http://thinkgreenforum.com/ Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:41:43 +0000 MyBB http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=13 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:50:09 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=13
The Tonkin Snub-nosed Langur or Dollman's Snub-nosed Langur (Rhinopithecus avunculus), a species of langur endemic to northwestern Vietnam is classified as "critically endangered" and in fact was believed to be extinct up to the 1990's, when a small population was discovered elsewhere in Vietnam.

It is now believed that roughly 200 remain in northwestern Vietnam. Wildlife conservation group Fauna & Flora International said it is working with a variety of groups to improve the livelihoods and reduce human pressures on the forest ecosystem in an effort to safeguard the newly-discovered group.

Source: Rare monkeys spotted in Vietnam - CNN.com

]]>
The Tonkin Snub-nosed Langur or Dollman's Snub-nosed Langur (Rhinopithecus avunculus), a species of langur endemic to northwestern Vietnam is classified as "critically endangered" and in fact was believed to be extinct up to the 1990's, when a small population was discovered elsewhere in Vietnam.

It is now believed that roughly 200 remain in northwestern Vietnam. Wildlife conservation group Fauna & Flora International said it is working with a variety of groups to improve the livelihoods and reduce human pressures on the forest ecosystem in an effort to safeguard the newly-discovered group.

Source: Rare monkeys spotted in Vietnam - CNN.com

]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=12 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:56:08 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=12
From report by: Erouscilla P. Joseph, Seismic Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago (March 2008)

> Link to report: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/sids/2008_ro...ergy_joseph.pdf


Quote:The Lesser Antilles Island arc extends 850 km along the eastern edge of the Caribbean Plate. The islands have been largely built by volcanism above a subduction zone, as the Atlantic Plate is being subducted under the Caribbean Plate. There are at least 19 potentially “active” volcanoes in the Lesser Antilles. The thermal energy of these volcanic islands makes them of interest for geothermal exploration.

Although geothermal resources are abundant on several of the islands, apart from Guadeloupe which has a 4.5 MWe binary plant, geothermal development is still in the early stages for several reasons:

1. Geothermal development is not a priority in the energy policies of the island governments. Traditionally, the islands have depended on diesel generation, with the exceptions of Dominica and St.Vincent which use hydroelectric power.

2. None of the countries have geothermal laws; many do not have laws for the regulation of the electricity sector in particular.

3. Limited financing and the high cost of geothermal exploration has held back the projects in the feasibility stage.

4. There are no economic incentives for geothermal development.

5. The population, and consequently the markets, of the islands are small.

...Continues...

Related:

> Geothermal Energy and its Prospects for Future Development

> Negotiations to deal with Nevis geothermal energy

> St. Kitts & Nevis science teachers experience geothermal energy

> Dominica forging ahead with geothermal resource development

> Geothermal Energy - SustainabilityForum.Com]]>
From report by: Erouscilla P. Joseph, Seismic Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago (March 2008)

> Link to report: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/sids/2008_ro...ergy_joseph.pdf


Quote:The Lesser Antilles Island arc extends 850 km along the eastern edge of the Caribbean Plate. The islands have been largely built by volcanism above a subduction zone, as the Atlantic Plate is being subducted under the Caribbean Plate. There are at least 19 potentially “active” volcanoes in the Lesser Antilles. The thermal energy of these volcanic islands makes them of interest for geothermal exploration.

Although geothermal resources are abundant on several of the islands, apart from Guadeloupe which has a 4.5 MWe binary plant, geothermal development is still in the early stages for several reasons:

1. Geothermal development is not a priority in the energy policies of the island governments. Traditionally, the islands have depended on diesel generation, with the exceptions of Dominica and St.Vincent which use hydroelectric power.

2. None of the countries have geothermal laws; many do not have laws for the regulation of the electricity sector in particular.

3. Limited financing and the high cost of geothermal exploration has held back the projects in the feasibility stage.

4. There are no economic incentives for geothermal development.

5. The population, and consequently the markets, of the islands are small.

...Continues...

