European Journal of Sustainable Development

Understanding Community Capacity for Bottom-up Management of Mount Hakusan UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Aida Mammadova — 2024-02-01

The aim of the study was to understand the potential of Shiramine villagers for bottom-up administration of Mount Hakusan UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (MHBR). We investigated the various aspects of community capability using data from numerous sources, including interviews, surveys, and published reports. 23 people participated in a survey. Results has showed that the issues such as depopulation (35%), accessibility problems (especially for the elderly), difficulties with tourism, and the effects of school and municipal mergers were the biggest concern for the locals. However, the biggest values of Shiramine was rated as interpersonal interactions (56%), followed by the environment and traditional culture. Most of the residents expressed the high level of happiness by living inside the community (87%), which was related to the strong community bonds and natural surroundings.

The survey showed the presence of a variety of jobs, such as farmers, students, freelancers, housewives, and people working in administrative and governmental positions. These results showed a wide range of community involvement and the possibility of utilizing this diversity to boost the bottom-up management strategy. For the effective and sustainable management of BR, developing inclusivity and active participation, by using variety of talents and knowledge will play crucial role.

Keywords: Community development, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Bottom-Up approach, Regional management, Sustainability

Balancing Green and Gold: The Link Between Sustainability Reporting and Corporate Reputation in Malaysia

Elinda Esa — 2024-02-01

Corporate reputation has gained significant attention within academic circles and emerged as a critical concern in practical business contexts. However, prior studies on this topic have been somewhat fragmented, creating fertile ground for exploring new research avenues, particularly in assessing reputation. Sustainability reporting, corporate governance, and company attributes have been associated with enhancing corporate reputation. Nevertheless, there remains a dearth of research exploring these variables' impact on the novel reputation measurement proxy, especially in emerging economies like Malaysia. Therefore, this study investigates the intricate relationship between sustainability reporting and corporate reputation using the new proxy of reputation in the context of Malaysia, a dynamic and rapidly growing economy. Balancing the 'Green' aspects of sustainability with the 'Gold' aspects of company performance and reputation is a pivotal concern for organizations in the region. The results showed sustainability reporting significantly impacts corporate reputation to sustain a harmonious equilibrium characterized by "Green" and "Gold" elements. The findings encourage Malaysian PLCs to navigate this duality successfully and can reap long-term benefits regarding reputation, stakeholder trust, and sustainable profitability.

Keywords: sustainability reporting, reputation, transparency, greenwashing, Malaysian public listed companies

Theories of Migration: Sociological and Conceptual Dilemmas

Saleh I.A. Al-Khudairy — 2024-02-01

The aim of this study is to introduce to the researchers' migration theories in a brief and modern form. As rates of migration are increasing all over the world for different reasons it became necessary to review critically the theories that dealt with such important social phenomenon. The study is an analytical and critical study adopted the documentary research methodology and the office work and content analysis as a tool to obtain information. The study discussed many aspects of sociological theories such as definitions, typologies, areas of strength and weakness and historical development In this study theories of migration were classified into three main types: macro level theories, micro level theories, and the ones, which attempts to bridge the gap between these levels.

Keywords: Migration, Migration theories, Macro Theories, Micro Theories, Typology

Challenges Facing Private Solar Energy Firms in Egypt: A Microeconomic Perspective

Maha El Hini — 2024-02-01

The need for the use of renewable energy sources in general and solar energy in particular is immensely increasing over time. It is true that our planet’s future relies to a great extent on the speed of shifting to renewables instead of the use of fossil fuels for energy supply. Accordingly, the Egyptian government has put sustainable development as a priority in its 2030 vision. But to achieve sustainability, various obstacles that impede this process should be carefully identified and addressed. For that, this research work is studying various challenges and barriers that face private solar energy suppliers in Egypt. This is conducted by using an exploratory approach that relies on detailed interviews with private solar energy firms. Results highlight that private solar energy firms are challenged by trade barriers, market barriers, organisational barriers from New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), macroeconomic barriers and legal barriers. Furthermore, this study provides policy solutions to partially address the identified barriers and to further speed up the transition to solar energy production and usage.

