Methodology
- Biocapacity (BC) and Footprint (EF), measured in global hectares, are calculated according to the methodology of the ©Global Footprint Network;
- The calculation of EcoBalance (ES) for each region (r) is obtained by weighing BC and EF, with the result being a measure of global hectares (GH), ie:
rES = rBC-rEF = rGH; - Thus, positive values of ES give rise to 'creditor' regions/municipalities and negative values to 'debtors';
- Provision costs (PC) will be be established for the studied municipalities, based on the environmental economic valuation methodology to be adopted for the project. This will be an average value, per global hectare, in Euros ;
- The value in rGH of rES must then be multiplied by the PC, resulting in the Regional Value of Global Hectares (rvGH). As rGH × PC = rvGH, it reflects a monetary value per global hectare, measured in Euros (€);
- The values of rBC, rEF, rES, rGH and rvHG will be georeferenced according to the INSPIRE Directive and introduced into the database; the processing, modeling and representation of values will be made using GIS software (Geographical Information Systems) (preferably open source) and also using ©Google Earth;
- For each municipality, the models of Environmental Governance will be analyzed and evaluated, in order to understand their interconnection with the respective EcoBalance.
