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Environmental practices and ecosystem impact of SMEs: a comparative sectoral analysis in Venezuelan and Colombian coastal regions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated environmental practice efficacy among 22 small and medium-sized enterprises across textile, commerce, and manufacturing sectors in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and Santa Marta, Colombia (2021–2023). Using mixed-methods analysis including Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman correlations, and two-way ANOVA, results revealed that sector characteristics exerted stronger influence on environmental performance than geographical location, with manufacturing SMEs achieving superior pollution prevention efficacy across both cities. Sector-specific variation accounted for 31% of performance variance versus 18% for location effects, with no significant interaction between these factors. Pollution prevention practices demonstrated strongest correlations with ecosystem health indicators (ρ = 0.61–0.72). Findings support differentiated environmental policies targeting sector-specific constraints rather than uniform geographical approaches in developing coastal economies.

Source: Cogent Social Sciences

DOI: 10.1080/23311886.2025.2584360

Authors: Mario de la Puente, Jose Torres, Hernan Guzman

Institutions: Universidad del Norte, Universidad del Norte, University of Sucre

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Sustainability in Business

Subfield: Marketing

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Decent work and economic growth, Responsible consumption and production, Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,165