• Title/Summary/Keyword: Environmental NGOs

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WETLANDS CONSERVATION AND ITS VISION FOR TAIWAN

  • Chiau, Wen-Yan
    • Proceedings of the Korean Environmental Sciences Society Conference
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    • 2002.05a
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    • pp.29-44
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    • 2002
  • Wetlands provide vital habitats for fish and wildlife while offering numerous other benefits. As in some other countries, however, Taiwan has witnessed the loss of a significant portion of its coastal wetlands due to large-scale reclamation projects along the coast. Most of the wetlands that still remain are seriously being threatened by both human activities and natural changes, such as drainage for agricultural production, filling for industrial development, discharge of wastes and drought. The administrative performance of the existing authorities and legislation in Taiwan has mostly been ineffective in protecting these precious, sensitive areas. This paper introduces the distribution of wetlands in Taiwan and highlights their invaluable functions and potential economic value. It also discussed the recent activities, both initiated by the government and the NGOs, to protect wetlands in Taiwan. Based on the above discussion, the paper identifies the wide-range of current problems related to their management and proposes the vision should have to save wetlands for the future. It argues that establishing clear policies and effective institutional mechanisms on wetland protection and conservation, classifying the wetlands for better management, and fully promoting public awareness and consciousness of the importance of the wetlands will not only be beneficial but will also address the urgent need to safeguard the wetlands in Taiwan. Additionally, the paper recognizes that international cooperation and collaboration on wetland restoration is essential and most challenging.

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What Drives Residential Consumers Willingness to Use Green Technology Applications in Malaysia?

  • OTHMAN, Nor Salwati;HARUN, Nor Hamisham;ISHAK, Izzaamirah
    • The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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    • v.8 no.10
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    • pp.269-283
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    • 2021
  • The government policies and initiatives to guarantee sustainable energy and clean environmental conditions contributed to the introduction of green technology electricity appliances in the market. This study sought to determine the physiological and socio-economics-demographic factors driving residential electricity consumers to use green technology electricity appliances, mainly solar PV, smart meter, electric vehicle, and battery storage technology. By understanding consumer intention, the investors of solar PV, battery storage, electric vehicle, and smart meter can estimate the demand and upscale the market for the corresponding products. For that purpose, the intention to use the solar PV, smart meter, electric vehicle, and battery storage function is developed by utilizing the combination of the theory of planned behavior, technology acceptance, and reasoning action. A reliable and valid structured online questionnaire and stepwise multiple regression are used to identify the possible factors that drive consumer behavior intention. The results show that the social influence, knowledge on RE, and perceived price significantly influence residential consumers' willingness to adopt the technologies offered. The findings of this study suggest that the involvement of NGOs, public figures, and citizens' cooperation are all necessary to spread information about the government's objectives and support Malaysia's present energy and environmental policies.

Study on the Current status and Direction of Environmental Governance around Urban forest in Korea : With a Focus on the Recognition of Local Government Officials (도시숲의 환경거버넌스 현황과 방향성에 관한 연구 : 지자체 담당자의 인식 분석을 중심으로)

  • Kim, Jae-Hyun;Tae, Yoo-Lee;Chang, Chu-Youn;Kim, Kyung-Mok
    • Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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    • v.99 no.4
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    • pp.580-589
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    • 2010
  • In Korea, Public demand for quality of life is increasing gradually with socioeconomic growth. It is really necessary urban forestry because urban forest is one of the important factors in citizen's living environment. There is expected to participate government, citizen, NGOs and the corporate sector in urban forestry. This study was investigated the directions of environmental governance in urban forestry focused local government. As a result, urban forestry official recognized the importance of urban forestry by partnership. In order to manage urban forest efficiently, the committee must be comprised of various stakeholder and researcher have need to develop support system for management. Especially, it shows that they prefer corporations participate to create and manage urban forest.

