1. Bridging mountains and seas : genomic and plastid data evidence for two migration routes of Drypis spinosa across the Adriatic–Ionian regionPeter Glasnović, Ivan Radosavljević, Sara Laura Šarančić, Damjan Mitić, Boštjan Surina, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Aim Amphi–Adriatic–Ionian plant taxa, distributed on both the Balkan and Apennine peninsulas, exemplify one of the many diversity patterns characteristic of the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot. To better understand these patterns, we examined the genetic and morphological variability, as well as the present day and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) potential distribution of a scree-dwelling plant endemic to the study region. Location Amphi–Adriatic–Ionian region within the Mediterranean basin. Taxon Drypis spinosa L. (Caryophyllaceae). Methods Population genomics and phylogeographic patterns were investigated by analysing single–nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and plastid DNA markers. Morphometric techniques were additionally used to assess taxonomic relationships. Environmental niche modelling (ENM) was applied to evaluate potential occurrences under present-day and LGM conditions. Results Genetic data revealed concordant patterns of genetic diversity, indicating that the mountainous areas of the western Balkans harbour the highest genetic variability in D. spinosa. Historical connections were detected among populations from the Kvarner area, the central and southern Apennines, and the Scardo–Pindic Mountains. Neither molecular nor morphological analyses supported the historically proposed lower-rank taxonomic distinctions. ENM suggests a substantial increase in favourable conditions during the LGM compared to the present day. Main Conclusions Our findings indicate two primary links between the Balkan Peninsula and the Apennines: one spanning the northern and central Adriatic Sea, involving populations from the Kvarner area and the central Dinaric Alps, and another connecting the Scardo–Pindic Mountains across the Ionian Sea. This reveals a biogeographical pattern not previously documented in plants with an Amphi–Adriatic–Ionian distribution.
Keywords: Amphi–Adriatic–Ionian distribution, environmental niche modelling, genomics, Mediterranean, morphometrics, phylogeography, plastid DNA
Published in RUP: 25.05.2026; Views: 191; Downloads: 7
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2. Do agri-environmental schemes reduce farm greenhouse gas emissions? : evidence from SloveniaŠtefan Bojnec, Imre Fertő, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture is a key objective of the European Union's Green Deal and is among considerations of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Agri-environmental schemes (AES) are the main CAP instruments to promote more sustainable farming, yet their short-term climate effectiveness remains uncertain. This study provides the first farm-level evidence for Slovenia on whether AES participation reduces GHG emission intensity and whether effects differ across production systems. Using a balanced panel of 227 farms from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (2014–2021), we estimate dynamic treatment effects of AES adoption on net carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions per hectare, applying modern difference-in-differences (DiD) estimators for staggered adoption and extensive robustness checks, including alternative estimators, placebo tests, and dynamic conditioning. Results show that AES adopters had higher pre-adoption emission intensity, consistent with targeted uptake by higher-emission farms. However, estimated reductions in emission intensity during the first one to two years after adoption are small, statistically insignificant, and robust across specifications. These findings suggest that broad, practice-based AES may not deliver immediate, measurable climate benefits at the farm level, either because effects take longer to materialize or because current schemes are insufficiently targeted to high-emission sources. Policies that combine more precise targeting, climate-specific measures, and long-term monitoring may be needed to unlock the full climate mitigation potential of AES.
Keywords: agri-environmental schemes, greenhouse gas emissions, difference-in-differences, agricultural policy evaluation, Slovenia
Published in RUP: 13.04.2026; Views: 310; Downloads: 10
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3. Agri-environmental schemes reduce variable input costs : evidence from Slovenian farmsŠtefan Bojnec, Imre Fertő, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Agri-environmental schemes (AES) are central policy instruments designed to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices by financially supporting the adoption of sustainable land management. While a substantial body of research examines how AES influence environmental outcomes and overall farm performance, far less is known about their direct effects on farm-level variable input costs, particularly in terms of energy, fertilizer, and crop protection expenditures. Existing studies typically analyse eco-efficiency or broad economic-environmental indicators, leaving a critical empirical gap regarding whether and how AES reshape the cost structure of farms during and after adoption. This study addresses this gap by estimating the causal impact of AES participation on key variable input costs using Slovenian Farm Accountancy Data Network data and a Differences-in-Differences (DID) design with staggered adoption, supported by robustness and sensitivity analyses. The findings indicate that AES participation leads to significant reductions in pesticide and energy costs, while fertilizer expenditures tend to increase in the short term before stabilizing or declining over time. These patterns suggest that AES trigger structural adjustments in production—such as reduced tillage intensity and transitions to organic or biological inputs—that can initially raise some input costs but contribute to longer-term sustainability. The study therefore offers new empirical evidence on the cost implications of AES, improving understanding of how environmental policy instruments affect farm-level economic decisions. These insights are essential for designing AES that support both environmental objectives and the economic viability of farmers, particularly in regions where sustainability transitions may involve short-term trade-offs.
