Architectural heritage comprises one o the most important elements of mountain settlements in Greece. It holds high cultural value, represents the tangible continuation of the past and forms the unique character and i...Architectural heritage comprises one o the most important elements of mountain settlements in Greece. It holds high cultural value, represents the tangible continuation of the past and forms the unique character and identity of each mountain region. Yet, controversy regarding funding for its preservation often arises. In this paper, we used two Contingent Valuation surveys to estimate the socia benefit deriving from protecting the traditiona architecture in the mountainous village of Sirako and through it, to examine perceptions and attitudes o local residents and visitors. Research findings revealed a strong social will in favor of the good's protection followed by high percentages of positive willingness to pay(WTP). However, WTP is significantly higher among residents. Cultura heritage value, of the good, appears to prevail, along with the environmental one. However, both residents and visitors pointed out that local heritage, if wellpreserved, will boost tourism development. Residents appeared to better recognize the true level o architectural decay, expressed higher apprehension for its protection and were willing to pay higher amount of money. Tourists, on the other side expressed high satisfaction for their visit, appreciated the beauty and serenity emerging from local built and natural environment and spent several days visiting the surrounding area. The longer they stayed and gotfamiliar with the village, the more willing they were to contribute to local heritage's protection. Percentages reflecting indifference for protecting architecture were extremely low. Yet, they were higher among tourists. Traditional architecture is considered as public good; an opinion resulting in an important percentage of visitors stating that national government should provide the necessary funding. In addition, the architecture appears to hold a high level of topicality. Those descending from Sirako or emotionally connected to it, of both social groups,turned out to be more concerned about the good and with a stronger sense of responsibility for it. Usevalue of the good holds high economic value, as well,while higher percentages of zero WTP appeared among non-users. Research findings revealed social attitudes and perceptions on what constitutes architectural heritage, in its cultural and economic frame. If taken under consideration, they may form useful drivers for local, heritage-based, sustainable development.展开更多
Mountainous areas have been long recognized as particularly important for the planet and sustainable mountain development is a global priority. In order to improve the socioeconomic development perspectives of mountai...Mountainous areas have been long recognized as particularly important for the planet and sustainable mountain development is a global priority. In order to improve the socioeconomic development perspectives of mountain societies, efficient and well-targeted energy strategies should be formed. An important step towards this direction is adequate understanding of local conditions and specific features that affect energy sector. This procedure allows the inclusion of "locality" in energy planning and so, decentralized energy production is facilitated. The present study attempts to determine the particular energy identity of mountainous areas. Greece, which is the second most mountainous country in the EU, has been selected as a case study. Essential features of the mountainous space have been selected, namely altitude, inclination, remoteness, lack of productive activities, old buildings/vernacular architecture, in order to explore their interrelation with the energy sector. Based on literature review and research findings the interaction between mountainous character and energy is outlined. Therefore, a framework of the characteristics of mountain energy identity is composed, which can provide support to the formation of specialized energy policy for mountainous areas. Some of the main findings of the present study include the significantly increased energy loads of mountainous areas, the abundance of renewable energy potential in high – altitude areas, the vulnerability of mountain societies to energy poverty and the difficulties in sitting energy projects in the restricted usable space of mountains. Since the literature regarding mountains and energy is rather poor the present paper aspires to be a step towards highlighting the importance of energy issues for mountain areas and societies. By determining the features of mountain energy identity energy planning in high – altitude areas and so, helping make energy planning more effective, such research works can be parts of sustainable development strategies for mountainous areas.展开更多
In every emergency medical situation,access to emergency medical services is an inalienable right of any citizen.The average acceptable time to provide first aid assistance is 60 minutes.In this paper,the possibility ...In every emergency medical situation,access to emergency medical services is an inalienable right of any citizen.The average acceptable time to provide first aid assistance is 60 minutes.In this paper,the possibility of using helicopters for air travel in mountainous areas was examined for the first time for all of Greece and especially for a mountainous and isolated area such as the Municipality of Agrafa.Initially,the time distance-virtual distance,from the hospitals was calculated at the national level of Greece,with an acceptable first contact time of 60 minutes(golden hour),i.e.,less than two hours from the nearest hospital to the incident and back to the hospital and the relevant conclusions are drawn.Then,the case study of Municipality of Agrafa,one of the most mountainous areas in Greece,was examined.The time distance of the settlements from the nearest primary health point,namely the Primary Health Centre(PHC)of West Fragkista,was calculated and the transportation by ground means was compared with the corresponding time by flying means,to investigate the contribution of air transportation or not,of the timely arrival of the patients in the appropriate health structure.Finally,possible helicopter landing locations were identified,using a geographic information system to facilitate the process of air medical transportation in the Municipality of Agrafa.展开更多
