Environmental sustainability and economic development in Russian regions: spatial analysis

The issue of burning of rice stubble in Punjab releases many harmful pollutants and particulate matter into the air, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, Sulphur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. This leads to the deterioration of air quality, posing serious health risks to the population, especially those with respiratory conditions. Additionally, the smoke and pollutants from stubble burning can travel long distances, affecting not only Punjab but also neighbouring regions. The high levels of air pollution caused by rice stubble burning have been a major concern for public health and environmental sustainability in the region. This study focuses on the issue of rice stubble burning in Punjab, which has been identified as a major environmental and health hazard. The objective of the study is to assess the knowledge and awareness among the public in Punjab regarding biochar and its benefits. The study aims to establish a connection between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the benefits that can be achieved by reducing rice stubble through alternative methods like biochar production. To gather data, a survey was conducted among individuals in Punjab. The survey included a structured questionnaire covering topics such as biochar production, the current situation of stubble burning, and awareness of the associated benefits. The collected data was analysed using a logical framework analysis approach. The results of the study indicate that biochar derived from rice stubble has the potential to significantly contribute to sustainable development in Punjab. It can help address the challenges faced by farmers in managing agricultural waste, improve soil health, and increase crop productivity, aligning with the goals of the SDGs. Government actions and support, such as providing incentives and subsidies, play a crucial role in promoting biochar production and use to mitigate the adverse effects of stubble burning.

The success of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) depends on solving the ‘nexus’ challenge: how can positive interactions between SDGs be optimised, and negative interactions minimised, in order to create co-benefits and reduce trade-offs? Due to their varying impacts on the SDGs, the economic activities undertaken by organisations present a key lever for operationalising this SDG-nexus. Yet the interactions between individual economic activities and the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development have not been systematically assessed, thus creating a vital operational bottleneck to achieving the SDGs. This paper conducts a systematic review of 876 articles published between 2005 and 2019 to study the nexus between individual economic activities, sustainable development in general, and the SDGs in specific. It finds that studies on agricultural, industrial, and manufacturing activities predominantly report negative impacts on environmental development, while literature on services activities highlight economic and social contributions. Overall, most economic activities are expected to positively impact industrialization, infrastructure, and innovation [SDG 9] and economic productivity [SDG 8], while many help meet basic needs [SDGs 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11]. However, negative impacts are widespread, afflicting ecosystems [SDGs 14 and 15], climate change [SDG 13] and human health [SDG 3]. We synthesise positive and negative interactions between individual economic activities and SDG targets and discuss implications for: integrated (nexus) governance approaches to the SDGs; the role of the private sector in promoting sustainable development; and for improving statistical classifications to monitor economic activities’ SDG impacts.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the contribution of Regional Development Banks (BPDs) to Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) and poverty reduction in Indonesia during the 2014–2023 period, with a focus on the role of third-party funds (DPK) and loan disbursement as financial intermediation mechanisms. The study is framed within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Theoretical Framework: Grounded in the theory of financial intermediation and regional economic development, this study employs both supply-leading and demand-following approaches. Concepts of financial assets and macroeconomic indicators are used to explain the relationships among financial intermediation, economic performance, and poverty outcomes. Method: Using a quantitative approach, panel data from 34 provinces were analyzed through regression to assess the influence of DPK, total assets, and total loan on GRDP and poverty levels. Data were sourced from the Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK), Statistics Indonesia (BPS), and BPDs financial reports (2014–2023). Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that DPK positively influences loan distribution, while total assets show no significant effect. BPD loans have a positive impact on regional economic growth and contribute to poverty reduction. Economic growth also plyas a significant role in decreasing poverty, hihglighting the strategic role of BPDs in promoting inclusive and sustainable regional development in line with SDG targets. Research Implications: This study supports the institutional strengthening and digital transformation of BPDs to enhance financial efficiency, inclusion, and their contribution to sustainable development. The results offer policy insights for aligning regional banking practices with Indonesia’s national development agenda and the global SDGs framework. Originality/Value: This research presents comprehensive empirical evidence from all Indonesian provinces, revealing the causal relationships between BPD performance, economic growth, and poverty alleviation. By situating these findings within the SDGs context, the study contributes to the discourse on the role of subnational financial institutions in sustainable regional development.