Keywords: agri-environmental schemes, resources in agriculture, energy, fertilizer, crop protection, variable input costs, Slovenian agriculture
Published in RUP: 23.03.2026; Views: 375; Downloads: 15
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4. Predictors of Preschool Teachers’ Environmental Activities in Kindergarten : A Path to a Sustainable FutureMarina Semiz, 2025, independent scientific component part or a chapter in a monograph Abstract: In line with the priorities of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the growing emphasis on competencies for sustainable development in education, early childhood and preschool education are increasingly recognized as critical stages for fostering environmental awareness and designing sustainable curricula. As key educational agents, preschool teachers play a central role in implementing environmental initiatives in kindergartens and nurturing environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviours in young children. This paper presents findings from a study examining the predictors of preschool teachers’ engagement in environmental activities, with a focus on selected personal and sociodemographic variables: years of service, education level, teaching group, and the development of environmental competencies. The study involved a sample of 101 preschool teachers from four administrative districts in Serbia. Data were collected using two instruments: one measuring the development of environmental competencies and another assessing the frequency of environmental activities implemented in kindergartens. The results indicate that teachers’ environmental competencies have a direct and moderately positive influence on their engagement in environmental practices. Strengthening these competencies increases the likelihood of preschool teachers’ involvement in environmentally sustainable practices. Other examined variables did not emerge as significant predictors of participation in environmental initiatives. The multiple regression analysis accounted for approximately 31% of the variance in the frequency of environmental activities, highlighting the need for future research to explore additional predictive factors. Based on the findings, the development and implementation of targeted training and professional development programmes are recommended to further enhance preschool teachers’ environmental competencies.
Keywords: sustainable development, environmental education, environmental well-being, environmental skills, preschool teachers
Published in RUP: 26.01.2026; Views: 458; Downloads: 0
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5. History and Practice of Contract Archaeology in NamibiaGoodman Gwasira, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This article traces how contract archaeology in Namibia emerged and consolidated after 1990 at the intersection of environmental regulation, donor requirements, and large-scale development – especially mining and energy infrastructure. It shows that, for decades, practice was largely self-regulated in the absence of national guidelines, drawing authority from Environmental Impact Assessments and the National Heritage Act. Comparing regional standards (e.g. SAHRA, ASAPA), the paper argues for clear standard operating procedures, professional accreditation, and capacity building to ensure ethical, consistent work that contributes to scholarship and community engagement. It concludes that Namibia now has an opportunity to professionalise the field, leverage ‘grey literature’ for research, and align heritage protection with sustainable development.
Keywords: contract archaeology, Namibia, environmental impact assessment, cultural heritage management, heritage impact assessment
Published in RUP: 21.01.2026; Views: 488; Downloads: 5
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6. An Innovative Lens on Green Tourism : A Narrative Review of Cognitive Dissonance in Sustainable Tourism DevelopmentKevin Fuchs, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Despite growing concern over sustainability, value–behaviour inconsistencies remain widespread in tourism, highlighting a need for conceptual clarity. Therefore, an inductive thematic synthesis was utilized to analyse how cognitive dissonance is conceptualized, triggered, and resolved across various green tourism contexts. Three thematic main strands emerged: (1) value–behaviour inconsistency, (2) green identity and group influence, and (3) situational constraints and greenwashing. Tourists often maintain a green self-image despite contradictory behaviour, influenced by group norms, destination cues, and infrastructural limitations. The findings highlight that destination managers and marketers must reduce behavioural friction and ensure that sustainability claims are authentic and actionable. Theoretically, the revew contributes a conceptual map of cognitive dissonance in green tourism, highlighting how dissonance emerges and is managed.
