bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forestry policy and woodfuel markets in Malawi
Authors: Dewees Peter A
Published: October 2009

Forestry and energy policies in Malawi place the blame for the country's high rate of deforestation on the demand for woodfuel. The government has been involved in a range of questionable supply‐side initiatives, as well as in a number of interventions in woodfuel markets, with the objective of slowing rates of deforestation. It seeks to encourage farmers to grow woodfuel to meet market demands, and has provided subsidies to do so. The Forest Department has kept prices for firewood from its plantations low, both in order to discourage the market for wood from free resources and because of concerns about the impact of high producer prices on the urban poor. In doing so, the government is less able to rely on the market to provide producers with the incentive to plant trees to meet market demands. In any event, the market accounts for a relatively small proportion of total woodfuel demand. Policies do not distinguish between rural household demands and the specific market demands which are having the greatest impact on deforestation: woodfuel for urban markets, for tobacco curing, and for small industries. These, coupled with the expansion of the estate sector, have had afar greater impact on woodland clearance than rural, subsistence woodfuel demands. Rural household energy demands need to be addressed from a much broader perspective which considers the household's larger needs for tree based products or outputs: income, food, fibre, fodder, soil fertility, as well as for fuel.
Environmental regulatory measures and their economic impact on the Indian leather industry
Authors: Sharma V K
Published: October 2009

The leather industry plays a significant role as a foreign exchange earning sector in India. Because of easy availability of raw materials and cheap traditional labour in the country, leather and its products produced in India are priced very affordably. Emerging environmental issues at the local and international levels may have an impact on the economic sustainability of the industry, however. These issues could substantially affect the price of leather and its products in domestic and global markets, and could also result in a reduction in India's ambitious export targets. The linkages between environment and trade are discussed in this article. An attempt has been made to assess the economic impact of major environmental issues on the Indian leather industry.
Renewable energy rural electrification
Authors: Huacuz J M , Martínez A M
Published: October 2009

During the last 20 years Mexico has been fertile ground for rural projects using renewable energy technologies. In many cases, however, sustainability aspects were either improperly handled or essentially ignored. Such was the case, for instance, with solar thermal water pumping projects, solar water desalination, and even complete ‘solar towns’. Painful but important lessons were learned from such failed projects. Now, sustainability is the focal point of a current rural electrification programme with renewable energy. As of this writing, over 24000 individual home photovoltaic lighting systems have already been installed in different regions of Mexico; another 12000 systems are estimated to have been installed in rural areas as a result of private commercial activities; seven village‐size hybrid systems (photovoltaic–wind and photovoltaic–wind–diesel) have also been implemented. With this, the Mexican renewable energy rural electrification programme stands among the largest programmes of its kind in the world today. The question of the programme's sustainability has been a major concern at the Electrical Research Institute of Mexico (IIE), where activities have been under way since the start to lend it technical support. The lessons learned in the process will be discussed in this article.
Multilayer thin film silicon solar cells
Authors: Green Martin A ,   With an introduction by Derek Lovejoy
Published: October 2009

New multilayer solar cells combine three innovations to produce a unique device structure which allows high efficiency cells to be designed on low quality material. The first innovation is the use of the multilayer structure itself, which provides the tolerance to low quality material. The second is the use of the well‐proven buried contact technology. The third innovation is a simple technique for connecting cells in series which relies on having grooves of opposite polarity either overlapping or in close proximity to each other. These three innovations combine to produce a manufacturing approach with a small number of processing steps able to produce a product with a high energy conversion efficiency using low quality starting material. The unit of production is a large module of approximately 1 m2 in area rather than the smaller 100 cm2 cells which are the present commercial norm.
Natural resource degradation in a small watershed in Nepal
Authors: Thapa Gopal B , Weber Karl E
Published: October 2009

Amid growing concern about the conservation of renewable natural resources, the process, extent and symptoms of their degradation are examined with specific reference to the Upper Pokhara Valley. Based on a household survey, field observations, informal deliberations and land use analysis, the results of this study reveal that forests and grazing land have been subject to increasing degradation caused by demographic, socioeconomic and institutional factors. The intensity of degradation varies by watershed. In particular, rainfed pakho land on steep slopes is under the severe threat of accelerating soil erosion, despite the construction of terraces. This calls for the formulation of a comprehensive natural resource conservation strategy which should be based on a framework comprising an integrated population control programme, planned land use changes and institutional reforms.
Energy pricing and groundwater use
Authors: Mohanty Sanjay , Ebrahim Alnoor
Published: October 2009

