Abstract: The growing complexity of coastal tourism requires marketing strategies that go beyond promotion and align with the ecological, cultural, and planning dynamics of coastal territories. This article introduces the concept of Blue Marketing, a place-based, sustainability-oriented approach designed to guide communication, product design, and governance in marine and coastal destinations. Building on socio-environmental marketing and inspired by Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), the study proposes a Blue Marketing Decalogue (BMD) of strategic principles structured into three thematic blocks: (1) ecosystem-focused sustainability, (2) cultural identity and territorial uniqueness, and (3) strategic planning and adaptive governance. The decalogue has been empirically informed by a territorial analysis of the Barbate–Vejer coastal corridor (Cádiz, Spain), but is conceived as a flexible and transferable framework applicable to diverse coastal contexts. It incorporates both strategic and normative instruments that support the design of communication strategies aligned with environmental preservation, community identity, and long-term planning. This contribution enriches theoretical debates on the role of marketing in sustainable tourism and provides practical guidance for coastal destinations seeking to balance competitiveness with ecological responsibility. Ultimately, Blue Marketing is proposed as a vector for transformation, capable of reconnecting tourism promotion with the sustainability challenges and opportunities of coastal regions.

Abstract: Anthropogenic disturbance alters macro and microclimatic conditions, often increasing ambient temperatures. These changes can strongly affect insects, particularly those experiencing high thermal stress (i.e, large differences between body and environmental temperature), as prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures can reduce their energetic reserves due to increased metabolic demands and physiological stress. We evaluated thermal stress in 16 insect dragonfly species during two sampling periods (2019 and 2022) in preserved and disturbed sites within a tropical dry forest in western Mexico. Also, we compared energetic condition (lipid and protein content) and thoracic mass for the seven most abundant species between both habitat types. In preserved sites, insects showed higher thermal stress at lower maximum temperatures, which decreased as temperatures increased. Dragonflies in disturbed sites maintained consistent levels of thermal stress across the temperature gradient. Thermal stress and body size were positively associated, and both were linked to lower lipid and protein content. Despite this, individuals from disturbed sites were larger but had lower energy reserves than those from preserved sites. Our findings suggest that although species can persist in disturbed environments, their energetic condition may be compromised, especially in individuals experiencing high thermal stress — potentially affecting their performance and fitness. Preserving suitable habitats is essential not only for maintaining species diversity but also ensuring ecological functions, particularly those performed by flying insects with high thermal stress such as dragonflies.

Abstract: The subaqueous delta of the Yellow River has been affected by its high sediment concentration, and the water and sediment control measures have changed in recent years. In this paper, Delft 3D software was used to simulate the sediment diffusion in the subaqueous delta of the Yellow River in 2017 so as to explore the influence of the sediment and water transported by the Yellow River on the subaqueous delta without water and sediment regulation. The results reveal the occurrence of a low-high-low suspended sediment concentration distribution from the coastlines to the far shore. The main accumulation areas shifted from the coasts of Bohai Bay and Laizhou Bay in the dry season to the estuary in the wet season. The sediment formed a deposition zone along the coastline, which widened from the estuary outwards, and there was an outer erosion zone under the actions of wind and waves. In 2017, the impact of the sediment inflow into the Yellow River on its subaqueous delta generally resulted in the erosion being greater than the sedimentation, and the erosion/deposition volume in 2017 was -1.28×108 m3, and the estimated critical value of the sediment inflow balance was 2.13×108 tons.

Abstract: This paper introduces a novel methodology for subsurface characterization in mineral exploration, based on the simultaneous joint inversion of seismic and geoelectrical data. By combining complementary information provided by multidisciplinary geophysical data, the joint inversion yields a more accurate and consistent representation of subsurface properties. Furthermore, the joint inversion algorithm is empowered by dynamic hyperparameter self-adjustment. A self-adaptive mechanism monitors the evolution of the cost function and optimization performance, automatically tuning hyper-parameters, like the learning rate and the regularization operator, to enhance convergence toward an optimal (global) solution. For the purposes of this preliminary study, the method is tested on synthetic 2D geophysical scenarios featuring resistivity and seismic-velocity anomalies representative of potential mineral targets. Results show the effectiveness of the approach in accurately identifying these subsurface anomalies. Finally, we show that this joint inversion technique holds significant promise for mineral exploration, particularly in detecting geological features such as ore bodies and mineralized zones, which can manifest as contrasts in seismic velocity and resistivity.

