Thesis (MA (Geography and Environmental Studies))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Tourism routes or networks have been identified as a tool for local economic development and could also contribute towards social development of communities, and conservation of the natural environment. In order to determine whether the development of routes have the desired effects on the economy, society and the environment, a set of sustainability indicators (SIs) needs to be developed to measure the possible effects. The aim of this study is to identify appropriate SIs that could be applied to tourism route development in Africa; to identify a suitable method of identifying route-specific indicators; and to test the suitability of these indicators in two case studies, namely the Caprivi Wetlands Paradise route and the Barotse Trails Route. The study area comprises part of the proposed Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area and includes the south-western part of Zambia and the Caprivi region in north-eastern Namibia. The objectives of the study are to determine the elements of a sustainable tourism route from existing literature; to identify a framework for selecting both generic and route-specific SIs; to select appropriate indicators for tourism route development in the African context; and to do a baseline assessment for the two case study routes to determine the suitability of the selected methods and indicators. Data were collected by making use of structured interviews and focus groups. Collected data on individual businesses are combined and presented collectively for each route by making use of sustainability assessment maps (SAMs). In addition, a method of identifying route-specific indicators was selected which makes use of the pressure-state-response (PSR) framework previously used for identifying environmental indicators. The results of the study show that the identified indicators provide a means of determining overall sustainability of routes or networks based on the principle of the triple bottom line. SAMs are a good way of presenting data to stakeholders in a simplified way. The results also indicate that the PSR framework can be adequately adapted to identify indicators in conjunction with communities in a participative manner. Recommendations are made for improving the overall sustainability of routes or networks and for increasing their network functionality. Recommendations include the possibility of investigating the use of geographic information systems in mapping SIs. KEYWORDS: Sustainability indicators; tourism routes; monitoring; pressure-state-response; sustainability assessment maps; tourism networks; route development.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:09:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 4778175 bytes, checksum: 000b88a8682545d1c8c50484afdd1c2e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-27 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Concern about environmental impacts involving petroleum, lubricants such, it is a fact today. The automotive lubricants suffer deterioration due to its use, which modifies its composition and properties, becoming known: used or contaminated lubricating oil - OLUC. The oily residue is considered a dangerous contaminant of natural ecosystems when disposed of improperly. This study conducted in the District Mechanic City João Pessoa / PB, a study on the management OLUC, from generation to final disposal, as well as evaluating the environmental aspects of the area face the disposal of these wastes. The collected data were classified based on the conceptualized model PER - pressure-state-response. It was concluded that the formal procedures of collecting OLUC are not being performed as established by CONAMA Resolution nº. 362/2005, establishments lack of preventive spill OLUC, among others. The construction of a frame based on the PER model can be considered a starting point for development of projects aimed at local improvements, help clarify and identify the causes of environmental problems with OLUC and contribute to sustainability of the local area and remote areas that are under the influence of anthropogenic activities practiced in the District Mechanic. / A preocupação com impactos ambientais envolvendo derivados do petróleo, a exemplo dos lubrificantes, é um fato na atualidade. Os lubrificantes automotivos sofrem deterioração devido ao seu uso, o que modifica sua composição e propriedades, passando a ser denominado: óleo lubrificante usado ou contaminado OLUC. Este resíduo oleoso é considerado um perigoso contaminante dos ecossistemas naturais quando descartado de forma indevida. Assim, este trabalho realizou, no Distrito Mecânico da cidade João Pessoa/PB, um estudo sobre o gerenciamento do OLUC, desde a geração até a sua disposição final, bem como avaliou os aspectos ambientais da área face à disposição destes resíduos. Os dados coletados foram classificados com base no conceituado modelo PER pressão-estado-resposta. Concluiu-se que os procedimentos formais de coleta do OLUC não estão sendo realizados conforme estabelece a Resolução do CONAMA nº 362/2005, os estabelecimentos carecem de medidas preventivas de derramamento de OLUC, entre outros. A construção de um quadro baseado no modelo PER pode ser considerada um ponto de partida para elaboração de projetos que visem melhorias locais, ajudar a esclarecer e identificar as causas de problemas ambientais com o OLUC e contribuir para sustentabilidade da área local e remotas que estejam sob a influência das atividades antrópicas praticadas no Distrito Mecânico.

On the way towards a more biobased economy, the sustainable use of global wood resources remains a challenge as several trade-offs arise, e.g., from an increased energetic use of wood, an increased use of innovative but probably less recyclable wood composites, or from the need to conserve other forest ecosystem services. The aim of this study is to identify existing environmental indicators and methods for an evaluation of the sustainability of wood products in consideration of all life cycle stages, site-dependent aspects and later use in corporate decision-making. We chose a systematic literature review to answer the research questions explicitly and comprehensively. Qualitative content analysis was used to code indicators and scientific methods according to the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) framework. The sample (N = 118) is characterized by a high number of life cycle assessment (LCA) case studies. In 51% of all studies, the study authors use a combination of different methods. A total of 78 indicators and 20 site-dependent aspects could be identified in the sample. The study findings represent a first step towards a holistic environmental assessment of wood products.

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The application of environmental performance indicators (EPIs) has received increasing attention by both governments and international organisations as a tool for assessing complex environmental scenarios in national and local decision making processes. However, at the regional scale there is a gap in the application of EPIs, as this has not been well understood and defined due to a limited theoretical foundation and often insufficient data from all participant countries. The regional scale is important because it can incorporate natural ecosystems which often transcend national boundaries. A case study is developed for the Lower Mekong Subregion (LMS), where four riparian Southeast Asian countries (Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia, and Viet Nam) share the Lower Mekong River. The research proposes a conceptual framework to identify approaches for developing criteria for acceptable and appropriate EPIs which can be used to support and implement decision making processes by relevant organisations at the regional level. This research evaluates the application of environmental performance indicators using methodologies that assess cross-national quantitative and qualitative data and existing decision support systems. In addition, global and national indicators are examined for application and relation to the regional context. The research finds that the application of EPIs varies according to spatial scale, and is diverse among the four countries. Data availability is also identified as a major problem encountered during the development and selection of EPIs. The study finds that the governance of the existing regional body is ineffective due to differing agendas pursued by each participating country. This is because the current regional body is structured only to facilitate information exchange and cooperation in a limited manner, focusing so far only on water management issues. LMS regional goals need to be set in order to guide the stakeholders in identifying an appropriate set of EPIs. Most importantly, the research is intended to be a catalyst for encouraging the participants to integrate methods and other species of EPIs proposed in this research in their environmental assessment policies.

On the way towards a more biobased economy, the sustainable use of global wood resources remains a challenge as several trade-offs arise, e.g., from an increased energetic use of wood, an increased use of innovative but probably less recyclable wood composites, or from the need to conserve other forest ecosystem services. The aim of this study is to identify existing environmental indicators and methods for an evaluation of the sustainability of wood products in consideration of all life cycle stages, site-dependent aspects and later use in corporate decision-making. We chose a systematic literature review to answer the research questions explicitly and comprehensively. Qualitative content analysis was used to code indicators and scientific methods according to the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) framework. The sample (N = 118) is characterized by a high number of life cycle assessment (LCA) case studies. In 51% of all studies, the study authors use a combination of different methods. A total of 78 indicators and 20 site-dependent aspects could be identified in the sample. The study findings represent a first step towards a holistic environmental assessment of wood products.