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Tourism is a critical sustainable social and economic activity that can empower local communities. The current study strived to explore decisive factors that might be used it promotes environmental protection. Governments worldwide might employ to improve conservation and the tourism sector. There is a need to sponsor more publications on tourism and the environment that provide rigor, insight, and significance. There is also a need to address critical impacts, including greenhouse gases for airlines, liquid wastes for cruise ships, water and energy conservation for urban hotels, vegetation clearance, and wildlife displacement for rural resorts, and a range of direct and indirect local impacts on plants and animals for nature-based and adventure tourism in parks and wilderness areas. Governments need to work on economic models that address; currency exchange rates; airfares and taxes; land tenure and wildlife ownership laws; transport infrastructure; police, quarantine, and border security; investment law; public protected-area systems; and a variety of social pressures and fashions. The most effective means to improve environmental management in tourism is through laws and regulations for development planning, pollution control, and protected areas. In developed nations, tourism threatens conservation as property developers push to build private facilities inside public protected areas. In developing nations, tourism is a tool to fund conservation in public parks and private or communal lands. Visitors to the public, and protected areas contribute political and financial capital to park agencies. A few private tourism operators have converted areas of private and communal land to conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper selected the data of 284 prefectural-level cities in China in the time range of 2011 to 2020 as the research sample, and established an index system of sustainable development consisting of 22 indicators including economic development, social progress, ecological environment and public institutions and so on, to comprehensive evaluate the sustainability of the cities. Total annual investment in pollution control is selected as the proxy variable of reform, and annual actual amount of foreign investment used is selected as the proxy variable of openingup, to empirically explore the impact of the two on sustainable development. The results of empirical analysis show that reform and opening-up has a significant positive impact on sustainable development. After fixing time and individual effect, it is found that the effect of reform is more prominent. Regional heterogeneity analysis shows that, the impact strength of reform and opening-up in the east is larger than that in the middle and west of China. To study the spatial auto-correlation and spillover effect, Moran's I was calculated and spatial Durbin model was constructed based on the weight matrix of geographical distance, which produced the results that spatial agglomeration is evident for sustainability, and that reform has a significant positive spillover effect. Further, considering the time auto-correlation of sustainability, a dynamic panel model is established, and dynamic threshold regression is carried out. Results show that lag effect of sustainability is significant, and a certain threshold must reform reach can sustainable development be promoted. This paper puts forward several policy suggestions in terms of formulating effective sustainable development strategy, to provide insights for new-pattern urbanization in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding all the possibilities of environmentally oriented landscape planning will contribute to the effective environmental planning of the territory and nature management in general. Accordingly, the purpose of the study was to investigate the experience of the European countries towards the introduction of an effective system of environmentally oriented landscape planning and improvement of territories, as well as their protection. For this purpose, it is necessary to comprehensively study the strengths and weaknesses of existing developments in the field of environmentally oriented landscape planning in Europe. An analysis of the best practices of environmentally oriented landscape planning in such countries as Great Britain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, etc. has been conducted. The findings allowed to state that the effectiveness of development and implementation of substantial planning for landscape design depends not only on the volume and depth of research, but to a very large extent from their reasonable and productive organisation. The paper summarises that in environmentally oriented landscape planning, it is first necessary to determine the reasons for planning. Before choosing the object and territory of planning, it is necessary to find out: who are the potential customers and investors -- their goals and motivation; what are the problem situations and conflicts in nature management in the area; what is the practical use of the results of landscape planning; the purpose of the territory, including cartographic; the availability of source information, and more. And then make decisions regarding the stages of landscape planning, taking into account the environmental component and, accordingly, the implementation of the idea of landscape planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article attempts to demonstrate the role of decision-making process in actions for sustainable development implemented as part of environmental protection, which is viewed here in a systemic way. The article presents the definition of a system and its surroundings (environment), and points out that environmental protection can be described in this systemic perspective both in general and specific terms. This makes it possible to indicate the scheme and structure of decision-making process. The article examines the possibility of applying Mazur's control system for designing a scheme of actions that would be adequate for environmental protection, with emphasis placed on the optimisation stage. The author shows that the system developed by Mazur can be used in the PDCA methodology, which is based on the Deming cycle and included in the ISO 14001 standard. As a result, the potential of the systemic approach to environmental protection is shown and it is explained how to move from this approach to a broader strategy for environmental protection and ultimately, to the implementation of sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature is known