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The transition to sustainable pathways of economic development depends on the clear understanding of the sustainability principles, but it also needs ability to evaluate critically conventional professional practices and rethink them into sustainable one. However, the previous years of struggling for economic transformations have showed a serious issue - lack of action competence when it comes to the implementation of the sustainable solutions. The design thinking is a core of professional competency and high performance, but it must also incorporate skills to act and perform according to the plan. It is especially important for projects embedding sustainable solutions, which are often seen as a complicated and not profitable activity, demanding considerable investments. Moreover, this kind of perception is often demonstrated by all stakeholders - developers, businessmen and authorities. Thus, we believe that action competence must be a fundamental element of design thinking development in students. The most suitable platform for this is project-based learning, which should include a block of feasibility assessment and implementation planning. The paper presents the description of training methods and approaches for building the bridge between design thinking and action competence, based on the project-based courses delivered in Liepaja University and National Aviation University. The methodology of the research included three rounds of experiments, involving student works rating, student self-assessment and peer-review, which undergo analysis as well. The results of the work offer recommendations on the improvement of project design skills and action competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to ensure economic development and respect of the principle of sustainability, the European Union has introduced a number of innovations in the legal framework and thus provided a large amount of money to modernize the economy. The benefits brought by the new economic model (circular economy) are reflected in the reduction of harmful effects on the environment, increased resource productivity, job creation, reduced dependence on raw material imports, increased competitiveness of the economy and encouraging sustainable economic development. The aim of the paper is to analyse and introduce the circular economy concept and to propose measures, steps and methods to simplify the introduction of the concept into the economy. The paper is structured in such a way that after the introduction follows a call to recent literature. Then it proceeds with performance analysis of the circular economy implication in the countries of the European Union. Subsequently, the authors present the proposals of measures that could be used to implement the circular economy together with a short conclusion at the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

So far, a number of studies emphasized the role of the educational variable. Back in 1990, Romer promoted the idea that educated workforce has the potential to generate and implement new technologies and to stimulate growth. Higher education has become an imperative of the development of a global society. It is a society that bases its development on the rapid changes and progress that entails constant evolution of information and communication technology. This society has become a society of knowledge with the jobs that are increasingly becoming knowledge intensive and ensuring sustainable development of a society. The purpose of this paper is to give a detailed review of previous studies related to the so-called 'education led growth hypothesis' and review the existing empirical evidence to support the fact that education is one of most important determinant of economic growth of a country. The paper contributes to existing research in a manner that at one place summarizes previous empirical evidence on 'education led growth hypothesis' but also provides recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 1990 and 2015, the annual global amount of CO2 emission generated by transport has increased by 68%, from around 4.6 GtCO2 to around 7.7 GtCO2. Technological advances towards eco-friendly vehicles and policy incentives promoting environmental-friendly modes of transport have thus been offset by economic growth and increasing mobility. This study questions the relationship between economic growth and sustainability performance of transport sector. It adds to the literature new insights concerning recent trends in the relationship between gross domestic product and various aspects of transport sustainability such as carbon footprint, carbon intensity and transport safety. A particular attention is given to discussing the emerging issues of “carbon inequality” and the role of political entities that contribute most to global CO2 emissions, such China, USA and the EU. Finally, this study adds to the literature a composite index of transport sustainability performance and explores between-country inequalities in terms of sustainability performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industrial revolution, dynamic economic growth and population growth in the world mainly affect to an increase in demand for electricity. The energy sector is responsible for 2/3 of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union is leading the global action against the climate change, both by planning international actions aimed at reducing global warming to the level of 2°C, as well as through its own commitment to very significant greenhouse gas emissions reduction. The decarbonisation of the electricity sector and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions adopted by the European Union in the climate policy 2050 affect the economic competitiveness of member states in comparison of the other countries where there are no emission limits. The aims of this article are: analysis of the energy mix diversity and the level of greenhouse gas emissions of the European Union Member States according to total CO2eqv and t/capita, analysis of the energy intensity of the