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Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (26 April 2021) | Viewed by 52183

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Madeleine Granvik

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Guest Editor

Department of Earth Sciences, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development; The Baltic University, Uppsala, Sweden
Interests: climate change and food; policy and planning for climate change; food security; agricultural land; food planning; local food; local food systems; Sustainable Food systems; resilient food systems; definitions local food; interpretations local food; food self sufficiency; food crisis preparedness
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Walter Filho

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Guest Editor

Research and Transfer Centre "Sustainability and Climate Change Management". Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. Ulmenliet 20. 21033 Hamburg. Germany
Interests: environment; energy; sustainable development and climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Current policy, planning, and research on sustainable development as a whole and in pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in particular provide an arena for possible change, transformations, and innovations in society. At the same time, there are huge challenges and complexity to face when goals towards sustainable development go in parallel with other goals, trends, and tendencies in society at large, related to, e.g., lifestyles, consumption, mobility, poverty, and growth. The United 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes 17 goals with indicators to monitor progress. The academia and research community constitute a very important group of stakeholders who can strongly support the achievement of the SDGs. Whether it is at the global, regional or local level, universities can contribute in multiple ways. This is through knowledge generation, innovations, data, technical analysis, and above all through training the next generation of students in building a sustainable future.

This Special Issue on “Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context” promotes an interdisciplinary approach with an emphasis on research relevant to the Baltic Sea Region in the context of sustainable development. Papers are welcome in one or more of the following areas: climate change, renewable energy, sustainable societies, sustainable food systems, sustainable water resources, urban–rural development, sustainable mobility, circular economy, sustainable tourism, and education for sustainable development (ESD). Further, this Special Issue intends to document and promote scholarly research and projects that stress the challenges as well as show how efforts within the different fields reported above can contribute toward the implementation of sustainability in practice in the Baltic Sea Region.

We are challenging researchers from different disciplines with an interest in the Baltic Sea Region as an empirical field to present their research relevant in a sustainable development perspective. We especially welcome presentations of research having an inter-/multidisciplinary approach.

Assoc. Prof. Madeleine Granvik
Prof. Dr. Walter LEAL
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sustainability
the Baltic Sea Region
sustainable societies
policy
planning
transformations
climate change
renewable energy
food systems
water resources
urban-rural development
mobility
circular economy
sustainable tourism
education for sustainable development

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 1428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Social Environment Competitiveness in Terms of Security in the Baltic Capitals

by Renata Činčikaitė and Ieva Meidute-Kavaliauskiene

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6932; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126932 - 20 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1788

Abstract

Personal security is one of the many factors that must be assessed comprehensively when planning an urban competitiveness strategy. The aim of this article is to assess the competitive position of the social environment of cities in terms of security with regard to time and other competing cities. Having conducted a systemic and comparative analysis of the concepts published in the scientific literature, we analysed the concepts of sustainable cities and the social environment, reviewed the particularities of urban competitiveness, conducted research into the methods of assessing urban competitiveness, and presented an integrated assessment model (MDK) of social environment competitiveness in terms of security in the Baltic capitals. The following research methodology was used: systemic and comparative analysis of concepts and methods published in the scientific literature, statistical processing and multicriteria assessment methods. The results of the study can be used as a tool to determine the competitive position of a city in terms of time and other competing cities, a tool to identify factors that strengthen or weaken the sustainable competitiveness of cities, a tool to justify strategic decisions of cities, and a tool to determine the effectiveness of the strategic decisions taken. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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14 pages, 256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Authenticity” as a Pathway to Sustainable Cultural Tourism? The Cases of Gotland and Rapa Nui

by Marije Eileen Poort, Ulrika Persson-Fischier, Helene Martinsson-Wallin, Evelina Elf Donaldson and Mareike Schaub

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6302; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116302 - 02 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4124

Abstract

In this paper, two World Heritage island destinations are compared, Gotland in the Baltic and Rapa Nui in the Pacific. Both islands deal with a growing number of tourists, which asks for rethinking of tourism development. As cultural heritage plays a major role in tourism for both destinations, it is especially important to look into sustainable cultural tourism development from the perspective of authenticity. The paper is based on a variety of materials and takes an innovative approach to methods through a student–staff collaboration. The data show that social acceptance of tourism by local communities on both islands could be achieved through the creation of authentic experiences. Furthermore, data show that it is rather potent to engage both locals and tourists in modernized authentic experiences. However, this can only be done if locals are empowered and are genuinely allowed to steer the development of tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

