scholarly journals Measuring Sustainable Development Goals at a Local Level: A Case of a Metropolitan Area in Romania

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3962 ◽  
Author(s):  
Júlia Nagy ◽  
József Benedek ◽  
Kinga Ivan
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Metropolitan Area ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Optimization Technique ◽  
Mapping Technique ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Vertical Development ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

Metropolitan areas became the breeding ground for economic, political, and cultural concentration as well as for creativity and innovation. Therefore, sustainability within the urban dimension plays a crucial role in the overall success to attain the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and their targets under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. Nevertheless, for cities, regions, or countries to monitor and measure their progress, there is a need for harmonized and reliable indicators. Consequently, the current study addresses sustainability on a local level by measuring the extent to which a Romanian metropolitan area achieves the SDGs agreed to in 2015 by the 193-member states of the United Nations. The paper analyses 16 out of the 17 SD (Sustainable Development) goals as the goal titled “Life below water” was not applicable. Relying on mainly quantitative data, we used the method of normalization and aggregation based on the arithmetic mean, which helped us to calculate the scores attained by each of the component localities of the metropolitan area within the SDGs and their overall SDG index. Next to this, the study combines the quantitative data analysis with a GIS (Geographic Information System) computer mapping technique. The results show that the municipality achieved the best results in the metropolitan area and a vertical development process from west to the east prevails. Measuring progress through a well-defined set of indicators and an optimization technique proved to be crucial in defining attainments’ levels within the metropolitan area.

scholarly journals Addressing Policy Coherence Between Health in All Policies Approach and the Sustainable Development Goals Implementation: Insights From Kenya

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joy Mauti ◽  
Lara Gautier ◽  
Faith Agbozo ◽  
Veronica Shiroya ◽  
Nasreen S. Jessani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Health In All Policies ◽  
Policy Coherence ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Goals

Background: Addressing health in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) calls for intersectoral strategies that mutually enhance both health promotion and sustainable development. Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach aims to address this as well as promote ownership among key stakeholders. Kenya was at the forefront of adopting the SDGs and has committed to the HiAP approach in its Health Policy document for the period 2014-2030. This study aims to assess how the adoption of the HiAP approach can leverage on SDGs implementation in Kenya. Methods: This is an exploratory case study using qualitative data and some descriptive quantitative data. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD’s) eight building blocks for policy coherence on sustainable development was our guiding framework. Qualitative data was derived from a review of relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature, as well as 40 key informant interviews and analyzed in NVIVO. Quantitative data was accessed from the United Nations SDG indicator database and exported to Excel. Results: Kenya has expressed a strong political commitment to achieving the SDGs and has now adopted HiAP. The study showed that Kenya can leverage on local level implementation and long-term planning horizons that it currently has in place to address the SDGs as it rolls out the HiAP approach. The SDGs could be mapped out against the sectors outlined in the Adelaide statement on HiAP. It is also possible to map out how various ministries could coordinate to effectively address HiAP and SDGs concurrently. Funding for HiAP was not addressed in the OECD framework. Conclusion: Kenya can advance a HiAP approach by leveraging the ongoing SDGs implementation. This will be made possible by facilitating coordinated intersectoral action both at national and local level. Funding for HiAP is crucial for its propagation, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and can be considered in the budgetary allocations for SDGs.

scholarly journals Sub-national Energy Access Planning Model for Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of Barpak

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-190
Author(s):  
Kshitiz Khanal ◽  
Bivek Baral
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Energy Systems ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Hydropower Plant ◽  
Local Energy ◽  
Energy Access ◽  
Development Goals