through empirical methods. The development of a scientific methodology enables us to reveal the secrets of nature. Hypothesis and theories are formulated in order to explain phenomena. However, in this ordered world there are also events that occur randomly. Within this framework, Grzegorz Bugajak's concept of chance will be applied to show its usefulness in the field of environmental protection. By referring to specific examples, we will discuss the circumstances of the occurrence of random phenomena in nature that create dilemmas for naturalists. Our aim is to single out an interpretation of Bugajak's concept of chance that can be usefully employed by ecologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review conducted in this paper provides for closer identification of social, psychological and economic determinants of effectiveness where environmental-protection instruments are concerned. It further supplies conclusions as to which of these instruments may prove most effective. Reference to research achievements in social psychology and behavioural economics sustains the idea that so-called "choice architecture" may enhance the effectiveness of local-government units' environmental protection instruments. Analysis further sustains the conclusion that - on account of the psychological impact - efforts to specify environmental costs in money terms yield better results than the (verbal or written) discussion of these costs as left unquantified. Beyond that, analysis of relevant literature points to best results being achieved where instruments translate into costs incurred individually, as well as perceived benefits. Adaptation of different instruments to different societal targets renders environmental policy more effective, providing that people are left aware of the fact that other members of their community behave in a similar way. The integration of environmental policy with other sectoral policies (e.g. spatial or health policy) offers another means of raising effectiveness. Finally, environment policy should be based on a culture of participation and consensus-building between the often-conflicting interests of municipal stakeholders, and supported by frequent and legible public-communication campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the perspective of management, reverse logistics constitutes a certain burden to the functioning of airports. In the light of the State Transport Policy for 2006 - 2025, the operation of such facilities in a manner that will enable the fulfillment of specific reverse logistics needs without causing threats becomes an important objective of airport security. The focus of reverse logistics is waste flows, and, in addition to returns, reverse logistics also takes into account the protection of natural resources and minimization of pollution. Reverse logistics is characterized by the fact that the direction of the flow of goods that have been partially utilized, but still have a certain value that can be recovered, is opposite to that in a traditional distribution channel. The article focuses on public security from the perspective of environmental threats, on the basis of the results of research studies in waste reverse logistics, at selected Polish civil airports, as a potential risk factor for ground operations in air transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to show what effect biotechnology can have on the quality of human life, and on the condition of the natural environment. A number of biotechnological processes have been analyzed that can significantly improve the quality of human life, while at the same time caring for the natural environment. The prospects for the development of these processes on the global and Polish market were also analyzed. As it turned out, some of the process analyzed need further refinement to be implemented on a global scale, while others may be successfully implemented in the coming years, contributing to the improvement of the quality of such aspects of human life high-quality food products, health protection and good public health. Biotechnological processes may also have wide application in the protection and remediation of the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a battleground, one theatre in what Pope Francis has referred to as a "World War" where universal human rights, ersatz rights, and Asian values clash. Its people seek to escape old style Asian dictators while at the same time ward off a new ideological colonisation. Part One of this article provides a brief overview of the development of ASEAN and its human rights mechanisms. Part Two then examines whether the original axiomatic listing of human rights or an iteration of human rights founded upon the human genome or a Kantian underpinning can legitimise human rights and, if not, whether reference to the human soul made in the image of God with its natural law may substantiate the human rights project, perhaps, articulated as congruent with the purpose and design courts now recognise in the natural laws found in every ecosystem of nature. Part Three contends that aspects of the public trust doctrine, i.e., the natural use principle and the precautionary principle, are analogous to natural law principles and, because 'the book of nature is one", these environmental law principles may help jurists to recognise a theory of natural law liability in order to promote and defend authentic human rights. Finally, the author recommends that NGOs of Catholic Inspiration should, when appropriate, appeal to immaterial realities, God and the human soul, as a firm foundation of human rights and, also, when appropriate, advance in domestic, regional and international venues a theory of natural law liability based on environmental law principles in order to promote and defend authentic human rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature species belonging to the white-rot fungi group are responsible degradation of wood components, mainly lignin but also partly cellulose, due to the specific ligninmodifying enzymes they synthesise. Nevertheless, these enzymes tend to act not only upon constituents of wood, but also other macromolecular compounds having within their structure the same bonds as the ones within a lignin and cellulose molecule. It has been reported that with the use of the mentioned enzymes it is possible to break down various recalcitrant organic pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, biphenyls or heavy metals. This bioremediation technique using fungi as a tool to remove such xenobiotics is called mycoremediation and shows more advantages when compared to bioremediation with