Directions: Read the following passage carefully and answer the question that follows.

Nearly four decades ago, a coalition of rural villagers in a secluded region of the Andes halted a corporate logging operation slated to clear a nearby forest. This confrontation sparked the regional conservation movement, symbolizing a broader wave of ecological conflicts throughout the late 20th century. These disputes spanned disputes over woodlands, marine fisheries, and communal grazing lands, as well as protests against massive hydroelectric projects and unchecked mining operations. In each instance, the expansion of urban markets and industrial growth restricted rural populations from utilizing the natural resources vital for their daily sustenance.

While environmentalism in wealthier nations often centered on preserving wild areas and safeguarding endangered fauna, the movement in this developing region was driven by basic human survival. It emerged as an advocacy system of the marginalized, fusing demands for social equity with ecological sustainability. Proponents contended that the prevailing systems of resource exploitation disenfranchised local populations while degrading the natural habitats they depended on.

Decades ago, when state-controlled economic planning predominated, critics initially dismissed these local conservation efforts as foreign-backed interference. Over time, however, the persistence of these demonstrations compelled the administration to implement regulatory reforms. Environmental protection agencies were created, and new legislation was enacted to limit pollution and conserve primary forests. Yet, when economic liberalization policies were introduced in the 1990s, the reduction of state oversight led to even more aggressive exploitation of natural habitats by private enterprises, surpassing the ecological damage caused under the previous state-run system.

In the following sentence, the underlined word may or may not be suitable. Select the most appropriate replacement that preserves the intended meaning. If no change is required, choose “No replacement needed.”

After the revised rules took effect, researchers examined their effect on small enterprises in the region.