Polish economy in relation to other European Union countries. This article identifies Poland as a country for which the adopted EU energy policy will have a significant impact on economic development. The paper presents the impact of energy consumption on the economy and its structure of energy production both in terms of efficiency of sources, their general condition as well as fuels used in energy processes on the scale of carbon leakage phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years we observe a significant growth in transport performance in passenger and freight transport. Generally speaking, traffic must meet high the requirements for the quality and speed of transport. The quality of transport infrastructure is closely related with the growth of living standards and economic development of the country. The objective of transport policy in our country, as well as in other countries around the world, is ensuring the sustainable development of mobility. Slovakia as a member of European Union respects and fulfils its recommendation in area of road safety, decreasing of emission and energy intensity. Therefore there is a need to implement such a measure, whit which is possible to reach the required goals. In a field of road administration is a need to search and implement new environmental acceptable materials and technologies, to develop of such transport modes, to ensure the transportation needs at particular quality and without negative effects on the environment and climate changes. The paper focuses on environmental efficiency related to the performance of transport and the impact on the environment - emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green economy, green growth and sustainable development are currently very often used terms. There are many international organizations intensively involved in the field of green growth and sustainable development. Green growth, according to the OECD, is a way how to support economic growth and development, while protecting natural resources, so that we could continue to use the natural resources and environmental services, on which our prosperity depends. One of its aims, especially in developed countries, is green economy building and ensuring social and economic sustainable development. However, it is not always clear how to build a green economy or achieve social and economic activities in the sense of sustainable development. The European Union is a cluster of relatively homogeneous countries, based on similar social and economic development. Ensuring green growth and sustainable development should be a common, coordinated and targeted activity of all European Union countries. The main aim of the paper is to evaluate green growth and sustainable development in the European Union countries using the selected indicators of green growth and selected indicators of sustainable development, including assessment of interregional disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental Citizenship is a key factor in EU's growth strategy (Europe 2020) and its vision for Sustainable Development and Green and Circular economy. Significant behavior change amongst both individuals and organizations is required in order to meet Europe's sustainability objectives and climate change targets. At a general level, policies aimed at changing behavior have tended to rely on two aspects: the introduction of fiscal measures and statutory legislation or market-based measures. Unfortunately, relatively less attention has been given to ecological education and the possibilities for promoting pro-environmental behavior. Environmental Citizenship is not clearly defined and framed in relation to other concepts such as environmental behavior, environmental attitudes, environmental literacy, environmental education, environmental knowledge, awareness and sustainability, the environmental citizenship domain being very complex. Education plays here an important role being a fundamental instrument that contributes to behavioral changes within the society, which is ultimately translated into environmental citizenship. This paper will approach several formal and non-formal education factors that affect environmental citizenship in Romanian education sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses the main strategic benchmarks of the urban water supply and sanitation systems. The authors have studied the results of the biggest Russian urban water supply companies operation for the last three year period. The indicators that were considered: financial profits, investments, losses of water, the structure of costs etcetera. The results were compared with world level parameters. Many companies have really effective investment programs. This activity is related with, on one hand, the forthcoming strengthening of environmental legislation starting in 2020 and, on the other hand, financial support instruments of government. In addition, key directions of development of water economy were analyzed. The socioeconomic development strategy of Russian Federation identifies the need to strengthen the role of private companies. That is why difficulties and pressures of some enterprises were revealed. Furthermore, the water supply industry in Russia is characterized by the modification of institutional administration system. In conclusion, the prospects of the water supply companies according to the improving legislation and state and regional policy in this field are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development strategy in tourism industry requires a complexity of processes which claim the combination of the economical, social and environmental factors, concreted in medium and long term progress of the tourism society. Generally, sustainable development follows the performance on three levels - economic, by increasing the development degree and resources development, ecologically through recycling and avoiding environmental and social degradation by increasing the number of jobs, re-launching the traditional professions. The paper highlights a study conducted in the Romanian hotel environment regarding the