Suchergebnisse

Agricultural land abandonment is a relevant occurrence in mountainous and peripheral regions all over the world. While both positive and negative environmental consequences of this abandonment are documented (depending on the specific location and scale), in rural areas it is always linked to a reduction in production and income. To address some of these problems, the several administrative layers within the European Union (EU) have put in place public policies that focus either on the immediate causes or on the consequences. Policies aimed at promoting recultivating formerly abandoned fields have usually tried simultaneously to address both the causes (e.g., to increase farm productivity/output) and the consequences (i.e., to manage fields according to specific criteria), but the potential economic outcomes of these measures are unknown. In this paper, we estimate the effect of recultivation of abandoned farmland on the economy of a case study region in NW Spain (Galicia). We propose that this effect can be used to guide decisions on the viable expenditure levels of recultivation policy. Concerning the methodology, we relied upon geographic information systems to show the area of land suitable for recultivation is relevant: i.e. recultivation policies could result in an increase of at least 16% of current farmland. Using Standard Production Coefficients per hectare we show that the total output (at constant prices) generated by the recultivation of abandoned land would amount to 413.3 million euros/year. Calculations based on input output methods suggest that the benefits of the recultivation policies would be an increase of 1% of the total regional Gross Value Added (GVA). We show that the input-output methods underestimate the benefits of cultivation policies based on total factor productivity (TFP) improvements, which fundamentally come from the reallocation of factors among the rest of the sectors of the economy. In particular, if recultivation policies increase agricultural TFP by 26% (in order to increase ...

What factors determine federal spending on environmental goods? Is severity of the hazard the only metric of consideration, or do other factors play a vital role in explaining spending? This paper seeks to answer this question and to identify disbursement patterns within the context of the Abandoned Mine Land Fund (AMLF) program, a fund created as an aspect of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. We explore whether political factors, as well as environmental and health factors, have an explanatory role in disbursement of AMLF monies. The political factors examined include environmental interest group influence and legislator preferences and/or pressures to fund sites in their home states or districts. The results found here suggest that there exists a mix of public and private interests present in AMLF disbursement decisions during the overall span of the program, and that political influences have gained strength in the decision-making calculus in response to changes in the funding structure of the AMLF.

AbstractFor centuries, coal extraction and production provided low‐cost energy that powered the American economy. Currently, an estimated 5.5 million people in the Appalachian region live within one mile of an Abandoned Mine Land (AML) site. The site remediation has been funded and promoted by the AML program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977, and public engagement has been required. However, little is known about the AML program and the public engagement requirement for site remediation decision‐making. Relying on State and Tribal Reclamation Plans and community surveys, we investigate how AML states and tribes engage the public and which barriers limit successful participation in the AML program. We found that AML states and tribes rely heavily on traditional methods of public engagement, such as public meetings, hearings, and comment periods, rather than nontraditional methods that could include more diverse stakeholders. We also found (1) lack of information on public participation opportunities and (2) unclear project selection and awards processes as key barriers limiting public engagement. Three recommendations specific to AML program are suggested.

What factors determine federal spending on environmental goods? Is severity of the hazard the only metric of consideration, or do other factors play a vital role in explaining spending? This paper seeks to answer this question and to identify disbursement patterns within the context of the Abandoned Mine Land Fund (AMLF) program, a fund created as an aspect of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. We explore whether political factors, as well as environmental and health factors, have an explanatory role in disbursement of AMLF monies. The political factors examined include environmental interest group influence and legislator preferences and/or pressures to fund sites in their home states or districts. The results found here suggest that there exists a mix of public and private interests present in AMLF disbursement decisions during the overall span of the program, and that political influences have gained strength in the decision-making calculus in response to changes in the funding structure of the AMLF.

