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Key words: e government, innovation, innovation diffusion and adoption theory, E. Government diffusion, e. Government adoption, studies, comparative aspect. The object of this work – e. Government diffusion and adoption. The aim of this work - to analyze and evaluate e. Government diffusion and adoption. To support this aim four tasks were set: 1) to provide e. Government conception, implementation and rewiew of e. Government tools and show the importance of e. Government; 2) to present the innovation diffusion and adoption theory; 3) to deliver the diffusion and adoption of e. Government theoretical review, 4) identify the factors influencing e. Government diffusion and adoption; 5) an overview e. Government dissemination of the extent of cross-border dimension and analyze e. Government diffusion and adoption in Lithuania making aspect. The analysis of e. Government diffusion of Lithuania as compared with other countries on this subject dealt with aspects related to the theoretical and empirical context. It follows that E. Government diffusion and adoption studies are a relatively new topic and little studied phenomenon. As evidenced by the existence of e Governance development assessments carried out in Lithuania and abroad, the analysis, the majority of currently proposed e. Government decisions are analyzed only from the quantitative side, dispensed with the need for comprehensive quality of the population of e. services research. E. Government - is an excellent tool to improve communication between government and citizens, public and private sector, and make these relations simpler, more interactive and meet citizens' needs. The main findings of the work is that e. Government diffusion and adoption problems are global, that is to say, all the states face similar social, financial, personal, communication, cultural and other barriers. E. Government servises in diffusion process in Lithuania and other countries is influenced by the convenience, savings in time, money and the ability to communicate and work directly (on – line) mode. Such an exercise is a clearer way, does not require bureaucratic procedures and transparent. E. Government suppressors - e. Government rough public services system, lack of opportunities, lack of demand, a large distance between the public and the government. The study showed that the e. Government diffusion of government services are not the conditions are right and still suffer from the problem of digital divide, especially in rural areas and between mature and low-income people in Lithuania. It appears that in e. Government acceptance, very importance of preparation, so it is important to draw attention to the barriers that may interfere with this process, which requires a special e. Government incentive policies. Therefore, it is necessary to take the lead in promoting the e. Government services, the involvement of neighborhoods, local governments, the media and most citizens, preparing them training with the full awareness and promoting understanding of the various campaigns and events. It is important to convince the public that the e. Government can simplify the work is easy and rewarding cause.

Key words: e government, innovation, innovation diffusion and adoption theory, E. Government diffusion, e. Government adoption, studies, comparative aspect. The object of this work – e. Government diffusion and adoption. The aim of this work - to analyze and evaluate e. Government diffusion and adoption. To support this aim four tasks were set: 1) to provide e. Government conception, implementation and rewiew of e. Government tools and show the importance of e. Government; 2) to present the innovation diffusion and adoption theory; 3) to deliver the diffusion and adoption of e. Government theoretical review, 4) identify the factors influencing e. Government diffusion and adoption; 5) an overview e. Government dissemination of the extent of cross-border dimension and analyze e. Government diffusion and adoption in Lithuania making aspect. The analysis of e. Government diffusion of Lithuania as compared with other countries on this subject dealt with aspects related to the theoretical and empirical context. It follows that E. Government diffusion and adoption studies are a relatively new topic and little studied phenomenon. As evidenced by the existence of e Governance development assessments carried out in Lithuania and abroad, the analysis, the majority of currently proposed e. Government decisions are analyzed only from the quantitative side, dispensed with the need for comprehensive quality of the population of e. services research. E. Government - is an excellent tool to improve communication between government and citizens, public and private sector, and make these relations simpler, more interactive and meet citizens' needs. The main findings of the work is that e. Government diffusion and adoption problems are global, that is to say, all the states face similar social, financial, personal, communication, cultural and other barriers. E. Government servises in diffusion process in Lithuania and other countries is influenced by the convenience, savings in time, money and the ability to communicate and work directly (on – line) mode. Such an exercise is a clearer way, does not require bureaucratic procedures and transparent. E. Government suppressors - e. Government rough public services system, lack of opportunities, lack of demand, a large distance between the public and the government. The study showed that the e. Government diffusion of government services are not the conditions are right and still suffer from the problem of digital divide, especially in rural areas and between mature and low-income people in Lithuania. It appears that in e. Government acceptance, very importance of preparation, so it is important to draw attention to the barriers that may interfere with this process, which requires a special e. Government incentive policies. Therefore, it is necessary to take the lead in promoting the e. Government services, the involvement of neighborhoods, local governments, the media and most citizens, preparing them training with the full awareness and promoting understanding of the various campaigns and events. It is important to convince the public that the e. Government can simplify the work is easy and rewarding cause.