The current policy of many state governments in India to supply cheap and subsidized power to farmers for irrigation pumping is being increasingly questioned by many environmentalists and agriculturalists. States where power tariffs for irrigation are subsidized and cheap have seen a fall in their groundwater tables which could threaten the long‐term sustainability of irrigated agriculture in these areas. This paper presents the results of a survey, undertaken to understand the effect of energy pricing on groundwater tables. The paper argues that current energy pricing policies are at cross purposes to groundwater conservation. Equity effects of energy pricing for irrigation pumping is also discussed.
Comments on: ‘Financing water supply and sanitation under Agenda 21’ by John Briscoe and Harvey A Garn, February 1995 and on the comments by Gourisankar Ghosh and Ashok Nigam, May 1995
Authors: Lee Terence R
Published: October 2009

The argument in John Briscoe and Harvey Garn's paper, ‘Financing water supply and sanitation under Agenda 21’, is that the price tags approach adopted in Agenda 21 towards water supply and sanitation, as towards everything else, is mistaken. In general, they would seem to be right; exhortations of the Agenda 21 type have historically proved to be of little, if any, value.
Water and sustainability
Authors: Raskin Paul D , Hansen Evan , Margolis Robert M
Published: October 2009

This inquiry summarizes global water resources and patterns of use, applies indicators of water sustainability in order to identify areas of water stress, and examines prospects for water sustainability in the list century. A long‐range conventional development scenario is introduced based on a vision of the future in which the values, consumption patterns and dynamics of the Western industrial society will be progressively played out on a global scale. The scenario is driven by commonly cited projections of population and economic growth, assumes no major changes in water policy and, following historic trends, incorporates progressive improvements in the efficiency of water use. The scenario helps clarify the constraints of a conventional picture of water development, and provides a useful point of departure for examining alternative long‐range scenarios and their implications for water and development policy. In the conventional development scenario, there is growing pressure on water resources, particularly in developing regions. Strategies for beginning a transition to a sustainable water development path are summarized.
The Palestinian water crisis
Authors: Isaac Jad , Selby Jan
Published: October 2009

The Middle East is renowned as a water‐scarce region. The severity of the problem in Palestine is not a result of climatic misfortune, however, but of regional water allocation and distribution of these resources, especially between Palestinians and Israelis. Palestinian water supplies are currently insufficient to satisfy demand, and are increasingly degraded. Projected increases in regional population and demand are high, making it urgent to come to grips with the water shortage. Any attempt at resolution should consider three related areas within a single integrated water management formula. First, attempts must be made to resolve allocation disputes, governed by principles of international water law; second, conservation and appropriate utilization of water must be emphasized; and third, supplies must be enhanced, either through water import or other means. Only if the water shortage is analysed in an integrated manner will it be possible to ensure full resolution of the Palestinian‐Israeli hydropolitical dispute.
Observations on enviironmental sustainability, environmental politics and environmental diplomacy
Authors: Balek Jaroslav
Published: October 2009

Some time ago I was invited to an international meeting concerned with water management issues in a particular region, the boundaries of which had been clearly defined by its climatic gradients. Combined with another event, that meeting was attended not only by the participants from the region but also by delegates representing states located far from its climatic and ecological boundaries. Instead of playing the role of silent listeners, delegates from distant regions took the floor, presenting their official national statements and expressing their interest and right, to participate in the programme. Such statements were made before any technical and ecological aspects had been explained or the outlines of the proposed programme made clear.
Are there limits to growth? The need for a transition to a solar‐based economy
Authors: Lovejoy Derek
Published: October 2009

The idea of limits to growth has, understandably, achieved notoriety since the days of Malthus and, more recently, the Club of Rome. However, there must be some limits to the ability of the earth to sustain a growing population. Fortunately, population models suggest that the world's population will probably level out at about two to three times the present numbers over the next hundred years. The question is whether the earth's resources are sufficient to sustain that population at a high standard of living for all. In this the key issue is energy. It is clear that present trends in energy consumption, especially oil, cannot be sustained much longer. Regardless of this, however, prudence demands a drastic reduction in fossil fuel consumption, in view of the possibility of global warming. It can be shown that, combined with greatly improved energy efficiency, a transition to a solar (renewable) energy based economy, capable of sustaining the anticipated growth in the world economy, is possible, but the constraints are extremely tight.
Gender aspects in the management of water
Authors: van Wijk Christine , de Lange Esther , Saunders David
Published: October 2009