Among the Greek islands, 61 are based—currently—on autonomous electrical systems for covering the electrical energy demand and are characterized as Non-Interconnected Islands (NII). The average electricity productio...Among the Greek islands, 61 are based—currently—on autonomous electrical systems for covering the electrical energy demand and are characterized as Non-Interconnected Islands (NII). The average electricity production cost in the NII is 2.5 times higher than in areas with access to the main, interconnected electricity grid (IEG) of Greece. In this paper, an analytic overview of the autonomous electricity systems of Greek islands is provided, focusing on electricity consumption and production, as well as on the relative costs. For investigating possibilities for improving the situation, especially in small, remote islands, simulations for the energy system of Astypalea are conducted. It is proved that further use of renewables in combination with energy storage can lower the current, high energy costs. Expansion of the IEG is not economically viable for islands which are far away from the mainland and their peak loads are less than 10 ΜW.展开更多
The paper studied the energy poverty in the mountainous areas of Greece through parallel primary surveys, in comparison with the country-level conditions. The surveys are based on objective financial and expenditure d...The paper studied the energy poverty in the mountainous areas of Greece through parallel primary surveys, in comparison with the country-level conditions. The surveys are based on objective financial and expenditure data as well as on subjective views about housing conditions. The objective approach showed that mountainous areas of Greece are burdened with much higher energy expenditure while also having lower annual incomes. Under these circumstances, the energy poverty rate skyrocketed to73.5%. The subjective indicators reveal significant aspects of the problem, such as the intense problem of damp walls and mold growth at home or the restriction of other basic needs in order to cover heating needs. However, despite the proven high vulnerability of Greek mountainous areas, current energy policy actually ignores the special features of mountainous areas, implementing horizontal policies.Therefore, a specialized energy plan targeted to alleviating energy poverty in mountainous areas in Greece is an urgent imperative.展开更多
In an attempt to enhance knowledge on the energy poverty phenomenon in mountainous areas,a primary social survey was conducted in a typical mountainous town of Greece,Metsovo in the Region of Epirus.The survey recorde...In an attempt to enhance knowledge on the energy poverty phenomenon in mountainous areas,a primary social survey was conducted in a typical mountainous town of Greece,Metsovo in the Region of Epirus.The survey recorded quantitative data of energy expenses and incomes of households and it also captured qualitative indicators related to energy poverty.The findings showed that nine out of ten households in Metsovo are exposed to energy poverty,based on the objective 10%index.The subjective indicators revealed other interesting aspects of the problem.Over one-third of the local population live in houses that are inadequately heated and/or present damp problems.Almost two-thirds of the local population have been forced to restrict other basic needs,in order to respond to high energy costs.Studying the relationships between variables of the survey also revealed some notable issues.Households inadequately heated present statistical significant correlation with the heating system used.The inadequately heated houses are also correlated with houses that presented damp-mould problems,as well as households that report arrears in energy bills.Moreover,reduction in hours of heating system operation is correlated with health problems.Current energy policy in Greece does not include specific strategies for mountainous areas,apart from some differentiations in heating oil subsidies.The great extent of energy poverty in mountainous Greece,highlighted by the present representative(with respect to mountainous Greece)study,may have irreversible social impacts.Hence,a need for specific and effective action is necessary,whose main axes should be an extensive upgrade of buildings’energy efficiency in mountainous settlements and special fuel tariffs for mountainous areas.展开更多
