Abstract Background: Dharoi Reservoir, located in Gujarat, India, is a vital freshwater resource supporting agriculture, industry, and local communities. Chl-a, a key indicator of water quality, reflects the trophic state and ecological balance of aquatic systems. Objective(s): This study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the water quality dynamics of Dharoi Reservoir, offering valuable information for environmental management and sustainable water resource planning. Methods: This study employs high-resolution Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to analyze Chl-a concentrations in the reservoir during October 2020. The Chl-a index, calculated by dividing Sentinel-2 bands B5 and B4, reveals a spatial distribution of Chl-a concentrations. Results: The Chl-a index ranges from 73.78 to 100. The mean Chl-a index is 91.6 with a standard deviation of 3.27, indicating elevated and variable Chl-a concentrations. Conclusions: The findings contribute to the understanding of the reservoir’s ecological health and assist in making informed decisions for water quality management. This research exemplifies the integration of remote sensing technology and environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable water management practices in the region. Policy recommendations: One possible policy recommendation is to monitor and regulate the sources of nutrient inputs into the reservoir, such as agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial effluents, to reduce the risk of eutrophication and algal blooms. Another possible policy recommendation is to implement adaptive management strategies that consider the seasonal and spatial variability of Chl-a concentrations and their impacts on water quality and availability.

Abstract Resource recovery systems for microalgae and cyanobacteria could substantially advance the recovery of nutrients from waste water by reaching the rate of effluent nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) below the current technology limits. However, the efficient introduction of phytoplankton involves the creation of process models that retain efficiency and simplicity in order to effectively replicate complex performance in response to environmental conditions. This research synthesises the variety of model structures that have gained from the modelling of algae and cyanobacteria and the key model features needed to allow reliable process modelling in water resource recovery facilities. Processes of cyanobacteria, including comprehensive growth prediction guidelines (under phototrophic, heterotrophic and mixotrophic conditions), nutrient absorption, carbon absorption and accumulation, and respiration are provided.

Abstract There are many studies about soil organic carbon (SOC) around the world but, in extensive territories, it is more difficult to obtain data due to the number of variables involved in the models and their high cost. In large regions with poor infrastructure, low-cost SOC models are needed. With this in mind, our objective was to estimate the SOC using a simple model based on soil textural data. The work was focused on savanna soil and validated the model in the Brazilian Savanna. Two models were constructed, one for topsoil (0–0.3 m) and other for subsoil (0.3–1.0 m). The SOC models can be carried out in a textural triangle together with SOC values. The results showed that subsoil models were more accurate than topsoil models, but both had good performance. The models give support to SOC-related preliminary research in gross and fast estimates, requiring only reduced financial contribution to calculate SOC in a large region of interest.

Abstract Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) refers to the knowledge, innovations, and practices of indigenous and local communities around the world. As it includes proven technologies for particular situations, its adoption cuts research costs and time. This paper attempts to find out the scoping of some TEKs on different practices ranging from plain land agriculture, hill farming, agro-biodiversity management, open water fish conservation, disaster management, and other aspects in different situations in Bangladesh. It is an outcome of the authors’ field experiences in the study of local flora, plant uses, and natural resource management practices in the community and a review of related literature. Access to modern facilities, urbanization, and land use changes are now causing many threats to TEK. Documentation and codification of this knowledge and its uses for sustainable development are needed for the betterment of local farmers as well as the preservation of cultural heritage. The knowledge is always changing to cope with socio-cultural needs. So, a fusion of TEK and modern scientific knowledge can help solve the problems encountered in the sustainable management of natural resources. It also needs to be incorporated into school curricula and mainstreamed in the local-level natural resource management planning process. The best practices can also be adopted in natural resource management.

