Browsing by Author "Vidra, Rebecca L"

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Open Access
2018 Land Trust Communication Guide
(2018-04-26) Hanway, Hayley
Communications is a critical component of a land trust’s success. Since land trusts are mainly private, non-profit organizations, they are heavily dependent on donors and volunteers. A strong communications strategy will attract new donors and volunteers while retaining old ones. This project for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) evaluates different communications platforms and strategies and provides a list of recommendations for an effective communication’s plan. Research was conducted via a survey disseminated to LCWM members and informational interviews with other environmental organizations. Final recommendations include prioritizing Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube/Vimeo over other forms of social media, investing in an annual (or five-year) professional paper magazine product, strengthening partnerships with local organizations, and holding more events for outreach.
Open Access
A National Strategy to Increase the Efficacy of Timber Enforcement at U.S. Borders
(2020-04-24) Aziz, Naimah
Since 1900, the United States has relied on the Lacey Act to protect wildlife from unsustainable and illegal exploitation via the enforcement of tribal, state, and foreign laws. In 2008, Congress amended the Lacey Act to offer the same protection of plants including timber and wood products. Albeit, over a decade since enactment, on the ground enforcement of the Lacey Act Amendments is still in the early stages. This capstone explores leadership in wildlife conservation and proposes a plan to optimizes the enforcement of the Lacey Act Amendment at U.S. ports of entry. The final project is a national strategy that increases collaboration between border inspection agencies to close enforcement gaps and creates a workflow plan for timber inspections in an effort to combat timber trafficking. Using the resources provided in the strategy, border law enforcement officers can more effectively identify and inspect high-risk shipments.
Open Access
A New Kind of Service: A Proposal to Create Opportunities for Transitional US Marines as Environmental Leaders
(2022-04-18) Ambrosino, Lacey
Open Access
A Progress Evaluation of National Geographic’s Geotourism Program
(2012-04-25) Nystrom, Joel; Brouwer, Susannah; Torres, Hannah; Stern, Tamar
National Geographic’s Geotourism Program is a sustainable tourism initiative designed to ease the negative impacts of mass tourism through a branding opportunity and grassroots structure that empowers local stakeholders to showcase regional and cultural identity. While previous studies on National Geographic’s Geotourism Program have investigated the potential and achieved successes from certain perspectives, the Geotourism charter mandates that program evaluation should consider all stakeholder interests (Boley 2009, Leonard 2011). This study contributes to a comprehensive evaluation by analyzing progress from a previously unexplored perspective: that of the participating sites in two regions: Sierra Nevada and Crown of the Continent (COTC) region. Quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments gather information from participating sites that then is evaluated by indicators in three categories: social, environmental and economic. Social impact proves to be the strongest success of the project as participants are encouraged to learn about the assets of their region, and share regional information with visitors. The study also reveals that participants who buy into the Geotourism Project by educating visitors and incorporating it into their business planning documents recognize the greatest degree of project impact. Analysis of the results yields recommendations for how stakeholder education and involvement, impact measurement, and project positioning can be more effectively integrated into each destination’s strategic plan.
Open Access
A Progress Evaluation of National Geographic's Geotourism Program
(2012-04-27) Stern, Tamar; Brouwer, Susannah; Nystrom, Joel; Torres, Hannah
National Geographic’s Geotourism Program is a sustainable tourism initiative designed to ease the negative impacts of mass tourism through a branding opportunity and grassroots structure that empowers local stakeholders to showcase regional and cultural identity. While previous studies on National Geographic’s Geotourism Program have investigated the potential and achieved successes from certain perspectives, the Geotourism charter mandates that program evaluation should consider all stakeholder interests. This study contributes to a comprehensive evaluation by analyzing progress from a previously unexplored perspective: that of the participating sites in two regions: Sierra Nevada and Crown of the Continent (COTC) region. Quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments gather information from participating sites that then is evaluated by indicators in three categories: social, environmental and economic. Social impact proves to be the strongest success of the project as participants are encouraged to learn about the assets of their region, and share regional information with visitors. The study also reveals that participants who buy into the Geotourism Project by educating visitors and incorporating it into their business planning documents recognize the greatest degree of project impact. Analysis of the results yields recommendations for how stakeholder education and involvement, impact measurement, and project positioning can be more effectively integrated into each destination’s strategic plan.