Abstract: Despite the shale revolution triggering global shale oil and gas exploration, our understanding of the sedimentary environments of deep-water organic-matter-rich shale remains unclear. Hence, we analyzed the sedimentary environment and facies of some siliceous shales at the bottom of the Longmaxi Formation in the Weiyuan area of the Sichuan Basin, China. Nano-resolution petrological characterization and genesis analysis of the siliceous shales were conducted using the nano-resolution petrologic image datasets. We identified these siliceous shales as the microbial mats formed by the deep-water traction current sedimentation. The microbial mat's formation and burial diagenesis processes were divided into seven stages. The silt-grade bioclastic beach deposits initially, colonizing the mud-grade siliceous microbes and forming the siliceous microbial mat. Subsequently, the carbohydrate-rich microbes thrive in sediment voids, forming the carbohydrate-rich microbial mat. Additionally, SOM undergoes the four stage of burial diagenesis process, progressing from the kerogens to the pre-oil bitumen generation and ultimately transforming into the porous pyrobitumen and the nonporous pyrobitumen. The study deepens the understanding of the deep-water traction current sedimentation and has implications for guiding shale gas exploration and development.

Abstract: Managing groundwater flow in crystalline basement aquifers (CBAs) remains challenging due to their dependence on secondary permeability fields characterized by high spatial variability. This study combines pumping and tracer tests to estimate the hydraulic properties and connectivity in four bedrock wells within a CBA in southwestern Nigeria. The pumping tests caused drawdowns up to 4.13 m and 12.6 m in observation and pumping wells, with significant drawdowns only in three of four wells revealing poor connection with the fourth well. The time-drawdown plots confirm double porosity effects suggesting fracture and matrix flow and release of water from a fractured dyke. Fracture and matrix hydraulic conductivities exceeded 7.9 × 10-7 m/s and 1.0 × 10-10 m/s, while the aquifer yield ranged from 0.08 to 0.34%. Groundwater flow velocity and dispersivity of 5.8 × 10-4 m/s and 2.6 m were estimated from the tracer test, while a Peclet number of 3.25 suggests dominant advective flow. Calculated sustainable yield shows that each well could provide water for up to 1,600 people under controlled low pumping at 0.5 l/s with higher rates possible using larger diameter wells. These results confirm high variability in groundwater flow within CBAs, justifying the need to characterize them effectively.

Abstract: The fifteen CRIRSCO-based international reporting codes/standards (e.g. JORC, CIM inc. NI 43-101, PERC, SAMREC, etc.) set out guidance to listed entities as to how to publicly report Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore/Mineral Reserves. None of the codes define “acceptable” practices, just that the methods used, and the resultant findings, are reported truthfully. PhotonAssay™ is a known and trusted analytical method that has been used globally in market reports since 2018. The international codes outline how assay results should be reported to the market, however they do not outline which assay methods are reportable using said codes. Therefore, it is not which analytical method is, or is not, code “compliant,” but rather the way in which the method is disclosed via the code’s guidelines that makes the public report “compliant.”

Abstract: In the contemporary educational process, it is essential to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into courses aimed at training specialists in chemical engineering to prepare students for addressing global environmental and social challenges. This study examines the integration of SDGs into chemical engineering education and their impact on students. The objective of this research is to assess the influence of incorporating SDGs into the chemical engineering curriculum on the educational process, identify changes in students’ awareness and understanding, and determine the extent to which this approach fosters sustainable thinking among future professionals. The study involved 117 Kazakhstani students enrolled in a Chemistry program, with an average age of 21 years. Among the participants, 67% were male and 33% were female, all in their fourth year of study. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire comprising both closed and open-ended questions. The findings indicate that 50% of respondents assessed their knowledge of SDGs as moderate, while 24% rated their knowledge as good. Most students (88.2%) were familiar with the concept of SDGs, highlighting the significance of this topic. Participants identified SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production (48%), and SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation (71%), as the most important SDGs in the context of chemical engineering. Furthermore, 42% of respondents reported a significant improvement in their understanding of SDGs after completing the course. The survey also revealed that the curriculum requires more practical examples and an interdisciplinary approach.