2003 EU accession referenda results in the 8 East Central European countries (Slovenia, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia, Poland, Czech Republic, Estonia, & Latvia) have been analyzed examining regional dimension of their results. Two criteria, active euro-optimism (percentage of YES voters out of all the electorate in particular region), & active euro-skepticism (percentage of NO voters out of all the electorate in the region), have been used. Comparison with two other variables, economic (GDP per capita in the region) & ethnic (percentage of ethnic group other than title one, if remarkable) has been made; Pearson correlations have been calculated. Though there is common agreement on suppositional influence of regional factors (possibly, North-South, East-West, urban-rural, richer-poorer regional cleavages, exceptional case of the capital city, influence of densely inhabited ethnic groups etc.) in previous euro-integration referenda, there were no consistent analyses on it. Examining of 8 East Central European countries has showed both varieties from country to country as well as a number of general trends. In Slovenia, region of its capital city, Ljubljana, is more euro-optimistic compared with eastern Pomurska region (Maribor & Ptuj). Though regional economic irregularities not enough significant, as well as the number of examples too small for generalization, one can suppose West-East cleavage connected with the economic factor here. In Hungary, though voters' turnout was exceptionally low, both factor of higher euro-optimism in the capital city, Budapest, was evident, as well as strong relation between economic factor & voting behavior. However, Hungary has its own specifics: higher economic development of the region increases both active euro-optimism & active euro-skepticism, too. This, in turn, cannot exclude that factor of "passive euro-skepticism" is important here. In Lithuania, strong relations between size of ethnic minorities in the region & both active euro-optimism (negative) & active euro-skepticism (positive) were evident. More complications were, to evaluate influence of the economic factor: present statistics of GDP per capita in apskritys are far not enough to support supposition that voting results in particular Lithuania's territories are related with their economic development, too. In Slovakia, quite strong influence can be found of the size of Hungarian ethnic minority, but the opposite compared to Lithuania: increasing number of ethnic Hungarians do increase active euro-optimism & decrease active euro-skepticism. This is in good accordance with widely known believe of Hungarian ethnic group that EU membership will improve their status. Surprisingly, in Slovakia it was impossibly to evaluate the influence of another ethnic factor: though this country is widely known by the problems connected with Roma ethnic group, official statistics does not even show remarkable percentage of Roma in any region at all. Influence of economic factor, though number of examples is very small, is also present in Slovakia: the higher is GDP per capita, the higher is active euro-optimism, & at the same time the lower active euro-skepticism. In Poland, clear pattern of lower active euro-optimism was shown for its eastern regions, Podlaskie, Lubelskie, & Podkarpackie; they are economically poorest, at the same time, & characterized by specific political culture (bigger number of orthodox, smaller agricultural incomes, dependence on small trans-border trade, etc.). In the Czech Republic, regional economic pattern is also present: increase in regional GDP per capita also increases the active euro-optimism. Capital city, Prague, has exceptional position: it is most economically developed, & most euro-optimistic, too. For Estonia, complicated picture of inter-related influence of both ethnic & economic factors is typical. On one hand, there are no clear correlations between economic & voting variables. On the other, eastern Ida-Virumaa region, densely populated by ethnic Russians & the least economically developed, is described at the same time as mostly active euro-optimistic, & less euro-skeptical. The most reliable explanation would be, economic underdevelopment & ethnicity, complicated by stronger trans-border relations of individuals living near Russian border, may reinforce uncertainty in euro-integration perspective. For Latvia, the ethnic factor is very much evident: Pearson correlation between regional percentage of Russian population & active euro-skepticism is 0.906; reversely, it is connected with active euro-optimism. Eastern regions of Daugavpils & Rezekne affected also by economic underdevelopment were the most euro-skeptical among all 8 East European countries & became only regions where bigger part of inhabitants were actively opposed EU integration than supported. Thus, a number of cleavages can be generalized for majority of the acceding countries examined. "Center-periphery" cleavage is more or less evident for all countries except of Lithuania & Latvia: better socio-economic development seems to be overcomplicated by ethnic factors in two the latter. In Slovenia, Poland, and, especially, the Baltic States, the East-West cleavage is important. This can be explained by specifics of eastern regions: economic underdevelopment, personal & business ties beyond border, especially among Russian ethnic group in the East of the Baltic States, can lead to rational individual arguments against integration into European Union. With reversed relation, ethnic factor is typical for Hungarian ethnic group in Slovakia: support for euro-integration is predominant within it. The universal factor influencing electoral behavior in referenda is economic one, especially remarkable for Visegrad countries & Slovenia. Adapted from the source document.