The purpose of this study is the legal protection of land rights holders that are designated as abandoned land. The problem in this research is how is the practice of determining abandoned land by the National Land Agency? and What is the form of legal protection for holders of land rights that are designated as abandoned land? The research method used is a normative juridical research method that is supported by library data. Based on the results of the analysis, BPN has to determine abandoned land. BPN has the authority to determine abandoned land in accordance with the theory of authority in the form of delegation from the government (President) to BPN as regulated in Article 17 PP No.11 of 2010. Land designated as abandoned land by BPN does not receive protection in the form of compensation compensation because it is not regulated in Government Regulation Number 11 of 2010 concerning Control and Utilization of Abandoned Lands because the legal relationship of abandoned land owners, their rights to the land are abolished, their legal relations are terminated and confirmed to be land directly controlled by the state and then to the former Rightsholders are given back the part of the land that is really cultivated, used and utilized in accordance with the decision to grant rights. In order to obtain land rights that have been designated as abandoned land, the right holder can apply for land rights in accordance with the provisions of statutory regulations. Before deciding and determining land that is indicated as abandoned land, it must be done with the correct mechanism and procedure.

Il recupero delle terre incolte e abbandonate in Italia ha vissuto diverse stagioni a partire dal primo dopoguerra, con esiti non sempre soddisfacenti. Il presente scritto mira ad evidenziare i motivi della recente rinascita dell'interesse per la questione da parte delle Regioni, le quali sono tornate a disciplinare l'istituto dell'assegnazione delle terre incolte e abbandonate nel nuovo contesto della disciplina delle cosiddette "banche della terra". Sulla scia dell'intervento regionale, che presenta dichiarate finalità ambientali, si è mosso anche il legislatore statale, con la creazione di "banche della terra" che mirano ad offrire opportunità di accesso alla terra ai giovani, soprattutto nelle aree del sud Italia, anche per arginare il problema della senilizzazione del settore agricolo. L'articolo, oltre ad analizzare le diverse discipline, inquadrandole anche nel contesto delle politiche europee per l'uso razionale delle risorse naturali e per lo sviluppo delle aree rurali marginali, ne evidenzierà le criticità. ; In Italy the recovery of uncultivated and abandoned land was alive for several years after the first world war, but not always with satisfactory results. The present paper aims to highlight the reasons for the recent renaissance of the Regions' interest in this issue, which have lately regulated again the allocation of uncultivated and abandoned land under the new framework of a discipline termed "land banks." Following the example of the regional legislations, which have environmental goals, the State has recently created "land banks" that aim to provide opportunities for young people to gain access to land, especially in Southern Italy, eventually curbing the problem of the ageing of the farmers. The paper will examine the various disciplines, framing them in the context of EU policies for the rational use of natural resources and for the development of marginal rural areas, in order to highlight the key issues involved. ; In Italy the recovery of uncultivated and abandoned land was alive for several years after the first world war, but not always with satisfactory results. The present paper aims to highlight the reasons for the recent renaissance of the Regions' interest in this issue, which have lately regulated again the allocation of uncultivated and abandoned land under the new framework of a discipline termed "land banks." Following the example of the regional legislations, which have environmental goals, the State has recently created "land banks" that aim to provide opportunities for young people to gain access to land, especially in Southern Italy, eventually curbing the problem of the ageing of the farmers. The paper will examine the various disciplines, framing them in the context of EU policies for the rational use of natural resources and for the development of marginal rural areas, in order to highlight the key issues involved.

