No description available.

Oil companies in Alberta, Canada, invested $32 billion on new oil sands projects in 2013. Despite the size of this investment, there is a demonstrable deficiency in the uniformity and understanding of environmental legislation requirements that manifest into increased project compliance risks. This descriptive study developed 2 prioritized lists of environmental regulatory compliance risks and mitigation strategies and used multi-criteria decision theory for its theoretical framework. Information from compiled lists of environmental compliance risks and mitigation strategies was used to generate a specialized pairwise survey, which was piloted by 5 subject matter experts (SMEs). The survey was validated by a sample of 16 SMEs, after which the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to rank a total of 33 compliance risks and 12 mitigation strategy criteria. A key finding was that the AHP is a suitable tool for ranking of compliance risks and mitigation strategies. Several working hypotheses were also tested regarding how SMEs prioritized 1 compliance risk or mitigation strategy compared to another. The AHP showed that regulatory compliance, company reputation, environmental compliance, and economics ranked the highest and that a multi criteria mitigation strategy for environmental compliance ranked the highest. The study results will inform Alberta oil sands industry leaders about the ranking and utility of specific compliance risks and mitigations strategies, enabling them to focus on actions that will generate legislative and public trust. Oil sands leaders implementing a risk management program using the risks and mitigation strategies identified in this study will contribute to environmental conservation, economic growth, and positive social change.

No description available.

A legislação ambiental brasileira obriga a maioria das propriedades rurais a ter Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APPs), que são áreas naturais protegidas devido à fragilidade física e ecológica, e Reserva Legal (RL), cuja função é a conservação da biodiversidade e a exploração sustentável. Em vista do passivo ambiental nas propriedades rurais brasileiras, no que se refere à RL, há uma demanda por estudos que buscam discutir estratégias para a recuperação dessas áreas. A possibilidade de exploração da RL gera uma expectativa de retorno econômico, ao mesmo tempo que essas áreas prestarão serviços ecossistêmicos importantes para a sociedade. Avaliações da regeneração natural sob plantios florestais homogêneos têm demonstrado que florestas plantadas para fins comerciais podem atuar como catalisadoras da regeneração natural a depender do manejo. Contudo, poucos estudos avaliaram a regeneração sob plantios puros de espécies nativas em regiões tropicais. Nesse contexto, para dar suporte à seleção de modelos que possam ser implementados na RL, em áreas cuja vegetação original seja de fisionomia florestal, testamos o \"modelo de mosaico\", que seria composto por pequenos talhões puros. Para tanto, utilizamos parâmetros de estrutura, riqueza, diversidade funcional e potencial econômico para avaliar plantios homogêneos (PH) de espécies nativas. No capítulo 1 comparamos PH com i) plantios mistos de espécies nativas e ii) com florestas nativas de referência em diferentes graus de conservação, visando avaliar se os PHs podem, em longo prazo, promover a conservação de biodiversidade e manutenção de processos ecológicos. No capítulo 2 avaliamos se a sucessão ecológica em PH é condicionada pelos atributos da espécie plantada ou por atributos abióticos, para identificar fatores que possam limitar o sucesso desses plantios. No capítulo 3 avaliamos se a exploração sustentável de madeira em RL a partir de PHs, que não foram manejados, é uma atividade economicamente viável frente a outros tipos de investimentos de longo prazo e outras opções de compensação de RL. Do ponto de vista ecológico, verificamos que PH com espécies nativas, que não sofreram manejo, podem, em longo prazo, promover a restauração das comunidades vegetais características de florestas semideciduais, tanto no aspecto estrutural, quanto na biodiversidade e funcionalidade. Os plantios homogêneos estudados apresentaram valores semelhantes para esses atributos ecológicos em relação a florestas de referência, inclusive às florestas maduras, que seriam a meta ideal de restauração. Em longo prazo, a estrutura (densidade e área basal) e o nível de riqueza das comunidades de plantas lenhosas sob esses plantios são muito pouco influenciados por filtros bióticos ou abióticos. O ritmo de crescimento da espécie plantada foi o único atributo que explicou parcialmente a riqueza e a densidade de indivíduos adultos nos plantios, embora não tenha exercido influência sobre a composição de espécies na comunidade em regeneração. Do ponto de vista econômico, verificamos que PHs de espécies nativas que não tiveram tratos silviculturais ao longo do seu desenvolvimento apresentaram valores para a taxa interna de retorno inferiores à poupança e valor presente líquido negativos. A compensação da RL por meio de arrendamento foi mais vantajosa do que a