain-Based Flexible Double-Chain Architecture and Performance Optimization for Better Sustainability in Agriculture

Blockchain is an emerging decentralized distributed technology that can cross the boundaries and guarantee safe and trustworthy value transfers between participants.Combining the blockchain technology with the Internet of Things(IoT)technology to enhance the transparency and sustainability of agricultural supply chains,has attracted researchers from both academia and industry.This paper reviews the latest applications of the blockchain and IoT technologies in the sustainable agricultural supply chain management and explores the design and implementation of a blockchain-based sustainable solution.By placing the sustainable agricultural supply chain management at its core,a blockchain-based framework is designed.Considering the heterogeneity of the transaction data and the IoT data,the openness of sustainability information and the sensitivity of participants’data,a double-chain structure is proposed including the consensus method,the transaction mechanisms,the sustainability assessment method and the performance optimization strategy.The sustainable management practices of all participants are introduced into the blockchain network,especially those allowing the government to play a more signicant role in agriculture supply management.Meanwhile,to meet the scenario requirements,a data reduction method is designed to improve performance and reduce block size.Simulations are performed to evaluate the latency,throughput,costs and efciency of the proposed structure.This paper can be a useful reference for further research on the application of blockchain and IoT technologies in sustainable agricultural management.

Modelling Land Use/Land Cover Change of River Rwizi Catchment, South-Western Uganda Using GIS and Markov Chain Model

Analysis of catchment Land use/Land cover (LULC) change is a vital tool in ensuring sustainable catchment management. The study analyzed land use/land cover changes in the Rwizi catchment, south western Uganda from 1989-2019 and projected the trend by 2040. Landsat images, field observations, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Changes in cropland, forestland, built up area, grazing land, wetland and open water bodies were analyzed in ArcGIS version 10.2.2 and ERDAS IMAGINE 14 software and a Markov chain model. All the LULC classes increased in area except grazing land. Forest land and builtup area between 2009-2019 increased by 370.03% and 229.53% respectively. Projections revealed an increase in forest land and builtup area by 2030 and only built up area by 2040. LULCC in the catchment results from population pressure, reduced soil fertility and high value of agricultural products.

Supervised Learning Method: Critical Analysis and Updating of Cubing Rate Formulas for Determining Bark Masses of Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae) in Cameroon

The stem barks of Prunus africana are used in the treatment of the benign prostate. Cameroon is one of the important exporters of the barks. Despite the important measures adopted in Cameroon for sustaining its harvesting, some many chalenges still remain. The objective of this work is to refine the forest management parameters in relation to P. africana in the regions of Adamaoua and the South-West by developing a volume rate which makes it possible to estimate the production for a new stem. The work took place in two phases: in the South-West in 2010 and in Adamaoua in 2011. Data collection used the semi-direct method, while the cubing equation was deduced by the multiple linear regression method. Two models for volume estimation and three models for mass prediction were developed. The predictive parameters retained are diameter, height of the bole and thickness of the bark. Results show that the average mass of the dry bark for a given P. africana tree species is 27.55 ± 14.44 kg and this varies according to the site. The strong adjusted coefficient of determination (adjusted R2) observed illustrates the reliability of the proposed models. These models provide a reliable tool that can be adopted as a standard in Cameroon for P. africana.