Agricultural land abandonment is a key driver of land use change in Europe. At the same time, urban land cover is expanding rapidly, often resulting in increasingly limited public access to green spaces. Within this context, this exploratory study sought to explore the feasibility of siting community allotment gardens on abandoned agricultural land within the small island state of Malta. Such an initiative could serve a dual purpose, i.e., limiting degradation of abandoned land on the one hand, and providing increased opportunities for community interaction with nature, on the other. Feasibility was explored in three steps, focusing on place, people, and policy, respectively. First, land within the peri-urban regions of three municipalities was identified and evaluated for suitability on the basis of specific criteria adapted for the local context. Second, interviews were employed to explore the views of members of the public and of other relevant stakeholders, and to identify potential coali- tions of support. Finally, existing legal and policy frameworks for land-use planning were evaluated to determine the extent to which they are able to accommodate such land repurposing. Results showed that suitable land is available within all three municipalities considered. Furthermore, there is clear public support for the estab- lishment of such allotments, as well as moderate interest by respondents in participating actively through rental of plots. However, institutional barriers in the policy sphere would need to be addressed. Key recommendations include the creation of a dedicated allotments policy, empowerment of local government authorities, and es- tablishment of collaborative partnerships between governmental and non-governmental actors. Successful im- plementation of such a project would also require better streamlining of land ownership data and an ability to ensure security of tenure. ; peer-reviewed

Chapter 1. Managed realignment and its context -- Chapter 2. Stakeholder ecologies and managed realignment -- Chapter 3. Inventing managed realignment -- Chapter 4. The community of reception of managed realignment -- Chapter 5. Making the new wetlands: the sites of managed realignment -- Chapter 6. The place of managed realignment -- Conclusion.

AbstractThis paper investigates the decision‐making process of an owner of abandoned farmland that is currently restricted to agricultural use but will be available for nonagricultural use in the future. I make a real option valuation of the abandoned farmland taking prospective land conversion into consideration. Results from the model calibration demonstrate that a slight probability of land conversion greatly increases the land value and discourages the owner from cultivating the land. Further, the results show that a small gap in the anticipation of land conversion prevents the owner from selling or leasing the land to a more efficient farmer.

In Italy the recovery of uncultivated and abandoned land was alive for several years after the first world war, but not always with satisfactory results. The present paper aims to highlight the reasons for the recent renaissance of the Regions' interest in this issue, which have lately regulated again the allocation of uncultivated and abandoned land under the new framework of a discipline termed "land banks." Following the example of the regional legislations, which have environmental goals, the State has recently created "land banks" that aim to provide opportunities for young people to gain access to land, especially in Southern Italy, eventually curbing the problem of the ageing of the farmers. The paper will examine the various disciplines, framing them in the context of EU policies for the rational use of natural resources and for the development of marginal rural areas, in order to highlight the key issues involved. ; Il recupero delle terre incolte e abbandonate in Italia ha vissuto diverse stagioni a partire dal primo dopoguerra, con esiti non sempre soddisfacenti. Il presente scritto mira ad evidenziare i motivi della recente rinascita dell'interesse per la questione da parte delle Regioni, le quali sono tornate a disciplinare l'istituto dell'assegnazione delle terre incolte e abbandonate nel nuovo contesto della disciplina delle cosiddette "banche della terra". Sulla scia dell'intervento regionale, che presenta dichiarate finalità ambientali, si è mosso anche il legislatore statale, con la creazione di "banche della terra" che mirano ad offrire opportunità di accesso alla terra ai giovani, soprattutto nelle aree del sud Italia, anche per arginare il problema della senilizzazione del settore agricolo. L'articolo, oltre ad nalizzare le diverse discipline, inquadrandole anche nel contesto delle politiche europee per l'uso razionale delle risorse naturali e per lo sviluppo delle aree rurali marginali, ne evidenzierà le criticità.

Testimony issued by the Government Accountability Office with an abstract that begins "The General Mining Act of 1872 helped open the West by allowing individuals to obtain exclusive rights to mine billions of dollars worth of gold, silver, and other hardrock (locatable) minerals from federal lands without having to pay a federal royalty. However, western states charge royalties so that they share in the proceeds from the hardrock minerals extracted from their lands. For years, some mining operators abandoned land used in their mining operations, creating environmental and physical safety hazards. To curb further growth in the number of abandoned hardrock mines on federal lands, in 1981, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began requiring mining operators to reclaim BLM land disturbed by these operations."