The object of this master thesis is the rise of indigenous peoples in Latin America, particularly in the Andean region. The main question is which factors determine the rise of indigenous peoples and their becoming important social and political protagonists in this region. The goal of this thesis thus is to analyze the factors, which have determined both the rise of indigenous movements in Ecuador and Bolivia and the weakness of comparable movements in Peru. The dominant theoretical model in the analysis of indigenous movements in Latin America is the model of political opportunity structure. According to this model the rise of a social movement is determined by two types of variables, namely structural and organizational ones. The favorable international context and changes in the political regime (structural variables) determine a more open political space where social movements can appear. For this purpose the existence of an organizational network and practice are necessary. According to this model, the (re)democratization at the end of the 20th century created a more open political system and shifted it to a neoliberal economical model, which worsened the economical situation and lead to the dissatisfaction of the region's marginal groups. The previous existence of networks of the church, the political left and other organizations in the rural zones helped to form the strong movements of indigenous people to express the discontent with the unfinished neoliberal reforms. Though this model answers the question when indigenous movements appear, it cannot answer the question why they arise. The model lacks both the historical perspective and the state variable. The argument of this master thesis is that the state's formation process, which does not include the Indian communities and its cultural practices, increases the likelihood of the appearance of indigenous movements. In this work the state's formation process is understood as the complex variable of the state's geographical, institutional and cultural–ideological penetration. On the way of finding the solution to the main problem additional questions arise: what type of relation exists between the state and indigenous and what place do these communities take within the national community? In answering these questions the historical comparative analysis of Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru is conducted. The main findings of the analysis show that until the middle of the 20th century the weak geographical and institutional penetration of the Andean states not only created state clientelism but also favorable conditions for maintaining cultural traditions and communal practices of indigenous communities. Even though this feature is important in the analysis of the rise of indigenous movements it is not sufficient for explaining why we can see the politicization of ethnical identity in Ecuador and Bolivia while there is silence in Peru. The analysis of the position of indigenous people in the national community shows that the decisive variable is the cultural dimension and the relation between Indian and national mestizo cultures. In Ecuador and Bolivia the contraposition between white people and Indian ones is maintained, while in the case of Peru the national political elite used the symbols of Indian culture which have become a part of the national symbols. Thus the distance between indigenous communities and the state is smaller in Peru. Here the indigenous communities feel like a part of the nation. The variable of the state formation process is understood as a complex variable of geographical, institutional and cultural penetration. It has a bigger explanatory power in answering to the question why the indigenous people rise in some countries while in others they do not. It emphasizes not on the variable of the more open political system, but on the importance of the state variable and the historical perspective of Latin American development.

