Hasil untuk "Environmental law"

Jianfeng ZHU, Zhengqing WANG, Yanli TAO et al.

With the rapid construction and iteration of urban infrastructure in China, substantial amounts of abandoned engineering waste soil have piled up, causing serious environmental pollution and resource waste. To achieve efficient solidification and resource utilization of engineering waste soil, this study examined the use of pure industrial waste residue, WZ01 as the primary solidifying agent and calcium carbide slag (CCR) as the alkaline activator, to reinforce the engineering waste soil. The introduction of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) technology to achieve multiple goals including carbon sequestration and storage of CO2, as well as resource utilization of engineering and industrial waste, was also examined. The feasibility of CO2–CCR–WZ01 synergistic solidification of slag soil was studied using microscale unit cell model multiscale experiments. Unconfined compressive strength tests and CO2 absorption rate tests were conducted to analyze the effects of four factors on the carbonation process: carbonation time (Tc), carbonation temperature (Kc), carbon pressure (Pc), and CO2 concentration (Wc). To determine which of these factors had the best effect on CO2–CCR–WZ01 solidification engineering waste soil, we conducted various micro experiments, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), to explore the micro evolution law of CO2–WZ01–CCR solidified soil and analyze the reaction mechanism of CO2–WZ01–CCR synergistic solidification technology. Finally, indoor model box tests were conducted to analyze the improvement of CO2–WZ01–CCR collaborative solidification technology on slag soil with respect to mechanical and physical properties. The feasibility of on-site construction of the CO2–WZ01–CCR collaborative solidification technology and its application prospects were evaluated from a multiscale perspective. The experimental results show that with an increase in Tc, qu gradually increases and growth rate gradually decreases. As Kc increases, qu gradually increases and the amplification rate gradually becomes faster; As Pc increases, qu shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing; With an increase in Wc, qu gradually increases and growth rate gradually decreases. The best carbonization effect of engineering slag soil was achieved with Tc = 6 h, Kc = 60 °C, Pc = 600 kPa, and Wc = 50%. The main product generated by carbonization reaction is calcite, which is concentrated on the outer surface of the unit, whereas cementitious products such as C–A–H and C–S–H generated by solidification reaction are distributed in the middle of the unit. Through the synergistic effect of carbonization solidification reaction, the generated products can effectively fill the pores and improve the strength of the slag soil. Under the influence of CO2–CCR–WZ01, the permeability index of the carbonized soil was significantly reduced. The bearing capacity reached 700 kPa, and substantial improvements were observed in the basic physical properties of the soil. The CO2–CCR–WZ01 co-curing technology demonstrates high efficiency, low carbon emissions, and environmental sustainability. This indicates that the technology can significantly reinforce and improve engineering waste soil, making it a promising solution for the resource utilization of engineering residues. Studying CO2 carbonization technology provides research direction and academic support for the low-carbon development of geotechnical engineering, which is of great significance in achieving “Dual Carbon Goals”.

Maxim Idriss Meli Tametang, Pavell Leandry Lekeufack Tameze, Guy Bertrand Tchaya et al.

This study investigates a novel hybrid electric vehicle architecture integrating a wind energy conversion system to transform part of kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy to ensure real-time recharging of battery. Application of Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle yields the optimal control law, revealing that this supplementary energy source extends engine operation in pure electric driving mode, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Furthermore, this new architecture enables a substantial reduction in pollutant emissions, particularly CO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC), thereby enhancing its environmental benefits. More interestingly, a threshold turbine blade radius is derived above which the vehicle can operate in pure electric mode throughout the trip. Numerical simulations and experimental validation, using a small wind turbine mounted behind a Pick-up truck, confirm the analytical findings, demonstrating the potential for wind energy harvesting to generate approximately 1000W of power at speeds of up to 95km∕h, thus paving the way for a more sustainable transportation future.