16 pages, 1948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development Prospects of Tourist Passenger Shipping in the Polish Part of the Vistula Lagoon

by Krystian Puzdrakiewicz and Marcin Połom

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5343; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105343 - 11 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1664

Abstract

The Vistula Lagoon is a cross-border area with high natural values and a developing market of tourist services. Passenger shipping is an important part of local tourism, but ship owners are insufficiently involved in planning processes and their views on creating shipping development are underrepresented. The article aims to compare the vision of the development of passenger shipping in the Polish part of the Vistula Lagoon between local governments creating the spatial policy and ship owners offering transport services. We have made an attempt to verify the development prospects. The collation of these visions was based primarily on the qualitative analysis of the content of planning and strategic documents (desk research method) and a survey conducted among all six ship owners. Thanks to the comparative analysis, it was possible to show similarities and differences and to indicate recommendations. The paper presents review of the available literature on the subject, thanks to which the research area was identified as unique in Europe. On the one hand, it is a valuable natural area, which is an important tourist destination, on the other hand, there are organizational and infrastructural limitations in meeting the needs of tourists. Then, field research was conducted, unpublished materials were collected, and surveys were conducted with the operators of passenger ships operating in the Vistula Lagoon. The performed analyses allowed for the formulation of conclusions and recommendations. Similarities in the directions of promoting tourism in the region, improving the quality of infrastructure, eliminating obstacles in international traffic and discrepancies in the co-financing of ship owners’ activities by local governments, shaping the future transport offer or the construction of the Vistula Spit canal are identified. Economic calculation, particularly vital for the private sector (ship owners), is an important criterion for verifying the assumed goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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15 pages, 815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Environmental Attitudes in Explaining Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Renewable Energy Technologies in Lithuania

by Aistė Balžekienė and Agnė Budžytė

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4376; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084376 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2220

Abstract

The Baltic states in general and Lithuania in particular represent a controversial combination of rapidly increasing climate change impacts and moderate or low concern with the climate crisis. A value shift is essential for the societal support and acceptance of renewable energy solutions. This study investigates the role of environmental attitudes in shaping the acceptance and risk perceptions of renewable energy technologies. The article analyses how environmental attitudes are shaping public attitudes towards climate change and perceptions of renewable energy technologies in Lithuania using New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) and environmental identity questions. The study analyses data from a representative public opinion survey with 1029 respondents conducted in Lithuania. The results reveal that environmental identity is a more significant factor in shaping risk perceptions of renewable technologies than is the NEP scale. The balance of nature dimension from the NEP is more closely related to perceptions of renewables than are humans’ right to rule claims. The results show that environmental attitudes have low explanatory power in explaining perceptions of energy technologies in Lithuania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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10 pages, 629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Socially Responsible Financial Products as a Contribution of Financial Institutions to Sustainable Development

by Paweł Dec and Piotr Masiukiewicz

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3067; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063067 - 11 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2023

Abstract

The article concerns the responsibility of financial institutions, primarily banks, for sustainable development and pro-ecological activities. The aim of the presented study is to identify the scope of activities of financial institutions in the field of sustainable development. What roles could banks have in contributing to sustainable development by offering socially responsible financial products? The authors conducted both quantitative research on a random group of Polish managers and a Delphi study on a group of several dozen experts, former members of the government, and bank presidents. The main results of the research indicate a 78% support among Polish managers for the activities of enterprises in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. More than 60% of the experts surveyed said that offering socially responsible financial products by banks is a growing trend in the economy. Moreover, two-thirds of the study’s participants think that such products are to be characterized by lower fees and margins than other standard financial products. Examples of the most frequently mentioned and expected products include those related to the development of green energy and eco-innovations or waste disposal. The results of the conducted research clearly indicate the need for financial institutions or banks to offer socially responsible financial products, which should become a part of their development strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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23 pages, 8519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Green Infrastructure Inventory as a Key Prerequisite to Sustainable Cities in Ukraine under Extreme Heat Events

by Oleksandra Khalaim, Olena Zabarna, Taras Kazantsev, Ihor Panas and Oleksandr Polishchuk