The European Union, in an effort to boost the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in power generation, applies supportive tools consisting in financial motivation either as grants or as subsidies. According to welfa...The European Union, in an effort to boost the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in power generation, applies supportive tools consisting in financial motivation either as grants or as subsidies. According to welfare economics, a subsidy should reflect the external benefits;otherwise a distortion of competition takes place. The most widespread method to calculate externalities is the avoided cost approach, despite the fact that it encounters equally all the RES units leading to technological neutrality. In the present article, the avoided cost approach with the objective social justification of RES subsidies/feed in tariffs (FITs) in the case of Greece, for the year 2014, is applied. The results show a high gap between the current FITs and the suggested ones amounting to approximately 40%. This uncomfortable outcome indicates that, at least in the case of Greece, either the level of the current guaranteed tariffs is not socially justified, or the CO2 value derived from the European carbon market does not reflect the real social cost, or that the avoided cost method, alone, is not adequate to explain the level of subsidies. In light of the foregoing, the need for the development of a concrete and integrated methodology for calculating all RES externalities emerges.展开更多
In the research literature,we have identified a lack of common understanding of the "development" concept.The meaning of development has changed over the last decades from referencing simple economic growth ...In the research literature,we have identified a lack of common understanding of the "development" concept.The meaning of development has changed over the last decades from referencing simple economic growth to embracing social and environmental concerns.The aim of this paper is to highlight the Worth-living Integrated Development theory(WID) in the context of postgraduate education and interdisciplinarity.In particular,through the description of three research projects undertaken within the interdisciplinary postgraduate programme "Environment and Development of Mountainous Areas" of the National Technical University of Athens,the methodology of WID applied to the Greek mountain area of Konitsa is presented.In the first step of the methodology,the recent development strategies enacted by the municipality of Konitsa were compared with the principles and the values of WID.This was done to document the necessity of an integrated development process.In the second step,the investigating parameters and indicators were selected and then bibliographically and empirically researched following extensive discussions within the interdisciplinary team.In the third step,the data were analyzed to highlight the problems,the objective and the "potential" development opportunities,as well as the objective constraints on the Integrated Development of the study area.In the fourth step,a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches was followed by interdisciplinary workgroups for the formulation and documentation of alternative scenarios for Integrated Development.In the fifth step,a set of criteria wasdescribed to allow residents to evaluate the proposed development actions and choose the optimal development policies for the Municipality of Konitsa.Finally,a set of principles and values was clarified to help residents speak out and reject actions or policies that might lower their living standards.The results of each methodological step and the integrated development approach for the region of Konitsa can be used as an important tool in the planning,development and support of relevant policies.展开更多
文摘Architectural heritage comprises one o the most important elements of mountain settlements in Greece. It holds high cultural value, represents the tangible continuation of the past and forms the unique character and identity of each mountain region. Yet, controversy regarding funding for its preservation often arises. In this paper, we used two Contingent Valuation surveys to estimate the socia benefit deriving from protecting the traditiona architecture in the mountainous village of Sirako and through it, to examine perceptions and attitudes o local residents and visitors. Research findings revealed a strong social will in favor of the good's protection followed by high percentages of positive willingness to pay(WTP). However, WTP is significantly higher among residents. Cultura heritage value, of the good, appears to prevail, along with the environmental one. However, both residents and visitors pointed out that local heritage, if wellpreserved, will boost tourism development. Residents appeared to better recognize the true level o architectural decay, expressed higher apprehension for its protection and were willing to pay higher amount of money. Tourists, on the other side expressed high satisfaction for their visit, appreciated the beauty and serenity emerging from local built and natural environment and spent several days visiting the surrounding area. The longer they stayed and gotfamiliar with the village, the more willing they were to contribute to local heritage's protection. Percentages reflecting indifference for protecting architecture were extremely low. Yet, they were higher among tourists. Traditional architecture is considered as public good; an opinion resulting in an important percentage of visitors stating that national government should provide the necessary funding. In addition, the architecture appears to hold a high level of topicality. Those descending from Sirako or emotionally connected to it, of both social groups,turned out to be more concerned about the good and with a stronger sense of responsibility for it. Usevalue of the good holds high economic value, as well,while higher percentages of zero WTP appeared among non-users. Research findings revealed social attitudes and perceptions on what constitutes architectural heritage, in its cultural and economic frame. If taken under consideration, they may form useful drivers for local, heritage-based, sustainable development.
