Decoupling the Economic Development from Resource Consumption: Implications and Challenges in Assessing the Evolution of Forest Area in Romania

Abstract

The paper proposes an insight into the relation existing between economic development and resource consumption and the associated implications and challenges for forested areas in Romania. In accordance with this purpose, the methods used are both qualitative and quantitative by using a relevant literature review, including international and national reports. In the 1950s and 1960s, Simon Kuznets introduced to modern economic theory the idea that there are certain market forces directly correlated with economic development. After almost two decades of a market economy in Romania, we are witnessing a relative decoupling process between economic development and social inequality. Moreover, the country strives to make the transition to a circular economy by involving all relevant stakeholders and by attracting the necessary financial support. Sustainable development offers the perspective of reaching an equilibrium between economic, social, and environmental aspects. Finding the right tools to assess multiple impacts has always been challenging as regards decoupling the economic development from natural resource consumption. Although there are multiple interpretations of the outcomes of a decoupling process, this paper aims at assessing the evolution of forested areas through econometric research using the Environmental curve of Simon Kuznets. As our main results, we have observed a decoupling process in the GDP growth that will not lead to a decrease in wooded areas in our country, mainly due to rural–urban migration, shifts in consumption patterns (from firewood toward natural gases, etc.) and improvement in the legislative framework in the case of forestry products. Among the weaknesses of the model used are the limited data availability and the reduced number of observations with annual frequency (data were taken only for 22 years), the use of a square pattern instead of a cubic one (it is possible for the results to differ and consequently another form of this curve, either N or N-inverted) or the use of data with a low accuracy related to the total forest areas in Romania. Among the conclusions of the papers, the decoupling process is not a single action process. Our research focused on forest area and the need to connect it with other policy actions related to mainstreaming sustainability, promoting a circular economy or bioeconomy, or developing innovative public policies and instruments.

Assessing Forest Conservation for Finland: An ARDL-Based Evaluation

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Post-Pandemic Resilience: Revitalizing Romania's Agri-Food Value Chains

“…Furthermore, the discourse by Burlacu et al (2018) on e-commerce and global food resources implies that the proposed Information System for the Romanian Agricultural and Food Products Market (SIPPAA) information platform could integrate e-commerce into the short local and proximity value chains for micro-businesses. Lastly, the discussion by Rădulescu et al (2022b) on the implications and challenges in assessing Romania's forest area evolution suggests that the research could underscore the role of sustainable agri-food technologies in decoupling economic development from resource consumption. In summary, the specialized literature highlights multiple challenges related to food security, renewable sources, rural migration, and sustainable development.…”

Enhancing Resilience and Sustainability: Transforming the Agri-Food Sector in Romania's Mountainous Regions

“…Their research underscores the urgency of developing sustainable strategies within the mountain agro-food sector, emphasizing the imperative of ensuring economic and food security on a global scale. Rădulescu et al (2022) direct our attention to the vital concept of decoupling economic development from resource consumption. This notion aligns seamlessly with our exploration of sustainable growth in mountainous regions, where innovative approaches must strike a delicate balance between fostering economic progress and minimizing resource depletion.…”