Water resources increasingly need to meet the demands and needs of different sectors and to be protected against deteriorating quantity and quality. This paper discusses the different interests of men and women in the use of water resources, and what effects the neglect of female interests in particular, has on development. The authors stress that besides class and ethnic differences, the different interests of men and women also play a role in the cross‐sectoral management of water resources. Water pricing, property rights and management structures are three key aspects where a gender approach is required. In the management of water resources in smaller catchment areas, several instruments for a gender approach have been developed. Discussed are gender specific participatory research, planning and tools, gender in management organizations and task divisions and involvement of multidisciplinary teams with a gender orientation.
Water resources and development of women in arid regions in northern China
Authors: Wei‐wen Zhou
Published: October 2009

This paper describes the difficult situation faced by women living in arid areas of China, based on research carried out by the author. She describes the causes and effects of poverty in the targeted areas, and postulates what roles women could play to alleviate poverty and improve the environment in arid areas. In addressing policies which could lead to sustainable development, she discusses improved education in a number of areas; public policies aimed at improving women's conditions; ways to involve women in environmental protection; encouraging migration to reduce environmental degradation; and improving child‐bearing conditions.
Integrating gender and environment in NGO training
Authors: Saad Samia Galal
Published: October 2009

The global concern for the survival of the planet earth draws particular attention to the Third World countries and the impact of degrading forces on sustainable development. A different response to the growing ecological crisis has recently come to the fore. This response comes from women engaged in the struggle for survival. Women in the Third World, because of their situation on the fringes of society and their role producing sustenance, are often able to offer ecological insights that are deeper and richer than the recipes of technocrats and international experts or ideas resulting from enquiries addressed only to the men in communities. In the following the author seeks to demonstrate how women often bear the brunt of suffering resulting from environmental degradation, wars and poverty that plague the Near East region. However, training of women, especially poor women, in environmental management, and the active participation of local women in community and regional decision making holds a clear promise of eventually controlling the vicious circle of poverty and environmental degradation. An intermediate step is the coordination of NGO activities in a common front for environmental protection and income generation for the poor. Further training of the NGO's own staff in the design and implementation of such projects is also required.
Women and energy resources management
Authors: Marks Ilse
Published: October 2009

Women need access to energy resources in order to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, clean water, health care and employment and to improve their family's living conditions. Due to population growth and economic development the demand for the main energy sources in low‐income rural areas, biomass, is far greater than the supply, and women have no choice but to overexploit the increasingly scarce resources just to survive. Improvements in energy efficiency and an increased use of renewable energy sources could help women to balance their immediate livelihood needs and the long‐term ecological needs. However, women generally lack access to these improved energy technologies. This article explores the causes of women's limited access to improved energy technologies and why energy polices and programmes often fail to address women's specific needs and concerns. Strategies of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) are outlined as examples of approaches aiming at improving women's access to information and sustainable technologies and promoting women's full participation in environmental decision and policy making.
Gender analysis and international financial institutions
Authors: Griffin Eric
Published: October 2009

The following article is an attempt to reconcile the opinions of various activist‐oriented non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) on the use of gender analysis as a policy tool in the field of international development and macroeconomic policy. Of special concern to the author is the evolving relationship between international financial institutions (IFIs) and grassroots environmental NGOs seeking reform in macroeconomic policy initiation, implementation and evaluation. The ideas presented below are those of the author alone, and are solely intended to facilitate dialogue between the aforementioned parties as an alternative to the characteristic set of untenable demands and concomitant uncompromising resistance. Thus stated, the reader is challenged to remove his/her professional hat to accept or reject the validity of the propositions with an equal proportion of reason and intuition.
Implementing gender policy in the water and sanitation sector
Authors: Davis Susan Schaefer
Published: October 2009