Keywords: Solar energy market, Egypt, Barriers and challenges, Semi structured interviews, renewables.

JEL: O1, Q2, Q4

Legal Regulation of the Cloud Services Market of Ukraine

Vadym Koverznev — 2024-02-01

Based on the analysis of the economic state of the cloud services market and trends of its development, it was concluded that cloud technologies have a significant impact on the activities of business entities, as well as state administration bodies of all developed countries of the world.

It was established that the cloud services market of Ukraine is at the formation stage, which is connected with the unsatisfactory economic condition of business entities due to the military aggression launched by the Russian Federation.

The current state of legal security of the cloud services market of Ukraine is studied; at the same time, it is substantiated that the Law “On Cloud Services” adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in February 2022 only lays the foundations for its legal development and further formation of a legal framework aimed at the comprehensive regulation of the relations arising from the provision and consumption of cloud services under market principles.

It is emphasized that for proper implementation of the Law provisions, the approval by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of a number of subordinate legal acts is required, namely: structure and order of the formation and use of electronic catalogs of cloud services and services of data processing centers; requirements to the providers of cloud services; procedure for providing cloud services related to the processing of the state information resources; procedure for the proposals development for the use of cloud services by state authorities, as well as a standard contract that must be concluded between the providers and users of cloud services.

Criteria for the quality and safety of cloud services that must be guaranteed by their provider, in case of crisis situations and cyber attacks, are proposed.

The expediency of supplementing the Law of Ukraine “On Cloud Services” with the provisions that empower the regulator of cloud services to inspect the providers of cloud services in the event that they provide the regulator with incomplete of false information, as well as to make requests that are mandatory for consideration by other addressees, is substantiated.

It is proposed to introduce legal liability of the officials of state bodies in case they do not return to Ukraine state information databases and their backup copies within six months after the termination or cancellation of the legal regime of martial law.

Keywords: cloud services, cloud computing technologies, cloud servers, regulator in the field of communication services

Impact of Interrelationships among the Economic Sectors on Achieving Sustainable Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Adhwa Al-Otaibi — 2024-02-01

This study is aligned with the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030, which seeks to achieve sustainable economic development. This study aims to estimate the size of the interrelationships among the economic sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the period 1970 to 1920. The descriptive-analytical and econometric approaches were used to display the concepts and literature review relevant to the study as well as to analyze the interrelationships between the sectors of the national economy, which are represented in: the added value of (the manufacturing sector, the non-manufacturing industries sector, the service sector, and the agricultural sector) using Vector Auto- Regression model (VAR) and Impulse Response Functions. The results showed the weakness and limitations of the interrelationships among the economic sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in addition to the absence of leading sectors with a strong impact on the rest of the other economic sectors and are influenced by them as well. Accordingly, the study recommends the need to continue and intensify the diversification efforts made by the government to get out of the scope of a rentier economy, and to strengthen the interrelationships among the various economic sectors by applying appropriate reform models that are integrated with economic policies in a way that achieves the requirements of sustainable economic development.

Keywords: Economic interdependence, economic development, economic sectors, economic diversification, Added Value

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Organisational Behavior: A Risky Tale between Myth and Reality for Sustaining Workforce

Zeinab Younis — 2024-02-01

Purpose: This research paper examines quantitatively the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an independent variable on three organisational behavior components as dependent variables: job satisfaction, personality, and attitudes.

Design/methodology: The sample of our study includes alumni graduates of the past two years reflecting on post-covid19 era as young workforce from Cairo, Egypt. It is important to note that there is no sufficient data regarding the impact of AI on OB testing this bracket of young population workforce, and highlighting specific components in the study of OB.

