Showing papers in "International Journal of Ecological Economics and Statistics in 2009"

Threats to the Sundarbans Mangrove Wetland Ecosystems from Transboundary Water Allocation in the Ganges Basin: A Preliminary Problem Analysis

Abstract: Through their complex network of river channels, the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers cover an area of about 1.76 million km2, their boundaries extend across different countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, and Nepal. The Sundarbans are found at the coast of the Ganges River and are known as the world’s single largest mangrove forest with 3.5 percent of the world’s mangroves covering an area of 6017 km2. The Sundarbans wetlands act as a natural shield that protects the coastal area from storm surges and cyclones in pre and post monsoon periods. However, due to increased in irrigation of agriculture, industrial activity and the diversion of Ganges water at Farakka Barrage (India) in early 1975, both siltation and salinity have increased in the Sundarbans which is threatening the Sundarbans ecosystems. Consequently the dominant Sundari (Heritiera fomes) and Goran (Ceriops decendra) are affected by top-dying disease which is recognized as a key management concern. The Ganges water sharing is not just a geo-techno-political problem; it is also a humanitarian problem. So, interaction and educational awareness between concerned states are of great significant. The objective of this paper is to make a contribution towards the development and implementation of management plan for mangrove wetlands resources and to ensure that fresh water is supplied to the Sundarbans by the Ganges. Water salinity simulation and modeling would be a proper tool for decision making and allow planners to protect the Sundarbans ecosystems in future.

Assessing Perceived Consequentiality: Evidence from a Contingent Valuation Survey on Global Climate Change

Abstract: It has been argued that a key element for any contingent valuation (CV) study to provide valid preference information is that the survey must be perceived as potentially consequential to the respondent. In light of sustained debate about hypothetical bias, validity and the quest for consequential CV questions, we propose that respondent-based, self-assessed indicators (taken from a series of follow-up questions) could be used to investigate the consequentiality of a CV survey. Using an available data set, this exploratory investigation uses a set of such survey questions to construct four different indices of perceived consequentiality. Across these indices there is evidence of a significant consequentiality effect on U.S. household willingness to pay for efforts to mitigate global climate change, and significant differences in the preference functions of sub-samples with high and low indices of consequentiality.

"What Drives Biodiversity? An Empirical Assessment of the Relation between Biodiversity and the Economy" *

Abstract: The environmental discussion is increasingly extended to the question of how to preserve biodiversity. As sensible regulation of biodiversity utilization uses politically set incentive schemes, it is required to discus the monetary value of biodiversity. Consequently, the relation between economic incentives and biodiversity is in the focus of our paper. By using bird species as bio indicators we derive first empirical results. In sum, one still may conclude that indeed economic growth is harmful for biodiversity. This is at least in line with the first part of biodiversity Kuznets curve. However, the existence of good institutions (especially a high quality of regulation) can in part prevent this effect, which can be cautiously interpreted as a hint that economic growth is not necessarily related to losses of biodiversity. With good governmental institutions, these losses may be prevented or mitigated.

Water Pollution and Economic Growth: An Environmental Kuznets Curve Analysis at the Watershed and State Level

Abstract: The paper examines the relationship between per capita income and water pollution for 16 states of India over a period from 1981 to 2000. There are a variety of problems when assessing the effects of socio-economic variables on water quality: There is a spatial mismatch of biophysical and economic data. On one hand, water quality is measured at certain parts of the river, which may or may not reflect the effects of various economic activities within a watershed draining into that specific river, while on the other hand, economic data are not available at the watershed level but rather on coarse administrative boundaries usually not matching the watershed boundaries. Most EKC studies have been focusing on the national level ignoring important biophysical and socio-economic differences at the regional level. This paper focuses on the watershed and state levels and discusses how to deal with these data problems and analyses the relationship between income growth and water pollution. Indian states showed mixed results with regards to the chosen water quality indicators BOD and COD. Overall the analysis points out that there is large scale variation in the water quality between the 16 states of India with respect to BOD and COD. Out of the 16 Indian states for which EKC estimation were done we found significant relationships between water pollution and per capita income for 12 states; 4 states showed inverted U-shaped curves (i.e. a de-linking of economic growth and water pollution), but 8 states showed N-shaped curves or u-shaped curves (re-linking of growth and pollution). For most of the states the first turning point appeared at a per capita income level of Rs. 5,000 (US $100), and the second turning point at Rs. 15,000 (US$ 320). Thus we can see that many of the Indian states go through similar transitions of initial high per capita pollution followed by improvements of per capita pollution levels and finally further increases of pollution levels with additional economic growth. Many EKC studies have pointed out how beneficial economic growth is for environmental performance of countries; this study does not share this optimism as water pollution in most states of India is getting worse after initial improvements.