Using a case study approach, this article examines how the gender aspects of policy are implemented. It presents examples of gender policy implemented by different types of organizations, with particular emphasis on the water and sanitation sector. Implementing agencies include a UN agency, developing country governments, bilateral donors, and local and international NGOs. Observations from project implementation in the water and sanitation sector reveal the degree of effectiveness of the gender policies applied. Cases were chosen to provide interesting examples, rather than illustrate lessons that can be generalized. Much more research is needed before that can be done. The article also addresses project implementation strategy considerations, including how policies and implementation address women's needs, whether gender issues are treated separately or mainstreamed, and what factors are linked to successful implementation. Problems of coordination between different project implementation aspects/agents are endemic in the water and sanitation sector. Thus physical installation work is typically completed by engineers, while NGOs mostly deal with social aspects of projects, and the two groups often do not communicate effectively.
Joint mineral ventures in the former Soviet Union: prospects, problems and realities
Authors: Dorian James P , Kort Peter S
Published: October 2009

This paper traces the gradual opening up to foreign investment of the rich mineral endowment of the vast territory of the former Soviet Union, containing the world's largest mineral industry. It analyzes the current status of mineral joint ventures in some of the new Republics, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and the Ukraine, including new legislation and other measures taken by individual states to facilitate foreign investment, as well as prospects, risks and uncertainties associated with investment in FSU mining activities that may be encountered by foreign companies. A successful gold joint venture in Tajikistan is described and evaluated to provide an understanding of the many aspects of an operational FSU project.
Deregulation of petroleum product prices: the case of India
Authors: Bhattacharyya Subhes C
Published: October 2009

Deregulation of petroleum product prices has been considered for quite some time in India. Such a policy is compatible with the idea of a liberalized economy and reduced government intervention. However, little progress has been made so far, due to various issues that loom over the deregulation process. This paper analyses issues related to deregulation of petroleum product prices, clarifies certain conceptions or misconceptions, and studies the options available for a deregulated price environment. It is argued that the equity and environmental effects of kerosene use need to be borne in mind, and a simple cross‐subsidy system to this effect is proposed. For all other products, a deregulated system with some safeguards may be feasible. The success of any such attempt, however, needs some institutional rearrangements.
Economic liberalisation, innovation, and technology transfer: opportunities for cleaner production in the minerals industry
Authors: Warhurst Alyson , Bridge Gavin
Published: October 2009

The liberalisation of investment regimes for mining over the past decade is encouraging an inflow of foreign investment for mining and mineral processing projects in developing and former centrally‐planned economies. This new investment is occurring at a time of technological change within the international mining industry as market and regulatory pressures lead the most dynamic firms to invest in the development or acquisition of new technologies and management practices. The effective transfer and assimilation of these technologies enable mining companies to combine gains in productivity with improvements in environmental management. Joint ventures and other strategic alliances between inwardly investing firms and the newly privatised or remnant state‐owned mining enterprises may provide an effective vehicle for the transfer of the techniques for more productive and cleaner operations. Specific examples of innovative process and remediation technologies are analysed and it is suggested that the ability of innovative technologies to improve competitiveness and sustain best‐practice environmental management in the recipient is linked to the transfer and effective acquisition of the capacity to manage the complex processes of technological and organisational change. The paper closes with some recommendations for further research directed towards a systematic examination of this hypothesis.
The role of electricity in sustainable development
Authors: Spradley Julian Roy , Fang William L.
Published: October 2009

Current projections estimating world population growth read in conjunction with corresponding projections of increased world energy consumption, point to electricity as the cleaner fuel of the future, especially because of its high efficiency and low levels of pollution. Due mostly to the fact that the electrical end‐use devices are considerably more efficient than those using other forms of energy, most developed countries show decreasing curves of energy intensity as technologies become more sophisticated and shift over to increased reliance on electricity. It is therefore argued in this article that a gradual shift away from fossil fuels to electricity is a promising possibility to bring down global air pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases to acceptable levels. Examples are given of greater efficiency achieved by electrification. Overall gains in energy efficiency from the change over from fossil fuels to electricity, are possible even in situations where the electricity is generated by fossil fuel combustion, despite the loss of primary energy in the conversion process. The article also presents electricity generating projects designed for developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The generation of electricity from the combustion of renewable sources (biomass waste), fossil fuels, and other innovative methods are outlined.
Regional priorities for wetlands conservation in West Asia and North Africa
Authors: Faizi S. , Al‐Wetaid Yousuf
Published: October 2009

Though characterized by a scarcity of water, West Asia and North Africa region has a large number of wetlands of various types supporting a rich biodiversity. However, the government efforts to reverse the trend of wetlands degradation fall short of the policy goals due to various reasons. The paper outlines the priorities for wetlands conservation in the region.
Management of transboundary water resources for water security; principles, approaches and State practice
Authors: Appelgren Bo , Klohn Wulf
Published: October 2009

