EFFICIENCY OF THE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AS A PRECONDITION FOR THE REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY OF THE ISLANDS

Antonio DEKANIĆ

PhD, Assistant, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics and Business, Rijeka, Croatia

antonio.dekanic@efri.uniri.hr

Marinela KRSTINIĆ NIŽIĆ

PhD, Full Professor, University of Rijeka, Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Opatija,Croatia

marikn@fthm.hr

Christos Ap. LADIAS

PhD, Professor, Regional Science Inquiry Journal, Greece

Ladias@rsijournal.eu

Abstract

The waste management system on the islands is complex and does not involve a traditional municipal service, mainly due to the strong seasonality of tourism, limited space and regional differences. Wastemanagement is a big challengefor tourist destinations during the tourist season, when there is a significant influx of tourists, which results in larger amounts of waste. Theaim of this paper is to exploretheir views through qualitativeresearch through in-depth interviews with representatives or waste management experts in the utility companies oftheCroatianislands. Thepurposeoftheresearchis to expand theunderstanding and explore the principles of waste management on the islands in Croatia and evaluate their effectiveness. The authors analyze the established waste management systems and, using in-depth interviews, examine whether effective waste management can make the island sustainable. This is one of the few pieces of research on the topic of waste management in terms of sustainabletourism development, which refers to island utility companies in Croatia that deal with waste management. Theconducted research is focused on theCroatian islands, but the model is more widely applicable. It is expected that the results of the research will contribute to political decision makers, decision makers in utility companies and managers, creators of measures and regulations regarding waste management, representatives of municipalities and cities of island tourist destinations.

Keywords: Regional sustainability, waste management, development, Croatian islands,

JEL classification: Q01, Q56, R11

pp. 73-94

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HOW DOES GLOBAL AND LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS INFLUENCE TOURISTS’ WILLINGNESS TO CONTRIBUTE TO ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS?

Angeliki, N. MENEGAKI

Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Crete, GREECE

amenegaki@hmu.gr

Can Tansel TUGCU

Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Akdeniz University, TURKIYE,

cantanseltugcu@akdeniz.edu.tr

Abstract

Our study investigates the influence of both global and local climate change awareness on tourists’ willingness to contribute, either financially or through time donations, to climate change mitigation efforts. Drawing on survey data from 650 respondents, the findings indicate that global awareness significantly enhances tourists’ propensity to take action, whereas local awareness exerts no statistically significant effect. Tourists who recognize the global dimensions of climate change are more inclined to support environmental initiatives within their home country. These results suggest that promoting a broader, global understanding of environmental issues is more effective in fostering pro-environmental behavior among tourists than focusing on localized impacts. The implications for policymakers and the tourism sector are clear: public awareness campaigns and interventions should emphasize global environmental awareness to promote sustainable tourism. Specifically, integrating global climate education into tourism programs and providing accessible, cost-effective options for sustainable practices can help translate tourists’ willingness into tangible action.

Keywords: Climate change, sustainable tourism, willingness to pay, global and local impacts, Structural Equation Modelling

JEL classification: Q01, Q54, Q56, Z32

pp. 37-49

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THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SOCIAL PROTECTION POLICIES AT LOCAL LEVEL ACCORDING TO INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Anastasios SEPETIS

Assistant Professor, Sustainable Development Policies and Finances and Social Protection,  Department of Business Administration, University of West Attica (http://www.ba.uniwa.gr/), Member of the Social Administration Laboratory of the University of West Attica (https://sarl.uniwa.gr/)

tsepet@uniwa.gr

Abstract

The term inclusive and  sustainable development first appeared in the 21st century and has been accepted in academic texts and political institutions. Some scientific and institutional bodies argue that sustainable development policies at regional and local level should identify new approaches to social protection policies at local level in the context of inclusive and sustainable development. The extensive literature review of the study found that regional and local communities clearly have an important role to play in developing new policies and applied operational strategies of social protection at local level according to inclusive and sustainable development . This study also presents policies, defines the concept, proposes qualitative metrics, analyzes international and European social protection policies at local level in the context of inclusive and sustainable development. It concludes that regions, cities, local social stakeholders, must harmonise the basic principles of social protection policies and take an active role in fulfilling the regional/local objectives of Inclusive and Sustainable Development.

Keywords: Social Protection, Inclusive Development, Inclusive Growth, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Regions, Sustainable Cities.

JEL classification: R10, Q01, Q50, G10, G30, H10, H30, H70

 pp. 111-130

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