Search

In recent years several European air pollution policies have been based on a cost-effectiveness approach. In the European Union, the European Commission starts using the multi-pollutant, multi-effect GAINS (Greenhouse Gas Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies) model to identify cost-effective National Emission Ceilings and specific emission control measures for each Member State to reach these targets. In this paper, we apply the GAINS methodology to the case of Italy with 20 subnational regions. We present regional results for different approaches to environmental target setting for PM2.5 pollution in the year 2030. We have obtained these results using optimization techniques consistent with those of GAINS-Europe, but at a higher resolution. Our results show that an overall health-impact oriented approach is more cost-effective than setting a nation-wide limit value on ambient air quality, such as the one set for the year 2030 by the European Directive on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. The health-impact oriented approach implies additional emission control costs of 153 million €/yr on top of the baseline costs, compared to 322 million €/yr for attaining the nation-wide air quality limit. We provide insights into the distribution of costs and benefits for regions within Italy and identify the main beneficiaries of a health-impact approach over a limit-value approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Italian Air Quality legislation underwent sweeping changes with the implementation of the 1996 European Air Quality Framework Directive when the Italian administrative Regions were entrusted with air quality management tasks. The most recent Regional Air Quality Management Plans (AQMPs) highlighted the importance of Non-Technical Measures (NTMs), in addition to Technical Measures (TMs), in meeting environmental targets. The aim of the present work is to compile a list of all the TMs and NTMs taken into account in the Italian Regional AQMPs and to give in the target year, 2010, an estimation of SO2, NOx and PM10 emission reductions, of PM10 concentration and of the health impact of PM2.5 concentrations in terms of Life Expectancy Reduction. In order to do that, RAINS-Italy, as part of the National Integrated Modeling system for International Negotiation on atmospheric pollution (MINNI), has been applied. The management of TMs and NTMs inside RAINS have often obliged both the introduction of exogenous driving force scenarios and the control strategy modification. This has inspired a revision of the many NTM definitions and a clear choice of the definition adopted. It was finally highlighted that only few TMs and NTMs implemented in the AQMPs represent effective measures in reaching the environmental targets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Quantifying detectability of exotic pests in local contexts is crucial for designing efficient and regionally relevant surveillance guidelines. Ironically, for areas most in need of preparedness advice, the study of detectability is hampered by the pest's absence. Here, we present a mock surveillance method whereby pest symptoms are simulated on plants, and the detection probability of visual inspection by practitioners is measured across a range of high priority regions at risk of incursions. Detectability of simulated leaf mining damage was found to be no different to real damage in surveillance trials conducted on the vegetable leafminer, Liriomyza sativae, a recently established pest in Australia. Additional trials confirmed that reducing the natural search speed of survey participants by half increased the odds of detecting a leaf mine by an estimated 3.0 times. However, as movement speed mediates a trade-off between the total area covered (the number of pest encounters) and sensitivity (detection probability for each encounter), we found that a survey effort of 10 s per transect meter enhanced field-level detection of L. sativae at a variety of abundances and available times for surveillance. This study demonstrates that mock surveillance trials, through their use of visual effects to mimic plant pest symptoms, can produce locally tested recommendations to enhance preparedness for exotic pests. [Display omitted] • Mock surveys overcome difficulties of studying pests of biosecurity concern. • Mock surveys involve simulating pests or diseases to measure detectability. • Optimal survey effort was calculated for vegetable leafminer Liriomyza sativae. • Following survey guidelines developed via mock surveys improved detection success. • Imperfect detection and resource trade-offs are crucial considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) serves as a tool for ecosystem-based management, where human activities are allocated in space and time to meet ecological, economic and social objectives. In this study, we describe the implementation of a CMSP process in Sonora, Mexico, where a multi-tiered governance structure was built with transparent and inclusive stakeholder engagement in decision making processes to address growing conflicts and management problems. In its first phase, the process focused on artisanal fishing activities, the main economic driver in the region. The planning process was driven by CEDO Intercultural, a non-profit focused on environmental conservation and fisheries management. The governance structure included an Intercommunity Fisher Group (IFG), a base technical team, a technical advisory committee and a core group of government authorities relevant to fisheries management. Together, these actors developed different fisheries management tools to organize the spatial use of eleven species exploited by artisanal fisheries. Fishers were elected to represent their communities in the IFG and engaged through workshops to analyze information. Capacity building activities and extensive communication helped ensure broad coverage and understanding of the goals of the coastal corridor and the proposed management tools. These management tools included a network of fisheries refuges, areas for local management, catch quotas, and proposals for regulating fishing effort. They were designed using a variety of modeling approaches that combined the best available science with Local Ecological Knowledge. Management tools were modified based on feedback from the different actors; the final integrated management plan was assessed for impacts on fisheries and ecosystem services and function and a formal proposal was submitted to government agencies. In addition to meeting minutes demonstrating agreement with proposals, local actors wrote letters in support of the Integrated Plan and the Proposal for Fisheries Refuges. We are now defining indicators to measure management effectiveness. If this proposal is legally implemented, it will engage stakeholders in decision making and the spatial planning for the Coastal Corridor while enhancing fishers livelihoods and preserving ecosystem services. Image 1 • A marine spatial planning process was initiated in northern Gulf of California, Sonora, Mexico. • Fisheries refuges and areas for local management (turfs) were proposed. • Communities participated in decision-making to develop an integrated management proposal. • Fishery management tools are being legally formalized for implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]