UNESCO believed that college students play an important role in sustainable development, and service learning in higher education is an important stage in establishing students’ social responsibility, sustainable community development and sustainable awareness. The purpose of this study was to design a performing arts service-learning course so that participants could truly understand the actions of social responsibility, devote themselves to the action of sustainable development in the community, cultivate awareness sustainable in action, and predict the achievement of sustainable development goals. This study implemented a 3-month “Performing Arts Service-Learning Course”. A total of 90 performing arts college students (57 females and 33 males) voluntarily participated in this research. Reflection activities and questionnaire survey will be carried out immediately after the course ends. The results of the study showed that after the course ended, the participants reflected on the activities and believed that service learning can establish a good partnership between the school and the community. Gain first-hand experience from serving others, serve social justice, serve the less privileged, and spread love and joy to more people. Questionnaires: Both males and females were satisfied with the topics of “social responsibility” and “sustainable community development”. All participants agreed with the topics of “sustainability awareness” and “sustainable development goals”. Males and females were highly correlated with social responsibility, sustainable community development, sustainable awareness, and sustainable development goals (4, 5, 11, 16, 17). Finally, the social responsibility, sustainable community development, and sustainable awareness of males and females could effectively predict the sustainable development goals (4, 5, 11, 16, 17). The conclusion of this study showed that service learning can help college students learn to solve problems from practice and understand the value of sustainable development through community service and caring for environmental changes. From now on, the 17 goals of sustainable development goals should be planned into courses in various fields. It is helpful to broaden students’ horizons and move towards the era of global sustainable development goals.

Досліджено нормативно-правовий та інституційно-адміністративний механізм державного управління сталим розвитком аграрного сектору та сільських територій. Проаналізовано міжнародний досвід запровадження принципів сталого розвитку. На основі проведеного аналізу запропоновано алгоритм запровадження основ концепції сталого розвитку України, а саме: прийняття національної стратегії сталого розвитку “Україна – 2030”, відповідно до Глобальних цілей сталого розвитку (далі – ЦСР), прийнятих Генеральною Асамблеєю Організації Об’єднаних Націй (далі – ООН) 25 вересня 2015 р. “Перетворення нашого світу: Порядок денний сталого розвитку 2030”, який вміщує 17 Глобальних ЦСР до 2030 р.; Указу Президента України “Цілі сталого розвитку України на період до 2030 року” від 30.09.2019 р. Зазначено, що в рамках національної стратегії повинна бути розроблена програма сталого розвитку аграрного сектору та сільських територій. Адже для досягнення 2-ї Цілі “Подолання голоду, досягнення продовольчої безпеки, поліпшення харчування та сприяння сталому сільському господарству” саме аграрний сектор та сільські громади мають вирішальну роль. Запропоновано удосконалення адміністративно-інституціонального механізму управління сталим розвитком, а саме створення державного комітету із сталого розвитку, підпорядкованого Кабінету Міністрів України, для здійснення координаційної діяльності всіх міністерств та відомств у напрямку запровадження стратегії сталого розвитку. Розглянуто методи побудови механізмів державного управління сталим розвитком, які враховують інтереси усіх зацікавлених сторін, базуються на моделі “державно-приватного” партнерства, а також методах горизонтальної та вертикальної інтеграції, враховуючи альтернативи розвитку держави, специфіку аграрного сектору економіки, потреб сільських територіальних громад у напрямку досягнення ЦСР.

The paper aims to examine the perspective on the development of regional tourism ecosystems as one of the pillars of sustainable development in Russian regions. In order to meet the research objective, we combined a variety of methods: the Delphi method to analyse expert views and carry out the process of weighting indicators, mathematical and statistical processing of the evaluation results to obtain a comprehensive estimate of tourism development in Russian regions. We moved through four stages, namely: studying the local ecosystems and natural resources; examination of historical and cultural resources; studying the socioeconomic resources in the regions; evaluating the skills and competencies of regional tourist office staff. Using complex sustainability indicators, we attempted to ascertain, on the one hand, how the current state of the tourism industry in Russian regions affects the overall sustainability of regional development. As a result, we presented rankings of the Russian regions depending on their complex sustainability indicators. On the other hand, we attempted to confirm that the availability, implementation, and establishment of novel approaches determine the future possibilities for the growth and strengthening of regional tourism sustainability. We found that there is a need for pervasive integration of innovations into conventional management approaches, including digital instruments supporting successful regional tourism ecosystem development. Finally, we proposed a model of such an ecosystem as a component of an innovative hypercluster.