Hydrogeochemical Studies in Drought Scenarios: Canelones, Uruguay Case Study

The water scarcity in quality and quantity is becoming more noticeable and an urgent concern around the world. In Uruguay, these issues become exacerbated by the need to obtain drinking water in coastal areas, influenced by the climate change. Basic and structural geologies are strong conditioners in heterogeneous coastal aquifers. The objective of this study is to characterize the hydrochemistry of the fractured aquifers after having identified the main bearing fractures and the causes of aleatoreous water scarcity and quality problems, for hydric resources sustainable management. Identification of water bearing fracture, hydrogeochemical analysis and water quality evaluation are specific objectives. Some strategies were performed: 1) a base map in QGIS Software;2) fracture photointerpretation;3) geological correlation;4) statistical analysis of the background geochemistry data;5) ions analysis of strategically located wells. There were found water bearing fractures corresponding to 28 m3/h maximum flow rate for the NW-SE and 12 m3/h maximum flow rate for the NE-SW fracture direction, respectively. Besides, there could be a problem related to the high Sodium (Na) and Chloride (Cl) levels. In this respect, having previous data from 25 well samples, ions geochemical analysis has been carried out for 14 wells from Costa Azul and surrounding to have a first approach about the possible cause for the high values of Na (max. 385 mg/L) and Cl (max. 381 mg/L). The selected area for this study has a particular characteristic, because it corresponds to a heterogeneous fractured aquifer, which makes it difficult to catch water with enough flow rates and water quality to meet the population demand.

An Assessment of Saltwater Intrusion in Coastal Regions of Lagos, Nigeria

This paper explains various factors that contribute to saltwater intrusion, including overexploitation of freshwater resources and climate change as well as the different techniques essential for effective saltwater intrusion management. The impact of saltwater intrusion along coastal regions and its impact on the environment, hydrogeology and groundwater contamination. It suggests potential solutions to mitigate the impact of saltwater intrusion, including effective water management and techniques for managing SWI. The application of A.I (assessment index) serves as a guideline to correctly identify wells with SWI ranging from no intrusion, slight intrusion and strong intrusion. The challenges of saltwater intrusion in Lagos and the salinization of wells were investigated using the hydro-chemical parameters. The study identifies four wells (“AA”, “CMS”, “OBA” and “VIL”) as having high electric conductivities, indicating saline water intrusion, while other wells (“EBM”, “IKJ, and “IKO”) with lower electric conductivities, indicate little or no salt-water intrusion, and “AJ” well shows slight intrusion. The elevation of the wells also played a vital role in the SWI across coastal regions of Lagos. The study recommends continuous monitoring of coastal wells to help sustain and reduce saline intrusion. The findings of the study are important for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners who are interested in addressing the challenges of saltwater intrusion along coastal regions. We assessed the SWI across the eight (8) wells using the Assessment Index to identify wells with SWI. Wells in “CMS” and “VIL” has strong intrusions. A proposed classification system based on specific ion ratios categorizes water quality from good (+) to highly (-) contaminated (refer to Table 4). These findings underscore the need for attention and effective management strategies to address groundwater unsuitability for various purposes.

Performance of a Horizontal Flow Constructed Reed Bed Filter for Municipal Wastewater Treatment: The Case Study of the Prototype Installed at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal

In Saint-Louis, Senegal, a constructed wetland with horizontal flow reed beds (FHa and FHb) has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating municipal wastewater. Analyzing various treatment stages, the system showed only a slight temperature variation, from an influent average of 26.3°C to an effluent of 24.7°C. Electrical conductivity decreased from 1331 mS/cm to 974.5 mS/cm post-primary treatment, with suspended solids (SS) dramatically reduced from 718.9 mg/L to 5.7 mg/L in the final effluent. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) saw a notable decrease, from initial levels of 655.6 mg/L and 1240 mg/L to 2.3 mg/L and 71.3 mg/L, respectively. Nitrogenous compounds (N-TN) and phosphates () also decreased significantly, indicating the system’s nutrient removal capacity. Microbiological analysis revealed a reduction in fecal coliforms from 7.5 Ulog/100ml to 1.8 Ulog/100ml and a complete elimination of helminth eggs. The presence of Phragmites and Typha was instrumental in enhancing these reductions. The system’s compliance with the Senegalese standards for disposal into natural environments, WHO recommendations for unrestricted water reuse in irrigation, and the European legislation for water reuse was established. The effluent quality met the stringent criteria for various classes of agricultural reuse, illustrating the system’s potential for sustainable water management. This wetland model presents a robust solution for water-stressed regions, ensuring environmental protection while supporting agricultural needs. The study calls for ongoing research to further refine the system for optimal, reliable wastewater treatment and water resource sustainability.

