Abstract: The dominant paradigm of artificial intelligence (AI), concentrated in the Global North, operates through extractive models that concentrate wealth while externalizing social and environmental costs. This paper introduces RSquare AI (Regenerative & Responsible AI) as a sovereign alternative for the ASEAN region. Through a systematic review of literature (n=58) and qualitative analysis of 27 initiatives across six ASEAN nations, this research identifies a critical dual gap: a geographical bias in AI ethics scholarship (85% Western-focused) and a disconnect between regenerative economics and technological development. The findings inform a novel framework that transforms sectoral challenges into strategic assets. Central to this is the Regenerative AI Leadership Flywheel, a model for creating self-reinforcing innovation ecosystems grounded in polycentric governance, regenerative capital, and community-embedded living labs. The study concludes that ASEAN's cultural endowments, developmental agility, and sustainability imperative position it to not only adopt but to pioneer and export a form of AI that enhances, rather than extracts from, human and ecological systems.

Abstract: Cassava plants’ response to waterlogging must be monitored in an accurate and timely manner to mitigate the adverse effects of waterlogging stress. Under waterlogging conditions, root hypoxia reduces water uptake and stomatal closure limits transpiration, which often results in increased leaf temperature due to reduced evaporative cooling. However, how this relationship changes in cassava leaves under waterlogged conditions remains poorly known. This study hypothesized that a cooler canopy is more critical for better performance under waterlogging stress in various cassava genotypes. Two cassava cultivars were subjected to twelve days of waterlogging. Results revealed a significant decrease in photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration, and an increase in leaf temperature and ΔT, reflecting impaired stomatal regulation and reduced evaporative cooling. Strong negative correlations between ΔT and photosynthetic parameters were observed presenting ΔT as a reliable, nondestructive indicator of cassava’s physiological responses under hypoxic conditions. Findings indicate that maintaining cooler canopies may contribute to enhanced tolerance and survival under waterlogging. ΔT can be used as a practical screening tool for identifying and selecting waterlogging-tolerant cassava genotypes. However, further studies involving contrasting cultivars and additional parameters such as leaf relative water content, and leaf anatomy are recommended to validate and strengthen reported findings.

Abstract: The rapid commercialization of next-generation photovoltaic (PV) technologies, particularly perovskite, thin-film roll-to-roll (R2R) architectures and tandem devices, necessitates the environmental performance, not only at cell or module level, but also in industrial manufacturing. Existing reviews and life cycle assessment (LCA) studies have compared device-level metrics, e.g., energy payback time and global warming potential, for silicon, cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) and perovskite technologies. Most syntheses yet remain limited to cradle-to-grave outcomes at technology level and rely heavily on aggregated inventory databases. They do not systematically compile or harmonize process-level life-cycle inventories (LCIs) for manufacturing steps that distinguish the industrial routes that include R2R coating, solution deposition, atomic layer deposition, low-temperature processing and novel encapsulation-metallization methods. These LCIs assess essentially how environmental impacts evolve across scale-up stages (lab-pilot-industrial), evaluating trade-offs in manufacturing, recyclability and critical material recovery, simultaneously providing standardized LCI templates for future studies. Motivated by gaps in inventory detail and methodological quince for emergent PV processes, this review: (1) compiles and critically analyses process-level LCIs for innovative PV manufacturing routes; (2) quantifies sensitivity to scale, yield, and energy mix; (3) proposes standardized methodological rules and open-access LCI templates to improve comparability, reproducibility, and techno-environmental modelling.

Abstract: Biochar is recognized for its ability to improve soil chemical, physical, and biological properties, thereby enhancing crop productivity. However, the effects of biochar on photosynthetic and transpiration traits in rice crop–soil systems, particularly through the lens of on-site data subjected to Box–Cox transformation, remain insufficiently explored. To address this, a two-factor randomized block design experiment was conducted using the rice cultivar Nanjiang 9108 at the Agricultural Meteorology Experimental Station of Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology over the 2022–2023 growing seasons. This study investigated changes in leaf photosynthetic and transpiration parameters under combined applications of biochar (0, 15, and 30 t/ha) and nitrogen fertilizer (0, 180, 225, and 300 kg/ha). Application of the Box–Cox transformation substantially improved data normality and variance homogeneity, enabling the development of a robust predictive model linking net photosynthetic rate to environmental factors. A two-way ANOVA further revealed that both the high nitrogen (300 kg/ha) with high biochar (30 t/ha) treatment and the conventional nitrogen (225 kg/ha) with moderate biochar (15 t/ha) treatment significantly enhanced rice photosynthetic and transpiration performance. Of particular note, the N225B15 treatment effectively balancing yield objectives with ecological considerations, which is recommended as an optimal fertilization strategy for sustainable rice production. These results underscore the synergistic role of moderate biochar and nitrogen inputs in improving key physiological traits of rice, supporting higher crop yields.