top management's opinion of introducing in the infrastructure optimization strategies elements leading to tourist accommodation structures with "Nearly 0 energy consumption". The identified methods by which a hotel operator can reduce energy consumption are diverse, innovative and possible to be implemented in stages. The results of the study can constitute a fundamental approach for the purpose and objectives of a consultancy project that can support the goal of hoteliers in Romania, supporting the reduction of energy operating costs, the introduction of renewable energy sources, and stimulating the behavioral schema of staff and customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to a comprehensive study of the impact of rent received from energy resources on the economies of individual countries as a factor for the development of a balanced energy dialogue with the countries of the European Union. The research methodology consists of a three-stage sequential algorithm. The first stage is to calculate the absolute and relative profitability of extraction of energy resources. The second stage of the algorithm consists in clustering countries in terms of the level of dependence of the economy on rent from energy resources. The third stage of the algorithm is to determine the relationship between the degree of risk and the profitability of energy resources. The analysis made it possible to identify the inverse relationship between the level of extraction of energy resources and the level of economic development. As a rule, in countries with a low diversified economy, a larger amount of rent from energy resources is generated. It is established that a higher level of energy resources in the country does not affect the formation of a higher amount of rent. It has been proven that the greatest revenue per ton of production is observed in countries that are not among leaders in technological development of the economy and extraction. Thus, the level of reserves is not a key factor in the formation of rent. Moreover the global trend of the dependence of the economy on rent from energy resources has the cyclical nature and in recent years this dependence has been steadily decreasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamics of economic development in Timiş County is due to an accumulation of macroeconomic factors where the variation of administrative units and population plays an important role. These two important components, highlights developmental trajectories that can be influenced by formulate territorial policies to meet the actual needs. The paper will trace the evolution, over a 5 years period of (2009-2014) of administratively territorial units and the budgets allocated to education, health, culture, and environment, to observe trends of sustainable development. At a country level, we are at a crossroads, by requiring redistribution of powers and resources between public administration at central and local levels to reform the system of territorial organization and redefining the framework of sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today's economic society, modern and advanced, is the result of significant progresses on the technical, economic and social scale. The object of study of present paper is to realize an analysis related to price paid for this type of described evolution, from point of view of environmental factors which are the base of economic development. More, we propose to analyze if the present way of development is in accord with the principles and requirements of a sustainable economy and, especially, if the administration of environmental factors is efficient and sustainable. The reason for this choice is that we observed, from another analyses realized until now, that the indicators of sustainable development are not at desired level. Thus, based on documentation and research methods which use the statistical data, international reports and progress report on sustainability from European level, we intend to demonstrate that in order to realize a state specific for sustainability is need to use more efficient and rationally all development factors, starting from environment at which we will complete with human factors. In addition we will complete with a most debated problem, that of protection of natural resources because their depletion is seen often as a major source of social unrest and economic conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sustainable development is a concept of great importance today, defined by several dimensions, such as referring to the fulfillment of human interests, the environment created aimed at matching the natural man, but by the social. The definition and its practical implementation must take into account more factors and the specific principles. From the economic perspective, economic policy must integrate the ecological principles that ensure its successful development to be sustainable in the long term. This paper presents the case of economic and ecological approach in territorial that is about developing the South-Muntenia Region of Romania. With a total surface of 34,453 km² (14.54% of the total area of Romania), the South-Muntenia Region [3] consists of seven counties (Argeş, Călăraşi, Dâmboviţa, Giurgiu, Ialomiţa, Prahova and Teleorman). The relief of the Region 3 South-Muntenia is characterized by variety, the difference in level is over 2400m allocated in proportion, stepped down from north to south of the Făgăraş and Bucegi mountains and ridges to the Danube Valley, which leads to the types of mountain, hill and plain climate. Like all developing regions of our country, in the South-Muntenia Region also are made efforts to attain the sustainable development objectives. The situation of the region is studied through analysis of the economic indicators and environmental development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural environment is a very important element of sustainable development. High nature value is a factor that often contributes to conflict between users of space. In the process of social and economic development, efforts should be