In pursuit of the optimal design: a guide for choice experiment practitioners

Abstract: Structural change – the increase in the importance of the service sector in an industrialized economy – and trade relations (imports and exports) are often associated with a reduction in material input and consumption. The production of services is less energy- and material-intensive, and the increase in imports may reduce material consumption because material-intensive products are imported and not produced domestically, thereby reducing materials counted in national statistics. For Direct Material Input (DMI) as well as Domestic Material Consumption (DMC), income is still the main significant determinant in the Austrian economy. While an EKC-type relation with an inverted-U shape relation between income and material consumption is not indicated by the data, total material input as well as consumption clearly exhibit an N-shaped relation. This result suggests that structural change and trade relations may only dampen the still strong contributions of income growth to the constant increase in material consumption. Estimations of material consumption calculated separately for the four main groups of materials (biomass, metals, minerals, fossil fuels) corroborate these results. Biomass use stayed at roughly the same level for the period between 1960 and 2005, while minerals and fossil fuels increased dramatically, contrary to Austrian policy intentions to reduce material consumption to a sustainable level (e.g. “Factor 4”). The results of the paper suggest that a major structural break in the income-material consumption pattern has to take place in order to significantly reduce material consumption and to bring the Austrian economy onto a sustainable development path.

Multivariate Analysis of Socio-Economic Indicators as a Measure of Sensitivity to Land Degradation in the ESA Model

Abstract: Understanding the interactions of bio-physical processes with demographic, social, and economic conditions in Mediterranean-type ecosystems was recognised as a crucial issue to fill efficient monitoring of sensitive areas to Land Degradation (LD). In this paper a simplified framework aimed at assessing the impact of specific socio-economic variables potentially accelerating LD was illustrated. Based on a wide indicator set, the framework was applied to a regional case study in Latium, central Italy. A synthetic index of land sensitivity to anthropogenic drivers of LD was developed through Principal Component Analysis. Incorporation of the index into a standard Environmental Sensitive Area (ESA) procedure was discussed. This will allow a more detailed evaluation of both bio-physical and socio-economic conditions determining land sensitivity to degradation.

Quality of Life Index of Three Selected States in the Peninsular Malaysia: Fuzzy Sets Approach

Abstract: Malaysian Quality of Life Index (MQLI) released by Economic Planning Unit (EPU) has led authors to search for another method of expressing index. Due to the generality of MQLI, this paper offers an alternative method of expressing quality of life index using a mathematical model based on fuzzy sets theory in three selected states in Peninsular Malaysia. The indices of ten indicators yielded through a normalization process prior weighting and aggregation to compose a new State Quality of Life Index (SQLI) for each selected state. It was found that a fuzzy sets approach yielded different membership of indices for each component with their respective weights and subsequently yielded a different SQLI for each state. The SQLI evidently mirrored the differences in quality of life for a smaller territory rather than the nation of Malaysia as a whole. It seems particularly appropriate for modelling the quality of life which could compose a number of indicators into a single membership. The results show that the use of available data helps in giving a more complete picture of quality of life particularly at the state level.