Abstract: China’s urban development is shifting from extensive expansion to intensive improvement, making the identification of inefficient stock land essential for sustainable urban renewal. Yet, existing approaches are often limited by incomplete data sources and low spatial precision. To address these issues, this study proposes a scalable framework that integrates multi-source big data, including land-use surveys, socioeconomic statistics, spatiotemporal trajectories, and ecological metrics. Using Shenzhen as a case study, we developed a multidimensional evaluation system across social, economic, and ecological dimensions, comprising eight specific indicators. Indicator weights were objectively determined using the entropy weight method, and GIS-based spatial analysis (mean-standardization and Moran’s I) was applied to characterize spatial patterns. Results identify 65.37 km² of inefficient land—about 7% of Shenzhen’s construction land in 2019—exhibiting an “edge aggregation and corridor extension” pattern, mainly distributed along urban–rural fringes and administrative boundaries. The spatial configuration is shaped by historical development, ecological constraints, and the city’s spatial structure. This study provides an objective and replicable framework for the precise identification of inefficient land, supporting data-driven urban renewal and spatial governance in high-density cities.

Abstract: Bangladesh's textile sector, a major producer of knitwear, faces growing economic and environmental challenges due to its heavy reliance on chemicals and water. This study investigates chemical consumption during three key wet processing stages—pretreatment, dyeing, and finishing—across 15 knit factories processing cotton, polycotton, and polyester fabrics. The findings reveal significant variability in chemical usage among factories, with no consistent trends in quantity used. In some cases, the highest usage levels were several times greater than the lowest, highlighting inconsistency. These differences may be influenced by fabric type, variation in chemical types and grades, water quality, machinery condition, operational practices, buyer requirements, and the lack of standardized processes or sustainability strategies. Additionally, a persistent adherence to legacy practices and limited monitoring contribute to inefficiencies. The study underscores the pressing need for unified chemical management practices, process optimization, and transparent reporting to improve environmental outcomes. Policymakers and industry stakeholders can use these insights to promote more sustainable production practices within the textile sector. Establishing clear benchmarks for chemical use and encouraging continuous improvement efforts will be crucial in addressing the sector's environmental footprint. This research contributes to the limited body of data-driven analysis on chemical use in the knitwear industry of Bangladesh and provides actionable guidance for fostering sustainability in textile wet process.

Abstract: The first significant discovery of oil on the Norwegian Continental Shelf was the Ekofisk field discovered in 1970. The drilling was done in 77 m water depth at a location in the Mid-North Sea about 250 km from the southern coast of Norway. As there were no previous Norwegian onshore facilities for landing the oil on the Norwegian coast, an export pipeline was built from Ekofisk to Emden, in Germany. However, over the 55 years since then, there have been several hundred oil and gas discoveries made in the three seas hugging the Norwegian coastline, e.g., the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and the Barents Sea. During the first developments, like Statfjord, Gullfaks, and Heidrun there was a very steep learning curve within many disciplines, such as survey and mapping, feature interpretation and seafloor process knowledge. Therefore, numerous research and development projects (such as the ‘Statfjord Transportation System Project’ STSP) were performed before infrastructure and facility development could be done in earnest. We had to face the fact that the seafloor was very different from the land surface in ways of active and past sedimentary processes. We were familiar with phenomena related to groundwater, but in the seafloor sediments, there were also trapped gases that could cause serious problems, immediately, or later in the lifetime of the installations. We, therefore, had to address numerous unknown aspects as they manifested themselves. Furthermore, we had to work intimately with governmental authorities to solve the challenges and to work in a transparent manner, for the sake of trustworthiness. As an example, hundreds of deep-water coral reefs were discovered from 1986 to 1990, located on the seafloor off Mid-Norway mainly because of reconnaissance mapping for the 200 km long pipeline route from Heidrun field to the coast. Any industrial activity in these areas obviously had to avoid damaging these ecosystems. It became necessary to work intimately with Norwegian biological and environmental research institutions and with the Norwegian environmental protection agency. This proved to be especially important for the Haltenpipe Development Project (HDP), where the 200 km long pipeline route would have to cross through locations with high abundances of deep-water coral reefs. All survey information, including visual inspection and sampling of sediments had to be treated with trust and transparency, for practical reasons, i.e., to prevent loss of valuable time and delayed progress.