Puji Prayitno Kuat, Pandu Ramadhan Galih, Nuha Ilmawan Faiz

Illegal gold mining is a significant environmental crime, particularly in resource-rich regions like the Amazon, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. This study uses a qualitative research design to evaluate law enforcement efforts in Brazil, Ghana, and Indonesia. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews involving law enforcement personnel, government officials, environmental experts, and local community members affected by mining activities. These interviews aimed to uncover challenges in enforcing environmental laws, the effectiveness of ongoing measures, and local perceptions of enforcement outcomes. Secondary data comprised an extensive academic literature review, official reports, and legal documents to contextualize the findings within global trends. Case studies were selected based on criteria such as the prevalence of illegal gold mining, environmental impacts, and variations in enforcement strategies. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring issues such as corruption, resource constraints, and lack of political will. Results indicate that enforcement has had limited success in curbing deforestation, mercury contamination, and biodiversity loss, mainly due to institutional weaknesses. Enforcement measures disproportionately target small-scale miners while larger organized networks evade prosecution. This paper emphasizes the importance of addressing socioeconomic drivers through alternative livelihoods, international collaboration, and enhanced institutional capacity to achieve sustainable development goals.

Inês Neves

A autonomia universitária vem frequentemente caracterizada como garantia institucional ou dimensão-condição de efetividade da liberdade académica, dela derivando ou dependendo, na sua força, nos seus limites e nos seus titulares. Num hoje em que a autonomia universitária e as Universidades-sujeito se veem sob ameaças nem sempre visíveis, audíveis ou imputáveis a uma fonte determinável (originária nos poderes públicos ou em atores privados), e com uma porção significativa dos desafios a brotar ad intra (no seio da própria instituição) ou num ad extra desmaterializado (o ecossistema digital), o “problema” da qualificação da autonomia universitária como simples garantia ou verdadeiro direito assume contornos qualificados. Abandona-se o domínio do debate teórico para lograr um shared concern, sem tempo nem fronteira. Fazendo jus aos valores democráticos em que ancorada, busca-se, com argumentos e ao jeito contramaioritário, problematizar a qualificação da autonomia universitária como “simples” garantia institucional, identificando algumas das suas insuficiências, e mais avançando uma proposta de fundamento(s) para a respetiva qualificação como um verdadeiro direito fundamental. Um direito-titularidade das Universidades, na sua qualidade-condição de sujeitos-titulares de direitos fundamentais. Na ancoragem axiológica da autonomia universitária, perscruta(m)-se o(s) critério(s) de jusfundamentalidade. E na autonomia e orgânica prototípica das Universidades, o fundamento para nelas descobrir verdadeiros sujeitos em relação, titulares do direito.

Shashikant Nishant Sharma, Kavita Dehalwar

Pedestrian safety remains a critical concern in urban transport planning, particularly in rapidly expanding cities where infrastructure frequently fails to accommodate the needs of vulnerable road users. This literature review synthesises global research on pedestrian safety measures, identifying effective strategies and highlighting research gaps. Studies emphasise that traffic calming interventions, such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, and curb extensions, significantly reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. Enhanced street lighting, especially at intersections and crossings, has improved visibility and perceptions of safety during nighttime travel. Safe crossing facilities, such as pedestrian signals, refuge islands, and grade-separated crossings—are particularly effective near schools, transit hubs, and densely populated areas. The review also highlights the role of speed management policies and enforcement in reducing crash severity and frequency. Furthermore, integrating pedestrian-oriented design in urban planning, through wider sidewalks, buffer zones, and reduced curb radii—can foster safer walking environments. Despite the availability of proven interventions, many cities in developing countries face challenges in implementation due to limited funding, weak policy frameworks, and inadequate data on pedestrian behaviour and crash patterns. This research reveals that the law enforcement, especially the speed control, traffic signals, traffic calming measures and awareness, are the dominant safety measures for ensuring the safety of pedestrians. The findings call for a context-specific, data-driven approach to pedestrian safety that prioritises the needs of all users, especially children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. This review contributes to the broader understanding of how urban design and transport policy can work in tandem to enhance pedestrian safety, encouraging inclusive, walkable cities that support public health, environmental goals, and equitable mobility.

