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- Sense of place in geography and environmental education: a literature
review of empirical research
Abstract: Research on the concept of sense of place (SOP) has become increasingly important in recent years. However, literature is dominated by studies dealing with the concept outside the field of education. Yet its potential for geography and environmental education (GEE) is considerable. The aim of this literature review is to determine how SOP is conceptualised in research, what the focus of the research objectives are, which research methods are used to validate the concept in primary and secondary GEE, and to summarize the main research findings concerning both primary and secondary school students. Fifty relevant studies from two literature databases - Web of Science, and Scopus - were searched and analysed. The results show that students’ SOP is conceptualized predominantly through the sub-concept of place attachment, is examined predominantly through qualitative research methods, and that research has focused on the process of developing and fostering SOP, as well as identifying its potential in specific individuals. Place-based education and environmental education programs are effective in the process of students’ SOP formation. The conceptualization of students’ SOP and its empirical research can contribute to its effective implementation in GEE. This promotes the development of students’ relationship with the environment, which is one of the key aspects in the process of building their geographical and environmental literacy.
PubDate: Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Between urban and rural: towards an understanding of metropolitan edge
Abstract: The need to act on urban expansion has been a common concern throughout the history of urbanism. Different authors have shown how in industrialized countries the old distinctions between urban and rural become blurred. The location and conformation of new leisure, commercial and tertiary objects have become triggers for new looks at the urbanization edges of industrial cities. Although they have been less explored in non-industrial cities or cities with a lower degree of industrialization, different studies show that these characteristics seem to be combined there with other factors such as social housing, progressive expansion of the urban fabric and degraded areas. Nevertheless, could there be a theory that enlightens the conditions and transformations of the metropolitan edge and guides their research' The aim of this work is to compare four key approaches: spaces in socio-spatial transformation, multi-actor project, multiple, dynamic and heterogeneous uses, and non-universal spatial delimitation, focusing on three categories: concept, attribute, and methodology. This research is grounded in the selection of relevant publications based on their substantive scope, significant impact factor index, and/or number of citations, as well as the international recognition of researchers. These findings underscore the importance of theorizing the metropolitan edge as a process that transforms inherited spaces according to their socio-economic, historical, and environmental contexts. The results reflect the need for denominations and classifications that help us to differentiate analytically and cartographically the multiple landscapes of the metropolitan edge and question us about the specificity of this territory that extends between urban nuclei and rural space, the processes that have overlapped over time, and their logics.
PubDate: Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Visitor Mobility Patterns in Cultural Destinations: Exploring the
Cognitive Maps of San Sebastian and Bilbao, Inspired by Lynch (1960)
Abstract: Lynch’s (1960) Theory of Imageability explores how individuals perceive and navigate urban environments, emphasizing the role of paths, edges, districts, nodes, and landmarks. This theory highlights the significance of these elements in shaping people’s mental maps and enhancing their understanding and navigation of urban spaces. However, cultural tourism introduces complexities to Lynch’s framework due to its unique motivations, interests, and behaviours. This article investigates the relationship between visitor mobility patterns and urban morphology in the context of two cultural destinations: Bilbao and San Sebastian. The study utilizes Network Analysis of visitors’ GPS data to analyse the dynamics of visitor mobility within these urban environments. This data-driven approach facilitates a comprehensive understanding of how cultural destinations operate within their physical territories. Results reveal that both San Sebastian and Bilbao exhibit a distinct “D-shaped” mobility pattern, characterized by a clear and uncomplicated flow of movement. This finding aligns with Lynch’s theory (1960), emphasizing the importance of simplicity and legibility in shaping visitors’ cognitive maps and mental representations of the urban space. The concentration of cultural landmarks in the Old Town and the challenges of congestion and overtourism are brought to light through the network analysis of GPS data. The accompanying figures visually illustrate how the ease of navigation in these cities significantly contributes to the formation of visitors’ cognitive maps.
PubDate: Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- A spatiotemporal analysis of ageing trends in Slovakia and their societal
implications
Abstract: This study examines the changing age structure in Slovakia and ageing process, analyzing district-level data from 2001, 2010, and 2020. The research highlights significant ageing trends across most Slovak districts. These demographic changes have profound implications, including potential labor shortages, increased demand for healthcare and social services, social isolation, pension system strain, and shifting housing needs towards older adults. Understanding these trends and regional variations is vital for effective planning and provision of education, social services, and healthcare for diverse age groups in Slovakia. Our research underscores the complexity of implementing effective measures to mitigate the consequences of demographic ageing, given the regional disparities in ageing intensity. This study offers valuable insights for optimal planning. The challenges identified, such as financing social and healthcare systems and supporting vulnerable groups, are not unique to Slovakia but are shared by many countries undergoing similar demographic transitions. By examining Slovakia’s approach, we contribute to the broader discourse on demographic ageing and highlight the need for future research to focus on comparative studies between regions and countries. This will help identify best practices and innovative solutions that can be adapted to various socio-economic contexts, fostering international collaboration and informed policy-making to address the global impact of ageing populations.
