Tomaz Dentinho

The concept of base-multiplier analysis is that export activities constitute the economic base of a region, whereas the other economic activities that sell their goods and services to the local residents grow or shrink depending on the performance of the base activities. These concepts, with origins extending at least as far back as the early 1900s, have reached maturity and are widely applied. The attractiveness of an economic base model (EBM) draws in its simplicity in expressing the power of demand in regional income determination. Extensive literature has grown up around the economic base theory, however, systematic publications concerning empirical application are scarce and focus mostly on the socioeconomic dimension of the analyzed system. Such territorially oriented economic models are useful in a variety of decision making procedures; preparation of annual budgets, short-run market demand forecasting, longer-term growth strategies. The purpose of this article is to present a practical application of EBM to the geographical area of the Guadiana Estuary, on the south coast of Portugal. The interest of the EBM application in this case study includes its integration in a broader project that applies a Systems Approach Framework (SAF) towards Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM). There are three pillars of sustainability considered here: social, ecological and economic, hence, the article not only describes EBM application but also how it has been use to demonstrate a chain of events resulting from the interaction between the ecological and the socioeconomic sub systems of the area. The results obtained will probably raise the usual criticism to which the economic base model has been exposed previously; however it provides unequivocal evidence that a truly interdisciplinary approach to a given territorial target can be successfully shared with end users and the research community.

We purpose a mixed-mode survey to sample special purpose tourists. The mode includes on-site and off-site samples of a small population of bird watchers. We explore online social networks to get in touch with the target population. We obtained convergent validity of the samples in terms of elicited preferences. The approach is useful for studies targeting small and socially cohesive populations. a b s t r a c t This paper reports findings derived from a study of birdwatchers in the Azores. The subject was bird-watchers' preferences for given management actions designed to improve the attractiveness of bird watching sites. In the absence of official statistics on this market segment, use was made of a mixed-mode survey incorporating both on-site and off-site surveys and the use of on-line social networks and communications tools. The variable willingness-to-stay more time at the site was used as a welfare measure. It has the advantage that it can be used to demonstrate the significant returns of eco-tourism to local communities. Two findings emerge. First, tourists practicing wildlife viewing and nature-based activities are less worried about infrastructures and care more about biodiversity and habitat quality, and second, the research technique appears to be successful when surveying seasonal recreation communities that are small and socially cohesive.

Estuaries belong to the most biologically productive ecosystems of our planet, and do offer countless ecosystem services which are relying on the scenic beauty and on overall environmental quality. Their multipurpose attractiveness explains the ever evolving process of occupation by humans. In Guadiana estuary which is the terminal segment of a 730 km long river the ecosystem services are shared by Portugal and Spain. The economic development pursued by both countries in the river catchment creates rising pressures mainly on water resources. At the moment there are more than 100 dams, 1.9 million people and 300,000 hectares of irrigated areas along the basin. This paper reports the first application of Contingent Valuation Method to the assessment of public sensibility and preferences with respect to the improvement of water quality in Guadiana Estuary. The survey was carried out at both margins of the river. Data analysis includes the use of a two steps model; in the first step voting behavior is analyzed using logistic regression while in the second step, bid decision is examined using Generalized Additive Models (GAM). The results demonstrate strong public support for the improvement of water quality and identified the key determinants of this attitude. In addition, survey evidences demonstrate that the estuary is regarded as a common and share resource hence, any action plan should be guided in this integrated direction. This analysis is part of the System Approach Framework tested and developed within SPICOSA project, financed by EU's Sixth Framework Programme. Results will be integrated in a decision support system concerning different strategies related to water quality improvement in the Estuary. M.H. Guimarães () · T. Dentinho

A Choice Modeling (CM) study was chosen to assess specific management actions related to bird-watching on the Portuguese island of Terceira in the Azores. The usual willingness-to-pay measure was replaced by the willingness-to-stay (WTS) longer on the island for bird-watching, given changes in the site attributes. Results of the valuation study were presented to stakeholders and policy-makers using an innovative method. In particular , CM results were incorporated into a modeling tool which simulated the impact of alternative policy packages. For each selected scenario, users were able to understand birders' WTS and its impact on the local economy. The tool provided a fast and clear way of communicating relevant information, resulting in a more informed and inclusive deliberative process. Furthermore, we were able to see how results were used by the final users and came to the conclusion that local managers had preconceived ideas which did not match birders' preferences. This work led to a shift regarding prior beliefs about the relevance of bird-watching activities on the local economy as well as management actions likely to promote it. The underlying participatory approach was found to be an essential feature for the success of this science and policy interaction.

Science and policy integration towards natural resource management is not novel; however it has not always been successful. Partially, this failure is explained by the lack of consideration of different forms of knowledge. In order to incorporate the diversity of knowledge, transdisciplinary has been proposed and, this paper tests conceptual modeling as a tool to promote it. Qualitative modeling is an intermediate step of Systems Approach Framework (SAF) that is a methodology towards the sustainability of social-ecological systems. SAF has been applied in Praia da Vitoria Bay, in the Azores to analyze the future use of wetlands. We promoted a workshop bringing together 18 stakeholders: scientists, managers, private sectors and Non-Governmental Organizations. This paper presents the procedures and discusses the observed interaction between participants, their views and, how the wetlands services were described. Results show that non-scientists found the exercise particularly challenging but with high value due to: the systemic view and, opportunity of sharing viewpoints. The wetlands were mostly described by the direct benefits. The results show that transdisciplinarity can be operationalized and that conceptual modeling is an adequate exercise to achieve it. However, interdisciplinary work and stakeholders' analysis are also necessary because the knowledge gathered is different.

Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira; Islas Azores, Portugal) es una ciudad pequeña, insular y periférica, lo que hace que sea una ciudad más expuesta a los problemas de insostenibilidad urbana. El objetivo principal de este estudio es definir los problemas de Angra do Heroísmo con base a las perspectivas de los ciudadanos en lo que se refiere a sostenibilidad urbana con la finalidad de mejorar la calidad de vida y marcar las directrices adecuadas de progreso y crecimiento. Para desarrollar el trabajo se utilizó la Metodología Q, que consta de cuatro fases: 1º - Concurse; 2º - Q-Sample; 3º - Q-Sort y 4º - ConclusionConclusión. Los indicadores cualitativos que fueron definidos en el Concurse fueron: Urbanismo; Desarrollo; Equipamientos y Seguridad; Economía; Gobierno y Financiación; Migración; Pobreza; Cultura y Educación; Ambiente; y Participación pública. Los stakeholders seleccionados incluían un número equilibrado de Ciudadanos, Comerciantes, Funcionários del Municipio, Académicos y Activ...

The tension between efficiency and equity has been the focus of major debate since equity aspects started to be considered as part of project evaluation procedures (Thomopoulos et al. 2009). In this book, we contribute to the debate by focusing on the links and trade-offs between accessibility, economic efficiency and equity in both the developed and developing country contexts. Accessibility is a concept that has been central to physical planning and spatial modelling for more than 50 years. Accessibility can be viewed as a product of the land use and transport systems, and describes the extent to which land use and transport systems enable (groups of) individuals to reach activities or destinations by means of a (combination of) transport mode(s) (Geurs and van Wee 2004). From the literature it is clear that accessibility is linked to economic efficiency and equity. In general, increased accessibility resulting from a transport project is considered an important user benefit for people and firms. A traveller can make a trip at less cost or greater convenience; there might be less congestion, and more destinations may be reached in the same time. For firms, firstly, a reduction in interaction cost may increase efficiency of production (that is, time saved can be used in productive activities), and may become more competitive and attract more customers. Secondly, improved commuting conditions may improve the labour market, giving rise to improved productivity. However, the linkage between accessibility and spatial economic development is not straightforward.

ABSTRACT This article presents a new multi-criteria decision aid methodology, dynamic-PROMETHEE, here used to design electric vehicle charging networks. In applying this methodology to a Portuguese city, results suggest that it is effective in designing electric vehicle charging networks, generating time and policy based scenarios, considering offer and demand and the city’s urban structure. Dynamic-PROMETHE adds to the already known PROMETHEE’s characteristics other useful features, such as decision memory over time, versatility and adaptability. The case study, used here to present the dynamic-PROMETHEE, served as inspiration and base to create this new methodology. It can be used to model different problems and scenarios that may present similar requirement characteristics.

The agenda explain the historical evolution of land uses in São Jorge Island (Azores- Portugal) between 15th-20th century.The economic exploitation of the island space prosecuted itself in simultaneous with his colony, one form to guarantee the auto supplying of the populations. First we assess the capacity of the island territory for different uses based on agronomic analysis and transform these capacities in attractiveness coefficients.Then we design a spatial interaction model with five different sectors which employment can be closely related with surface area, first to five zones in the island and within those zones to small plots of 1 hectare each.Finally we use historical data on population and main export crops in order to calibrate the model for each century. Therefore, based on data on the export crop and on the population it is possible to estimate the different land use of the island for all the sectors and to assess the carrying capacity of the island.

ABSTRACT System Approach Framework (SAF) includes a sequence of steps with the overall purpose to develop a self- evolving, holistic research approach for integrated appraisal of Coastal Systems so that the existing scientific knowledge can be available to support deliberative and decision-making processes aimed at improving the sustainability of Coastal Systems by implementing Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) policies. The main goal is to achieve equilibrium between Ecological, Social and Economic sectors of the Coastal System and to explore it ́s dynamics, as well as, the possible consequences of alternative policy scenarios. Achieving this objective requires a reorganization of the science required to comprehend the interactions between multifaceted natural and social systems at different spatial and temporal scales including the overall economic evaluation of alternative policies. The present work explains SAF using practical examples of its application in two distinct national coastal environments: Southeast coast of Terceira Island and Guadiana Estuary.

The objective of this paper is to define what problems the city of Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira Island, Azores) faces in what regards urban sustainability, so as to improve the quality of life of the residents and to ensure the adequate growth and progress of the city in all areas, as possible. The main themes approached in this work were

The tension between economic efficiency and equity is often the focus of major debate. This book focuses on the links and trade-offs between accessibility impacts from transport investments, economic efficiency, and equity in both the developed and developing country contexts. The book shows that the linkages between accessibility, economic development and equity are not straightforward. The economic effects from transport projects are the result of a complex pattern of effects leading in different directions. Transportation equity analyses are challenging because there are several types of equity, various ways to categorize people for equity analysis purposes, numerous impacts to consider, and various ways of measuring these impacts. This book contributes to this field of research by showing that accessibility instruments can address both efficiency and equity issues, thus providing valuable information for decision-making regarding the spatial allocation of public services.