Abstract The availability of energy resources and their relationship with global biodiversity are critical concerns that demand urgent attention, especially given the world’s rising energy demands. This review paper examines the impacts of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources on biodiversity across different ecosystems. The extraction and use of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—have led to severe pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, threatening countless species and ecosystems. The processing and consumption of these non-renewable resources continue to accelerate biodiversity loss. While renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, bioenergy, and hydropower—offer a pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, they also pose biodiversity challenges. Large-scale solar farms alter land use, causing habitat fragmentation. Wind farms, while crucial for clean energy, threaten bird and bat populations. Hydropower projects disrupt river ecosystems, affecting aquatic species’ migration patterns. Similarly, bioenergy production often relies on extensive monoculture farming, leading to deforestation, agrobiodiversity loss, and competition with food crops. This paper explores mitigation strategies, emphasizing ecological offsets and habitat restoration as key conservation tools. These approaches align with global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that energy policies integrate biodiversity protection. The review highlights the importance of balancing energy expansion with environmental sustainability through strategic policymaking. A region-specific approach is essential, given the varying energy needs and ecological sensitivities across countries. Overreliance on energy-intensive technologies in some regions exacerbates environmental degradation, necessitating countermeasures to prevent resource overexploitation. By incorporating biodiversity-conscious energy strategies into decision-making, it is possible to achieve a sustainable balance between energy production and conservation. This analysis underscores the need for globally coordinated yet locally adaptive policies to ensure that the transition to renewable energy does not come at the expense of biodiversity.

Abstract

Geographical Indications (GIs) are one of the important types of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) that are based on the geographical region. In light of this, the geographical region is vital for innovation to develop the regional economy and significant to understanding innovative performance in the particular region. With this context, the objectives of the paper are 1) to assess GIs products and sketch the historical development of GI in India; 2) to explore the scenario of agriculture products registered under the GIs; and 3) to address challenges of GIs during registration. Furthermore, the study is based on secondary data obtained from the Geographical Indication Registry of India. Findings: The study shows that the number of agricultural product registrations has increased in the last few years. This increase may be attributed to the new IPR policy regime and heightened public awareness.

Abstract

Quality of life indicators are significant tools to evaluate the individual’s well-being. In this sense, economic security measurement is a part of well-being. In achieving a greater level of well-being, countries can get many benefits by joining economic integrations. However, these benefits may not only sometimes be as great as thought. We investigate the changes in (in)security measurements for the new members with the difference-in-difference method. This method is beneficial for analyzing the effects before and after treatment, policy, and implications for different units. Our study aims to detect if there are significant changes or improvements in the security levels of new members of the European Union from 2005 to 2022. The findings figure out that the level of arrears was essentially reduced for most members. Still, the integration has no visible impact on purchasing power parity for the period. These are critical findings showing a trend not sourced from integration and, at the same time, the inefficiency of policy and implementation of the EU.

Abstract

Energy resources are critical drivers of economic development and societal progress, but their extraction, conversion, and use have profoundly impacted ecological systems and the environment. Therefore, it is essential to explore the relationships between energy resources and the environment throughout history. This paper examines the causal relationships between energy resource utilization and environmental changes, addressing both renewable and non-renewable energy sources. We analyze the environmental consequences of energy extraction and consumption, including pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, and evaluate sustainable approaches to mitigate these effects. Fossil fuels have been the primary source of energy and are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and habitat destruction, all of which exacerbate global climate change. On the other hand, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power are considered more sustainable. However, they also have environmental impacts, such as habitat disruption and high resource consumption. Researchers argue that trade-offs must be managed between increasing energy use, facilitated by technological advancements, and achieving sustainability. Energy generation and ecological goals should not be viewed as opposing or irreconcilable. With the implementation of appropriate policies, measures, and guidelines, energy production can be aligned with efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability.

Abstract

Agroforestry holds significant promise for offering substantial benefits to the Garo ethnic community, who are recognized as one of the primary indigenous groups in the Madhupur region with distinct cultural identities. Given the integral role of community involvement in agroforestry management, particularly in relation to gender dynamics, this study sought to analyze the gender role of Garo men and women in adopting and managing agroforestry practices. Data were gathered from 70 Garo tribal farmers (37 male and 33 female) across six villages practicing various agroforestry techniques in the Madhupur Sal forest area. Using a mixed-methods approach that incorporated semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and direct observations, the study identified prevalent agroforestry practices featuring various tree-crop combinations. These included Akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis) paired with Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale), as well as other combinations such as Akashmoni-Pineapple-Turmeric, Akashmoni-Pineapple-Papaya, and Akashmoni-Pineapple-Aroid. Both men and women exhibited a moderate to high level of involvement in agroforestry programs, with decision-making processes shared between genders. However, challenges were encountered, particularly by women from ethnic minority backgrounds, including limited technical knowledge, financial resources, and labor availability. Despite these obstacles, both Garo men and women expressed a keen interest in agroforestry practices as a means to enhance their income and livelihoods, forming gender-based partnerships to address associated challenges in a changing socioeconomic landscape.

Abstract

Coordinated actions to protect biodiversity, incorporate renewable energy, and implement climate action are needed for sustainable development to be achieved in the context of global challenges like climate change, ecosystem destruction, and resource depletion. Climate action seeks to reduce the negative impact and strengthen the adaptive capacity of natural and human society. Climate action includes both adaptation and mitigation strategies. The transition to renewable power sources is of utmost importance to climate action because it helps to slow environmental degradation, curtail fossil fuel dependence, and significantly diminish greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, is more environmentally friendly than conventional energy sources, but it may also pose potential risks towards biodiversity, so measures should be taken in planning to avoid negative environmental impacts. It is crucial to protect biodiversity around the world because it plays an important role in the delivery of ecosystem services such as soil fertility, pollination, water purification, and the sequestration of carbon that are vital to people’s existence. In addition, strong ecosystems reduce the severity of climate change impacts, such as storms, droughts, and flooding. However, there may be trade-offs when striving for the increase of renewable energy and biodiversity conservation. Renewable energy development should always be complemented with biodiversity protection. This approach preserves the environmentally delicate ecosystems that are crucial to achieving climate action targets. The combination of climate action, renewable energy, and the need for biodiversity makes it possible to reap many benefits. These include stronger ecosystems and better human health, as well as economic growth and job creation. One example of such a nature-based solution is agrovoltaics, which combines solar energy production and farming. Restoring ecosystems, like forests or wetlands, can also greatly enhance carbon sequestration, reduce global warming, and protect endangered wildlife. This strategy aligns with international initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), specifically SDGs 7, 13, and 15. It serves as a building block towards a more sustainable future. Despite the clear possibilities of synergy, there are still barriers that must be tackled. Policy fragmentation, resource competition, and lack of inter-sector cooperation are some of the challenges that inhibit effective integration. Therefore, equitable governance and the adoption of nature-based techniques are essential.