Eco-environment Evolution and Its Sustainable Development Strategies in Western China

Natural condition in Western China is relatively poor and regional economy level is low. The ecological environment has been seriously damaged by population growth and over-exploitation of natural resources. It is very important for coordinating the regional development and safeguarding ecological security to discuss the eco-environment evolution trend and its sustainable development strategies in Western China. Based on analyzing documents and relative research,the changes of main ecological and environmental problems in the western region,such as degradation of forest and grassland ecosystems,shrinkage of wetland,desertification,water and soil erosion,etc. were synthetically discussed. Then,according to the development trend,some countermeasures for eco-environment protection and rehabilitation and sustainable development were proposed.

中国家具业:市场和资源

在本世纪初的10年里,中国家具业将实现由家具大国向家具强国的跨越,在2010年,中国将成为家具生产和出口的第一大国,家具业的整体水平将有很大的提高。这种发展对市场和资源两个方面提出了更大需求。中国家具业必须依靠"两个市场、两个资源"才能实现这种跨越,并得到可持续地发展。

Carrying Capacity of Grassland and Sustainable Development of Animal Husbandry in Qinghai Lake Area

Based on the estimation of carrying capacity of grassland and status analysis of animal husbandry in Qinghai Lake area, the paper explores the strategic measure of sustainable development of animal husbandry in Qinghai Lake area under the actual conditions.

Sensing for advancing mining automation capability:A review of underground automation technology development

This paper highlights the role of automation technologies for improving the safety, productivity, and environmental sustainability of underground coal mining processes. This is accomplished by reviewing the impact that the introduction of automation technology has made through the longwall shearer automation research program of Longwall Automation Steering Committee(LASC). This result has been achieved through close integration of sensing, processing, and control technologies into the longwall mining process. Key to the success of the automation solution has been the development of new sensing methods to accurately measure the location of longwall equipment and the spatial configuration of coal seam geology. The relevance of system interoperability and open communications standards for facilitating effective automation is also discussed. Importantly, the insights gained through the longwall automation development process are now leading to new technology transfer activity to benefit other underground mining processes.

Non-coordination in China′s Urbanization: Assessment and Affecting Factors

Urbanization is a comprehensive concept, a trinity process that population urbanization, economic urbanization and space urbanization, is based on the interactions and mutual influences among the in which, people are the central and leading players in this process, while economic activities serve as the driving force and space is the carrier-the physical or material setting as well as the product. So the coordination among these processes is crucial for a country or region＇s sustainable development. China is experiencing rapid growth of cities and a surge in urban population, with the basic national condition of many people and little land, which calls for a systematic study of the issue of coordinated urbanization from theoretical, methodological and practical perspectives. Based on the concept of urbanization and non-coordination of urbanization, this article built a quantitative method to identify and evaluate the urbanization and non-coordination of urbanization, and made an empirical analysis in China between 2000 and 2008. The results show that the non-coordination overall level of China＇s urbanization declined during the study period, because population urbanization, economic urbanization, and space urbanization exhibited different trajectories of change. This study also reveals that performance assessment system, household registration system, and urban land expropriation system, etc., are the main affecting factors. At the end, we put forward some suggestions to achieve sustainable development of China＇s urbanization from the aspects of improving the local government＇s obiective function, imolementing the urban plalming svstem, enforcing public particination asnects and so on.

Geographical distribution of ecological footprint and sustainability analysis for Liaoning Province

This paper presents the detailed results and analyses on the ecological footprints and bio-capacities of the individual cities and the province as a whole for the year 2001, providing a clear picture of sustainability for the province. Results show that the ecological footprints of most cities in Liaoning exceeded their respective bio-capacities, incurring high ecological deficits. The ecological deficit of the province as a whole was 1.31 ha/cap. Those cities with resources extraction and/or primary material-making as their major industries constitute the "ecologically black band", whose ecological deficits ranged from 2.45 to 5.23 ha/cap, the highest of all cities in the province. Fossil energy consumption was the major source of footprint amounting to 1.63 ha/cap at the provincial level, taking up 67.3% of the total. For cropland, modest ecological surpluses occurred in Jinzhou, Tieling, Huludao, and Panjin while modest ecological deficits in Dalian, Benxi, Fushun, and Dandong, resulting in an overall surplus for the province. Liaoning had a certain level of surplus in fishing ground (water area), mainly distributed in the coastal cities of Dalian, Panjin, Huludao, Yingkou, Jinzhou, and Dandong. Most cities had a small ecological deficit in pasture and all had a small ecological surplus in forest. The eco-efficiency, expressed as GDP value per hectare of footprint, exhibits high variations among the cities, with the highest (Shenyang) more than 10 times the lowest (Fuxin). Cities with manufacture, high-tech, and better developed service industries had high eco-efficiency, while those with resources extraction, primary material-making, and less developed service industries had low eco-efficiency. Based on the components and geographical distribution of ecological footprint, strategic policy implications are outlined for Liaoning’s development toward a sustainable future.