Luciana Barreira de Vasconcelos, Gina Vidal Marcílio Pompeu

Apesar das conquistas de direitos indígenas, tanto no âmbito dos tratados internacionais quanto da Constituição Federal de 1988, vivencia-se no Brasil um panorama de violações a essas garantias diante do avanço da mineração ilegal na Floresta Amazônica. O contato forçado com garimpeiros, bem como a degradação ambiental decorrente da atividade, causam danos à saúde e ao modo de vida dos povos indígenas, dentre os quais os Yanomami. Por meio da ADPF nº 709 – DF, a Articulação dos Povos Indígenas do Brasil busca obter do Supremo Tribunal Federal tutela capaz de assegurar proteção às comunidades invadidas. Este artigo objetiva identificar perspectivas para efetivar os direitos desses povos a partir do reconhecimento de sua interconexão com a natureza, com base na aplicação sistêmica e integrada dos artigos 225 e 231 da CF/88. Para tanto, examina-se, à luz do paradigma da interculturalidade, decisão em que o STF deferiu parcialmente Medida Cautelar no âmbito da referida ADPF. Quanto à metodologia, a pesquisa foi realizada com abordagem qualitativa, mediante exame bibliográfico e documental. Sua relevância reside em oferecer contribuição acadêmica consistente na proposição de soluções jurídicas, nas esferas nacional e interamericana, para o resguardo dos direitos dos Yanomami ameaçados pelo garimpo ilegal em suas terras.

Karol Maćkowiak

The article analyses the prerequisites for the participation of environmental organisations in administrative and administrative court proceedings   in the field of environmental protection in Poland and Germany. There are significant differences between the two legal systems, despite the source of the broad powers of environmental organisations, including the right to initiate judicial review in cases involving other persons, deriving from the same act  of international law  the Aarhus Convention. In the scope in question, Polish regulations, established primarily in the Act of 3 October 2008 on the provision of information on the environment and its protection, public participation in environmental protection and environmental impact assessments, do not impose significant requirements on environmental organisations. In contrast, the German provisions, established primarily in the Gesetz über ergänzende Vorschriften zu Rechtsbehelfen in Umweltangelegenheiten nach der EG-Richtlinie 2003/35/EG, significantly restrict the access of environmental organisations to proceedings. The extended German solutions were treated as an inspiration to present de lege ferenda conclusions for the Polish legal order. The article points out the necessity of modifying Polish regulations towards limiting access of environmental organisations to administrative and judicial-administrative proceedings. In the author’s opinion, the prerequisites for the participation of environmental organisations should be more broadly linked to the rights they obtain. In other words, before allowing a given organisation to participate in the proceedings, the authority should examine such issues as, having at its disposal specialist knowledge, its previous activity, which is supposed to provide guarantees of proper performance of its statutory tasks. On the other hand, those German solutions which do not refer to the objectives of organisations’ participation in environmental proceedings do not merit implementation.

Chaiene Meira de Oliveira, Rogério Gesta Leal

Com o presente trabalho pretende-se investigar as diretrizes constitucionais e normativas acerca da competência e políticas públicas em matéria de meio ambiente com foco em um modelo sistêmico. Dessa forma, visa-se responder ao problema de pesquisa: quais as contribuições que uma teoria sistêmica das políticas públicas pode contribuir na concretização do direito fundamental ao meio ambiente? Para tanto utilizou-se do método de abordagem dedutivo, método de procedimento adotou-se o monográfico e, as técnicas de pesquisa resumem-se a consulta a livros, artigos, periódicos, teses, dissertações, dentre outros meios. Considerando que a pesquisa encontra-se em andamento, os resultados preliminares são no sentido de que é fundamental uma observação sistêmica das políticas públicas utilizando referenciais não apenas jurídicos, mas também sociais e políticos.