Related:

> Geothermal Energy and its Prospects for Future Development

> Negotiations to deal with Nevis geothermal energy

> St. Kitts & Nevis science teachers experience geothermal energy

> Dominica forging ahead with geothermal resource development

> Geothermal Energy - SustainabilityForum.Com]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=11 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:36:52 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=11
The researchers suspect that the new species, and the previously known coastal bottlenose dolphins, probably separated “quite recently … in the past few million years”. The DNA tests suggested the new species was probably more closely related to the Fraser’s dolphin, from the deep waters of the Pacific. They believe the limited range of the new species meant it deserved special protection, since their coastal habitat will result in these dolphins having a higher vulnerability to threats such as pollution, overfishing and entanglement in nets.

Source: Cryptomundo » New Dolphin Discovered

]]>
The researchers suspect that the new species, and the previously known coastal bottlenose dolphins, probably separated “quite recently … in the past few million years”. The DNA tests suggested the new species was probably more closely related to the Fraser’s dolphin, from the deep waters of the Pacific. They believe the limited range of the new species meant it deserved special protection, since their coastal habitat will result in these dolphins having a higher vulnerability to threats such as pollution, overfishing and entanglement in nets.

Source: Cryptomundo » New Dolphin Discovered

]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=10 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:51:50 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=10

Quote:Artificial Light’s Impact on the Environment

Organisms evolved to adjust themselves to predictable patterns of light and darkness. Once artificial light effectively varied the length of a day, something that happened less than a century ago, the average night's sleep decreased from around nine consistent hours to roughly seven, varying from one night to the next.

The irregularity prevents circadian rhythms from adjusting to a pattern, and creates a state of permanent "jet lag." This is true not only in humans but in many other species as well. IDA lists many of the far-reaching effects that light pollution has on the environment:

• Lighted towers and tall buildings confuse migrating and local birds, causing them to collide or circle the lights until they die of exhaustion.

• Sea turtle hatchlings are meant to crawl toward the ocean, guided by the light of the moon. Coastline lighting confuses them, drawing them away from the ocean instead of toward it.

• Glowworms and fireflies communicate through light, and artificial lighting makes this difficult.
• Intense lights for fishing at night attract large numbers of fish, leading to over-fishing and contributing to the decline of fish worldwide.

• Nighttime lighting from sports stadiums can stop the mating activity of nearby frogs.

]]>

Quote:Artificial Light’s Impact on the Environment

Organisms evolved to adjust themselves to predictable patterns of light and darkness. Once artificial light effectively varied the length of a day, something that happened less than a century ago, the average night's sleep decreased from around nine consistent hours to roughly seven, varying from one night to the next.

The irregularity prevents circadian rhythms from adjusting to a pattern, and creates a state of permanent "jet lag." This is true not only in humans but in many other species as well. IDA lists many of the far-reaching effects that light pollution has on the environment:

• Lighted towers and tall buildings confuse migrating and local birds, causing them to collide or circle the lights until they die of exhaustion.

• Sea turtle hatchlings are meant to crawl toward the ocean, guided by the light of the moon. Coastline lighting confuses them, drawing them away from the ocean instead of toward it.

• Glowworms and fireflies communicate through light, and artificial lighting makes this difficult.
• Intense lights for fishing at night attract large numbers of fish, leading to over-fishing and contributing to the decline of fish worldwide.

• Nighttime lighting from sports stadiums can stop the mating activity of nearby frogs.

]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=9 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:12:43 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=9
I was wondering if you would like to drop off your thoughts with a private message or reply on how many of these questions you can. I am doing a project at my school that involves me doing a film on deforestation and I was hoping that you experts could help.

Why should we care about Deforestation?

What are the short/long term effects of deforestation?

Are there any good books or websites that you could suggest for information gathering?

Thanks for your help in advance]]>
I was wondering if you would like to drop off your thoughts with a private message or reply on how many of these questions you can. I am doing a project at my school that involves me doing a film on deforestation and I was hoping that you experts could help.

