scholarly journals DESIGNATION OF GEOSITES- PROPOSALS FOR GEOPARKS IN GREECE

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 926
Author(s):  
Ir. Theodosiou

During the last three years, the research project: “Geosites, geoparks contribution to sustainable development” aiming at recording and designating geosites and potential geoparks, as a means to sustainable development, funded from the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF) programme, is developing at the Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration of Greece (IGME). The project, according to its objectives, is divided in the following five sub-projects: 1: Identification, characterization, evaluation of geosites 2: Compilation of a DataBase and a Geographic Information System (GIS) for the geosites, geotrails and potential geoparks in the country. 3: Planning of walking and motoring geotrails around the geosites, in combination with other attractions of biotic, archaeological and cultural interest. 4: Specifications of the geoparks’ studies and planning for interpretation, tourism, marketing, development, operation and management. Drafting of complete management proposals for selected areas, in view of their development into geoparks and of their participation in international networks. 5: Promotion of the project’s objectives and benefits in international, national level and the local community, businesses and institutions. Compilation of interpretative, marketing material for tourism purposes, and for the community awareness on geological heritage conservation. The whole project is based on the systematic inventory of the geosites and the compilation of a GISaided database for the geosites, geotrails and potential geoparks. The framework of the research materialization, the procedural steps, as well as the methodological approach for its accomplishment, will be presented in this paper, focussing mostly in the first sub-project methodology as Geosites registration is the base for the whole project. The geosites, geotrails, potential geoparks Registry compiled with this project will function as a source of information for various uses: national and international level public or private sector projects regarding planning and conservation of nature, education and tourism.

Spatium ◽  
2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis O’Doherty ◽  
Brian Fitzgerald ◽  
Richard Moles ◽  
Bernadette O’Regan

Policy making to promote more sustainable development is a complex task due in part to the large number of both stakeholders and potential policies. Policy feasibility testing provides a guide to the viability and practicality of policy implementation and forms an important part of an evidence based policy making process. An extensive literature review has identified no standardized approach to feasibility testing. This paper addresses this knowledge gap by describing a novel method using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for feasibility testing of policies aimed at increasing the sustainability of towns and villages in Ireland. Feasibility results are provided for 40 frequently cited policy interventions tested for 18 settlements in Ireland. Policies were selected in the arenas of transport, food, housing and urban form, energy, waste and water. Policies are feasibility tested through analysis of operational evidence from both quantitative and qualitative data sources. Following testing, policies are ranked in terms of feasibility. This research examines the effectiveness of local and national level policies and the importance of both local community involvement and central government regulation in policy success. The inter-settlement variation in feasibility testing scores prioritises policy selection and aims to reduce cherry-picking of policies to support the viewpoints of the decision maker. Although developed for an Irish urban context the methods described here may have applicability elsewhere.


Author(s):  
Оксана Василівна Бондар-Підгурська ◽  
Алла Олександрівна Глєбова

The scientific and methodological approach to the evaluation and analysis of the efficiency of system management by innovation factors for sustainable development of national economy from the point of view satisfaction vital interest’s population is developed. This is the calculation of the modernized index human development based on the adjective model based on 26 indicators (social, economic and environmental subsystems), as well as using the methods of the main components and the slip matrix. The resultant value is the modernized Human Development Index (MHDІ) of Ukraine. The architectonics MHDІ of Ukraine in 2007–2017 from the position of sub-indices of the ecological, social and economic subsystems is analyzed. Consequently, the scientific and methodological approach based on the MHDI change allows us to draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the work and public administration bodies in the context of making managerial decisions regarding the satisfaction of the vital interest’s population. MHDI considers the main regulated parameter of the system management in the innovation factors of sustainable development in socially oriented economy. The tendency of steady decline MHDI of Ukraine in 2007–2017 on 53.45 % was confirmed, which confirms inefficient state regulation of crisis situations in Ukraine. In order to increase the efficiency management of innovative factors by sustainable development of the national economy, from the standpoint of satisfaction vital interest’s population, it is proposed to intensify the use of public debt and savings bonds, market and non-market methods of relief and debt load. This is due to the fact that at the current stage of development in the national economy, public external debt is one of the most significant indicators of the state economy. It is at the same time a criterion for the effectiveness of public financial policy, as well as a threat and opportunity for the Ukrainian economy. In order to optimize its size, various methods, approaches, tools are used. Based on the analysis of world experience, it has been established that the securities market, in particular debt securities, plays a strategic role in regulating this issue. Therefore, it makes sense to recommend government debt bonds and government savings bonds to optimize the amount of external public debt.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 665-671
Author(s):  
D. V. Bagnyuk ◽  
A. V. Lebedev

