Crab culture potential in southwestern Bangladesh: alternative to shrimp culture for climate change adaption

Outbreaks of disease, price increases, international competition and impact of climate change has setback shrimp culture in the coastal region of Bangladesh. In this changing environment, crab has emerged as a potential exportable commodity in the country. Farmers are transferring to crab farming as it is less susceptible to disease, resistant to adverse environmental conditions and has a good market price. This paper highlights the application of remote sensing and GIS for crab culture potential. The paper discusses the imminent capabilities of satellite imaging technology and Multi criteria evaluation (MCE) module in GIS environment for development of sustainable crab aquaculture consisted physical, environmental and socioeconomic data to evaluate coastal land based criteria for mud carb farming based on water quality, water availability, salinity, risks of flooding, soil types, topography, land use/land cover; infrastructure, inputs, seed sources, market and support services. All the layers with associated attribute data were digitally encoded in a GIS database to create thematic layers. The database was verified to remove the inconsistency if any. The expert opinions were combined into the model by assigning weights of relative importance to evaluate crab farming and land suitability was categorized as very suitable, moderate suitable, marginal suitable and currently not suitable by implementing the logical criteria. MCE identified a range of suitable land parcels with unique characteristics. The resultant map reveals that a considerable amount of land (28.33%) fell under very suitable category which is situated in the northwest and southwestern part of the area. On the other hand, majority of the land parcel (62.22%) fell within the moderately suitable group that is scattered throughout the area and approximately 9.45% of land was only marginally suitable for crab culture. However, there is no land parcel designated as unsuitable in the present study for crab culture. The suitability output is replicable within the study area and transferable to other areas for other cultured specie

A multi-scale method to assess pesticide contamination risks in agricultural watersheds

The protection of water is now a major priority for environmental managers, especially around drinkingpumping stations. In view of the new challenges facing water agencies, we developed a method designedto support their public policy decision-making, at a variety of different spatial scales. In this paper, wepresent this new spatial method, using remote sensing and a GIS, designed to determine the contami-nation risk due to agricultural inputs, such as pesticides. The originality of this method lies in the useof a very detailed spatial object, the RSO (Reference Spatial Object), which can be aggregated to manyworking and managing scales. This has been achieved thanks to the pixel size of the remote sensing, witha grid resolution of 30 m × 30 m in our application.The method – called PHYTOPIXAL – is based on a combination of indicators relating to the environmen-tal vulnerability of the surface water environment (slope, soil type and distance to the stream) and theagricultural pressure (land use and practices of the farmers). The combination of these indicators for eachpixel provides the contamination risk. The scoring of variables was implemented according knowledgein literature and of experts.This method is used to target specific agricultural input transfer risks. The risk values are first calculatedfor each pixel. After this initial calculation, the data are then aggregated for decision makers, accordingto the most suitable levels of organisation. These data are based on an average value for the watershedareas.In this paper we detail an application of the method to an area in the hills of Southwest France. Weshow the pesticide contamination risk by in areas with different sized watersheds, ranging from 2 km2to 7000 km2, in which stream water is collected for consumption by humans and animals. The resultswere recently used by the regional water agency to determine the protection zoning for a large pumpingstation. Measures were then proposed to farmers with a view to improving their practices.The method can be extrapolated to different other areas to preserve or restore the surface water

Incorporating bio-physical sciences into a decision support tool for sustainable urban planning

Deciding upon optimum planning actions in terms of sustainable urban planning involves the consideration of multiple environmental and socio-economic criteria. The transformation of natural landscapes to urban areas affects energy and material fluxes. An important aspect of the urban environment is the urban metabolism, and changes in such metabolism need to be considered for sustainable planning decisions. A spatial Decision Support System (DSS) prototyped within the European FP7-funded project BRIDGE (sustainaBle uRban plannIng Decision support accountinG for urban mEtabolism), enables accounting for the urban metabolism of planning actions, by exploiting the current knowledge and technology of biophysical sciences. The main aim of the BRIDGE project was to bridge the knowledge and communication gap between urban planners and environmental scientists and to illustrate the advantages of considering detailed environmental information in urban planning processes. The developed DSS prototype integrates biophysical observations and simulation techniques with socio-economic aspects in fiveEuropean cities, selected as case studies for the pilot application of the tool. This paper describes the design and implementation of the BRIDGE DSS prototype, illustrates some examples of use, and highlights the need for further research and development in the field