Ray Saadaoui Mallek, Mohamed Albaity, Ijaz Ur-Rehman et al.

This study examines the linear and nonlinear impacts of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) components on bank stock returns in the region of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It also investigates the impact of bank size on the nexus between ESG and bank stock returns. Using a sample of 59 banks from the 12 countries in the MENA region between 2010 and 2021 and applying generalized quantile regression, we find the following. Our results suggest that ESG components and bank stock returns have a nonlinear relationship. In other words, the link between the ESG components and stock market returns could be U-shaped, inverted U-shaped, or both. Additionally, we find that size influences the link between the ESG pillars and bank stock returns. With few exceptions, large banks strengthened the positive link between ESG components and stock returns. Our findings align with the concept of “too little of a good thing” or “too much of a good thing” effects, along with the law of diminishing marginal returns.

Oona Freudenthal, Marcos Da Silveira, Louis Deladiennee

Abstract Persistent and toxic chemicals remain a significant pollution concern, underscored by the European Union's Zero Pollution Action Plan. Daily exposure to complex chemical mixtures starts early and continues throughout life, for instance for consumer products such as toys, plasticware, furniture, and synthetic fibres. EU-funded research projects like COPHES/DEMOCOPHES, HBM4EU, and PARC have documented population exposure to these substances. The outcomes of such research initiatives have contributed to highlighting the adverse health impacts of Substances of Concern (SoCs), leading to several regulatory actions within the EU. SoCs include hazardous chemicals such as carcinogens, mutagens, endocrine disruptors, and “persistent, bioaccumulative, and mobile” (PBM) chemicals. The digital transformation in chemicals management has resulted in policies that mandate electronic submissions of chemical risk assessment-relevant data, and the creation of industry-specific databases like the Substances of Concern in Products (SCIP) database, established by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the revised Waste Framework Directive (WstFD). These databases describe SoCs and their link with products, offering a comprehensive view of chemical quantities, emission sources, exposure pathways, and other relevant data, contingent on robust data governance. Effective chemical risk assessment requires characterizing hazards, exposure sources and levels, and drawing conclusions concluding on potential risks, supported by a well-defined problem formulation and monitoring. This includes setting objectives and defining the scope of the risk assessment and decision-making, particularly regarding early warning signal detection for the purpose of public health protection. Successful risk assessment hinges on access to robust, traceable, accessible, and interoperable data across scientific disciplines and regulatory frameworks. This paper discusses the challenges of aggregating human health risk assessment-relevant chemical information from multiple sources, especially from the perspective of data fusion and reuse. It presents findings from a research project focused on utilizing chemicals datasets from various governmental and scientific sources. The study highlights the need for improved data presentation and availability to enhance usability for all stakeholders. Recommendations are made for the EU Commission, ECHA, industry, and academia to support harmonized data practices, increased transparency, and the development of sustainable chemical applications fostering safer market introductions. These recommendations can also be useful to other data providers that care about the reusability of the data they publish or manage.

Artur Żurawik

Działalność gospodarcza w wielu przypadkach ingeruje w środowisko. Niekiedy polega na eksploatowaniu jego zasobów naturalnych, co pociąga za sobą m.in. konieczność ponoszenia różnorodnych opłat. Przepisy, które je wprowadzają, mogą być jednak w różnym stopniu niejasne dla przedsiębiorców. Z kolei niedopełnienie obowiązków ustawowych grozi negatywnymi konsekwencjami, w tym administracyjnoprawnymi i finansowymi. Istotne jest więc zrozumienie poszczególnych regulacji, by podmioty prowadzące działalność gospodarczą mogły wypełnić wszystkie obowiązki, które na nich spoczywają. Usystematyzowanie i rozpowszechnienie wiedzy o interpretacjach indywidualnych dokonywanych przez właściwe organy i państwowe jednostki organizacyjne niewątpliwie zabezpieczy przedsiębiorców przed niepożądanymi skutkami uchybienia normom nakazującym ponoszenie danin publicznych.

