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As a concept, the green economy refers to the transition from coal to renewable energy sources to reduce pollution, the energy efficiency of production processes to achieve savings, the reuse of materials from waste in business and energy production, changes designed to stop harmful climate change and bring new opportunities for economic development. In this way, conflicts between economic development and environmental issues are resolved, with the aim of achieving sustainability of the economy and society. The aim of the study is to provide a comparative analysis of the level of development of the green economy in selected 20 emerging economies and their progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from the 2030 Agenda using the EEPSE Green Economy Index (EEPSE GEI), based on Quintuple Helix Innovation Model (QHIM), and examine the interdependence between each of the 5 subsystems (quality of education system, economic aspects, political system, civil society, and natural environment) with this index. The results indicate that among the group of countries observed, Estonia is the best performer, while Egypt has the lowest performance. The results, also, indicate the important role of each of the subsystems in EEPSE GEI. The study can be useful for policy makers to identify weaknesses in achieving the SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development is achieved when policies are effectively implemented to foster the well-being of all. Research on equality has generally focused on women's empowerment as the foundation of empowering a nation. Similarly, there has been increased attention given to working with men in gender equality. However, researchers have not considered these two lines of thought side by side to achieve sustainable development. We examine the relationship between gender equality and development by empirically identifying country-specific factors that are associated with the level of gender equality over time for a sample of 44 African countries. Using trend analysis, we find a linear relationship between male and female inclusion in economic participation and opportunity. In particular, the empirical findings suggest that among the socio-economic, infrastructural, and governance-related factors, income, rural revitalization, mobile subscription, fixed telephone subscription, and rule of law are important factors in explaining the level of gender balance. In contrast, we find that unemployment positively impacts gender equality. We associate this outcome with the role expansion theory. These findings support debate in the literature that when economies grow, they stand better chances of fostering gender equality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coffee by-product market represents a transformative paradigm in the coffee industry, capitalizing on previously overlooked resources and generating economic value through sustainable practices. We will explore the multifaceted opportunities and economic benefits stemming from the utilization of coffee by-products, and the diverse applications and industries that contribute to its economic significance. The economic value attributed to the coffee by-product market encompasses the overall sum of transactions and economic activities associated with the utilization, processing, and commercialization of coffee by-products. This encompasses the worth derived from diverse applications and industries that harness coffee by-products to generate products, services, and various economic opportunities. Coffee by-products, once considered waste, now serve as valuable feedstock for energy production, driving cost-saving initiatives. From coffee grounds powering biofuel generation to coffee husks fueling biomass energy plants, the industry is witnessing an impactful shift towards renewable and eco-friendly energy sources, mitigating operational expenses and bolstering financial resilience. The convergence of sustainability and innovation finds expression in the food and beverage sector, where coffee cherry pulp and cascara are harnessed for the production of functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals. Leveraging the rich antioxidants and nutritional benefits of coffee by-products, this burgeoning market segment presents lucrative opportunities, while also promoting health-conscious choices for consumers. Apart from its conventional applications, the coffee by-product market has a significant impact on sustainable infrastructure development. Coffee silverskin, renowned for its remarkable insulating properties, presents an opportunity to transform building materials, leading to energy-efficient construction and decreased long-term operational expenses. Furthermore, coffee silverskin offers opportunities for market diversification, particularly in niche segments like artisanal products. Through the transformation of coffee cherry pulp into biochar, agricultural practices experience a rejuvenation, benefiting from improved soil health and enhanced nutrient retention. In conclusion, coffee by-products play a crucial role in driving the coffee industry towards a sustainable future in line with circular economy principles. Coffee by-products possess immense potential to create significant economic opportunities for coffee-producing regions, fostering growth and prosperity within these communities. They can capitalize on their abundant availability of these products and explore various avenues for utilization. The economic value of the coffee by-product market represents a dynamic amalgamation of innovation, environmental consciousness, and sound economic principles. Regulatory support and consumer demand for sustainable practices further amplify the market's potential, creating a compelling incentive for stakeholders to embrace the transformation from waste to wealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide acceptance and endorsement of the blue economy by public and private actors can be considered as a positive step towards the sustainable transition of coastal and marine environments. While particular attention needs to be paid to the potential risks posed by the perspective of economic gains resulting from marine exploitation, a large public support is also required to build a sustainable society. The mass media plays a critical role in communicating scientific advances and risks, shaping opinions, and fostering behavioural change. The article