Findings: This research finding revealed that AI can explain 46.5 % of Organizational Behavior which refers to the importance of AI usage among organizations and how this might change the current organizational environments.

Research Limitations: This research is limited by the fact that the sample encompassed a specific bracket of the young workforce age ranging from 20-35 years old even though they come from different backgrounds.

Practical Implications: AI tools can enhance employees job satisfaction as well as it can help mitigate cognitive biases and groupthink, developing a decision-making culture that is more objective and data driven.

Originality: Therefore, the utility of this research on the academic level highlights the fact of identifying major concerns and formulations of essential conclusions to get a deeper understanding of the relationship between the different variables stated. On the practical level, it sheds light for several organisations on the danger of technology replacement of employees due to the invasive impact of AI usage.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Personality, Attitudes, Job Satisfaction, Organisational Behavior

The Role of Innovative Work Behavior, Teamwork Climate, and Information Sharing in Enhancing the Innovative Performance of Energy Companies

Nadežda Jankelová — 2024-02-01

This paper aims to test a positive relationship between managers' support for innovative work behavior (IWB) and innovative performance (IP) of energy companies (EC), mediated by information sharing (IS) and teamwork climate (TWC).

The sample consisted of 235 EC in Slovakia. Data analysis was carried out using the PLS-SEM method.

The results show that support for IWB can be considered as a predictor of IP, as managerial support for employees' innovative behavior (IB) has a positive effect on firms' IP. However, its effect may be enhanced by the interaction of other factors. Transparency of communication and support for teamwork (TW) have positive effects on overall IP. Sharing information with employees and fostering a climate of TW become important tools for innovative management. Neither the manager's seniority nor the manager's age has a significant effect on the relationship examined.

Keywords: innovative performance of energy companies; innovative work behavior; information sharing; teamwork climate; management of energy companies

The Role of Family Associations in Promoting Empowerment of Divorced Women for Sustainable Community Development: A Case Study from Ha’il

Abdullah A. Alanazi — 2024-02-01

The current research determined the role of family development associations in reducing the phenomenon of divorce in Ha'il. The current research was an analytical descriptive social survey. Data was collected through a questionnaire applied to a sample of (98) participants who were frequent visitors to the family development associations in Ha'il. The research concluded that the role of family development associations was average in qualifying those about to get married, treating the problems of the newlyweds, and satisfying social, psychological, economic and legal needs of divorcees. Results, also, revealed that the role of family development associations in satisfying the social needs of divorced women ranked first compared to other roles

Keywords: Roles - Family development associations - Family development – Divorce

Trends and Focuses for ESG Investment Support: A Cross Country Comparative Analysis

Iuliia Gernego — 2024-02-01

Currently, the modern society faces a measure of challenges, connected with the lack of balance between the economic and social development issue. This has caused the growing recognition of sustainable and responsible practices within the financial decisions making process, providing a measure of transformations of both financial and business landscape, contributing to a more equitable and environmentally conscious society. The modern researches in finance are significantly influenced by the increasing demand for ESG, the strengthening of ESG principles implementation in wealth and assets management. According to PwC researches, the ESG-oriented assets under management market in Europe is already about 172 % in compartment with 2021 year, the forecasted increase till 2026 year will be nearly 50 % comparing to the current volume. Thereby, there is an urgent need to summarize the theoretical descriptions of ESG investing along with the current trends of particular ESG components transformation along with the considering analytical research on trends and focuses for ESG investing’s support. The current research problem lays in the highlighting the functionality of ESG-oriented activity and its investment attractiveness trough the overview of theoretical definitions of ESG, comparing with the Trends and focuses for ESG investing’s support within the representative sampling on countries from the World Bank’s databases. The study is focused on the detailed analysis of separate indicators within a group of ten different countries. “Agricultural land”, “Electricity production from coal sources” and “CO2 emissions” indicators are analyzed within the environmental component. The social component of ESG is represented by the “Government expenditure on education” and “Individuals using the Internet” indicators. The “Regulatory Quality”, “Rule of Law” and “Voice and Accountability” indicators are considered as a part of governmental component. The chosen countries (Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the United States of America) represent deferent environment and approaches to ESG management and its investment support. The current research aims to represent the possibility to balance the ESG components, creating synergetic effect in case of their combinations. In particular, the attention is paid to the instruments of monetary and fiscal policy to balance ESG in the COVID-19 time. The elaboration of possible scenarios of ESG’s components balancing is possible in case of implementation of systematic measures to monitor debt sustainability and increase the transparency of banking institutions' balance sheets along with the developing the targeted measures to maintain an adequate level of liquidity and solvency of national economies, and coordination of national strategies and policies

