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Development of an integrated methodology for the sustainable environmental and socio-economic management of river ecosystems
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The development of the Water Framework Directive aimed to establish an integrated framework of water management at European level. This framework revolves around inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and ground waters. In the process of achieving the environment and ecological objectives set from the Directive, the role of economics is put in the core of the water management. An important feature of the Directive is the recovery of total economic cost of water services by all users. The total cost of water services can be disaggregated into environmental, financial and resource costs. Another important aspect of the directive is the identification of major drivers and pressures in each River Basin District. We describe a methodology that is aiming to achieve sustainable and environmental and socioeconomic management of freshwater ecosystem services. The Ecosystem Services Approach is in the core of the suggested methodology for the implementation of a more sustainable and efficient water management. This approach consists of the following three steps: (i) socio-economic characterization of the River Basin area, (ii) assessment of the current recovery of water use cost, and (iii) identification and suggestion of appropriate programs of measures for sustainable water management over space and time. This methodology is consistent with a) the economic principles adopted explicitly by the Water Framework Directive (WFD), b) the three-step WFD implementation approach adopted in the WATECO document, c) the Ecosystem Services Approach to valuing freshwater goods and services to humans. Furthermore, we analyze how the effects of multiple stressors and socio-economic development can be quantified in the context of freshwater resources management. We also attempt to estimate the value of four ecosystem services using the benefit transfer approach for the Anglian River Basin, which showed the significance of such services.
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... The second relates to the non-environmental characteristics of the catchment that are described by the economic analysis included in the RBMPs. Overall, the economic characterization of the river basin determined primarily under Articles 5 and 9 requires the assessment of economic analysis of water uses per sector and their accruing environmental, economic and resource costs (Koundouri et al., 2015). ...
... In addition to that, following the total economic value framework, the policymaker can examine the direct and indirect effects of a measure on the components of a system, either realized or expected (Bateman, Carson and Day, 2002;Vandermeulen et al., 2011). In recent years, ecosystem services have been used extensively in valuation exercises, which has increased significantly the relevant literature (Wilson, applications and1999, 1999;Nelson et al., 2009;Keeler et al., 2012;Bateman et al., 2013;Koundouri et al., 2015Koundouri et al., , 2017Haines-Young and Potschin, 2016). ...
... Regulating services seem to obtain the highest value in every sub catchment. This is in line with earlier results of similar estimation exercises (e.g., Koundouri et al., 2015;Costanza et al., 2006). Cultural services are less valued, which contradicts the results of other studies (Ghermandi et al., 2010), however, this should be attributed to the magnitude of change in each area, as well as negative impacts on sights of significant cultural and aesthetic importance due to the implementations of PoMs. ...
... The "public health" unit (unit 5) analyzes the effects of various energy policies in human health. These can be associated with emissions, their future evolution and the impact of different decarbonization pathways [97]. The tools used are econometric models for the impact assessment and policy analyses to provide mitigation recommendations [98]. ...
Energy system planning has evolved from a narrow focus on engineering and supply works towards addressing more complex, multifactorial challenges. Increasingly challenged by climate change, extreme events, economic shocks, and altered supply demand patterns, the analysis of energy systems requires holistic approaches based on data-driven models, taking into account key socio-economic factors. We draw insights from reviewing the literature, indicating the need to cover the following major gaps: the shift to transdisciplinary approaches, incorporating environmental system analysis; resilient and sustainable energy designs based on flexible portfolios of renewable mixes; the integration of socio-economic aspects, economic analyses and behavioural models to ensure energy systems are not only technically sound but socially acceptable and viable; the need for stakeholder engagement considering the human angle in energy security and behavioural shifts. Responding to these pressing challenges and emerging needs, the Global Climate Hub (GCH) initiative, operating under the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, offers a conceptual framework, leveraging transdisciplinary approaches. In this Concept Paper, we present for the first time the idea of the GCH as a framework that we believe has the potential to address the modern holistic needs for energy system analysis and policymaking. By setting the conceptual/theoretical ground of our suggested approach, we aim to provide guidance for innovative combinations of cutting-edge models, socio-economic narratives, and inclusive interaction with relevant stakeholders for the development and the long-term implementation of sustainable pathways.
... Sustainable tourism destination development will focus on sustainable economic growth, sustainable social welfare, and ecological sustainability (Eddyono, 2021). In the context of sustainable development, the DPSIR framework is used as the basis for sustainable environmental and socio-economic management (Koundouri et al., 2016;Pivčević et al., 2020). In addition, the use of the DPSIR framework to focus on improving understanding of social and economic biodiversity pressures and drivers (Haberl et al., 2009) and can develop as an interdisciplinary tool for providing and communicating causal factors regarding environmental issues (Svarstad et al., 2008). ...