discusses the media coverage of the blue economy in British newspapers through a frame analysis. The analysis reveals that the blue economy is largely framed in terms of economic opportunities and weak sustainability, and treated in a very factual, non‐critical way. Sea blindness enables us to understand the lack of in‐depth discussion about the blue economy and its framing as an overtly positive economic opportunity. The findings also suggest that the way the blue economy is represented proceeds from the dominant development discourse that has spread onto the marine space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monasteries, especially Benedictine monasteries, have developed a close relationship with nature based on a respect for creation and a goal of self-sufficiency. There seems to be an elective affinity between monasticism and ecologism. Since the second half of the 20th century, monasteries have been engaging in ecological practices, and in many cases have been pioneers in these practices in their region. How can the role of monasteries in ecology be explained? To what extent is the ecology practiced by monasteries different from that of society? And what developments can we observe in this field over the last 20 years? After presenting the background of the elective affinity between monasticism and ecologism, I will explore the practices that monastics put in place to act sustainably for the protection of the environment. The last part of the paper deals with the shift from respect for creation to ecologism in the vocabulary monastics use today and to what extent we can speak of a charismatic ecologism. This article is based on field inquiries conducted in monastic communities in six countries in Europe and four countries in Africa between 2004 and 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine entrepreneurial ventures in a post-conflict context to identify practices that are helpful for companies operating in conflict zones while contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16)—Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Using emancipatory entrepreneuring as our theoretical lens, we analyze entrepreneurial ventures where ex-combatants seek to create economic opportunities and challenge the status quo of violence, poverty, and inequality in their rural communities. We develop four qualitative case studies of ex-combatant entrepreneurship to identify the activities that enable them to grow their businesses while promoting peace. We identify actor distance and entrepreneurial stage as key dimensions for defining a matrix of relationship arrangements that facilitate venture success and peacebuilding efforts. We conclude with a summary of our contributions and implications for research and practice. JEL Classifications : D63, D74, H56, L14, L26 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past few decades of land exploitation in the tropics, especially logging and agricultural expansion to induce economic development, have resulted in massive deforestation and severe forest degradation in Borneo. However, digital revolution may provide new means for transforming such exploitative land-based economies to more sustainable modes of development, not only with gradual improvement, but also possibly a total revamp of the existing systems. Here, we explore the potential of digital innovations to enhance conservation efforts such as: 1) improving landscape resilience; 2) enhancing ecosystem service and biodiversity accounting; 3) boosting eco-tourism; 4) elevating the marketing of local products; and 5) enabling self-sufficiency. Ultimately, conservation efforts can be largely enhanced with better accounting of biodiversity, coupled with alternative economic opportunities for rural communities to promote new business models that were not feasible due to technological limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising concerns about petrochemical-based materials' sustainability and health risks drive the search for alternatives to natural resources. Polybenzoxazines, known for their exceptional thermal stability, low water absorption, and high glass transition temperature, are promising candidates. However, conventional synthesis relies on petroleum-derived monomers like phenol, raising concerns. This review highlights the vast potential of bio-based polybenzoxazines. Biorefinery advancements and new biosynthetic pathways are paving the way for versatile natural monomers like resveratrol and furfurylamine. These alternatives address sustainability and health concerns while offering comparable, and sometimes even superior, material properties. The review delves into the chemistry and structure of polybenzoxazines, tracing their evolution since 1944. It explores the sources and extraction methods of potential bio-based monomers, showcases their application in resin production, and analyzes technical and economic challenges and opportunities. By promoting sustainable materials development and addressing safety considerations, this review paves the way for bio-based polybenzoxazine resins, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for materials production. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Motivation: Women's empowerment has been an integral part of the discussion on normative coherence for development, but its implementation is not very effective in Myanmar. Gender must be kept at the forefront of policy analysis in order to avoid unintended consequences for women. Purpose: The article argues that the Government of Myanmar lacks initiatives on women's economic empowerment, but that social enterprises could prove to be a more appropriate way to implement international norms in gender equality. Methods and approach: This case study uses descriptive research to verify how social entrepreneurship can contribute to women's empowerment by increasing women's participation in the labour market. The empirical part of this study is based on field research undertaken in February 2019. Findings In Myanmar, there is still a gap between normative policies and social practices. Women's legal and actual equality cannot be realized by law and philosophy alone, but also depends on a shift in political, economic, and social actions to ensure that women can participate in the public sphere on an equal basis as men, and enjoy equal economic opportunities. The article explores the role that social enterprises are already playing as an example of how international development norms are implemented at the local level. Policy implications: The article highlights the appropriateness of social enterprises as catalysts of gender equality and as agents of normative gender coherence for development. Social enterprises take an inclusive and sustainable approach to addressing issues, making women's livelihoods central. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social capital refers to social attributes, such as trust, norms and systems, which contribute to the efficiency of society and mentioned by several researchers as one of the possible determinants of disparities in levels of development between regions, as well as a tool for achieving this. In this context, the objective of this research was to verify if the social capital, present in the region of Jalapão-TO, could be consider as one of the causes for the low level of development of the cities. Therefore, a qualitative study was conducted based on bibliographical research, documentary and semi-structured interviews with key actors in the region listed in the Ecological and Economic Zoning of the state of Tocantins. The results show that there is a weakness in social capital in the region, as trust between them has diminished in recent years, as well as their interest in participating in government management and projects, while they themselves are few organized to act collectively. However, the current state of social capital indicators in the region is the result of years of fruitless and poorly oriented projects, thus, it is still possible to include and integrate the subjects of the region, expanding their economic and social opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfinance should be considered and planned as a major means of economic development at the national level and as a means of reducing poverty, bringing about real development, and raising the standard of living of the rural population, which is the main hypothesis that pointed to the need to monitor what is happening in the microfinance sector, in particular the role of the Local Development Fund, since it is mainly located within the countryside through local units in the provinces. This leads us to a question: What is the real impact of the microfinance services provided by the Local Development Fund in alleviating poverty and economic opportunities for clients? This paper aims to identify the role of microenterprises in alleviating rural poverty and to study the economic and social impacts of micro-enterprises on borrowers. The results show that the total volume of microfinance lending is 29.5 million L.E for 8,471 projects in 2009/10, but real prices show that there is a significant decline in the value of financing directed against current prices. The real funding volume was 9.7 million L.E in 2020/21. It turns out that there are moral differences between the sample members of the borrowers who own. It was found that there were significant differences between the sample members of micro- enterprises and non-borrower sample members of economic variables, with the calculated value of (T) estimated at 10.9, 8, 4.6, 5.8, and 1.8 per monthly income, savings, asset ownership, increased employment opportunities, and development of productive behavior respectively. This compares with the T-rated values where the T values calculated were greater than their scheduling counterparts, and those differences are in favor of borrowers from local development fund clients. About 69% of the sample of micro-entrepreneurs explained that there has been an improvement in their standard of living, as evidenced by the improved level of the food they receive and their interest in educating children and following up on the state's health care initiatives to maintain their health. The research recommends reviewing the distribution of funding to the provinces to target the poorest provinces, in addition to not repeating the same projects in the same places and diversifying activities, focusing on agricultural, rural, and environmental productive activities and moving away from consumer, and service activities that are not fully sustainable and do not increase real employment opportunities. Increasing the value of the loan where it is contrary to the value of microfinance described by the definition of the micro-project with the micro-financing strategy prepared by the state, and the financing rules announced by the Financial Supervisory Authority and funding provided by other official bodies in the country such as the SME Development Authority and micro, which contributes to the movement of customers from projects that meet their basic need to the level of effective microprojects, and thus the final impact of microfinance becomes useful, which It allows borrowers to break out of poverty and contribute significantly to sustainable economic and social development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the highest carbon-emitting nations, South Africa is working tirelessly to swiftly transition to sustainable technologies in order to strengthen its green economy initiatives. Amongst the technologies that are explored in the scientific and industrial community, biorefineries are seen as the most efficient technologies that can be used to create economic opportunities and will contribute to the advancement of a bio-based economy as they can synthesize diverse industrially-competitive products. Despite their numerous socio-economic advantages, the establishment of large-scale biorefineries in developing nations like South Africa is very scarce. Therefore, it is imperative to address the technological gaps that hinder the growth of large-scale biorefineries and provide practical solutions that could be used to solve these bottlenecks. This work provides a comprehensive review of the development of biowaste biorefinery-based technologies in South Africa. Different biowaste valorization technologies applicable to locally available organic waste streams, and the resulting market-based compounds that can be obtained from these sustainable feedstocks, are reviewed. Finally, the work provides insights into research and development needs (knowledge gaps) that should be explored by scientists and industries, as these technological solutions might propel biorefineries toward industrialization in South Africa. • A comprehensive review of biowaste biorefineries in South Africa is presented. • The biorefinery systems that are used to create new value chains are discussed. • The hurdles that hinder the industrialization of biorefineries are explored as well. • The study provides suggestions that could help surpass the current limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the world economy created its own footprint as a result of the phenomenon. 