STATUS AND DYNAMIC CHANGE OF REGIONAL MAN- LAND SYSTEM IN VIEW OF MICRO-LEVEL QUANTITATIVE ASPECT -Case Study of Gongyi City of Henan Province

A micro-level analysis on man-land system is important in understanding the content of human geography in rural areas, particularly in the different regions. This paper is based on a survey undertaken in the three villages of Wugou Village, Hutuo Village, and Xiaonan Village of Gongyi City, ltenan Province in April 2003. The survey covers three types of economic and social activities from 214 households. Data collected include 120 attributes for each household. By using theories from the relevant disciplines such as geography, mathcmatics, physics, ecology, and system sciences, this paper develops a framework employing the concept of system entropy in the status function of the man-land system. In this framework, the entropy change is used to show the evolution of the system, and the entropy flow to express the flow among the spatial parts of the system. Following the framework, and using a large set of household data from surveys, the paper makes a quantitative analysis of the village-level man-land system from a micro-perspective. After a theoretical investigation, the corresponding strategies in the paper are then put forward in order to adjust the unbalanced trend of the village man-land system from both perspectives of small-area and individual actors.

The prospect of wildlife tourism

The paper extends an overview of the worldwide development of wildlife tourism, introduced the conception of wild-life tourism and its components, and analyzed the development of international wildlife tourism and its international trends. The sustainability of wildlife tourism, the protection of wildlife habitat, as well as the possible impacts of wildlife tourism development in China were discussed.

Agricultural land loss in China's urbanization process

In China, urbanization of agricultural land around city agglomerations increases rapidly. Rapid urbanization of agricultoral land affects food supply, land value and ecological balance in the society. In China, the urban built-up area had increased by 40% from 1996 to 2003. This increase came predominantly from farmland surrounding the cities. How the ongoing urbanization of China affects its agricultural land is the focus of this paper. In current studies, we have found that population density; urbanization degree and personal income are key factors that influence the urbanization process. Based on this, relation model has been established and to predict the general trends of the urban area expansion in China in 2020.In 2020, the constructed urban area of China would be increased by 1.3 times compared wtth 2003. In 2020, this study anticipates the conversion of about 32,562 sq. kin. agricultural land of China for urban use.

Regional Distribution and Sustainable Development Strategy of Mineral Resources in China

This paper summarizes the distribution and production layout of the major mineral resources in China,including coal,iron ore,copper and bauxite,from a national perspective.It also identifies the incompatibility between the mineral resources distribution and regional economic development.Significant issues with China's mineral resource industry cause challenges for the sustainable development of both the mining industry and the national socio-economy.The sustainability of regional mineral resources and the environmental pollution by mining in the western China were also analyzed.Results show that the distribution of China's mineral resources is misaligned with its regional layout of economic development.China's mineral resources have been over-exploited,and the mineral resources production in the eastern China is unsustainable.The continuously expanding production of mineral resources in the western China has heavily endangered the ecological environment.We propose strategies to boost the sustainable development of mineral resources,including measures to accelerate economic development and enhance the sustainability of domestic mineral resources.We also offer suggestions for scientifically planning the mineral resource prospecting and exploitation and regional economic layout,as well as for proactively undertaking industry transfer in the eastern China and raising the environmental benchmark requirements for the mineral industry in the central and western China.

Historic Environment and Cultural Sensitivity： Ottoman Neighborhood in Macedonia

The territory of the Republic of Macedonia is divided to geographical regions, in which different types of monuments and houses from Ottoman character can be found. The monuments and regions presented through this paper do not cover all the regions of Macedonia but only the territories of Skopje, the capital of Macedonia and Ohrid. This paper involves a research of Ottoman housing and settlements in Macedonia according to the architectural characteristics and settlement textures using old-new photographs, related literature, internet sources and site investigation. The rich vernacular traditions we inherited from Ottoman ancestors would be a source for inspiring the architects in establishing the guiding principles for new buildings in Macedonia. Finally, this study concludes with some ways forward on how to attain cultural continuity for achieving sustainable development in the long run.

Present Satus and Ongoing Development of the Protection of Geographical Indications in Hebei Province

This paper demonstrates the status quo and the development of strategic objectives for the prOtection provided by geographical indications in Hebei Province. Eight main items of policy and measures are presented concerning the sustainable development of agriculture and the protection offered by geographical indications.