PubDate: Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- The geography of individual charitable giving: do personal or regional
characteristics matter'
Abstract: Drawing on a highly detailed database of anonymized tax returns (N = 400,000) from Czechia (2008–2020), we aim to describe and explain regional patterns in individual giving. The key research question is to what extent regional differences are shaped by individual factors and to what extent by factors at the regional level, including regional economic performance and structure (industrial, ownership), position in the urban hierarchy, human and social capital, rurality, and political preferences. Czechia is a relatively small, developed, and ethnically homogeneous country, with a centralised tax system. Potential regional differences in individual giving are likely to be driven by particularities of economic structure and/or social capital. Hierarchical linear regression models with fixed effects were employed to distinguish the effects of these two groups of factors.
PubDate: Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Implementing multilevel environmental governance in Košice region
(Slovakia): interactions between regional policies, institutional
management, and individuals’ needs
Abstract: Multilevel governance concept has been increasingly coined by the EU environmental and climate adaptation policies, but its implementation in some countries faces the heavy dominance of state-level perspective in public discourse. This article explores interactions between regional policies (based especially on the Adaptation Strategy, the Nature Recovery Plan, and their action plans), institutional management (how public institutions approached environmental and climate adaptation needs through the design of their institutional areas), and individual needs (how individuals were considered and involved). Methodology includes the content analysis of documents framing regional policies and a questionnaire collected during September 2021 (in which 150 public institutions were addressed and 87 of them responded). Data show that even though the Košice region strived for holistic approach, cooperation, and participation, the proclaimed values and the real-life situation differed. The developed regional strategy was rather unbalanced, projects implemented by individual institutions seemed to be driven by financial aids rather than real needs, and individuals’ needs as well as their participation on implementing environmental policies were often neglected.
PubDate: Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Spatial model of wildfire susceptibility using Machine Learning approaches
on Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park, Indonesia
Abstract: Rawa Aopa National Park has experienced a severe wildfire. These fires are affected by several factors, including topography, meteorology, vegetation, and source of fire. This study uses a Machine Learning approach based on re-sampling methods (e.g. crossvalidation, bootstrap, and random subsampling) to evaluate, and improve the performance of twelve basic Machine Learning algorithms: Generalized Linear Model, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Boosted Regression Trees, Classification And Regression Tree, Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines, Mixture Discriminate Analysis, Flexible Discriminant Analysis, Maximum Entropy, Maximum Likelihood, Radial Basis Function, and Multi-Layer Perceptron, analyze the causes of wildfires, and the correlation between variables. The model is evaluated by Area Under Curve, Correlation, True Skill Statistics, and Deviance. The evaluation results show that Bt-RF has a good performance in predicting wildfire susceptibility in TNRAW with AUC=0.98, COR=0.96, TSS=0.97, and Deviance=0.15. An area of 644.88 km2 or the equivalent of 59.82% of the area is a wildfire susceptibility area with the concentration of fires occurring in the savanna ecosystem which is around 245.12 km2 or the equivalent of 88.95% of the jungle zone. Among the 17 parameters that cause fires, this area is strongly influenced by Maximum Temperature, Land Use Land Cover, and Distance from Road. There is a strong correlation between soil and distance from settlements = 0.96.
PubDate: Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
- Differentiation of developmental priorities of different-sized
municipalities in the period of acceleration of developmental changes –
an example of a mining region
Abstract: The aim of the research was to assess the developmental priorities of municipalities as they reflect the current policy objectives of the Czech Republic and the European Union, with a focus on the Green Deal and accelerating developmental changes in the external environment. To this end, the key priorities of the Just Transition Fund programme, which is designed for structurally affected regions in the Czech Republic, were selected. Specifically, these included themes in the areas of energy, waste management, transport, brownfield revitalisation and education. The method for obtaining information on the attitudes of municipalities was a questionnaire survey in 160 municipalities within the Ústí nad Labem Region, which also helped to assess the differences between small and large municipalities. The research found that municipalities are prioritising development in energy and waste treatment. At the same time, small municipalities, with under 1000 inhabitants, are slower to develop projects than larger municipalities, and larger municipalities were also more aware of the importance of sustainability issues for future municipal development.