Abstract: The global citrus processing industry generates 15–32 million tonnes of waste annual-ly, representing substantial environmental and economic burdens. However, lemon processing residues—peels, seeds, and pomace—constitute complex matrices rich in high-value compounds, amenable to cascade valorisation within circular biorefinery frameworks. This comprehensive review examines current trends in green extraction technologies for recovering bioactive compounds and functional materials from lemon waste streams. Following systematic bibliometric analysis of 847 publications span-ning 2003–2025, this work delineates the compositional heterogeneity of lemon frac-tions, quantifies typical industrial residue yields, and establishes a hierarchical framework for value-added products encompassing essential oils, pectin, polyphenols, seed oils, citric acid, industrial enzymes, α-cellulose, and nanocrystalline cellulose. Particular emphasis is placed on emerging sustainable extraction methodolo-gies—including ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, super-critical fluid extraction, and enzyme-assisted extraction—which demonstrate yield improvements of 16–112% compared to conventional approaches whilst reducing en-ergy consumption by up to 95%. Critical research gaps are identified, including frag-mented valorisation approaches, insufficient techno-economic assessment, and limited industrial implementation at commercial scales. This review establishes that integrat-ed cascade biorefineries employing sequential green extraction protocols offer eco-nomically viable pathways for transforming lemon processing waste into diversified revenue streams, thereby advancing circular economy principles within the citrus in-dustry.

Abstract: Mikania micrantha, one of the world’s most invasive alien plant species, poses a severe threat to agriculture and ecosystems in Taiwan. Conventional control methods, such as manual removal, chemical herbicides, and biological agents, face limitations including high labor demand, environmental risks, and uncertain effectiveness. This study aims to design and evaluate an IoT-based smart weed control system that enhances control efficiency while reducing labor and environmental impacts. The research follows the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to iteratively develop the system through conceptual design, prototype development, and field testing. A Control Efficiency Index (CEI) was established to quantitatively assess weed suppression performance. In addition, user feedback was collected using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was conducted to evaluate economic feasibility. Field experiments in orchards in Miaoli, Taiwan, demonstrated that the system operated reliably, achieving a CEI 87% and reducing manual labor costs by approximately 33%. The TAM survey indicated high user acceptance, with perceived usefulness and behavioral intention both exceeding 4.0 on a five-point Likert scale. The CBA results revealed a payback period of about 1.67 years, with the annual benefit-cost ratio (BCR) rising to 1.6 from the second year onward, highlighting the system’s long-term economic value. Overall, the proposed IoT-based weed control system effectively mitigates the spread of M. micrantha, reduces reliance on manual labor and chemical herbicides, and demonstrates practical and economic viability. This research not only provides a novel solution for invasive species management but also contributes empirical evidence to the advancement of sustainable smart agriculture.

Abstract: Presence of pathogenic viruses in wastewater pose a potential threat to public health. Conventional treatment methods often yield moderate viral reduction and toxic byproducts, whereas advanced technologies are underutilised due to their high cost and energy demands. Antiviral phytoremediation emerges as an affordable, eco-friendly and sustainable approach for removing viruses. However, recent bibliometric analysis on wastewater treatment methods from 1976–2025 revealed that only ~0.4% of total literature (~23,000) was related to antiviral phytoremediation suggesting critical knowledge gaps persist. This critical review provides insights into viral removal mechanisms, recent advancements, practical applications, and challenges and opportunities. Antiviral phytoremediation offers a promising multilayer of viral removal mechanisms (i.e., sorption/filtration, rhizosphere-mediated inactivation, internalization, and intracellular degradation mechanisms). Hybrid systems integrating constructed wetlands (CWs) with complementary technologies could achieve high removal efficiencies (i.e., ∼3.0–7 log₁₀ reductions) compared to standalone CWs (i.e., ∼1–3 log₁₀). Although phytoremediation efficiency is moderate for viruses (i.e., ∼45–84%) relative to heavy metal removal (i.e., ∼70–100%), emerging technologies (i.e., CRISPR gene editing, engineered microconsortia, and biosensors) offer promise for enhancement, which is still at proof-of-concept levels. Hybrid antiviral phytoremediation approaches provide sustainable infrastructure supporting public health, climate adaptation, and pandemic preparedness.

