ID: 55467
Title: The use of wetlands for small-scale agricultural production in Swaziland
Author: Emmanuel J Mwendera
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Agricultural production, household income, irrigation, wetland systems, wetland management
Abstract: There are three types of wetlands in Swaziland namely, riverine, lacustrine and palustrine systems. The riverine and palustrine systems provide important grazing resources and are used for crop production by smallholder farmers. Growing of subsistence crops on individual basis in some of the wetlands of Swaziland is an old practice, however organised commercial cropping of wetlands by smallholder farmers is a recent development in the use of wetlands. It has been observed that smallholder farmers who organise themselves into groups or cooperatives are able to use wetland resources for some degree of commercial agriculture without undermining the ecological balance of these ecosystems. The main threats to crop production in wetland areas of Swaziland include crop damage by livestock and limited water during dry periods. These threats can be overcome by fencing in crop areas and installing irrigation and water supply infrastructure to ensure sufficient supplies of water for year round cropping. The study shows that those farmers who form cohesive garden groups are more successful in their utilisation of wetlands for agriculture than those that continue to use the wetlands on an individual basis.
The sustainable use of wetlands for agriculture can be enhanced by ensuring that the farmers receive expert advise on how best they can expand their agricultural production with minimum damage to the wetland resources and by ensuring that there are adequate legal and policy instruments guiding the use of wetlands for agricultural purposes in the country. Most of the existing national policies and laws are biased towards conservation and protection. However, the local bylaws engraved in the Swazi culture and customs provide a basis for effective legal and institutional frameworks for promoting the sustainable use of wetlands for agriculture. Thus, strengthening the existing local byelaws can go a long way towards achieving this goal.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55466
Title: Agriculture and water management for crops
Author: Nico Van Leeuwen
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2003
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 29, No 1,June 2003
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Food security, sub-saharan Africa, water, wetlands
Abstract: It is anticipated that the world population by the year 2030 will have increased by 30 percent. To provide sufficient food, an expansion of the cultivated area as well as an increase of the yields are required. Efforts by the International Community to significantly reduce the number of hungry people are increasingly complicated by the limited amount of fresh water available for agriculture. In addition to the introduction of more efficient irrigation methods, alternative solutions to improve the water availability to crops should be explored and developed.
Wetland ecosystems, in particular in developing countries, are an important resource to increase agricultural production because of the availability of water and the fertile soils. However, wetlands are generally more fragile than other ecosystems and when mis-used they can be permanently destroyed. Wetlands are in many places traditionally used for a variety of purposes including the collection of forest products and medicinal plants, as grazing land, for fisheries and cultural activities. When considering expansion of agricultural use of wetlands, water management modalities need to be adapted to the particular needs of each wetland. The economic evaluation of wetland development projects should include the impact on all traditional practices.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55465
Title: Earth systems engineering and management in a multicultural world
Author: Braden R Allenby
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: International Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Earth systems engineering, earth systems management, multiculturalism, global climate change, industrial ecology
Abstract: As a result of economic, technological, cultural and demographic evolution, the dynamics of many of the important natural systems and cycles are increasingly affected by human activities. This will not be a passing situation, but reflects a new relationship between one species, humanity, and the planet. While the need to ethically and rationally respond to these new conditions has called forth the concept of "earth systems engineering and management ", it is apparent that the appropriate knowledge, methods, institutions and cultural patterns are still nascent at best. In particular, the situation requires that attention be paid to communications and dialog, lest less powerful cultural voices not be heard.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55464
Title: Urban metabolism as an industrial ecology tool for sutainable development of human settlements - A viewpoint
Author: Kanduri Krrishnamohan
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Human settlements, cities, industrial ecology, urban metabolism, materials and energy flow