Evaluation of Sustainable Land Management and Diagnosis of Obstacle at County Scale in Sichuan Basin:Taking Lezhi County as Example

This paper established sustainable land resources evaluating indicators fit for hilly area in Sichuan Basin, Southwest of China, and evaluated the case of sustainable land management of Lezhi County from 1990 to 2001. The result showed that the land resource sustainable utilization ability in Lezhi County is belong to Second level （better sustainable）. Secondly, this paper diagnosed some years obstacles of sustainable land management of Lezhi County from base period to goal period and compared the obstacles factors in the indicators system. There were 16 indexes orderly become major affect factor to land sustainable utilization of Lezhi county in indicator system, of which there are 8 obstacles indexes exist both in 1990 and 2001. The value of obstacles degree of five indicators exceeded 5 in 1990, but in 2001, only two indicators＇ values were more than 5.

Goal programming approach for sustainable forest management(case study in Iranian Caspian forests)

We used a goal programming technique to determine the optimal harvest volume for the Iranian Caspian forest. We collected data including volume, growth, wood price at forest roadside, and variable harvesting costs. The allometric method was used to quantify seques- trated carbon. Regression analysis was used to derive growth models. Expected mean price was estimated using wood price and variable harvesting costs. Questionnaire was used to determine the constraints and the equation coefficients of the goal programming model. The optimal volume was determined using the goal programming method according to multipurpose forest management. LINGO software was used for analysis. Results indicated that the optimum volumes of species were 250.25 m3.ha-1 for beech, 59 m3.ha-1 for hornbeam, 73 m3.ha-1 for oak, 41 m3.ha-1 for alder, and 32 m3.ha-1 for other species. The total optimum volume is 455.25 m3.ha-1.

Modelling of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for Urban Water Management—Investment and Outscaling Implications at Basin and Regional Levels

This manuscript is an attempt to demonstrate effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NBS) and measures to reduce risk of flooding and environmental impact in urban settings. The nature-based solutions (NBS) were assessed as scenarios from experience of urban storm drainage and sewerage systems based on practices that improve urban water management through modelling using urban stormwater management model (SWMM). The model has been applied in a typical urban environment in the second city in Botswana, the City of Francistown, which has a population of more than one hundred thousand. By considering the 2-yr and 10-year storm events in a calibrated SWMM, NBS scenarios from a mix of low impact and drainage measures were considered. The considered NBS scenarios were used to determine their effectiveness in terms of reducing and controlling peak runoff, flood volumes, infiltration and evapotranspiration in the study area, which are vital in assessing the opportunity and challenge for sustainable management of water resources and associated tradeoff of investments in the urban contexts. The study demonstrates the usefulness of implementing effective measures for achieving NBS in urban context and possibility of outscaling at basin and regional levels.

Emergency Plan for Water Supply in Consecutive Droughts and Sustainable Water Resources Management in Beijing

Beijing, the capital city of China, has suffered from acute water shortage, with only 300 m3/a of water resources available per capita. In addition, Beijing has experienced a prolonged period of consecutive droughts from 1999 to 2010. Water crisis has constrained the socio-economic development of Beijing. Meanwhile, the national "South-to-North Water Transfer"（STNWT） project, which is expected to provide some relief to the water crisis in Beijing, is still under development. In order to ensure the security of water supply in Beijing before the completion of the STNWT project, several measures have been implemented to cope with droughts, including pumping groundwater from emergency well fields,water saving, recycling of water, rain and flood water harvesting, and the diversion of water from neighboring rivers and groundwater basins. Groundwater from four emergency well fields contributes the most to the public and domestic water supplies in Beijing, supplying a total volume of 1.8×10;m;.The water crisis is supposed to be mitigated by the completion of the STNWT project. After the completion of this project, more sustainable management of water resources will be implemented,including the use of aquifers as groundwater reservoirs and conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater resources.