PubDate: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Capitalism and infectious diseases spread' Narratives of COVID-19 in
Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria
Abstract: This study investigates the narratives surrounding COVID-19 in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. It assesses whether the narratives contained knowledge about the relationship between capitalist accumulation and expansion (CAnE) and the spread of COVID-19. Political ecologists argue that CAnE is associated with the spread of infectious zoonotic diseases like COVID-19. While studies on COVID-19 are growing, there has yet to be an exploration of ordinary people’s knowledge of the relationship between CAnE and COVID-19 spread, especially in Africa. Thus, this paper examines the narratives of COVID-19 in Nsukka to see whether they contain information about how COVID-19 spreads through CAnE. The findings revealed a significant evolution in the narratives of COVID-19 in Nsukka over time, reflecting changing perceptions and attitudes within the community. At the pandemic’s start, the dominant narratives centred around religious interpretations and scepticism about the virus’s reality. However, these initial religious and sceptical narratives gradually gave way to a different perspective, termed spatial othering, as the pandemic continued, suggesting that while acknowledging the virus as real, they believed it could not thrive in Nsukka or Nigeria. This shift was accompanied by the belief that the virus did not originate in the region and thus lacked agency to thrive there. The official government narrative, as observed in public health messages, primarily focused on hygiene and sanitation measures to curb the spread of the virus. Thus, it argues that political ecology knowledge about the pandemic is not acknowledged or endorsed in the ordinary people and government narratives, highlighting the need for diversified sources of knowledge, including non-conventional forms, to reach and educate local communities effectively. Hence, the central argument in the study is that even though CAnE can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 as formulated by political ecologists; this idea is absent in the narratives surrounding the pandemic in Nsukka. Whilst not discounting other sources of the pandemics and alternative perspectives, the study called for resistance against practices associated with capitalist expansion, highlighting the role of education in raising awareness, resistance and activism to address the vulnerabilities associated with capitalist expansion in the context of public health crises.
PubDate: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Visualising administrative division dynamics: transformation of borders
and names in the Bohemian-Saxonian borderland
Abstract: Regions are main building blocks of larger territorial units, but they also display high dynamics affecting how regional identities can be studied. The regional dynamics and multilayered nature ultimately require new approaches to their visual representation. The goal of this article is to present a novel approach to visual presentation of the administrative regions’ dynamics by cartographic means of representation in a synthetic map that can assist in the research of regional identities. We adopt the theory of the institutionalisation of regions, the administrative division of the state is a process in which the borders and names of regions are constantly transformed causing changes in the perception of the population. Then we analyse the laws on administrative division reforms and old/historical map documents. This enabled us to identify the dynamics of individual borders and names of administrative regions (choronyms) that form spaces with a higher or lower degree of stability. We propose a visualisation approach to represent such dynamics, and we assert that through cartographic visualisation of the degree of transformation in these spaces it is possible to get an insight into population’s awareness about the named regions and their delimitation.
PubDate: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Assessing current use and visions for sacral complexes in a landscape: An
example from Central Europe
Abstract: A significant phenomenon of sacral complexes in a landscape is their cultural heritage dimension. They are part of historical landscape structures, representing a type of cultural landscape. In addition, they are often perceived as important landscape landmarks and symbols. In Slovakia (Central Europe), most such complexes are abandoned and deteriorated. In this context presented paper deals with the assessment and possible future human use of Calvary in Hliník nad Hronom (Slovakia) in order to preserve it for future generations. A central aspect of our research work presented in this contribution is to elaborate a sustainable and feasible concept for the Calvary following the integrated approach of its revitalization. Firstly, we analyzed Calvary´s historical and regional setting with the help of a thorough review of literature, historical maps, and pictures. Then we evaluated architectural, landscape, and vegetation values, as well as landscape structure changes using relevant methodologies. Based on this evaluation, much fieldwork, and social survey we were able to identify the current problems of the place connected with abandonment and use, evaluated values, socio-economic factors, and preservation policies. Subsequently, we prepared a future concept for the Calvary following the selected criteria and distinguishing features and looking at the Calvary as a result of collective work. Finally, recommendations were formulated for legal framework and spatial planning procedures in order to enforce better preservation of values of sacral complexes in the country.
