Osiel González Dávila

A Value Transfer Approach for the Economic Estimation of Industrial Pollution: Policy Recommendations

In order to make possible an economic estimation of industrial pollution, which is one of the main polluters in the Asopos River Basin (RB), another method that of Benefit Transfer (BT) was applied and is presented in this chapter. The fact that gathering primary site-specific data is costly and time-consuming has made BT a more and more popular alternative for the valuation of ecosystem goods and services and it offers a considerable potential in the light of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) implementation. In a broad sense, BT method uses existing economic value estimates from one location to another similar site in another location. In this context, the objective of this chapter is to present an empirical application of the methodology of transfer value. A number of valuation studies in the European territory that have explored the impact of industry on water degradation are reviewed in order for a suitable ‘match’ to be made between the Asopos RB and a suitable existing valuation study from which to source economic value information and hence perform the valuation exercise. The chapter closes with conclusions and recommendations for policy design.

Methodology for Integrated Socio-economic Assessment of Multi-use Offshore Platforms

This chapter presents the methodology employed for the Integrated Socio-Economic Assessment (MISEA) of different designs of Multi-Use Offshore Platforms (MUOPs). The methodology allows for the identification, the valuation and the assessment of the potential impacts and their magnitude. The analysis considers a number of feasible designs of MUOP investments, and the likely responses of those impacted by the investment project. The approach provides decision-makers with a valuable tool to assess whether a MUOP project increases the overall social welfare and hence should be undertaken. This is performed under alternative specifications regarding platform design, the discount rate and the stream of net benefits, if a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) is to be followed or a sensitivity analysis of selected criteria in a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework. The methodology can support the implementation of policies aiming at achieving a good environmental status of the EU’s marine waters and the protection of the resource base upon which marine-related economic and social activities depend.

A Socio-Economic Framework for Integrating Multi-Use Offshore Platforms in Sustainable Blue Growth Management: Theory and Applications

More than 70 percent of the earthAƒÂ¢A¯Â?½A¯Â?½s surface is covered by oceans and seas, much of which is either underexplored or unexplored for the time being. Our seas and oceans offer a vast renewable energy resource and production possibilities with great potential for innovation and growth contributing to the welfare of the human beings. The European Union (EU) supports the implementation of Blue Growth Strategy1 and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD; Directive 2008/56/EU, European Commission 2008), which aim to boost growth in marine-related socio-economic activities ensuring the good environmental status of marine waters and applies the Directive for Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP; Directive 2014/89/EU, European Commission 2014),2 which requires its member states to develop plans to better coordinate the various marine activities, with regard to environmental efficiency and sustainable development. The Multi-Use Offshore Platforms (MUOPs) are proposed as the means to accomplish efficient use of marine space and they are supported from the EU through marine initiatives and directives. In this chapter we present a tool for assessing the implementation feasibility of MUOPs.

Nonstructural Approaches to Coastal Risk Mitigations

Nonstructural coastal risk mitigation options that deal with society-centered instruments have the potential to contribute jointly to coastal settlement safety through vulnerability reduction and resilience enhancement. The paradigmatic characteristics of vulnerability reduction approaches and resilience enhancement approaches are described. Thereafter, vulnerability reduction measures associated with the use of insurance-based, land use planning-based, business recovery plan-based, communication plan-based, postflood management-based, and evacuation plan-based approaches are presented in terms of guidelines for implementation. Resiliency analysis of these approaches is conducted in parallel. This analysis leads to additional recommendations for implementing specific risk-reducing measures. The authors conclude by stressing the importance of three overarching characteristics of nonstructural mitigation options. The first element that is central to all options lies in the need to adopt approaches that mobilize stakeholders in the implementation process. The second element that is central to all nonstructural mitigation options is the fact that they increase safety through a direct reduction in the consequences of flooding. A third element that nonstructural mitigation options share is the obvious fact that they interact strongly, showing the potential to transcend the sum of their individual contributions.

Chapter 6 – Toward Sustainable Decision Making

In this chapter, the issue of sustainable decision making for successful coastal flood management is examined. In this setting, a key concept is sustainable development, defined as a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only today, but also for future generations. Sustainability for a given coastal system requires: (1) efficient protection to life and goods, and preserving socioeconomic development and opportunities of coastal areas; (2) maintenance of the environmental assets; and (3) short-, medium-, and long-term scenarios accounting for climate change effects. Different tools for sustainable decision making are presented. Design should be aimed at providing “continuity of daily life”—before, during, and after a flood, to avoid the detrimental social and economic impact that would otherwise result. A development that intrinsically provides flood resilience, through an adequate defense planning strategy, should give insurers and financiers the confidence to offer affordable, long-term policies, and investments. While planning coastal risk management strategies, coastal managers need to assess risk across a range of spatial and temporal scales. geographic information systems–based tools are one efficient way to support them in the decision-making process through a scenarios analysis starting from social, economic, and environmental information integrated into a common platform.

An Econometric Analysis of Agricultural Production, Focusing on the Shadow Price of Groundwater: Policies Towards Socio-Economic Sustainability

The focus of this chapter is on the agricultural sector in the Asopos catchment as it has a significant impact on the status of water in the area. In particular, the aim of the chapter is to estimate the farmers’ valuation of groundwater’s shadow price for the region of Asopos. In order to achieve that, an agricultural micro-economic data-set from the catchment has been collected through the use of a detailed agricultural questionnaire. As it will be explained in the chapter, the questionnaire focuses on collecting information regarding cultivations, production structures and use of groundwater for irrigation. The objective of the micro-econometric analysis is to uncover patterns of groundwater use and farm efficiency. The chapter presents the derived estimates that make possible the analysis of the impact of different economic policies, – which will be used for the implementation of an optimal, sustainable and integrated water policy – on farmers’ profits and social welfare. The chapter finishes with policy recommendations based on the principle of socio-economic sustainability that assures both economic efficiency of farms and concludes with the estimation of groundwater for irrigation shadow price and how this can be used in the design of pumping taxes to reduce pollution and to increase farms efficiency.

Creating the Institutional Background to Support the Implementation of the Policy Manual

Following Water Framework Directive s (WFD) implementation a national water policy that provides the institutional background to achieve the goals of the suggested policy is required. Chapter 10 emphasises on the issues of water policy that should be addressed and provides reform options that could lead to the sustainable use of water resources. Efficient use of water is an important issue in Europe; however poor governance seems to hinder effectiveness of the designed policies. After a review of the Greek experience with water reforms, the state oriented regime in Greece is presented along with the legislative frame and institutions that it entails. Then institutional improvements are discussed. In particular, the institutional reforms move away from water policies that favour fragmentation and lack of coordination among the involved actors in the decision making process. These reforms also embrace and promote the growing concerns on environmental aspects and sustainable water management suggesting integrated approaches. In the suggested framework of action the transfer of competencies from the state to the utility and to other actors, induced by the WFD, makes more imperative the existence and enforcement of a legislative and administrative framework that could accelerate the co-operation among the involved parties. The chapter closes with commenting on how the case of Asopos is related to the other Greek basins that are at risk of failing to meet WFDAƒÂ¢A¯Â?½A¯Â?½s obligations.