Abstract Forest degradation is one of the challenges facing the planet today. Several methods have been used to measure forest degradation, including spatiotemporal model analysis, satellite analysis, remote sensing, time series data, geospatial techniques, and most recently aerial drone imagery. However, few studies have used economic valuation methods to assess forest degradation. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the methods used the economic assessment of forest degradation. This systematic review was carried out using PRISMA guidelines. Research articles on the economic valuation of forest resource loss, published from 2015 to 2022, were electronically collected from three databases. Three independent reviewers, with the third acting as referee, inventoried articles, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the articles included in the study. A total of 10,095 articles were identified, including one article from the grey literature. Only five articles met the eligibility criteria. A qualitative content analysis was performed on the extracted data. The selected articles used various methods. However, only a few articles used the contingent valuation method, even though this is indicated for estimating the highest economic value of forests. Based on forest functions, the articles evaluated erosion due to the absence of trees, wood loss, recreation areas and externalities due to forest loss, air quality, water regulation, food supply, and wildlife. The main limitation of this review was the small number of studies included, which may have affected the findings. The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42021223242

Abstract Sierra Leone is among the few countries endowed with substantial mineral resources deposits in Africa. This review throws light on the long- and short-term positive impact of the mining sector in Sierra Leone. Over the past decade, the revenue derived from mineral mining has had little impact on the economic development of the country. According to history, extensive mineral mining operations is traced back to the early 1930s. Nonetheless, the inception of mineral extractions in Sierra Leone has been characterized by political instability, war, biodiversity loss, corruption, hardship among others. Based on available literature, mineral extraction in Sierra Leone has directly or indirectly impacted the 1), environment (ecosystem and biodiversity) 2), governance and leadership (stakeholder’s consultation) and 3) economic growth and development. The common negative impact are environmental pollution, degradation and social issues such as sexual violence, teenage pregnancy, early marriage, prostitutions, school dropout and spread of transmissible diseases among other issues. The source of data for this review was acquired from the secondary source. Information was source from both published and unpublished materials of interest. Key words such as mineral mining, mineral resources, mining benefits, mining policies, mining challenges were searched for important information on the subject matter. In some mining edge communities across Sierra Leone, protest and other human right abuses perpetrated by company’s authorities and security officials is common within these communities in Sierra Leone. On the other hand, mineral mining has served as a means of sustainable livelihood booster for deprived mining edge communities in Sierra Leone. Additionally, some mining edge communities in Serra Leone enjoy better economic conditions from the cooperate social responsibility (CSR) scheme of most mining companies. Alternately, mineral mining has also been a source of political tension and tradeoff between local resident and mining companies/governments. To remedy this situation, the government in recent years, has enacted many policies, legislations and regulations that supports the judicious extraction and management of minerals for the benefits of all in Sierra Leone. It is therefore recommended that, best international practices and standard operating procedures related to mining extraction be adopted and applied across all mining sites in Sierra Leone. This will help in mitigating the human right abuses trade-off between mining communities and mining companies for a better future.

Abstract The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most important biodiversity hotspots worldwide. The high biodiversity level of the basin is confirmed by the presence of about 17,000 marine species of which 20.2% are endemics. Amongst them, Posidonia oceanica (Linnaeus) Delile can form, in pristine coastal waters, large and extensive meadows, performing a pivotal role in endemic processes. However, the richness of marine biota is, actually, affected by some threats such as habitat loss, marine pollution, climate changes, eutrophication and the establishment of invasive alien species coming from the Indo-Pacific region through the pathway of Suez Canal. This trend could lead to a new kind of marine biodiversity influenced by the introduction of termophilic species altering the pattern of Mediterranean biota. Anyway, it is necessary a global approach, ensuring the better ecological conditions so to protect marine biodiversity in meditrranean seawaters.

Abstract Concerns for the environment in India have led to increasing calls to sensitize youth through Environment Education and strengthen their skills which focus on environmentally conscious sustainable future. Green skilled people with expertise in environment management/conservation along with commitment will help in achieving the sustainable development goals. Uttarakhand region of India harbours rich biodiversity that fulfil the needs of local people. Utilizing the potential of ‘Rural Technology’ for developing green skills in the region will help in livelihood sustainability in Uttarakhand. This short communication highlights about the opportunities in Rural Technology used for green skills and livelihood sustainability in Uttarakhand of Indian Himalayan Region.