Overview: institutions and policies for water resources management

Water PolicyParticipatory managementIrrigation waterEconomic valueWater supply

An Investigation into the Effect of the Shell on SALM Processed Parts

Shell Assisted Layer Manufacturing (SALM) is a novel process for rapid prototyping/ tooling/ manufacture (RP/RT/RM) which is presently undergoing feasibility studies. SALM is based on layered manufacturing technology (LMT). Initially it develops the shell (boundaries) of a selected layer using a technique similar to fused deposition modelling (FDM). The developed shell is filled with a UV curable resin and is exposed to UV radiation for curing. This procedure is repeated until the complete part is built. This paper compares and contrasts properties of parts made using two options available with the SALM technique: building the part using a soluble shell (FDM support structure material, finally dissolved to recover the part); or using a polymer material such as ABS that is bonded with the resin whilst making the part.Mechanical Engineerin

Emerging corporate disclosure of environmental social and governance (ESG) risks: An Australian study

Today, companies across all industries around the globe face the challenges of unprecedented disruption due to climate change and other social disruptions. It is the responsibility of standard setters and regulators of the financial sector to constantly encourage industries to adopt and respond instead of ignoring the disruption. Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) risk disclosure is one of the main emerging corporate disclosures of rising importance. Specifically with new Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) listing rules companies listed in the ASX are expected to comply with new Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) risk discloser requirements from the year 2016 and if they do not comply, the \u27if not, why not\u27 rule applies. This study seeks to provide insight into the current ESG risk disclosure practices in the Australian context giving particular reference to the extractive sector companies for which ESG disclosure has become a crucial reporting requirement

A Study on Landscape Planning Strategies to Conserve Wetlands and its Relevance to Muthurajawela Marsh

Wetlands are world’s most important, most productive ecosystems that have a vital role and vulnerable environmental resources including immense variety of animals, plants and human communities. Wetlands directly ameliorate other ecosystems. Therefore, wise use of wetlands is mandatory as on the recognition of its unique, vital service to all the biomes, wildlife and humans. Unfortunately, some of wetlands throughout the world has been detected on progressive wetland loss due to urbanisation where other land uses compete for wetland area. Irretrievable losses take place often where developing world tend to neglect the longstanding linkages between human and ecosystem functioning. This research investigates on the wise use of wetlands through a theoretical approach of planning strategies derived out of landscape planning principles. The Study refers to the Muthurajawela wetland which is the largest saline peat bog in Sri Lanka and RAMSAR wetland. In the past, this was called the “Supreme field of pearls” due to the ample harvest of paddy fields, which is unfortunately drained and encroached by the current settlements. Landscape planning principles such as protection, connectivity, construction and interactions were investigated over several ideal wetland landscapes in order to evaluate their strategical planning approaches. London Green Grid, Valley Regional Park, Olympic park, Kristalbald Hangelo ensch and Landscape park duisburg-Nord were selected for the investigation. Numerous planning indicators such as wise use of land, usage of urban turnover, community involvement etc. were analysed under wetland planning approach of each precedent wetland. Finally, a comparative analysis between precedent wetlands and Muthurajawela wetland was followed in order to investigate the strategical planning approach of Muthurajawela. Site observations, photographic survey, satellite images and GIS were used for further analysis. The study reveals that landscape planning principles and planning strategies were not considered very much when the build-fabric was introduced to the Muthurajawela wetland ecosystem. In addition, it has not been used wisely in the process of responding the demands of urbanisation. If sustainable utilisation and thriving conservation of wetlands is to be achieved, the role of the community to be changed regarding constraints and simulations. Wetland conservation should be done in the lines of maintaining its natural functioning including groundwater balance, flood prevention, sediment stabilisation, water purification, food chain support, rejuvenating ecosystems etc. Affirmative landscape planning approach should be implemented through comprehensive functional analysis including boundary demarcating public functions and transitional functions achieving wise use of wetlands.Keywords: Landscape planning principles, Landscape planning strategies, Wetland, Wise use, Land use, Urbanisation, Ecosystem, Conservatio