Publications

Microplastic pollution is one of the emerging and challenging environmental issues that we face today. Freshwaters, sediment, fauna, flora and air are increasingly reported to be contaminated with tiny plastic fragments and fibres, particles smaller than 5mm. These microplastics often originate from land-based sources such as direct littering...

Contamination by microplastics has become a burning environmental concern due to their rapid distribution in the oceans. Oceans receive a large number of microplastics annually via river waters, direct dumping, and transportation. The cargo ship of X-Press Pearl was sunken in the seabed at a depth of about 21 m which was anchored off Colombo Port...

This chapter contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the island socio-ecological system by a synthesis of the state and trend of, and the drivers of changes in ecosystems and their services, focusing on mangroves in Ishigaki Island. The current extent of mangroves on the Island is limited to small patches along a few river estuaries, which...

The study evaluates the impacts of India’s COVID-19 lockdown and unlocking periods on the country’s ambient air quality. India experienced three strictly enforced lockdowns followed by unlocking periods where economic and social restrictions were gradually lifted. We have examined the in situ and satellite data of NO2 emissions for several Indian...

A hallmark of the media publicity surrounding COVID-19 has been the message that land change causes zoonotic diseases to spill over from wild animals to humans. The secondary peer-reviewed literature sends a similar message. However, as indicated in the primary peer-reviewed literature, the complexity of interacting variables involved in zoonotic...

The problem of water scarcity and clean water in sub-Saharan Africa is a growing concern. This study aims to quantify the water quality on a temporal scale in the Doorndraai dam site in sub-Saharan Africa to design possible management options. Here, an integrated approach using both in-situ measurements of water quality parameters and remote...

While raising awareness is critical in providing information on the growing plastic crisis and explaining why current behavior needs to change, higher awareness does not always lead to behavior change. This paper aims to explore these barriers and motivations, and offer recommendations to promote behavior change at the community level. This paper...

Marine litter is a big problem, and it requires big solutions. Solutions begin with awareness — awareness on the issue and awareness that leads to action. The Marine Litter Learning Kit: A Facilitator’s Guide (“Marine Litter Learning Kit”) is designed for educators and facilitators who organize environmental education programs that focus on marine...

On September 7-8, 2022, the 6th North-East Asia Multistakeholder Forum on Sustainable Development Goals 2022 was organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) with the attendees from the UN-related offices, international organizations, and government-related organizations, etc. IGES Kansai Research...

Since the late 2000s, the global timber trade has undergone emerging legality requirements on imported timber products in major consumer countries. As a key country in supplying tropical hardwood, Myanmar's potential to participate in expanding regulated markets rests on its capacity to hold accountability for the legal origin of timber products...