Keywords: sustainable development, sustainable finance, ESG investing, social-responsible business

Assessment of the Energy System of Ukraine: Ways of Recovery, Cases of Development

Natalia Osadcha — 2024-02-01

The economy of Ukraine is partially destroyed and poses an energy threat to European countries. The article analyzes trends in the development of consumption in Ukraine, and assesses the prospects for development. Energy Ukraine's system depends on fossil fuels. The government sought to diversify risks and ensure sustainable development. The energy consumption market is characterized by a decline and an increase in the use of gas.

The article develops cases for making decisions on the necessary investments in the energy system of Ukraine after the war. We analyze energy consumption trends and justify the need for investment in the nuclear industry, which occupies a large part of the country's energy consumption. A model for assessing and forecasting the energy consumption market has been developed. The model shows an upward trend in oil and gas consumption. Our approach allows us to quantify the net increase in energy consumption in the future.

Keywords: energy, energy supply, renewable energy, energy strategy, energy resources

Well-being and Sustainable Development: An Exploratory Approach from a Marketing Perspective

Diana Vanegas Lopez — 2024-02-01

Since the publishing of the Brundtland Report (1987), which formally introduced, defined, and approached the concept of sustainable development creating the framework for its implementation, the concern for preserving what we have for future generations has steadily and significantly increased. Consumers, citizens, businesses, and public entities have acknowledged the need to ensure an appropriate economic, social, and environmental development capable of providing a sustainable common future. Strategies, plans, and programs have been drafted, projects and activities have been conducted, and a huge amount of practical experience, as well as a rich dedicated scientific

literature, has been accumulated.

The tremendous effort that has led to the SDGs, Net Zero, and Green Deal has been designed and implemented from a societal perspective under a vision underlining the prevalence of the common or greater over the individual good, the last one being the consequence of the overall development of the society. What if the perspective changes by focusing on the individuals and individual good considering the greater or common good as an aggregate result achieved by the entire society by adding the state of well-being experienced by each and every individual? Viewing the subject from a marketing angle, the aggregated well-being of individuals should generate an overall sustainable development of society. The article presents and discusses the findings of exploratory research assessing the connections between individual well-being and sustainable development

Keywords: well-being, sustainable development, marketing

Sustainable Digital Evolution: Transforming the Ukrainian Customs Service

Mykhailo Ishchuk — 2024-02-01

The evolving landscape of information technologies has spurred a profound digital revolution across cultural, societal, organizational, and governmental domains. This article examines the transformative impact of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and electronic systems within Ukrainian customs operations and their broader societal implications. At the core of this exploration lies the pivotal role of ICT integration in modernizing the Ukrainian Customs Service amidst global challenges, exemplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study assesses the benefits, challenges, and implications of “electronic customs” and IT-driven reforms, focusing on the three pillars of sustainability, customs operations, and digital culture. Objectives encompass an evaluation of ICT’s significance in enhancing border management efficiency, addressing challenges, and leveraging opportunities through technology-driven customs initiatives. Synthesizing academic publications and governmental reports, the article provides comprehensive insights into the transformative potential of technology in customs management. Notably, the implementation of anti-corruption measures, particularly through the Single Window system, emerges as a successful endeavor in curbing malpractices while streamlining customs procedures. However, challenges persist, including swift adoption, cyber fraud risks, and systemic issues within customs authorities, necessitating phased implementation and continuous improvement. Ethical reflections on technology integration into governance mechanisms, educational reforms, and inclusivity discussions underscore the broader societal and philosophical shifts catalyzed by electronic customs. This sustainable digital evolution emphasizes ongoing ethical considerations to navigate the evolving role of technology in shaping governance, societal integration, sustainable customs operations, and the inherent alignment of digital technologies with the key objectives of sustainable development.

