Emerald | Environmental Management and Health | Table of Contents

An overview of plant diversity, land use and degradation in the Mediterranean region of Turkey

Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

The Turkish Mediterranean region covers an area of 198.165km2, including ten states and a coastline of about 4,389km. The area has served as a womb for several civilisations. However, its rich plant diversity has been victimized through anthropomorphic pressures. Southwestern shores of Turkey are the main centre of coastal endemism in the Mediterranean basin. The flora in the region on the whole includes more than 700 endemics, out of which about 600 are East-Mediterranean elements. Out of the endemic taxa distributed in the region more than 40 are facing a threat of extirpation. The region embodies tertiary endemics as well, like Liquidamber orientalis, Eryngium thorifolium and Flueggea anatolica. High mountain zones abound in neoendemics. Although several protected areas have been created lately, demographic pressure, urbanisation, grazing, fires and erosion, are still posing a great threat to the plant diversity. This paper enlightens the impact of the aforementioned land degradation processes on the plant cover of this phytogeographical region in Turkey.

Developing indicators for the estimation of sustainable settlement size in Ireland

Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Research was undertaken within the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental RTDI Programme during the six-month period from March to August 2001 by a partnership formed by the Centre for Environmental Research (CER), University of Limerick, and the Centre for Urban and Regional Ecology (CURE), University of Manchester. This project aimed to inform the development of spatial policies emerging from the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) aimed at finding optimal ways in which to accommodate Ireland’s growing population in a manner consistent with balanced regional development and environmental sustainability. To obtain data and information on settlements, three modes of analysis were adopted. First, for a single city and two villages, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to provide a comprehensive analysis of the local social, economic and physical environments, track record in enhancing sustainability, current policies in place, and the likelihood of these policies proving successful. Second, for 11 Irish settlements selected to include a range of functions and locations, 29 quantified sustainability indicators were developed and used to compare the level of sustainability achieved by settlements of differing sizes. Third, a review of international literature was undertaken to search for comparable data, models and case studies, so as to provide a context for analysis of Irish data. The framework of significant environmental themes adopted here is taken from recent Irish EPA publications. Results based on all three research methods suggest that on balance larger settlements in the recent past, at present and in the foreseeable future are more likely to create conditions in which sustainability is enhanced. This work provides the basis for a large-scale three-year study which commenced in March 2002, which examines the sustainability and future development patterns of settlements in Ireland.

A public health problem?: Aspects and implications of the ingestion of copper and lead contaminated food by Bedouin

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (F.B. Pyatt, A.J. Pyatt, J.P. Grattan) — Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Large metalliferous spoil and smelting tip sites, generated during the Nabatean, Roman and Byzantine periods, continue to exist in southern Jordan and still exert important effects on both plants and animals (including humans) inhabiting the area. Humans are exposed to both copper and lead pollution as a consequence of the inhalation and ingestion of heavy metals, which often involves significant bio-accumulation through trophic levels. This paper explores aspects of an important source of severe dietary contamination which has potential public health implications in terms of effects on the health of exposed individuals.

Environmental management of ozone in Beirut urban areas

Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Urban tropospheric ozone (O3) concentrations can reach 40 folds its background level due to traffic-induced emissions and extensive industrial activities. As such, O3 has become a pervasive air pollution problem in urban areas despite major efforts to control its precursors. In this paper, O3 formation mechanisms are briefly described, countrywide emissions with emphasis on O3 precursors are summarized, and field measurements of O3 background levels and its precursors in an urban area are presented. Simulation results using a photochemical air quality model including a sensitivity analysis with respect to design ratios and mixing heights are then presented. Mitigation alternatives and policies to control O3 formation are examined in the context of country-specific characteristics.

Food security and agricultural sustainability: an overview of critical success factors

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Peter Nijkamp, Gabriella Vindigni) — Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

This paper offers an overview of factors that are decisive for productivity increase in the agricultural sector (both farming and agro-food). An attempt is made to explain differences in total factor productivity in agriculture in different countries by means of meta-analysis, in particular, by using rough set theory as a framework for comparative study. The main aim is to derive the drivers of changes in agricultural food production with a view to conditional future predictions of an “if … then” nature. The empirical application to OECD countries is used to illustrate the potential of this new approach for identifying critical success factors in agriculture with a view to future food security objectives.

Joint forest management in India and its ecological impacts

Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Ecological impact of joint forest management (JFM) in India was assessed using the studies undertaken at national, state and forest division levels. It was found that there are very few studies that have specifically addressed the ecological aspects under JFM. The study noted that there are significant strides made in promoting JFM, but the program still needs to address a lot of inadequacies. Though it is estimated that little over 14 million ha of forests are brought under JFM, covering nearly 50 per cent of the open forests in India, how much of it has developed into good forests is not really known. It also needs to be noted that there are many lacunae in implementation of the program and there are also gaps in policies to promote JFM. The study noted that in four states, i.e. Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal, the recruitment was significant, amounting to 17 per cent of the regenerating individuals. In Karnataka, over 10 per cent of open forest has been brought under JFM, while a lot of wasteland could still be brought under JFM. The JFM plantations are dominated with exotic firewood species and low in timber and non-timber species, resulting in lower biodiversity. Biomass growth rate was comparatively higher in JFM forests as compared to the national average. Other support activities to JFM indicated that various biomass conservation programs were initiated, installing a substantial number of energy saving and alternate energy devices. However, the study also notes that effectiveness of such support programs is not clearly known in terms of its functioning and biomass saved.

The role of environmental education as a tool for environmental management in Cyprus: Strategies and activities

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Constantina Skanavis, Evelina Sarri) — Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

This paper examines the social structure and public services in Cyprus. It examines the need for an environmental awareness assessment of the citizens in order to determine how critical thinking and problem solving skills on issues of environmental significance could be promoted. An analysis of environmental health concerns existing in the island is conducted and the educational process taking place, the implemented environmental policy and the extent of citizen participation are studied. The challenge of environmental education in Cyprus is discussed in detail and the environmental awareness efforts are presented. The authors highlight the way in which Cyprus (pursuing membership into the European Union) has to adapt to and implement certain directives, where environmental awareness should be intensely promoted. The authors present the links between each enforced European directive and the relation to the Cypriot way of life. Finally, we discuss why Cyprus will need European aid to implement such policies and how the recommended environmental education program will contribute to a higher quality of life. Recommendations outline details on how to launch a successful non-formal environmental education program.

Maximization, partial regulation, and system dominance: Can they be drivers of true sustainability?

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Lucio Munoz) — Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Three of the fundamental aspects under which current development programs operate are self-interest-based plans, compartmentalized regulatory environments, and unbalanced competition. These forces are important components of traditional sustainable development frameworks as they allow for processes based on maximization, partial regulation, and system dominance. It is pointed out in this paper, using qualitative comparative means, that these forces are drivers of sustained development, but not of true sustainability. And the reason is that under true sustainability, there is no maximization; there is no partial regulation; and there are no dominated systems.

Teaching Sustainability – Towards Curriculum Greening

Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Global Environment Outlook 3: Past, Present and Future Perspectives

Sun, 01 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000