recomposição, mesmo considerando a venda de madeira. Destacaram-se os plantios de Handroanthus heptaphyllus, Myracrodruon urundeuva e Anadenanthera colubrina var. colubrina, cujo rendimento conseguiu superar os custos da recomposição, mesmo sem manejo adequado. Este estudo demonstrou que plantios de espécies nativas, ainda que homogêneos, podem ser utilizados para fins de recomposição de reserva legal, como proposto no \"modelo de mosaico\", pois conseguem recuperar a biodiversidade e garantir a funcionalidade dos ecossistemas em longo prazo, ainda que a composição de espécies seja distinta de florestas maduras, como tem sido observado também em plantios heterogêneos. A exploração da madeira, mesmo em áreas não manejadas, contribui para o aumento da rentabilidade de propriedades de pecuária e agricultura em longo prazo. A incorporação de tratos silviculturais adequados pode impulsionar a rentabilidade dessa atividade na RL, desde que sejam respeitadas as especificidades de exploração na RL, de modo a conciliar a produção de madeira com a conservação da biodiversidade. / Environmental legislation in Brazil states that most properties must have Permanently Protected Areas (PPA), which are natural protected areas due to its physical and ecological frailty, and also Legal Reserves (LR), aiming at biodiversity conservation and sustainable management. There is a huge demand for studies on strategies to recover and to manage LR due to environmental liability on rural private properties. Sustainable timber management is allowed in LR, and this may, potentially, provide economic return to the stakeholders, in addition to important ecosystem services to society as a whole. Reviews of natural regeneration under pure forest plantations have shown that planted forests can catalyse natural regeneration. However, few studies have evaluated the regeneration under pure stands of native species in tropical regions. In this context, aiming to support the selection of models that may be implemented in LR in areas which forest was the original vegetation, we tested the \"mosaic model\", which is comprised of small pure stands. We analysed the structure, richness, functional diversity and economical potential of homogeneous stands (HS) of native species. In chapter 1 we compared HSs with i) mixed plantations of native species and ii) reference ecosystems with distinct conservation status, aiming to verifiy if HS can, in the long term, foster biodiversity conservation and sustain ecological processes. In chapter 2 we analysed if ecological succession in HS is constrained by the species planted traits or by abiotic traits, in order to identify which attributes could restrict this type of planting in order to achieve the LR purposes. In chapter 3 we evaluated if sustainable timber exploitation from homogeneous stands, without silviculture practices, in LR is a viable economical activity in comparison with other types of long term investiments and other options for LR compensation. In the long term, from the ecological perspective, homogeneous stands with native species, without management except for the seedlings cultivation during three years after planting, can foster the restoration of seasonal forest plant communities in terms of structure, biodiversity and functionality. The homogeneous stands analysed had similar values for those ecological attributes when compared with reference ecosystems, including pristine forests which is the ultimate goal of restoration projects. In the long term, structure (density and basal area) and woody species richness under these stands are barely influenced by biotic or abiotic filters. Growth rate of the species planted was the only attribute that explained, in part, the richness and density of adult individuals in the stands, although it had no influence over species composition. From the economic perspective, homogeneous stands of native species without silviculture practices throughout their development had internal rates of return lower than saving and negative net present values. Compensation of LR through leasing was most profitable for the property revenue than restoration, even when timber exploitaition was included in the property income. Significant yields were assessed at stands of Handroanthus heptaphyllus, Myracrodruon urundeuva and Anadenanthera colubrina var colubrina, that exceeded the restoration costs, without any silviculture practices. This study demonstrates that native species plantations, even with only a single species, can be considered for the restoration of legal reserve, such as the \"chessboard model\", since they can foster biodiversity recovery and assure ecosystem functioning in the long term, even though species composition are distinct from pristine forests, which has been observed also in mixed plantations. In addition, timber exploitation, even in unmanaged areas, contributes for agriculture and livestock properties revenue in the long term. The incorporation of silviculture practices can bolster timber exploitation yield in the LR, as long as it considers the specificities for this activity in LR, in order to balance timber production with biodiversity conservation.