Why should we care about Deforestation?

What are the short/long term effects of deforestation?

Are there any good books or websites that you could suggest for information gathering?

Thanks for your help in advance]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:13:34 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=8
> Solar Thermal Power May Make Sun Powered Grid a Reality

> Chinese Oil Giant Accused of Human Rights Abuses in Burma

> Parabolic Mirror Paraboloid Concave Solar Concentrator

> Bjork: Iceland must use crisis to return to green roots

> Climate Change, Sustainable Development of Caribbean Sea

> Middle East: The Next Renewable Energy Frontier?

> Australia: Financial Crisis takes toll on Carbon Scheme

> Additive to make tallow-based biofuel more viable

> Secrets From Within Planets Pave Way For Cleaner Energy

> Nanotechnology - not that green?
]]>
> Solar Thermal Power May Make Sun Powered Grid a Reality

> Chinese Oil Giant Accused of Human Rights Abuses in Burma

> Parabolic Mirror Paraboloid Concave Solar Concentrator

> Bjork: Iceland must use crisis to return to green roots

> Climate Change, Sustainable Development of Caribbean Sea

> Middle East: The Next Renewable Energy Frontier?

> Australia: Financial Crisis takes toll on Carbon Scheme

> Additive to make tallow-based biofuel more viable

> Secrets From Within Planets Pave Way For Cleaner Energy

> Nanotechnology - not that green?
]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 05:27:05 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=7
> Oil prices fall on demand concerns

> Clean Technology Investors Reluctant To Commit Funds

> Veolia steps into biofuels using recycled vegetable oils

> Pacific Island Countries Switch to Renewable Energy

> Models Help Assess Biofuels Sustainability

> Trade and climate policies must be linked post-2012

> Google “Search” for Cleaner Energy

> Waste-to-energy market is booming
]]>
> Oil prices fall on demand concerns

> Clean Technology Investors Reluctant To Commit Funds

> Veolia steps into biofuels using recycled vegetable oils

> Pacific Island Countries Switch to Renewable Energy

> Models Help Assess Biofuels Sustainability

> Trade and climate policies must be linked post-2012

> Google “Search” for Cleaner Energy

> Waste-to-energy market is booming
]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=6 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:00:57 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=6 front, and found a company that is on the cutting edge of wind power measurement and control
technology. Apparently, they created a device that will make it much
easier and affordable to scout wind locations and make it profitable
for more people. Their website was http://www.secondwind.com/. I
thought what they had was pretty interesting.]]> front, and found a company that is on the cutting edge of wind power measurement and control
technology. Apparently, they created a device that will make it much
easier and affordable to scout wind locations and make it profitable
for more people. Their website was http://www.secondwind.com/. I
thought what they had was pretty interesting.]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:25:48 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=5 --------------------------------
ASHLEE JAMES


Guaranteed ROI]]> --------------------------------
ASHLEE JAMES


Guaranteed ROI]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=4 Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:47:50 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=4
In order to attempt a rationalization of sustainable development (or achieving "sustainability" in development activities) and how that relates to the environment, it may be useful to establish a proper understanding of some of these main concepts.

To begin with, what is the “environment” as it pertains to sustainable development? For this purpose, the “environment” can be considered as the combined features and assets that provide the basis for economic and social development, natural resource management and conservation. In this context, sustainable management strategies, options and “best design” practices must be planned and implemented in relation to the processes, components and attributes of abiotic (non-living), biotic and human factors in any given developmental landscape.

Or to use a more formal definition:

Environment = The combined features and resource capital, that provide the basis for development, environmental management and conservation. Includes the processes and components of, and services provided by, atmospheric, hydrological, geophysical, biotic, human and landscape factors.

Environmental quality = The status or value of the natural resource capital at a particular location at a specified time, relative to development, environmental management and conservation.

Some further discussions on these concepts that characterize "sustainable development”:

Development = The act of altering and modifying resources in order to obtain potential benefits.