The Study on the International Inclination of Policy Decision in Environmental Problem (정책결정의 환경문제와 국제적 성향에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Kyung Woo
    • International Area Studies Review
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    • v.15 no.3
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    • pp.127-143
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    • 2011
  • The purpose of this paper is to examine whether strategic decision-making processes are related to decision effectiveness, using a longitudinal field study design. We studied 120 decisions to determine if procedural rationality and political behavior influence decision success, controlling for the goodwill of the environment and decision implementation. Our results indicate that decision-making processes are indeed related to decision success. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of strategic choice in environmental organizations. these studies often provided simple fragments of empirical tests without a well developed theoretical framework. This study attempts to fill this gap by examining policy adoption, specifically by investigating influences on policy decision making across 120 nations using multiple-regression analysis. The greater the number of international NGOs in which a national governmental participates, the more the nation is apt to adopt international environmental policies to see how real affect.

Impact of Nuclear Tests on Deforestation in North Korea using Google Earth-Based Spatial Images

  • Ki, Junghoon;Sung, Minki;Choi, Choongik
    • Journal of People, Plants, and Environment
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    • v.22 no.6
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    • pp.563-573
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    • 2019
  • The North Korean government conducted its first nuclear test in 2006 and more recently the sixth nuclear test on September 3, 2017. In order to identify how North Korea's nuclear tests have affected the environment, a scientific approach is required. Although North Korea's nuclear tests and their environmental destruction are not a severe threat to the environment of the Korean Peninsula at this time, identifying environmental damage and taking countermeasures in advance are essential to minimize their potential threats to the environments. The purpose of this study is to study the environmental impact of North Korea's nuclear tests using Google Earth image analysis. As a method of the study, we compare Google Earth images taken before and after each nuclear test was conducted in North Korea. To overcome limitations of the suggested comparison method, we cross-checked our results with those of previous scientific research. After the 1st-3rd nuclear tests, green spaces were found to be considerably reduced. In particular, when comparing the Google Earth images before and after the second nuclear test, some ground subsidences were observed. Such subsidences can cause tunnels on the mountainsides and cracks in rocks around the mountains, leading to the release of radioactive materials and contaminating groundwater. Besides, after the 4th-6th nuclear tests, decay and deforestation were observed not in the nuclear test sites, but in their surrounding areas. Especially after the 5th and 6th nuclear tests, the topography and the forests of the surrounding areas were severely damaged. In relation to North Korea's nuclear tests and their impact on the natural environment, we need to prepare various policy measures to reduce North Korea's environmental pollution and natural environment destruction. Those policy measures include the establishment of various cooperative governance between the Korean government, the private sector, the academia, NGOs, and international organizations.

Disaster Assessment and Mitigation Planning: A Humanitarian Logistics Based Approach

  • Das, Kanchan;Lashkari, R.S.;Biswas, N.
    • Industrial Engineering and Management Systems
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    • v.12 no.4
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    • pp.336-350
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    • 2013
  • This paper proposes a mathematical modeling-based approach for assessing disaster effects and selecting suitable mitigation alternatives to provide humanitarian relief (HR) supplies, shelter, rescue services, and long-term services after a disaster event. Mitigation steps, such as arrangement of shelter and providing HR items (food, water, medicine, etc.) are the immediate requirements after a disaster. Since governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) providing humanitarian aid need to know the requirements of relief supplies and resources for collecting relief supplies, organizing and initiating mitigation steps, a quick assessment of the requirements is the precondition for effective disaster management. Based on satellite images from weather forecasting channels, an area/dimension of the disaster-affected zones and the extent of the overall damage may often be obtained. The proposed approach then estimates the requirements for HR supplies, supporting resources, and rescue services using the census and other government data. It then determines reliable transportation routes, optimum collection and distribution centers, alternatives for resource support, rescue services, and long-term help needed for the disaster-affected zones. A numerical example illustrates the applicability of the model in disaster mitigation planning.