1/3 of that economic space is owned by the informal economy also referred to as the Local Economy or System D. The increasingly sophisticated and world-class phenomenon takes the place of the economic space left by the formal economy. The manipulation of the vast resources, the dynamic practices that take place in the legal and illegal dimensions, provide a guarantee of employment shadowed by survival. This paper traces the phenomenon occurring on the Sebatik Islands of Malaysia and Indonesia. The research approach is qualitative based on the interviews of key informants. The results suggest that this phenomenon occurs due to the fact that economic space and opportunities can be exploited for the sake of sustainability in meeting economic demands, especially marginalized groups at the border that ultimately establish a local integration of kinship relations beyond ethnicity, identity and ethnic boundaries itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the world economy created its own footprint as a result of the phenomenon. 1/3 of that space is owned by the informal economy also referred to as the Local Economy or System D. The connotation is to imagine a work phenomenon that is truly universal without a clear basis for labor. This increasingly sophisticated and world-class phenomenon takes the place of economic space left by the formal economy. The manipulation of the vast resources, the dynamic practices that take place in the legal and illegal dimensions, provide a guarantee of employment shadowed by survival. This paper traces the phenomenon occurring on the Sebatik Islands of Malaysia and Indonesia. The study method was qualitative based on the interviews of key informants. The results suggest that this phenomenon occurs due to the fact that economic space and opportunities can be exploited for the sake of sustainability in meeting economic demands, especially marginalized groups at the border. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoption of biomass for the development of biobased products has become a routine agenda in evolutionary metabolic engineering. Cellulose produced by bacteria is a "rising star" for this sustainable development. Unlike plant cellulose, bacterial cellulose (BC) shows several unique properties like a high degree of crystallinity, high purity, high water retention, high mechanical strength, and enhanced biocompatibility. Favored with those extraordinary properties, BC could serve as ideal biomass for the development of various industrial products. However, a low yield and the requirement for large growth media have been a persistent challenge in mass production of BC. A significant number of techniques has been developed in achieving efficient BC production. This includes the modification of bioreactors, fermentation parameters, and growth media. In this article, we summarize progress in metabolic engineering in order to solve BC growth limitation. This article emphasizes current engineered BC production by using various bioreactors, as well as highlighting the structure of BC fermented by different types of engineered-bioreactors. The comprehensive overview of the future applications of BC, aims to provide readers with insight into new economic opportunities of BC and their modifiable properties for various industrial applications. Modifications in chemical composition, structure, and genetic regulation, which preceded the advancement of BC applications, were also emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States is the top seafood importer in the world. Nevertheless, opportunities to expand national seafood production, such as offshore aquaculture, are restricted by unclear frameworks for licensing, permitting, and regulating new enterprises. Currently, domestic mussel demand is reliant upon international trade but demand could be met by aquaculture within the Exclusive Economic Zone, especially in suitable areas off the Northeast coast. With national public seafood preferences pointing towards the need for a larger mussel farming industry, science‐based efforts to develop offshore farming will contribute to local economies and domestic supply of high‐quality, traceable seafood. Beyond a scientific foundation, perceptions that offshore farming represents environmental and privatization threats instead of a national economic development and sustainable opportunity, will have to be addressed. The situation will only change when managers decide to include offshore aquaculture as one of the many legitimate activities for New England's ocean waters, so that spatial planning can be done and conservation measures and offshore farming develop in tandem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over recent years, few areas of international development research have seen as much transformation as those relating to energy access and low carbon transitions. Ghana, amongst other African economies, has seen an increase in energy demand surpassing the supply of energy in the last decade. The incorporation of the incorporation of renewable energy into the mix is, therefore, seen as a significant role in addressing the energy needs by replacing conventional fuels with clean and reliable domestic electricity with the advantage of local economic opportunities. The country has adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG); SDG goal 7 targets ensuring universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. This target presents a formidable challenge to Ghana because the country still relies mainly on non-renewable energy sources. The country has a huge potential for renewable energy that remains underexploited. This study, therefore, seeks to assess the current renewable energy resource situation, examine the trend in Ghana's energy consumption and undertake a comprehensive review and critical evaluation of Ghana's renewable energy drive and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study was to know the impact of strategic opportunities on economic sustainability performance, the impact of operational opportunities on economic sustainability performance and the impact of environmental opportunities on economic sustainability performance. The