Environmental Degradation = Adverse effects (reversible or permanent) on biophysical, social and economic resources, or any other reduction of the set of options available to future generations.

Adverse Effects = Any reduction in environmental quality of a system, or other depletion of the environmental resource capital. Defined in terms of, and measured by, environmental impacts.

Environmental Impact = Change in environmental quality due to external disturbance to a system. Includes positive and negative, primary and secondary, cumulative, synergistic,
short, medium and long-term, reversible and irreversible. Described in terms of magnitude (of effect), direction (of change) and probability (of occurrence), with or without mitigation

In terms of discussing “development” (the act of altering and modifying the resources of the natural environment in order to obtain potential economic and social benefits), it is important to note that it involves the application of human, financial and biophysical resources to satisfy social and economic needs, inevitably leading to some modification of the biosphere. The extent of development-induced modifications depend on the location, scale, intensity and duration of activities as well as adequacy of mitigation and compensatory measures, which define the scope for, and degree of balance in, environmental costs and benefits. As noted, ideally, for a development to be “sustainable” it should demonstrably be economically feasible and socially acceptable, without causing significant environmental impacts
or land degradation.

From a policy, regulatory and legislative perspective, very closely related to implementation of all of these characteristics of sustainable development, is the “Precautionary Principle” – a sustainability principle which states that if there are threats of serious irreversible environmental impact, lack of full scientific certainty will not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.

Source: http://environmentalbase.zoints.com/blog...tryid=7121

Related Information & Discussions:

> http://environmentalbase.faunaboard.com/...ty-t14.htm

> http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/forum...ility.html

> http://sustainablelanduse.wordpress.com/...anagement/

> http://sustainablelanduse.wordpress.com/...ssessment/

> http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/forum...pment.html

> http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/forum...efits.html

> http://www.earthforums.com/cgi-earthforu...2/199.html]]>
In order to attempt a rationalization of sustainable development (or achieving "sustainability" in development activities) and how that relates to the environment, it may be useful to establish a proper understanding of some of these main concepts.

To begin with, what is the “environment” as it pertains to sustainable development? For this purpose, the “environment” can be considered as the combined features and assets that provide the basis for economic and social development, natural resource management and conservation. In this context, sustainable management strategies, options and “best design” practices must be planned and implemented in relation to the processes, components and attributes of abiotic (non-living), biotic and human factors in any given developmental landscape.

Or to use a more formal definition:

Environment = The combined features and resource capital, that provide the basis for development, environmental management and conservation. Includes the processes and components of, and services provided by, atmospheric, hydrological, geophysical, biotic, human and landscape factors.

Environmental quality = The status or value of the natural resource capital at a particular location at a specified time, relative to development, environmental management and conservation.

Some further discussions on these concepts that characterize "sustainable development”:

Development = The act of altering and modifying resources in order to obtain potential benefits.

Environmental Degradation = Adverse effects (reversible or permanent) on biophysical, social and economic resources, or any other reduction of the set of options available to future generations.

Adverse Effects = Any reduction in environmental quality of a system, or other depletion of the environmental resource capital. Defined in terms of, and measured by, environmental impacts.

Environmental Impact = Change in environmental quality due to external disturbance to a system. Includes positive and negative, primary and secondary, cumulative, synergistic,
short, medium and long-term, reversible and irreversible. Described in terms of magnitude (of effect), direction (of change) and probability (of occurrence), with or without mitigation

In terms of discussing “development” (the act of altering and modifying the resources of the natural environment in order to obtain potential economic and social benefits), it is important to note that it involves the application of human, financial and biophysical resources to satisfy social and economic needs, inevitably leading to some modification of the biosphere. The extent of development-induced modifications depend on the location, scale, intensity and duration of activities as well as adequacy of mitigation and compensatory measures, which define the scope for, and degree of balance in, environmental costs and benefits. As noted, ideally, for a development to be “sustainable” it should demonstrably be economically feasible and socially acceptable, without causing significant environmental impacts
or land degradation.