Applicability of Instantaneous Unit Sediment Graph Model in an Iranian Large Watershed

Abstract: Development of the sediment graph which is the temporal distribution of sediment load during flood incidents is essentially required for accurate estimation of sediment yield of the watershed. Unfortunately, sufficient information and data with which to estimate the sediment graph are rarely available and often can only be obtained through a costly field survey or equipping. Development of the sediment graph models based on the easily accessible physical characteristics of a watershed and precipitation data is therefore a viable and convenient tool for the efficient control of soil erosion and sediment yield. The instantaneous unit sediment graph (IUSG) described herein produced as the product of the instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) and the sediment concentration distribution is supposed as one of the convenient procedure leading to develop sediment graphs. In the present study, an attempt has been made to develop a conceptual model of an IUSG for suspended sediment prediction in the Khanmirza watershed in Iran comprising an area of 395 km2. The procedure involved the translation of the rainfall and the attenuation by routing of the sediment through a cascade of identical linear reservoirs to the watershed outlet applying the Clark and Muskingum approaches. Simulated sediment graphs generated by convolution of IUSG compared acceptably with the respective observed data. The results also showed that the model has the considerable potential in watersheds where no comprehensive data exists.

Comparing Rainfall and Discharge Trends in Karkhe Basin, Iran

Abstract: The major objective of this study is to investigate the trend of some hydrological data in Karkhe basin where located in west of Iran. Thirty-six year records of annual rainfall depth and annual discharge data during 1966 to 2002 from five hydrometric and meteorological stations were used. Trend and persistence analyses of the data are performed using the Mann-Kendall Test, Regression Analysis, the Rank Test Statistic, the Cumulative Deviation, the Autocorrelation Coefficient, the Turning Point Test, and the Difference-Sign Test. The results indicate that rainfall and discharge data have not significant long-term trends and persistence in this watershed. Generally, there is no significant connection between these hydrological data and climate change phenomena. Existence a large dam in this basin (Karkhe Dam) probably adjusts the climate in microclimatic scale such that effect of climate change could not be clearly visible.

Application of Daily Water Resources Assessment Model for Monitoring Water Resources Indices

Abstract: The main objective of this study is obtaining the up-to-date information for water resources of Kordestan Province, Iran. For this purpose a hydrological model namely daily assessment of water resources was applied. Using the daily rainfall data, a term called "the effective rainfall" was calculated. Based on the calculated term, the specifying factors of the daily condition of water resources were assigned as follows: available water resources, drought severity and flood possibility. Establishing regression relations between mentioned factors, classification of the region was completed in GIS. The results of current study may help decision and policy makers as well as consumers of the water resources effectively.

Tourism’s Local Benefits for Namibia’s Community Based Natural Resource Management Areas

Abstract: In recent years there has been increasing interest in, and support for the use of Payments for Ecosystem Goods and Services (PES) as a means to advance the goals of both poverty reduction (through the diversification of the income streams of the rural poor) and nature conservation. But, can resources made available through PES effectively create a sufficient incentive for nature conservation and poverty reduction? In this paper we consider evidence from Namibia’s Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) areas with respect to such payments and their contribution to income diversification and poverty reduction. We further describe the evolution and current status of PES within CBNRM, summarise the Namibian conservancies’ experience on implementing PES schemes, and synthesise recommended approaches to PES. We conclude that the Namibian government should identify strategies to reduce the transaction costs of establishing PES-based commodities. The need to address issues of secure tenure systems within CBNRM is also identified as being significant to the overall effectiveness of PES. We argue that a secure tenure system has the potential to attract investors to form joint venture tourism operations.