Claims related to the environment increasingly permeate the domain of human and fundamental rights. It is widely accepted that a direct functional relationship exists between the pursuit of environmental aims generally, and the protection of environmental rights. By and large, this relation compelled 'the environment' to have become a prominent contemporary focus point in legal thought, discourse and adjudication. Since local government operates closer to citizens than any other level of government, it is obvious that it may be expected of it to also play an important role in the management and regulation of matters that affect the environment. In the main, this study questions the extent to which the South African legal framework facilitates local government progress in the decentralised fulfilment of the section 24 environmental right in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Firstly, this thesis provides a theoretical literature review of a number of approaches to, categories of and different perspectives on environmental rights in general. As part of this review a number of generic elements is identified for the fulfilment of constitutional environmental provisions, generally. The literature review attends also to the notions of local environmental governance and 'local politics of pollution', amongst other concepts related to local government. Secondly, this thesis (by employing the comparative research method and by using the generic elements for fulfilment of constitutional environmental provisions as benchmarks) critically considers the Constitution or Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany, 1949 (Grundgesety and relevant developments in Germany with reference to the European context and a local government case study on the municipality of Heidelberg. It considers also the Constitution of Namibia of 1990 and relevant developments in Namibia with reference to the African and Southern African contexts and a case study on the Walvis Bay municipality. The South African position is subsequently analysed, first with a focus on section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, environmental law and related developments, then shifting the focus to the constitutional provisions on local government, local government law, related developments and the case of the Drakenstein Local Municipality. Thirdly, based on the lessons learned from and lacunae identified in all three of the countries considered, this study concludes with a set of recommendations for the South African context. / Thesis (LL.D.) -- North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Claims related to the environment increasingly permeate the domain of human and fundamental rights. It is widely accepted that a direct functional relationship exists between the pursuit of environmental aims generally, and the protection of environmental rights. By and large, this relation compelled 'the environment' to have become a prominent contemporary focus point in legal thought, discourse and adjudication. Since local government operates closer to citizens than any other level of government, it is obvious that it may be expected of it to also play an important role in the management and regulation of matters that affect the environment. In the main, this study questions the extent to which the South African legal framework facilitates local government progress in the decentralised fulfilment of the section 24 environmental right in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Firstly, this thesis provides a theoretical literature review of a number of approaches to, categories of and different perspectives on environmental rights in general. As part of this review a number of generic elements is identified for the fulfilment of constitutional environmental provisions, generally. The literature review attends also to the notions of local environmental governance and 'local politics of pollution', amongst other concepts related to local government. Secondly, this thesis (by employing the comparative research method and by using the generic elements for fulfilment of constitutional environmental provisions as benchmarks) critically considers the Constitution or Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany, 1949 (Grundgesety and relevant developments in Germany with reference to the European context and a local government case study on the municipality of Heidelberg. It considers also the Constitution of Namibia of 1990 and relevant developments in Namibia with reference to the African and Southern African contexts and a case study on the Walvis Bay municipality. The South African position is subsequently analysed, first with a focus on section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, environmental