As most nations have adopted the Sustainable Development agenda to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, it is vital that planning of energy systems at local, regional and national levels also align with the agenda in order to achieve the goals. This study explores the sustainability of primary energy resources of a rural community to meet growing demands of the community, in order to achieve SDGs for energy access Goal no. 7 (SDG7) at local level. Using a linear back-casting techno-economic energy access model that informs the expected change in energy demand in order to reach SDG7 targets, this study examined whether local energy resources would be enough to achieve the targets for Barpak VDC (named such at the time of data collection before Nepal’s administrative restructuring), and explored the possibility of importing electricity from national grid to attain SDG7 targets. By analyzing the outputs of the model for Barpak, we found that currently assessed local energy resources are insufficient to meet the energy access targets. Importing electricity from national grid, in addition to the mini-hydropower plant currently in operation at Barpak is needed to achieve the targets. Huge cost investment and timely expansion of transmission and distribution infrastructure is crucial. By 2030, total energy demand is expected to grow up to 50,000 Gigajoules per year. Electricity import from national grid grows steadily, reaching up to 45,000 Gigajoules in 2030. The social costs of energy will continue to be dominated by household sector till 2030, reaching up to 30 million Nepali Rupees per year in total. Use of wood as fuel, the only significant source of emission in the model is modeled to decrease linearly and stop by 2030, as required by SDGs. Emission of 17 Metric Tonnes of Carbon-dioxide and 4.5 million kg Methane equivalent is reduced to zero at 2030. This model serves as an innovative approach to integrate SDG targets to local and regional energy planning process, and can be adopted for energy systems and policy planning for various regions in Nepal.

scholarly journals Review of Indicators for Localizing Environmental Goals at Sub National and Local Level in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-307
Author(s):  
Ek Raj Sigdel ◽  
Martina Maria Keitsch
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Environmental Indicators ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Stakeholder Consultation ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Government ◽  
Environmental Goals

Nepal, as a member of the United Nations, is committed to achieve the global initiatives of Sustainable Development Agenda by 2030. Toward translating the commitment into action, Nepal has produced preliminary SDGs Report in 2015, even before the formal adoption of the 2030. Moreover, Voluntary National Review Report, Sustainable Development Goals, Status and Roadmap: 2016-2030, and Sustainable Development Goals 2016-2030 National (Preliminary) Report were developed. Further, Nepal has initiated mainstreaming the 2030 Agenda into national policies and plans. The 14th periodic plan, the national budget, and other sectoral plans have been closely aligned with the SDGs and the approach paper for 15th five-year plan is intended to achieve the SDG. The upcoming 15th periodic plan will basically aim to support the government in achieving all the SDGs by 2030 and help Nepal emerge as a middle-income country by 2030. The indicators comprise of renewable energy for electricity and vehicles, injuries due to disaster (number), greenhouse gases, adaptation plans, trained man power, climate change educations, and climate smart villages and farming are identified as indicators under climate and energy goals. Similarly, under forest goals proportion of forest land, forest under community-based management (% of total dense forest areas), protected area (including forest, in % of total land area), handover of forests to leasehold forest groups (000 hectare), wild tigers (number), rhino (number) etc are included. Likewise, conservation of lakes, wetlands, and ponds (number) and potentially dangerous lakes (%) are included under fresh water goals. However, there was no scientific basis how the indicators were derived for the environmental goals. In this backdrop, a study in identifying site specific, measurable, time bound, relevant and attainable indicators was paramount. Based on the secondary literature review, stakeholder consultation at sub national and local level, the indicators were verified and suggested strategies that help localizing the environmental indicators at sub-national and local level in Nepal. The study was therefore centered on reviewing the environmental indicators and suggest appropriate strategies so that it helps expediting localization of SDG in Nepal.

scholarly journals Local Action with Global Impact: The Case of the GROW Observatory and the Sustainable Development Goals

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 10518
Author(s):  
Raquel Ajates ◽  
Gerid Hager ◽  
Pavlos Georgiadis ◽  
Saskia Coulson ◽  
Mel Woods ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Multi Stakeholder

This article reports on Citizen Observatories’ (COs) potential to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting on the experience of the GROW Observatory (GROW). The research aims to take the first steps in closing the gap in the literature on COs’ potential contributions to the SDG framework, beyond quantitative data contributions for indicator monitoring. Following an analysis of project activities and outcomes mapped against the SDG framework, the findings reveal GROW’s potential contributions across two dimensions: (i) Actions to advance the implementation of goals and targets through awareness raising and training; participatory methods; multi-stakeholder connections; and supporting citizens to move from data to action and (ii) Data contributions to SDG indicator monitoring through citizen-generated datasets. While earlier research has focused mostly on the latter (dimension ii), CO activities can impact numerous goals and targets, highlighting their potential to relate global SDGs to local level action, and vice versa. These findings align with the growing literature on COs’ ability to bring together policy makers, scientists and citizens, and support changes to environmental policy and practice. Furthermore, this research suggests groundwork activities that address the goal and target level can also enhance sustained data collection to contribute to indicator level monitoring. We conclude with future trends and recommendations for COs wishing to contribute to the SDGs.

