Evaluating the fulfillment of the principles of collective action in practice: A case study from Galicia (NW Spain)
Alló, M., & Loureiro, M. L. (2016). "Evaluating the fulfillment of the principles of collective action in practice: a case study from Galicia (NW Spain)". Forest policy and economics, 73, 1-9.
Abstract
We analyze the type of communal forest owners' management practices through a survey in Northern Spain. In particular, we test whether the Principles of Collective Action (PCA) postulated by Ostrom (1990) are being followed in a sample of communal forests. Second, we study whether such principles derive in better forest management practices and conservation outcomes. Our results show that PCA are not perfectly fulfilled in our sample, showing a clear room for improvement. However, we have also found that in areas where their application is more predominant, forest owners have better management practices. Specifically, we have found a negative relationship between the fulfillment of PCA and the number of forest fires in our sample, while considering other socio-economic and control variables.
Farmers' Preferences and Social Capital Regarding Agri-environmental Schemes to Protect Birds
Alló, M, Loureiro, M, Iglesias, E. (2015) “Farmers' Preferences and Social Capital Regarding Agri-environmental Schemes to Protect Birds” Journal of Agricultural Economics, DOI:10.1111/1477-9552.12104.
Abstract
The steady decline of birds living in cereal steppe lands is a worrying situation that the European Common Agricultural Policy is attempting to remedy through the application of agri-environmental schemes (AES). We assess farmers' preferences towards these AES, which call for a number of environmental practices to protect birds. Using a face-to-face survey in farming communities in Aragón (Spain), and through the estimation of an Ordered Logit model (OL), we assess the ranking of AES attributes, and obtain their economic valuation according to the farmers' preferences. We find that social factors are also important in determining farmers' decisions. In particular, the importance of social trust and expectation of compliance by other neighbours, encourage farmers to sign up to AES. These and other results may be used to design more effective AES and help to solve this important biodiversity problem.
Deception in Experiments: Towards Guidelines on Use in Applied Economics Research
Rousu, Matthew, Greg Colson, Carola Grebitus, Jay Corrigan and Maria Loureiro. (2015) “Deception in Experiments: Towards Guidelines on Use in Applied Economics Research” Applied Economic Perspectives & Policy. DOI: 10.1093/aepp/ppv002.
Abstract
Many applied economics journals ban the use of deception in experiments, which contrasts with the policies in other academic disciplines. We examine the cases for and against deception, and describe the ways deception can be employed in applied economics experiments. We create a general ranking of harms from deception in experiments and present evidence from a survey (conducted in summer 2014) of agricultural and applied economists eliciting attitudes towards ten different deceptive practices. Survey respondents view inflicting physical or psychological harm on participants and not making promised payments as the most severe forms of deception. Less severe forms of deception include providing participants with incomplete product information and conducting an experiment using participants who are not aware they are part of an experiment. Finally, we provide recommendations for policies addressing deception in experiments.
Which Deceptive Practices, If Any, Should Be Allowed in Experimental Economics Research? Results from Surveys of Applied Experimental Economists and Students
Colson, G., Corrigan, J. R., Grebitus, C., Loureiro, M. L., & Rousu, M. C. (2015). "Which deceptive practices, if any, should be allowed in experimental economics research? Results from surveys of applied experimental economists and students". American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 98(2), 610-621.
Abstract
Deceptive experimental practices are banned in some professions but are standard in others. Recently, the journals of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association introduced guidelines that allow researchers to publish articles that use some forms of deception. However, in their present form, these guidelines leave room for interpretation. This situation is not ideal for researchers, and a clearer definition of which deceptive practices should be banned could be beneficial. Our aim is to help provide greater clarity and potential guidance for journal policies regarding deception by using the results of surveys of both researcher and student subjects. Evaluating ten potentially deceptive experimental techniques, we find consistent support for banning certain practices while allowing others.
The Cost of Mediterranean Sea Warming and Acidification: A Choice Experiment Among Scuba Divers at Medes Islands, Spain
Rodrigues, L.C., van den Bergh, J.C.J.M., Loureiro, M.L., Nunes, P.A.L.D. (2015) “The Cost of Mediterranean Sea Warming and Acidification: A Choice Experiment Among Scuba Divers at Medes Islands, Spain” Environmental and Resource Economics, DOI 10.1007/s10640-015-9935-8.
Abstract
A choice experiment is undertaken to elicit preferences of scuba divers in the Marine Protected Area of Medes Islands (Spain). This is the first non-market valuation study of a typical Mediterranean habitat, the Coralligenous, which is characterized by high biodiversity, geomorphologic complexity and iconic species like gorgonians. This habitat is not only very attractive for scuba diving, but is also threatened by climate change and ocean acidification, which is our motivation for undertaking this valuation study. Choice attributes include the number of divers on a diving trip, underwater landscape, presence of jellyfish species, expected state of gorgonians, and price of a dive. Results of multinomial and random parameter logit models indicate a decrease in the attractiveness of Coralligenous areas for scuba diving as a result of both environmental pressures. Estimates of welfare values show that the local extinction of gorgonians had the highest negative effect on utility equivalent to a cost of €60 per dive, followed by abundance of stinging jellyfish with a cost of €26 per dive. Choice probabilities for the selection of different dive experiences indicate the highest rejection rates for the combined sea warming and acidification scenarios.
