This study investigates the distribution and carbon content of organic soils in Latvia, leveraging machine learning techniques alongside remote sensing and National Forest Inventory (NFI) data to enhance the precision of organic soil mapping. Our approach integrates data from various sources, including airborne laser scanning (ALS) data, digital elevation models (DEM), depth-to-water (DTW) and wet area maps (WAM), and historical organic soil data. By classifying over 24,000 soil probing measurements across Latvia into distinct peat layer thickness categories, we develop a machine learning model that categorizes the thickness of the organic layer with notable accuracy. Our findings indicate that the model, particularly when employing the xgbTREE algorithm and over-sampling method, successfully identifies areas with peat layers thicker than 40 cm, demonstrating a significant improvement over traditional mapping methods. The study reveals an underestimation of organic soil coverage in Latvia by previous estimates, suggesting a broader distribution than recognized, with the model achieving an accuracy of 0.86 and a kappa value of 0.67. This research not only underscores the efficacy of integrating machine learning and remote sensing for soil mapping but also highlights the critical role of accurate data and models in determining organic soil distribution. The insights gained from this study are vital for policy-making and environmental planning, offering a more detailed understanding of Latviaʼs peatland resources and their conservation needs.

Students experienced various challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, e.g., distance learning, which caused limited faceto-face socialization opportunities with peers, leading to loneliness and anxiety. Loneliness and anxiety are known to be associated with psychological difficulties such as depression or lack of motivation, feelings of anxiety and difficulty concentrating on work, etc. COVID-19 also had an impact on the physical health of young people, such as back pain when sitting at the computer, eye pain and other difficulties. Although COVID-19 is no longer an issue, young people studying remotely during the pandemic are now our learners. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the emotional state of school youth at the moment and the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health, as researches show that three-quarters of all mental disorders appear before the age of 24. At this age, there are rapid changes in the body as well as the formation of personal identity. Based on these considerations, the Nordplus project ‘Methods for working with young people to ensure learning process resilienceʼ was initiated, in which surveys of students and teachers were organized, and six different educational institutions from three Baltic states participated in the study. Results show that students feel tired, anxious, and angry and have too heavy workload. Teachers think that physical activity, sports and help with studies could reduce the mental health problems of students, but for students, it is most important to spend more time with friends.

In the world practice, scientific research is aimed at the development of oral knowledge, skills and abilities in teaching English. The technical higher educational institutions and the integration of skills in teaching process are being conducted. The English language proficiency is becoming increasingly important for academic success. English is one of the compulsory subjects in the school curriculum, and it is taught in all disciplines, including teacher training, vocational, science, engineering, and technology. The aim of the article is to substantiate how to teach students to develop oral speech using problem-based learning and to strengthen their knowledge in the fields of engineering, management, and business spheres, to increase the effectiveness of oral speech in English, and how to effectively use Problem-based learning skills (PBL) in the technological processes. Results show the important aspects of Problem-based learning method in today’s modern educational environment, the development of critical thinking, independent and creative skills of learners, the further development of the mental activity, the search for various solutions to problem situations, effective methods of problem-based education, general information about its importance and features are given.

The Programme de Microfinance Rural (PMR) was implemented in the rural, impoverished regions of Koulikoro, Kayes, Ségou, Sikasso and Mopti in Mali with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This paper shares the results of a qualitative study designed to improve understanding of the programme’s delivery and explore its impacts in terms of collective agency and efficacy, as well as the use of resources in households, with attention paid to the role of gender in addressing these issues. The findings suggest that the PMR actively engaged women and expanded access to loans through community-based credit groups. It also overcame negative community experiences with previous microfinance programmes to maintain a positive local reputation. In many cases, the PMR led to significant economic benefits for women but, in other cases, loan repayment terms posed a challenge. The collective agency of PMR credit groups built upon progress made by similar community groups in existence prior to the arrival of the PMR. The resources provided by the PMR strengthened these groups and helped enable them to expand their collective efficacy and ability to benefit the community more broadly. Women were most often the target loan recipients and frequently had a strong voice in the PMR groups, which were influential in the community. There is little evidence, however, that the PMR activities and credit group participation spilled over to strengthen either women’s political power in the community or their influence and empowerment in their own households. The paper concludes with specific recommendations for strengthening future iterations of the PMR or similar programmes.

The Programme de Microfinance Rural (PMR) was implemented in the rural, impoverished regions of Koulikoro, Kayes, Ségou, Sikasso and Mopti in Mali with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This paper shares the results of a qualitative study designed to improve understanding of the programme’s delivery and explore its impacts in terms of collective agency and efficacy, as well as the use of resources in households, with attention paid to the role of gender in addressing these issues. The findings suggest that the PMR actively engaged women and expanded access to loans through community-based credit groups. It also overcame negative community experiences with previous microfinance programmes to maintain a positive local reputation. In many cases, the PMR led to significant economic benefits for women but, in other cases, loan repayment terms posed a challenge. The collective agency of PMR credit groups built upon progress made by similar community groups in existence prior to the arrival of the PMR. The resources provided by the PMR strengthened these groups and helped enable them to expand their collective efficacy and ability to benefit the community more broadly. Women were most often the target loan recipients and frequently had a strong voice in the PMR groups, which were influential in the community. There is little evidence, however, that the PMR activities and credit group participation spilled over to strengthen either women’s political power in the community or their influence and empowerment in their own households. The paper concludes with specific recommendations for strengthening future iterations of the PMR or similar programmes.