PubDate: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Land use classification system in Bangladesh: Inconsistencies, their
planning implications, and the way forward
Abstract: A unified land use classification system with mutually exclusive definitions of each land use category helps to avoid inconsistencies in the planning process and, most importantly, ensures effective implementation of development control tools. In Bangladesh, the planning authorities prepare land use plans by independently deciding the land use classes. This study aims to explore the nature of inconsistencies in the land use classification systems followed by different planning institutions in Bangladesh and understand their corresponding consequences. To conduct the study, land use plans prepared by different planning institutions have been collected. Based on descriptive analysis, the study shows that the types of land use classes in land use plans change over time, between administrative units, and in different parts of the country. Even authorities are not consistent in maintaining a classification system in their subsequent plans. Moreover, the plans retain ambiguous definitions of land use classes. The classification and definitions of the land use classes are not well linked with different national acts, rules, and policies relating to environmental and natural conservation, which makes it difficult to control development and protect natural, environmental, and cultural resources. This study has the potential to help us understand the importance of a unified land use classification system. Utilizing concept hierarchy, the study has also developed a system for land use classification in Bangladesh that will assist in future research, planning, and policymaking.
PubDate: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Measuring the Gender Gap Index using socio-economic variability: A case
study based on Modified Global Gender Gap Index (Sehore Municipal Council,
India)
Abstract: The present paper deals with the limited aspects of calculation of gender gap in terms of socio-economic variability measures in Sehore Municipal Council (Sehore M.C.), Madhya Pradesh, by partially utilizing Global Gender Gap Index of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Pronounced gender inequality in terms of Indian scenario and thrust of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) introduced by the United Nations, on Gender Equality (Goal-5), have made it pertinent to assess gender gap in terms of socio-economic variability. The present study, therefore aims to measure the gender inequality in the upcoming city of Sehore, a class I city as per 2011 Population Census, in Madhya Pradesh. The study adopts the methodology of the Global Gender Gap Index of the WEF, and applies it to 15 variables over 3 sub-indices obtained from the household survey of 940 women across selected 17 localities covering 4 wards in Sehore M.C. The methodology includes the standardization of the selected variables and preparation of the composite index. As per the composite index mapping, 35% of the localities belong to very poor category, while 29% of the localities belong to poor category. Nearly 12% of the localities belong to each satisfactory, good and very good categories. The study concludes with suggestions for the promotion of gender parity in the city apart from highlighting the ongoing activities of the government for the women’s empowerment in the Sehore city.
PubDate: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Provision of post construction support (PCS) services to state water
authorities in Nigeria: constraints and the way forward
Abstract: Post-construction Support (PCS) services refer to all forms of assistance/support given to water service providers (WSPs) to enable them to detect, correct and maintain water system infrastructure or prevent future system faults. PCS enhances the quality and sustainability of water supply services. This paper examines the provision of PCS to state water authorities in Nigeria. Specifically, we identified the sources of PCS and relevance of PCS; then we discussed the pattern of occurrence of system faults the bureaucracy associated with PCS provision across the sampled states. Finally, we examined the constraints to PCS provision and the options for overcoming the challenges. The study used empirical data derived from questionnaire surveys, through key informant interviews (KIIs) and from published literature. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. Results of the study revealed the current sources and patterns of PCS provision which vary widely across the sampled states. PCS is provided intermittently based on resource availability and on the willingness of the provider. The constraints and bureaucracies associated with PCS provision cause prolonged and avoidable delays and limit quality service delivery with often great consequences for the end users. WSPs lack legislative, and policy instruments to compel governments to act and ensure that PCS services are provided speedily and in a sustainable manner. The poor quality of service delivery in the area can be traced, in part, to a lack of needed PCS services. Consequently, the way forward for WSPs is to confront the dearth of PCS in the water supply sector frontally. Suggestions on how to surmount the dearth of PCS and improve the quality of service delivery in the area were advanced.