Increasing water scarcity and stress are leading many nations to securing supplies for present and future water uses. National objectives are more and more pointed towards water security and the close links with food security and other macro‐economic and sectoral aspects. Water security is seen as an important aspect of national and regional security and international positions on water often have a political dimension that reflects broader national objectives. Available options for sharing transboundary resources are established on the basis of general legal principles such as equitable utilization and absence of appreciable harmful transboundary effects downstream and others such as established historical utilization. These principles and doctrines must be fully understood by the advisers serving on the negotiating teams of international water treaties and agreements. From these perspectives, the paper recognizes the importance of the structural and strategic uncertainty in international relations. Co‐ordination or harmonization of national policy, as an integrated part of, and administrated under existing frameworks for, regional co‐operation are proposed as realistic, efficient and practicable approaches, alternative to more intensive co‐operation and complicated planning and coordinating mechanisms. The article also highlights the need for training of legal specialists in countries which contemplate negotiating or re‐negotiating water treaties or agreements.
Joint institutional arrangements for addressing transboundary water resources issues—lessons for the GEF
Authors: Duda Alfred M. , La Roche David
Published: October 2009

The lofty goals of the 1992 Earth Summit regarding sustainable development will not be achieved without major improvements in the management of transboundary water resources. This paper describes the serious nature of water‐related conflicts and environmental damage associated with degradation of marine ecosystems, coastal zones, and shared surface/groundwater systems. Traditional approaches such as international conventions, watercourse agreements with basin organizations, and arbitration have generally fallen short of their objectives. This article suggests that a middle ground centered on multicountry institutional arrangements for joint fact finding, evaluation, and problem resolution may be a more productive approach over the short term to achieve sustainable development. The experience of the International Joint Commission (Canada and U.S.) is described as a way of providing a neutral ground for building trust among nations, for ‘leveling the playing field’ among small and large countries, and for providing mechanisms for countries to work jointly toward sustainable development of their shared resources without relinquishing their sovereignty. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is playing a catalytic role in assisting countries to address transboundary water resources issues. The paper describes GEF's Operational Strategy and discusses the implications of joint institutional arrangements for the international waters focal area. Given that the environmental security of many nations rests on improved transboundary cooperation, the GEF provides a pragmatic opportunity for countries to cooperatively address these pressing problems.
Towards viable drinking water services
Authors: Hukka Jarmo J. , Katko Tapio S.
Published: October 2009

This paper presents a framework for viable drinking water services and institutional development of the water sector, especially in developing countries. The key dimensions of viable water services: operative technology, appropriate organizations and adequate cost recovery are dealt with. The role of consumers and the need for institutional reforms are discussed. Some tentative implications of the lessons learnt are discussed regarding the role of external support agencies, based on the authors' experience in developing countries and transition economies. It is suggested here that a polycentric form of governance should be introduced in the water sector, and the ultimate goal for the sector's development should be the reliance on financially self‐sufficient and consumer‐responsive water entrepreneurs.
The draft articles on the law of international watercourses adopted by the International Law Commission: an overview and some remarks on selected issues
Authors: Arcari Maurizio
Published: October 2009

In 1994, after more than twenty years of work, the International Law Commission of the United Nations adopted a set of thirty‐three draft articles on the Law of the Non‐Navigational Uses of International Watercourses. In the same year, the draft articles were submitted to the General Assembly with a view to the adoption of an international convention. The present paper analyzes and comments upon some of the major issues dealt with in the draft articles, devoting special attention to the substantive legal principles governing the utilization of international rivers and the protection of related ecosystems. Various questions still remain open for consideration by the Working Group convened by the General Assembly in 1996–1997 for the elaboration of a definitive convention. In spite of this, the draft articles adopted by the International Law Commission stand as an important achievement in the effort at codification of the law of international water resources. The present article was written within the framework of the research project “Technical aspects of the international law of the sea” which is being carried out at the Faculty of Law, University of Milan, Italy.
Reflections on the meaning of sustainable development in the water sector
Authors: Dubourg W. Richard
Published: October 2009

