Industrial metabolism and territorial development of the Maurienne Valley (France)

The globalisation of exchanges has resulted in excessive growth of material and immaterial flows. The disconnection among the supply, production, decision-making and consumption sites generates new spatial interdependencies. It determines local socio-economic dynamics and affects ecosystems. In this context, the question arises if territorial capability—“localized collective capacity to serve territorial development”—influences, from local level, these globalised flows systems. By combining territorial economic principles and territorial ecology approaches, we study the industrial metabolism of the Maurienne valley in France. The Maurienne case shows how territorial characteristics contribute to the economic resilience in rural areas. The calculation of wealth flows provides information on the local economic base, the weight of industry and its social impact. The analysis of physical flows reveals the materiality of this industry and the dependence on external resources and international companies. It highlights the various pressures and risks on the environment. To deal with these constraints, companies rely on relational and geographic proximities with local subcontractors. These relationships determine both the proper functioning of the local industrial system and the territorial capability to maintain and transform industrial activities. Most rural European territories experience the same industrial issues and environmental challenges. Therefore, this study offers new research perspectives to better understand and promote ecological transition in old and often rural industrial areas.

An overview of the remaining challenges of the RILEM TC 274-TCE, testing and characterisation of earth-based building materials and elements

Based on the RILEM Technical Committee 274-TCE work, this paper is a discussion of the remaining engineering challenges faced by earthen architecture. The assessment of earth material performances requires the development of appropriate procedures and standards. This is discussed in particular for the characterisation, hygrothermal behaviour, mechanical behaviour, and durability of earth materials. One other important challenge, since one of the main advantages classically put forward, is its ecological performance, is a proper assessment of life cycle assessment of earth materials, elements and buildings. Moreover, the paper develops why the approach to earthen construction must be different compared to the dominant construction materials, to preserve its ability to contribute to the ecological transition in the construction sector. In particular, the needs of using local soils, with an architectural approach coping with the limits of the materials, and developing an architectural optimisation to preserve the earthen materials multifunctionality rather than selecting a sole property to be maximised. Lastly, the findings of the paper can be used to develop a holistic approach to earthen construction to foster the development of new earthen architecture projects.

Measuring tourism success: how European National Tourism Organisations are shifting the paradigm

PurposeThe paper analyses the dramatic global slowdown of tourism caused by the pandemic and how it has provided an exceptional opportunity for the tourism sector to reassess both its priorities and practices, especially in relation to our planet and society.Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides an analysis of the European Travel Commission's position regarding the development of a sustainable tourism ecosystem and the definition of new metrics to measure this transition, thus allowing European National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) to share knowledge and learn from each other.FindingsNTOs across Europe are at different stages in their journey towards a sustainable tourism development model. Some destinations are still focussing on attracting more travellers from international markets while others at a more mature stage, are switching their work towards the management of tourism flows. These latter examples support the approach that developing a tourism strategy should start with the needs of the destination, and the local people should be directly and fully involved in the tourism strategy. Initiatives such as this can support tourism decision-making based on data and firm evidence and help to address doubts and common misunderstandings around how residents feel.Originality/valueThis paper highlights how the European Travel Commission, together with its members, are working towards a new world benchmark for responsible, sustainable and innovative tourism in response to exponential growth of demand, the reality of the ecological transition and the emergence of a new digital era.

Transizione ecologica e nuove generazioni: il ruolo della famiglia nella promozione della sostenibilità in un’ottica inclusiva e interculturale

Starting from a reflection on the emergencies caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the article analyzes the role of the sustainability in education, based on the international recommendations and documents in this sense. Today more than ever it makes it necessary to live our common good world, promoting an ecological transition towards more inclusive, democratic and resilient communities.To achieve such a condition, it is necessary to invest in the training of future citizens. The family, as an educational agency, is called in this sense to support the new generations in the acquisition of a sustainability mindset and a planetary awareness that can help them interact in a conscious, responsible and reflective way in the current global world.

BIRDS OF PARQUE ESTADUAL DO BIRIBIRI, CENTRAL ESPINHAÇO RANGE, BRAZIL

The Central Espinhaço Range forms a large biogeographical barrier that contains areas of ecological transition between two important conservation hotspots in Brazil: the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado. This research aims to present the first consolidated list of bird species from Parque Estadual do Biribiri (PEBI) located in the Central Espinhaço Range at Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. We recorded 172 bird species between August/November 2018 and January/April 2019, of which 15 are associated with the surrounding biomes (Caatinga, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest) and three species restricted to the southeastern Brazilian mountain tops. Among those species, four are considered globally Near Threatened and 41 species are listed under wildlife trafficking species, indicating the importance of conserving this area. Therefore, our results highlight the importance of PEBI and stress the importance of such transitional areas for maintaining diversity of birds in the Espinhaço Range.

TRANSICIÓN ECOLÓGICA Y EMERGENCIA CLIMÁTICA EN LAS ENSEÑANZAS DE TURISMO

Este trabajo valora la presencia de contenidos relacionados con la transición ecológica y la emergencia climática en los grados de Turismo andaluces. Para ello, se recopilaron los planes de estudio, programas y proyectos docentes de las materias impartidas y se analizaron las competencias y contenidos relacionados. Posteriormente se han extraído resultados globales y específicos (por universidades o departamentos). Los resultados muestran una limitada presencia de contenidos relacionados y la ausencia de conceptos emergentes sobre desafíos globales y nuevas pautas de desarrollo turístico. This paper evaluates the presence of contents related to the ecological transition and the climate emergency in the Tourism degrees in Andalusia. To this end, the curricula, programs and teaching projects of the subjects were compiled and the competences and contents were analyzed. Finally, global and specific results (by universities or departments) have been obtained. The results show a limited presence of related contents and the absence of emerging concepts about global challenges and new patterns of tourism development.

IMPACT AND COSTS OF THE CLOSURE OF COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS IN THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

Scheduled closure of coal-fired power plants will halve emissions in the electricity sector, although prices will be increased by 12%. To compensate for this increase, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge will promote new renewable power.