In 2015, the United Nations (UN) defined 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a road path to sustainable development in the world. Achieving these SDGs are among the top items on the agenda of several state organizations, including the United Arab Emirates. This article analyzes the UAE’s recent performance in achieving SDG 15, labeled as Life on Land. Using the data from international databases, namely the UN SDG Database and the Bertelsmann Stiftung SDG-index, we analyze the indicators that measure the UAE’s performance towards achieving SDG 15. This research sets a strategy for preserving biodiversity in the UAE and attaining the relevant goals to protect life on land. The findings suggest that while UAE is motivated to achieve the goals stated in SDG15, significant challenges remain ahead. Specifically, many of the relevant indicators are missing, making it hard to measure country performance based on reliable metrics.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the sociodemographic factors that affect Turkish consumers’ decision to purchase organic milk. It is also of interest to derive the demand curve for organic milk based on the consumers’ stated preferences. Design/methodology/approach: The data used in this search are based on a face-to-face consumer survey that asked the respondents about how much they are willing to pay for organic milk and what factors affect their purchasing decision. A variant approach is applied where the determinants selected include both product/market characteristics and household-specific demographic factors. The data are analyzed by means of tabular analysis, summary tables, contingent valuation, stepwise regression, χ² tests and logistic discrete-choice modeling. Findings: The tabular analysis suggests that price, packaging and brand image are the primary milk characteristics that affect consumers’ decision. According to the contingent valuation analysis, consumers are willing to pay substantial premiums for milk products. The stepwise regression, χ² tests and logistic regression results unanimously suggest that educational attainment is the only significant indicator. Households with university education are twice more likely to purchase organic milk. Research limitations/implications: The data used in this research are based on stated preferences which might be different than actual shopping behavior. Originality/value: This paper presents a pioneer study on the characteristics of Turkish organic milk consumers and represents a credible, empirical case study to complement existing literature. It also lays the framework for follow-up research work that can be conducted in future.

Circular economy is an alternative to traditional industrial system based on producing and consuming as much as possible. Contrary to produce and dispose model, circular economy emphasizes resource efficiency in both consumption and production cycle. This research aims to reveal potential role of circular economy with specific applications to small and medium sized enterprises in Kuwait. It is proposed that by applying circular economy concepts, Gulf Cooperation Council countries, particularly Kuwait, can achieve a competitive edge in global economy while minimizing the impact of industrial activities to the environment. Is it also proposed that small and medium sized enterprises tend to be the least efficient enterprises. Therefore, they have the highest potential for circular economy applications that lead to innovation, sustainability and resource efficiency.