Abstract: In the process of evolving economically and socially, human settlements (cities) use energy and resources and emit wastes, into the surrounding ecosystem. Increased urban migration, economic activity and high per capita consumption rates result in increased flows of energy and materials into and from human settlements. The environmental impacts are mainly due to human settlements not being able to manage the growth of inputs of energy and materials and subsequent outputs. Currently, in human settlements the flow of energy and resources (from natural ecosystem) is generally ' linear ' or one-way. This results in significant environmental problems such as resource depletion and waste accumualtion. In this paper it is suggested that the environmental impact of human settlements could be mitigated by the application of industrial ecology (IE) which hitherto has been applied to industrial systems. The paper also discusses the usefulness of ' urban metabolism ' as a tool to support the industrial ecology application to human settllements.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55463
Title: Economic development, Environment and Eco-Industrial networking
Author: Michael Von Hauff
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Eco-industrial networking, economic development, economic growth, Endogenous Growth Theory, Environemental Policy, Environmental protection, Government Policy, Industrial Ecology, Industrial pollution prevention
Abstract: In many developing countries, the development process underlies the paradigm "grow first-clean up later". This has caused a deepening environmental crisis, undermining the basis for economic growth and resulting in barriers for development. Nevertheless, theory as well as empirical research show that economic growth and environemental protection do not necessarily contradict each other. Latest findings based on endogenous growth theory lead to the conclusion that environmental protection may actually stimulate economic growth. One possible strategy to reach this goal is "eco-industrial networking". It is concerned both with encouraging cleaner production through the increased use of cleaner technology and with improving in-plant and inter-plant materials cycles and waste management. The present study aims to provide theoretical and empirical proof of the positive relationship that exists between economic development, environment and eco-industrial networking.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55462
Title: Information and public health: A case study on lead use
Author: Tatiana Georgievna Fedorova
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Lead, heavy metal, industrial ecology, risk factors, information, Russia
Abstract: The main aim of Industrial Ecology (IE) is to maintain an adequate balance between industrial development and the safety of antural and human populations. An important element of IE requiring explicit study, therefore, is the critical role of information development, both in the manufacturing process, and more broadly throughout society. In this case study, we investigate these issues with regard to lead (Pb), a well-known polytropous industrial pollutant, in Russia. There exists a structure in Russia to supervise industrial processes using lead. However, this study suggests that a major unrecognized problem is a lack of available information about lead and its effects on the environment and human body for the population and policy-makers. Hygienic and medico-sociological methods were used for testing the environment in a factory producing small electric accumulators and the soldering sections in two radio-electronic enterprises. The study revealed that the effectiveness of developing and diffusing relevant information regarding lead for industrial workers and among the general population is incomplete. The results further suggested that it is necessary to increase employer and population knowledge of environmental and safety issues, and to increase regional administation capabilities and public compliance with appropriate state standards. The importance of understanding information systems that underlay and support enviornmental and safety performance of industrial systems, especially in countries such as Russia with a heavy manufacturing base, is made clear in this case study, and suggests an important area of research for IE that, until now, may not have received the attention it derserved.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55461
Title: Are industrial ecology concepts and tools suitable for developing countries ' reality? A case study of Life Cycle Assessment in Argentina
Author: Alejandro Pablo Arena
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Industrial ecology, Life Cycle Assessment, environment, sustainable development, developing countries
Abstract: Industrial Ecology (IE) is a new discipline and a new paradigm about the relationship between the industrial system and the natural environment. Many IE tools and concepts with the similar holistic perspective and common scope have been developed, such as Life Cycle Assessment, Dematerialization, Design for Environment, Sustainable Product Development. However, the feasibility of their application in the reality of developing countries remains to be found out. The aim of this paper is, in general terms, to explore this feasibility, with special attention to Life Cycle Assessment, and to present a case study on the state-of-the - art of its applications and potentials, as well as its spread and use in Argentina. An electronic survey has been conducted in order to achieve this aim.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55460
Title: The industrial ecology of the automobile: a Portuguese perspective
Author: Paulo Ferrao, Isabel Reis and Jose Amaral
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Industrial ecology, automobile recycling, end of life vehicles (ELV), European Union (EU), EU Directive on ELV, life cycle assessement