law and related developments, then shifting the focus to the constitutional provisions on local government, local government law, related developments and the case of the Drakenstein Local Municipality. Thirdly, based on the lessons learned from and lacunae identified in all three of the countries considered, this study concludes with a set of recommendations for the South African context. / Thesis (LL.D.) -- North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Submitted by Milena Rubi (milenarubi@ufscar.br) on 2017-08-08T19:13:45Z No. of bitstreams: 1 CORREA_Carina_2016.pdf: 35718212 bytes, checksum: 67e15c2afd55ade670a7eb98e27ea9a6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Milena Rubi (milenarubi@ufscar.br) on 2017-08-08T19:13:55Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 CORREA_Carina_2016.pdf: 35718212 bytes, checksum: 67e15c2afd55ade670a7eb98e27ea9a6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Milena Rubi (milenarubi@ufscar.br) on 2017-08-08T19:14:02Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 CORREA_Carina_2016.pdf: 35718212 bytes, checksum: 67e15c2afd55ade670a7eb98e27ea9a6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-08T19:14:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 CORREA_Carina_2016.pdf: 35718212 bytes, checksum: 67e15c2afd55ade670a7eb98e27ea9a6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-20 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Public policy incentives are essential to the effectiveness of environmental law and the preservation of services provided by ecosystems. In this context, Payments for Ecosystem Services –PSE programs remunerate environmental services providers through funds built from the user/polluter pays logic. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of implementing a PSA program in Pirajibu watershed, Sorocaba -SP, and suggest suitable alternatives for the conservation of water resources in the region. To this end, secondary data were collected on public agencies. In addition, were analyzed pictures from the RapidEye satellite (Ministry of Environment-ME), and with the help of satellite images from Google Earth, processed in Quantum GIS 1.6 software- Open Source Information Systems Finally, field trips were made to verify the information found. The results indicate that there is difficulty identifying possible providers and calculate the opportunity cost of the land, since agriculture is a rare activity in the region. Regarding environmental services, there was a great potential of the Pirajibu –Mirim River for water supply. This watershed has been studied in more detail, its water sources were mapped and some of them diagnosed in macroscopic analysis in the field. The water sources are, for the most part, in particular areas, with water having satisfactory aspects. However, there is the presence of garbage, lack of identification, proximity roads and the lack of environmental compliance expected by the Brazilian Forest Code (Lei nº. 12.651/ 2012). This scenario shows the importance that public policy in Sorocaba-SP considers the recovery and protection of water sources, however, not directly compensating the owner. It is suggested that the model has the forecast works for soil conversation on dirt roads, in addition to a donation of inputs and technical assistance to owners interested in recovery. Also considering the characteristics of relief and zoning of the master plan, it is proposed to establish a Private Reserve of National Heritage - PRNP at the head region of Pirajibu -Mirim River. Finally, it is suggested the implementation of other tax incentive policies in the region, such as property tax reduction in suitable properties with economic and social use. / As políticas públicas de incentivo são imprescindíveis para a efetividade das legislações ambientais e para a conservação dos serviços providos pelos ecossistemas. Nesse contexto, programas de Pagamentos por Serviços Ambientais-PSA remuneram provedores de serviços ambientais por meio de fundos construídos a partir da lógica do usuário/poluidor-pagador. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a possibilidade da implantação de um programa de PSA na sub-bacia do Pirajibu, no município de Sorocaba-SP, bem como sugerir alternativas adequadas para a conservação dos recursos hídricos na região. Para tanto, foram realizadas coletas de dados secundários em órgãos públicos. Além disso, foram analisadas imagens do satélite Rapideye (Ministério do Meio Ambiente-MMA), e, com o auxílio de imagens de satélite do programa Google Earth, processadas no programa Quantum GIS 1.6. Por fim, saídas de campo foram realizadas para verificação das informações encontradas. A análise dos resultados encontrados indica a dificuldade na identificação de possíveis provedores e nos cálculos do custo de oportunidade da terra, já que a agricultura é uma atividade rara na região. Em relação aos serviços ambientais, a microbacia do rio Pirajibu-Mirim apresentou grande potencial para abastecimento hídrico. Adotada como área prioritária, suas nascentes foram mapeadas e algumas delas diagnosticadas em análise macroscópica em campo. As nascentes estão, em sua grande maioria, localizadas em áreas particulares, com água apresentando aspectos satisfatórios. No entanto, observa-se a presença de lixo, ausência de identificação, proximidade de estradas de terra e a ausência de adequação ambiental prevista pelo Código Florestal brasileiro (Lei nº 12.651/2012). Esse cenário mostra a importância de que uma política pública de conservação em Sorocaba considere a recuperação e proteção de nascentes, entretanto, não remunerando diretamente o proprietário. Sugere-se que o modelo tenha como previsão obras para conservação do solo em estradas de terra, além da doação de insumos e assistência técnica aos proprietários interessados na recuperação. Considerando também as características do relevo e o zoneamento do plano diretor, propõe-se a instituição de uma Unidade de Conservação que incorpore a região de cabeceira do rio Pirajibu-Mirim. Por fim, sugere-se a implantação de outras políticas de incentivos fiscais na região, como redução de IPTU em propriedades adequadas ambientalmente e que apresentem uso econômico e social.

La presente investigación se originó por la necesidad de demostrar que las fallas en el enfoque de la normativa ambiental en el manejo de los residuos sólidos de las actividades de construcción y demolición generan incrementos considerables en el presupuesto de obra de una edificación, pues la normativa ambiental está enfocada hacia residuos sólidos que se generan en menores cantidades a comparación del material extraído producto de la excavación masiva, debido a ello el objetivo de la investigación es orientar la normativa ambiental en el manejo de residuos sólidos de las actividades de construcción y demolición en edificaciones hacia residuos sólidos y materiales naturales generados en grandes cantidades como es el caso del material excavado. La metodología de investigación es de tipo aplicada y el nivel de investigación es descriptivo-correlacional. Se obtuvieron como resultados que el material excavado es un material natural que se puede prescindir del uso de las Empresa Prestadora de Servicios de Residuos Sólidos y que las Empresas Prestadoras de Servicios de Residuos Sólidos no cuentan con capacidad instalada suficiente para poder cumplir con el rendimiento programado para que un proyecto sea viable. This research arises from the need to demonstrate that the flaws in the approach to environmental regulations in the management of solid waste from construction and demolition activities generate substantial increases in budget work of a building, for environmental regulations It is focused on solid waste generated in smaller amounts to comparing the extracted material product of the mass excavation, due to that the aim of the research is to guide environmental regulations on solid waste management activities of construction and demolition buildings to solid waste and natural materials generated in large quantities as is the case of excavated material. The research methodology is applied type and level of research is descriptive-correlational. Results were obtained as excavated material is natural materials that can dispense with the use of a service provider and Solid Waste Services Companies the Solid Waste not have enough installed capacity to meet the scheduled performance for a project to be viable.

No description available.

The study was undertaken to investigate the following: limiting factors faced by the developers in complying with the EIA conditions and to determine whether the various developers comply with the conditions. The study was undertaken by use of questionnaires, site visits, meetings, photographs, group interviews. Trained fields assistants were also used to administer the questionnaires in order to collect data. Data from two sites were collected between 2012 and 2014 and were intentionally collected in order to provide information regarding the implementation of mitigation measures. The collected data was subjected to SAS (statistical software). Chi-square test for independence was performed in order to compare the differences (Snedecor & Cocharen, 1978) between the two sites. Based on the results of the study, it is therefore recommended that competent authorities should consider drafting and supplying follow-up guidelines and these guidelines should also apply to all the relevant role players involved. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)