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Participatory governance for people and nature in multifunctional landscapes — insights from Biosphere Reserves
(Elsevier, 2025-12) Sinare, Hanna; Coetzer, Kaera L.; Schultz, Lisen
Participatory approaches are put forward to ensure that governance for the well-being of humans and nature is legitimate and effective, particularly responding to global challenges of ecosystem degradation and climate change. As model areas for sustainable development with explicit goals of participation, the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves can provide insights on participatory governance arrangements, outcomes of participation, and obstacles for participation. Through a literature review, we found that transparent communication and fair distribution of benefits and trade-offs enhance participation. Early involvement, skilled facilitation, and the capacity to develop shared values among diverse interests improve outcomes. Project-driven participation, deficient capacity to handle conflicting interests, and mechanisms of exclusion hinder participation. Biosphere Reserves (BRs) can leverage already existing actor initiatives, local knowledge, and practices. We identified a need for studies of causal links between participation and BR outcomes, including unpacking the meaning of different modes of participation.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Experts and BR actors consider participation to be key to success in BRs.
• Awareness of the BR and its purpose is a necessary first step, but not sufficient.
• Fair distribution of benefits and trade-offs enhances participation.
• Early involvement of actors and capacity to develop shared values are key.
• Studies of causal links between participation and BR outcomes are needed.
The impact of the recent HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors-based regimens on metabolic health outcomes : a narrative review
(Elsevier, 2025-12) Sedibe, Amogelang; Sibiya, Ntethelelo Hopewell; Nyakudya, Trevor Tapiwa; Gamede, Mlindeli; mlindeli.gamede@up.ac.za
The global prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has led to a significant rise in the chronic use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs, both for HIV management and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to meet the set Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has remarkably increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLHIV), it has also been associated with metabolic complications, particularly in glucose and lipid metabolism. Notably, the development of type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM), accounting for 90–95 % of diabetes cases, often stems from an asymptomatic prediabetic state, frequently left undiagnosed. In this narrative review, we address the limited understanding of how prediabetic individuals respond to chronic exposure to antiretroviral therapy. The scope of this review focuses on selected markers of pancreatic metabolic dysfunction, the interplay between modern ARV therapies and prediabetes will be examined. In efforts to enhance and further expand the understanding of potential risks and outcomes of ARVs on metabolically compromised individuals. Through a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature and novel findings from the animal model, in vitro studies and clinical studies, we aim to provide valuable insights for both the scientific and clinical communities, contributing to the optimization of HIV treatment strategies and the mitigation of associated metabolic complications. Based on the available literature, it is evident that more research is needed to better understand the interaction between prediabetes and ART in HIV-infected individuals, to simultaneously reach the set UNAIDS 95-95-95 HIV/AIDS targets and combat the rising trend of noncommunicable diseases in HIV-infected populations.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The HIV-ART is one of the most effective medications in HIV infection management.
• The role of the current HIV-ART on carbohydrate metabolism.
• HIV-ART has been previously associated with changed metabolic complications.
• The prediabetes as a significant factor in the interplay between HIV and diabetes.
• The impact of HIV-ART on pancreatic function and future research on HIV-ART and pancreatic β-cells function.
Community perceptions towards children living with albinism in Africa : an integrative review
(AOSIS, 2025-10) Mokwele, Tumisho; Mooa, Ramadimetja Shirley; Sepeng, Nombulelo Veronica
BACKGROUND : Community perceptions of children with albinism often influence their inclusion, safety and access to education, violating their basic human rights. Children with albinism in Africa encounter social challenges because of myths, superstitions and discrimination because of a lack of knowledge about albinism, making it difficult for the mother who has given birth to a child with albinism.
OBJECTIVES : To synthesise the existing literature on community perceptions of children with albinism in Africa.
Method: An integrative review process was used, which involved five steps to review the literature: problem identification, literature search and data collection, data evaluation, data analysis and presentation of findings. Electronic searches were performed in multiple databases, including EBSCOhost, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Proquest and grey literature.
RESULTS : Community perceptions of children with albinism are embedded within their cultural beliefs and spirituality. Children with albinism continue to be alienated in their communities as their existence is associated with shame, judgement from God or ancestors and superpowers.
CONCLUSION : Awareness campaigns should be continuous in communities to dispel the myths surrounding albinism. This can be achieved by involving community leaders, religious organisations and organisations that advocate for people with albinism to ensure that our communities create a safe environment for these children.
CONTRIBUTION : This review may help understand perceptions of albinism and may assist in developing community-based interventions to support caregivers of children with albinism.
Non-solvable groups with few vanishing elements
(Taylor and Francis, 2025) Iroanya, Ifeanyi P.; Madanha, Sesuai Yash; Rodrigues, Bernardo Gabriel; sesuai.madanha@up.ac.za
Please read abstract in the article.
Exploring sustainability practices in an aquarium
(Taylor and Francis, 2025-05-09) Chipangura, Ashleen Kudzai; Bello, Felix G.; manuel, Isobel; martha.harunavamwe@up.ac.za
Over the years, aquariums have experienced criticism because they are viewed as exploitative and captive hubs for marine wildlife. Drawing from the Theory of Planned Behaviour, this study was conducted to explore sustainability practices in an aquarium. The study used a qualitative exploratory cross-sectional research design, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 Two Oceans Aquarium employees. The findings showed sustainability practices, such as recycling, the use of solar energy, and turtle rehabilitation. The barriers to implementing sustainability practices were a lack of alternatives, staff apathy, and a lack of interest. The influence of sustainable practices on marine wildlife was found to include marine conservation and collaboration with relevant stakeholders in environmental projects. Communication with visitors was achieved through social marketing, social networking, and interactive signage. This study recommends the use of interactive signage, social networking, and social marketing by aquariums to communicate with visitors. Education and awareness are recommended to reinforce sustainable practices.