A preliminary analysis of composite indicators of sustainable development
Pages 81–87, Ian Moffatt |
Sustainable shrimp fishery management recommendations for a coastal lagoon in Baja California Sur, Mexico
Pages 88–94, Samuel Chávez-Rosales, Susan C. Gardner and Alfredo Ortega-Rubio
|
Monitoring sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia
Pages 95–102 , Erniel B. Barrios and Genelyn Ma. F. Sarte
|
Sustainable development of an agricultural system under ecological restoration based on Emergy analysis: A case study in northeastern China
Pages 103–112, Jian-bing Wei, Du-ning Xiao and Hui Zeng
|
Environmental water requirements and sustainable water resource management in the Haihe River Basin of North China
Pages 113–121, Yanchang Wei, Hong Miao and Zhiyun Ouyang
|
Technological influences and abatement strategies for industrial sulphur dioxide in China
Pages 122–131, Yiping Fang, Yong Zeng and Shiming Li
|
Efficient three industrial waste abatement for regions in China
Pages 132–144 , Jin-Li Hu and Yao-Chun Lee
|
Farmers’ knowledge and perceptions in assessing tropical dryland agricultural sustainability: Experiences from Mbeere District, Eastern Kenya
Pages 145–152, Davies D. Onduru and Chris C. C. Du Preez
|
Why did the project fail to achieve its objectives in some villages? The experience of the Upland Settlement Project (USP) in Bangladesh
Pages 153–169, Tapan Kumar Nath and Makoto Inoue
|
Social cost–benefit analysis of Karnataka Watershed Development (KAWAD) project, Karnataka, India
Pages 170–177, C. S. Silori, Megha Shukla, C. K. Jalajakshi and Mary Abraham
|
A preliminary analysis of composite indicators of sustainable development
Authors: Ian Moffatt
Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 81–87
Abstract:
Preliminary quantitative analysis of 13 composite indicators for the original G7 nations for the year 2000 is presented. Using ranked data some interesting relationships between the indicators for economic, social and environmental phenomena are revealed. These indicators have been analysed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. It is shown that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is positively associated with the human development index (HDI), wellbeing (WB) and happiness (H), but strongly negatively associated with direct material consumption (DMC) and CO² emissions in the ecological footprint (EFCO2). The DMC is negatively correlated with almost all indicators and, similarly, the ecological footprint (EF) is negatively associated with most indicators, including many environmental indicators. The quality of life (QoL) and the happiness index (H) are only weakly related. H is strongly related to ecological wellbeing (EWB) whilst the QoL is strongly associated with geobiosphere loading (GBL). The two sustainable development indicators, namely the dashboard of sustainability (DSSDI) and well being (WB) are positively associated with GDP and HDI. It is suggested that further detailed research could lead to the establishment of a single, decomposable indicator of sustainable development. It is suggested that if such a key indicator is developed then it would be useful for policy makers, as well as raising public awareness of progress in making development sustainable.
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Sustainable shrimp fishery management recommendations for a coastal lagoon in Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Samuel Chávez-Rosales, Susan C. Gardner and Alfredo Ortega-Rubio
Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 88–94
Abstract:
The Baja California Peninsula is considered México’s most productive in terms of commercial fisheries. Very few quantitative assessments of the economic importance of this region exist, especially considering artisanal fisheries and their relationships with ecological data. Datasets from government records on shrimp capture in Magdalena Bay, an arid coastal lagoon of Baja California Sur were collected, analysed and correlated with ecological data. Over the 10-year period analysed, fisheries from Magdalena Bay made up 27.5% of the shrimp capture of the state, contributing over US$15.5 million to the economy of the country. The impressive value of this resource warrants considerable attention in the design of land-use plans for the future of the region. Analysis of ecological and economical data on shrimp fishery activities in the Magdalena Bay region enables us to propose recommendations to enhance the sustainable development of the local inhabitants. A thorough assessment of the potential value of alternative economic activities should be conducted to determine their potential to provide similar productive use of the natural resources of the region as the shrimp fishery. Also, from a more specific management viewpoint, harvest rates of small shrimp in the channels should be reduced.