The object of this master thesis is the rise of indigenous peoples in Latin America, particularly in the Andean region. The main question is which factors determine the rise of indigenous peoples and their becoming important social and political protagonists in this region. The goal of this thesis thus is to analyze the factors, which have determined both the rise of indigenous movements in Ecuador and Bolivia and the weakness of comparable movements in Peru. The dominant theoretical model in the analysis of indigenous movements in Latin America is the model of political opportunity structure. According to this model the rise of a social movement is determined by two types of variables, namely structural and organizational ones. The favorable international context and changes in the political regime (structural variables) determine a more open political space where social movements can appear. For this purpose the existence of an organizational network and practice are necessary. According to this model, the (re)democratization at the end of the 20th century created a more open political system and shifted it to a neoliberal economical model, which worsened the economical situation and lead to the dissatisfaction of the region's marginal groups. The previous existence of networks of the church, the political left and other organizations in the rural zones helped to form the strong movements of indigenous people to express the discontent with the unfinished neoliberal reforms. Though this model answers the question when indigenous movements appear, it cannot answer the question why they arise. The model lacks both the historical perspective and the state variable. The argument of this master thesis is that the state's formation process, which does not include the Indian communities and its cultural practices, increases the likelihood of the appearance of indigenous movements. In this work the state's formation process is understood as the complex variable of the state's geographical, institutional and cultural–ideological penetration. On the way of finding the solution to the main problem additional questions arise: what type of relation exists between the state and indigenous and what place do these communities take within the national community? In answering these questions the historical comparative analysis of Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru is conducted. The main findings of the analysis show that until the middle of the 20th century the weak geographical and institutional penetration of the Andean states not only created state clientelism but also favorable conditions for maintaining cultural traditions and communal practices of indigenous communities. Even though this feature is important in the analysis of the rise of indigenous movements it is not sufficient for explaining why we can see the politicization of ethnical identity in Ecuador and Bolivia while there is silence in Peru. The analysis of the position of indigenous people in the national community shows that the decisive variable is the cultural dimension and the relation between Indian and national mestizo cultures. In Ecuador and Bolivia the contraposition between white people and Indian ones is maintained, while in the case of Peru the national political elite used the symbols of Indian culture which have become a part of the national symbols. Thus the distance between indigenous communities and the state is smaller in Peru. Here the indigenous communities feel like a part of the nation. The variable of the state formation process is understood as a complex variable of geographical, institutional and cultural penetration. It has a bigger explanatory power in answering to the question why the indigenous people rise in some countries while in others they do not. It emphasizes not on the variable of the more open political system, but on the importance of the state variable and the historical perspective of Latin American development.

According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is becoming increasingly popular around the world and Portugal is one of those popular countries, where 3.7 million of tourists visited in 2016 and it is 3.9% more than in 2015. There is no doubt that tourism has significant economic benefits and usually it is the main economic driver of regions. Algarve region is precisely the place, where abandonment of tourism would make the majority of population unemployed and the region would suffer from an economic downturn, and therefore maintaining and developing tourism is vitally important. Despite economic benefits of tourism, researchers have found that large tourist flows strongly affect ecosystems, destroy natural landscape, cause habitat fragmentation and also have a negative social and cultural impact. The question of the conservation of natural resources, human well-being and the long-term economic viability of communities is of increasing concern. Conservation of natural resources, human well-being and the long-term economic viability of communities are the questions which are of great concern. Unfortunately, tourism growth has not been sufficiently organized, accurately planned and predicted long-term future forecasts. In addition, climate change has a major impact on the coast, and also on tourism and one of the most aggressive consequences is sea level rising, resulting in reduction of sandy beach carrying capacity and intensified coastal erosion. More and more legislation is being issued globally and at European level with countries committing to develop sustainable coastal management aimed at preserving ecosystems and reducing climate change. However, researches have found that there are many barriers to meeting those targets. Portugal is one of those countries where integrated coastal management is not fully implemented due to certain obstacles. In face of negative effects of tourism and the threats of climate change, it is necessary to assess the present quality of the beaches and to identify priorities for sustainable beach management. Objective – to assess the quality of coastal zones and tourism and to identify priorities and measures to improve sustainable tourism management. Object – four different types of beaches in Algarve region, Portugal: urban beach "Praia dos Pescadores", resort "Praia de Santa Eulalia", rural "Praia dos Olhos d'Agua" beach and remote "Praia de Falesia" beach. The methodology for assessing beach quality and management priorities has been compiled and comprised of three methods: initial SWOT analysis, which evaluates the internal strengths, weaknesses and external opportunities, threats. Following BARE (Bath Area Registration and Evalaution) analysis, which evaluates five parameters of each beach (safety, water quality, litter, landscape and facilities). For obtaining quantitive data, 50 questionnaires at each beach are conducted in order to get objective opinion of beach users. A detailed analysis of the scientific literature was carried out, which assessed: the current coastal situation on coasts of Algarve region; an overview of the implementation of sustainable coastal development strategies in Portugal, as well as an overview of the legal acts applicable to coastal protection and the implementation of sustainable development strategies; researches and the most commonly used methodologies for assessing beach quality. SWOT analysis was performed, where overcrowding, increasingly coastal urbanization, ecosystem and dunes degradation, coastal erosion and reduced beach carrying capacity due to sea level rising emerged as main future threats. After followed the evaluation of the beach quality by using Bathing Area Registration and Evaluation framework (BARE), where "Praia dos Pescadores", "Praia de Santa Eulalia" and "Praia dos Olhos d'Agua" obtained three-star ratings and Praia de Falesia site obtained four-star rating. The quantitative research data obtained through administration of 50 questionnaires per beach and respondents expressed the need for public toilets, showers, trails and broadwalks, garbage facilities, renewable energy, clean sand and vegetation health. The average age of respondents was 47,7 years and the majority (85%) were international tourists. After conducting SWOT, BARE and beach user questionnaires, one of conclusions was done that solar panel system need to be installed on beach objects. It was calculated that solar panel system on restaurant in urban beach (with government support (50%)) would cost 11 361 Eur and would pay off within 5 years, while calculations for the restaurant in resort showed that price of solar panel system would be 13 773 Eur and would pay off within 6 years. The paper presents recommendations for beach managers and municipalities: pay more attention to raising public education and awareness, combine beach nourishment with maritime structures, control urbanization on the coast by releasing a minimum distance law, set up wooden stairs and paths for tourists to walk, use solar energy in ships / restaurants, restrict light use during the night, integrate biofilic design into the interior and exterior of buildings, enter beach entry fees and fees for toilets and showers usage, use advertisements for waste prevention, recruite officers of dog control, plant shrubs and trees on beaches / slopes, increase cooperation with stakeholders.