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2470; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052470 - 25 Feb 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3467

Abstract

The frequency of extreme heat effects has recently increased in European cities due to climate change. The problem appears to be critical in urban areas where manmade structures significantly alter the temperature balance, thus highlighting the importance of sustainable management and proper inventory of urban green zones. Based on this, the paper provides a case study on using a combination of open-access and low-cost urban greenery inventory methods that could be used by municipal governments and private land managers to estimate the contribution of urban trees to the mitigation of urban heat impacts. The research focuses on the urban greenery inventory of courtyards in high-rise residential districts of the city of Kyiv (Ukraine), aiming to estimate the adapting potential of urban vegetation against heatwaves. Visual and thermal satellite images of Kyiv enabled us to estimate how the density of buildings and greenery is distributed and analyze the surface temperature in residential districts. A UAV thermal imaging survey was made in four selected locations with varying vegetation coverage, followed by leaf-based field instrumental analysis of photosynthetic activity in selected city tree species at hot temperatures. In addition, 16 portable temperature and humidity sensors were installed in shaded and sunlight-exposed areas of the locations in focus to assess the microclimate formation impact of trees in a high-rise residential courtyard. The Ukrainian legislation on the management of green spaces in cities was reviewed to find out whether it promotes the shaping of comfortable microclimates in residential districts; follow-up recommendations were made on how to improve the applicable provisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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15 pages, 57328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Ethics and Aesthetics in Sustainable Architecture of the Baltic Sea Region

by Aurelija Daugelaite and Indre Grazuleviciute-Vileniske

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042259 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4048

Abstract

Architecture, as a mean of art and as a factor that physically shapes the environment, undoubtedly serves as a form of expression of ethical attitudes. It combines ethical values and responsibility for solving environmental problems with aesthetic qualities of the built environment. The holistic approach is gaining ground in the paradigm of sustainability, where architectural concepts such as biophilic, biomimetic, resilient, restorative, and others reinforce the idea of coexistence between humans and nature. In the 21st century, sustainability has become a global phenomenon; therefore, contemporary architecture is expected to reflect the idea of sustainability in its expression. This study explores the relationship between ethics and aesthetics in sustainable architecture in practice. Furthermore, this study attempts to illustrate how the architectural expression of certified sustainable buildings in the Baltic Sea region reflects the trends of sustainability within an ethical paradigm. The research question of this study is as follows: what are the prevailing aesthetic trends and are environmental ethical values expressed in the sustainable architecture of the Baltic Sea region? The study of examples of sustainable architecture was carried out by analyzing the three main databases of certified sustainable buildings—Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). The study found eight predominant groups of aesthetic expressions of sustainable buildings and the absence of a distinctive architectural expression that could be considered as sustainability aesthetics. It can be hypothesized that the lack of aesthetic distinctiveness of certified sustainable buildings could be related to the absence of cultural, aesthetically oriented criteria in building sustainability rating systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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11 pages, 1965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transnational and Cross-Border Cooperation for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Baltic Sea Region

by Elena Kropinova

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2111; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042111 - 16 Feb 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3447

Abstract

This article highlights policy in the field of sustainable tourism development being implemented at various institutional levels with particular attention to Russia as one of the participants in this cooperation. The author of this paper examines the processes aimed at achieving sustainable development goals in tourism at each of these levels. The initial focus of this article is to investigate how the territorial cooperation programs operating in the Baltic Sea Region in 2014–2020 contributed to sustainable development of tourism. There were more than 1000 projects investigated within the research area and the author found that 155 of them contribute to sustainable tourism development. The programs with the highest number of projects are in Latvia–Russia, Poland–Russia and Lithuania–Russia. They are mostly targeted at ecotourism development (35) or historical and cognitive projects (28). This supports our hypothesis regarding the importance of cross-border cooperation programs in implementing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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13 pages, 3173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Tourism: A Human-Centered Approach

by Leszek Butowski

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1835; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041835 - 08 Feb 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3538

