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Article
Publication date: 11 May 2012

M. Al‐Sibai, A. Droubi and H. Al‐Ashkar

The purpose of this paper is to discuss freshwater vulnerability to environmental change, including climate change, in Levant countries.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss freshwater vulnerability to environmental change, including climate change, in Levant countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the methodological guidelines prepared by UNEP and Peking University, using the fresh water vulnerability index (VI) for each country of the Levant region. The VI was calculated for a five‐year period interval, i.e. 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and was predicted for the years 2020 and 2040 taking into consideration the expected impacts of climate change.

Findings

The vulnerability of freshwater resources was explored by isolating strategically‐important issues related to different functions (uses) of freshwater systems in the Levant region. All Levant countries are very vulnerable according to the adopted methodology (VI values are from 0.5‐0.7), with Palestine being the worst case. The value of each parameter was calculated for five‐year interval period and for each Levant country. The most dominant parameter was the water variation parameter (RSv), which is a natural factor and highlights how vulnerable the region is to climate change. The second most important parameter was the water exploitation pressures (DPs), which reflect the efforts of the countries to satisfy their water needs from the limited water resources. Cooperation and exchange of data and information at the regional level regarding the vulnerability of the region to climate change and measures for mitigation and adaptation could help in alleviating its impacts on the countries of the region.

Originality/value

This paper highlights that fresh water resources in Levant region are under increasing pressures due to human‐made and natural reasons. High population growth and economic activities rates have placed extensive pressure on the already limited water resources. Moreover, the prevailing arid climate and the expected impact of climate change will decrease the fresh water availability.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 June 2021

Lan Xu and Qian Tang

This study aims to investigate the vulnerability of cold chain logistics through a comprehensive assessment and provide targeted control measures.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the vulnerability of cold chain logistics through a comprehensive assessment and provide targeted control measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The index system of the cold chain vulnerability assessment was established with knowledge obtained from three different dimensions, namely, exposure, sensitivity and adaptability. The final index weight was determined through combination of the intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) entropy and compromise ratio approaches, followed by the comprehensive vulnerability assessment through the two-stage grey comprehensive measurement model. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method were verified by evaluation with SF, HNA, China Merchants and COFCO as target examples.

Findings

The results revealed that the most influential factors in the cold chain vulnerability problem were the temperature reaching the standard, as well as the storage and preservation levels; through their analysis combined with the overall cold chain vulnerability assessment, the targeted control measures were obtained.

Originality/value

Based on the research perspective of cold chain vulnerability assessment, a novel assessment model of cold chain logistics vulnerability was proposed, which is based on IF entropy two-stage grey comprehensive measurement. It provides more powerful theoretical support to improve the quality management of cold chain products.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 51 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 6 July 2012

Aura Salmivaara

A variety of stressors have been identified that threaten the sustainability of water resources. The availability and predictability of water resources are at the core of…

Abstract

A variety of stressors have been identified that threaten the sustainability of water resources. The availability and predictability of water resources are at the core of considering the role of climate for humans and natural ecosystems. The hydrological cycle defines available water resources in a river basin, but to ensure sustainability, it is important to examine other factors within river basin borders influencing the quality and quantity of water. Preparing for pressures and building adaptive capacity require a holistic assessment of the current status and possible future impacts on the freshwater resources.

This chapter describes a case study focusing on the Irrawaddy and Salween Rivers that form a major part of Myanmar's water resources. Despite their importance, these basins have been little studied. The basins were divided according to ecological zones and terrain slope into subareas, and a vulnerability assessment based on 22 indicators was conducted. Indicators represent publicly available global spatial data on temperature, precipitation, hydrology, glaciers, state of wetlands, population distribution, land cover, nitrogen load, and water use. Indicators were based either on model outputs or on land cover and land-use information, representing variably current situations or future projections.

Besides describing the case study, this chapter discusses the challenges and opportunities of linking large-scale spatial modeling results to local-level management and adaptation planning. Challenges arise first from the process of modeling and input data characteristics that manifest as questions of scale and uncertainty. Secondly, the process of distributing the results for the relevant stakeholders (if identified and reached) can turn out to be tricky. Opportunities exist if attention is given to impact of scale and unit of analysis in (especially spatial) data ensuring best applicability in local-scale management. Also improving information management with a systematic approach in identifying knowledge gaps and synthesizing existing information is crucial for improving linkages between researchers, policy-makers, and local decision-makers. Finally, modeling should be developed toward acknowledging the value of the process of modeling rather than the actual results. This would provide possibilities for translating the increasing amounts of information into understanding among the relevant stakeholders.