the use of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human rights certainly belong to the most ambitious and, at the same time (rightly referred to as) fundamental rights. Without them, all others would only make an efficient instrument of oppression or unequal treatment. Interestingly, environmental protection does not hold an important place among them, although it is the natural environment that determines the existence of each human being. At least for this reason, it deserves more attention and respect. It guarantees satisfying all existential, spiritual and social needs, both in individual and group dimensions; it offers safety and development - in other words, the fundamental needs of every person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the result of treatments on ground fissures for environmental protection and scientific shallow coal seam mining. In the southwestern mining area of China, the traditional longwall mining method has caused a large area of surface sinkhole, ground fissures, vegetation deterioration and disorderly coal gangue. To solve these problems, an integrated treatment technology that includes ground fissure treatment technology and underground backfilled technology was proposed as a solution. The technical principle and technical process were explained in detail; the ground fissure treatment technology involves a "three-step treatment method", and the underground backfilled technology adopted a strip mining method with backfilling technology. The compression mechanical behavior of backfilled material, including coal gangue, fly ash and ordinary Portland cement, was studied; the mixed ratio of 1:0.3:0.18 was selected. In addition, the vertical stress, vertical displacement and plastic zone of the coal pillar were determined by FLAC3D numerical simulation, and a rational mining scheme of "11 m mining width, 2 m coal pillar width" was determined to be appropriate because of the lower vertical stress, smaller vertical displacement and better supporting capacity of the coal pillar. The monitoring results of ground sinkhole indicated that the maximal ground sinkhole deformation was 17.3 cm, and the deformation showed few changes after this technology was implemented. The treatment capacity of coal gangue and fly ash reached 821.150 t per year, and the vegetation survival rate of the ground fissure treatment area reached 85%. This integrated treatment technology could effectively control ground fissures and surface sinkhole as well as protect the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the views of two pioneers of environmental thought: Marian Raciborski and Jan Gwalbert Pawlikowski. The former was the author of a conservation programme of protecting nature which conceptualised valuable phenomena and objects of nature as natural monuments. The latter was the author of a peculiar ecological manifesto which demanded that nature should be treated as human's partner in the world, a partner deserving respect combined with care for its existence. In Poland, these were the first autonomous reflections at the beginning of the 20th century on the necessity of protecting nature and of humankind's relationships with nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper empirically analyzes individual attitudes on the tradeoff between environment and economy and factors that might influence such choice for two representative countries: China and the United States. Based on the World Value Survey, the Chinese are found more inclined to support environmental protection, while people from the United States choose economic growth as priority. Considering three sets of correlates of sociodemographics, environmental attitude and social context, variables such as education, political affiliation and environmental consciousness show significance in influencing personal preferences, and the effect of health, age, employment and marital status demonstrates heterogeneity across countries. Such micro-level evidence on how the public weighs the economy versus environment can provide policy guidance for the government to better respond to public opinions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the rational and responsible shaping of landscapes that takes into account the moral aspects of the relationship between human beings and landscape. This subject matter is presented in the light of two ideas striving to achieve similar goals and similar approaches to achieving them. The first reflection refers to the concept of sustainable development, according to which the management of landscape regarded as part of the environment where people live should seek to ensure the best possible conditions for the existence of contemporary and future generations. Landscape satisfies many material and spiritual needs, thus enhancing the quality of human life. The attainment of a high quality of life by people is the fundamental objective of sustainable development. The second point of reference is the teaching of the Catholic Church with regard to the relationship between human beings and the natural environment, as presented in the Encyclical Laudato Si' by Pope Francis. This text presents the Holy Father's stance on the contemporary ecological crisis and its impact on the living conditions and ethical attitudes of people. The Pope observes that the provision of decent living conditions is necessary for every human being to properly exist and develop. Thus Francis indicates the necessity of looking for solutions to the currently common moral dilemmas, including the problem of reconciling environmental protection, including landscape preservation, with human development needs. The reflections in the encyclical are not only a manifestation the Pope's concern for the Earth but they can also provide guidelines and an effective stimulus for shaping sustainable landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present the problem of geo-environmental assessment of prospective areas of mineral deposits occurrence in Poland. T he issue is discussed mainly based on data from the database of Geo-environmental map of Poland, scale 1:50 000 (MGśP II). While for proven deposits a classification based on environmental conditions has been used for many years, for prospective areas of mineral occurrence such an assessment is not conducted. T aking into consideration not only protection of the natural environment, but also protection of mineral resources in Poland, it is necessary to review the approach to areas with prospective mineral resources from the point of view of their role in land use planning. Such prospective areas have - depending on the type of mineral