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Monitoring sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia
Authors: Erniel B. Barrios and Genelyn Ma. F. Sarte
Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 95–102
Abstract:
Monitoring agricultural sustainability requires careful summarising of indicators collected over time into indices representing facets of sustainability. When the number of variables exceeds the number of observations, interpretation of components from ordinary principal component analysis is usually difficult because of minimal or absence of sparsity among the loadings. This is also true for time series indicators that exhibit non-stationarity. A framework for the assessment of agricultural sustainability in a regional context is proposed. Sparse principal component analysis is used in constructing indices of agricultural sustainability that are then used to characterise the state of agricultural development and the dynamics of agricultural growth in Southeast Asia.
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Sustainable development of an agricultural system under ecological restoration based on Emergy analysis: A case study in northeastern China
Authors: Jian-bing Wei, Du-ning Xiao and Hui Zeng
Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 103–112
Abstract:
Using China’s advanced eco-agricultural model for Baiquan County, Heilongjiang Province, extensive statistical data and original information were collected. Based on dynamic analyses of economic features of the agricultural system and ecological restoration and rehabilitation, the Emergy theory was used to study production efficiency and sustainable developmental dynamics of the agricultural eco-economic system in an ecological rehabilitation time series (1980–2000). The objectives were to explore the research concept on quantification of agricultural effects of regional ecological restoration and rehabilitation, and to provide a scientific basis for planning of harmonious socio-economic development in this and similar regions. The results show great achievements in economic development and ecological reconstruction of the county. The production and living environments have also been significantly improved, but there is still environmental pressure on the agricultural system itself: production efficiency of the county’s agriculture and farmers’ living standards are still low. However, large-scale ecological restoration and rehabilitation has yielded some agricultural improvements, and the Emergy of the system is now better in terms of sustainable development.
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Environmental water requirements and sustainable water resource management in the Haihe River Basin of North China
Authors: Yanchang Wei, Hong Miao and Zhiyun Ouyang
Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 113–121
Abstract:
Lack of consideration of environmental water requirements (EWR) in water resource allocation has caused several environmental problems in the Haihe River Basin, North China. This highlights an urgent need to study EWR and ensure instruments for sustainable water resource management in the basin. In this study, EWR scenarios were calculated for 2010 and 2030, giving values are 6.58 billion m³ in 2002, 9.22 billion m³ in 2010, and 11.62 billion m³ in 2030. Three policies and management instruments were used to address EWR, including the South–North water transfer scheme, water price policy modifications and agricultural water saving. Compared with lack of adoption of such measures, these three management instruments may mitigate acute water scarcity and lead to some improvements. This paper attempts to establish a link between adoption of measures, impact on water user sectors and environmental consequences. It also provides a basis for discussion about the effectiveness of these measures and notes additional controversies among technical, political and economic instruments.
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Technological influences and abatement strategies for industrial sulphur dioxide in China
Authors: Yiping Fang, Yong Zeng and Shiming Li
Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 122–131
Abstract:
Industrial SO&sub2; is the most important air pollutant in China. This paper outlines the technological impacts on industrial SO&sub2; emissions in China in terms of: amount, intensity, structure of energy consumption and structure of energy-intensive industries. It shows that industrial SO&sub2; emissions have linear growth alongside increases in energy consumption, particularly the rise in coal consumption. The contribution of technological factors to decreases in the intensity of energy consumption is 25%, while the structural factor is 75%. The power industry accounts for 52.6% of total industrial SO&sub2;. Optimisation of the structure of energy consumption can reduce SO&sub2; emissions by 1.98 million tonnes per year. We propose the following technological strategies for industrial SO&sub2; abatement: adjustment of the system and structure of thermal power generating units, acceleration of flue gas desulphurisation projects, transformation of industrial structures, development of eco-industries and a reduction in energy consumption per unit product. In addition, an effective way to abate industrial SO&sub2; emissions is to promote governance strategies to stricly enforce SO&sub2; emission standards, conduct emission trading, and formulate incentives for encouraging cleaner production and clean energy development.