Open Access
A Progress Evaluation of National Geographic's Geotourism Program
(2012-04-26) Torres, Hannah; Nystrom, Joel; Stern, Tamar; Brouwer, Susannah
In response to the deleterious effects of traditional mass tourism, National Geographic launched a Geotourism Program in 1997 in an effort to sustain or enhance the geographical character of a place – its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. A major tenet of Geotourism is establishing an evaluation process for strategies implemented by Geotourism destinations. This study targets one stakeholder group - businesses featured on the Geotourism MapGuide - through an exploratory case study approach to create a methodology and establish baseline data for a participant evaluation system. Data collection instruments determine the social, economic and environmental impacts of the Geotourism Project as perceived by participants in two destinations: Sierra Nevada and Crown of the Continent. Analysis of results yields recommendations for how stakeholder education and involvement, impact measurement, and project positioning can be more effectively integrated into each destination’s strategic plan.
Open Access
A Progress Evaluation of National Geographic's Geotourism Program
(2012-04-26) Brouwer, Susannah
National Geographic’s Geotourism Program is a sustainable tourism initiative designed to ease the negative impacts of mass tourism through a branding opportunity and grassroots structure that empowers local stakeholders to showcase regional and cultural identity. While previous studies on National Geographic’s Geotourism Program have investigated the potential and achieved successes from certain perspectives, the Geotourism charter mandates that program evaluation should consider all stakeholder interests (Boley 2009, Leonard 2011). This study contributes to a comprehensive evaluation by analyzing progress from a previously unexplored perspective: that of the participating sites in two regions: Sierra Nevada and Crown of the Continent (COTC) region. Quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments gather information from participating sites that then is evaluated by indicators in three categories: social, environmental and economic. Social impact proves to be the strongest success of the project as participants are encouraged to learn about the assets of their region, and share regional information with visitors. The study also reveals that participants who buy into the Geotourism Project by educating visitors and incorporating it into their business planning documents recognize the greatest degree of project impact. Analysis of the results yields recommendations for how stakeholder education and involvement, impact measurement, and project positioning can be more effectively integrated into each destination’s strategic plan.
Open Access
An Analysis of What Makes Collaborative Efforts Successful
(2018-04-23) Remlinger, Lisa
Our world’s problems are complex, often crossing boundaries between different communities and sectors. However, many of our attempts towards solutions remain siloed. These silos prevent information sharing and create inefficiencies. When entities work alone efforts can be duplicated, which can stifle knowledge growth. Research agencies, funders, and policies are pushing for more collaborative approaches, but success is not a foregone conclusion. The Bridge Collaborative is a new effort between public health, development, and environmental sustainability organizations that works across silos to support evidence-based research, design, and planning. Based on a literature review and interviews, 10 findings were identified from this analysis as preferably needed in order for efforts, including the Bridge Collaborative, to be successful. The findings fell into three types of categories: foundational conditions, structure and governance, and outcomes and accountabilities. Foundational conditions are needed to initially convene the effort and get it off the ground. They serve as the base from which everything else develops. Structure and governance is the glue that successfully holds the effort together. Without these components, the effort may get started but struggle to take off and be successful. Finally, there are outcomes and accountabilities that need to happen for long-term success. Without these components the others may eventually fall apart and the effort fade away. For the Collaborative specifically, a majority of these findings are in place, especially the foundational conditions. Outcomes and accountabilities is the main area that will need attention if the Collaborative is to succeed long-term.
Open Access
An Evaluation of Societal Implications of Environmental Education through the Integration of Indigenous and Westernized Practices in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina
(2014-04-22) McDuffie, Eric
Indigenous knowledge is valuable within localized cultures, but it has been historically under-represented in Westernized programs and systems. The knowledge from indigenous cultures offers many valuable practices that could be integrated into Westernized environmental education as generations search to improve sustainable and regenerative practices. This qualitative study examines existing environmental education organizations across North Carolina, along with two indigenous cultures native to the Piedmont region of North Carolina, in order to make recommendations for an environmental education framework integrating the methods of indigenous knowledge. Through thematic analysis of survey responses and interviews, best practices for developing an integrated program and the benefits these types of programs bring to a community are identified. To effectively develop a program connecting indigenous knowledge and Westernized environmental education, the curriculum should be focused locally using delivery methods such as story-telling, role-playing and symbolism. But public education cannot change children’s connection to their environment alone. The parents and the elders of our families and communities are an integral part of reconnecting children to nature.