Tourism contributes to increasing global and national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. However, there are also negative impacts on tourism activities. One of the implementations to minimize negative impacts can be carried out by applying the carrying capacity of the destination (tourism carrying capacity/TCC). This study aims to determine the implications of the role of tourism carrying capacity in sustainable tourism development, which focuses on the causality relationship between tourism destination governance policies and tourism carrying capacity (TCC). This study uses a qualitative library/desk study method with a Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impacts, and Responses (DPSIR) framework analysis approach. The five dimensions of the carrying capacity of tourism destinations used in the DPSIR framework are territorial, governance, economic, social, and environmental. As a result, three framework findings and strategic analysis implications were obtained. First, it required the restoration of natural resources, environment, and ecosystems; second, carrying out integrated planning in land use, economic growth, strengthening socio-demographics, and a sustainable environment; third, educating tourists to transform the attitude, behaviour, and ethics of tourists. The overall strategic analysis framework aligns with various tourism development programs to maintain natural, economic, social, and environmental balances that apply sustainable tourism by implementing stakeholder cooperation.
... Water accumulates in various forms, but only 1% is suitable for direct human use (Oki and Kanae 2006;Khatri and Tyagi 2015). Therefore, an important issue is the purification of water from pollutants of all kinds to ensure its suitable properties for various uses (Koundouri et al. 2016;Price and Heberling 2018). Reservoirs are particularly important because they are often multifunctional and, at the same time, are a subject to various types of pollution that prevent or limit the fulfillment of their intended functions (Suwal et al. 2020;Wiatkowski et al. 2021). ...
Since reservoirs perform many important functions, they are exposed to various types of unfavorable phenomena, e.g., eutrophication which leads to a rapid growth of algae (blooms) that degrade water quality. One of the solutions to combat phytoplankton blooms are effective microorganisms (EM). The study aims to evaluate the potential of EM in improving the water quality of the Turawa reservoir on the Mała Panew River in Poland. It is one of the first studies providing insights into the effectiveness of using EM in the bioremediation of water in a eutrophic reservoir. Samples for the study were collected in 2019-2021. The analysis showed that EM could be one of the most effective methods for cleaning water from unfavorable microorganisms (HBN22, HBN36, CBN, FCBN, FEN)-after the application of EM, a reduction in their concentration was observed (from 46.44 to 58.38% on average). The duration of their effect ranged from 17.6 to 34.1 days. The application of EM improved the trophic status of the Turawa reservoir, expressed by the Carlson index, by 7.78%. As shown in the literature review, the use of other methods of water purification (e.g., constructed wetlands, floating beds, or intermittent aeration) leads to an increase in the effectiveness and a prolongation of the duration of the EM action. The findings of the study might serve as a guide for the restoration of eutrophic reservoirs by supporting sustainable management of water resources. Nevertheless, further research should be conducted on the effectiveness of EM and their application in the reme-diation of eutrophic water reservoirs.
... The benefits produced by nature are related to the use value produced by environmental goods. The existing values can be directly related to ecosystem services provided by natural resources and in the context of this study is the BKB River (Koundouri et al. 2016). ...
In 2010, the Semarang government normalized the Banjir Kanal Barat River by dredging and widening the river and managing spatial planning by adding a waterfront. The purpose of normalization is to increase the water discharge capacity so that it can accommodate water flow from three rivers (the Kreo River, the Kripik River, and the Garang River). The focus of this study is to identify social and ecological impacts after the normalization of the BKB River. This study uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The informants in this study numbered seven people, consisting of officers (managers of the BKB Weir and cleaning officers), RW heads, the community, and visitors. The results showed the impact on social aspects, namely that the community has new public spaces, brings economic opportunities, strengthens social solidarity through river mutual aid activities, and, after normalization, the BKB River area becomes prone to crime because the streets are quiet plus there is poor lighting. The ecological impact is the use of land on the banks of the BKB River for fish farming and agriculture. People’s behavior in seeing rivers is formed from the interactions they carry out at the individual level, so people have various perceptions in looking at the river, as mentioned above.
... Regarding freshwater ecosystem services, such as those that are the focus in the present study, PAs, if well managed, can show improvements in the water quality and, in some situations, the quantity of available water. Indeed, the economic literature has identified the degradation of water ecosystem quality as a crucial issue (Koundouri et al., 2016). In such circumstances, water quality depletion results in the deterioration of the total economic value of the resource, the intensity of which has typically been evaluated in monetary terms by means of appropriate evaluation techniques (for instance Koundouri and Davila, 2015). ...
... Allowing depleted natural areas to regenerate is an important step toward preserving the functions of ecosystems (Koundouri et al, 2016;Reyers & Selig, 2020). ...
In Iraq, cities are expanding without regard to green infrastructure. Green and agricultural spaces are not being retained but instead are being converted into residential and commercial areas. Along with the changing climate, these changes decrease the quality of life. This study aims to assess knowledge deficiencies and current water management practices in expanding Al-Kut city in Iraq. An integrated, comprehensive vision for the city was formulated based on the green infrastructure concept to take advantage of the rivers’ banks and water corridors in order to mitigate climate change and urban heat island effects. It was concluded that there is mismanagement of water corridors within the city, which is squandering the opportunity to incorporate the abundance of water resources and green infrastructure into the cityscape to enhance the community's quality of life.
The Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC is considered a very modern strategy of water management in the EU. The purpose is to establish a framework for the protection of inland surface waters by preventing further deterioration and protecting the condition of aquatic ecosystems, as well as increasing the protection and improvement of the condition of the aquatic environment by limiting emissions and losses of priority substances. It was considered that changes in the water law in Poland during the process of implementing the guidelines of the Water Framework Directive may have contributed to widening and strengthening the monitoring system of lakes and changes in their quality, especially their ecological state. This article aims to determine the changes in legal regulations in the field of water quality/ecologically state of lakes in Poland as a result of the implementation of the WFD. The EC reports indicate that some requirements are too rigorous and complicated for Member States to implement. Water monitoring was significantly expanded and modernised which lead to improvement of lake water quality in Poland. The five-grade ecological status of lake waters and standardised biological indicators were introduced. It was highlighted that the improvement of the WFD implementation process allowed for more effective water management and the development of effective strategies for the protection of lakes in Poland and other EU countries.
Application of ecosystem services-based approaches to addressing global water challenges
An increasing amount of information is being collected on the ecological and socio-economic value of goods and services provided by natural and semi-natural ecosystems. However, much of this information appears scattered throughout a disciplinary academic literature, unpublished government agency reports, and across the World Wide Web. In addition, data on ecosystem goods and services often appears at incompatible scales of analysis and is classified differently by different authors. In order to make comparative ecological economic analysis possible, a standardized framework for the comprehensive assessment of ecosystem functions, goods and services is needed. In response to this challenge, this paper presents a conceptual framework and typology for describing, classifying and valuing ecosystem functions, goods and services in a clear and consistent manner. In the following analysis, a classification is given for the fullest possible range of 23 ecosystem functions that provide a much larger number of goods and services. In the second part of the paper, a checklist and matrix is provided, linking these ecosystem functions to the main ecological, socio–cultural and economic valuation methods.
Soil erosion results in many off-site negative effects such as eutrophication of waterways and impacts on landscape quality. Because these off-site effects are rarely "captured" in markets they are often given too little weight in policy decisions. In this paper, we apply the contingent valuation method (CV) to estimate the benefits of a soil erosion control program in the Alto Genil area of southern Spain to the general public. Our survey design attempts to reduce part-whole bias by getting respondents to also value other, substitute environmental programs. Our main finding is that a majority of the catchment's population is willing to pay to reduce off-site damages, and that current off-site damages impose costs of around 4-7 million euros1/year, or around 42-72 euros/hectare/year (17-29 euros/acre/year). Reminding respondents about substitute environmental projects is found to have a significant impact on the value placed on soil erosion control.
Abstract Over the last 25 years, economic water policy models have evolved in concept, theoretical and technical methods, scope and application to address a host of water demand, supply, and management policy questions. There have been a number of theoretical and empirical advances over this period, particularly related to estimation of nonmarket, public good water‐related values involving different methods of valuation. We discuss modeling advances including modeling multiple, competing demands, types of incentives and technologies and behavioral responses, incorporation of groundwater and other supply alternatives, integration of institutional factors, and increasing attention to system‐wide impacts. The largest changes in hydroeconomic policy models have been the integration of the individual demand and supply components, inclusion of environmental values, incorporation of governance and institutional conditions (laws, regulations and policies), and expansion to river basin and even interposing scales of analysis. Important areas of future hydroeconomic model advances will be the use of genetic and neurological based algorithms for solving dynamic, stochastic problems, reconstruction of hydrological and economic relationships for remotely sensed data, and the expansion of models to understand and address transboundary water resource economic, hydrologic, environmental and institutional policy, and interdependencies.
The abstract for this document is available on CSA Illumina.To view the Abstract, click the Abstract button above the document title.
Water scarcity may appear to be a simple concept, but it can be difficult to apply to
complex natural-human systems. While aggregate scarcity indices are straightforward to
compute, they do not adequately represent the spatial and temporal variations in water
scarcity that arise from complex systems interactions. The uncertain effects of future
climate change on water scarcity add to the need for clarity on the concept of water scarcity.
Starting with a simple but robust definition—the marginal value of a unit of water we—
highlight key aspects of water scarcity and illustrate its many biophysical and
socioeconomic determinants. We make four central observations. First, water scarcity varies
greatly across location, time, and a multitude of uses that are valued either directly or
indirectly by society. Second, water scarcity is fundamentally a normative, anthropocentric
concept and, thus, can and should be distinguished from the related, purely descriptive
notion of water deficit. While such an anthropocentric perspective may seem limiting, it has
the potential to encompass the vast range of interests that society has in water. Third, our
ability to understand and anticipate changes in water scarcity requires distinguishing
between the factors that affect the value or benefits of water from those affecting the costs
of transforming water in space, time and form. Finally, this robust and rigorous definition of
water scarcity will facilitate better communication and understanding for both policymakers
and scientists.