Economic interpretations of sustainable development have concentrated on the need to maintain the aggregate capital stock intact, so as to ensure a constant stream of welfare through time. A sectoral approach to sustainability, in terms of this model, will be justified if substitution possibilities between that sector and the rest of the economy are limited. This assumption is examined in relation to the water sector, and it is found that further assumptions about substitution possibilities need to be made within the sector itself. Suggestions are offered as to how such substitutions might be made to advantage, which is contrasted to recent water management practices in England and Wales. It is argued that assumptions about substitution possibilities are in general overly restrictive, with the result that sustainability objectives fall short of optimum levels that could be achieved.
The completion of the preparatory work for the UN Convention on the Law of International Watercourses
Authors: Tanzi Attila
Published: October 2009

This article deals with the debate of the UN General Assembly on the establishment of a framework convention on the Law of the Non‐Navigational Uses of International Watercourses. The debate took place in two sessions, held in October 1996 and March/April 1997, with the final voting and adoption of the Convention on 21 May 1997.

The present article concentrates on the second part of the negotiations and the finalization of the text. Salient aspects are analyzed, such as the normative function of the Convention, the two important principles of “equitable utilization” and the “no‐harm rule”, as well as peaceful settlement of disputes. The preparatory work concerning these provisions is examined, and some general consideration is given to the results achieved.

The present article is a sequel to the account by the same author, published in NRF 21:2, which deals with the first part of the debate and outlines the main legal and political issues at stake. The original text of the ILC articles is also included in the Special Issue on Transboundary Waters.

Although the author was a member of the Italian Delegation to the Working Group, the opinions expressed in the present article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Italian Government. The author apologizes for any inaccuracies in the presentation of the views of other delegations in this article.
Energy taxation and the environment: a developing country perspective
Authors: Bhattacharyya Subhes C.
Published: October 2009

Economists prefer to monitor environmental protection and sustainable development through the use of economic instruments rather than with ‘command and control’ mechanisms. Energy taxes and subsidies have emerged as a standard prescription for internalising externalities. Yet existing energy tax policies, both in developed and developing countries, show considerable contradictions in terms of environmental considerations. The question needs to be asked why this is so. Moreover, the suitability of fiscal measures for internalising negative externalities in developing countries needs to be questioned.

The objective of this article is to reveal the inherent contradictions and ambiguities in the application of taxes or subsidies to satisfy multiple objectives. It is argued that economic theory does not provide any ready‐made solution to the problem and often socio‐political considerations determine the outcome. Similarly, certain characteristics of developing countries, such as the existence of an important informal sector and the extensive use of traditional energies, violate certain basic assumptions of the underlying theory and require special attention in the application of pricing mechanism for internalising externalities.
Scope of fossil energy resources in Mexico and the Andean Group
Authors: de la Vega Francisco Figueroa , Bösl Bernhard
Published: October 2009

The article focuses on fossil energy resources in the Andean Group and Mexico, and argues for a dynamic approach to calculating reserves to production ratios. Individual countries are surveyed in terms of estimated reserves of fossil energy resources, current production rates and future prospects; energy policy options for individual countries are analysed. As a primary objective of energy policy is to ensure security of supply, it is important that calculations of reserves to production ratios accurately estimate the desired level of investment in exploration. The calculations need to take into account a variety of parameters, including different energy sources, availability and risk; geographic considerations including proximity, transport, storage capacity and commercial aspects; the competitive and environmental implications of developing indigenous resources; and the use of instruments to establish contingency plans for emergencies.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of OLADE, ECLAC or GTZ. The authors apologize for any inaccuracies or omissions in the article.
The dilemma of the mining royalty: contractual or realty interest
Authors: Harries Karl J. C.
Published: October 2009

At common law, the legal nature of a mining royalty between private parties will decide the respective rights of payor and recipient. In some circumstances, it will also determine whether the interest of the recipient will prevail or may be lost and ignored. Industry practices, even those of long standing, that are contrary to the law will not change the law or its effect to meet such concerns. This paper looks at the development of the mining royalty between private parties in Canada and the effect of the realization by recipients that contractual royalties, as opposed to royalties that are interests in the lands or product to which they relate, can be lost in certain circumstances. Suggestions are made for some features that may assist in transforming an otherwise contractual royalty into a real property interest. Some of the concerns for both payor and recipient with respect to the implementation of such suggestions are also discussed.