study took industry 4.0 implementation as a mediator. The researcher collected past data for its critical review and drew hypothesis from the relevant studies. To testify the hypothesis, the researcher collected data from Thailand's Pharmaceutical Sector, 307 individuals were selected as a sample. The data was collected through questionnaires and then it was analyzed through SPSS and AMOS. The results of the analysis showed that, the impact of strategic opportunities on economic sustainability performance is significant, the impact of operational opportunities on economic sustainability performance is significant and the impact of environmental opportunities on economic sustainability performance is significant as well. The study took industry 4.0 implementation as a mediator which is significant as well. The study was conducted unlike the past ones, based on latest analyzing techniques and moreover, study has several implications in the practical and theoretical sector as well. But the study is limited to a single sector only and is not generalizable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioscience advances present important opportunities for economic development and sustainable intensification of African agriculture. In the global North, the private sector invests heavily in applied research, whereas in Africa the public sector shoulders the burden of developing research capacity. This article explores whether public science agencies should assume an expanded role to approach bioscience capacity using a system lens – developing capability for innovation within the whole system. The article identifies the types of intervention, beyond skills development, research infrastructure and funding that could enhance the potential of bioscience as an innovation driver. Following a summary of trends, a model of the system capacities required for bioscience impact and innovation is proposed and used to analyse a case study from East Africa. The results suggest that a fundamental rethink of the role of public science agencies within the wider biosciences landscape is required, necessitating complementary investments and a more complex network of partnerships across public and private sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the planning implications of a dual governance system in Durban, where just over a third of municipal land is under the governance of both the traditional authority and the eThekwini Municipality. These challenges are common in many African cities where western administrative governance and planning systems overlay traditional systems. Under traditional governance, access to land, economic opportunities and "rural lifestyles" have resulted in the rapid densification of large areas of the periphery of Durban. Here, local traditional leaders allocate land based on the traditional land tenure system. eThekwini Municipality is mandated to provide services and facilities to all its residents, to develop spatial development plans and land use schemes, and to protect its ecological infrastructure. However, in traditional authority areas, the municipality struggles to fulfil these mandates, as it does not have control over land allocation and management. This paper reflects on the learning process that is taking place as the municipality begins to shift its approach to planning to address the complexities of planning in dual governance areas. The paper argues that new hybrid forms of governance and planning can help to address these challenges and ensure sustainable development in areas under dual governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insight provided by the authors of this special issue on bioeconomy give a reassuring sign of optimism, vitality and strong will to make bioeconomy a success story. Key to these advances will be inventing and shaping our future and the cooperation of people who will create new scientific and technological discoveries, developments and their implementation into industrial practice. The vibrant global megatrend bioeconomy is developing along various dimensions depending on natural and social conditions, economic development and political objectives. As value chains from producer countries and regions to their corresponding customers are interconnected globally and bioeconomies are diverse, constructive dialogues and agreed social consensus are therefore relevant worldwide. Mapping and engineering the uncharted territories of the molecular transformations, which are key to the bioeconomy, represents a great opportunity for the molecular and engineering sciences to bring in their important contributions. The development of smart bioeconomies needs excellence in science-based concepts, long-term support of innovative and mission-oriented research and a subtle equilibrium between science push and market and social pull. On the policy front, coherent and science-based policy decisions embracing bioeconomy and being consistent with each other are needed. From a global perspective, bioeconomy topics should be included in the international and national agendas on sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When dealing with complex value-driven problems such as sustainable development, individuals need to have values and norms that go beyond the appropriation of tangible business outcomes for themselves. This raises the question of the role played by individual moral antecedents in the entrepreneurial process of opportunity recognition for sustainable development. To answer this question, an exploratory empirical research design was used in which 96 would-be entrepreneurs were subjected to real-life decision-making processes in an online environment. The participants were guided through the process of opportunity recognition for sustainable development. Furthermore, they were subjected to several tests linked to individual moral antecedents. The mixed methods design used to analyze the results led to the conclusion that pro-environmental behavior values and moral competencies are important indicators of the ability to recognize opportunities for sustainable development. These results provide useful insights about relating moral antecedents to idea generation for sustainable development and can help researchers, higher education institutes, and sustainable entrepreneurs to further develop the concept of sustainable entrepreneurship and its underlying processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In two decades, climate change