Integrated environmental education for sustainable forest management: the case of Nandi Hills Forests, Kenya

Environmental education （EE） is a vital dimension of modern day acumen that portends a great promise in solving the myriad environmental resource management challenges at global, regional and local levels. A study was carried out in 18 locations in the Nandi North, Nandi South and Nandi Hills districts of Kenya, which cover the Nandi Hills and Nandi Forests in Nandi County, major water catchments for Lake Victoria. A mixed methodological approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data obtained from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, household survey and observations was embraced in data collection and analysis. The study reveals that there are several strategies that have been adopted by the local population and institutions involved in the management of the Nandi Hills Forests （NHFs） and that these strategies have contributed to an improvement in the perceptions of the local population in terms of the importance of environmental management of the forests. This paper highlights EE as a vehicle for ensur- ing a sustainable management of the Nandi Hills Forests. As such, it illuminates the great potential that lies in sustainably managing the NHFs by integrating formal and informal EE approaches. It further points out the functional gaps in the management of NHFs and proposes best-practices that could be adopted and/or domesticated in NHFs management regimes.

Gray Water Measurement and Feasibility of Retrieval Using Innovative Technology and Application in Water Resources Management in Isfahan-Iran

Reuse of wastewater for agriculture and green spaces purposes is significant.A mean yearly precipitation in Esfahan is 150 mm.The drinking water and agriculture usually used underground resources in the city.Gray water recycling is known as a suitable option today.Delivering all the water requirements of a home from refined water rises the cost of water.Whereas the essential water quality for garden,toilet and irrigation is less than drinking water.Therefore,the aim of this study is to analyze the evaluation of gray water and estimate the amount of recycle gray water which can use for drinking water with innovation method in Esfahan region in Iran.Previous studies did not measure the value of recycling gray water with new method of waste water treatment that can use for drinking purpose.In this study,gray water in Esfahan city is measured and technical aspects of its recycling is examined.Because of the lack of referable guidelines and official technical reports,studies from other similar countries applied in this study and on the basis of which the amount of recoverable gray water was calculated.Evaluations indicates that the overall recovery of gray water in Esfahan saves nine million cubic meters of water.The price of the rial of this value established on water is 190 billion Rials.Given the lack of water sources in Esfahan,the recycle of gray water seems to be a good option,however more research is required to select a recovery strategy.

Adapting Smallholder Agriculture to Climate Change through Sustainable Land Management Practices： Empirical Evidence from North-West Ethiopia

The objective of this paper was to determine the factors that influence farmers＇ decision to use two categories of sustainable land management （SLM） practices as adaptation strategy to climate change in the North-West Ethiopia. It was based on analysis of data collected from 734 farm household heads and employed probit regression model to analyze the determinants of adaptation to climate change through SLM measures. Based on the model result, factors, like perception of climate change, exposure to adaptation techniques, education, perception of land degradation, slope, land prone to degradation, number of parcels, crop enterprise income, land size, farm distance, economically active family size and agro-ecology are found important in determining farmers＇ decision to use structural land management practices. Likewise, perception of climate change, exposure to adaptation, farming experience, slope, crop enterprise income, land prone to degradation and agro-ecology are found important in affecting farmers＇ decision to use non-structural land management practices as adaptation measure. Therefore, in line with the findings of the analysis, any intervention that promotes use of land management practices as adaptation strategy should take into account agro-ecology specific factors that are relevant to the nature of the land management practices. Moreover, since scaling up of SLM practices as adaptation strategy is resource intensive, it requires both public and non-public investment for providing technological support and raising awareness. Failure to do so would adversely affect crop productivity and exacerbate food insecurity problems at farm household level.