According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is becoming increasingly popular around the world and Portugal is one of those popular countries, where 3.7 million of tourists visited in 2016 and it is 3.9% more than in 2015. There is no doubt that tourism has significant economic benefits and usually it is the main economic driver of regions. Algarve region is precisely the place, where abandonment of tourism would make the majority of population unemployed and the region would suffer from an economic downturn, and therefore maintaining and developing tourism is vitally important. Despite economic benefits of tourism, researchers have found that large tourist flows strongly affect ecosystems, destroy natural landscape, cause habitat fragmentation and also have a negative social and cultural impact. The question of the conservation of natural resources, human well-being and the long-term economic viability of communities is of increasing concern. Conservation of natural resources, human well-being and the long-term economic viability of communities are the questions which are of great concern. Unfortunately, tourism growth has not been sufficiently organized, accurately planned and predicted long-term future forecasts. In addition, climate change has a major impact on the coast, and also on tourism and one of the most aggressive consequences is sea level rising, resulting in reduction of sandy beach carrying capacity and intensified coastal erosion. More and more legislation is being issued globally and at European level with countries committing to develop sustainable coastal management aimed at preserving ecosystems and reducing climate change. However, researches have found that there are many barriers to meeting those targets. Portugal is one of those countries where integrated coastal management is not fully implemented due to certain obstacles. In face of negative effects of tourism and the threats of climate change, it is necessary to assess the present quality of the beaches and to identify priorities for sustainable beach management. Objective – to assess the quality of coastal zones and tourism and to identify priorities and measures to improve sustainable tourism management. Object – four different types of beaches in Algarve region, Portugal: urban beach "Praia dos Pescadores", resort "Praia de Santa Eulalia", rural "Praia dos Olhos d'Agua" beach and remote "Praia de Falesia" beach. The methodology for assessing beach quality and management priorities has been compiled and comprised of three methods: initial SWOT analysis, which evaluates the internal strengths, weaknesses and external opportunities, threats. Following BARE (Bath Area Registration and Evalaution) analysis, which evaluates five parameters of each beach (safety, water quality, litter, landscape and facilities). For obtaining quantitive data, 50 questionnaires at each beach are conducted in order to get objective opinion of beach users. A detailed analysis of the scientific literature was carried out, which assessed: the current coastal situation on coasts of Algarve region; an overview of the implementation of sustainable coastal development strategies in Portugal, as well as an overview of the legal acts applicable to coastal protection and the implementation of sustainable development strategies; researches and the most commonly used methodologies for assessing beach quality. SWOT analysis was performed, where overcrowding, increasingly coastal urbanization, ecosystem and dunes degradation, coastal erosion and reduced beach carrying capacity due to sea level rising emerged as main future threats. After followed the evaluation of the beach quality by using Bathing Area Registration and Evaluation framework (BARE), where "Praia dos Pescadores", "Praia de Santa Eulalia" and "Praia dos Olhos d'Agua" obtained three-star ratings and Praia de Falesia site obtained four-star rating. The quantitative research data obtained through administration of 50 questionnaires per beach and respondents expressed the need for public toilets, showers, trails and broadwalks, garbage facilities, renewable energy, clean sand and vegetation health. The average age of respondents was 47,7 years and the majority (85%) were international tourists. After conducting SWOT, BARE and beach user questionnaires, one of conclusions was done that solar panel system need to be installed on beach objects. It was calculated that solar panel system on restaurant in urban beach (with government support (50%)) would cost 11 361 Eur and would pay off within 5 years, while calculations for the restaurant in resort showed that price of solar panel system would be 13 773 Eur and would pay off within 6 years. The paper presents recommendations for beach managers and municipalities: pay more attention to raising public education and awareness, combine beach nourishment with maritime structures, control urbanization on the coast by releasing a minimum distance law, set up wooden stairs and paths for tourists to walk, use solar energy in ships / restaurants, restrict light use during the night, integrate biofilic design into the interior and exterior of buildings, enter beach entry fees and fees for toilets and showers usage, use advertisements for waste prevention, recruite officers of dog control, plant shrubs and trees on beaches / slopes, increase cooperation with stakeholders.