Keywords: customs operations, digital culture, sustainable development, Single Window, cybersecurity, Information and Communication Technology, societal impact, ethical framework, cultural shifts

Innovative Customs System and its Impact on the Sustainability of the Transit Potential

George Abuselidze — 2024-02-01

Georgia, due to its geopolitical location, has the potential to become a transit hub connecting the West and the East, the North and the South, which will bring the country the greatest economic benefits and give it a significant political advantage on the international scale. In such conditions, the use of innovative tools of the customs system focused on stimulating financial and economic development is vital. Today's existing customs system cannot fully ensure the effective use of the country's potential, because cargo turnover carried out by road, rail, sea transport, and pipelines is not characterized by a significant growth trend. The paper proposes a model of an innovative customs system that ensures the growth of economic income for the country, which is mainly based on the growth of the country's transit potential and its effective use.

Keywords: innovative customs system, transit potential, transit attraction, economic income, economic effect

Training of Future Psychologists: Providing Sustainable Rehabilitation Services to War Victims

Olena Vasylenko — 2024-02-01

The paper examines the problem of training future psychologists to provide rehabilitation services to war victims. It has been found that the psychological rehabilitation of war victims involves the work of psychologists to accelerate their psychological adaptation and prevent psychological complications that provoke the results of mental traumas associated with the provision of leaving home, work, usual comfortable life, etc. Therefore, psychologists must be ready to work with such persons and have a high level of professional competence. All this ensures effective professional training of future psychologists in institutions of higher education and the development of components of their readiness to provide rehabilitation services to war victims. We have found that these readiness components include: motivational, cognitive, operational and personal. The results of the diagnosis of the readiness components of psychology students to provide rehabilitation services to war victims have shown that, in addition to the personal component of readiness, all other components are developed at a sufficient level and this is due to the need to develop measures that are able to contribute to improving the level of training of future psychologists for psychological rehabilitation activities.

Key words: psychology students; psychological rehabilitation; war victims; readiness for professional activity

Developing a Business Maturity Framework (BMF) in the Oil and Gas Industry

Dan Andrei Panduru — 2024-02-01

This study explores the utility of business maturity models in navigating dynamic business landscapes. It assesses existing models, develops an industry-specific Business Maturity Framework (BMF), and emphasizes foundational considerations for effective implementation aligned with organizational goals. The study concludes by highlighting the perpetual nature of business maturity and the BMF's efficacy in enhancing operational excellence, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector. The paper contributes to specialized literature by introducing a novel dimension that evaluates market and customer readiness for future digitalization levels, thereby providing a comprehensive approach to business maturity.

Keywords: business transformation, digital process maturity, business maturity framework (BMF), incremental changes, maturity assessment, disruptive changes, oil and gas industry

Interaction of Digital Trends and Sustainable Development: The role of Contemporary Art