Mohammed Taha Moustafa Hussien Hamad

Abstract Malachite green a typical organic dye containing triarylmethane, is discharged in wastewater by textile and leather manufacturing plants. MG can pollute the environment, and it represents a major hazard to humans and various living organisms. We have thus worked toward developing the optimum dye-absorptive material, which should possess the following characteristics: excellent adsorption capacity, good selectivity, favorable recycling and reuse potential, and ease and quickness of adsorption. In this study, nano-bentonite, novel hybrid MgO-impregnated clay, and fungal composites were synthesized for Malachite green removal from aqueous solution. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of the synthesis of adsorbents to achieve simultaneous maximum malachite green removal. The composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). According to the obtained results, MgO-impregnated clay exhibits a exhibited a higher adsorption capacity of MG than nano-bentonite and pure bentonite. The malachite green adsorption isotherm on MgO-impregnated clay corresponded with the Freundlich isotherm. However, the Langmuir adsorption isotherm was a superior fit for nano-bentonite. The adsorption activities of nano-bentonite and MgO-impregnated clay were fitted into a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Based on the root-mean-square error, bias, and accuracy, statistical research has shown that the Halden model has optimal accuracy. In addition, despite being recycled numerous times, the adsorbent maintained its high structural stability and removal effectiveness for nano-bentonite (94.5–86%) and MgO-impregnated clay (92–83%).

