Τεχνικοοικονομική αξιολόγηση προγραμμάτων αναβάθμισης αστικού και περιαστικού περιβάλλοντος
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Keywords
Cobweb Theorem ; WTP ; WTA ; WTPar ; Οικονομική του περιβάλλοντος ; Πειραματική οικονομική ; Willingness to pay ; Willingness to accept ; Willingness to participateAbstract
The estimation of the value of public goods is challenging for two reasons: (a) the classic methods of estimation are suitable for marketed goods and not for non- marketed goods for which the supply – demand curve does not apply and (b) the variety and abstract nature of such goods cannot facilitate the quantization of any of their properties, whereas the good per se might not be perceived by the population that enjoy the benefit offered. This study presents an attempt to adapt and modify suitable methodological tools for the valuation of such goods in techno-economic analyses of upgrading the quality of the environment.
A variety of programmes have been designed and studied in this work, including the enhancing of urban environment, the protection and restoration of cultural heritage, noise pollution reduction, wetland restoration and port restoration. The diverse nature of these programmes necessitates the use of a versatile and easy – to – apply generalized methodology, readily adaptable to each case.
The valuation of citizens' willingness to pay for a 'lost' public good was measured using the 'Willingness to Pay' method (WTP). This method was used in the assessment of industrial pollution in the areas of Eleusina, Agioi Theodoroi (Corinthia) and Chalkida. Respondents in the area of Eleusina demonstrate a higher degree of awareness regarding willingness to pay and this reaction is related to the combined identity of the area that includes an archaeological and an industrial environment. The same method was used to assess the aesthetic pollution caused by the derelict facades of the buildings in the historical centre of Athens and especially in the area of Thiseio, a place of historical and tourist interest. Respondents seek to improve the current situation with mild measures and do not prefer radical changes in the built environment of the area.
The same method in a modified form was used to estimate the willingness of volunteers to participate in the reconstruction of cultural heritage monuments. Thus the question is 'Willingness to Participate' (WTPar) and addresses soldiers serving their compulsory tenure and they have no opportunity of time to give up about their participation in the redevelopment of the ancient Diolkos of Isthmus of Corinth and the archaeological site of Heraion in Samos. Soldiers are on average offering 1.5 days
of voluntary work, whereas information on the history of each monument positively affects the respondents' response.
Noise pollution along Thessaloniki’s ring road leads residents to spend money (WTP) to install noise absorbing panels along the two streams of traffic.
Disposed biomass is an important energy resource and a resource for environmental waste management in the industry. The interviewed farmers in both Thessaly and the wider region of Thessalonici (the mainland) and the islands of Samos and Ikaria (island regions) were asked how much they are willing to compensate in order to facilitate the collection and transport of discarded biomass from their aquaculture . This evaluation was done using the Willingness to Accept (WTA) method. Then, the market of the rejected biomass was analysed with economic supply - demand criteria and following the Cobweb Theorem Model.
For each case studied, the costs and benefits could be calculated or estimated. This estimation might prove quite indicative for the benefit of upgrade and restoration programmes concerning the urban and suburban environment, even when non – marketed goods are involved, such as aesthetics, noise pollution reduction, cultural heritage preservation and restoration, wetland restoration, port decontamination and upgrade. In that way, although it is difficult to assign a value in a monument or a neighborhood, the value of its upgrade and the cost benefit of upgrading can be estimated.
The methodology developed during this thesis can be implemented in the demand function of a non marketed good through the ‘Willingness to Pay’ parameter, in the supply function through the ‘Willingness to Accept’ parameter and in the volunteering function through the ‘Willingness to Participate’ parameter.
The evaluation of restoration programmes with the current methodology is expected to help the local authorities select the appropriate programmes and in the sensitization of the citizens.