Olesia Stoliarchuk — 2024-02-01

The purpose of the work is to analyze the impact of digital technologies on the sustainable development of contemporary art - an overview of the main trends that have emerged as a result of the integration of new media into artistic practices. The article methodologically classifies various genres of digital art by means of a critical qualitative analysis of practices, artworks, installations, exhibitions, collectives and events at the forefront of artistic innovation with new technologies. The scientific novelty lies in a comprehensive analysis of digital art through the prism of the concept of sustainable development. The work considers digital art not just as another technological innovation, but as a full-fledged artistic phenomenon of our time. The systematization of artistic practices associated with the use of the latest technologies is carried out, their common conceptual foundations are revealed. In addition, the article deals with issues of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, inclusiveness of digital practices. The dilemmas around the balance of technological innovation and artistic freedom from the perspective of sustainability ethics are outlined. The conclusions provide a conceptual understanding of optimal pathways for developing digital art in relation to societal sustainability.

Keywords: digital art, sustainable development, new media art, network art, generative art, interactive art, AI, VR, AR, digital culture

Exploring the Emerging Podcast Culture: A Case Study of Podcast Cafe in Saudi Arabia

Abeer Harharah — 2024-02-01

This research study delves into the burgeoning podcast culture in Saudi Arabia, with a specific focus on Candid Podcast Cafe. As the Kingdom experiences rapid social and cultural transformations, podcasts have emerged as a novel medium for self-expression, information dissemination, and entertainment. This investigation aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the role and impact of Candid Podcast Cafe within this evolving landscape. It outlines a comprehensive strategy for establishing and operating a business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It encompasses various key aspects, including the company's description, mission, and vision, industry analysis, business analysis (PESTLE), customer analysis, and competitor analysis. Additionally, the study delves into the internal environmental analysis, specifically focusing on the marketing mix, and concludes with a thorough SWOT analysis, followed by a well-considered conclusion and recommendations.

Keywords: Business Strategy; Growth Prospects; Market Research; Market Mix; PESTLE Analysis; Saudi Arabia Business Environment

Methodology and Engineering of a Sustainable Market Model

Roman Lohosha — 2024-02-01

The article presents the authors’ approach to the methodology (logic of cognition) of the market, the process of modelling a representative market with the proof of the possibility of appropriate management of the market state. The study was tested on the example of Ukraine’s vegetable market according to the development trends of the last 30 years. The functional model of the market was considered by the set of its functional factors and the possibility to identify market efficiency. It is substantiated that regulations should be considered through manipulation of a set of indicators and restrictions, which allows reducing market management to an essentially engineering task, the feasibility of which is determined by the dynamics of increase in the effects of market functioning.

Keywords: market, market model, market functionality, market efficiency, market management

Digital Technologies in the Process of Forming Sustainable Strategies for Agricultural Enterprises in International Markets

Alona Tanasiichuk — 2024-02-01

The active phase of applying digital technologies contributed to their implementation in forming sustainable strategies for agricultural enterprises in international markets. It is proved that the development of certain functions of international marketing and their active extension beyond the enterprise, the development of a scheme of interaction with the consumer, and intra-company integration with increased feedback in modern conditions have gained practical importance and ensured the formation of sustainable strategies of agricultural enterprises.

Ukrainian enterprises, having not yet fully resumed business activity after the COVID-19 pandemic, have entered a new risk zone caused by the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Ukrainian companies understand the responsibility of business for the state of economic recovery in Ukraine and are trying to act here and now to stay afloat.

Digital technologies are being actively implemented in various economic sectors, so Ukrainian agricultural enterprises have to use digital progress to effectively develop sustainable strategies in international markets to remain competitive in today's market.

It has been proven that in the current conditions of international business activity, only those companies that can use promising digital technologies in the early stages of business development will remain competitive.

It is substantiated that, depending on the specialization of the enterprise and the specifics of the goods or services provided there, the segments of domestic and international markets in which goods and services are sold, it is worth choosing connectivity platforms that will act as information support for enterprises in the process of forming sustainable strategies in international markets.

International marketing research was conducted to select new international markets based on information collected from the "Trade Map" and "Theglobaleconomy" connectivity platforms, which operate on a user's request.