Abstract: The objective of this research is to enhance the communication skills of 7th and 8th grade students by incorporating STEAM into their geography courses in the context of interdisciplinary connections. Specifically, this study seeks to explore how STEAM methods can be applied to improve students' communication abilities, including effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. This study assesses the efficacy of integrating STEAM technologies into geography lessons and their impact on the development of educational motivation, efficacy, and mastery of educational content. The study was conducted with 60 students, comprising 30 7th and 30 8th grade students from a secondary school in Kazakhstan. The findings obtained can be used to develop recommendations for optimizing the learning process and maximizing the potential of communicative learning through the integration of interdisciplinary connections and the use of STEAM technologies.

Abstract: This paper explores the role of digital platforms in enhancing ocean governance by improving communication and collaboration among stakeholders. It analyses several platforms based on their collaborative initiatives, digital tools, and ability to function as networks of knowledge. Findings show that these platforms bridge gaps between regional, national, and non-governmental organisations, promoting informed decision-making. Their online presence enhances transparency and engagement, especially post-COVID-19. The study highlights the need for hybrid platforms combining informative and interactive elements to better serve to both experts and the public. The results include the rules and design for cooperation and co-design of a platform to foster better communication, collaboration, and sustainable ocean management practices.

Abstract: Understanding the impacts of spatial non-stationarity of environmental factors on surface soil moisture (SSM) in different seasons is crucial for effective environmental management. Yet, our knowledge of this phenomenon remains limited. To fill this gap, we have introduced a framework combining the model agnostic SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) technique with a two-step clustering analysis to provide spatial interpretations for machine learning models. Due to spatial and temporal limitations of in-situ SSM data in Iran, we evaluated the performance of global daily datasets, including SMAP, MERRA-2, and CFSv2, from 2015 to 2023 using the agrometeorological stations to select the best dataset for the machine learning process. Subsequently, SSM values were calculated for Iran’s 609 catchments using the most optimal dataset. Furthermore, we selected a set of climatological, hydrological, topographical, vegetation, and soil factors influencing SSM. While Random Forest (RF) was employed to estimate SSM, the SHAP technique was used for RF spatial interpretation in conjunction with the two-step cluster analysis. The results revealed that among the datasets, SMAP exhibited the highest median correlation and the lowest median root mean square error when compared to in-situ stations. Findings indicated that the RF model can offer SSM estimates with R2 values of 0.89, 0.83, 0.70, and 0.75 for the winter, spring, summer, and autumn seasons, respectively. The results of SHAP and two-step clustering demonstrated that climatic factors primarily influence winter and autumn SSM. In contrast, in spring and summer, SSM is predominantly affected by vegetation and soil characteristics. These findings provide valuable reference points and policy recommendations for effectively managing SSM in various catchments.

Abstract: In Colombia’s post-conflict territories, restoring degraded landscapes while promoting sustainable livelihoods is a critical challenge. This study evaluates the environmental co-benefits of agroforestry systems based on Hevea brasiliensis (natural rubber) in the departments of Caquetá, Guaviare, and Meta. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines spatial analysis, carbon sequestration modeling (IPCC Tier 1), literature review, and policy diagnostics, the study compares rubber agroforestry with monoculture systems and degraded land use. Results show that rubber-based agroforestry can sequester up to 110 Mg C ha⁻¹ over a 25-year period, up to 40% more than monocultures, and significantly enhance biodiversity indicators such as understory plant richness and avian diversity. Despite strong ecological potential, institutional and economic barriers persist, including limited technical support and market integration. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for coordinated agroforestry incentives, improved technical training, and integration into Colombia’s climate and post-conflict strategies. Rubber agroforestry thus emerges as a multifunctional land-use option that supports both ecological restoration and peacebuilding objectives.

Abstract: Clean hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in the future decarbonized energy mix. This places gasification of biomass as a critical conversion pathway for hydrogen pro-duction owing to its carbon neutrality. Yet there is limited research on the direction of the body of literature on the subject matter. Utilising the Bibliometrix package R, this paper conducted a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of the literature on gasification-derived hydrogen production over the past three decades. The results show a decade-wise spike in hydrogen research, mostly contributed by China, the United States, and Europe whereas the scientific contribution of Africa on the topic is limited. The current trend of the research is geared towards alignment with the Paris Agreement through feedstock diversification to include renewable sources such as biomass and municipal solid waste and decarbonising the gasification process through carbon capture technologies. The review reveals a gap in the experimental evaluation of heterogenous organic Municipal Solid Waste for hydrogen production through gasification within the Africa context. The study provides an incentive for policy actors and re-searchers to advance the green hydrogen economy in Africa.