made to prevent the degradation of the natural environment. This paper characterizes the potential of the natural environment in line with the principles of sustainability in North-Eastern Poland covering the Region of Warmia and Mazury and the Region of Podlasie. The analyzed regions are characterized by a high degree of naturalness, diverse relief, an abundance of lakes, extensive forests and rich flora and fauna. With the exception of one constituent municipality, North-Eastern Poland is part of the area referred to as the Green Lungs of Poland, which covers the most attractive natural sites in the country. The ecosystems in North-Eastern Poland are recognized for their uniqueness not only in Poland, but also across Europe, and the Białowieża Forest has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The main source of information for this analysis was the data supplied by the Central Statistical Office in Poland. The aim of this study was to identify areas with the most valuable natural sites and to propose directions towards sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EU countries are largely heterogeneous group. Heterogeneity is given by historical development, as well as geographic localization, or cultural and social specifics. Main aim of EU is to realize social and environmentally sustainable economic development. One of the tools to achieve that state is effort to increase energy efficiency of economies. In this paper we identify degree of similarity of EU countries in implementing the processes of improving the energy efficiency balance, using the selected indicators of energy efficiency and economic development. Using the historical data we also analyse changes in the development and in the structure of similarity of EU countries [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU has set out its vision for Europe's social market economy in the Europe 2020 strategy, which aims at confronting our structural weaknesses through progress in smart specialization. In line with the Guide to Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialization, this paper aims to identify key directions of sustainable innovative development of Russian resource regions and determine their readiness for smart specialization. Relying on clustering methodological approaches, this study has revealed: 1) economically developed resource regions, ready for smart specialization by attracting private sector investment; 2) resource regions ready for smart specialization using only public-private partnership, 3) enclave resource regions that initially require significant government support to enhance their investment attractiveness for private sector participation. The use of public-private partnerships and other forms of state support is a priority task at the initial stage, while regions with weak economic structure should receive support from the state until they become attractive to active private capital investing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Europe 2020 strategy is the EU's agenda for growth and jobs for the current decade. It started in 2010 and will last into 2020. It emphasises smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Its aim is to overcome the structural weaknesses in Europe's economy, improve its competitiveness and productivity and underpin a sustainable social market economy. This strategy includes three areas of interest. Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. One of set areas for this strategy is sustainable growth. We can say, that this growth means promoting a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy. European Commission set following aims for the area of sustainable growth, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% compared to 1990 levels, increase in the share of renewable energy sources in our final energy consumption to 20% and a 20% increase in energy efficiency. The aim of the article is to compare, how selected countries have fulfilled set aims of sustainable growth. We have chosen 4 countries ofV4, for analysis. We have compared the situation in the field of sustainable growth in the Czech republic, the Slovak republic, Hungary and Poland and of course, we have compared them with EU average. To show, how the strategy Europe 2020 influence analysed countries in selected indicators, we have analysed the period 2005-2014. The period 2005 - 2010 is called period before Europe 2020, and next period 2011 - 2014 is called period by Europe 2020. We analysed especially these indicators: greenhouse gas emissions and their change compared to year 1990 and share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research examines creativity as an important factor in the production of ecological products and the promotion of sustainable development in the regional economy. The research aims to examine how to promote creativity in the regional economy, what tools should be implemented to develop creativity in individuals, and how creativity is associated with overall prosperity and economic growth in the country. Nowadays, the problems of exploiting natural resources and management of constrained natural resources in the context of ecological production are increasingly relevant. To motivate young entrepreneurs to produce new ecological environmentally friendly products, creativity in individuals should be encouraged, which would serve as an incentive for individuals to start their own businesses in regions. The role of the creative economy in regions could be observed across all the industries where commercialization of products and services is possible. A plan for the environmental economy should be designed within regional policies in accordance with regional characteristics and ecological problems, thereby contributing to regional sustainability and development. The research could serve as a basis for further discussion on creativity and ecology in the regional economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the use of voluntary associations of municipalities for investment purposes in connection with regional policy. Voluntary associations of municipalities represent