Using the example of the product group "1512 Sunflower oil", two segments of attractive international markets for Ukrainian agricultural producers were identified. The first segment is the markets of Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium, where there are favorable business conditions for Ukrainian farmers. The second segment is the markets of Poland, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom, where there is an opportunity to increase sales of sunflower oil. It is substantiated that the intensification of business activities of agricultural producers of the product group "1512 Sunflower oil" will allow in the short term to ensure the implementation of the sustainable development strategy, despite all the difficulties that have arisen as a result of the active phase of the war in Ukraine.

Keywords: digital technologies, sustainable development strategy, international business activities, a system of indicators of attractiveness of international markets, connectivity platforms, segmentation of international markets, agricultural enterprises

A Future Vision among Non-Governmental Organizations to Enhance Environmental Citizenship: An Applied Study in Hail

Ibrahim Helal — 2024-02-01

This study aimed to identify, describe, and analyze the requirements for partnership among non-governmental organizations to enhance environmental citizenship. Additionally, it sought to develop a future vision for activating the partnership between these organizations to further environmental citizenship. This study falls under the category of descriptive research and relied on a comprehensive social survey method involving experts in the field of non-governmental organizations in Hail City, with a total of 92 experts. A questionnaire was used to collect data, gathered between October 24, 2023, and November 30, 2023. The study found several key requirements for building partnerships among non-governmental organizations to enhance their capacity and enable them to promote environmental citizenship, including: the existence of an informational base, coordination, cooperation, exchange, and communication.

Keywords: A Future Vision, Partnership, Non-Governmental Organizations, Environmental Citizenship

Public Voices in the Environmental Decision-Making in Georgia

Marina Chichua — 2024-02-01

The article presents the results of the scientific research and gives the ways to solve the problems dedicated to PP (public participation) in the process of EDM (environmental decision-making) in Georgia. Several obstacles were found, by studying the environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Georgia. All necessary information was collected through interviews and questionnaires. The study discusses the existing legislation on this issue and aims to find answers to these obstacles. Four hypotheses were developed - transparency in the decision-making process promotes successful public participation, effective cooperation with one another is a better way for NGOs to participate in the environmental decision-making process, Georgian NGO’s successful participation in the process of DM (decision-making) was related to the development of an environmental legal system, self-financing helps the Environmental NGOs in Georgia to improve their financial status and increase their flexibility in the EDM process. The Soviet regime caused the nonexistence of PP approaches in EDM. Currently, many international and trans-boundary projects are taking place and will be completed shortly in Georgia. The participation of the public, especially non-governmental organizations is a key point and crucial element in decision making as most of these developments entail additional environmental problems and to prevent damage to the environment and foster sustainable development when such projects are completed. The research gives key provisions that require improvement to increase the effectiveness of PP in EDM process.

Keywords: public participation, environment, decision-making, NGOs

Efficiency of Digestate from Biogas Plants for the Formation of Bio-Organic Technologies in Agriculture

Inna Honcharuk — 2024-02-01

The article examines the potential of digestate from biogas plants as a high-quality organic fertilizer that can ensure environmentally friendly development of the agro-industrial complex. The essence of the European Green Deal, the role of biogas production, and the use of digestate for achieving a climate neutral economy are considered. The purpose of the article was to analyze the potential of digestate production in Ukraine and to substantiate its role in Ukraine’s achievement of the goals set by the European Green Deal. The research was carried out according to dialectical and systemic approaches, using monographic, economic-statistical, index, and cartographic methods. The results showed that Ukraine needs further development of biogas production and an increase in digestate production to meet the demand of agricultural enterprises for organic fertilizers, as there is currently an urgent need to increase soil fertility. It was determined that, in addition to European integration processes and the implementation of “green” technologies, a driving force for the intensification of digestate use is the high cost of mineral fertilizers on the Ukrainian and world markets, as well as high efficacy of digestate as an organic fertilizer. The authors proposed and calculated the green agriculture index, which is based on the calculation of the ratio of the amount of active substance, the rate of mineral fertilizers, kg to the rate of application of organic fertilizers, t/ha. Its levels (intensive, growing, declining, extensive) were determined by the regions of Ukraine, and strategies for the use of digestate were developed depending on the level of the region’s greening. It was proven that the future of Ukrainian agriculture should be based on green agriculture and the active use of digestate as a fertilizer, which will help to produce environmentally friendly products, increase production volumes, and reduce the ecological burden on the environment. The use of digestate will help to achieve a reduction in the application of mineral fertilizers up to 25% by 2030 in accordance with the eco-goals of the European Green Deal.