In Lithuania, as well as throughout Europe, the areas of natural meadows and pastures are gradually decreasing due to the intensification of agriculture, leading to the plowing of meadows and the consequent loss of valuable biodiversity, a crucial component of the landscape. The problems associated with meadow and pasture reduction is essential for informed decisionmaking, sustainable land management, the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Various methods, including comparative, analytical, statistical, and logical analysis, were employed in the investigation. The comparative study employed information from the Land Fund of the Republic of Lithuania covering the period from 2003 to 2023. The article also analyzes the reasons and perspectives of the decrease in meadow and natural pasture areas. In 2023, meadows and natural pastures in the Republic of Lithuania covered 362,351.79 ha, constituting 5.55% of the countryʼs territory. From 2003 to 2023, the total area of meadows and natural pastures decreased by 135,439.55 hectares or 27.21%. From 2003 to 2023, in nine out of ten Lithuanian counties, the areas of meadows and pastures decreased. The most significant loss of these areas occurred in Siauliai County (36,828.33 ha or 59.02%), while the least loss was in Klaipeda County (141.05 ha or 0.34%). The decrease in meadow and natural pasture areas can be attributed to various factors: changes in land use, urbanization, climate change and other influencing factors. The area of meadows and pastures in Lithuania should increase by 87,000 hectares, and meadows and pastures in country would cover an area of 449,351.79 ha or 6.88% of the total area of the Republic of Lithuania.

Ethiopia faces a growing challenge of balancing natural resource utilisation with long-term sustainability. Its linear economic model leads to unsustainable waste generation from agriculture, urban populations, and the industry sectors. This paper explores the potential of a circular bioeconomy (CBE) as a solution. By promoting closed-loop systems that minimise waste and maximise resource use, CBE offers a pathway for Ethiopia to achieve sustainable resource management, economic growth, and better livelihood opportunities. CBE business models create valuable products such as organic fertiliser, biochar, bioenergy, and alternative proteins. CBE practices provide new income opportunities for farmers and urban dwellers and reduce the country’s reliance on virgin resources, chemical fertiliser, and non-renewable energy while addressing environmental pollution and soil depletion. Major organic waste streams in Ethiopia that could be recovered and reused include agricultural crop residues, animal manure, human excrement, and industrial sludge. Addressing the vast untapped potential of resource recovery from waste, this study analyses opportunities and challenges associated with promoting CBE in Ethiopia, focusing on analysing the regulatory framework, business licensing and registration procedure, government support, access to finance, and business support services. The paper employs a comprehensive desk review of peer-reviewed literature complemented by grey literature to capture recent trends or non-traditional research aspects. Semi-structured interviews with sector experts were conducted to fill information gaps. Key findings of this study are that a robust regulatory framework, streamlined business registration, and access to finance are critical for creating an enabling investment climate for CBE. Government support, business networks, and support services can empower CBE ventures and contribute to sustainable resource management. By focusing on policy interventions that combine sustainable waste management and livelihood creation, CBE can significantly contribute to achieving a more sustainable development path for all Ethiopians.

The Tank Cascade System (TCS) is an ancient, man-made rainwater harvesting and irrigation system unique to Sri Lanka’s dry zone. An ecosystem in itself, the TCS consists of an intricate network of small to large ‘tanks’ positioned along a gradient and connected through a series of canals. Within the system, paddy fields and dense forests coexist providing habitats for socio-ecologically significant species. Historically, the system has been crucial in drought and flood mitigation. Furthermore, fully functioning TCSs harvest copious amounts of rainwater, which is primarily used for irrigation to enable year-round crop production by the farming communities of the cascade landscape. The system’s important role in food security, rural livelihoods and local culture led to its designation as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in 2017. Despite the TCS’s significance, the system has been deteriorating, and its sustainability is threatened by widespread tank neglect, rapid land use changes and biodiversity loss –the impacts of which are exacerbated by the effects of climate variability. There is national interest in safeguarding the TCS, though. The system has been recognized in Sri Lanka’s 2016-2025 National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change Impacts and within the 2021 Nationally Determined Contributions as an important Nature-based Solution (NbS) for strengthening national climate resilience. However, there is little evidence of this national support translating into on the ground action and of effective solutions to the challenges threatening TCS sustainability. This case study aims to fill these evidence gaps by sharing findings from research and project activities carried out under the Healthy Landscapes project. With a special focus on mainstreaming biodiversity and strengthening cascade ecology, the project rehabilitated and promoted the sustainable management of the TCS. This case study will highlight pathways for TCS rehabilitation to strengthen its function as a NbS, including associated challenges and further opportunities. As the cascade landscape community plays an important role in climate adaptation and resilience within the country's dry zone, we also emphasize the importance of investigating their perceptions of current national policy and formulating localized adaptation strategies that benefit climate resilience, food security and rural livelihoods.

Central Asia faces substantial water scarcity due to increasing water demand driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, economic development, and inefficiency of irrigated agriculture. These developments are compounded by the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, loss of glacier mass and increased frequency of extreme events, including droughts. The region’s escalating water scarcity is causing disputes and straining rural livelihoods. Moreover, these challenges drive migration, creating considerable societal impacts. However, these issues remain underexplored in climate change research, making the region a global blind spot in climate adaptation and migration studies. We advocate for innovative research pathways that scrutinize smallholder adaptation strategies, examine the nexus between climate change, water scarcity, and mobility, and investigate tensions and cooperation over water resources. We conclude by emphasizing that substantial investments in inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, improved data availability and quality, and strengthening of research and institutional capacities are essential to advance interdisciplinary climate impact research in Central Asia. Such efforts are vital for addressing existing knowledge gaps and enhancing evidence-based policymaking to improve the region’s position in current and future debates on climate change and sustainable development.