one of the ways of interregional co-operation. Usually they take form of a public group or association as a legal entity and the purpose of all associations of municipalities is to provide public services to their members. The aim of the article is to find a possible way of financing investment activities in a community with a focus on environmental education. In fulfilling the objectives set out by the regional policy, municipality should develop and improve the overall living conditions. Municipalities are therefore trying to invest in their development to comply with the increasing needs and requirement of their inhabitants. Regional policy is an important part of European Union policy. Although environmental policy is one of the youngest regional policy activities, it is currently presented as one of the most important topics. Problem of municipal financing is based on the lack of finance. One way to deal with the lack of finance is to co-operation of municipalities. Voluntary associations of municipalities can use both grants from the EU funds and grants from the state and regional budgets for investment activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world economy continues to grow . About 9 billion people will live on the planet by 2030. To meet the growing demands for resources, products and services is becoming increasingly difficult. According the World Bank, the volume of solid waste will increase from 1.3 billion tons to 2.2 billion tons per year by 2025, mainly due to the developed countries. The Elen MacArthur fund estimates that the economy loses 3.2 trillion dollars annually in the sector of consumer services [1]. The linear industrial model of waste production does not meet the needs of the economy in conditions of population growth, lack of resources, urbanization, environmental pollution and other trends. In the current situation, the circular economy has become one of the most prospective strategies. The main goal of this article is to develop a new conceptual framework for innovation of the business model in a circular economy and answer the question that a new business model could allow to move to a more circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the development of the aviation industry companies more and more important becomes the issue of sustainable development. It was found that the technology creativity can play an important role in minimizing the negative impact of aviation companies on the environment, for example by initiating and realization of innovative projects related to environmental protection. Technology creativity gives rise to a new perspective on the development of contemporary enterprises, in particular for high-tech enterprises that aviation industry companies belong to. The article presents the technology creativity construct based on the assumption that it is a significant mechanism for development of aviation industry companies in the context of sustainable development. Technology creativity is treated as a combination of two distinct concepts: creativity and technology development. The aim of this article is to present the significance and impact of technology creativity on sustainable development of the aviation industry companies. The part regarding empirical research of aviation industry companies in Poland presents the results of research. The study is based on desk research, the case study methodology and the method of in-depth interviews with representatives of the aviation industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of Eco-Economy (Ecological Economy) as a concept proposed by Lester R. Brown emphasizes the importance of ecology and environmental protection in supporting the sustainable development of humanity as a warning signal for the limited earth resources. This concept refers to a long-term economy without affecting its own support system (environment). Another paradigm, Eco-Bio-Economy, appears as a scientific, economic and psychological endeavor that brings the vision of sustainable development of human welfare, in all forms, through an economy of the future dedicated to human life in the optimal functionality "human - environmental". The term "eco-sanogenesis" refers, equally, to the human health in daily life, the health of the workplace, the health of consumers and the environmental health. Healthy human condition and implicitly, the vision of somatic (biological, physical), mental-mental and spiritual sanogenesis are concepts in a major change. The last one, new Eco-Bio-Sanogenesis paradigm is contrived in the context in which the overall health condition depends to a great extent on the optimal functionality of the man-produced relationship - nature, the promotion and the strengthening of health in all aspects of life and life, and a complex fact that finds its solution only in interdisciplinary vision. In the phrase "Human - Product - Nature" the concept of eco-sanogenesis is required as an objective requirement for the existence of a healthy person in a healthy environment, more so as its actions are more complex and wider, with a strong impact on man and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the world community, some experience has already been gained in the development of the "green economy". The Baltic States are in search of rational forms of combining objective indicators and criteria for applying them in the planned plans for the development of a "green" economy, taking into account the specifics of the economy and the availability of the resource-resource potential of the Baltic region countries. The sectors of the green economy that have a high green potential and play a major role in diversification of the Baltic economy are energy supply and energy efficiency, agriculture, construction, fishing, forestry, tourism, transport, waste management, water management. The purpose of presented study is to clarify the main issues of the development of "green" entrepreneurship in Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania and to assess the current situation of its development in the Baltic States. The research methods used, depending