/library/oar/handle/123456789/69432 2025-12-24T20:32:10Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/70853 Title: Methodological issues for estimating the total value of the rehabilitation of mining fields : the case of S. Domingo’s mine Authors: Mendes, Isabel; Dias Sardinha, Idalina; Milheiras, Sérgio Abstract: The rehabilitation of abandoned mining fields is perceived by locals as of great value for nurturing the sustainable development of socio-economically depressed regions, as it is characteristic of regions home to abandoned mines. One way of contributing towards the success of such rehabilitation projects is to evaluate their total economic value. In this paper we discuss the use of a contingent valuation methodology as the most appropriate to estimate the total economic value that the rehabilitation of the abandoned S. Domingos Mine will generate. We seek to provide a preliminary discussion of some key aspects essential to design a convincing stated preference methodological framework, enabling us to further estimate a valid and reliable money measure for the total benefits of the rehabilitation process. Such money measure should be an additional incentive towards the commitment of local authorities and stakeholders towards the project and the overall acceptance and recognition of its environmental and social value by society (besides the more obvious market economic value). Furthermore, the elicitation of the nonmarket benefits of the rehabilitation can be used subsequently for a Cost-Benefit Analysis, enabling public authorities to take truly sustainable local development decisions promoting development in accordance with the Triple-Bottom-Line framework. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/70852 Title: Cointegration and structural breaks in the PIIGS economies Authors: Ferreira, Nuno; Menezes, Rui; Bentes, Sónia Abstract: Due to the economic recession which started in 2008, several members of the European Union became historically known as PIIGS. These state include Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain and combined together, they form the acronym PIIGS. The reason why these countries were grouped together is the substantial instability of their economies, which was a evident problem in 2009. The reason why the five countries gained popularity is a serious concern within the EU, with regard to their national debts, especially for Greece. The latter country was involved in a controversial affair after allegedly falsifying its public financial data. In the year 2010, it was evident that the five states were in need of corrective action in order to regain their former financial stability. Because of the dirty farm animal associated with the acronym, several country leaders from the financially troubled countries have voiced out disagreement with the use of the term. However, there are quite a number of reporters and columnists who still refer to it when talking about the widespread economic crisis within the European Union. Although some prominent politicians have criticized the practice, the use of the word is very hard to shake off 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/70851 Title: Energy policy and forest sustainability : a reflection on the new Brazilian forest code Authors: Dominguez, Maria; Coelho, Manuel Abstract: The world energy market has been suffering some modifications with the emergence of new energy resources as bio-fuels. In this context, Brazil has been proving to have the ability to produce enough ethanol derived from sugarcane through its huge territory and fertile soil, what enables the country to control a big share of the energy supply and to take the major role from other important energy producers. But, a considerable change in the use of the soil is required, being the major one the expansion of lands that leads to deforestation in Amazonia. All over the last two years, important changes were discussed and made in the Brazilian forest regulation. Our study consists on the explanation of what we think are the true and fundamental reasons for reviewing the Brazilian Forest Code; how sustainable are these changes and who will benefit from. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/70850 Title: The Portuguese banking system and capital agreements (2005-2011) Authors: Filipe, Margarida; Martins de Sousa, Rita Abstract: Basel III is set to come into force on 1 January 2014. This capital agreement will include the three pillars enshrined in Basel II and is designed to strengthen regulation and the microprudential supervision of each bank, while also adding the macroprudential dimension (system-wide risks). The purpose of this article is to analyse to what extent banking institutions of Portuguese origin, operating within the national banking sector, have implemented and observed the measures imposed by the Capital Agreements prior to Basel III. Our main results made it possible to identify three different groups of banks as far as the disclosure of information and the application of the risk measurement methods of Basel I and Basel II are concerned. An international comparison also allowed us to conclude that there has been a convergence of Portuguese and Spanish banking institutions in relation to some economic and financial indicators. However, as far as supervision is concerned, Portugal is to be numbered among the countries with more positive results, while Spain displays some weaknesses. 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z