Mohsen Motiei

AbstractThis study sought to analyze the legal-jurisdictional barriers and challenges in providing financial resources for technological entrepreneurship using an institutional approach and mixed method. By applying a mixed method of qualitative (content analysis) and quantitative (descriptive-survey) approaches, financing barriers for technological entrepreneurship were identified. The statistical population in the qualitative section included 16 elite people and financial managers of technology companies, who were selected by the criterion-based snowball approach. The statistical population in the quantitative sector included financial managers. A number of 125 persons were selected as the statistical sample by using a random sampling method and doing availability analysis. To process the data, SPSS19 software and confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations modeling in Smart PLS software were applied. In this study, a model was developed to show the significant relationship between “the rules and regulations of financing technological entrepreneurship” and “deviation from the rules and regulations, intellectual and industrial property, and long financing time of technology companies.” The results revealed that the most important obstacles were deviations from laws and regulations, intellectual and industrial property, and long financing time of technology companies, respectively.Keywords: Legal-Jurisdictional Barriers, Technological Entrepreneurship, Mixed Method, Institutional Approach. IntroductionFinancial resources are essential in supporting entrepreneurship and small and medium businesses. Obtaining the necessary funds to start businesses has always been challenging for entrepreneurs. Access to financial resources is one of the main concerns for entrepreneurs in the entrepreneurial process since it enables them to implement the identified opportunities (Arbolino, 2017). Using the suitable financing methods to implement profitable projects can play an essential role in increasing shareholders’ wealth in companies. One of the decisions that business managers have to make for maximizing shareholders' wealth is financial provision (Moutmani & Tabgian, 2015). Unfortunately, the country's structures and laws in financing and granting facilities in the business sector, especially in small and medium businesses, have not been architected. This means that the economy's financial sector should serve as the real sector of the economy, the result of which is creating an informational symmetry and directing resources to increase efficiency in the entrepreneurial sector (Cooray, 1999). Perhaps, one of the main issues in the country's progress is the issue of financing entrepreneurship, especially technological entrepreneurship. Therefore, this research analyzed legal-legitimate obstacles and challenges in providing financial resources in technological entrepreneurship with an institutional and mixed-method approach. Method and DataThis research was conducted in Tehran Province during the period of 2019-2020. The sample in the qualitative section was formed by 16 elites in the field of technological entrepreneurship. They participated in the research with a snowball opinion. In the quantitative part, a survey was carried out by designing a questionnaire extracted from the qualitative part of the research for 125 experts. The sample of this section was chosen by academic and industrial experts, including faculty members and experts in the field of financial information with at least 3 years of experience and activity. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique was used to analyze the data obtained from the respondents according to the first method of Barclay et al. (1995). In this method, Number 10 was a cross number and the indices of 1 were changed. According to this rule, 80 samples from the above sample were enough. Also, 125 stratified samples were selected for the survey about the research results. FindingsThe organizing theme of the legal dimensions of financing included the primary themes of legal institutions, the role of cultural background in legalism, law enforcement, lawlessness, intellectual property, legal issues of crime prevention, financing laws, laws and regulations, and the role of law. The dimension of entrepreneurial financing processes was one of the organizer’s primary themes of the effects of informal relationships in facilitating processes, difference between bank processes and funds, patenting before financing, uncertain processes, long judicial processes, informal processes (lobbying), and certain documents. For some technologies the legal way of financing was also included. These themes were obtained from the qualitative analysis of interviews, documents, laws, and regulations of the field of study. By coding these themes in ATLAS. ti software, a network of themes could be drawn from them. Chart No. 2 showed the theme network extracted from analysis of the themes.In the section of quantitative analysis, the minimum acceptable values of the indicators of CA, CR<0.7, AVE<0.5, factor loadings<0.5, OBrien (2007) factor loadings<1.96 significance, and Fornell & Larcker (1981) divergent validity (AVE>MSV) by using the PLS method showed the high reliability and validity of the questionnaire. Conclusion and discussion From the points of view of the studied community, deviation from laws and regulations, including the deviation of loans from their legal path, costs of loans in places other than banks, lack of seriousness in applying the law, cumbersome rules and regulations for entrepreneurs, legal issues for the prevention of financial crimes, and information and transparency of the legal financing path for entrepreneurs, was the biggest obstacle in technological financing businesses. The second obstacle in financing technological entrepreneurship was intellectual and industrial property, which included protection of property rights, legal protection of producers, protection of intellectual property, the need for a patent for financing, and a non-disclosure agreement. The third legal obstacle from the points of view of the elites of technological businesses was the longtime of funding for entrepreneurs, which included lacking a program for the developments of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs in terms of scale, long time processes of the cases, time-consuming nature of registration, priority of reviews, and time-consuming nature of the evaluation.In the discussion about the proposals, it is suggested that the government carry out institutional reforms instead of directly interfering by establishing several funds or granting facilities without policy. By creating the necessary infrastructure for developing cultural variables and informal institutions, as well as environmental and interventionist conditions, mutual trust is created and the motivation to invest and accept capital is strengthened. Among the practical cases, it is possible to strengthen and develop financial markets to help clarify the valuation of shares, create the possibility of an initial supply of shares and other tools for exiting an investment, organizing the formation of specialized syndicates, creating a platform to benefit from the advantages of investment risk reduction strategies, including providing the possibility of multi-stage investment, stock trading options, the possibility of using convertible securities through revision of existing laws, revising accounting standards, tax laws, labor laws, and bankruptcy laws in line with the goals of new technology businesses, and strengthening laws to protect intellectual property rights and favorable legal structures pointed out. While allocating bank loans with a lower interest and a more extended repayment period for such companies, receiving these loans will be shortened to make them available to these people at the right time.Concerning the direction of future research, it is recommended to conduct studies in the field of intellectual property rights, intellectual property evaluation models, labor laws, tax policies, and accounting standards by investment requirements. Furthermore, the studies related to the developments of educational systems and cultural variables can be of great help to improve the performance in this area.

