Forest ecosystem services and the pillars of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness
Forest ecosystem services and the pillars of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness

Author: Sears, R.

Publisher: CIFOR

Published: 2017-10-30

Total Pages: 39

ISBN-13: 6023870627

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In the eastern Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, culture, society, economy and environment are linked in the development framework of Gross National Happiness (GNH). In this literature review, we highlight the relationships between forests and Bhutan’s development framework and current priorities, identifying plausible causal pathways. Due to the mountainous nature of this country, our particular interest is in the impacts of upstream forest activity on downstream stakeholders. Our hypothetical framework identifies specific causal pathways between forests and the four pillars of GNH (environmental conservation, cultural preservation, equitable socioeconomic development and good governance), and evidence was sought in the published literature to test the hypothesis. While conceptual support for many linkages between forests and each of the pillars was found in the literature, evidential support specifically for Bhutan is limited. The strongest evidence is found for the role of forests in socioeconomic development and good governance, particularly through the community forestry program. To develop incentive programs for forest conservation and restoration, such as payment for ecosystem services and pay-for-performance donor funding, the evidence base needs to be expanded for causal pathways between upstream forest condition and downstream security, particularly for services such as water regulation. The evidence should inform public policy and forest management strategies and practices.

Cotton, Water, Salts and Soums
Cotton, Water, Salts and Soums

Author: Christopher Martius

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2011-09-18

Total Pages: 419

ISBN-13: 9400719639

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This book summarizes a long-term research project addressing land and water use in the irrigated areas of the Aral Sea basin. In an interdisciplinary approach, natural and human sciences are combined to elucidate the challenges of economic transition that affect the use of land, water and biological resources, ecological sustainability, economic efficiency and the livelihoods of the local population. The research focuses on Khorezm, a region in Uzbekistan, located on the Amudarya river, in the heart of Central Asia. A series of chapters describes the biophysical environment and the aspects of society and institutions that shape land and water use. The book discusses options and tools to improve land and water management, and to reform the economic system management, based on agronomic, hydrological, economic ans social studies and modeling. The insights are not only important for Uzbekistan, but for all countries in transitions and irrigated dryland areas elsewhere.

The Atlas of Economic Complexity
The Atlas of Economic Complexity

Author: Ricardo Hausmann

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2014-01-17

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 0262317737

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Maps capture data expressing the economic complexity of countries from Albania to Zimbabwe, offering current economic measures and as well as a guide to achieving prosperity Why do some countries grow and others do not? The authors of The Atlas of Economic Complexity offer readers an explanation based on "Economic Complexity," a measure of a society's productive knowledge. Prosperous societies are those that have the knowledge to make a larger variety of more complex products. The Atlas of Economic Complexity attempts to measure the amount of productive knowledge countries hold and how they can move to accumulate more of it by making more complex products. Through the graphical representation of the "Product Space," the authors are able to identify each country's "adjacent possible," or potential new products, making it easier to find paths to economic diversification and growth. In addition, they argue that a country's economic complexity and its position in the product space are better predictors of economic growth than many other well-known development indicators, including measures of competitiveness, governance, finance, and schooling. Using innovative visualizations, the book locates each country in the product space, provides complexity and growth potential rankings for 128 countries, and offers individual country pages with detailed information about a country's current capabilities and its diversification options. The maps and visualizations included in the Atlas can be used to find more viable paths to greater productive knowledge and prosperity.

Waste Management in the Circular Economy
Waste Management in the Circular Economy

Author: Suhaib A. Bandh

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2024-01-01

Total Pages: 325

ISBN-13: 3031424263

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This book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the technologies and processes involved in energy generation through waste treatment. It serves as a valuable resource, providing all the necessary information and tools for selecting the most sustainable waste-to-energy solution in various conditions. Moreover, it delves into real-life examples of the circular economy in action, offering a comprehensive overview from multiple perspectives. It employs a range of methodologies, including lifecycle assessment, sustainability assessment, multi-criteria decision-making, and multi-objective optimization modes. By combining these approaches, it offers a robust framework for evaluating waste-to-energy options. Furthermore, the book provides a thorough overview of waste-to-energy feedstocks, technologies, and implementation. It goes beyond mere description, delving into the critical factors and key enablers that influence the sustainable development of the waste-to-energy industry. By addressing these factors, the book facilitates the transformation towards a circular economy, moving beyond the traditional "call to arms" approach. This book is an invaluable resource for researchers and policymakers in the energy sector. It equips them with the scientific methodology and metrics necessary to develop strategies for a viable sustainability transition. Additionally, it serves as a key reference for students, researchers, and practitioners seeking to deepen their knowledge of energy planning and the current and future trends of biofuel as an alternative fuel.

MUHAMMED: MESSENGER OF PEACE AND TOLERANCE
MUHAMMED: MESSENGER OF PEACE AND TOLERANCE

Author: Yasin T. al-Jibouri

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Published: 2014-01-30

Total Pages: 577

ISBN-13: 1491855118

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This is not an ordinary book by any standard, and simply going through its table of contents will tell you why. The author takes you on a journey to the 6th Century A.D. where events and incidents of this book started, meticulously detailing life in the Arabian Peninsula during the period of time that preceded the birth of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammed. Then he details the struggle of the Prophet and his followers to survive in the most hostile environment and among the most ruthless people. After that, he gives you an idea about unfortunate events that followed Muhammed’s demise and how those who were the closest people to him during his lifetime betrayed him and his message thereafter, confiscating the estate of his only daughter, Fatima. A chapter about his wives is included as well in addition to one about the Holy Qur’an and why it is called a miracle. Many sayings of the Prophet of Islam on various subject-matters have been included, too, giving you an idea about how Muhammed thought and what he preached. A Glossary is finally added for the benefit of those who study or teach the Islamic faith either academically or out of curiosity. Perhaps the most interesting contents of this book are two very important pacts which Muhammed signed, one with the Jews of Medina, and another with the Christians of Najran, Yemen. These pacts shed light on the Prophet’s tolerance and genuine desire for a peaceful coexistence between the Muslims on the one hand and followers of the Jewish and Christian faiths on the other.