Patrica N. Duru (Author)
Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Environmental Sciences, Development and Sustainability (IJESDS)
Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
Corresponding Author’s Email: emmapatt@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT: The International Journal of Environmental Sciences, Development and Sustainability (IJESDS), published by the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, was established to provide a credible platform for disseminating high-quality research and promoting scholarly exchange in environmental sciences and related disciplines. This volume reflects the collective commitment of the Editorial Board, contributors, and reviewers to advancing rigorous, interdisciplinary, and solution-oriented research addressing contemporary environmental and developmental challenges in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The peer-reviewed articles cover diverse areas, including climate resilience and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, urban and regional planning, geospatial technologies, environmental policy, renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, water and waste management, pollution, architecture, construction management, artificial intelligence, public health, and sustainable building design. Collectively, the studies provide empirical evidence, practical solutions, and policy recommendations that support sustainable development and contribute to relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through rigorous peer review and adherence to academic integrity, IJESDS seeks to promote innovation, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, inform policy and professional practice, and contribute to environmental sustainability and national development.
Keywords: IJESDS-IMSU; Journal; Environment; Sustainability; Publication
https://doi.org/10.68086/FZUC2853
1. INTRODUCTION
The publication of the International Journal of Environmental Sciences, Development and Sustainability (IJESDS) by the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, marks the realization of a long-held vision to establish a reputable platform for the dissemination of high-quality scholarly research. Academic journals remain indispensable instruments for advancing scientific knowledge, promoting innovation, and facilitating intellectual discourse among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers across disciplines (UNESCO, 2021). This journal was conceived to provide a permanent and accessible medium for the exchange of academic ideas both within and beyond the Imo State University community. More importantly, it offers scholars—particularly members of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and the broader academic community—a credible avenue for publishing their research and contributing meaningfully to global scholarship. In doing so, it helps address the increasing demands of academic productivity often summarized by the popular dictum, “publish or perish.”
The Vision and Journey of IJESDS
The successful publication of this volume represents the culmination of unwavering commitment, perseverance, and collective effort. Despite the numerous challenges encountered during the planning, peer-review, editing, and production processes, we have remained steadfast in our determination to establish IJESDS as a pacesetter among scholarly journals within the environmental sciences. This achievement reflects our belief that rigorous academic research is fundamental to addressing the environmental, developmental, and sustainability challenges confronting Nigeria, Africa, and the wider global community. Through this journal, we seek to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, encourage innovative thinking, and support evidence-based decision-making capable of influencing policy and professional practice.
2. SCOPE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THIS VOLUME
This edition demonstrates the multidisciplinary nature of environmental sciences by presenting peer-reviewed studies that address diverse yet interconnected areas of contemporary scholarship. The published articles explore themes including environmental sustainability, climate resilience and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, urban and regional planning, geospatial technologies, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), architecture, construction management, hydrographic surveying, facility management, environmental policy, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure development.
The volume also features research on land-use and land-cover dynamics, waste management, groundwater and surface water quality, mining-related environmental impacts, environmental pollution, food security, behavioural change for climate action, construction economics, life-cycle costing, arbitration in construction, artificial intelligence applications, vernacular architecture, educational environments, crime mapping, public health, and innovative approaches to sustainable building design.
Collectively, these contributions offer practical solutions, policy recommendations, and empirical evidence that support the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to sustainable cities and communities, clean water and sanitation, climate action, responsible consumption and production, affordable clean energy, and partnerships for sustainable development (United Nations, 2015).
3. COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The Editorial Board remains committed to maintaining a transparent and rigorous peer-review process that upholds the highest standards of academic integrity, originality, ethical research conduct, and scholarly excellence. Every manuscript published in this volume underwent a thorough evaluation by qualified reviewers to ensure scientific quality, methodological soundness, and relevance to contemporary environmental and developmental issues.
We expect that the findings and recommendations presented in this edition will stimulate further research, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, inform public policy, and provide valuable reference materials for academics, professionals, researchers, students, and development practitioners both nationally and internationally.
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The successful publication of this volume would not have been possible without the dedication and support of numerous individuals and institutions. I wish to express my profound appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University for his unwavering commitment to research development and scholarly publishing.
I also extend my sincere gratitude to members of the Editorial Board, reviewers, advisers, contributors, and the editorial support team whose expertise, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail ensured the successful production of this volume. Their commitment to academic excellence has significantly strengthened the quality and credibility of this journal.
5. CONCLUSION
As environmental challenges continue to evolve in complexity and scale, the role of interdisciplinary research has become increasingly important in developing innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions. It is my sincere hope that the articles presented in this volume will inspire further scholarly inquiry, strengthen collaborations among researchers and practitioners, and contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability, national development, and global scientific advancement.
On behalf of the Editorial Board, I warmly welcome our readers to this edition of the International Journal of Environmental Sciences, Development and Sustainability (IJESDS) and encourage continued contributions that will enrich future volumes.
6. COMPETING INTEREST
None to declare
REFERENCES
United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. New York: United Nations.
UNESCO. (2021). UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. Paris: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics). (2023). Core Practices. https://publicationethics.org/core-practices