The Pursuit of Public Benefit in Fashion Enterprises (패션기업의 공익 추구 현상)

  • Ko, Hyun-Zin
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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    • v.34 no.10
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    • pp.1717-1730
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    • 2010
  • This research analyzes the recent phenomenon of pursuing public benefit in fashion enterprises according to the increasing importance of corporate social responsibility attitudes towards the global sustainability crisis. The pursuit of public benefit in fashion enterprises has been realized by the activities that contribute to public welfare through one or plural corporations aligned with government, social corporations, and NGOs. The goals of public beneficial activities are to promote public issues and to support the underprivileged and communities both financially and voluntarily. Such activities can be categorized as philanthropy, sponsorship, social marketing, cause-related marketing, and public benefit product development. Especially public beneficial activities in fashion enterprises are featured as the charity donations of apparel products, the collaboration with fashion celebrities and artists in relation with popular culture and art, the limited edition of excellent design with slogans, and the visual campaigns to promote public issues. They deal with human right issues for the underprivileged and disease prevention issues. In addition, specially environmental issue and community trade issues (often raised in the fashion manufacturing and consuming process) are increasing.

The Identity and Some Practical Suggestions of The Demolishing Walls Campaign in Daegu City (대구광역시 담장허물기운동의 정체성과 나아갈 방향)

  • Kim Soo-Bong;Jung Eung-Ho;Lee Seung-Ji
    • Journal of the Korean housing association
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    • v.17 no.3
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    • pp.51-60
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    • 2006
  • Ten years have passed since the Demolishing Walls Campaign has started in Daegu. Recently, the campaign influenced to the other cities in Korea, such as Seoul, Incheon and Busan with various names regarding cities' circumstances. In these context, the study aims to highlight the identity of the Demolishing Walls Campaign compare Daegu with other cities where similar movement has started. In addition, the study evaluates the campaign in terms of physical, psychological and economical aspects to suggest some practical suggestion for the development of the campaign based on questionnaire survey. The research findings are as follows. The research shows that the identity of the Daegu Campaign is started by bottom-up approach based on citizens' participation compare with others cities' campaigns which are mainly started by the local government so called top-down method. The Daegu campaign influences the local people aware of their potential abilities in positively improving urban environment. The results of survey also highlights the advantages of green spaces which by the campaign in terms of environmental and economical aspects. Newly generating urban greens accept and store heat which Influences urban microclimate conditions and it possibly affects energy savings of the city. Most of survey participants eager to continue this campaign which shows positive results in various aspects by the local people. Therefore, the city government building a coalition of local people, NGOs, and interest group to keep the identity of the campaign in Daegu.

Forestry in Malaysia : An Institutional Overview

  • Nor, Salleh Mohd.
    • Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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    • v.76 no.3
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    • pp.249-255
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    • 1987
  • Forestry as with all land matters, under the Constitution, is a State matter. Thus the States, numbering 14, have considerable autonomy in decisions on forestry and related matters. However, the Federal Government, having jurisdiction over such issues as defence, education and research, endeavours to coordinate, standardise and advise the States on matters where the States have jurisdiction. However, forestry being a major revenue earner, is jealously guarded by the States. Under such circumstances and recognising the interdependencies of impacts of decisions at the State level, the institutional organisations play an important role in coordinating state activities to ensure that the benefits to the country as a whole are not sacrificed in favour of interests of individual state. Various legislative mechanisms have been established to ensure this coordinated effort. A National Forestry Council forms the apex of national political coordination. The Federal Forestry Department is responsible for coordination of developmental activities at the State level, which are implemented be the State Forestry Departments within Peninsular Malaysia. Research is carried out centrally by the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia(FRIM), a statutory body formed in 1985 from a research division of the Forestry Department. The Stares of Sabah and Sarawak have their own Forestry Departments, independent of the Federal Department, and each with its own research unit independent of FRIM. Tertiary education in forestry is the sole responsibility of the Agricultural University at Serdang with a campus for Diploma level training in Sarawak. In the developmental area in the State of Sabah, institutions have been formed to focus on specific areas of activities. The Sabah Foundation is responsible for the long term development of the State forests with a concession of about one million ha. Sabah Forest Development Authority(SAFODA) was formed to carry out reforestation of denuded areas. Sabah Forest Industries Ltd.(SFI) is responsible for the country's only integrated pulp and paper industry with its own afforestation program to support its resource supply. In Peninsular Malaysia various states have established State Corporations to manage large "sustained yield" concessions. While wildlife and state parks are managed by the respective forestry departments in Sabah and Sarawak, it is the responsibility of a separate department in Peninsula Malaysia called the Department of Wildlife and National Parks(under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment). Timber trade legislation and promotion in the Peninsular is the responsibility of the Malaysian Timber Industries Board(MTIB) for Peninsular Malaysia and the Sarawak Timber Industries Development Corporation(STIDC) in Sarawak. In the area of NGOs ; the Institute of Foresters Malaysia, is the professional body of forestry in the country. A Malaysian Forestry Society caters for the public participation and interest. Other environmentally related NGOs such as the Malayan Nature Society, the Environmental Protection Society, World Wildlife Fund, Friends of the Earth and the Consumers Associations also involve themselves in specific forestry activities. A number of timber trade associations are also formed by the private sector to assist the industries.