The presented study examines the concepts of “environmental marketing” and “environmental product”. The study attempts to conceptualize these terms in Russian language with allowance for the concept of sustainable development and the principles of the circular economy.Aim. The study aims to develop the conceptual foundations of environmental marketing and its derivative — environmental product, laying the groundwork for future research in specifying the concepts of “environmental marketing” and “environmental product”.Tasks. The authors examine the current state of environmental marketing and environmental product in Russia in terms of legislation and market practices; analyze the evolution of these concepts in foreign and Russian publications; systematize experience in this field; provide an original conceptualization of these terms; operationalize their key characteristics and features.Methods. This study is based on qualitative empirical research using such methods as content analysis, synthesis, formalization, and systematization. The theoretical and methodological approach of the study is based on the works of foreign and Russian scientists in the field of environmental marketing, the “green” approach to the promotion of goods, and sustainable enterprise development.Results. A research gap in the conceptualization of “environmental marketing” and “environmental product” in Russian language is identified. The authors provide an original interpretation of these concepts with allowance for the principles of sustainable development and “green” promotion.Conclusions. This study serves to elaborate on the scientific meaning of the concept of “environmental friendliness” applicable in marketing, changing the trend of the increasing number of products that fall under the definition of greenwashing. The published materials can be useful for environmental consultants, marketers, and representatives of legislative authorities in certifying products according to environmental standards.


Author(s):  
R.S.S. Nehru

Corporate Social Responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large” According to World Business Council for Sustainable Development, In globalization era education plays a crucial role in building the society and Nation. India is the highest country in a number of universities which constitute more than seven hundred universities, including private, public and semi sectors. Despite India have more institutions and strategies for education still Indian education is not competitive and performing infancy stage as compared to world class level. Education has pivotal role in nation building and molding superb wings of human recourse. In globalized economy and the privatization the education have been transformed into rural or root level of sustainable development in all sorts of human life. Adopting a businesslike approach which emphasizes a strategic CSR is important to survival in this increasingly competitive arena. It does not appear as a surprise to see universities and colleges discover the opportunity to move the focus beyond the classrooms into their own institutional operations. Universities, colleges and schools are the centers of knowledge generation and sharing perform a very important role in addressing the Triple Bottom Line of the world’ socioeconomic and environmental issues by promoting sustainable solutions. This paper discusses the good CSR practices and some suggestions that can boost up the CSR management and make invites on education sector.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Dickens ◽  
Vladimir Smakhtin ◽  
Matthew McCartney ◽  
Gordon O’Brien ◽  
Lula Dahir