Analyzing Beach Recreationists' Preferences for the Reduction of Jellyfish Blooms: Economic Results from a Stated-Choice Experiment in Catalonia, Spain
Nunes, P.A.L.D., Loureiro, M.L., Piñol, L., Sastre, S., Voltaire, L., Canepa, A. (2015) “Analyzing Beach Recreationists' Preferences for the Reduction of Jellyfish Blooms: Economic Results from a Stated-Choice Experiment in Catalonia, Spain” PLOS ONE, DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0126681.
Abstract
Jellyfish outbreaks and their consequences appear to be on the increase around the world, and are becoming particularly relevant in the Mediterranean. No previous studies have quantified tourism losses caused by jellyfish outbreaks. We used a stated-choice questionnaire and a Random Utility Model to estimate the amount of time respondents would be willing to add to their journey, in terms of reported extra travel time, in order to reduce the risk of encountering jellyfish blooms in the Catalan coast. The estimation results indicated that the respondents were willing to spend on average an additional 23.8% of their travel time to enjoy beach recreation in areas with a lower risk of jellyfish blooms. Using as a reference the opportunity cost of time, we found that the subsample of individuals who made a trade-off between the disutility generated by travelling longer in order to lower the risk of jellyfish blooms, and the utility gained from reducing this risk, are willing to pay on average €3.20 per beach visit. This estimate, combined with the respondents’ mean income, yielded annual economic gains associated with reduction of jellyfish blooms on the Catalan coast around €422.57 million, or about 11.95% of the tourism expenditures in 2012. From a policy-making perspective, this study confirms the importance of the economic impacts of jellyfish blooms and the need for mitigation strategies. In particular, providing daily information using social media applications or other technical devices may reduce these social costs. The current lack of knowledge about jellyfish suggests that providing this information to beach recreationists may be a substantially effective policy instrument for minimising the impact of jellyfish blooms.
Modelling Spatial Patterns and Temporal Trends of Wildfires in Galicia (NW Spain)
Barreal, J., Loureiro, M.L. (2015) “Modelling Spatial Patterns and Temporal Trends of Wildfires in Galicia (NW Spain)” Forest Systems, 24(2), e-022.
Abstract
Aim of study: The goal of this paper is to analyse the importance of the main contributing factors to the occurrence of wildfires.
Area of study: We employ data from the region of Galicia during 2001-2010; although the similarities shared between this area and other rural areas may allow extrapolation of the present results.
Material and Methods: The spatial dependence is analysed by using the Moran’s I and LISA statistics. We also conduct an econometric analysis modelling both, the number of fires and the relative size of afflicted woodland area as dependent variables, which depend on the climatic, land cover variables, and socio-economic characteristics of the affected areas. Fixed effects and random effect models are estimated in order to control for the heterogeneity between the Forest Districts in Galicia.
Main results: Moran’s I and LISA statistics show that there is spatial dependence in the occurrence of Galician wildfires. Econometrics models show that climatology, socioeconomic variables, and temporal trends are also important to study both, the number of wildfires and the burned-forest ratio.
Research highlights: We conclude that in addition to direct forest actions, other agricultural or social public plans, can help to reduce wildfires in rural areas or wildland-urban areas. Based on these conclusions, a number of guidelines are provided that may foster the development of better forest management policies in order to reduce the occurrence of wildfires.
The Role of Social Norms on Preferences towards Climate Change Policies: A Meta-Analysis
Alló, M., Loureiro, M.L. (2014) “The Role of Social Norms on Preferences towards Climate Change Policies: A Meta-Analysis” Energy Policy, DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2014.04.042.
Abstract
The present study provides a review of existing assessments of preferences for climate change mitigation and adaptation policies through a worldwide meta-analysis. In this study, we analyze the impact of social values and norms on preferences towards climate change adaptation and mitigation policies. In a sample of 58 international studies, we found that mitigation actions were preferred over adaptation actions, and that preferences towards climate change policies are affected by attitudes towards time and social norms. In particular, societies with a long-term orientation display greater support towards climate change policies. These results therefore reveal the role of social factors as being crucial in order to understand the acceptability of climate change policies at a worldwide level.
On Insurance as a Tool for Securing Forest Restoration After Wildfires
Barreal, J., Loureiro, M.L. (2014) “On Insurance as a Tool for Securing Forest Restoration After Wildfires” Forest Economics and Policy, 42:15–23.
Abstract
Quick recovery of the affected areas after a wildfire is important in order to restore the production of the various ecosystem services. We develop a theoretical valuation model that contains a forest insurance policy, in order to protect the landowner against total or partial losses caused by wildfires. Restoration costs of affected areas are explicitly covered. Such model is used to simulate the changes in rotation and profitability of Pinus pinaster Aiton. in Galicia (NW Spain). We find that in the areas where the risk of wildfires is higher, forest owners may profit the most from subscribing such insurance. Overall, we conclude that insurance is an effective policy to increase the net present value (NPV) of forest investments, particularly when restoration costs are covered.
La supresión de la sociedad pública de alquiler de viviendas. Balance de su actividad y soluciones alternativas
Trigo, B. (2014) "La supresión de la sociedad pública de alquiler de viviendas. Balance de su actividad y soluciones alternativas"
La protección del arrendador como instrumento para dinamizar el mercado del alquiler de viviendas. Perspectiva desde la reforma, R. Colina Garea (dtor).
Thomson Reuters Aranzadi, 835-888 ISBN 978-84-9059-291-5.
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