has gained increased traction on the international scene. The proposed thirteenth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG13) invites the world ‘to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts,’ while recognizing that the UNFCCC is the primary forum for negotiating a global response to climate change. This SDG13 offers an opportunity to combine multi-leveled actions toward climate change with development objectives. Climate change impacts spare no country but strike unequally developed and developing countries, which raises the question of how adequately the African continent is equipped to respond to climate change challenges, particularly considering Africa’s diverse development needs. Given that African countries present remarkably different contexts, this paper explores climate policies in Africa and discusses opportunities to address concurrently climate change and development challenges on this continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gold recovery is challenging due to e-waste complexity and very low gold content. • Alternative methods for gold leaching require much effort to scale up applications. • Gold separation using smart bioadsorbents can simplify gold recovery. • Biomaterials from agricultural byproducts are promising for efficient gold separation. • An integrated approach for selective gold leaching and recovery was proposed. Increasing electronic waste (e-waste) generation is cause for great concern in the environment, for which our current society has developed various management policies, although it brings many economic opportunities through recycling and resource recovery activities. The recovery of gold from e-waste is of great importance for economic value and sustainability, as gold contained in e-waste can be manyfold that in primary gold deposits. Hydrometallurgy has succeeded in recovering gold from e-waste using different technical approaches owing to its mild operation, affordability, and low gas emission. However, it is still challenging to develop a complete technology for widespread application due to the complexity of e-waste and very low content of gold. Conventional leaching of gold may not satisfy environmental regulations, while alternative methods still require much effort to scale up their applications. Gold separation has attracted interest in the development of biomaterials for the effective, economical, and environmentally safe adsorption of gold. The phytochemical adsorption of gold has efficiently reduced gold ions to metallic gold, whereas gold-imprinted adsorbents have shown high selectivity toward gold species. The use of low-cost bio-adsorbents derived from agricultural by-products has been shown as a simple recovery option for gold by calcination. This review provides direction for future research toward selecting sustainable and efficient hydrometallurgical approaches for the recovery of gold from e-waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide a brief review of the sustainable supply chain management literature. Supply chain management involves the extraction, production, transportation, and recycling of materials and products, which all have major impacts on the multiple dimensions of sustainable development—economic, environmental and social. Sustainable supply chain management has evolved in the literature to incorporate a combination of these dimensions. The paper starts by presenting an overview of supply chain management and sustainability. Then different dimensions of the area are discussed along with some research gaps which can offer new avenues for future research. While sustainable development requires the consideration of social, environmental and economic dimensions concurrently, the extant literature has predominantly dealt with one or two dimensions, namely the economic and environmental. Furthermore, sustainability has been misinterpreted as green or environmental practices by many scholars with the general oversight of the social dimension. This would result in an appeal for future research to address the social sustainability and investigate the interconnections among all three dimensions and the potential trade-offs or win-win-win scenarios. This research agenda could assist in reaching true sustainability as an inevitable necessity. Despite all valuable efforts, we still may not know much about the dynamics in various industries at the organizational, regional and global levels. The priorities in most cases are still unclear for practitioners and policy makers. Hence several opportunities exist for research in order to help create a more sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocarbon-concentrated economies would have to determine prospects and opportunities for the development of a more sustainable future. The vast unexploited renewable energy sources (RES) potential of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in conjunction with increased cash liquidity within new climate regimes is paving the way toward technologies based on renewables. In this respect, the objective of this paper is to highlight the current development of RES in the region that constitutes the GCC and to discuss the opportunities for wide diffusion and large-scale implementation. Finally, the key economic, regulatory, market, and technical RES exploitation driving forces are presented per country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the climate is warming up and climate disasters occur more frequently, China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality targets are gaining attention, with provinces starting to set carbon peak targets and constantly exploring low carbon economic development opportunities. However, the existing evaluation index system mainly focuses on low carbon cities and green cities, and there is no evaluation index system for carbon peak and carbon neutrality. This study adopts a combination of theoretical and empirical research and draws on domestic and international research results to construct the first index system for evaluating China's provincial carbon peak and carbon neutrality. The evaluation index system includes 18 indicators from three dimensions: climate ambition, low carbon status, and emissions trends. Using this index system, we calculated the carbon peak and carbon neutrality indices of 30 Chinese provinces. Further, the 30 provinces were classified into six categories, and corresponding policy recommendations for achieving the "Dual carbon" targets were put forward. The evaluation index system constructed in this paper can provide a reference for future carbon peak and carbon neutrality assessments. By disclosing the integrated index of each province, we hope to effectively curb the increasing local carbon emissions; avert inaction in areas with good natural endowments; and motivate the advancement of the latter, to boost the implementation of the "Dual carbon" targets coherently for the whole country. [Display omitted] • An integrated evaluation system on China's Provincial "Dual carbon" was proposed. • 30 provinces in mainland China were ranked based on the integrated index. • 6 groups were classified to show provincial differences on dual carbon performance. • Policy recommendations to fulfill China's climate commitment were put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Canakkale Wars Gallipoli Historical Area (CWGHA) has national and international importance due to its historical and natural value. The area is rich in terms of its biodiversity, untouched coasts, archaeological sites, wetland. It has value as important natural and cultural resource potential for any type of tourism activity in the region. The aim of this study is to find out the potential of ecotourism, which might be one of the important means of conserving the natural and cultural resource assets of the CWGHA. For this purpose, the method of Ecotourism Opportunity Spectrum (ECOS) was applied to question the potential for ecotourism in rural areas. In this context, the potential of ecotourism and sustainable development of the area was questioned. According to the research results, there are not any residential unit which has the 'High' ecotourism opportunities. The five of the settlements (Kilitbahir, Alcitepe, Seddulbahir, Buyuk Anafarta, Kucuk Anafarta) were determined in terms of eco-tourism opportunities 'Moderate' grade, while Behramli, Kocadere and Bigali villages were 'Low' grade. These eight villages have an average potential for ecotourism activities. However, it is very clear that this potential can be applied considering the correct planning decisions and the balance of use - conservation. Various issues relating to the current state of the settlers were discussed. Also several recommendations were made based on protection to increase the ecotourism potential of these villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable river basin management depends on knowledge, skills and education. The DANCERS project set out to identify feasible options for achieving education for sustainable water management across the Danube river basin, and its integration with broader education and economic development. The study traced the historic, regulatory and educational landscape of water management in the basin, contrasting it with the complex political decision-making, data-heavy decision support, learning-centred collaboration, and information-based participation that are all inherent components of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). While there is a wide range of educational opportunities and mobility schemes available to individuals, there is no coherent network related to training in water management and sustainable development in the study region. Progress in addressing the multi-layered environmental challenges within the basin requires further aligning of economic, environmental and educational policies, advancing the EU Bologna Process across the region, and the development of dedicated training programmes that combine technical and relational skills. The DANCERS project identified key short and medium term needs for education and research to support progressive adoption of sustainable development, and the necessary dialogue across the public and private sectors to align policies. These include the development of new education networks for masters and PhD programmes, including joint programmes; improved access to technical training and life-long learning programmes for skills development; developing formalized and certified competency structures and associated accreditation of institutions where such skilled individuals work; and developing a co-ordinated research infrastructure and pan-basin programme for research for water management and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Welsh Government has revived its interest in city and city-region policies. Couched within the broad rubrics of sustainable economic development and economic renewal, focus is now steered toward enabling the dynamic economic development opportunities that the city-region is seen to latently possess. With policymakers looking to arrangements in Greater Manchester with some admiration, this paper sets out how policy and governance is being fashioned in Cardiff, mindful of the shifting but ongoing inter-dependencies between city and hinterland. A story of a shift to “city-regionalism”, working through the parameters of mimicry, aspiration, political palatability and experimentation, is presented in this profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues for a theoretical framework of alternative economics pertinent toSustainable Development. The alternative economics requires an appropriate belief/value system based on a dynamic, sound and holistic society-specific culture (abbreviated as “Culture”). To represent the Culture-based belief/value system, a general framework for overarching Integral Harmony is introduced as an appropriate social value system for a paradigm shift toward sustainability. Such a social value system is now related to the value premises of the alternative economics. Then, the framework of alternative economics is explained in terms of basic theoretical construct that is simplified as a summary equation comprising value and real aspects. Finally, a typical working of the alternative economics is demonstrated diagrammatically as constant interactions of the value aspect and the real aspect (abbreviated as “Value-Real Interactions”). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The informal economy is a vibrant and growing phenomenon, offering both opportunities and lessons on resilience and innovation. When considering global social, economic and environmental challenges, resilience and innovation are valuable response strategies. The notion of a green economy has similarly inspired a number of ideological, geopolitical and institutional responses, yet a review of the dominant approach indicates the propensity to undervalue or ignore the informal economy. Within the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, connecting the informal economy with the green economy is imperative. This paper explores possible connections between the green economy and the informal economy in South Africa and argues that by engaging the informal economy in discussions on the green economy, a more informed policy and planning environment may ensue, resulting in more socially equitable and environmentally sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Availability of cost-competitive biomass conversion technologies plays crucial role for successful realization of biorefinery for sustainable production of fuels and organic chemicals from biomass. The present article provides an outline of opportunities and socio-techno-economic challenges of various biomass processing technologies. The biomass processing technologies were classified into three broad categories: thermochemical, chemical and biochemical. This review article presents an overview of two potential thermochemical conversion processes, gasification and fast pyrolysis, for direct conversion of lignocellulosic biomass. The article further provides a brief review of chemical conversion of triglycerides by transesterification with methanol for production of biodiesel. The highly productive microalgae as an abundant source of triglycerides for biodiesel and various other fuels products were also reviewed. The present article also provides an outline of various steps involved in biochemical conversion of carbohydrates to alcoholic bio-fuels, bio-ethanol and bio-butanols and conversion of nature׳s most abundant aromatic polymer, lignin, to value-added fuels and chemicals. Furthermore, an overview of production of hydrocarbon fuels through various biomass processing technologies such as hydrodeoxygenation of triglycerides, biosynthetic pathways and aqueous phase catalysis in hydrocarbon biorefinery were highlighted. The present article additionally provides economic comparisons of various biomass conversion technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Housing affordability is an important policy goal. However, housing is not truly affordable if located in an inaccessible area with high transportation costs. Increasing the supply of affordable housing in accessible locations helps achieve multiple planning objectives: it reduces transportation costs, improves economic opportunity for disadvantaged groups, reduces accident risks, conserves energy and reduces pollution emissions. In recent years researchers have developed analysis methods for measuring total housing and transportation costs for different locations within cities, called a Housing and Transportation (H+T) Affordability Index. This study applies this type of analysis in Qom City, Iran. The results indicate that suburban-area households spend more than 57% of their monthly income on housing and transport, significantly more than the 45% spent by households in the central district. This is consistent with research results in other urban areas. This illustrates the feasibility of applying housing and transportation affordability analysis in developing country cities to help identify truly affordable and sustainable development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The agriculture of the Republic of Moldova is particularly prone to natural risks, especially droughts. The purpose of this paper is to present the state of sustainable development of the agricultural sector and opportunities for implementation of the innovative land cultivation technologies. There are a number of socio-economic constraints for increasing the productivity in the traditional agricultural systems. In order to meet the growing competition on the regional markets of agricultural products, modernization of agriculture in the Republic of Moldova is very important. For investigation of the actual state of implementation of the conservative land cultivation technologies were used specific methods and techniques such as statistical and economic analysis of economic indicators, case study approach, semi-structured interviews of agricultural producers. The study is also based on the statistics received from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova. Economic analysis confirms that implementation of the No Till technology will reduce essentially the direct production costs compared to traditional technology. However a more visible effect occurs starting with the 5-6 year of the conservative land cultivation technologies' implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study expands the definition of the poor group and attempts to delve into and make known the phenomenon of poverty in Taiwan and aims to explore the goals and possibilities of the BOP consumer market. Through a questionnaire survey and expert interviews, this research adopts the concept of sustainability to discuss the lifestyle and consumption characteristics of the BOP group and establishes a design strategic norm of the sustainable products. The findings show that the BOP group in Taiwan is new poverty or working poor and high quality and common prices are the main requirements; these should be introduced into the development model of sustainable design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to identify the most relevant renewable energy technologies for buildings and to assess the effectiveness of their implementation in the long term for Kuwait. Methods of analogies and comparisons were used to determine the features of energy efficiency based on the technologies under study. The study proposes the methodological approach to assessing the effectiveness of the introduction of renewable energy technologies, determining the direction of increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and the investment efficiency of introducing these technologies. Renewable energy efficiency analysis for buildings in Kuwait confirms that solar energy systems have been the most widely available for widespread use of solar energy over the past three years. An increasing level of energy efficiency with a decrease in the notional cost of increasing energy savings is characteristic of solar collectors with booster reflectors. The proposed model for assessing the level of energy saving provides an opportunity for economic justification of introducing renewable energy technology in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]