Recommendation domains for pond aquaculture

This publication introduces the methods and results of a research project that has developed a set of decision-support tools to identify places and sets of conditions for which a particular target aquaculture technology is considered feasible and therefore good to promote. The tools also identify the nature of constraints to aquaculture development and thereby shed light on appropriate interventions to realize the potential of the target areas. The project results will be useful for policy planners and decision makers in national, regional and local governments and development funding agencies, aquaculture extension workers in regional and local governments, and researchers in aquaculture systems and rural livelihoods. (Document contains 40 pages

VISUALIZATION-BASED DECISION SUPPORT FOR OPTIMIZING SITE SELECTION:QUARRIES IN LEBANON; WHERE TO?

Traditionally the term visualization has been used to describe the process of graphically conveying or presenting end results. This paper argues that the utility of visualization approaches extends beyond these limits as it plays key role in fields of exploration, analysis and presentation, which enhances planner\u27s capabilities to solve complex planning problems. It proposes a transdisciplinary method that combines visualization approaches to site selection, integrated with spatial scenario planning, and stakeholder participation. However, it focuses on visualization as it relates to spatial data, to be applied to all the stages of problem-solving in geographical analysis, from development of initial hypotheses, through knowledge discovery, analysis, presentation and evaluation. It uses three different spatial scenarios – nature conservation, residential expansion, and sustainable development- to investigate the potentials of GIS based visualization to develop maps of a range of plausible future for possible quarrying locations in Lebano

Developing a Land Suitability Index for Agricultural Uses in Dry Lands From Geologic Point of View Using GIS - a Case Study From Jordan

DOI:10.17014/ijog.2.2.63-76In the context of the study, a Multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) in GIS was used in developing suitability index to optimize suitable lands for agricultural uses and seasonal farming in dry lands from geologic point of view. This study was performed in the areas between Mafraq and Zarqa Cities in Jordan which are classified as arid lands. The study aims at protecting groundwater from pollution, reducing soil salting, reducing irrigation water loss caused by evaporation, and increasing crop productivity. The geo-environmental parameters of the named area including geology, groundwater depths, soil depths and textures, climatic conditions, topographic settings, and groundwater vulnerability conditions were mapped and converted into layers with special rates, given weights, and then modeled using the multi criteria evaluation (MCE) option, using Decision Making Modeling in IDRISI (GIS software) to reach at the best choice of lands for agricultural activities, and also to determine which of these lands are suitable for summer farming and which are suitable for winter farming

GIS-based optimal localisation of beekeeping in rural Kenya

A Geographic Information System (GIS) based multi-criteria site suitability evaluation provides the means to locate potential beekeeping areas in rural Kenya. The criteria considers specific environmental and socio-economic variables. The resulting suitability maps analyse several locations where environmental variables aim to favour the location of beekeepers close to protected areas and forests, while socio-economic variables target isolated villages, and small farmers.A Geographic Information System (GIS) based multi-criteria site suitability evaluation provides the means to locate potential beekeeping areas in rural Kenya. The criteria considers specific environmental and socio-economic variables. The resulting suitability maps analyse several locations where environmental variables aim to favour the location of beekeepers close to protected areas and forests, while socio-economic variables target isolated villages, and small farmers. Fostering beekeeping helps the development of a sustainable economic activity that could help the locals to preserve the natural forest. As a non timber forest product (NTFP) honey production can be used as an alternative source of income, and a deterrent to extractive unsustainable practices. Moreover, this study aims to contribute with poverty alleviation, and therefore targets small poor rural communities where beekeeping could be a sustainable economic activity, and an important contributor to household income. Therefore, those variables are also relevant to the assessment of potential areas for honey production. Hence this study provides a tool and a method to acquire a broad scale (National, Province level) understanding of which locations in rural Kenya fulfil the criteria for beekeeping. In order to identify these potential areas the study considers many relevant variables. This broad scale perspective serves as a preliminary overview of potential locations. Decision making with help of a GIS-based Multi-criteria Decision Analysis Furthermore, this research aims to provide an alternative methodology for the location of beekeepers in rural Kenya at a primary stage. The objective of the method is to aid bee-honey retailers organizations with a GIS-based Multi Criteria Evaluation (MCE). The GIS-based MCE will enable these organizations to have a quick overview of the potential areas for beekeeping in rural Kenya considering specific variables. For the case of this research those factors are socio- economic and environmental