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present an alternative approach to sustainable tourism-derived from the human-centered angle. In line with this assumption, when considering the principles of sustainable tourism, the opinions of all groups of tourism actors, including host communities, tourists and tourism businesses should be taken into account equally with other factors, not merely as one of many decision makers, but as the main frame of reference. The research methodology is twofold. As regards the theoretical foundation, the model approach has been applied to conceptualize the intra-generational and inter-generational perspectives upon tourism sustainability. Consequently, the former is concerned with the problem of internal sustainability connected with the advantages achieved and disadvantages borne by tourism actors. The inter-generational perspective, on the other hand, is related to the problem of long-term tourism development under conditions of internal sustainability. In the empirical part of the research, the model was applied in a survey carried out in seven chosen areas in Poland. To this end, a set of auxiliary tools (an adopted Likert scale and a working matrix) was developed and positively tested in real-life conditions. The novelty of the study as a whole consists in the fact that it postulates taking into consideration the ‘human-centered perspective’ related to all groups of tourism actors, including who are not directly involved in tourism activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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18 pages, 2248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Resources Biodiversity: The Case of Local Cattle in Slovakia

by Radovan Kasarda, Luboš Vostrý, Hana Vostrá-Vydrová, Kristína Candráková and Nina Moravčíková

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031296 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2131

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the level of biodiversity in selected local cattle populations as important food resources in Slovakia. The biodiversity level was derived from the genome-wide data collected for dairy (Jersey), dual-purpose (Slovak Pinzgau, Slovak Spotted), and beef breeds (Charolais, Limousine). The commonly used indices, genomic inbreeding (F_ROH, F_GRM, F_HOM, F_UNI) and effective population size (N_eLD), were used to quantify the impact of relatives mating on the genome of analysed populations. Even if the low N_eLD estimates signalise significant loss of genetic variability within populations, the genomic inbreeding under 1% (except Jersey) showed that the intensity of diversity loss is not so rapid and can be managed by the re-arrangement of long-term breeding strategies. The analysis of genetic differentiation degree across populations assumed that the specialisation of breeds during their grading-up led to the specific nucleotide changes, especially in genes responsible for preferred phenotypic traits. The breed-specific differences observed mainly in the genome of Charolais (carcass traits) and Jersey (milk production traits) populations resulted from the polymorphisms in CAPN1 (μ-calpain) and CSN1S2 (casein alpha s2) genes, respectively. Obtained results confirmed that the specific haplotypes are strongly associated with the genetic nature of breed depending on production type. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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24 pages, 3033 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digitalization in Just-In-Time Approach as a Sustainable Solution for Maritime Logistics in the Baltic Sea Region

by Olena de Andres Gonzalez, Heikki Koivisto, Jari M. Mustonen and Minna M. Keinänen-Toivola

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1173; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031173 - 22 Jan 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6121

Abstract

This research provides an overview of the process and results of the development and implementation of the Port Activity Application. The aim of the application is to improve the coordination and information exchange mechanisms between the existing systems of ports and ships during piloting ordering process to ensure their effective interoperability, giving a better understanding of the impact of digitalization on the sustainability of seaports and maritime transport. To implement this concept, a system of step-by-step actions was developed, including determining the current situation, developing a business model and business logic for implementing an appropriate information and communication technology (ICT) solution, analysing the local government structure, analysing intermodal information exchange between stakeholders, developing and testing a new ICT tool. The ports of Rauma, Finland, and Gävle, Sweden, were used as pilot ports. As a result of the study, the main bottlenecks in the process of information exchange in ordering pilotage were identified. An improved business model and business logic, that allows the rational use of resources and reduces CO₂ emission and the pressure on the environment, was developed. The testbed was conducted in an environment of real port operations. Currently, the open access source code is available for use for maritime cluster actors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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17 pages, 3040 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Environmental Life Cycle and Cost Assessment of Electric, Hybrid, and Conventional Vehicles in Lithuania

by Kamilė Petrauskienė, Arvydas Galinis, Daina Kliaugaitė and Jolanta Dvarionienė