Abstract: In this study, a Support Vector Machine (SVM)-based model was developed to predict the Rate of Penetration (ROP) during tunnel excavation. The model demonstrated high accu-racy and stability on both training and testing datasets, with performance metrics indica-ting its reliability (R² = 0.9583–0.9664, NSE = 0.9164–0.9292, MAE = 0.095–0.0968). To en-hance predictive performance, three systematic hyperparameter optimization strate-gies—Grid Search, Random Search, and Bayesian Optimization—were employed. Notably, Bayesian Optimization achieved high accuracy and computational efficiency with fewer evaluations, leveraging a probabilistic search framework and Gaussian Process-based modeling. Unlike previous studies in the literature, the dataset and input parameters used in this work exhibit greater diversity, and the effect of hyperparameter optimization on model performance was analyzed in detail. The results demonstrate that careful hyperparameter tuning can ensure strong generalization even under limited data conditions. This study provides significant methodological contributions to TBM performance prediction and ge-otechnical engineering applications.

Abstract: The arsenic sandstone region constitutes one of the most severe soil erosion hotspots in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, China, where the soil and water conservation capacity is continuously deteriorating and landscape fragmentation is intensifying. Green infrastructure (GI), as a network system of green spaces, can effectively mitigate soil erosion and optimize regional landscape patterns. Based on land-use change data from 2003 to 2023, this study integrated Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), landscape index method, and Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model to identify and analyze GI in the pisha sandstone region. The results revealed that: 1) The characteristics of land use type conversion exhibited distinct phased differences between 2003 and 2023. Prior to 2013, farmland was the primary outflow type, accompanied by a reduction in unused land and an expansion of forest land, water bodies, impervious surface, and grassland. After 2013, grassland became the dominant outflow type, with a decrease in water bodies and an increase in farmland, forest land, impervious surface, and unused land. 2) From 2003 to 2023, the total area of GI in the study region showed a trend of initial increase followed by decrease, maintaining a proportion between 84.66% and 87.70%. Spatially, it presented a pattern of aggregation in the northwest and sparseness in the southeast. 3) During the study period, the number of ecological source sites decreased from 20 to 14, the number of general ecological corridors reduced from 152 to 75, and the number of important ecological corridors declined from 38 to 16. 4) The network closure index (α index) decreased from 0.54 to 0.13, the line-point ratio (β index) dropped from 1.90 to 1.14, and the network connectivity index (γ index) fell from 0.70 to 0.44. The GI network structure exhibited a fragmented pattern characterized by local concentration and overall sparseness. This study focuses on the spatiotemporal evolution and pattern characteristics of GI in the special landform of pisha sandstone, providing a theoretical basis for territorial spatial planning, soil erosion control, and human habitat improvement in this region. It also offers new insights for research on ecological security and human habitat quality in special landform areas globally.

Abstract: Botanical gardens in Ethiopia function as vital socio-ecological systems supporting biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage, environmental education, and climate resilience. This study conducts a multi-dimensional evaluation of three major botanical gardens Gullele (GUBG), Shashemene (SHBG), and Dilla University (DUBEG) using mixed methods involving 300 stakeholder surveys, 15 interviews, and field observations. Six performance domains were assessed: governance, research, education, infrastructure, health and well-being, and cultural integration. Quantitative results indicate that Gullele achieved the highest performance score (mean 4.08), attributed to effective governance and strong infrastructure. Shashemene performed best in cultural integration, while Dilla University excelled in research. Logistic regression highlighted governance and infrastructure as key predictors of institutional success. Qualitative analysis revealed persistent challenges, including fragmented mandates, unstable funding, low community participation, and infrastructural deficits limiting long-term sustainability. Despite these barriers, Ethiopian botanical gardens show substantial potential to advance the nation’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy and Sustainable Development Goals. Strengthening coordinated governance, diversifying funding sources, and promoting local knowledge systems are essential for improving institutional resilience. Enhancing these gardens’ capacities will reinforce their contributions to sustainable land management, biodiversity protection, climate adaptation, and public well-being within Ethiopia’s diverse ecological and cultural landscapes.