Research on urban land information system based on GIS

Urban land utilization plays an important role in city development. We establish the ＂Urban Land Information System based on GIS＂ in order to inspect urban land structure and utilize a model automatically. A series of codes abstracted from urban land sustainable utilization significance are used as measures in land inspection. GIS tools combined with ＂Urban Land Information System＂ make visible codes calculations and statistical results possible. Useful mathematic methods are cited to analyze the degree urban land sustainable and optimize land structure. By scientific system analysis, relationships among modules and system structure are illustrated clearly. As a result this study has drawn out the ＂Urban Land lnibrmation System＂ model.

Abkhandari (Aquifer Management): a Green Path to the Sustainable Development of Marginal Drylands

Recurrent droughts and occasional floods are the facts of life in drylands. The presence of innumerable societies in deserts is the living proof that even the extremely dry environments are livable; the secret is how to adapt to the situation. Floodwater management, the most important art of sedentarized desert dwellers, is the secret of living with deserts. Floodwater irrigation alone, or in combination with the artificial recharge of groundwater （ARG）, has sustained the Persians for millennia. The scientists at the Kowsar Floodwater Spreading and Aquifer Management Research, Training and Extension Station in the Gareh Bygone Plain have been working since January 1983 to revive this ancient art and upgrade it to the level of science. A summary of important findings is provided as follows： 1. Debris cones and coarse alluvial fans are the best places for the ARG as they provide the potential aquifer for groundwater storage. The recharged water may be used for irrigation on the lower lying, fine alluvium; 2. Flood is not a proverbial curse but a blessing in disguise, and the turbid floodwater is the best resource for the sustainable development of drylands; 3. Translocation of fine clay minerals eventually makes the vadose zone impermeable. Planting deep-rooted, drought-resistent trees and shrubs, and introducing sowbugs （Hemilepistus shirazi Schuttz） are reliable methods to increase infiltration rate and the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the ARG systems; 4. The moving sand stabilization is best achieved by spreading turbid floodwater onto them. Establishing of living windbreaks and planting of fodder trees and shrubs turn a sand menace into a verdant pasture; 5. The 10 year average of native forage yield in the ARG systems has been 445 kg·ha^-1·year^-1 as opposed to 92 kg·ha^-1.year^-1 for the control. At 4×4 m^2 spacing, Atriplex lentiformis （Torr.） Wats. can annually yield 1500 kg ha^-1 of dry matter and support 3 heads of sheep; 6. The stem- and fuel wood yield of 18 year old Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. in the ARG system have been 4,684 and 781 kg·ha^-1.year^-1, respectively. The mean annual carbon sequestration of this tree has been 2.975 tons per ha; 7.Up to 80% of the diverted floodwaters reach the unconfined aquifer. As evaporation practically wastes large volumes of water in surface reservoirs, storing water underground is logical in deserts; 8. The high evaporation rate, the large sediment load, the environmental hazards, the undesirable social costs, the long time needed for the different phases of study, and the very large price tag make dam building the most hydro-illogical choice in deserts where the ARG is practicable; 9. Each 5.5 ha of the irrigated farm provides income for a family of 7.64 member and 0.38 employment opportunities for a farm hand. On average, 4-ha of an ARG system provides one full time job for irrigation farmers. The benefit： cost ratio for this project is 22; 10. The number of wells in the area affected by the ARG activities has increased lo-fold to 130 wells, the irrigated area has increased 8-fold to 1,193 ha, and 345 job opportunities have been created in 4 villages that surround the Station.

Potentials of community-based tourism in transformations towards green economies after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in West China

This study investigates the contrasting sceneries of community-based tourism after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake and focuses on the potentials of tourism in transformations towards green economies. How are tourism and environment linked in a sustainable relationship? And how can potentials of community-based tourism be directed in transformations towards green economies? A qualitative research design is used to examine contrasting sceneries and specific green elements of community-based tourism in a Qiang people's fortress village in Mao County, Sichuan Province, West China and further discuss how tourism can be compatible with human wellbeing through demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development. The study argues that potential economic, social and environmental costs of tourism need to be considered when evaluating the loss of community benefits toward sustainability. The green elements suggest the potential of community-based tourism in transformations towards green economies, involving green agricultural, green building, and green energy, green governance, green service and green consumption. This study will contribute to the debate about the relationship between tourism and environment sustainability in the green economies, as well as the critique of what can be learned for community development from green tourism in mountainous regions after the inevitable natural disasters.