The article has two appendices attached. Appendix A is an extract from an article by the author discussing the concept of payment of a royalty in kind which is relevant to such suggestions. Appendix B contains some of the more lengthy explanatory notes referred to in the text of the article.
Natural gas pricing policies in Southeast Asia
Authors: Pacudan Romeo B.
Published: October 2009

The very dynamic economies of Southeast Asia have recently been experiencing a rapid increase in energy demand. Parallel to this development, there has been an increase in the utilization of indigenous natural gas resources. This article reviews gas‐pricing policies in the region, which partly explain the rise in gas utilization. Although diverse, energy pricing policies in Southeast Asia address the common objective of enhancing domestic gas production and utilization.

The article concludes that a more rational gas‐pricing policy framework is emerging in the region. In global terms, gas pricing in the region tends to converge in a market‐related framework, despite the many different pricing objectives of individual countries, and the predominance of non‐economic pricing objectives in certain countries (especially gas‐rich nations). Specifically, governments have been flexible enough to follow global trends and initiate changes in contractual agreements (pricing and profit‐sharing), giving oil companies more favourable terms, and encouraging continued private investment in gas development. At the same time, promotional pricing has also been used to increase utilization of gas, through set prices and adjusted taxes achieving a lower price level compared to substitute fuels.

For an efficient gas‐pricing mechanism, refinements in the pricing framework should be undertaken, as demand for gas approaches existing and/or forecast production capacities.
An assessment of the economic benefits of biodiversity in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Faizi S.
Published: October 2009

The author outlines the biodiversity resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, their economic benefits and many and multifaceted uses. The need to preserve this valuable economic and cultural asset through sustainable use is emphasized.
Public‐private partnerships: spreading the three Rs
Authors: McCoy‐Thompson Steve
Published: October 2009

The privatization of government services is a complex, long‐term endeavor with significant contractual, financial, operational and political considerations. This article addresses the very different perspectives of government and business toward privatization and identifies areas for negotiation based on examples in the water, solid waste, housing, energy and telecommunications sectors. The article also addresses the fundamentals of privatization—risks, responsibilities and rewards—and the ways in which business and government assess and allocate (or spread) these elements. The article then stresses that each entity must move beyond these basic assessments to better appreciate the legitimate perspectives of their counterparts at the negotiating table. Only then may a critical blending of goals and expectations begin to emerge and form the foundation for a successful privatization programme.
Water privatization and regulation in England and France: a tale of two models
Authors: Neto Frederico
Published: October 2009

Several United Nations Member States have recently decided to privatize their water supply and sewerage services in order to improve economic efficiency and to tap private investments for infrastructural improvements. Since the English and French models of water privatization have produced some of the most interesting innovations in this area, this article examines these two models with a view to determining their usefulness for other countries. The main aim of the paper is, however, not to analyze water privatization per se, but the regulation of an industry with strong natural monopoly tendencies. The article concludes that water privatization should be accompanied by effective regulatory mechanisms to deal with monopoly power.
Availability and access of financial support for renewables: issues and an illustrative innovation
Authors: DeLucia Russell J.
Published: October 2009

This paper examines issues related to increasing the market penetration of renewable forms of energy in developing countries. It particularly focuses on availability and access of financial support for investments relating to renewable energy and a case study is presented illustrating innovative financing. While the main focus of the discussion is on renewable energy (RE) attention is also devoted to energy efficiency (EE) projects and investment. An underlying premise is that, if RE projects are to reach their market potential, they must be fiscally sustainable and the appropriate promotion of such fiscally sustainable RE projects yields multiple environmental and developmental synergies. Commercial viability is not primarily a question of technology. There is a broad range of RE products with proven performance and commercial operation in selected market situations. The challenge of extending this market penetration is to establish the institutional, organizational and financial conditions under which a commercial market for these products can develop, particularly in developing countries. This article reflects current emphasis on increased private participation in the energy sector, as well as policy reform at the national level.
New strategy in urban water management in Mexico: the case of Mexico's Federal District
Authors: Hazin Lilian Saade
Published: October 2009

This paper focuses on the strategy of Mexico's Federal District to achieve better water management. It highlights some of the main aspects of the current institutional framework. The article starts by providing a general overview of the current state of the water sector in Mexico. An analysis of the new strategies for the provision of water services in Mexico's Federal District is presented as a case study. It exemplifies the type of private sector participation that has recently been adopted in the water sector in Mexico. The article analyzes the functions of agencies involved in water distribution in the Federal District, and discusses the performance of private firms as well as some of the main difficulties encountered. Lessons have been learned from this application. It can be concluded that long‐term commitment on the part of both public and private entities is one of the key factors in achieving a more efficient urban water management. The article reflects plans implemented and approved as of January 1998.
Sustainable public/private partnerships for public service delivery
Authors: Bennett Anthony
Published: October 2009

