The population growth, changing consumption patterns, and rapid urbanization contribute significantly to the growing volumes of solid waste that are generated in urban settings. As the rate of urbanization increases, demand on the services of solid waste management increases. The rapid urban growth in Langkawi Island, Malaysia, combined with the increasing rates of solid waste production has provided evidence that the traditional solid waste management practices, particularly the methods of waste collection and disposal, are inefficient and quite nonsustainable. Accordingly, municipal managers and planners in Langkawi need to look for and adopt a model for solid waste management that emphasizes an efficient and sustainable management of solid wastes in Langkawi Island. This study presents the current practices of solid waste management in Langkawi Island, describes the composition of the solid waste generated in that area, and presents views of local residents and tourist on issues related to solid waste management like the aesthetic value of the island environment. The most important issue of this paper is that it is the first time that integrated solid waste management is investigated in the Langkawi Island.

No abstract

This chapter is about theory and practice on the relationship between poverty reduction, natural resources and governance. The objective in this chapter is an attempt to offer a systematic explanation to the questions: Why poverty? Can poverty be alleviated? And if yes, by what strategies or how can livelihoods be made sustainable? The underlying objective of any theories is to provide systematic explanation between phenomena or events and their occurrence. Having settled on specifi c theoretical stance, individuals and/or societies will then embark on implementing such theoretical precepts, hence the practice. Therefore, this chapter incorporates Islamic theoretical stance and other conventional theoretical perspectives on the subject matter. IntroductionIn this chapter, the authors have reviewed studies so far conducted on the topic. It is done in three separate but mutually complementing ways. In the fi rst part, a theoretical framework that guides the study has been presented. The second part contains a review of scholarly studies conducted theoretically or library research, and the third segment has examined studies conducted empirically or fi eld research. Theoretical Framework on the Causes of PovertyThe theoretical framework consists of two main components. The fi rst component presents the Islamic perspective of poverty, while the second component examines the conventional perspective. Chapter 2Theory and Practice on the Nexus Between Poverty, Natural Resources and Governance 12 Islamic Perspective of PovertyThe basic aim of a theory is an attempt to show a causal relationship between an event or a phenomenon and its occurrence. In other words, it is an attempt to offer a systematic explanation as to why and how a particular phenomenon emerges. In the Islamic doctrine, Allah ( s.w.t. ) is the source of everything. ' To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and earth: when He decrees a matter, He saith to it: "Be", and it is ' (al-Qur'an, al-Baqarah 2: 117; English translation by Ali 2001 ). It then follows from this belief that He is the ultimate 'cause and effect'. Put differently, nothing happens or emerges except by His will ( bi isni Allah ). However, certain events or phenomena occur on earth because of the actions or inactions of humankind, probably due to the limited free will Allah ( s.w.t. ) has given man.1 The Holy Qur'an attests to this argument, ' Whatever misfortune happens to you is because on the things your hands have wrought and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness ' (al-Qur'an, al-shūrā 42: 30; English translation by Ali 2001 ). This buttresses the fact that the causes of some events or phenomena can be searched for within human actions. The administrative legacy of Khalifah Umar ( r.a. ) is a testimony of human actions as underlying causes of some events as far as poverty alleviation is concerned. Khalifah Umar bin Abd Aziz ( r.a. ) has exemplifi ed this 'handy' proposition exposed by the Holy Qurán. Sayyadina Umar's era ( r.a. ), undoubtedly, has best been described ...

No abstract

No abstract