The article provides a comprehensive study of sustainable finance in the context of urban development projects in Ukraine. Research of this topic is important, because modern cities are rapidly growing, and innovative solutions are needed to manage this expansion while addressing environmental challenges. The authors emphasize the importance of sustainable finance in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 "Sustainable cities and communities". Post-war reconstruction gives Ukraine the opportunity to rebuild its cities based on green principles, in line with the European Green Deal and aiming for climate neutrality by 2050. This transformation requires innovative financial strategies, including sustainable finance, which integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into investment decisions. The article highlights the key principles of sustainable finance framework and the main categories of financial instruments used in sustainable finance transactions. The authors studied the progress of sustainable finance in Ukraine, namely the formation and development of the legislative framework, strategic planning, financial instruments and the integration of ESG considerations into financial decision-making. Furthermore, the article discusses the funding sources and mechanisms for sustainable development in Ukrainian cities, including public and private financing, international technical assistance projects, and state programs. The authors also emphasize the importance of strategic planning and donor coordination in achieving sustainable urban development goals. Key tasks include improving financial mechanisms, stimulating private capital, and developing realistic post-war urban plans. Overall, the article concludes that while Ukraine has made progress in developing sustainable finance, there is still work to be done to fully integrate sustainable finance principles into the country's financial sector. The authors emphasize for continued efforts to improve the legislative framework, raise awareness, attract of private investors, enhanced risk management, develop digital technologies, and expand concessional funding to support sustainable urban development in Ukraine. Addressing these challenges will be important for achieving sustainable urban development and aligning Ukraine’s financial system with global sustainability trends.

(1) Background: contents and strategies related to sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being introduced in academic curricula, and the organization of the university environment is evolving to adopt sustainable practices. One of the main aims of this evolution is to raise students’ awareness of sustainability and to encourage them to develop attitudes, knowledge and competencies for acting as future responsible citizens. This implies the need to examine and understand students’ attitudes and beliefs towards sustainability. (2) Method: a systematic literature review has been performed to examine the most recent studies focused on university students’ beliefs and attitudes towards sustainable development. Three educational online databases were searched for identified research papers, and in the end, 20 papers have been included in the analysis. (3) Results: in recent years there has been a growing interest in the topic of university students’ assessment of sustainability beliefs and attitudes. Assessment was frequently limited to the environmental dimension of sustainability, placing the economic, social and educational dimensions in the background. Most of the assessing tools have been developed as quantitative questionnaires. (4) Conclusions: understanding the attitudes and perceptions of university students about sustainability issues is an essential task for helping higher education institutions to effectively infuse the contents and principles of sustainable development into their environments.

Sustainable development has attracted the attention of social-economic, spatial well-being, and cultural continuity advocates across the world. However, the processes involved in land use as well as urban development have continued to affect the attainment of sustainable development. This study assessed the effects of urbanization and land use planning on achieving sustainable development goals. The data were collected using a survey questionnaire from 384 different government leaders in Greece. The study showed that the indicators of urbanization quality have a positive effect on sustainable development goals. It was revealed that there is a significant relationship between integrated land use strategies and sustainable development goals. The study showed that indicators of urbanization quality are very key to achieving different SDGs. This indicates that sustainable urbanization entails more than just converting agricultural land and forests without making any changes to them into cities, and it is equally one of the answers to the problem of the world’s population growth if it is done with vision and dedication. The study clearly shows that integrated land use strategies are important in achieving the SDGs. In this case, land use planning is mostly a local effort, though some nations employ guiding land use plans created at the regional or inter-municipal level. Furthermore, urbanization opportunities and land-use plans have a great influence on the achievement of sustainable development goals. Notably, the goal of sustainable urban development is to make urban areas “sustainable” as well as to build or reinforce the city’s sustainability-related economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects. It then goes on to discover how to spread that idea and why it is important to be focused, using various definitions. The fundamental idea of sustainable urban development is then realized by reviewing the ideas and principles of sustainable development. Finally, some general recommendations are made regarding urban planning, sustainable urban development, and the significance of establishing the necessary conditions for its realization. Urban sustainability and proper use of land require structural changes as well as significant, fundamental shifts at all societal levels.