Open Access
Case Studies Exploring the Intersection of Gender and Climate Action in the Private Sector
(2020-04-24) Thiruselvan, Sheena
Applying a gender lens to climate mitigation and resilience is a developing area of interest for businesses. This project aims to increase industry focus on how companies can integrate gender into climate change mitigation and into their just transition activities. BSR seeks to identify companies that are currently addressing this intersection beyond building climate resilience through the agricultural sector. The research identifies three companies that address gender issues in their climate strategies and seeks to highlight key initiatives so that other companies can learn from and integrate aspects into their climate mitigation activities and solutions. BSR is a global nonprofit organization that works with its network of over 250 member companies like Google, Microsoft, Loreal, Coca Cola, and other partners to build a just and sustainable world. The organization develops sustainable business strategies and solutions through consulting, research, and cross-sector collaboration. In 2018, BSR produced “Climate + Women,” a report that looks at the intersection of climate change and the empowerment of women primarily through climate resilience activities. This project aims to expand on BSR’s nexus report examples and highlight how companies can integrate gender into climate change mitigation activities across sectors.
Open Access
CREATING VALUE CHAINS FOR SOIL HEALTH AND RESILIENT FOOD SYSTEMS IN WARREN COUNTY
(2021-04-30) Hessenius, Angela; Howard, Elizabeth; Martinez, Catarina; Karanikolas, Cleopatra
This Master’s Project aims to support Working Landscapes, a rural development nonprofit based in Warren County, NC, in developing a food waste recovery enterprise to handle food scraps from their food processing operation called ByWay Foods. Our project has two main objectives: 1) identify the best model for processing ByWay Foods’ vegetable waste stream to maximize economic, environmental, and social benefits in Warren County and 2) develop a business plan to guide the creation of this food waste recovery enterprise. To achieve these goals, we researched various alternative food waste recovery strategies including composting, vermicomposting, and biochar through literature review and interviews with experts and practitioners. Based on our client’s values and priorities, we selected a mixed-model compost and vermicompost operation as the optimal strategy for our client to create value from ByWay Foods’ food scraps. The result of our project is a business plan that guides Working Landscapes in the implementation of this new social enterprise that will enhance environmental, economic, and social value in the communities they serve.
Open Access
Cutting the Green Tape in North Carolina
(2023-04-28) Lohman, Adam; Roderer, Anne
Regulators and practitioners can face significant barriers to ecosystem conservation and restoration. This study attempts to identify those barriers in North Carolina and develops recommendations for increasing the pace and scale of these activities. Doing so can support implementation of the 2020 North Carolina Natural and Working Lands Action Plan, which aims to enhance natural carbon sinks and provide a variety of benefits to people through conservation and management of natural and working lands. A list of barriers to effective and equitable conservation and restoration for forests and watershed protection was generated following a literature review and interviews with stakeholders across state agencies, academia, and others. Barriers include gaps within the existing governance structures, lack of funding for incentive programs, agency capacity constraints, barriers in equitable access to funding and resources, a deficit of political will, and inadequate public awareness. Further analysis and case studies inform policy recommendations.
Open Access
Development of a Coral Reef Restoration Framework: A Maldivian Case Study
(2012-04-27) Kovacs, Kaitlin
The observed coral reef decline has prompted alternative protection measures beyond traditional conservation efforts. Restoration can be used to reverse reef degradation and has been practiced around the world, particularly in developing countries where livelihoods rely on the ecosystems, such as the Maldives. As an atoll nation with more oceanic territory than terrestrial territory, the country’s vulnerability to increased development and unprecedented environmental changes requires effective coral reef management. A literature review was conducted to develop a restoration framework, based on common coral reef restoration practices, which can be used by Maldivian reef managers and others to prioritize restoration methods and to involve team members from several sectors. Specifically, the framework can be used by the Maldives to support inclusion of passive restoration options, sector integration, and local engagement to promote the country’s efforts in coral reef protection.