Investigating the Effect of Combustion of Blending Jordanian Diesel Oil with Kerosene on Reducing the Environmental Impacts by Diesel Engine

Abstract: In this study, the proper mixing ratio of kerosene and diesel has been examined. The mixing ratio ranged from 0 to 50% in volume. The results show a good and significant reduction in pollutant gas emission when kerosene was added to diesel. Four different kerosene blending ratios were investigated, 0, 20, 30, and 50 percent (in volume). The engine efficiency increased with the kerosene addition. It is found that the efficiency increased from 49% at 0% kerosene, up to 73% at 50% kerosene blending ratio (in volume). The results are in good consistence with the fuel consumption, as the efficiency increases the fuel consumption decreases. It is found that the fuel consumption reduced from 0.545 to 0.391 lit/hr, when the kerosene was increased from 0 to 50%. It is found that the addition of kerosene has a significant effect on reducing both SOx and NOx emissions. The SOx concentration has fallen from 470 to 30 ppm, when the kerosene was changed from 0 to 50%. The same behavior was also observed from the NOx, the concentration in the exhaust gas reduced from 1220 ppm at 0% kerosene to 905 ppm, at 50% kerosene (in volume). This reduction has a great advantage on reducing the emissions from both NOx and SOx, which are the main airborne pollutions that have a direct impact on both human health and water quality. It is known that one of the main contributors to acid rain is the SOx emission which has significant impacts on water resources of both surface and underground forms. Fuel consumption decreased when kerosene was increased. This has an economical advantage in reducing the fuel consumption cost. The efficiency for diesel engine has been improved after kerosene blending, such that it reached 73% when 50% kerosene was added.

REPI-Based Evaluation for Resource-Efficient and Environment-Friendly Society in China

Abstract: It is an inevit'ble option for China to build a resource-efficient and environment-friendly (REEF) society, which is determined by China’s realistic conditions. Whereas improving the resource and environmental performance (REP) is the heart of and key to building an REEF society. In this paper, we present a resource and environmental performance index (REPI) to measure the progress toward REEF society and make comprehensive evaluation for the REP of 59 countries, China and its 31 provinces respectively. At the same time, the empirical analysis of the relationship between their respective REPI and per capita GDP was developed. The results show that: (1) China’s REPI has dropped steadily since 1980 by an average annual decrease of 4.9%. But compared with developed countries, its economic growth pattern is still very extensive, so much so that it has become one of the countries with the poorest REP in the world, which has brought negative effects on the improvement of its world competitiveness. (2) China’s REP presents a spatial differentiation pattern with the eastern China being higher than the western China, so the growth pattern of the western China is more extensive than that of the eastern China; (3) REPI is inversely related to per capita GDP or the relationship between REPI and per capita GDP follows the power function with negative exponent by and large not environmental kuznets curve (EKC), which indicates, to a certain degree, that it is impossible for China to surpass or deviate from the conditions of its current development stage and development level in the process of building a REEF society. However, the resource- and energy-intensive industrialization stage may be well shortened and the world competitiveness and sustainability may be effectively enhanced by strengthening structural adjustment and technological innovation, improving institutional arrangements and adopting a combination of well-matched measures.

An Empirical Study of Sanitation and Health in Rural Uttarakhand, India

Abstract: The paper explores sanitation and health in rural Uttarakhand, India. Data from a primary survey of 1530 households in 2004/05 are analysed. Factors affecting diarrhea episodes and latrine availability are studied. As expected latrine availability affects episodes of diarrhea negatively, while the availability of water has a positive effect on latrine availability and use. Education, poverty and the Swajal programme have significant effects on latrine availability.

Survival analysis of Breast and Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients using Conditional Logistic Regression Models

Abstract: In this study we investigated the use of (conditional) logistic regression (CLR) techniques to model failure-time data. The widely adopted semi-parametric approach of Cox proportional hazard (CPH) model has been reported to be a successive combination of the CLR approach. This implies that the CLR method could as well be appropriate to model event history situations. The use of this regression technique to model survival data is hereby examined. It is established that this regression method, apart from sharing some features with the Cox model, is an easy alternative to model survival data. The procedure is found to be more flexible to apply especially when time-varying effects of some prognostic factors are suspected. In the two situations considered, results from the CLR models are found to be similar with those obtained from the classical Cox models. Data sets on breast and small-cell lung cancer patients were used to demonstrate our results.

