Urban heat islands (UHIs) increase the energy consumption of cities and impact the health of its residents. In light of the correlation between energy consumption and health and UHI variations observed at a local level within the canopy layer, satellite-derived land surface temperatures (LSTs) may be insufficient to provide comprehensive information about these deleterious effects. For both LST and air temperatures to be collected in a spatially representative and continuous manner, and for the process to be affordable, on-ground temperature and humidity sensors must be strategically placed. This study proposes a strategy for placing on-ground sensors that utilizes the spatial variation of measurable factors linked to UHI (i.e., seasonal variation in LSTs, wind speed, wind direction, bareness, and local climate zones), allowing for the continuous measurement of UHI within the canopy layer. As a representative city, Pune, India, was used to demonstrate how to distribute sensors based on the spatial variability of UHI-related variables. The proposed method may be helpful for any city requiring local-level observations of UHI, regardless of the climate zone. Further, we evaluate the placement of low-cost technology sensors that use LoRaWAN technology for this purpose, in order to overcome the problem of high costs associated with traditional in-situ weather stations.

Whether a local community perceives a protected area to be important and its management to be fair plays a crucial role in park-people relationships. Various studies have shown that participatory management of protected areas is not only more effective than exclusive management, but it also ensures that local communities are not adversely affected. This study examines the park-people relationships in Hponkanrazi Wildlife Sanctuary in North Myanmar through the lens of the common governance principles of accountability, equity, transparency, participation, and efficiency. We solicited the perceptions of both local people and park authorities on these principles. At present local perceptions of the protected area are generally positive but residents are concerned that the laws and regulations which govern the park may excessively restrict them from pursuing their traditional livelihood activities. The communities also cautioned that declaring the area’s protected status without following it up quickly with appropriate law enforcement and conservation measures could unintentionally accelerate degradation of the park. Park management staff agree that local people need to be involved, though the government hasn’t given any clear directions to this effect. Moreover, the staff haven’t been trained to include the community in planning and inclusive management.