Open Access
Documenting the Māla Lāʻau Project using a Community Science Tool
(2023-04-28) Chamberlain, Grace; Staguhn, Elena
Western contact has altered Hawaiian ecology through land-use manipulations and the introduction of invasive species. Today, Kaua'i, Hawaii, relies heavily on continent imports and faces inadequate ecological resilience and food insecurity. Understory Alliance, a local non-profit in Kaua’i, initiated the Māla Lāʻau Project to build a community forest garden that enhances the interconnectedness between humans and nature. Place-based community engagement can strengthen environmental stewardship and allow for more effective resource management. This report discusses how a community science tool may enhance community involvement and improve forest garden resilience and management practices. We suggest content and formatting for the community science tool, evaluate 10 different platforms for online tool development, and recommend partnerships for future collaborations.
Open Access
Environmental Hazards within Nail Salons
(2011-04-28) Roberts, Rachel
In the United States there are over 80,000 registered synthetic chemicals; 9,000-15,000 of which are currently in use. Nail salons are a hotbed of chemical activity with salon workers coming in contact with over 20 chemicals each day. Three main chemicals have recently come under fire for being hazardous to manicurists’ health. Named the “toxic trio,” toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde have been thoroughly investigated by many organizations and found to be hazardous. Unfortunately, there are a host of other chemicals found in nail salons that have not been studied as carefully or received as much attention as the “toxic trio.” My client, Women’s Voices for the Earth, was interested in learning about any potential hazardous health effects of methyl methacrylate, methyl ethyl ketone, and acetone. I was tasked with conducting a synthesis and quantitative analysis of the available literature to determine whether or not methyl methacrylate, methyl ethyl ketone and acetone where comparable to toluene, dibutyl phthalate, and formaldehyde in toxicity. I used major online databases including Pubmed (Ovid MEDLINE) and Toxicology Literature Online (TOXLINE) to locate peer-reviewed journals. I used 94 papers, an average of 16 per chemical then grouped each study based on whether the conclusions supported the null or alternate hypothesis. Finally, I ran a one-tailed binomial test to eliminate Type 1 Error. Methyl ethyl ketone was found to be less harmful than methyl methacrylate and acetone was determined to be one of the least harmful substances present in nail salons. Methyl methacrylate and the toxic trio should be prioritized over methyl ethyl ketone and acetone when advocating for manicurists’ health.
Open Access
Environmental Leadership in Campus Sustainability
(2019-04-24) Allen, Simon
Campus sustainability is an important topic for several reasons: 1. Higher Education institutions generally have a large environmental footprint, primarily because they are large users of energy to operate their campuses and fulfil their programmatic activities. 2. Due to their mission and competencies, Higher Education institutions have the capacity and responsibility to lead on climate and sustainability action for the sake of their students and society. Second Nature, a nonprofit founded to encourage climate action by higher education institutions, established the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in 2001 due to increasing interest in campus sustainability. However, it wasn’t until the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitments (‘ACUPCC’) in 2006 that many organizations publicly made concerted, objective, quantifiable commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emissions. In 2015, Second Nature expanded and rebranded the ACUPCC to form the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments. Today, that network comprises over 600 higher education institutions who have made a commitment to act on climate. At many of these institutions, a formal commitment has been made to reductions in GHG emissions. These commitments are reported through Second Nature’s reporting platform which acts as a central hub for the monitoring and evaluation of progress against these commitments. As part of the agreed protocol for reporting their emissions, institutions use the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (‘GHGP’), a partnership between the World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. GHGP establishes a comprehensive, global, standardized framework for measuring and managing emissions from private and public sector operations, value chains, products, cities, and policies. In this report I have focused on five Higher Education institutions which have made objective commitments, and for whom data is available through the Second Nature reporting portal. These include Colgate, Cornell, Duke, Middlebury (College) and New York Universities, all of whom are members of the Carbon Commitment initiative. Additionally, the five were chosen because although they have all made quite meaningful progress against their commitments, they have taken quite different routes to secure their reductions.