This article defines three kinds of public/private partnership, lists their potential benefits and explains common issues and problems in their operation with examples from developing countries. It then defines and discusses the concepts of social sustainability and financial sustainability in relation to public/private partnerships, and emphasizes the importance of applying sustainability criteria to each partner. It is argued that essentially the same criteria apply to non‐profit NGOs as to for‐profit firms, despite their differences in goals and values. The article concludes with some suggested strategies for effective international technical co‐operation in the establishment of public/private partnerships.
Cogeneration potential in Indian sugar mills: a case study
Authors: Saha Anindita Roy
Published: October 2009

The Indian sugar industry has massive potential for the cogeneration of electrical power. The sugar manufacturing process generates bagasse as a byproduct from cane‐crushing. This bagasse can be used as a fuel for the boilers employed in steam raising for the process use and cogeneration. In this study, the potential for power cogeneration in a typical plant under the existing boiler‐turbine configuration has been estimated. An alternative configuration requiring capital investment in machinery has also been studied. The cost of cogenerating power, including the cost of fuel, operations and capital services wherever necessary, has been calculated for both these cases, using a linear optimisation method. The exercise allows for the use of multiple fuels, namely bagasse and coal, for cogeneration throughout the year including the cane‐crushing season and the off‐season. The per unit supply price of cogenerated power thus computed has been compared with the utility's own cost with a view to selling the surplus cogenerated power to the grid.
Water as an economic good
Authors: McNeill Desmond
Published: October 2009

There has been much debate in recent years about whether or not water should be regarded as an ‘economic good’, and, if so, what this implies. This paper discusses both water resources in general and the more specific issue of domestic water supply within the context of current debates on sustainable development. It addresses some practical and some more philosophical aspects of the matter, and how these relate to the concerns of different international organisations involved in the sector. It argues that water should be regarded as an economic good, but in a broad rather than a narrow, ‘economistic’ sense.
Experiences in the water resources development and management for sustainable use in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mtetwa Sibekile
Published: October 2009

Fresh water has become a very topical, emotive and sensitive issue in Zimbabwe following the recent continued droughts in conjunction with lack of finance to expand water resources development. Heated debates have arisen over the availability, allocation, distribution, disbursement and conservation of this precious resource. A great deal of inefficiency has also resulted from Government Ministries or Departments playing all the roles, from policymaking to supply operations. Government authorities often make the mistake of controlling day‐to‐day management of water and sewage services. In fact, greater accountability results when Government authorities focus on policymaking, establishing regulatory regimes that provide incentives for achieving goals and sanctions for serious failures, while giving sufficient autonomy to entities responsible for investment and operations to control outcomes. It is becoming more and more evident throughout the world that provision of water, as opposed to the planning and allocation of the water resource, should be handled by commercial undertakers. Indeed, Zimbabwe and its neighbours are currently involved with changing the status of their water departments to corporate entities; Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia have already commercialised or are currently in the process of commercialising their freshwater supply services.
Environmental impact assessment and management in the mining industry
Authors: Sinding Knud
Published: October 2009

The mineral industries have always had significant environmental problems. Dealing with them is in many cases technically possible, but the cost is often prohibitive in an industry with uniform products and much trade. As a possible solution, it is suggested to make mineral products less uniform and more distinguishable in terms of the environmental impacts involved in producing a specific shipment or volume of mineral; this could be combined with means to identify each shipment. Such action would require identification techniques and, more particularly, clear and unequivocal evidence regarding environmental impacts at all stages of production.
Strengthening Agricultural Research in Africa
Authors: Atkinson Kim W. , Kwabena‐Osei Collins , Gulley James L.
Published: October 2009

Training programmes that involve agricultural researchers with farmers and extension field‐workers have helped national agricultural research systems in sub‐Saharan Africa to improve their communication with farmers. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has worked with national crop research institutes and agricultural extension agencies in building communication links with farmers. In a continent where population growth still outstrips food production increases, feedback from farmers on performance of high‐yielding crop varieties and on new farming techniques is essential in boosting food production.