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The growing challenge of food waste management presents a critical opportunity for advancing the circular bioeconomy, aiming to transform waste into valuable resources. This paper explores innovative strategies for converting food wastes into renewable food resources, emphasizing the integration of sustainable technologies and zero-waste principles. The main objective is to demonstrate how these approaches can contribute to a more sustainable food system by reducing environmental impacts and enhancing resource efficiency. Novel contributions of this study include the development of bioproducts from various food waste streams, highlighting the potential of underutilized resources like bread and jackfruit waste. Through case studies and experimental findings, the paper illustrates the successful application of green techniques, such as microbial fermentation and bioprocessing, in valorizing food wastes. The implications of this research extend to policy frameworks, encouraging the adoption of circular bioeconomy models that not only address waste management challenges but also foster economic growth and sustainability. These findings underscore the potential for food waste to serve as a cornerstone in the transition to a circular, regenerative economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γ‐Polyglutamic acid (γ‐PGA) microgel, produced by Bacillus spp., represents a promising biomaterial with diverse industrial applications due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and nontoxic nature. This review explores the current methodologies in the industrial production of γ‐PGA microgel, emphasizing the optimization of fermentation conditions, genetic engineering of Bacillus strains, and advances in downstream processing techniques. Key applications in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental management are discussed, highlighting its role in drug delivery systems, as a biocontrol agent, and in wastewater treatment. Future perspectives include enhancing production efficiency through synthetic biology, expanding its application scope, and addressing economic and regulatory challenges to facilitate broader adoption. The integration of innovative technologies and multidisciplinary approaches is crucial for the sustainable development and commercial success of γ‐PGA microgel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantations are important in reducing logging on natural forests, carbon sequestration and restoration of degraded lands. Soil organic carbon is an important indicator of soil fertility, quality and productivity. A study was conducted in various plantations to assess the soil organic carbon status along with other soil parameters in Mizoram. The SOC stock was found to decrease with the soil depth except in oil palm plantation. The other soil parameters were also seen to decrease along with the soil profile. Teak was found to have the highest SOC stock at 39.03±5.3 Mg C ha-1 while areca nut plantation has the lowest at 28.91±0.67 Mg C ha-1. Proper management of land use can be beneficial for both economy as well as carbon storage in a more sustainable way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Sudan, the primary objectives of forest management are production, protection, and conservation, with minimal attention paid to social or other services. The forest resources in Sudan are great significance in term of ensuring sustainable livelihoods and preserving ecosystems. Forests are a valuable source of various goods such as gum, incense, fruit, medicine, and wild game. However, sustainable forest management is difficult due to the growing population and expansion of agriculture, which poses a significant challenge. reforestation and afforestation programmes is process of increasing forest cover and include enrichment planting, participation of local people engagement in the management of forest., The villagers in Sudan traditionally utilize native and regenerate naturally such as Tebeldi (Adansonia digitata), Dom (Hyphaene thebaica) and Hashab (Acacia senegal), trees due to their direct benefits. Additionally, Sudan containing three forest types according to administration system, viz., Federal forests, State forests and Community/private forests. Balanites aegyptiaca, Ziziphus spina-christi, Adansonia digitate, Tamarindus indica, and Grewia tenax represents the major tree species contribute to the rural and urban livelihood. It is recommended that, engagement of local communities in forest management is way to achieve sustainable forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anjaw district in the eastern Arunachal Pradesh is part of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. This region is rich in biodiversity and harbours endemic species, some of which are classified as threatened. The Anjaw district is dominated by Miju Mishimi, Digaru Mishimi and the Mayor tribe who follow traditional hunting, fishing and other cultural practices that influence species conservation. However, there exist knowledge gaps pertaining to their traditional cultural practices, fishing and hunting and their impact on sustainability and conservation needs. We conducted surveys in 64 households in 14 villages using a semi-structured interview schedule to understand the demography, livelihood patterns, social taboos, hunting and fishing approaches of the communities in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. Our surveys showed that agriculture is the primary occupation in the area. Hunting is widely practiced by the communities that also involve hunting of the threatened species. Parallelly, the communities also follow social taboos, which prohibits hunting of certain species some of which are also classified as threatened. Both traditional and modern gears are used for hunting and fishing. Also, forest fire is used extensively for the purpose of hunting which have a drastic impact on the forests and the concerned species. Understanding the social attributes of communities is crucial to develop frameworks and policies for biodiversity conservation in Anjaw district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant biodiversity data are prerequisites for the sustainable management of a forest. We used quantitative ecological tools to determine the species composition, diversity (richness and evenness), population structure, distribution patterns, and regeneration status of trees in a Tropical Moist Sal Forest of Eastern Ghats, India. For this purpose, a field inventory was conducted during 2020–2022 in sixteen 1.0 ha forest stands along a human-induced disturbance gradient. A total of 161 species (61 trees, 40 shrubs, 60 herbs) belonging to 77 families and 143 genera were recorded in the 16.0 ha of forest area. The results revealed a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in the tree and shrub species density, basal area, species richness, and diversity along the gradient of disturbance. However, in the case of herbs, the Shannon–Weiner diversity index increased significantly (p < 0.01) with increasing disturbance levels. Irrespective of forest types and disturbance levels, the tree diameter class (10–30 cm) accounted for the highest stem density in the forest. A mixed trend was found in the case of the basal area; the >41 cm diameter class constituted the highest basal area in the Pure Sal Forest while the 10–30 cm class was in the Moist Deciduous Forest without Sal. Tree species richness was found higher in lower diameter classes. Disturbances impacted the distribution pattern of trees; in the Pure Sal Forest, the contagious distribution of trees were 61.54%, 40%, and 12.5% in undisturbed, low-disturbed, and moderately disturbed sites, respectively. The percent of trees showing random and regular distribution increased with the increased level of disturbance in all forest types. The number of tree species having good regeneration decreased with the increased disturbance intensity in all forest types. Frequent grazing, repeated forest fires, and poor soil seed banks at the Moderately Disturbed site were the main reasons for the poor/no regeneration of Pterocarpus marsupium, Adina cordifolia, Terminalia bellerica, and some other economical species. Significant changes in structural attributes of the tree community revealed the impact of human-induced disturbances in the Moist Sal Forests of Eastern Ghats. The disturbance mosaics promoted the growth of many invasive weed species and lianas, depleting the number of valuable species in the forest. This study suggests the adaption of sustainable biodiversity conservation approaches through the active participation of the tribal so that the remnants the Moist Sal Forests of Eastern Ghats can be controlled to prevent further degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]