on the task: literature review, descriptive and inferential statistics, method of qualitative comparative analysis, which combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Many European indices of the development of the green economy show that, in general, the Baltic countries lag behind both the other EU member states and the countries of the Baltic Sea region. Estonia is the leader among the Baltic countries, Lithuania demonstrates faster growth, but Latvia lags behind by some criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the article (research) is to determine the impact of environmental policy on the possibilities and ways of implementing the socio-economic development strategy of the Leningrad Region of the Russian Federation for the period until 2030. The work used systematic and dialectical-materialist approaches, methods of forecasting, comparison, formal-logical and statistical analysis, as well as tools for scientific analysis of documents and performance results. In the course of the work, the essence and peculiarities of environmental (nature protection) policy as the basis for ensuring the implementation of the socio-economic development strategy of the Leningrad Region of the Russian Federation for the period until 2030 are considered; the conclusions on the analysis of the socio-economic situation in the Leningrad Region of the Russian Federation for the current period are outlined; the conclusions on the analysis of the quality of implementation of the approved plan of measures for the implementation of the socio-economic development strategy of the Leningrad Region of the Russian Federation for the period until 2030 are outlined. The results of the research, which have a scientific and practical significance, include: identified problem areas for sustainable development of the region in connection with the prevailing socio-economic situation; was made an attempt to identify the connection between the implementation of environmental measures in the region and improve the quality of life of the population of the region on specific examples; based on the conducted research, was made a conclusion about the need to introduce a systematic approach to solving strategic issues of sustainable development in the practice of management of the Leningrad Region of the Russian Federation, and to ensure a closer relationship between environmental and socio-economic projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tailings embankments are part of the legacy left by the intensive mining industry. These vast impoundment storages are associated with some adverse environmental and social impacts creating insecurity to the stakeholders. Mining tailings may also be a source of minerals with high grades. Reprocessing techniques may be used as an alternative solution to recover some metals and to rehabilitate these sites. A sustainable reprocessing project commits to integrated management of threefold dimension objective: economic goals, environmental constraints, and social development. This work provides the metrics corresponding to the valuation of the reprocessing project feasibility of an old tailings dam located in Portugal, named Cabeço do Pião. Using a conceptual framework, the sustainability project was analyzed, and the fundamental elements (i.e., metal recovery, commodities prices, demographic indices, life cycle assessment) were allocated to achieve the threefold challenge. The definition of the used metrics, evidences significance in a decision-supported model for effective management of the project. The results of this study could contribute to ensuring the environmental security, promoting the welfare of the hosting communities and thus assisting the local economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article emphasizes that the important features of sustainable development in its multifaceted nature. It refers to a number of sciences, including economics (including logistics and transport), social and natural. The idea of sustainable development is integrated at the stage of planning, implementing and controlling infrastructure projects. The basic purpose of infrastructure projects is to balance the fundamental elements of the system that shape the future of the human society on earth: the environment, society and economy; so that the development of one element does not pose a threat to others. The regional authorities should be the initiator of the development of a sustainable logistic network and model and control it, taking into account the needs of specific economic sectors, the society of the region and its environment. Due to the small number of practical examples of deliberate shaping of regional logistic networks, the article highlights the need for changes in regional policy. The subject of the study of this article was to present selected methods of modelling transport-logistic network for the sustainable development of the region and methods of assessing the impact of infrastructure projects on economic growth and other effects such as environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maritime territories play a significant environmental, economic, social, cultural and recreational role. It is therefore important to achieve a balanced, sustainable development to ensure equal opportunities for the population of all regions, bridging any gaps between the territories. Special attention is paid to developmental directions and opportunities of the maritime territories. The purpose of this research study is to identify the factors affecting development of the maritime territories of Latvia, perform analysis of them and develop recommendations for the reduction of territorial differences to provide equal opportunities for the residents of all regions, cities and rural areas of the country. The research methodology applied for this research study involves the theoretical concepts and framework of the factors affecting the territories. To get a deeper insight into the problem, a survey of 520 respondents (2016) was conducted in three maritime regions of Latvia. In addition, interviews with experts were conducted