文摘Mountainous areas have been long recognized as particularly important for the planet and sustainable mountain development is a global priority. In order to improve the socioeconomic development perspectives of mountain societies, efficient and well-targeted energy strategies should be formed. An important step towards this direction is adequate understanding of local conditions and specific features that affect energy sector. This procedure allows the inclusion of "locality" in energy planning and so, decentralized energy production is facilitated. The present study attempts to determine the particular energy identity of mountainous areas. Greece, which is the second most mountainous country in the EU, has been selected as a case study. Essential features of the mountainous space have been selected, namely altitude, inclination, remoteness, lack of productive activities, old buildings/vernacular architecture, in order to explore their interrelation with the energy sector. Based on literature review and research findings the interaction between mountainous character and energy is outlined. Therefore, a framework of the characteristics of mountain energy identity is composed, which can provide support to the formation of specialized energy policy for mountainous areas. Some of the main findings of the present study include the significantly increased energy loads of mountainous areas, the abundance of renewable energy potential in high – altitude areas, the vulnerability of mountain societies to energy poverty and the difficulties in sitting energy projects in the restricted usable space of mountains. Since the literature regarding mountains and energy is rather poor the present paper aspires to be a step towards highlighting the importance of energy issues for mountain areas and societies. By determining the features of mountain energy identity energy planning in high – altitude areas and so, helping make energy planning more effective, such research works can be parts of sustainable development strategies for mountainous areas.
文摘In every emergency medical situation,access to emergency medical services is an inalienable right of any citizen.The average acceptable time to provide first aid assistance is 60 minutes.In this paper,the possibility of using helicopters for air travel in mountainous areas was examined for the first time for all of Greece and especially for a mountainous and isolated area such as the Municipality of Agrafa.Initially,the time distance-virtual distance,from the hospitals was calculated at the national level of Greece,with an acceptable first contact time of 60 minutes(golden hour),i.e.,less than two hours from the nearest hospital to the incident and back to the hospital and the relevant conclusions are drawn.Then,the case study of Municipality of Agrafa,one of the most mountainous areas in Greece,was examined.The time distance of the settlements from the nearest primary health point,namely the Primary Health Centre(PHC)of West Fragkista,was calculated and the transportation by ground means was compared with the corresponding time by flying means,to investigate the contribution of air transportation or not,of the timely arrival of the patients in the appropriate health structure.Finally,possible helicopter landing locations were identified,using a geographic information system to facilitate the process of air medical transportation in the Municipality of Agrafa.
文摘Among the Greek islands, 61 are based—currently—on autonomous electrical systems for covering the electrical energy demand and are characterized as Non-Interconnected Islands (NII). The average electricity production cost in the NII is 2.5 times higher than in areas with access to the main, interconnected electricity grid (IEG) of Greece. In this paper, an analytic overview of the autonomous electricity systems of Greek islands is provided, focusing on electricity consumption and production, as well as on the relative costs. For investigating possibilities for improving the situation, especially in small, remote islands, simulations for the energy system of Astypalea are conducted. It is proved that further use of renewables in combination with energy storage can lower the current, high energy costs. Expansion of the IEG is not economically viable for islands which are far away from the mainland and their peak loads are less than 10 ΜW.
基金Project “Development of multi-parametric, mathematical model for energy planning optimization in mountainous areas AENAOS” (NSRF 2007-2013, Regional Operational Programme of Thessaly - Mainland Greece - Epirus, 2015)
文摘The paper studied the energy poverty in the mountainous areas of Greece through parallel primary surveys, in comparison with the country-level conditions. The surveys are based on objective financial and expenditure data as well as on subjective views about housing conditions. The objective approach showed that mountainous areas of Greece are burdened with much higher energy expenditure while also having lower annual incomes. Under these circumstances, the energy poverty rate skyrocketed to73.5%. The subjective indicators reveal significant aspects of the problem, such as the intense problem of damp walls and mold growth at home or the restriction of other basic needs in order to cover heating needs. However, despite the proven high vulnerability of Greek mountainous areas, current energy policy actually ignores the special features of mountainous areas, implementing horizontal policies.Therefore, a specialized energy plan targeted to alleviating energy poverty in mountainous areas in Greece is an urgent imperative.