Against the background of "carbon neutrality" and sustainable development goals, it is of great significance to assess the carbon storage changes and sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems in order to maintain the coordinated sustainable development of regional ecological economies and the balance of terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, the terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage in Guizhou from 2010 to 2020 was assessed with the InVEST model. Using the PLUS model, the distribution of terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage by 2030 and 2050 was predicted. The current sustainable development level of the terrestrial ecosystem of Guizhou was evaluated after establishing an index system based on SDGs. The results showed the following: (1) From 2010 to 2020, the terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage decreased by 1106.68 × 104 Mg. The area and carbon storage of the forest and farmland ecosystems decreased while the area and carbon storage of the grassland and settlement ecosystems increased. (2) Compared with 2020, the terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage will be reduced by 4091.43 × 104 Mg by 2030. Compared with 2030, the terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage will continue to decrease by 3833.25 × 104 Mg by 2050. (3) In 2020, the average score of the sustainable development of the terrestrial ecosystem was 0.4300. Zunyi City had the highest sustainable development score of 0.6255, and Anshun had the lowest sustainable development score of 0.3236. Overall, the sustainable development of the terrestrial ecosystem of Guizhou was found to be high in the north, low in the south, high in the east, and low in the west. The sustainable regional development of the terrestrial ecosystem of Guizhou was found to be unbalanced, and the carbon storage of the terrestrial ecosystem will keep decreasing in the future. In order to improve the sustainable development capacity of the terrestrial ecosystem, the government needs to take certain measures, such as returning farmland to forests and grasslands, curbing soil erosion, and actively supervising.

Waste management plays an important role in sustainable development. The innovative management of waste results in minimizing the adverse effects of climate change, and social and economic sustainability. The creation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations in 2015 was an important step toward environmental sustainability, whereby the 17 goals focus on strengthening the means of implementing and revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. This research paper applies a systematic literature review using the PRISMA methodology to analyze different published research papers and research reports mainly focused on waste management and its relationship with the SDGs. This paper extensively discusses the context of waste management, SDGs, waste indicators in SDGs, and the relationship between SDGs and waste management. This paper also widely discusses the aspects of waste management regarding SDGs. The results are further divided into two sub-categories, including descriptive results, which elaborate the different approaches that are used to review the literature for this paper, and thematic results, which include the key results and discussions of different aspects of this paper. The analysis of different published research papers and research reports mainly focuses on waste management and its relationship with the SDGs. This study presents a discussion of (1) the detailed context of waste management about SDGs, (2) the waste indicators in SDGs and (3) the relationship between waste management and SDGs. This study suggests future possible areas of research by extending the regional boundaries, increasing the number of papers, focusing on more specific SDG goals and targets and studying case studies based on the specific targets and indicators.

Aim. The work aimed to analyze of the impact of renewable energy sector development on the condition of water resources in the region. Objectives. The work seeks to characterize the renewable energy development in Russian regions; analyze the main indicators of renewable energy generation development in southern Russian regions; reveal the relationship between the volume of electricity generation by renewable energy facilities and indicators of the condition of water resources using the example of southern Russian regions. Methods. A correlation analysis of time series was performed using data on the Southern and North Caucasian Federal Districts for 2016–2023, for the purpose of testing the hypothesis suggested about the impact of renewable energy on the condition of water resources in the region. Results . Based on the analysis results, significant and moderate correlations were revealed between the volumes of all types of energy production and the condition of water resources in most regions. The relationship between the indicators is insignificant only in regions with an insignificant share of renewable sources in the energy balance. In regions where solar and wind energy are developing, the consumption of fresh water, fish catch, and extraction of aquatic bioresources decrease. However, the dependence of small hydropower generation and indicators of the condition of water resources in different regions demonstrates both an inverse and a direct relationship which is most pronounced in regions with a high level of fish farming development. Conclusions. Despite some inconsistency in the analysis results obtained, it can be concluded that they confirm the existence of a relationship between the development of renewable energy and the condition of water resources. In order to ensure the sustainable development of water and energy systems, when justifying the choice of a project for the deployment of renewable energy facilities, it is important to assess comprehensively its potential impact on local ecosystems.