Details

Climate Change Modeling For Local Adaptation In The Hindu Kush-Himalayan Region
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-487-0

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 11 August 2014

Umma Habiba, Md. Anwarul Abedin and Rajib Shaw

Water quality and quantity will become the principal limiting factor for sustainable development in many countries across the world. “Everything living is created from water” is…

Abstract

Water quality and quantity will become the principal limiting factor for sustainable development in many countries across the world. “Everything living is created from water” is an ancient quotation, which closely describes the importance of water. Water insecurity is a social dilemma in the recent decades because of several factors. Moreover, the widespread presence of arsenic in groundwater, salinity in both surface and groundwater, and the insidious disaster of drought make the water insecure and the population faces water risk in their daily life. Safe drinking water as well as health problems is an issue of concern in many countries on all continents, particularly in Southeast and South Asia. Therefore, this chapter provides water insecurity issues in a broader viewpoint especially focusing on salinity, arsenic, and drought disaster that together enhance vulnerability of water sector.

Details

Water Insecurity: A Social Dilemma
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-882-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2005

John Milliman, John Grosskopf, Ozzie Paez and William Ayen

Aims to report the key results and learnings of a pilot test of an ISO‐based integrated management systems approach to security, environmental, health, and safely (SEH&S) at one…

1311

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to report the key results and learnings of a pilot test of an ISO‐based integrated management systems approach to security, environmental, health, and safely (SEH&S) at one industry site in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the rationale for and brief overview of a five‐step integrated SEH&S management systems approach is presented. Second, a descriptive reporting of the process, results, and implications of the initial steps of the integrated SEH&S approach at a water and sanitation district in the USA is provided.

Findings

Provides a description of the process of how an integrated SEH&S approach is implemented and reports results such as the following. First, the major vulnerabilities and risks associated with the water district's major infrastructure assets are assessed. Second, the various risks are evaluated, prioritized, and ranked in terms of their security and environmental, health and safety (EH&S) aspects. Third, recommendations are offered to mitigate major vulnerabilities. Finally, an overall assessment of the applicability of the integrated SEH&S approach to security and risk management is presented.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in one organization and involved only the first portion of the proposed integrated SEH&S management system approach.

Originality/value

This manuscript should inform executives and managers of the SEH&S functions concerning how their organizations can use the newly proposed integrated approach to address both security and overall organizational risks in a more comprehensive and cost‐effective manner.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 29 July 2020

Stefano Grando, Fabio Bartolini, Isabelle Bonjean, Gianluca Brunori, Erik Mathijs, Paolo Prosperi and Daniele Vergamini

This chapter opens the second part of the Volume, focusing on the small farms' role and dynamics within the evolving food system. Assessing small farmers' actual and potential…

Abstract

This chapter opens the second part of the Volume, focusing on the small farms' role and dynamics within the evolving food system. Assessing small farmers' actual and potential contribution to the change towards a sustainable food and nutrition security requires a deep understanding of their strategic decision-making processes. These processes take place in a context highly conditioned by internal and external conditions, including the complex relations between farm and household, which are mapped and described. Building on an adaptation of Porter's model (Porter, 1990), the chapter investigates how farmers, given those conditions, define their strategies (in particular their innovation strategies) aimed at economic and financial sustainability through a multidisciplinary analysis of scientific literature. Internal conditions are identified in the light of the Agricultural Household Model (Singh & Subramanian, 1986) which emphasizes how family farming strategies aim at combining business-related objectives, and family welfare. Then, a comprehensive set of external conditions is identified and then grouped within eight categories: ‘Factors’, ‘Demand’, ‘Finance and Risk’, ‘Regulation and Policy’, ‘Technological’, ‘Ecological’, ‘Socio-institutional’ and ‘Socio-demographic’. Similarly, six types of strategies are identified: ‘Agro-industrial competitiveness’, ‘Blurring farm borders’, ‘Rural development’, ‘Risk management’, ‘Political support’ and ‘Coping with farming decline’.

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2017

Alexandra Rizhinashvili

The purpose of this paper is to compare trophic characteristics of the ecosystems of small and shallow lakes with a different character of land-cover in their catchments (as…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare trophic characteristics of the ecosystems of small and shallow lakes with a different character of land-cover in their catchments (as exemplified by several previously unstudied lakes of the Leningrad Region, North-Western Russia, that belong to a single lake-river system).

Design/methodology/approach

The key limnetic parameters of four lakes are analysed. Two of the lakes are located on the territory of allotment gardens, the other two are in the forest-covered areas. A preliminary assessment was made for the production-to-destruction ratio in the ecosystems of the lakes of the study region and their vulnerability factors.

Findings

For the lakes with a largely unexploited catchment, humus of terrigenous origin can act as a “hidden” source of nutrient load (primarily as phosphates). For the lakes with a catchment occupied by allotment gardens, an elevated trophic status and intensive overgrowth by vegetation (floating forms) is driven by an increased nitrogen load.

Practical implications

The results can be used for planning land and water management activities in North-Western Russia and in other world’s regions with similar environmental conditions.

Originality/value

These results can lay a foundation for creating a region-specific model to predict trends in eutrophication and overgrowth of small shallow lakes.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 24 February 2023

Romina Gómez-Prado, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Jorge Sánchez-Palomino, Maria de las Mercedes Anderson-Seminario and Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales

Integrating tourism and sustainability in achieving an eco-friendlier industry, this chapter highlights current trends in sustainable tourism, both in hospitality and recreational…

Abstract

Integrating tourism and sustainability in achieving an eco-friendlier industry, this chapter highlights current trends in sustainable tourism, both in hospitality and recreational activities. The chapter describes sustainable, tourism, hospitality, and recreation trends. The research analyzes the origin of these trends, the vast majority motivated by the aftermath of the pandemic.

