Month: June 2011

ECONOMIC VALUATION, VALUES AND CONTINGENT METHOD: AN OVERVIEW

Paulo Nunes

The Johns Hopkins University, Bologna Center, Via Belmeloro 11, 40126 Bologna, Italy

and

Peter Nijkamp

Department of Spatial Economics, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands; e-mail: pnijkamp@feweb.vu.nl

Abstract:

In this paper the concept of total economic value of an environmental asset is introduced. The different valuation methods, putting a monetary value on environmental resources as a nonmarket good are also reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on policy-making and the link of contingent valuation method to standard economic theory. Potential measurement bias attached to the contingent valuation estimates are also reviewed, addressed in terms of an efficient survey design and alternative microeconomic formulations.
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SOURCE APPORTIONMENT OF PM10, PM2.5 AND PM1 IN THE LARGER CITY IN THE NORTH OF ALBANIA

Florian Mandija1, Jozef Bushati2, Piro Zoga3 and Floran Vila4

1Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Shkodra, Albania

2Advising Information Students Center, University of Shkodra “Luigj Gurakuqi”, Albania

3Department of Engineering and Mineral Sources, Faculty of Geology and Mines, Polytechnic University, Albania

4Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, Albania

Abstract:

In this paper we are focused on the determination of particular matter concentrations in different locations in Shkodra city, Albania, and rural areas around it. Monitoring results show that principal aerosol sources in the city of Shkodra are traffic and residential activities. Overall measurement results show a particularly problematic situation, where PM concentrations in the city clearly exceed international recommendations. To improve this situation, it is recommended to order traffic, re-construct existing roads, substitute old vehicles with new ones, and improve also the fuel quality.
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Keywords: PM concentrations, monitoring campaign, air quality

DO BANGLADESH AND PERU REACH UNITED NATIONS MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS BY 2015? A COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

Saleh Ahmed

Department of Economic and Social Analysis

Palazzina Ex-Tuminelli, GIRS Segretaria

‘Sapienza’ University of Rome,

Piazzale Aldo Moro 5

Rome 00182, Italy.

E-mail: Saleh.Ahmed@uniroma1.it

Juan Manuel Pantoja Ypanaque

Department of Economic and Social Analysis

Palazzina Ex-Tuminelli, GIRS Segretaria

‘Sapienza’ University of Rome,

Piazzale Aldo Moro 5

Rome 00182, Italy.

E-mail: manuel.pantoja@uniroma1.it

Abstract:
Education is a society’s main instrument for reproducing itself and a compelling ingredient for lasting meaningful socioeconomic change. Therefore at the beginning of new millennium when the United Nations Member States was trying to reach a global consensus for global sustainability and development, issues related to universal primary education was a rational choice for them. This paper compares the status quo of the access to universal primary education (UPE) and possible scenario by 2015 in Bangladesh and Peru, where ‘development’ takes place in reality. The increase of universal primary school enrolment is closely related to the national and international spending on education sector for these countries and in addition to this, issues like population growth and poverty traps also put increased pressure on the resources allocation to education. Mostly based on secondary information (e.g. literature analysis and analysis through World Development Indicators, United Nations Millennium Development Goals Indicators and United Nations Children’s Fund Data), this paper highlights the macro level comparative scenarios and challenges that how these two countries are putting their efforts and facing challenges in achieving universal primary education enrolment targets as part of their UNMDGs commitments by 2015.
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Keywords: Bangladesh, Peru, Universal Primary Education, UNMDGs.