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Efficient three industrial waste abatement for regions in China
Authors: Jin-Li Hu and Yao-Chun Lee
Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 132–144
Abstract:
This paper computes efficient three industrial waste abatements (solid, water and gas) for 30 regions in China from 1996–2003. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) with a single output (real GDP) and five inputs (labour, real capital stock, solid wastes, waste water and waste gas) is used to compute the target wastes of each region for each year. The efficient abatement ratios of each region in each year are then obtained by comparing the actual waste to the actual waste of a pollutant. Our major findings are: 1. The east area contains the most efficient regions with respect to the three wastes in every year during the research period. 2. The east, central and west areas have 1996–2003 average target abatement ratios of solid wastes of 24.90%, 64.77% and 62.33%, of waste water 14.27%, 27.45% and 32.01%, and of waste gas 18.42%, 43.21% and 46.66%, respectively. 3. Because the central and west areas have similar critical problems on the three wastes, China is actually divided into two parts considering the three wastes. 4. Compared with the cases of waste water and gas, solid waste reduction is China’s most urgent task.
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Farmers’ knowledge and perceptions in assessing tropical dryland agricultural sustainability: Experiences from Mbeere District, Eastern Kenya
Authors: Davies D. Onduru and Chris C. C. Du Preez
Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 145–152
Abstract:
Sustainability is socially constructed, and striving for a sustainable agricultural system requires addressing ecological, social and economic dimensions simultaneously. The objective of this study was to assess the sustainability of dryland farming systems of Eastern Kenya based on farmers’ perceptions of their farming environment and the implications for rural livelihoods. Farmers’ perceptions were elicited through semi-structured interviews in which questionnaires were administered, on single visits, to 30 selected farm households. The study showed that soil fertility and yields of staple food crops (maize) have declined in the past decade and that current farming systems are not able to produce adequate food and income to the dependent households. Thus, the farming system is showing symptoms of unsustainability. Improving farming system sustainability in this dryland area will ultimately require integration of technical and policy options that take cognisance of farmers’ abilities, opportunities and socio-economic circumstances.
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Why did the project fail to achieve its objectives in some villages? The experience of the Upland Settlement Project (USP) in Bangladesh
Authors: Tapan Kumar Nath and Makoto Inoue
Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 153–169
Abstract:
By sampling an upland settlement project (USP) village, this study examined why the project failed to achieve the planned objectives in some villages, and what livelihood strategies villagers (planters) have adopted to sustain their livelihoods. The paper uses data obtained by qualitative and quantitative methods. The USP was formulated with the objectives of settling 50 landless and marginal tribal families in a project village and introducing agroforestry and rubber plantations for short- and long-term socioeconomic development of planters, in a participatory manner. There are now only 15 planters in the project village and, although agroforestry has progressed well, only 30 to 40% of poor quality rubber trees remain. Planter participation in project activities was limited to wage labour, indicating that the USP failed to adequately achieve all its proposed objectives. In the face of project failure, planters have adopted diversified strategies to maintain their livelihoods. Several shortcomings caused failure of the project, such as the inability of project staff members to organize planters, failure to create awareness among planters about project benefits, lack of regular project money disbursement, sociocultural ignorance, and lack of social capital among planters. Recommendations are made for securing effective participation of local people to assure successful and sustainable project outcomes. Lessons learned will be helpful in formulating future development programmes in this country and elsewhere.
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Social cost–benefit analysis of Karnataka Watershed Development (KAWAD) project, Karnataka, India
Authors: C. S. Silori, Megha Shukla, C. K. Jalajakshi and Mary Abraham
Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 170–177
Abstract:
This paper presents results of a social cost–benefit analysis (CBA) of afforestation and soil moisture treatment of common lands under an integrated watershed development programme in Karnataka State, India. The aim of the study was to find out if soil moisture conservation and afforestation measures were justified in terms of economic efficiency. The assessment was undertaken by calculating the economic internal rate of return (EIRR) for five village common lands in two watersheds, Uparhalla and Chinnahagari, in central Karnataka. Focused group discussions were organised, using a semi-structured questionnaire and various stakeholders, including project implementing agencies, self help groups and other community-based organisations. The attractiveness of the programme in both watersheds for landless and land owners was high in three out of five sampled villages, with an EIRR ranging from 19% to 91%, while two villages in Chinnahagari watershed had extremely low EIRR, reflecting poor management of soil moisture and afforestation interventions and lack of institutional cohesion to sustain investments made to develop common lands. Therefore, the CBA conducted in the KAWAD project, except for two villages, shows that the investment made to develop common lands should yield substantial economic returns in the long term under a business as usual scenario.
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