in question, how large an area has been prospected, its geological structure - highly diverse surface area, from just a few to thousands of hectares. T his means the approach to environmental assessments of prospective areas of mineral occurrence must be different from that for already proven locations of mineral resources. The article presents quantitative characteristics of prospective areas of mineral occurrence presented on the aforementioned MGśP II map for Poland. We propose herein criteria for environmental evaluation of such prospective areas, differentiating them mainly depending on the type of mineral, manner of exploitation, surface area and land use legal forms, as well as possibility of future reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the impact of public environmental protection expenditure on economic growth. Estimating the strength of this relationship is of particular importance in the context of the recent global economic crisis. The paper is organized as follows. Firstly, theoretical model showing the mechanism of public environmental protection expenditure impact on GDP is presented. Then the results of an empirical study are shown. The study is conducted for the eleven countries of Central Europe. Econometric panel model is applied, which takes into account both time and cross-sectional dimension of the analyzed phenomenon, because, as indicated in the article, relying only on the variation over time may lead to misleading conclusions. The estimations based on panel model, conducted for the years 2001-2012, shows that the increase in public environmental protection expenditure has a positive effect on economic growth. Due to the fact that the analyzed period is heterogeneous, that is it covers both the period before the global economic crisis, and during its lifetime, calculations were also performed for two sub-periods. Results reveal that public environmental protection expenditure has stronger influence on GDP during crisis. Hence, the study shows that public environmental protection expenditure have no negative impact on economic growth, and its positive effects are strongest in case of economies affected by the global financial crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication analyses the possibilities of mining for rock raw materials from documented and unexploited rock raw material deposits within the legally protected areas of a voivodenship (Polish province). The research shows that within the legally protected areas of the selected voivodeship, there were 39 such deposits with total resources of 985.2 millionMg. These deposits are located within the following areas: Natural Landscape Parks, Landscape Protection Areas, Natura 2000 areas, underneath the retention reservoir S³up (1 gravel and sand deposit), as well as within the areas of two Natural Landscape Parks planned to be designed. Analysis of the deposits shows that environmental considerations do not exclude prospective mineral resources extraction; however, they limited such extraction to a great extent. Raw material deposits could only be exploited pursuant to the Polish Act of 9 June 2011 Geological and Mining Law, that is, after obtaining a concession for mining activities within a particular area. One of the attachments to the concession application form is the prior decision on environmental conditionings for undertaking execution pursuant to Article 72 of the Act on Access to Information on the Environment. The crucial part of obtaining the approval for the undertaking is conducting the so-called impact evaluation procedure. This procedure is aimed at preventing an unfavourable influence on the environment from the planned undertaking. Additionally, in the case of legally protected areas, the possibilities of mining are conditioned by the Polish Environmental Protection Act, and in the case of Natural Landscape Parks by the legal act establishing a certain Landscape Park. In the legal acts establishing 3 particular Landscape Parks (Bóbr Valley Landscape Park, Rudawy Landscape Park, and Che³my Landscape Park) there are total bans on executing undertakings that could considerably influence the environment, as well as on obtaining rocks, fossils, and minerals for economic purposes. That means that 8 deposits located within the areas of these Parks could not be exploited. The only exception here is the deposit of amphibolite 'Wieoeciszowice', due to the provisions of the act establishing the Rudawy Landscape Park concerning the possibility of mining for minerals if the conducted evaluation procedure shows a lack of unfavourable influence on the nature of the Park. In the case of Landscape Protection Areas and Natura 2000 areas, mining of the documented deposits is possible under the condition that the conducted impact evaluation procedure shows a lack of considerable negative influence of the investment on the nature of the protected area, and on the protection objectives of the Natura 2000 area. The analysis has also shown that sand and gravel exploitation is impossible from underneath the S³up retention reservoir. This is caused by the established water intake protection zone that includes the reservoir basin and its hydraulic structures, and which completely eliminates the possibilities of mining for minerals in that area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment (OPI&E) is the largest programme in the current programming period. EU involved in its implementation more than 28 billion EUR, which constitutes approx. 42% of all funds for the Cohesion Policy in Poland. 81% of these funds is already allocated. The programme aims at the improvement of Poland and its regions' investment attractiveness through the development of technical infrastructure at the same time protecting and improving the condition of environment, health, maintaining cultural identity and developing territorial cohesion. Within the framework of the programme, large infrastructural investments are implemented within the scope of environmental protection, transport, power industry, culture, national heritage, health care and higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food industry enterprises, characterized by a high dispersion and fragmentation of business, have a significant impact on the level of pollutants emitted in Lubelskie voivodeship. A comparative analysis of statistical data for the years 2004 and 2008 was carried out, including especially: water use, air emissions, wastewater emissions and waste generation. In addition, there was analyzed the level and structure of proecological investments made by the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]