Keywords: digestate, bio-organic technologies, fertilizers, biogas

Integrated Reporting and Group Decision-Making for Sustainable Development: A Bibliometric Review

Carlos Cunha — 2024-02-01

The demands of society are constantly evolving, imposing significant pressures on business organizations within the context of sustainable development policy. As a result, organizations have begun to move towards promoting information disclosure through integrated reporting, transitioning from sustainability reports to financial reports. Simultaneously, decisions made to address specific problems are no longer the sole responsibility of a single individual. Challenges now revolve around group decision-making with the aim of achieving a consensus solution. To comprehend the landscape of integrated reporting and group decision-making in the scientific literature concerning sustainable development, a bibliometric review was conducted across major scientific databases from 2008 to 2023. The analysis utilized Bibliometrix, based on the R language, and Biblioshiny for graphic generation. The results indicate a quantitative increase in publications addressing integrated reporting and group decision-making in the context of sustainable development. However, a thematic isolation among existing studies was evident, pointing to an opportunity for future research to bridge the gap and establish more robust connections between the subjects.

Keywords: integrated reporting, group decision-making, sustainable development, bibliometric review

Energy Integration and Regional Development: A Comparative Analysis

Serafettin Yilmaz — 2024-02-01

This study presents a cross-regional analysis with the aim of understanding the dynamics between energy-integration and regional development. It draws on the premise that cooperative relationship in energy has a positive impact on the regionalization process. For this end, the paper examines renewable energy-based electricity grid interconnectivity in Europe, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia through a study on their level of energy interconnection, platform sharing, market and policy integration, and institutionalization and formalization. The aim of this study is to illuminate the nexus between energy integration and regional development.

Keywords: Energy Interconnectivity; Electricity Grid; Regional Development; Europe; Southeast Asia: Northeast Asia

Self-Development as a Vector of Sustainable Development of Society: The Perspective of Ukrainian Students

Olesia Stoliarchuk — 2024-02-01

The discrepancy between one's own personality and the desired self-image causes dissonance. But one can always change everything if one cares not only about one's own “EGO”, but also about the values of a sustainable future. Self-actualization, self-development, self-determination - these are potential determinants of human existence as such. The ideological identity combines the memory of the past, the value realities of the present life, and outlines the vector of respect for the life of future generations, which in turn actualizes the conceptual paradigm of the concept of sustainable development a priori. The implementation of the social component of sustainable societal development involves maintaining and enriching the mental health and psychological well-being of citizens. A powerful internal resource for this is self-development, which is a vector of self-realization, unlocking potential and increasing the resilience of the individual. The aim of the empirical study was to examine the attitudes and activity of future psychologists regarding self-development as a vector for realizing the ideas of the concept of sustainable societal development. Materials and methods: The study involved 156 Ukrainian students studying psychology. Methods of written surveys, statistical processing and qualitative analysis of diagnostic data, ranking were used. Results: It was found that self-development is an important factor in the professional development success of future psychologists, an effective motive for their learning and a significant professional priority. Most respondents clearly understand the connection between their own self-development and the sustainable development of Ukrainian society.

Keywords: self-development, sustainable societal development, social component of sustainable societal development, students, future psychologists, professional training