基金supported by the STEP-IN Project(Using Living Labs to roll out Sustainable Strategies for Energy Poor Individuals)funded under the HORIZON Framework Programme of the European Commission(Contract No.785125)。
文摘In an attempt to enhance knowledge on the energy poverty phenomenon in mountainous areas,a primary social survey was conducted in a typical mountainous town of Greece,Metsovo in the Region of Epirus.The survey recorded quantitative data of energy expenses and incomes of households and it also captured qualitative indicators related to energy poverty.The findings showed that nine out of ten households in Metsovo are exposed to energy poverty,based on the objective 10%index.The subjective indicators revealed other interesting aspects of the problem.Over one-third of the local population live in houses that are inadequately heated and/or present damp problems.Almost two-thirds of the local population have been forced to restrict other basic needs,in order to respond to high energy costs.Studying the relationships between variables of the survey also revealed some notable issues.Households inadequately heated present statistical significant correlation with the heating system used.The inadequately heated houses are also correlated with houses that presented damp-mould problems,as well as households that report arrears in energy bills.Moreover,reduction in hours of heating system operation is correlated with health problems.Current energy policy in Greece does not include specific strategies for mountainous areas,apart from some differentiations in heating oil subsidies.The great extent of energy poverty in mountainous Greece,highlighted by the present representative(with respect to mountainous Greece)study,may have irreversible social impacts.Hence,a need for specific and effective action is necessary,whose main axes should be an extensive upgrade of buildings’energy efficiency in mountainous settlements and special fuel tariffs for mountainous areas.
文摘The European Union, in an effort to boost the use of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in power generation, applies supportive tools consisting in financial motivation either as grants or as subsidies. According to welfare economics, a subsidy should reflect the external benefits;otherwise a distortion of competition takes place. The most widespread method to calculate externalities is the avoided cost approach, despite the fact that it encounters equally all the RES units leading to technological neutrality. In the present article, the avoided cost approach with the objective social justification of RES subsidies/feed in tariffs (FITs) in the case of Greece, for the year 2014, is applied. The results show a high gap between the current FITs and the suggested ones amounting to approximately 40%. This uncomfortable outcome indicates that, at least in the case of Greece, either the level of the current guaranteed tariffs is not socially justified, or the CO2 value derived from the European carbon market does not reflect the real social cost, or that the avoided cost method, alone, is not adequate to explain the level of subsidies. In light of the foregoing, the need for the development of a concrete and integrated methodology for calculating all RES externalities emerges.
文摘In the research literature,we have identified a lack of common understanding of the "development" concept.The meaning of development has changed over the last decades from referencing simple economic growth to embracing social and environmental concerns.The aim of this paper is to highlight the Worth-living Integrated Development theory(WID) in the context of postgraduate education and interdisciplinarity.In particular,through the description of three research projects undertaken within the interdisciplinary postgraduate programme "Environment and Development of Mountainous Areas" of the National Technical University of Athens,the methodology of WID applied to the Greek mountain area of Konitsa is presented.In the first step of the methodology,the recent development strategies enacted by the municipality of Konitsa were compared with the principles and the values of WID.This was done to document the necessity of an integrated development process.In the second step,the investigating parameters and indicators were selected and then bibliographically and empirically researched following extensive discussions within the interdisciplinary team.In the third step,the data were analyzed to highlight the problems,the objective and the "potential" development opportunities,as well as the objective constraints on the Integrated Development of the study area.In the fourth step,a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches was followed by interdisciplinary workgroups for the formulation and documentation of alternative scenarios for Integrated Development.In the fifth step,a set of criteria wasdescribed to allow residents to evaluate the proposed development actions and choose the optimal development policies for the Municipality of Konitsa.Finally,a set of principles and values was clarified to help residents speak out and reject actions or policies that might lower their living standards.The results of each methodological step and the integrated development approach for the region of Konitsa can be used as an important tool in the planning,development and support of relevant policies.