Abstract: This paper aims to analyse the life cycle environmental consequences of the adoption of an European Union directive on End-of-Life-Vehicles (ELV) processing, by September 2000 in Portugal. An industrial ecology (IE) approach is adopted, as the complex relationships between the main actors in the automotive industry are analysed in terms of their contribution to the environmental burdens along the life cycle. The analysis performed is based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) produced in Protugal, where the recycling targetsset in an EU Directive on ELV are modelled as end of life scenarios. The results obtained show that the implementation of this directive provides significant reduction in emission of solid waste during the life cycle. However, it is also shown that the implementation of the EU directive does not induce any benefit on the greenhouse gas emissions and on the release of heavy metals, when compared to current practices in ELV processing.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55459
Title: Eco-industrial parks and economic growth : Analysis of a case study in India
Author: Martin Z Wilderer
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Developing countries. Eco-industrial development, economic development, endogenous growht theory, human capital development, India, industrial ecology, industrial estates
Abstract: The industrial estatesh concept has played an important role in the process of economic development in many Asian countries. However, due to the negative effects on the environment, the indusial estate concept is questioned on its overall benefit for development. The Eco-Industrial Parks (EIP) concept may help overcome this problem. An analysis of a case study from Indian demonstrates that EIPs may help decrease pollution and resource consumption. Furthermore, EIPs may support human capital development due to joint efforts in learning -by- doing experiences. According to the endogenous growth theory, this results in an increased potential for economic growth. However, transaction costs resulting from the necessary co-ordination in co-operative activities may erode the benefits. Thus, the EIP concept offers itself as an interesting tool for development policy, as lon gas a methodology is applied ensuring that the benefits outweigh the cost.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55458
Title: Strategies of industrial ecology and environmental management for a fast-growing urban development zone: A case study in Shanghai, China
Author: Xiangrong Wang
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Industrial ecology, environmental management, ecological zoning and planning, eco-industrial park, urban development area, free trade zone Shanghai, China
Abstract: Strategies of industrial ecology and environmental management for a fast-growing urban development zone are studied in this paper by taking the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) of China as an example. On the basis of Environmental Impact Assessment of the FTZ, five strategies of industrial ecology and environmental planning and management are put forward to promote sustainable development : (i) Ecological zoning; (2) Pollution control and design of green space system; (3) Build up of the target system of ecological construction; (4) Ecological planning and (5) GIS (Geographic Information System) database design for eco-industrial park. Some suggestions on industrial structure and environmental management strategies are also provided.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55457
Title: Industrial Ecology - an introduction
Author: Kanduri Krrishnamohan
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman
Year: 2002
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 28, No 1, March 2002
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55456
Title: Biomarker qualities of Cyphoderus javanus (Collembola) for ecotoxicity of insecticides in soil
Author: V C Joy, K Sarkar and R Pramanik
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2004
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 30, No 1, March 2001
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Ecotoxicity, collembola, insecticides, residual toxcity, biomarkers
Abstract: Toxic hazards of pesticides on ecologically important soil fauna are best evaluated by biomarker species. In the present microcosm study, a soil collembolan species, Cyphoderus javanus was tested for the residual toxicity of insecticides namely heptachlor 20EC, endosulfan 35EC, dichlorvos 76EC, methyl parathion 50EC and phosphamidon 85SL. This species was mass-reared in the laboratory for toxicity screening by comparison against untreated control sets. Direct toxicity (24 hours) of agricultural doses of insecticides could kill all the specimens except in phopshamidon treated soil. Short-term toxicity of sub-agricultural dilutions decreased sharply, but endosulfan and methyl parathion were toxic to Cyphoderus javanus even at 10000 times dilution. Residual toxicity was estimated at 3 days intervals by exposing fresh batches to the treated soil for 24 hours. Toxicity of phosphamidon and dichlorvos decreased sharply whereas the lethal action of methyl parathion and endosulfan existed at least up to 30 days and the toxicity of heptachlor persited beyound 90 days. Heptachlor and endosulfan at very low dilutions of the agricultural doses could significantly reduce the fecundity of Cyphoderus javanus and this sensitivity was evident even in second-generation individuals. Toxicity of heptachlor resulted in less number of moults and wide range of duration of instars in the surviving individuals of Cyphoderus javanus. Reproductive parameters like fecundity and moulting in saprotrophic micro-arthropods are potential biomarker tools for ecotoxicity of insecticides and for soil health assessment.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55455