Modelo de evaluación multicriterio para la identificación de áreas adecuadas para reúso de aguas residuales tratadas en agricultura

A model of land suitability analysis for irrigation with treated domestic wastewater is presented. The model integrates tools of Multi-Criteria Evaluation with Geographical Information Systems. Several criteria were selected to adapt the model to the condi-tions and characteristics of the case study. The adaptation process included field visits, a bibliographical review, and personal interviews with local actors and experts. Six constraints and 10 factors were selected and 3158 hectares suitable for the activity were identified. The areas were classified into three categories of aptitude, representing high fitness sites close to the current wastewater treatment plant. The developed tool allowed us to integrate different criteria to assess site suitability for wastewater reuse, with the advantage that the tool can be adapted to other regions and/or objectives.Se presenta un modelo de análisis de viabilidad de áreas para riego con aguas residuales domésticas tratadas. El modelo integra herramientas de evaluación multi-criterios con sistemas de información geográfica. Se seleccionaron varios criterios para adaptar el modelo a las condiciones y características del estudio de caso. El proceso de adaptación incluyó visitas de campo, revisión bibliográfica y entrevistas personales con actores y expertos locales. Se seleccionaron seis limitantes y 10 factores y se identificaron 3158 hectáreas aptas para la actividad. Las áreas se clasificaron en tres categorías de aptitud, que representan sitios de alta viabilidad cerca de la planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales en funcionamiento. La herramienta desarrollada nos permitió integrar diferentes criterios para evaluar la viabilidad del sitio para la reutilización de aguas residuales, con la ventaja de que la herramienta se puede adaptar a otras regiones y objetivos.Fil: Gatto D'andrea, María Laura. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía no Convencional. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Física. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía no Convencional; ArgentinaFil: Iribarnegaray, Martín Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía no Convencional. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Física. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía no Convencional; ArgentinaFil: Tejerina, Walter Alfredo. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Salas Barboza, Ariela Griselda Judith. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía no Convencional. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Física. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía no Convencional; ArgentinaFil: Correa, Juan José Orlando. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales; ArgentinaFil: Rodriguez Alvarez, Maria Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía no Convencional. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Física. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía no Convencional; ArgentinaFil: Seghezzo, Lucas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía no Convencional. Universidad Nacional de Salta. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas. Departamento de Física. Instituto de Investigaciones en Energía no Convencional; Argentin

Recommendation domains for pond aquaculture

This publication introduces the methods and results of a research project that has developed a set of decision-support tools to identify places and sets of conditions for which a particular target aquaculture technology is considered feasible and therefore good to promote. The tools also identify the nature of constraints to aquaculture development and thereby shed light on appropriate interventions to realize the potential of the target areas. The project results will be useful for policy planners and decision makers in national, regional and local governments and development funding agencies, aquaculture extension workers in regional and local governments, and researchers in aquaculture systems and rural livelihoods.Pond culture, Freshwater aquaculture, GIS

Validating full scale metland solutions for decentralized sustainable wastewater treatment: techno-environmental and geospatial analysis

In recent decades increasing pressures on natural resources has drastically altered demographic dynamics and climate change. Currently, different lines of action are being pursued for the sustainable management and conservation of global water resources. In the field of wastewater treatment, the problem lies in small population centers where the scarcity of technical and economic resources compromises the effectiveness of conventional treatment methods. METland® technology emerges from the integration of Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs) into constructed wetlands. Integration improves treatment efficiency by replacing an inert material (gravel) with a biocompatible and electro-conductive material (ec-biochar or coke). Such designs maximize the transfer of electrons between ec-materials and electroactive bacteria. This makes full-scale METlands® a valid, sustainable, efficient, and robust wastewater treatment solution, with low operation and maintenance costs, for small and remote population centers. In this thesis, new strategies have been explored to improve the design and operation of full-scale METland® systems. A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was performed, evaluating the impacts of different operational modes on each environmental category. To explore the geospatial application of METlands, a process to evaluate optimal locations for their implementation was developed. The proposed methodology can be used to help decision-makers employ METland® worldwide using multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) techniques applied to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with a final sensitivity analysis (SA) to optimize and validate the model