On Sustainability International Award for Excellence

The On Sustainability Journal Collection offers an annual award for newly published research or thinking that has been recognized to be outstanding by members of the On Sustainability Research Network.

Award Winners for Volume 20

Investing in the Future: A Comparative Analysis of Green Technology Investments and Youth Unemployment in the US and South Africa

This study explores the nuanced relationship between sustainable investments, particularly from entities such as the United States (US), and their impact on unemployment trends in South Africa, contributing to discussions on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Utilizing a quantitative approach with data from sources such as the World Bank and Statistics SA, this study employs statistical and econometric methods to assess the socioeconomic consequences of international sustainability funding. The findings indicate a significant link between US sustainable investments and youth unemployment in South Africa, challenging and reinforcing existing research. It depicts that while foreign investments in green initiatives are crucial, they may inadvertently affect local employment negatively. This study recommends policy adjustments in both US and South African legislation to align foreign investments with SDGs, aiming to mitigate youth unemployment. This study underscores the importance of understanding the implications of international funding conditions on local economies, offering insights for policymakers and scholars to develop strategies that leverage sustainable investments for economic growth and employment opportunities. This study provides a fresh perspective on the dynamics between international investments and local unemployment, offering valuable insights for economic planning and policy formulation in South Africa and across other African nations.

Past Award Winners

Volume 19

Cultural Factors Depicting the Impact of Street Vending on the Quality of Life of Senegalese Households: An Empirical Investigation of Dakar Street Vendors

Fafa Sene, The International Journal of Social Sustainability in Economic, Social, and Cultural Context, Volume 19, Issue 2, pp. 103-122


Volume 18

Reading the Anthropocene through Landscape Archeology: Historical and Contemporary Landscapes of Accumulation in the Netherlands and Lebanon

Katherine Snow, and Sjoerd J. Kluiving, The International Journal of Environmental Sustainability, Volume 18, Issue 2, pp. 1-22


Volume 17

Creating a Sustainable Future: From National Plans to Organizational Strategy

Nina Louw and Chanel Venter, The International Journal of Sustainability Policy and Practice, Volume 17, Issue 2, pp. 9-25


Volume 16

Biomimicry in Sustainable Food and Agriculture

James Bassett, Emma Ho'o, The International Journal of Social Sustainability in Economic, Social, and Cultural Context, Volume 16, Issue 2, pp. 29-45


Volume 15

Nature-Centered Leadership: Challenging the “Rules of the Game”

Spencer Stober, The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability: Annual Review, Volume 15, Issue 1, pp. 1-13


Volume 14

Interpreting the Social Dimension of Sustainability: Connecting Theory and Community Planning Practice with a Social Determinants of Health Framework

Jacklyn Kohon, The International Journal of Sustainability in Economic, Social, and Cultural Context, Volume 14, Issue 3, pp. 1-19


Volume 13

Operationalising the Ideas of Justice in Forest Governance: An Analysis of Community Forestry and REDD+ Processes in Nepal

Poshendra Satyal, The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability: Annual Review, Volume 13, Issue 1, pp. 1-19


Volume 12

Implementing Bioremediation Technologies to Degrade Chemical Warfare Agents and Explosives from War Affected Regions in Sri Lanka.

Sithamparanathan, Elackiya, The International Journal of Environmental Sustainability, Volume 12, Issue 3, pp. 1-20


Volume 11

Sustaining African Cities: Urban Hunger and Sustainable Development in East Africa

Andrea M. Brown, The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability: Annual Review, Volume 11, Issue 1, pp.1-12



Volume 9

A Systematic Search of Trends in Rural Development Research: Type of Research, Originating Regions, and Engagement with Sustainability

Neus (Snowy) Evans, Michelle Lasen, and Komla Tsey, The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability: Annual Review, Volume 9, Issue 1, pp.1-17


Volume 8

Avenue J: Lessons from the Past and from Nature to Heal Lubbock’s Future

David A. Driskill, The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability: Annual Review, Volume 8, Issue 1, pp.11-27


Volume 7

Incorporating Community Governance: Planning Sustainable Energy Security

Diane Costello, The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability, Volume 7, Issue 4, pp.349-366


Volume 6

Social Sustainability and Ecotourism: Rethinking Development for Social and Environmental well-being in the Caribbean

Veronica Dujon, The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability, Volume 6, Issue 3, pp.181-192


Volume 5

Community Sustainability and Social Justice: Whose Vision?

Diane Costello and Brian Bishop, The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability, Volume 5, Issue 1, pp.141-160