Title: Deterioration of soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass C, and N - mineralization due to replacement of Sal forest with exotic species and rain - fed agriculture in East India
Author: Sovan Roy and Pran Krishna Chakrabartty
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2004
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 30, No 1, March 2001
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Acacia auriculiformis, agriculture, eucalyptus, microbial activity, nutrient immobilization, Shorea forest, species replacement, forest conversion, exotic species
Abstract: Effects of conversion of natural forest dominated by Shorea robusta, supported on old alluvial soil, to exotic Eucalyptus tereticornis or Acacia auriculiformis plantation or to agricultural field for cultivation of rice, have been examined in respect of soil microbial biomass C, N and N-mineralization. Mean annual microbial C and N, respectively were 702 ?g g-1 and 85?g g-1 in the Shorea forest, 678 ?g g-1 and 89 ?g g-1 in the Acacia plantation, 627 ?g g-1 and 73 ?g g-1 in the Eucalyptus plantation and 349 ?g g-1 and 60 ?g g-1 in the cropland. Highest biomass was manifested during the summer and lowest in the rainy season in all the sites examined. Peak N-mineralization was obtained during the rainy season in the following order- the Shorea forest > the Acacia plantation > the Eucalyptus plantation > cropland. Thus, the Eucalyptus plantation appears to have lower soil microbial activity than the Shorea forest as well as the Acacia plantation. The control of microbial C and N on N-mineralization was maximum in the Shorea forest and minimum in the Eucalyptus plantation although correlation between microbial N and N-mineralization was insignificant in the Acacia plantation (may be due to localized chance fluctuations). Tendency to immobilize nutrients was maximum in the Eucalyptus plantation as evidenced by the low release of nutrients from microbial biomass during the rainy season. It was found that the Eucalyptus plantation soil was microbially more inert in terms of nutrient release from soil biomass and N-mineralization than that of the Acacia plantation as well as the natural Shorea forest. However, any type of exotic species plantation as well as agriculture have adversely and significantly affected the micro biota medicated soil fertility fabrication of the natural Shorea forest milieu.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55454
Title: Environmental pollution, sustainable growth and optimal economic policies
Author: Shuijun Peng and Mingyong Lai
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2004
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 30, No 1, March 2001
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Non-renewable resources, Environmental pollution, vertical innovations, sustainable growth, optimum, equilibrium, economic policies
Abstract: Potential conflicts between econoic growth and environmental degradation are central to the sustainable development debate. In a Schumpeterian model of endogenous growth with vertical innovations, we introduce non-renewable resources which cause flow pollution problems. First, we examine the conditions under which sustainable growth is both feasible and optimal; more specifically, we perform some comparative statics exercises to analyze the effects of parameter variations arising from the economic environment on the steady-state growth rate. Then, we study the equilibria in a decentralized economy compatible with our model, and we derive the precise levels of economic policy instruments that allow the implementation of the optimum.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 55453
Title: The spatial dynamics and movement of Pterostichus melanarius and P madidus (Carabidae) between and within Arable fields in the UK
Author: J M Holland, M Begbie, T Birkett, S Southway, S R Thomas, C J Alexander, C F G Thomas
Editor: B. Gopal, P S Pathak, A Raman, S Y Lee
Year: 2004
Publisher: Internationa Scientific Publications, Vol 30, No 1, March 2001
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Generalist predators, wheat, peas, beneficial insects, aggregation, field boundaries
Abstract: The spatial dynamics of two important generalist predators (Pterostichus melanarius and P. madidus) was investigated across six fields encompassing 64 ha of arable land. Their spatial distribution was monitored using a grid of 973 pitfall trap locations during two years. Movement and population density were estimated using mark-release-recapture across six fields in 2000 and across the three smallest fields in 2001. Both species exhibited strong aggregation itno patches but the location of these differed between the species. The location of the patches varied between years for P. madidus, which favoured pea compared to cereal crops. P. melanarius exhibited a more restricted but stable distribution within and between years. Overwintered adults of both species were associated with the field margins early in the year whereas most tenerals emerged within the field. On average, the daily displacement distance of P. madidus was twice that of P. melanarius. There was no difference between the sexes in the daily displacement or total distance moved. P. madidus crossed field boundaries more frequently than P. malanarius. P. madidus had a very high population density in 2000 with peak numbers of 5.8 m-2 whereas that for P. melanarius was 0.3 m-2. In 2001 the peak density of P. madidus was 0.7m-2. The importance of field boudnaries and farming practices to the spatial dynamics of these two species are discussed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None