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are high on the agenda for most countries of the world. In its publication of the SDGs, the UN has provided the goals and target descriptions that, if implemented at a country level, would lead towards a sustainable future. The IAEG (InterAgency Expert Group of the SDGs) was tasked with disseminating indicators and methods to countries that can be used to gather data describing the global progress towards sustainability. However, 2030 Agenda leaves it to countries to adopt the targets with each government setting its own national targets guided by the global level of ambition but taking into account national circumstances. At present, guidance on how to go about this is scant but it is clear that the responsibility is with countries to implement and that it is actions at a country level that will determine the success of the SDGs. Reporting on SDGs by country takes on two forms: i) global reporting using prescribed indicator methods and data; ii) National Voluntary Reviews where a country reports on its own progress in more detail but is also able to present data that are more appropriate for the country. For the latter, countries need to be able to adapt the global indicators to fit national priorities and context, thus the global description of an indicator could be reduced to describe only what is relevant to the country. Countries may also, for the National Voluntary Review, use indicators that are unique to the country but nevertheless contribute to measurement of progress towards the global SDG target. Importantly, for those indicators that relate to the security of natural resources security (e.g., water) indicators, there are no prescribed numerical targets/standards or benchmarks. Rather countries will need to set their own benchmarks or standards against which performance can be evaluated. This paper presents a procedure that would enable a country to describe national targets with associated benchmarks that are appropriate for the country. The procedure builds on precedent set in other countries but in particular on a procedure developed for the setting of Resource Quality Objectives in South Africa. The procedure focusses on those SDG targets that are natural resource-security focused, for example, extent of water-related ecosystems (6.6), desertification (15.3) and so forth, because the selection of indicator methods and benchmarks is based on the location of natural resources, their use and present state and how they fit into national strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guanlan Mao ◽  
Maria Fernandes-Jesus ◽  
Evangelos Ntontis ◽  
John Drury

Abstract Background Community engagement and volunteering are essential for the public response to COVID-19. Since March 2020 a large number of people in the UK have been regularly doing unpaid activities to benefit others besides their close relatives. Although most mutual aid groups emerged from local neighbourhoods and communities, official public institutions also fostered community volunteering, namely through the community champions scheme. By considering a broad definition of COVID-19 volunteering, this article describes a systematic review of the literature focused on one broad question: What have we learned about COVID-19 volunteering both at the UK national level and the more local community level? Methods A rapid review of the literature in peer-reviewed databases and grey literature was applied in our search, following the PRISMA principles. The search was conducted from 10 to 16 of October 2020, and sources were included on the basis of having been published between January and October 2020, focusing on COVID-19 and addressing community groups, volunteering groups, volunteers, or community champions in the UK. Results After initial screening, a total of 40 relevant sources were identified. From these, 27 were considered eligible. Findings suggest that food shopping and emotional support were the most common activities, but there were diverse models of organisation and coordination in COVID-19 volunteering. Additionally, community support groups seem to be adjusting their activities and scope of action to current needs and challenges. Volunteers were mostly women, middle-class, highly educated, and working-age people. Social networks and connections, local knowledge, and social trust were key dimensions associated with community organising and volunteering. Furthermore, despite the efforts of a few official public institutions and councils, there has been limited community engagement and collaboration with volunteering groups and other community-based organisations. Conclusions We identified important factors for fostering community engagement and COVID-19 volunteering as well as gaps in the current literature. We suggest that future research should be directed towards deepening knowledge on sustaining community engagement, collaboration and community participation over time, during and beyond this pandemic.


Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. 602
Author(s):  
Stavroula Tsitsifli ◽  
Anastasia Papadopoulou ◽  
Vasilis Kanakoudis ◽  
Konstantinos Gonelas

Water use efficiency is a crucial issue in drinking water utilities as it is connected to environmental and economic consequences. WATenERgy CYCLE project aims at developing a methodological approach towards efficient and effective transnational water and energy resources management in the Balkan–Mediterranean area. The paper presents the results of performance evaluation of the water supply systems of the water utilities involved in the project, both at local and national level. The methodology used in the water balance and performance indicators as well as data on the operational status of the water supply systems. The results showed that Non-Revenue Water is one of the major problems addressed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 180-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kritika Samsi ◽  
Jill Manthorpe ◽  
Karishma Chandaria