Fuzzy human development index: a numerical example of Southeast Asian countries

Abstract: One of the limitations of the widely used United Nation Development Program’s Human Development Index (UNDP-HDI) is that it does not taking into consideration the weights of each dimension. In spite of this, the index has been used to rank countries in the world. This paper proposes a framework that uses fuzzy set theory to offer the indices for each dimension. The fuzzy set approach employed in this paper incorporates the idea of lower and upper bound while retains the focus of the same dimensions without establishing a composite index. Results indicate that UNDP-HDI and fuzzy set based indices offer different countries rankings. This paper shows that some countries that have a high UNDP-HDI seemed to score low on a particular dimension of fuzzy indices. This raises important questions regarding the potential policy implications from the rankings.

Socio-Demographic and Market Forces of Forest Land Use Change on the Northern Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee

Abstract: This paper analyzes land use in the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee by bridging the broad socio-demographic and market force information at the census-block group level in conjunction with site-specific information of forest land use change at the pixel level The study focuses on the classical von Thunen model and finds determinants of forest loss The results indicate that the surface terrain, resident’s education level, market forces from urban centers in proximity, and distance to water streams, major transportation corridors are likely to affect the probability of conversion of forest into both agricultural and urban uses Findings also suggest that the role of forest is changing from timber, fodder, and fiber toward amenity benefits on the Plateau

Identity and the Optimal Exploitation of Renewable Resources

Abstract: We develop a model wherein the agents set the optimal intertemporal consumption of a renewable resource based on economic and non economic motivations To this end, we assume that consumers do not only derive utility from the consumption and stock level of a renewable resource but also from the self- image that each agent has with respect to a "green" identity We show that the incorporation of identity issues into preference structure generates a higher level of valuation for the resource stock and an increase on it Additionally, we have developed our analysis considering, also, that there are two types of consumers, "green" and "brown" We have shown that when we consider heterogeneity in preferences there is a transfer of utility from "green" consumers to "brown" consumers This loss of utility could be one of the reasons underlying collective action This throws up the question as to what extent the pressure exerted by "green" group manages to improve the combined steady situation, increasing the stock level and reducing consumption in the long term

Assessment of Streamflow Drought Severity Using Ephemeral Streamflow Data

Abstract: Drought duration and severity of the past events occurred in the Sonar and Bearma sub-basins are analyzed, and the availability of flow in these ephemeral streams during normal and lean years estimated. Streamflow drought severity is defined as the accumulated volume of deficit flows. The probabilities of occurrence of zero and non-zero flows and joint probabilities of non-zero flows are estimated to derive flow duration curves. Monthly truncation levels were obtained at 75 percentile for describing wet and drought periods. To this end, 15 years and 24 years monthly streamflow data of Sonar and Bearma Rivers, respectively, were used. The study reveals that the hydrological droughts in these basins (a) usually begin during August-October and (b) either terminates during the period between September and December or, if not, they continue till the onset of the next monsoon. Drought events starting during early monsoon months are found to be more severe than those starting during the late or post monsoon months, The variable truncation approach is efficacious in depicting both the drought and wet events and, therefore, in describing the drought duration and severity.

Real and Hypothetical Travel Cost Models In Estimating Forest Recreation Benefits in a Developing Country: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract: Forest recreation is a key non-marketed use influencing the decisions concerning land use change as it is realised locally. The literature on valuing recreational experience is diverse and the current paper attempts to compare the consumer surplus estimates of a recreation site located at Western Ghats region of India using different travel cost models (linear, semi-log and count forms of individual travel cost model as well as a zonal travel cost model) as well as a hypothetical travel cost model. These estimates are checked for consistency and validity both on theoretical and empirical grounds. We believe that such a comparative assessment increase the policy relevance of the recreational demand functions and value estimates that can be used for project appraisals, benefit transfers and optimum entry fee determination.