From a policy, regulatory and legislative perspective, very closely related to implementation of all of these characteristics of sustainable development, is the “Precautionary Principle” – a sustainability principle which states that if there are threats of serious irreversible environmental impact, lack of full scientific certainty will not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.

Source: http://environmentalbase.zoints.com/blog...tryid=7121

Related Information & Discussions:

> http://environmentalbase.faunaboard.com/...ty-t14.htm

> http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/forum...ility.html

> http://sustainablelanduse.wordpress.com/...anagement/

> http://sustainablelanduse.wordpress.com/...ssessment/

> http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/forum...pment.html

> http://www.sustainabilityforum.com/forum...efits.html

> http://www.earthforums.com/cgi-earthforu...2/199.html]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=3 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:33:09 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=3
Read Full Article: http://7thspace.com/headlines/293070/for...nched.html

Quote: Around £1.5 million of funding for a three year research project to examine the feasibility of short rotation forestry as a viable renewable energy source was announced today by Defra.

The project will establish a number of sites where intensive research will be carried out and operational-scale plots will be planted. The species will include both native and naturalised broadleaved trees along with other species with the potential to be used for biomass, such as eucalyptus.

The plots will be monitored to establish the environmental impacts and sustainability of short rotation forestry as a renewable energy source. Forestry Commission England will work closely with Defra to set up the project which will provide ongoing monitoring and scientific data on hydrology, carbon balance, economic viability, biodiversity, and possible environmental risks such as the impact of the project on landscape and biodiversity

Monitoring and evaluation will also be linked to the results of short rotation forestry trials in Scotland which are currently being established.

]]>
Read Full Article: http://7thspace.com/headlines/293070/for...nched.html

Quote: Around £1.5 million of funding for a three year research project to examine the feasibility of short rotation forestry as a viable renewable energy source was announced today by Defra.

The project will establish a number of sites where intensive research will be carried out and operational-scale plots will be planted. The species will include both native and naturalised broadleaved trees along with other species with the potential to be used for biomass, such as eucalyptus.

The plots will be monitored to establish the environmental impacts and sustainability of short rotation forestry as a renewable energy source. Forestry Commission England will work closely with Defra to set up the project which will provide ongoing monitoring and scientific data on hydrology, carbon balance, economic viability, biodiversity, and possible environmental risks such as the impact of the project on landscape and biodiversity

Monitoring and evaluation will also be linked to the results of short rotation forestry trials in Scotland which are currently being established.

]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=2 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:23:02 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=2
The Armoured Mist Frog (Litoria lorica), a species not seen anywhere for 17 years has been rediscovered in a remote location in the far north of Australia. James Cook University's Professor Ross Alford said it was feared that the Armoured Mist Frog had been lost in the devastating outbreaks of amphibian chytrid fungus that started in the Wet Tropics 20 years ago...

Read Full Article: http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/armoured-mist.html

]]>
The Armoured Mist Frog (Litoria lorica), a species not seen anywhere for 17 years has been rediscovered in a remote location in the far north of Australia. James Cook University's Professor Ross Alford said it was feared that the Armoured Mist Frog had been lost in the devastating outbreaks of amphibian chytrid fungus that started in the Wet Tropics 20 years ago...

Read Full Article: http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/armoured-mist.html

]]> http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=1 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 21:15:39 +0000 http://thinkgreenforum.com/showthread.php?tid=1
The development of sustainable, multi-purpose, integrated biomass conversion systems, is based on highly efficient photosynthesis and microbial processes, generating a number of products including energy resources (biofuels). Such systems have the potential for reducing the adverse impacts of agriculture and forestry, while providing food, fibre, pharmaceuticals and supplementary biofuels, to enhance the requirements for an acceptable standard of living. Energy production via biomass conversion of agricultural wastes reduces the environmental costs of food production systems, and provides economic benefit for the farmer, as well as reducing social impacts. As such, it provides a platform for integrating food and energy production in a sustainable manner.