Purpose – Financial abuse of people with dementia is of rising concern to family carers, the voluntary sector and professionals. Little is known about preventative and early response practice among community services staff. The purpose of this paper is to investigate voluntary sector staff's views of the risks of managing money when a person has a dementia and explore ways that individuals may be protected from the risks of financial abuse. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey of staff of local Alzheimer's Society groups across England was conducted in 2011 and was completed by 86 respondents. Open-ended responses supplemented survey questions. Statistical analysis and content analysis identified emergent findings. Findings – Most respondents said their people with dementia experienced problems with money management, with almost half the respondents reporting encountering cases of financial abuse over the past year. Most were alert to warning signs and vulnerabilities and offered suggestions relevant to practice and policy about prevention and risk minimization. Research limitations/implications – Adult safeguarding practitioners are likely to encounter money management uncertainties and concerns about exploitation of people with dementia. They may be contacted by community-based support staff from the voluntary sector about individual queries but could ensure that such practitioners are engaged in local training and networking activities to promote their skills and confidence. Practical implications – As with other forms of elder abuse, professionals need to be aware of risks of financial abuse and be able to suggest effective yet acceptable preventive measures and ways to reduce risks of harm and loss. Further publicity about adult safeguarding services may be needed among local community support services. Originality/value – There have been few studies investigating the views of people working with people with dementia in the community about adult safeguarding.


Ekonomika APK ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 319 (5) ◽  
pp. 46-56
Author(s):  
Olha Kovalenko ◽  
Liudmyla Yashchenko

The purpose of the article is to improve approaches to assessing the effectiveness of innovative activities of the food industry and its individual subsectors to identify prospects for development and problems that can hinder the sustainable development of this area of production and the country as a whole. Research methods. The article uses the methods of theoretical generalizations and comparisons, which made it possible to comprehensively consider and generalize methodological approaches to assessing the effectiveness of innovation in industries. When systematizing the calculated data by the intensity of innovation costs, the methods of statistical classification and grouping were used. To achieve the goal of the study, the methodology for assessing the level of manufacturability of industries has been improved (the OECD methodology is taken as a basis), which made it possible to re-evaluate the effectiveness of innovative activities in sub-sectors of the food industry with an emphasis on the computerization of production. Research results. The article presents a methodical approach to assessing the effectiveness of innovation in the food industry. The study is based on the OECD methodology for assessing the manufacturability of industries, which is to calculate the weighted average cost intensity of R & D. The application of this approach to the food industry has confirmed the too low level of its innovative manufacturability. It was found that due to the lack of relevant statistics on R&D expenditures, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of innovation in certain sectors of the food industry. It is proposed to solve this problem with the help of capital investment indicators, which are invested in the software of industries and are directly related to the level of computerization of technological processes. The obtained indicators of the intensity of software costs are ranked in descending order and divided into three groups according to the level of computerization, which characterizes the efficiency of innovation, as its level increases profits and profitability in industries. This will contribute to the goals of sustainable development of the country (including goals 2 and 9) and increase the competitiveness of the food industry. Scientific novelty. A methodological approach to assessing the effectiveness of innovative activities of sub-sectors of the food industry in Ukraine is proposed, which will contribute to the formation of a new look at the research methodology of this area of knowledge. Practical significance. Designed for professionals in the field of food industry economics, scientists, teachers, graduate students and students of higher educational institutions. The results of the study can be used by experts to assess the level of manufacturability of industries. Tabl.: 3. Refs.: 30.


Author(s):  
Katina Popova ◽  
◽  
Miroslava Malcheva ◽  

Tourism in Bulgaria is a cross cutting sector of particular importance for unemployment and poverty eradication. As a source of foreign exchange earnings and direct investments it ensures viable medium and long-term economic benefits for both the destination and the local community. In recent years, the sustainable development of tourism on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is seriously threatened, mainly due to the consequences of mass sea tourism, the short-sighted use of available resources and the territorial concentration of accommodation facilities. The aim of the present study is to establish the achievements of the hospitality business on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast in terms of sustainability and environmentally friendly lifestyle.


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