Muhammad Wahyu Saiful Huda, Rizqiya Lailatul Izza

It has been two years since the corona virus pandemic has swept the world. A pandemic that affects every aspect of life, as a result the government is required to provide security to its people. Various programs are implemented to reduce the spread of Covid-19. But the problems this pandemic has created have also led to crime. More specifically, sexual violence. The increase in cases of sexual violence every year is increasingly worrying. The government, at the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, must protect its people, including sexual violence. Sexual violence is a physical act that injures the honor of the perpetrator and is related to sex. Sexual violence takes many forms, but Indonesian law only covers rape and obscenity. Indonesian law now cannot protect the people as a whole, it is necessary to reform the law on sexual violence. To answer the problem of sexual violence in Indonesia, Komnas Perempuan submitted a draft law on the elimination of sexual violence. The purpose of the Draft Law on the Elimination of Sexual Violence is to provide protection, treatment and restore the condition of victims. The hope of the Draft Law on the Elimination of Sexual Violence is the realization of environmental conditions without any acts of sexual violence. The journey so that the Draft Law on the Elimination of Sexual Violence becomes ratified requires assistance, because of the many misinterpretations of the existing articles. As well as protecting the transfer of the original purpose of the Draft Law on the Elimination of Sexual Violence.

Govedarica Milimir

The questions that constitute the subject matter of this article are analyzed through three groups of questions and concluding remarks in which the basic findings reached in the professional-critical analysis of these questions are presented in the form of a summary. The first group of questions deals with general remarks about the environment and its adequate protection, specifically from two aspects (international law aspects and normative-practical aspects in Republika Srpska). The basic conclusion of the analysis of this group of questions is the necessity of ensuring (normative and practical) preconditions for the most adequate protection of the environment possible, and the instruments of criminal law (criminal legislature and its application) are among the crucial ones. The second group of questions is dedicated to the assumptions about the desired degree of adequacy of environmental protection (their notion and types). The basic conclusion of the analysis of this group of questions is that there are numerous assumptions about the desired degree of ensuring the adequacy of state reaction to ecological and other types of crime, whereby those that have the characteristics of criminal law deserve a special status. Bearing in mind precisely this significance of the norms of criminal law as instruments of environmental protection, the third group of questions is dedicated to the analysis (normative and practical) of the preconditions which determine the degree of adequacy of the instruments of criminal law for the protection of the environment. Viewed in isolation, these are the norm of criminal law; the adequacy of the application of the norms of criminal law; the efficiency of the procedure for discovering and demonstrating that ecological crimes were committed (the efficiency of the criminal procedure); efficient forfeiture of assets obtained through criminal activities belonging to this group of crimes. The basic conclusion of the analysis of this class of questions is that despite their diversity, these assumptions must be viewed through their shared properties. Only in cases when they are met simultaneously, both from the normative and from the practical aspect, is it possible to say that they are a function of the desired degree of adequacy of environmental protection, which is not yet the case with Republika Srpska, especially when it comes to their practical aspects.

Ingo Wolfgang Sarlet, Augusto Antônio Fontanive Leal

O presente artigo pretende investigar a respeito da eventual inconstitucionalidade dos instrumentos adotados pelos Programas de Regularização Ambiental (PRA) em virtude dos vácuos de proteção possibilitados pelo assim chamado Novo Código Florestal Brasileiro, em face do Código Florestal de 1965. A hipótese que se enuncia e busca confirmar, ao final da análise, é a da inconstitucionalidade de diversas das medidas adotadas, visto atentarem contra as exigências do princípio da proibição de retrocesso ambiental. Para tanto, após uma breve explanação acerca dos PRA, bem como sobre as matérias constitucionais relativas ao direito e dever fundamental de proteção e promoção ambiental, destaque para o problema da proibição de retrocesso, serão enfrentados os principais pontos controversos relativos aos PRA, à vista das alterações levadas a efeito pela reforma da legislação florestal brasileira.

Marion Dolezel, Marianne Miklau, Andreas Heissenberger et al.