Achieving economic and ecological resilience through natural resource management

Abstract: Historically, the subsistence based lifestyles of small scale economies (SSEs) have avoided pushing the stock of their natural resources beyond thresholds where their resilience could be lost. However, rising frequencies of natural disasters coupled with a growing outside influence from the developed economies are increasingly putting pressure on the economic and natural resources of these societies. This paper explores the nature and role of inter-linkages between ecological and economic resilience in SSEs towards maintaining long term sustainability in the face of these external influences. It is shown that initial conditions associated with the stock of natural and physical capital could be crucial factors in determining their successful transition towards higher economic growth without depleting their natural stock. When natural hazards pose risks of loss of natural capital, the rate of capital accumulation could increase or decrease depending upon the relation of such risks with natural and physical capital stocks

Science and Problem Solving in a Political World: Insights from Katrina

Abstract: While as scientists ecological economists pursue objectivity and empiricism, as problem solvers we strive to move our policy solutions to pressing problems onto the political agenda. To what extent is a rigorous scientific understanding of sustainability issues necessary and sufficient for creating more sustainable policies? If it is not, what are the obligations of scientists who understand the threats to sustainability to act on their understanding? We use a case study of Katrina to show that impartial science alone is inadequate to achieve our ends. Ecological economics and market fundamentalism have fundamentally different definitions of the problems leading to and resulting from Katrina, which in turn lead to diametrically opposed policy solutions. The solutions of the market fundamentalists are those currently receiving the most consideration, which exacerbates the problems as defined by ecological economists. As scientists and problem solvers, ecological economists must empirically study the public policy process to learn how to promote our policy solutions. We therefore assess two schools of thought concerning public policy—the market model and polis model. The market model of the public policy process assumes that policy makers rationally analyze the options available to achieve a specific goal then choose the one that maximizes utility. The polis model in contrast assumes that policy makers are not consistently rational but respond instead to the strategic presentation of situations using stories and symbols more than value-neutral facts. We argue that the polis model is a more accurate empirical interpretation of the policy process, and therefore, to be good scientific problem solvers, ecological economists must rely on emotionally charged stories that explain the significance of their scientific research instead of impartial presentation of empirical evidence.

A Dynamic Analysis of Trade and Biodiversity Loss in Semi-arid Southern Africa: The Role of Grazing Activities

Abstract: This paper assesses a specific ecosystem - rangelands, in semi-arid Southern Africa with a focus on livestock production. It modelled the dynamics of the composite of rangelands and different livestock grazing activities. A stylised model is developed to examine the extent to which trade may affect biodiversity of Southern African rangelands and their ecosystem functions. Bringing together the ecology of the rangeland and the economic objective of maximising social welfare from the use of the rangeland services, the paper derived conditions for optimal levels of the composite of the rangeland. Trade influences however, as per scale, composition and technique effects, may increase the pressure on the rangeland and upset these optimal levels leading to negative impacts on the rangeland biodiversity and its ecosystem functions.

Numerical Solution of 1D Boussinesq Equation for Water Table Fluctuation between Drains in Response to Recharge and ET in A Sloping Aquifer

Abstract: A non-linear Boussinesq equation is solved using finite-difference technique for the estimation of water table variation subjected to recharge and ET in a sloping aquifer. The aquifer is subjected to exponentially declining recharge and ET as a function of water table height below the land surface. The proposed numerical solution gives results in close match with the already existing mathematical solutions. Inclusion of ET into the flow system in combination with recharge results in wider drain spacing and consequently results in economy. As the proposed numerical solution accounts for both recharge and ET, it is very general, accurate and of great interest to scientists, theoreticians and policy makers in checking the numerical values related to the field problems of waterlogged and saline lands.

Effect of population pressure on forest land use change in Alabama : a nested logit approach

Abstract: The study focuses on exploring the impacts of urbanization on changes in forest land use/land cover in Alabama for the period between 1972 and 2000. Nested logit analysis of the discrete land use choices made by private landowners shows that initial forest type and a population gravity index significantly explain the variation in forest type transition. Anthropogenic factors influence the decision in favor of forest land conversion to non-forest use. Softwood stands were more preferred for harvests relative to hardwood while hardwood was the more preferred forest type choice for maintaining land in forest cover near the population centers. Real per capita income (INC) was found to be a better predictor of land use conversion than either population density (PD) or population gravity index (PGI).