Abstract: Wetlands are the most important natural sources of methane. Studies on the distribution and diversity of methanotrophs, especially in tropical wetlands, are limited. The studies on wetland methanotrophs help bridge the gap in the literature for understanding the community structure of methanotrophs in tropical wetlands. Our present study documents the methanotroph diversity from various wetland habitats across Western India. Samples from various sites such as freshwater ponds, lake sediments, mangroves, and small wetlands in stone quarries around multiple wetland ecosystems in Western India were collected and enriched for methanotroph isolation. As obtaining entirely pure cultures of methanotrophs is a tedious task, consuming months or years of streaking and re-streaking, methanotroph mono-cultures (a single methanotroph culture with a small number of heterotrophs) were established could be characterized using pmoA sequencing. Twenty-six mono-cultures were established, belonging to the genera Methylomonas, Methylocystis, Methylosinus, Methylocaldum, Methylocucumis, Methylomagnum, and Methylolobus genera. Eight methanotroph strains were purified in pure cultures- two Methylomonas koyamae, two Methylosinus sporium strains, one Methylolobus aquaticus, two Methylosinus trichosporium, and one strain of Methylomonas sp., which shows a close similarity with Methylomonas aureus and is possibly a novel species. A maximum number of cultures belonged to the Methylomonas and Methylocystis genera. Methylomagnum, a Type Ib methanotroph native to rice fields, was isolated from a pond in Pune. New members of Methylocucumis oryzae and Methylolobus aquaticus, two novel genera and species first reported by our lab from India, were also isolated in this study. Methanotrophs were high in most freshwater samples; in contrast, mangroves showed a relatively low abundance. Additionally, the cultivation approach helped us obtain new methanotrophs from this previously unexplored habitat, which can be used for further biotechnological and environmental applications.

Abstract: Land managers across the United States (U.S.) are developing plans to mitigate climate change. Effective implementation and monitoring of these climate action plans require standardized methods and timely, accurate geospatial data at appropriate resolutions. Despite the abundance of geospatial and statistical data in the U.S., a significant gap remains in translating these data into actionable insights. To address this gap, we developed the Land Emissions and Removals Navigator (LEARN), an online tool that automates subnational greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories of forests and trees in nonforest lands using a standardized analytical framework consistent with national and international guidelines. LEARN integrates multiple datasets to calculate land cover and tree canopy changes, delineate areas of forest disturbance, and estimate carbon emissions and removals. To demonstrate the application of LEARN, this paper presents case studies in Jefferson County, Washington; Montgomery County, Maryland; and federally owned forests across the conterminous U.S. Our results highlight LEARN’s capacity to provide localized insights into carbon dynamics, enabling subnational entities to develop tailored climate strategies. By enhancing accessibility to standardized data, LEARN empowers community land managers to more effectively mitigate climate change. Future developments aim to expand LEARN’s scope to cover nonforest landscapes and incorporate additional decision-making functionalities.

Abstract: Dredging of fine sediments and dumping of fines at disposal sites produce passive plumes behind the dredging equipment. Each type of dredging method has its own plume characteristics. All types of dredging operations create some form of turbidity (spillage of dredged materials) in the water column, depending on: i) applied method (mechanical grab/backhoe, hydraulic suction dredging with/without overflow); ii) nature of the sediment bed and iii) hydrodynamic conditions. A simple parameter to represent the spillage of dredged materials is the spill percentage (Rspill) of the initial load. In the case of cutter dredging and hopper dredging without overflow, the sediment spillage is mostly low with values in the range of 1% to 3%, The spill percentage is higher in the range of 3% to 30% for hopper dredging of mud with intensive overflow. Spilling of dredged materials also occurs at disposal sites. The spill percentage is generally low with values in the range of 1% to 3% if the load is dumped through bottom doors in deep water creating a dynamic plume which descends rapidly to the bottom with cloud velocities of 1 m/s. The most accurate approach to study passive plume behaviour is the application of a 3D-model, which however is a major, time-consuming effort. A practical 1D-plume dispersion model can help to identify the best parameter settings involved and to do quick scan studies. The proposed 1D-model represents equations for dynamic plume behaviour as well as passive plume behaviour including advection, diffusion and settling processes.

