The ecological footprint: a tool to be used in sustainable development decisionmaking process at regional scale in Romania

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Article Title:	The ecological footprint: a tool to be used in sustainable development decisionmaking process at regional scale in Romania
Authors:	Gheorghe Pele, Aurel Ardelean, Violeta Turcuş
Affiliation:	1 ANIF Arad, Romania 2 ”Vasile Goldis” Western University Arad, Romania
Abstract:	The paper deals with the opportunity of using the ecological footprint as a tool in elaborating and correcting sustainable development plans and strategies in Romania. The authors briefly present the concept and consider it as one of the most apropriate approach of the balance society – natural ressources supply. As the experience of other countries shows up, the use of the ecological footprint at sub-national level (region, department, big urban area) could be a viable way to avoid the over-exploitation of natural resources. A list of potential advantages coming from the implementation of this tool in Romania, at region or county scale is also presented.
Keywords:	sustaibanle development, ecological footprint, county, region, Romania
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*Correspondence:	Violeta Turcus, Vasile Goldis Western University Arad, Faculty of Natural Sciences, no. 91-93 Rebreanu St., Arad, Romania, tel/fax +40-257-228622, email: biologie@uvvg.ro