The major social aims of Integrated Food – Energy Systems (IFES) is to maximize synergies between food crops, livestock, fish production and sources of renewable energy (e.g. biodigestion of wastes). This is achieved by adoption of agro-industrial technology that allows maximum utilization of by-products, diversification of raw materials, waste production on a smaller scale, and encouraging recycling and economic utilization of residues, for harmonization of energy and food production.

The essential features of IFES include:

• Using technology mix to provide a minimum cost alternative;
• Meeting energy needs not only for agriculture, but also other social needs (e.g. domestic, commercial, industrial);
• Maximizing utilization of available bio-resources with minimum environmental impact;
• Benefiting all classes of the community;
• Increasing food productivity;
• Generating additional income and employment opportunities; and
• Requirement of minimum maintenance to integrate community participation in management.

The design of IFES requires a simultaneous consideration of:

• The bio-physical components of resource management;
• The social and ecological impacts of technologies used; and
• The institutional settings involved

For each site-specific configuration of climatic and environmental conditions, several socially desirable, ecologically sustainable and economically efficient production systems are conceivable, differing in output mix, forms of social organization and community participation, size of operation, complexity of design and technical sophistication. Ideally, they should have a modular structure, allowing progressive implementation by adding new modules to the initial structure. While, in practice, these systems are often implemented as private enterprises, they can provide a template for the design and adoption of IFES technology at the community level in other circumstances, with appropriate modification, to mitigate environmental impacts and supply other benefits, towards improving the sustainability of food and energy production systems.

Sources:
> http://tropicalenv.conforums.com/index.c...1217141112
> http://geoenergy.wordpress.com/2008/07/2...tems-ifes/
> http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/80...757E03.htm]]>
The development of sustainable, multi-purpose, integrated biomass conversion systems, is based on highly efficient photosynthesis and microbial processes, generating a number of products including energy resources (biofuels). Such systems have the potential for reducing the adverse impacts of agriculture and forestry, while providing food, fibre, pharmaceuticals and supplementary biofuels, to enhance the requirements for an acceptable standard of living. Energy production via biomass conversion of agricultural wastes reduces the environmental costs of food production systems, and provides economic benefit for the farmer, as well as reducing social impacts. As such, it provides a platform for integrating food and energy production in a sustainable manner.

The major social aims of Integrated Food – Energy Systems (IFES) is to maximize synergies between food crops, livestock, fish production and sources of renewable energy (e.g. biodigestion of wastes). This is achieved by adoption of agro-industrial technology that allows maximum utilization of by-products, diversification of raw materials, waste production on a smaller scale, and encouraging recycling and economic utilization of residues, for harmonization of energy and food production.

The essential features of IFES include:

• Using technology mix to provide a minimum cost alternative;
• Meeting energy needs not only for agriculture, but also other social needs (e.g. domestic, commercial, industrial);
• Maximizing utilization of available bio-resources with minimum environmental impact;
• Benefiting all classes of the community;
• Increasing food productivity;
• Generating additional income and employment opportunities; and
• Requirement of minimum maintenance to integrate community participation in management.

The design of IFES requires a simultaneous consideration of:

• The bio-physical components of resource management;
• The social and ecological impacts of technologies used; and
• The institutional settings involved

For each site-specific configuration of climatic and environmental conditions, several socially desirable, ecologically sustainable and economically efficient production systems are conceivable, differing in output mix, forms of social organization and community participation, size of operation, complexity of design and technical sophistication. Ideally, they should have a modular structure, allowing progressive implementation by adding new modules to the initial structure. While, in practice, these systems are often implemented as private enterprises, they can provide a template for the design and adoption of IFES technology at the community level in other circumstances, with appropriate modification, to mitigate environmental impacts and supply other benefits, towards improving the sustainability of food and energy production systems.

Sources:
> http://tropicalenv.conforums.com/index.c...1217141112
> http://geoenergy.wordpress.com/2008/07/2...tems-ifes/
> http://www.unu.edu/unupress/unupbooks/80...757E03.htm]]>