Open Access
Exploring Leadership in California’s Environmental Policy Space
(2020-04-20) Gilbert, Jonathan
California’s federal policymakers often consider their state to be an environmental policy leader. These policymakers see the state as a laboratory for innovative environmental policies to address a range of challenges including climate change, clean air, and water scarcity. Federal representatives who support these state policies then advocate for their adoption at the federal level. This capstone project explores the relationship between the State of California’s environmental policies and those of the federal government. The relationship is examined through interviews with federal and state policymakers as well as a renewable energy industry veteran who works with both federal and state governments. It is further explored through a capstone course plan that touches on water, energy, forest, and agriculture policies. The final capstone project provides recommendations to relevant federal officials on adoption of policies that facilitate increased use of desalination technology, development and deployment of new photovoltaic solar energy technologies, expansion of western wholesale energy markets, greater incentives for reforestation on marginal agricultural and grazing lands, and incorporation of greenhouse gas costs into energy markets.
Open Access
Governance Recommendations for the Implementation of Ecosystem-Based Management within the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership
(2013-04-25) Page, Jordan; Pool, Taylor; Menaquale, Andrew
The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) is an estuarine management program operating from within the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources with financial support from USEPA. The program area extends across most of the Albemarle-Pamlico watershed, including a large portion of southern Virginia. Recently, APNEP has revised its management plan to implement an Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) strategy that takes a multimodal approach to conservation. In this report, we use case studies of other individual state, bi-state, regional, and international conservation partnerships to produce a set of objectives for APNEP to increase its institutional ability to implement EBM goals throughout its program area. Findings include recommendations and advice to: (a) establish mechanisms of accountability for essential management organizations; (b) develop EBM agendas for specific agencies; (c) establish priority management areas; (d) expand APNEP’s program area to include the entire Roanoke River Basin; (e) expand cooperative GIS mapping capability between NC and VA; (f) update and renew the MOA between NC and VA agencies for cooperative regional conservation management; and, (g) address the possible relocation of the APNEP office from a state agency.
Open Access
Governance Recommendations for the Implementation of Ecosystem-Based Management within the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership
(2013-04-25) Menaquale, Andrew; Page, Jordan; Pool, Taylor
The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) is an estuarine management program operating from within the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources with financial support from USEPA. The program area extends across most of the Albemarle-Pamlico watershed, including a large portion of southern Virginia. Recently, APNEP has revised its management plan to implement an Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) strategy that takes a multimodal approach to conservation. In this report, we use case studies of other individual state, bi-state, regional, and international conservation partnerships to produce a set of objectives for APNEP to increase its institutional ability to implement EBM goals throughout its program area. Findings include recommendations and advice to: (a) establish mechanisms of accountability for essential management organizations; (b) develop EBM agendas for specific agencies; (c) establish priority management areas; (d) expand APNEP’s program area to include the entire Roanoke River Basin; (e) expand cooperative GIS mapping capability between NC and VA; (f) update and renew the MOA between NC and VA agencies for cooperative regional conservation management; and, (g) address the possible relocation of the APNEP office from a state agency.
Open Access
Governance Recommendations for the Implementation of Ecosystem-Based Management within the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership
(2013-04-25) Pool, Taylor; Page, Jordan; Menaquale, Andrew
The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) is an estuarine management program operating from within the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources with financial support from USEPA. The program area extends across most of the Albemarle-Pamlico watershed, including a large portion of southern Virginia. Recently, APNEP has revised its management plan to implement an Ecosystem Based Management (EBM) strategy that takes a multimodal approach to conservation. In this report, we use case studies of other individual state, bi-state, regional, and international conservation partnerships to produce a set of objectives for APNEP to increase its institutional ability to implement EBM goals throughout its program area. Findings include recommendations and advice to: (a) establish mechanisms of accountability for essential management organizations; (b) develop EBM agendas for specific agencies; (c) establish priority management areas; (d) expand APNEP’s program area to include the entire Roanoke River Basin; (e) expand cooperative GIS mapping capability between NC and VA; (f) update and renew the MOA between NC and VA agencies for cooperative regional conservation management; and, (g) address the possible relocation of the APNEP office from a state agency.

Browsing by Author "Vidra, Rebecca L"

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