PubDate: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Flood-induced food insecurity and coping strategies: A gender-based
analysis of agrarian households in South-eastern Nigeria
Abstract: The study addressed flood-induced food insecurity and coping strategies in agrarian South-eastern Nigeria. Data were collected from 400 households in 8 communities. Food (in)security was measured using Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) and 92.8% households were found to be food insecure. The most adopted coping strategies were compromising food quantity and quality namely; skipping meals; reducing meal frequency and reducing meal portion size in descending order. The study revealed a gender-based disparity in coping strategies adopted between female- and male-headed households and this has been linked to income and asset poverty gaps including differential household food insecurity levels. The coping strategies adopted were self-devised strategies that provided short-term means of survival in times of food shortages. Thus, policy measures, such as social security and food safety nets that are sustainable are recommended to reduce vulnerability to flood-induced food insecurity, thereby improving adaptation to help achieve Goal 2 of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
PubDate: Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- The relation of alpine vegetation cover and geomorphic processes in the
Belianske Tatra Mts. (Slovakia)
Abstract: The geomorphic processes in high-mountain environments are crucial and often limiting factors of vegetation development. Studies based on the long-term field monitoring are still scarce, however, thus limiting our understandng to vegetation dynamics and the knowledge needed for effective conservation management. In this paper we interpret results of a 20 years long observation considering the relationship between alpine vegetation and intensity of geomorphic processes in the territory of seven permanent plots in the Belianske Tatra Mts. (Slovakia, Central Europe). In principle, these sites represent a “battle field” for ongoing geomorphic processes and vegetation. They are either gradually occupied by initial stages of ecological succession of vegetation or were occupied in the past with the vegetation being more or less destructed. The field research was combined with data collection for standard phytosociological relèves. Spatial distribution of particular tussocks or individuals on each field was drawn in detail. We observed the share of species and their spatial arrangement in relation to the control sites with uncovered substrate. Special attention was paid to measuring the intensity of geomorphic processes using various methods and carried out three times a year. The CANOCO software was used for quantitative evaluation of the phytosociological relèves data. We applied indirect gradient analysis of principal components (PCA) to find out the variability of vegetation and sites, and the direct gradient analysis (RDA) to explain the diversity of species ad the habitat characteristicsThe geomorphic processes affecting the extreme high-mountain environment were evaluated as the most crucial elements that determine the spatial distribution of vegetation, its particular species or overall nature of coppice fragmentation. The relief and mainly its spatial geomorphic attributes are therefore relevant phenomena of landscape that enable scientists to understand, for example the scale and hierarchy of vegetation arrangement. The relationship of vegetation and the intensity of geomorphic processes can be only considered and generalized on the basis of longtermed research.
PubDate: Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Has the geography of deprivation changed in post-reform urban India' A
Look into relative poverty and access to basic services
Abstract: The literature on the concentration of urban poverty has considered two kinds of locations as the pockets of poverty: slums (vs. non-slums) and towns (vs. cities). Moving beyond these binaries in discussing spatial concentration of urban poverty, we have made an intersection of these two kinds of residential locations in the post-reform India using four rounds of data from the National Sample Survey. The proportion of relatively poor households was lower in city slum areas than in towns (both slum and non-slum households). Next, this paper tries to find out the level of basic services availability across these intersectional spatial categories and how public policies respond to existing poverty. Availability of basic services was higher in city slums than in town non-slum households. Across all these urban areas, the poor had a lower access to services than the non-poor, and the gap between them had increased over time. These findings also pose serious concerns on the geographical targeting of poverty alleviation programmes in India and on iniquitous resources allocations for providing basic amenities
PubDate: Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Problem-solving procedures in spatially explicit tasks: comparing
procedures with printed and digital cartographic documents
Abstract: The aim of this research study is to compare the procedures for solving geographical problems with printed and digital cartographic products. These documents are used in various areas of society, including regional development or visual communication in the media. A total of 27 probands participated in the research. Individuals were randomly divided into two groups, one group working with a printed atlas and the other with a digital atlas in the same version. Respondents were tested using stationary and wearable eye-trackers while completing a didactic test to determine different levels of map skills. The results of the research showed that although the procedures and the success rate for solving the different tasks did not differ between the two groups of respondents, the differences were mainly in the time needed for the solution and in the satisfaction in the use of a given type of cartographic work.
PubDate: Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Using electronic record of sales to support fair budgetary allocations
across Czech municipalities
Abstract: The paper focuses on electronic record of sales, a tool enabling continuous monitoring and control of declared sales of business entities. Such systems have been recently gaining popularity in European countries. The objective of the paper is to analyse the possible use of electronic record of sales for a fairer redistribution of shared taxes according to the place where the taxable income was earned. We do not consider the current situation to be entirely fair, as sales may be realized in the whole territory of the country. However municipalities that help businesses achieve their income are not fairly rewarded for doing so. This usually gives larger municipalities an advantage at the expense of smaller ones. Currently, the tax administration has sufficient technical equipment to be able to identify the place where the revenue was received.
PubDate: Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Geospatial and Analytical Hierarchical Process approach for potential
sites of water harvesting in lower Kulsi basin, India
Abstract: Water crisis issues are common in rural and urban areas, which can be tackled honestly by planning and managing existing water resources. The site suitability map is the principal footstep of planning practice for a region’s sustainable surface and groundwater resource development. The paper aims to delineate and suggest suitable sites for water harvesting for sustainable water resource development by taking the lower Kulsi watershed as a study area. Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques are used in the multi-criteria decision-making process to identify a suitability map of water harvesting structures like percolation tanks, check dams, and surface farm ponds on the basin of the specific key factor of each design. About one hundred ninety-six sites are detected from the most suitable category of suitability based on particular criteria and suggestions for sustainable water conservation in the study area.
PubDate: Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
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