Abstract: Costa Rica has experienced 37 tsunamis at both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts, with none to moderated impact. However, the coastal population has increased exponentially in the past decades, which might lead to higher impact from future tsunamis. In 2018 and 2019, IOC/UNESCO organized Experts Meetings of Tsunami Sources, Hazards, Risks and Uncertainties associated with the Tonga-Kermadec and Colombia-Ecuador subduction zones, where experts defined worst-case scenarios. Here we modeled the propagation of those tsunami scenarios to Costa Rica and their inundation for selected sites. We found that the Tonga-Kermadec scenarios provoked larger inundation than previous modeled sources from that region. However, the large travel time for those scenarios, about 14 hours, would allow for a timely evacuation. In the case of the Colombia-Ecuador scenarios, they provoked smaller inundation than previously modeled sources from that region, a good outcome as their arrival time is between 75 and 150 minutes. These new results required the update of tsunami evacuation maps and/or plans for many communities but provided more favorable conditions for tsunami preparedness. Yet, the short arrival times of the Colombia-Ecuador scenarios still require a prompt response from the population and authorities. For this, additional to updated tsunami evacuation maps and plans, it is recommended to have tsunami exercises in a regular basis.

Abstract: Acid mine drainage, a consequence of exposure of sulfide mining waste to weathering processes, results in significant water, sediment, and soil contamination. This contamination results in acidophilic ecosystems with elevated concentrations of sulfate and potentially toxic elements. The São Domingos mine, an abandoned site in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, lacks remediation measures and has numerous waste dumps, which are a major source of contamination to local water systems. This study examines sediment accumulation in five mine dams along the São Domingos stream that traverses the mine complex. Decades of sediment and waste transport since mine closure have resulted in dam-clogging processes. The geochemical, mineralogical, and magnetic properties of the sediments were analyzed to evaluate the mineralogical controls on potentially toxic elements mobilization. The sediments are dominated by iron oxides, oxyhydroxides, and hydroxysulfates, with jarosite playing a key role in binding high concentrations of iron and toxic elements. However, no considerable correlation was found between potentially toxic elements and magnetic parameters, highlighting the complex behavior of these contaminants in acid mine drainage-affected systems.

Abstract: In recent years, research on removal of radioactive elements from contaminated sources using microorganisms, has gained momentum. This study was focused on assessing the feasibility of removing cobalt, strontium, and cesium ions from an aqueous solution using microorganism or biomass. Arthrobacter nicotianae or persimmon tannin gel, known for its ability to remove cationic metal ions, was used for removing each metal. The metal-ion removal efficiency of A. nicotianae was affected by the solution pH, concentration of metals, and cell content. The amount of each metal ion removed increased with increasing pH (1–5) of the solution. The amount of each metal ion removed (mol metal ion/g dry wt. cells) increased with external metal ion content (mol metal ion), whereas the amount of each metal ion removed (%) decreased. By contrast, the each removed metal ion content (%) decreased with decreased cell content, whereas each metal removed (mol metal ion/g dry wt. cells) increased. The amounts of each metal removed (mol metal ion/g dry wt. cells) were fitted with a Langmuir isotherm. The removal of strontium using A. nicotianae was fast, and the removed amount almost reached equilibrium within 5 min. The amounts of cobalt and strontium removed were higher than that of cesium.

Abstract: Remote Sensing and GIS techniques employed in artificial groundwater recharge proved to be an effective and economic tool among the scientific community. Studies revealed that thematic layers with simple mathematical logics and weighted indexing techniques are used in the delineation of groundwater potential zone on several horizon conditions. In this study, the weighted modelling on hard rock terrain for groundwater recharge in Quetta valley is evaluated for its effectiveness due to its varying geological structure, considering parameters that include lithology, lineament density, slope, drainage density, and land cover. Imageries data of 30m resolution obtained from Landsat 8 and ASTER. Moreover, ground data of observation wells obtained from WAPDA, Pakistan. Our analysis identified the artificial replenishment sites for groundwater recharge which are correlated with ground data from water wells using Pearson’s correlation. Pearson’s value found 0.574 shows a positive correlation. Furthermore, categorizes the suitability of sites for groundwater recharge into four classes: most suitable, moderate, less, and not suitable. The output is evaluated against the structural density layer, hence, found the effectiveness of weighted modelling in groundwater recharge analysis in hard rock terrain for Quetta valley.