Sustainability Assessment and Ranking of Run of the River(RoR) Hydropower Projects Using Analytical Hierarchy Process(AHP):A Study from Western Himalayan Region of India

In the present scenario,tapping the unutilised hydropower potential is one of the highest priorities in developing countries of the world.Special emphasis is being imparted to run of the river(RoR)mode of power generation.However,the governments are now facing the dilemma whether to promote small hydropower projects(SHPs) or encourage large hydropower projects(LHPs).RoR large hydropower projects result into large scale cutting of mountains for constructing tunnels and access roads,generation of huge quantity of muck and large scale impact on flora and fauna due to diversion of rivers/streams.On the other hand,though SHPs are claimed to be greener and more sustainable by a section of researchers and energy planners but,they will be required to be set up in large number to generate equivalent amount of electricity.The aim of this study is to rank the most sustainable installed capacity range of RoR hydropower projects.To achieve this aim,the study proposes the use of quite popular multi-criteria decision making(MCDM)method of Operation Research named Analytical Hierarchy Process.A case study has been presented from Himachal Pradesh,a hydro rich state located in the western Himalayan region.As per sustainability assessment carried out in this study,hydropower projects in the capacity range 1 to 5 MW have been ranked to be the most sustainable.

Research of 3S technology applied in land reclamation of minefield

Based on the basic theory description of 3S,and gave the example of dump of Hanzhou open-pit which belongs to Fuxin Mining Group,first of all,used the GPS tech- nology of static and RTK to get the three-dimensional position of the points in survey con- trol network and the topographic maps before and after the reclamation in reclamation area;used the technology of GPS RTK to calibrate the geometric elements designed in land reclamation,at the same time to get the actual coordinates of the design point after layout.Then,used RS technology to supervise systematically on land reclamation of min- ing area from the time to space;finally,used GIS technology to display 3-D visualization, analyze,manage,and enquire the date obtained by GPS and RS data,which can facilitate the decision decision-makers to plan land reclamation current and long-term,and can be extended to other mines which have same or similar conditions.

LAND RECLAMATION IS BASIC GUARANTEE OF REGIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN COAL MINING AREAS IN CHINA

Necessity of land reclamation is discussed, setting out viewpoint of sustainable development and land connotation and its attribute and combining destroyed forms and characteristics of land in coal mining areas. It is pointed out that land reclamation of coal mining areas is basic guarantee of solving contradiction between coal mining areas and countryside,raising life of resident and ensuring regional sustainable development.

Shifting Ground - Changing Attitudes to the Green Revitalization of New Zealand＇s Existing Office Buildings

This paper explores the shift in the attitudes of building developer/owners to the incorporation of sustainability measures into office building renovations in New Zealand over the last 7 years, through a series of interviews with a wide range of key industry players and the study of three seminal case study examples. The interviewees uniformly considered that there had been a rapid increase in interest in the green renovation of existing buildings during the period under consideration, due mainly to strong leadership by central government. Significant differences in attitudes to green renovation emerged between the various groups as to whether, and on what terms such developments were likely to occur. The move to green building solutions seems to have continued in New Zealand, despite the world financial crisis and central government＇s abrogation of its leadership role being replaced by rising tenant expectations and the need for building owners to let their premises in a more competitive leasing environment. The change in attitudes demonstrated is profound. In the earliest of the case study buildings, started on site in 2004, no consideration is given by the developer, owner or design team to sustainability issues and there is no obvious user demand. In the second case, which started on site only one year later, sustainable design is very prominent, but is largely tenant driven, albeit with the active and enthusiastic support of the developer and design team. The final case study building started on site in 2007 is entirely developer/building owner driven and stems from a perception that ＂green＂ buildings represent value for money, that there is a real and persistent user demand and that sustainable design makes strong commercial sense.

Virtue Education： Josef Pieper＇s Vita Contemplativa as Pedagogical Ground

Virtue education in the United States has lost its clout while the corporatization of higher education may be at its peak. The focus of traditional education has shifted from ideas, wisdom, and the love of learning to having a corporate mindset on progress and skills-based knowledge. In many cases, the focus of attention is on remaining viable/sustainable in times of economic decline rather than learning itself, so the resources supporting institutions of higher education are directed into marketing and public relations practices instead of the infrastructure for thinking and learning. This essay draws together three coordinates to make a case for a return to virtue education in the United States. First, the current condition of higher education is shown to have dubiously strayed from a virtue model. Second, the re-emergence of philosophy as a preferred major and its growth in the academy suggest that people realize that something has to change in higher education as they revert back to a broad liberal arts emphasis. Third, a discussion of virtue education from the lens of Josef Pieper＇s virtue philosophy, grounded in the lSta Contemplativa, offers renewed possibility to reengaged higher education for a sustainable future. Together, I suggest that the tradition of higher education in the United States is no longer viable and return to a virtue education model is an alternative that might make higher education sustainable.