Abstract: The food system plays a crucial role in tackling global challenges such as health and well-being, environmental sustainability, and social equity. This article examines the intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and circular economy principles within food system, proposing a framework for fostering more resilient and equitable food systems. The study specifically focuses on an international perspective to ensure clarity regarding its application context. Traditional food practices rooted in ecological balance have been increasingly disrupted by industrialisation and globalisation, leading to resource-intensive production, food waste, and social inequalities. By integrating CSR practices—such as ethical sourcing, corporate responsibility, fair labour standards, and environmental stewardship—with circular economy strategies that minimise waste and regenerate natural resources, the food system can contribute effectively to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, this study highlights the significance of preserving culinary heritage, promoting biodiversity, and fostering cultural diversity while adopting innovative approaches to enhance sustainability and support consumers’ efforts to improve their eating habits. Through the implementation of the Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (CFS-RAI) and multi-stakeholder collaboration, the food system can reposition itself as a key driver of sustainable development. This comprehensive framework ensures a balance between tradition, innovation, and responsible decision-making in contemporary food systems, with particular attention to social, economic, and psychological dimensions.

Abstract: Sustainable development constitutes a global consensus achieved through humanity's response to environmental imperatives and critical reflections on prevailing development paradigms, serving as a fundamental framework for addressing pressing global challenges. Since the Industrial Revolution, successive technological revolutions have significantly enhanced humanity's capacity to generate material wealth, concurrently driving profound transformations in the global understanding of development—from early notions of "growth theory" to broader "development theory," and ultimately evolving into the contemporary "sustainable development theory." (1) As an emerging ideology and transformative development paradigm, sustainable development has gradually taken shape through sustained introspection and practical exploration in the modern era. Its emergence was prompted by widespread experiences of severe constraints on social progress, including adverse consequences associated with industrialization, rapid economic expansion, population growth, resource depletion, and ecological degradation. Seminal documents such as the Brundtland Report, Agenda 21, the United Nations Millennium Declaration, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development not only trace the formation and evolution of the sustainable development framework but also articulate its core guiding principles. (2) In the current phase of global development, achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—comprising 17 goals and 169 specific targets—has become a central priority for nations worldwide during the 2016–2030 period. Governments and regional entities are increasingly integrating the SDGs into national and sub-national development strategies and issuing comprehensive reports to document localized implementation efforts and measurable outcomes. (3) However, current assessments of progress toward the SDGs indicate that global advancement has significantly deviated from the intended trajectory. The resilience and well-being of the Earth system, human societies, ecosystems, and the broader environment are deteriorating, and the realization of the SDGs continues to confront numerous emerging challenges. There is a pressing global imperative to develop and implement more effective mechanisms and national-level measures through innovative approaches. (4) Over the years, China has systematically integrated SDG implementation with its medium- and long-term development strategies, including the 13th Five-Year Plan, the 14th Five-Year Plan, and the Outline of the 2035 Long-Range Objectives. While advancing the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, China has prioritized the development of an ecological civilization model grounded in harmony between humans and nature, offering Chinese perspectives on addressing global challenges related to sustainable development. As one of the countries demonstrating the most consistent progress in implementing the SDGs, China has reinvigorated international confidence in achieving global sustainability targets. Initiatives such as the Green Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative have provided practical frameworks for enhancing international cooperation in sustainable development. To accelerate the achievement of the SDGs, it is essential to: first, accurately understand and respond to the profound global transformations of the present era; second, position the SDGs as the central focus of international cooperation; third, strengthen data governance to support evidence-based decision-making for SDG implementation; fourth, expedite the localization of the SDGs within national and regional contexts; fifth, cultivate new drivers of global sustainable development; and sixth, reinforce institutional mechanisms for effective SDGs follow-up and review.

Abstract: This study proposes a sustainable framework for landscape renewal at the Alhambra by integrating rain-garden systems with hydrological restoration under the conceptual lens of Dialogue Between Palace and Land. Addressing challenges of seasonal drought, flash flooding, and soil degradation, the research identifies the site as an exemplary context for water-sensitive interventions that are both ecologically functional and culturally resonant. Topographic and hydrological analyses delineate priority zones for distributed rain-garden installations to regulate stormwater, enhance infiltration, and stabilize microclimates. In parallel, selective reactivation of historic water flows and passive irrigation channels reinforces the ecological memory embedded in the Alhambra’s historic fabric. The proposed strategies—vegetated swales, permeable surfaces, and native planting assemblages—are conceived as low-impact, reversible infrastructures compatible with heritage-conservation standards. Quantitative evaluations using GIS-based watershed modeling, soil-infiltration tests, and NDVI vegetation-health analysis demonstrate reduced peak runoff, increased infiltration capacity, and elevated biodiversity indices. By positioning hydrological function as both ecological infrastructure and a regenerative aesthetic medium, this research offers a transferable model for integrating nature-based systems into heritage landscapes, advancing broader discourses on climate adaptation, ecological resilience, and culturally sensitive landscape architecture.