In line with the global goals for sustainable development (SDG goals), UNWTO has emphasized sustainable tourism development for achieving SDGs targets in the member countries. Bangladesh has already identified tourism as a thrust sector for the development of the country. The present study identifies the opportunities and contributions of tourism activities for achieving SDGs in Bangladesh. This study analyses the existing tourism policies and plans, government regulations, reports, and SDG related practices to attain the objectives. It is observed that SDG goals number 8, 12, and 14 are directly related to tourism. Furthermore, tourism can contribute to achieving some other SDG goals, like 3, 11, and 15. The study reveals that the contributions of tourism to GDP and employment are in an increasing trend. Sustainable Consumption and Production practices are encouraging the tourism businesses to include nature and biodiversity conservation in their management plans. Marine tourism development in the Bay-of-Bengal can play a positive role in reducing the negative impact of climate change and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The study reveals that sustainable tourism development through cultural, religious, and archeological features can make Dhaka a stable and sustainable city. The study shows that sustainable tourism development in protected areas can ensure the preservation of forest areas, protect biodiversity conservation and provide sustainable use of natural resources. Sustainable tourism development can ensure long-term social, economic, and environmental benefits to all stakeholders to contribute a sustainable development in Bangladesh.

The paper assesses the level of debt load on sustainable and effective development of the Russian regions under the conditions of sanctions, restrictions, and unstable economic situation. The authors of the study faced the following tasks: to conduct a comparative assessment of regional sustainable development and debt load, to consider the directions for effective management of the load as an element of economic security of the constituent entities, as well as to analyze the economic essence and peculiarities of formation of the Russian regions’ public debt. Various approaches of theoretical and practical plan to the study of the subject of the research have been evaluated and used. The methods and techniques that influence the level of debt load on sustainable development of the constituent entities through the use and application of various innovative technologies, methods, techniques, etc. at the current stage of economic development of the country have been considered and evaluated. The conducted research results can be applied when developing effective directions to reduce the debt load as a factor that affects the regional sustainable development.

Objective: This study examines the role of customs cooperation in trade facilitation within the ASEAN region, with a particular focus on its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the research aims to analyze the impact of ASEAN’s customs integration initiatives on regional economic growth (SDG 8), cross-border trade efficiency, and sustainable industrial development (SDG 9), while emphasizing the role of international and regional partnerships (SDG 17) in strengthening trade governance. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in international trade law and regional economic integration theories, emphasizing the role of regulatory cooperation in trade facilitation. It draws upon WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the World Customs Organization (WCO) standards, and ASEAN’s legal instruments governing trade and customs procedures. The SDG framework is utilized to evaluate the broader socio-economic and environmental impacts of trade facilitation, with a particular emphasis on its contribution to inclusive economic growth (SDG 8), industrial development and innovation (SDG 9), and global trade partnerships (SDG 17). Method: A qualitative research approach is adopted, utilizing legal and policy analysis of ASEAN trade facilitation agreements, reports from international organizations, and empirical studies on regional trade efficiency. Comparative analysis is employed to assess the disparities in customs infrastructure, digitalization, and regulatory alignment among ASEAN member states, highlighting how these factors influence the achievement of sustainable industrialization (SDG 9) and the facilitation of cross-border trade partnerships (SDG 17). Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that ASEAN’s customs cooperation mechanisms have significantly streamlined cross-border trade procedures, reducing transaction costs and improving regional economic integration. These advancements have enhanced economic productivity and job creation (SDG 8) and supported the modernization of trade-related infrastructure (SDG 9). However, challenges persist, including legal inconsistencies in customs regulations, disparities in digital capabilities among AMS, and institutional barriers arising from ASEAN’s consensus-based decision-making model. These limitations hinder the full implementation of paperless trade initiatives and the efficiency of customs data exchange, restricting ASEAN’s ability to foster strong international trade partnerships (SDG 17). Research Implications: The study highlights the necessity for ASEAN to develop a harmonized legal framework for cross-border data flows, enhance digital infrastructure in less-developed AMS, and advance the legal unification of customs regulations. Strengthening institutional agility in ASEAN decision-making is also critical for expediting trade facilitation reforms. These recommendations are essential for enhancing economic opportunities (SDG 8), promoting digital and industrial innovation (SDG 9), and fostering a more integrated and rules-based multilateral trade system (SDG 17). Originality/Value: This research contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive legal and policy analysis of ASEAN customs cooperation in the context of trade facilitation and sustainable development. By integrating trade law principles with sustainable economic growth (SDG 8), industrial modernization (SDG 9), and global trade partnerships (SDG 17), the study offers valuable insights for policymakers, trade negotiators, and businesses engaged in ASEAN’s economic integration.