Sara Fabbrizzi

State of the art of ecosystem services research at the global level: a multiscale quantitative review

A literature review focused on ecosystem services (ES) research on a worldwide level was performed. The work considered a quantitative analysis based on text mining. Digital information derived from more than 13,000 scientific papers was processed. Temporal trends of ES, the primary research interest, and specificities of different contexts were depicted. Based on a multiscale approach, the above parameters were defined for the global level, regions of the world and countries. The results focused on the relation among ES issues with: 1) techniques for the monetary quantification of ES; 2) the investigation of payments for ecosystem services at a regional scale; 3) the analysis of sustainability pillars. The applied methodology was an updatable and flexible approach useful for the quantitative literature review of specific ES branches, as well as for gap analysis. The final remarks concentrated on future improvements to facilitate the widespread and user-friendly diffusion of the method.

Place-Based Policy-Making and Community Security: A Decision Support System for Integrated Planning of Urban Ecosystem Services and Disservices

The objective of the work is to implement a model based on Geographic Information System (GIS) to develop best-management strategies for urban trees. In the model, various objectives, such as the maximization of population security and the optimization of intervention on trees (i.e., economic improvement of Visual Tree Assessment and pruning operation), are considered. The Decision Support System (DSS) uses dynamic simulation able to take into account annual growth of single plants, as well as annual budgets devoted to green urban care by a local administration. The intervention priority concerning trees was based on a model that evaluates two opposing lines of services/disservices: the first is the potential value of single trees and green areas for recreational aspects based on a multicriteria approach to merge various indicators; the second is represented by the probability of falling trees and branches that can cause damage to people, vehicles and buildings, as well as other facilities. Cascine’s Park in the city of Florence (Italy) was selected as study area. Results highlight the priority of intervention over a period of five years and their spatial distribution. The main strengths, as well as the weaknesses of the model, are also addressed in the paper. In particular, economic and managerial benefits in case of DSS’ application are stressed.

Why do you drink? A means-end approach to the motivations of young alcohol consumers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the motivations of young consumers of alcoholic beverages in order to supply information for the definition of corporate and social marketing strategies. The target of young consumers was chosen because of its association with the choice of consumption behaviours often resulting in health and social issues related to alcohol. The focus on motivations, on the other hand, is justified by the need to assess the contents of appropriate and efficient communication campaigns for both producers and public institutions. Design/methodology/approach A means-end approach was used on a sample of young consumers from Tuscany via face-to-face interviews. The interviews were carried out with students who were completing their last year of high school. The results were processed using an MEC analyst software for the construction of the hierarchical value maps and cognitive maps showing the links between products and consumers. Findings The results highlighted the perception of a “socialisation” attribute that is stronger when linked to the consumption of beer and spirits; however, wine is still perceived as a non-friendly beverage. The aspect of socialisation underlines both the pleasure of sharing consumption experiences and the dangerous binge drinking behaviour. Thanks to this approach, the study identifies the main elements in the cognitive structure that, if used to define a communication strategy, may guarantee a high degree of efficacy. Originality/value The findings of the study constitute valuable information that can be used to prepare stages of communication plans within larger corporate and social marketing strategies. The wine sector can benefit from understanding the motivations that prevent young people from drinking wine and can attempt to fill the psychological and cognitive gap between young consumers and the product. Public institutions, on the other hand, may benefit from understanding the motivations that lead young people towards dangerous drinking behaviours. In turn, the institutions may be able to send appropriate messages within their communication activities aimed at containing such behaviours.