Ecological Footprint of Malaysia: Potential Methods and Data Availability

Abstract: The role of this paper is to critically discuss the potential of EF analysis at the different levels (national, state and local) in Malaysia incorporating the existing EF calculations as well as major data requirements. Given the limited existing data, the study recommended a pilot study to calculate EF at the local level, following the combined approach (combining existing national footprint accounts with input-output analysis). In Malaysia, per capita EF and biocapacity for the year 2001 amount to 3.0 gha/cap and 1.9 gha/cap, respectively, which means EF in overshoot. Furthermore, the largest contributor to the EF for each Malaysian is energy consumption (53% of total footprint). Thus, any effort to reduce energy consumption will serve to reduce the EF of the country.

Inter- and intra-village diversity among forest dependent households in Ranthambhore National Park, India

Abstract: The extraction of forest biomass – through fodder and fuelwood collection, and grazing – is one of the key sources of conflict between villagers and the managers of such protected areas as Ranthambhore National Park in India. Differences among households across and within villages with respect to indicators of livestock, wealth, and biomass extraction (grazing, and fuelwood and fodder collection) are studied using non-parametric methods, using data from a survey of 227 households in 4 different villages in, and near Ranthambhore National Park. There are substantial, statistically significant differences among the four differently located villages with respect to indicators of livestock, wealth, and biomass extraction. The interior village has the greatest livestock holding and the greatest percentage of households using the park. The resettled village also has a substantial dependence. Within one of the villages, differences among households of different castes are also substantial. While Brahmin households have low dependence on the park, Gujjar and Koli households have a high dependence for both grazing and fuelwood, and Berwa households have a high dependence for fuelwood. In addition, social, economic and physical correlates of biomass (grazing, and fuelwood and fodder collection) user categories are studied, using an econometric analysis in a multinomial logit framework. About two-thirds of the households surveyed used the park. Caste and distance from the park are found to have high substantive significance.

Uncertainty Analysis for River Quality Measurements

Abstract: Physico-chemical water quality measurements are frequently applied for river quality management purposes, e.g. for the assessment of current and historical state of surface waters, for water quality risk assessment, for calibration and validation of river quality simulation models, etc. The measurements are, however, subject to errors, which might be considerable in some cases or for some variables. The errors cause uncertainties in the assessments and in the model calibration and validation. In this paper, river water quality measurement errors are statistically analyzed, making use of the relative comparison of sampling data repeating their analysis three times. Data along the Egyptian Nile and the Nile Delta branches are considered, as well as data along canals and agricultural drains next to these rivers. Quantification is made of the mean relative error for the 44 water quality variables considered, as well as the uncertainty in this quantification due to the limited number of samples available. Investigation is furthermore made of the presence of systematic differences in the mean relative error of water quality samples taken along the rivers, the canals and the drains, of systematic differences in the errors between different variables, and of correlations between the variables. Strong correlations have been found between subsets of variables, which allow the number of variables and laboratory analysis costs to be strongly reduced.

Socio-economic and Environmental Consequences of Public and Private Investment in Shrimp Aquaculture: The Case of Indonesia

Abstract: Socio-economic and environmental conflicts in public and private investment planning in the Indonesian shrimp aquaculture industry are examined A dynamic regional economic allocation model (DREAM) and Harmonious Adaptive Learning Procedure (HALP) are used to evaluate investment strategies for shrimp aquaculture when hierarchal decisions are made and goals imposed at various stages When income generation and labor employment are regional priorities, firms employ less skilled and unskilled labor, but more capital intensive systems When the environment is given priority consideration, firms employ semi-intensive and extensive production systems, but shrimp production, and exports are significantly different from that of project optimal levels When average weight is given to environmental concerns resource allocation and output levels approach that of optimality and that at the project level