Abstract: The widespread presence of estrogenic pollutants in aquatic environments poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health, necessitating the development of efficient and sustainable removal technologies. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective biocatalyst for estrogen biodegradation using a fungal laccase. The enzyme was produced by the native strain Dichostereum sordulentum under semi-solid-state fermentation conditions optimized using a statistical Design of Experiments. The design evaluated carbon sources (glucose/glycerol), nitrogen sources (peptone/urea), inoculum size, and Eucalyptus dunnii bark as a solid support/substrate. The resulting laccase was entrapped within a hydrogel made of lignocellulosic biopolymers derived from a second-generation bioethanol by-product. Maximum laccase production was achieved with a high concentration of peptone (12 g/L), a low amount of bark (below 2.8 g), 8.5 g/L glucose and 300 mg/flask of inoculum. The subsequent immobilized laccase achieved 98.8 ± 0.5% removal of ethinylestradiol, outperforming the soluble enzyme. Furthermore, the treatment reduced the estrogenic biological activity by more than 160-fold. These findings demonstrate that the developed biocatalyst not only valorizes an industrial by-product but also represents an effective and sustainable platform for mitigating hazardous estrogenic pollution in water.

Abstract: Climate change is driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs). In the cattle supply chain, correctly allocating emissions to meat, milk and hides is crucial for life-cycle assessment (LCA). This paper reviews LCA boundaries and allocation criteria, discusses new global warming potential metrics (GWP*) and presents original Italian data on raw hides. Both literature and audit practice agree that hides should be assigned an upstream burden as co-products. Under economic allocation, the upstream environmental impact of raw hides is significantly lower than under mass allocation. Neglecting co-products at slaughter leads to an overestimation of the climate burden of meat and an underestimation of leather’s share. This study tested three specific hypotheses: that raw hides carry a non-zero upstream burden as marketable co-products (H1); that economic allocation assigns them a lower share of emissions than physical allocation (H2); and that price dynamics influence economic allocation shares over time (H3). Results from large-scale Italian data confirmed all three hypotheses. Although GWP* more accurately reflects methane dynamics, it could not be implemented due to a lack of detailed temporal data; therefore, GWP100 values were used to ensure consistency with the available inventories and current LCA standards. Overall, economic allocation appears to be the most appropriate method for hide accounting in beef production chains, as it is consistent with market valuation and circular economy principles.

Abstract: The aim of this article is to illustrate the actions for the implementation of the River Contract. This is an inclusive and voluntary tool for strategic and negotiated planning, whose main purpose is the protection and better management of water resources, the enhancement of the river ecosystem and the mitigation of flood risk, contributing to local development. In this case, the little river basin is located in central Italy. Proposing actions means being able to respond to the environmental and territorial problems of this area, integrating and coordinating existing plans and programs with the interests of the territory. These actions were defined through a participatory process involving citizens, professionals, administrators and stakeholders. The proposed actions focused on those offering “sustainable” solutions to certain critical issues of the river, such as pollution or the anthropogenic threat and the conservation of riparian habitats. These habitats, protected by the Natura 2000 network, are home to fish species of great conservation interest. Finally, flood mitigation works and measures are assessed, as flooding is becoming increasingly aggressive due to climate change and is impacting urbanised areas. All these actions were compared with sustainability goals to highlight their effectiveness in the current management of a river basin with a view to the future.

Abstract: This study investigates collaborations along the value chain in the food sector, aiming to identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency (EE). The focus is on the cold chain, one of the most energy-intensive segments of the food and beverage industry, whose potential for energy savings and related economic benefits remains largely untapped. After outlining the various types of value chain collaborations, the study reviews the literature on current approaches to enhancing EE, with particular attention to refrigerated transport and storage—the phases with the highest energy demand. Proposed actions to improve EE are then presented, detailing their intensity and the challenges to collaboration among different actors, while also highlighting both energy and non-energy benefits (NEBs). In particular, high-intensity collaborative measures may face greater implementation barriers but can generate more substantial benefits, as they operate across the entire value chain rather than targeting individual actors.