Ecocycles (E-Journal - European Ecocycles Society)
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New method of regional sustainable energy strategies
Full text linkThis article aims to increase knowledge and find the best practices on how sustainable energy management (SEM) can be boosted and implemented at a regional level. It presents the main results from the RESGen (RES Generation – From Research Infrastructure to Sustainable Energy and Reduction of CO2 Emissions) project (subsidized by the EU in 2009-2012) and the procedure developed within the project, which aims to support regionally comprehensive implementation of SEM involving all the main stakeholders. Physical prerequisites to support the transition of the energy sector towards SEM exist. The renewable energy sources (RES) potential is vast, the economics, especially regional impacts, are feasible, general perceptions are positive, technologies are evolving and the majority of stakeholders support this agenda. There are however barriers slowing the process. The RESGen procedure provides a structured and strategic approach for the shift towards SEM
Aquaponics business in Europe: some legal obstacles and solutions
Full text linkAquaponics is a rapidly emerging agricultural practice, which combines recirculating aquaculture systems (the RAS technology) with the soil-less (hydroponic) cultivation of vegetables. The advantages in terms of productivity and efficient use of resources are huge. Aquaponics contributes to the solutions of some of the crucial problems our planet is facing: availability and use of potable and irrigation water, pollution of surface waters through animal farming, and management of fertilizer resources. It has been described as one of the “Ten technologies which could change our lives”
Tissue kinetics of heavy metal and boron accumulation, in the recovery of industrial sewage sludge by superplants
Full text linkThe overall pollution in the planet is reaching unbearable limits for humanity. Never before mankind had come to adopt measures agreed between countries in the magnitude of current ones. Among the measures taken to alleviate the problem are increasing green alternatives. This paper aims reporting how green alternative using Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) which have proven over last decade to be by far the best overall tool for combating pollution, operate in more detail. A kinetic study of heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Hg) and B accumulation by plants grown in sludge collected from a treatment plant of industrial sewage is carried out. Summarizing: the results investigated in this work confirm again the capacity and usefulness of this tool as a solution to global pollution problems, studying another specific case which is particularly interesting since provides a real solution for a common problem: industrial water sludge. In this manner, substantiating the strategy designed in a scientific project (triggered by Doñana's disaster) granted by UE funds in 2000, and presented in Hanover’s Universal Exposition. Glossing and discussing its positive implementation during years to check out the so called superplants against pollution
Tourists of the future: importance of pro-environmental attitude among secondary school children
Full text linkIn the last few years the importance of responsible thinking, ethic and the sensitivity to the environment have become a significant part of the postmodern tourism. The people in the service sector, the agents, the ministers and other decision-makers and the travellers are more and more conscious about the questions of social and environmental effects. The members of the new generation, who are the young, against the elder people have a tendency to travel, have much more information about the technical details of the journey and how to organize it. The following questions can arise: whether the secondary school students know the effects of their travels; whether they know that their visits can have a positive or negative influence on the environment or the society of the destination. The first purpose is to acquire more information about the topic, since if we know the deficiency and faults of the education, the alteration of it can happen easily. The study shows the secondary school students’ the sensitivity to the environment, reports the narrow cross sections, where the people who are in connection with the students (for example teachers, parents, older acquaintances) can help in creating an ethic and conscious aspect
Anthropogenic soils: general aspects and features
Full text linkIn recent decades man's role in soil formation has become a matter of great concern among soil scientists. Man is now considered a soil-forming factor and anthrosolization is recognised as a soil-forming process that consists of a collection of geomorphic and pedological processes resulting from human activities. These human activities include deep working, intensive fertilization, the addition of extraneous materials, irrigation with sediment-rich waters and wet cultivation. In this paper we review the influence of man as a soil forming factor stressing also some peculiar aspects linked to their classification
Istvan Jasdi: Serenade in the Vineyard
Full text linkThe main reason that it is worthwhile to read István Jásdi’s book is that if someone perhaps would have neglected to love life for some reason up to this point, by reading this book, he or she can now make up for that hiatus
The complexity of heritage and societal development – The example of Gjirokastra, Albania
Full text linkAlbania is formerly the most closed country in Europe and has suffered from severe economic and political problems during the last two decades. In the southern part lies Gjirokastra, birthplace of former dictator Enver Hoxha, and home to diverse communities of Albanians and Greeks. Gjirokastra Old Town, proclaimed “Museum City” by the regime in 1961 and later turned into a UNESCO World Heritage City, climbs the steep western side of the Drinos valley. During the communist era the city was heavily industrialized with a metal work factory as well as factories for products such as shoes, refrigerators, and umbrellas. On the eastern side is the archaeological site of the ancient city of Antigonea, thus defining a landscape with long historical processes and a multitude of narratives and interpretations.
In recent years this landscape has witnessed increased efforts to secure what are perceived heritage values, focusing on the older structures i.e. the world heritage part of the city and the archaeological site. However, the structures of post-war era of Albania contribute significantly to the full context of the landscape, but since the mid-1990s and the collapse of Albanian post-communist economy the former industrial sites are increasingly deteriorating. Parallel with severe economic problems with massive volumes of unemployed, a criminally based economy on drug trafficking is increasing.
This paper will discuss the societally based problems in securing different heritage assets for a positive societal development