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020957 - 19 Jan 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5716

Abstract

Electric mobility is promoted as a future transport option that has environmental and economic benefits and encourages sustainable urban transportation. The aim of this study is to reveal the changes in environmental and economic performance if we switched from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to battery electric (BEV) or hybrid electric (HEV) vehicles. Therefore, this research presents a comparative environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) from the Cradle-to-Grave perspective of the vehicles and a Well-to-Wheel analysis of their fuel supply. Moreover, an LCA of a BEV was performed under diverse electricity mix scenarios, which are forecasted for 2015–2050 in Lithuania. From an economic point of view, a life cycle costing was conducted for the same vehicles to estimate the economic impacts over the vehicle life cycles under Lithuanian conditions. The results show that ICEV-petrol contributes the major environmental damage in all damage categories. BEVs with the electricity mix of 2020–2050 scenarios, which are composed mainly of renewable energy sources, provide the least environmental impact. The economic results reveal that BEV and ICEV-diesel are the most cost-efficient vehicles, with the total consumer life cycle costs of approximately 5% and 15% less than ICEV-petrol and HEV, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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14 pages, 441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Assessment of the Sewage and Sludge Contamination by Phthalate Acid Esters (PAEs) in Eastern Europe Countries

by Olga Anne and Tatjana Paulauskiene

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020529 - 08 Jan 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3138

Abstract

Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) are widely used as raw materials for industries that are well known for their environmental contamination and toxicological effects as “endocrine disruptors”. The determining of PAE contamination was based on analysis of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dipropyl phthalate (DPP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in wastewater and sediment samples collected from city sewer systems of Lithuania and Poland, and Denmark for comparison. The potential PAE sources as well as their concentrations in the wastewater were analyzed and discussed. The intention of the study was to determine the level and key sources of pollution by phthalates in some Eastern European countries and to reveal the successful managerial actions to minimize PAEs taken by Denmark. Water and sludge samples were collected in 2019–2020 and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The highest contamination with phthalates in Lithuania can be attributed to DEHP: up to 63% of total PAEs in water samples and up to 94% of total PAEs in sludge samples, which are primarily used as additive compounds to plastics but do not react with them and are gradually released into the environment. However, in water samples in Poland, the highest concentration belonged to DMP—up to 210 μg/L, while the share of DEHP reached 15 μg/L. The concentrations of priority phthalate esters in the water samples reached up to 159 μg/L (DEHP) in Lithuania and up to 1.2 μg/L (DEHP) in Denmark. The biggest DEHP concentrations obtained in the sediment samples were 95 mg/kg in Lithuania and up to 6.6 mg/kg in Denmark. The dominant compounds of PAEs in water samples of Lithuania were DEHP > DEP > DiBP > DBP > DMP. DPP and DCHP concentrations were less than 0.05 μg/L. However, the distribution of PAEs in the water samples from Poland was as follows: DMP > DEHP > DEP > DBP, and DiBP, as well as DPP and DCHP, concentrations were less than 0.05 μg/L. Further studies are recommended for adequate monitoring of phthalates in wastewater and sludge in order to reduce or/and predict phthalates’ potential risk to hydrobiots and human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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15 pages, 1312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Fare-Free Public Transport: A Lesson from Frýdek-Místek (Czechia)

by Daniel Štraub

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9111; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219111 - 02 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6754

Abstract

The fare-free public transport policy (FFPT), the characteristic feature of which is abolishing fares in public transport, influences the transport system in favour of one means of transport. By joining the academic disputes over the outcomes of the FFPT policy, the aim of this paper is to understand the effects of the FFPT on overall mobility strategies and on the dynamics of the transport system where the policy is implemented. To do so, the paper is analysing a concrete example of the FFPT practice in Frýdek-Místek (Czechia) by conducting surveys with the residents and interviews with the city planning authorities. The results show that the FFPT influences mobility strategies and dynamics in the given transport system, which imprints in an increased use of public transport. However, the FFPT does not represent a universal tool of urban and transport planning and its implementation into practice should take place in synergy with other transport (dis)incentives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Possibilities for Sustainable Development in a Baltic Sea Region Context)

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