with the participation of the local government employees of all three municipalities of the region. The results of the research indicate that the maritime territories have high potential for business development: formation of new innovative companies, expansion of tourism and development of agriculture and industry. To be able to use this potential, it is important to improve the quality of the road surface, ensure availability of infrastructure and financial resources, reduce the tax burden and facilitate communication between the population and local governments and state institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The KERMIT project deals with research and capacity-building targeted at two, related groups with academic backgrounds: 1) refugees in Europe and 2) local populations in the stressed regions from which people are fleeing. Although the long-term focus is aimed at raising the competence and capacity for sustainable resource management in stressed regions, the refugees with academic backgrounds involve both new challenges and opportunities with related objectives. These refugees need complementary study to adapt their educational background to European conditions, and at the same time they can provide valuable expertise and knowledge of specific regions and general conditions where resource conflicts and management have increased migration. Utilizing the connections to the local academic community and the existing infrastructure for research are the dual and complementary goals to increase human capacity, thereby strengthening the hope for positive, short-term and long-term developments for both groups. Cooperative projects and educational activities with partner institutes in stressed regions are the distinctive profile for the KERMIT project. These activities build upon our international networks and the multidisciplinary research from the cooperative projects, utilizing earlier results and emphasizing the exchange activities for knowledge transfer in all directions. One example is the on-going case study of the Aleppo water treatment plant. The Queiq River receives sewage, industrial wastes and surface runoff from a large part of SW Aleppo. The treatment plant has the important function of improving the quality of river water so that this valuable resource can be utilized for irrigation further downstream and exported by pipelines to other agricultural areas. However, the plant has not operated during nearly a 5-year period to the war and disrupted electricity. The case study considers the increased pollution loading along the river due to continued irrigation with untreated water. Pollution sources, transport pathways, and recipients are initially modeled using system structural analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is based on a secondary analysis of data from a research conducted in 2015 in twelve towns in Gorj County, Romania, that make up a Task Force for the Local Community Development Network. This study was wanted to acknowledge the effects of the European funding on the sustainable development of the communities that make up the local action group. Analyses were made to a representative sample composed of farmers who have accessed European funding to equip their farms, the potential beneficiaries of such funding and area leaders of the local action group. The study findings have revealed the different perception on funding support and the usefulness of these instruments in terms of categories of users and staff development. Explanatory theories provide a framework to develop a complex context in which the social and economic development is initiated and becomes a procedural aspect, which according to the classification of Alvin J. So [1] refers to changing one-way stage process, the phases of homogenized transition process of Europeanization's irreversible and progressive process. Unfortunately Romania failed to fully absorb the European funds available. The present study reveals that there is a limited overlap of rationality in financial measures, which integrates some principles of sustainable and economic development, social and environmental protection and more rational beneficiaries. The need for investment is recognized by all stakeholders, but the local social-economic multitude of factors involved in the benefit-risk felt by farmers. This article reveals convergence factors between the farms owner's expectations and the possible funding based on the relationships between benefits and risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this work is to investigate the suitability of dead wood accumulation in managed forests to act as a viable indicator of biodiversity clusters. In the context of modern forestry, sustainability needs constant evaluation and monitoring through various indicators and methods. Dead wood abundance is regarded as one of the key indicators for biodiversity and forest health under the MCPFE Criterion 4. In the present study various dead wood sampling methods are examined in order to design the optimum sampling protocol to assess biodiversity in a managed Mediterranean forest. In general terms, dead wood can be defined as "above and below ground" woody detritus, [1]. In order to simplify the sampling procedure, dead wood below ground as well as dead wood attached to living trees is excluded from inventory since it presents a great difficulty in quantifying [1]. The dead wood which is taken into consideration is above a certain diameter limit and is commonly referred as Coarse Woody Debris (CWD). Suitability maps for biodiversity conservation purposes can then be produced through CWD interpolation with a second forest biodiversity indicator using the clustering tools of a Geographic Information System (GIS). Modelling potential distribution of biodiversity hotspots and production of suitability maps based on CWD presence for further enhancement of sustainability in managed forests, can be achieved through GIS analysis and modelling, in correspondence to habitat suitability models generated for single species in specific areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]