Details

Sustainable Management in COVID-19 Times
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-597-7

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 October 2022

Shqipe Gashi Nulleshi and Malin Tillmar

The purpose of this paper is to examine how rural entrepreneurship is discussed by analyzing articles in the leading journals of the two main research fields, entrepreneurship…

1986

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how rural entrepreneurship is discussed by analyzing articles in the leading journals of the two main research fields, entrepreneurship studies, and rural studies, through the concept of rural proofing.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review centers on the two main fields where rural entrepreneurship is studied and covers papers in nine leading journals in entrepreneurship studies and two leading journals in rural studies, between the years 1989 and 2020. In total, 97 papers were reviewed and we utilize and operationalize the rural proofing concept based on Fahmy et al.'s (2004) 3 characteristics of rural: remoteness, accessibility, and rural locale and sense of place. The authors take stock of the dimensions of rural proofing addressed within each of the research fields to find similarities and differences; that is, if articles are rural proofed (or not) when discussing rural entrepreneurship.

Findings

The classification of articles across the three dimensions of rural proofing shows that the field of rural entrepreneurship is being addressed mainly in the dimensions of remoteness and accessibility, while few authors in rural studies journals give priority to the rural locale and sense of place dimension. The results of the authors' review reveal that out of a total of 97 articles on rural entrepreneurship, 56 articles address at least one dimension of rural proofing and 41 articles do not address any dimension. Among the 41 articles not rural proofed, rurality is not problematized when discussing rural entrepreneurship. Instead, the authors focus on specific topics such as social capital, community entrepreneurship/networks, entrepreneurs'/farmers' identity, illegality in rural areas, and institutional framework. The number of non-rural-proofed articles in entrepreneurship journals is almost double that in rural studies journals. This means that authors in entrepreneurship journals do not problematize rurality to the same extent as authors in rural studies journals when addressing rural entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

The authors emphasize the need for increased cross-fertilization between the fields of entrepreneurship and rural studies as an avenue to develop the entrepreneurship field in the direction towards rural proofing. A close collaboration with academia and policymakers is essential to promote interdisciplinary research in order to make a distinctive contribution to rural development. Scholars in either of the two fields will benefit from our review and identification of similarities and differences in the research. The review is one step towards promoting a closer dialog between the two fields.

Originality/value

Previous reviews have focused mainly on what rural entrepreneurship entails (e.g. what topics are discussed) rather than how rural entrepreneurship is discussed. This paper centers on the differences and similarities of the two main fields and provides an in-depth qualitative analysis of how rural entrepreneurship is discussed by utilizing the rural proofing concept.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 28 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2014

Md. Matiur Rahman

The purpose of this paper is to provide a solid understanding, policy and action recommendations to motivate and capacitate more cities to start such urban vulnerability processes…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a solid understanding, policy and action recommendations to motivate and capacitate more cities to start such urban vulnerability processes and to guide them in their first steps in a direction which will more easily allow the direct use of vulnerability assessments for subsequent adaptation and resilience planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted for this assessment builds on several years of ICLEI's international experience in climate change adaptation work. It specifically draws on the urban vulnerability component of the ICLEI ACCCRN process, a toolkit developed with support from Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network program, by ICLEI South Asia in partnership with ICLEI Oceania. A participatory approach that includes all key stakeholders and builds on past or ongoing relevant work in the city, as well as draws on existing data sources were adopted in view of the limited timeframe of this study (five months). A stakeholder consultation methodology referred to as Shared Learning Dialogues (SLDs) was adopted to engage not only various departments within the city government but also other local stakeholders. SLDs facilitate multi dimensional information sharing with everyone contributing information and experiences, and everyone learning from the exchanges as well.

Findings

The critical impacts have been identified through a series of participatory learning processes which were corroborated with existing secondary data and baseline studies, where available. During SLD process, a timeline exercise was carried out and the consequences of those climatic hazards were also chalked out. Subsequently, these identified impacts were justified broadly with the available data and studies. These are saline water intrusion, loss of assets and infrastructure, health impacts – increased morbidity, water supply contaminated, sanitation and drainage systems disrupted, heightened threat situation (fear of embankment breach), in-migration, increasing siltation in the canals, river bank encroachment, livelihood change, biodiversity loss.

Practical implications

The resilience interventions identified by the stakeholders can be assessed for potential linkages with existing or planned schemes, followed by supporting sectoral and pre-feasibility studies, resulting finally in the identification of financing options. These actions can be focussed on the vulnerable areas within the cities, especially hotspots, and social groups identified and their adaptive capacities were assessed.

Originality/value

The resilience interventions identified by the stakeholders provides a focussed starting point for further discussion in terms of refinement of these actions as well their prioritization according to resilience and feasibility (economic, social, environmental) criteria.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

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