Keywords: cognitive dissonance, green tourism, sustainable tourist behaviour, value–behaviour gap, pro-environmental travel
Published in RUP: 20.01.2026; Views: 433; Downloads: 1
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7. Agricultural-Induced Environmental Kuznets Curve for South Africa : A Threshold Regression and ARIMA Forecasting ApproachAndrew Phiri, Rasaq Raimi, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: The purpose of the paper is to examine the impact of the agricultural sector on agricultural emissions in South Africa. To this end, we estimate an agricultural-induced environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for South Africa between 1990 and 2022 using conventional and threshold regression frameworks. Our regression estimates reveal a ‘humped-shaped’ relationship between agricultural production and agricultural emissions, whereby agricultural production produces lower agricultural emissions above threshold estimates of 4,876 and 6,100 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Further investigations show that the South African economy has consistently remained above these thresholds since 2010. Moreover, a forecast analysis of the time series using ARIMA models shows that agricultural productionis (emissions are) on an upward (a downward) trajectory. However, the forecasting analysis also shows that the South African agricultural sector is not scheduled to reach the net-zero emissions target by 2050. Altogether, these findings imply that whilst South Africa had followed a trajectory of sustainable development prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the current trajectory may not be sufficient to attain the 2050 Sustainable Development Goals.
Keywords: agricultural sector, agricultural emissions, environmental Kuznets curve (EKC), threshold regression model, ARIMA forecasting, South Africa
Published in RUP: 16.01.2026; Views: 533; Downloads: 0
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8. Impact of CSR, Green Finance and Green Innovation on Environmental Performance of Banks in IndiaMaryam Meraj, Mohammed Afzal, Manpreet Kaur, Jahangir Chauhan, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: In an era of growing environmental challenges, the role of banks in promoting sustainability is critical. This study examines how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), green finance, and green innovation influence the environmental performance of Indian banks. Guided by legitimacy theory and the natural resource-based view, survey data from 379 bank employees were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results reveal that robust CSR initiatives, effective green finance practices, and innovative green strategies significantly enhance banks’ environmental performance. These findings contribute to theoretical understanding and offer practical insights for improving sustainability in the banking sector. The study recommends that banks in emerging economies strengthen internal resources by investing in CSR, adopting green finance, and fostering green innovation to boost environmental performance. Such efforts align with global sustainability goals, positioning banks as key players in environmentalprotection and responsible finance.
Keywords: corporate social responsibility, green finance, green innovation, environmental performance of banks, structural equation modelling
Published in RUP: 18.12.2025; Views: 530; Downloads: 0
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9. Analysis of the Effect of Eco-Efficiency on Asset Return in Food and Beverage Manufacturing Companies Listed at the Johannesburg Stock ExchangeDimakatso Hellen Malapa, Collins C. Ngwakwe, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: This article examines the effect of eco-efficiency on corporate return on assets (ROA). The paper aimed to analyse whether corporate eco-efficiency performance (represented by energy consumption, water consumption, carbon emission and waste generation) affects the performance of ROA. Data on the eco-efficiency and ROA was collected from fourteen food and beverage companies listed in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for a period of ten years (2012 to 2021). Using the STATA Software, the data was analysed by applying the Generalised Method of Moment (GMM) statistical technique, which enhanced the statistical analysis robustness. Findings from the GMM analysis showed different results. On the one hand, the results indicate that energy and water consumption in the food and beverage companies have a positive (but insignificant) effect on ROA. On the other hand, the results show that waste generation has a negative (but insignificant) effect on ROA; and that carbon emission has a negative and significant effect on ROA.
Keywords: environmental accounting, return on assets, financial performance, eco-efficiency, energy consumption, water consumption, carbon
emission, waste generation, sales revenue
Published in RUP: 18.12.2025; Views: 514; Downloads: 1
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10. BIM-based framework for estimating service life duration of wood construction elements under environmental exposureRichard Acquah, Jonas Niklewski, Anna Malgorzata Sandak, Jakub Michal Sandak, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: As the construction industry adopts more data-driven and sustainable practices, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly used for energy analysis, lifecycle management, and maintenance planning. However, its integration with service life performance analysis especially for wood, a material susceptible to environmental degradation remains limited. This study presents a BIM-based framework that incorporates wood-specific parameters such as environmental exposure, material properties, and design detailing to estimate the service life of wood construction elements. The framework is structured using ISO 15,686–4 principles and implemented through custom Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) property sets. A Revit plugin developed in C# integrates the model into the BIM environment. A case study of a wooden playhouse is used as a proof-of-concept to demonstrates the framework’s ability to evaluate the impact of design, material, and environmental factors on service life. The results confirm that the framework supports service life prediction and enhances decision-making for wood-based construction. Twenty-one-month observations align with predicted results. However, long-term (2–9 year) predictions remain unvalidated, requiring extended monitoring. By integration of the service life prediction for fungal decay into BIM it offers a practical and scalable tool to support service life–informed design and planning for wood structures.
Keywords: service life prediction, wood material durability, environmental exposure, wood 28 construction, sustainable construction, building information modelling (BIM)
Published in RUP: 24.11.2025; Views: 683; Downloads: 14
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