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How to Reflect Sustainable Development in Overseas Investment including Equator Principles (해외투자(海外投資)와 지속가능발전 원칙 - 적도원칙(赤道原則)(Equator Principles)을 중심으로 -)

  • Park, Whon-Il
    • 한국무역상무학회:학술대회논문집
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    • 2006.06a
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    • pp.45-72
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    • 2006
  • The Equator Principles are a set of voluntary environmental and social guidelines for ethical project finance. These principles commit banks and other signatories to not finance projects that fail to meet these guidelines. The principles were conceived in 2002 on an initiative of the International Finance Corporation and launched in 2003. Since then, dozens of major banks have adopted the Principles, and with these banks among them accounting for more than three quarters of all project loan market volume the Principles have become the de facto standard for all banks and investors on how to deal with potential social and environmental effects of projects to be financed. While regarding the Principles an important initiative, NGOs have criticised the Principles for not producing real changes in financing activities and for allowing projects to go through that should have been screened out by the Principles, such as the Sakhalin-II oil and gas project in Russia. In early 2006, a process of revision of the principles was begun. The Equator Principles state that endorsing banks will only provide loans directly to projects under the following circumstances: - The risk of the project is categorized in accordance with internal guidelines based upon the environmental and social screening criteria of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). - For all medium or high risk projects (Category A and B projects), sponsors complete an Environmental Assessment, the preparation of which must meet certain requirements and satisfactorily address key environmental and social issues. - The Environmental Assessment report addresses baseline environmental and social conditions, requirements under host country laws and regulations, applicable international treaties and agreements, sustainable development and use of renewable natural resources, protection of human health, cultural properties, and biodiversity, including endangered species and sensitive ecosystems, use of dangerous substances, major hazards, occupational health and safety, fire prevention and life safety, socio-economic impacts, land acquisition and land use, involuntary resettlement, impacts on indigenous peoples and communities, cumulative impacts of existing projects, the proposed project, and anticipated future projects, participation of affected parties in the design, review and implementation of the project, consideration of feasible environmentally and socially preferable alternatives, efficient production, delivery and use of energy, pollution prevention and waste minimization, pollution controls (liquid effluents and air emissions) and solid and chemical waste management. - Based on the Environmental Assessment, Equator banks then make agreements with their clients on how they mitigate, monitor and manage those risks through an 'Environmental Management Plan'. Compliance with the plan is required in the covenant. If the borrower doesn't comply with the agreed terms, the bank will take corrective action, which if unsuccessful, could ultimately result in the bank canceling the loan and demanding immediate repayment. - For risky projects, the borrower consults with stakeholders (NGO's and project affected groups) and provides them with information on the risks of the project. - If necessary, an expert is consulted. The Principles only apply to projects over 50 million US dollars, which, according to the Equator Principles website, represent 97% of the total market. In early 2006, the financial institutions behind the Principles launched stakeholder consultations and negotiations aimed at revising the principles. The draft revised principles were met with criticism from NGO stakeholders, who in a joint position paper argued that the draft fails by ignoring the most serious critiques of the principles: a lack of consistent and rigorous implementation.

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