scholarly journals On the Design of a Youth-Led, Issue-Based, Crowdsourced Global Monitoring Framework for the SDGs

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 6839
Author(s):  
Sharada Prasanna Mohanty ◽  
Rajiv Ramaswamy ◽  
Anantha Kumar Duraiappah
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Community Learning ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Societal Problem ◽  
Monitoring Framework ◽  
Development Goals

In this paper, we propose a novel methodology and design to contribute towards the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by member states of the United Nations for a better and more sustainable future for all. We particularly focus on achieving SDG 4.7—using education to ensure all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development. We describe the design of a crowdsourced approach to monitor issues at a local level, and then use the insights gained to indicate how learning can be achieved by the entire community. We begin by encouraging local communities to identify issues that they are concerned about, with an assumption that any issue identified will fall within the purview of the 17 SDGs. Each issue is then tagged with a plurality of actions taken to address it. Finally, we tag the positive or negative changes in the issue as perceived by members of the local community. This data is used to broadly indicate quantitative measures of community learning when solving a societal problem, in turn telling us how SDG 4.7 is being achieved. The paper describes the design of a unique, youth-led, technology-based, bottom-up approach, applicable to communities across the globe, which can potentially ensure transgressive learning through participation of and monitoring by the local community leading to sustainable development.

scholarly journals Business contributions to the sustainable development goals through community sustainability partnerships

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Ordonez-Ponce ◽  
Amelia Clarke ◽  
Adriane MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Community Sustainability ◽  
Agenda 21 ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Sustainability ◽  
Business Partners ◽  
Local Sustainability ◽  
Development Goals

Purpose This study aims to understand how businesses can contribute to the achievement of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) by implementing Local Agenda 21 (or equivalent) plans in partnership with other organizations situated in their city. To this end, the present study examines drivers and outcomes from the perspective of business partners, as well as their relationships to the SDGs. Design/methodology/approach Through a mixed-methods approach this research studies 71 businesses from four large cross-sector partnerships formed to achieve local sustainability goals. Data were collected through a survey to determine why firms partner and what outcomes they obtain from partnering. Qualitative content analyses are used to determine the relationships between business drivers and outcomes from partnering for local sustainability and the SDGs. Findings From a resource-based view (RBV) perspective, findings show the value of local sustainability partnerships in relation to the SDGs. Many SDG targets are aligned with the top reasons why businesses join large community sustainability partnerships. Also, through the outcomes achieved by participating in the partnership businesses can further the SDGs. Research limitations/implications This research contributes to the literature and to practice through the understanding of businesses partnering for local sustainability, and its relationships to global sustainability. Firstly, the connections of business partners to local and global sustainability are better understood. Of note is the contribution made to the literature on sustainability-related drivers and outcomes expanding and refining RBV literature. Secondly, a positive connection has been established between businesses and the SDGs, proposing a virtuous model of relationship that summarizes the findings from this research. And thirdly, large cross-sector social partnerships are better understood. Practical implications Small- and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations with local offices can further both local and global sustainable development by engaging in local cross-sector sustainability partnerships. Social implications These research findings are crucial for those leading sustainability initiatives, so they can engage businesses actively in light of the important role they play in society improving their contributions and the chances for sustainability partnerships to achieve their goals. Originality/value This research contributes to the scale conversation by exploring community sustainability partnerships as a means to understand how business engagement in sustainability at the local level can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs and, ultimately, to global sustainability.

Local2030 Coalition for the Decade of Action

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Local Level ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Development Goals

This publication introduces the Local2030 Coalition, a United Nations-led platform and network designed to support and accelerate local-level delivery of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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