Abstract Background The European Food Safety Authority proposed a concept for the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified plants in the EU that is based on the definition of thresholds for the acceptability of potential adverse effects on the environment. This concept, called Limits of Concern (LoC), needs to be further refined to be implemented in the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified organisms. Methods We analyse and discuss how LoC can be defined for the environmental risk assessment for three different types of genetically modified plants. We outline protection goals relevant to the genetically modified plants in question and discuss existing concepts and suggestions for acceptability thresholds from the environmental risk assessment of different regulatory areas. We make specific recommendations for the setting and use of LoC for each type of genetically modified plant. Results The LoC concept can be suitably applied for the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified organisms, if the different protection goals in agro-environments are specifically considered. Not only biodiversity protection goals but also agricultural protection goals need to be addressed. The different ecosystem services provided by weeds inside and outside agricultural fields have to be considered for genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops. Exposure-based LoCs are suggested based on knowledge about dose–effect relationships between maize pollen and non-target Lepidoptera for insect-resistant maize. Due to the long-term nature of biological processes such as spread and establishment, LoCs for genetically modified oilseed rape should be defined for the presence of the genetically modified plant or its genetically modified traits in relevant protection goals. Conclusions When setting LoCs, the focus should be on protection goals which are possibly affected. Potential overlaps of the LoC concept with the ecosystem service concept have to be clarified to harmonise protection levels in the agro-environment for different stressors. If additional impacts on agro-biodiversity resulting from the cultivation of genetically modified plants are to be avoided, then high protection levels and low thresholds for acceptable effects (i.e. LoC) should be set.

Ole W. Pedersen

Zheng Zhi Hong, Yu Yan Xu

Zheng, Z. H., & Yu, Y. X. (March-April, 2017). Improvement of the vertical “scatter degree” method and its application in evaluating water environmental carrying capacity. Water Technology and Sciences (in Spanish), 8(2), 71-76. The “scatter degree” method is an objective evaluation method based on a “difference drive*”. However, it is currently perceived as incapable of properly reflecting the subjective information of the evaluator. In order to reflect the objective law of raw data and assist decision-makers to control major factors of the water environmental carrying capacity (WECC), this paper proposes a method to process the weight of the indicator by combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the vertical “scatter degree” method. The computing results of this improved method are virtually identical to those of the old method, but the former is more scientific and reliable.

Hardy T, Bopp S, Egsmose M et al.

&lt;p&gt;EFSA’s Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues (PPR Panel) provides independent scientific advice in the field of risk assessment of plant protection products (PPPs, pesticides). Since its establishment in 2003 under Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, it has delivered a series of scientific outputs in support of evaluation of pesticide active substances, establishing scientific principles and guidance documents in the field of pesticide risk assessment and in support of decision making of European Union (EU) law makers. Next to a series of scientific opinions evaluating specific adverse effects of PPPs for human health (like for instance carcinogenicity) the Panel also delivered scientific opinions on general principles in the field of human health risk assessment (like reference value setting) and is, in particular over the last years, very much engaged in development of methodologies to meet new challenges in regulatory risk assessments such as assessment of toxicity of pesticide metabolites and potential cumulative effects of pesticides to human health. Fate, behaviour and transformation of pesticides after their application and consequent release to the environment are a major aspect of pesticide risk assessment. The PPR Panel has achieved major accomplishments by delivering guidance and scientific opinions on degradation in soil, exposure of soil organisms and assessment of environmental risks by use of pesticides in greenhouses or grown under cover. A series of scientific opinions have been delivered also in the field of environmental risk assessment of pesticides. Scientific output covered specific issues arising in the peer review of specific active substances, revision of data requirements, development of risk assessment methodologies and the development of guidance documents. A major milestone of the PPR Panel was the development of the methodological framework for deriving specific protection goals for environmental risk assessment of pesticides in view of the future dialogue between risk managers and risk assessors during the next steps of the revision of the ecotoxicology guidance documents.&lt;/p&gt;