According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is becoming increasingly popular around the world and Portugal is one of those popular countries, where 3.7 million of tourists visited in 2016 and it is 3.9% more than in 2015. There is no doubt that tourism has significant economic benefits and usually it is the main economic driver of regions. Algarve region is precisely the place, where abandonment of tourism would make the majority of population unemployed and the region would suffer from an economic downturn, and therefore maintaining and developing tourism is vitally important. Despite economic benefits of tourism, researchers have found that large tourist flows strongly affect ecosystems, destroy natural landscape, cause habitat fragmentation and also have a negative social and cultural impact. The question of the conservation of natural resources, human well-being and the long-term economic viability of communities is of increasing concern. Conservation of natural resources, human well-being and the long-term economic viability of communities are the questions which are of great concern. Unfortunately, tourism growth has not been sufficiently organized, accurately planned and predicted long-term future forecasts. In addition, climate change has a major impact on the coast, and also on tourism and one of the most aggressive consequences is sea level rising, resulting in reduction of sandy beach carrying capacity and intensified coastal erosion. More and more legislation is being issued globally and at European level with countries committing to develop sustainable coastal management aimed at preserving ecosystems and reducing climate change. However, researches have found that there are many barriers to meeting those targets. Portugal is one of those countries where integrated coastal management is not fully implemented due to certain obstacles. In face of negative effects of tourism and the threats of climate change, it is necessary to assess the present quality of the beaches and to identify priorities for sustainable beach management. Objective – to assess the quality of coastal zones and tourism and to identify priorities and measures to improve sustainable tourism management. Object – four different types of beaches in Algarve region, Portugal: urban beach "Praia dos Pescadores", resort "Praia de Santa Eulalia", rural "Praia dos Olhos d'Agua" beach and remote "Praia de Falesia" beach. The methodology for assessing beach quality and management priorities has been compiled and comprised of three methods: initial SWOT analysis, which evaluates the internal strengths, weaknesses and external opportunities, threats. Following BARE (Bath Area Registration and Evalaution) analysis, which evaluates five parameters of each beach (safety, water quality, litter, landscape and facilities). For obtaining quantitive data, 50 questionnaires at each beach are conducted in order to get objective opinion of beach users. A detailed analysis of the scientific literature was carried out, which assessed: the current coastal situation on coasts of Algarve region; an overview of the implementation of sustainable coastal development strategies in Portugal, as well as an overview of the legal acts applicable to coastal protection and the implementation of sustainable development strategies; researches and the most commonly used methodologies for assessing beach quality. SWOT analysis was performed, where overcrowding, increasingly coastal urbanization, ecosystem and dunes degradation, coastal erosion and reduced beach carrying capacity due to sea level rising emerged as main future threats. After followed the evaluation of the beach quality by using Bathing Area Registration and Evaluation framework (BARE), where "Praia dos Pescadores", "Praia de Santa Eulalia" and "Praia dos Olhos d'Agua" obtained three-star ratings and Praia de Falesia site obtained four-star rating. The quantitative research data obtained through administration of 50 questionnaires per beach and respondents expressed the need for public toilets, showers, trails and broadwalks, garbage facilities, renewable energy, clean sand and vegetation health. The average age of respondents was 47,7 years and the majority (85%) were international tourists. After conducting SWOT, BARE and beach user questionnaires, one of conclusions was done that solar panel system need to be installed on beach objects. It was calculated that solar panel system on restaurant in urban beach (with government support (50%)) would cost 11 361 Eur and would pay off within 5 years, while calculations for the restaurant in resort showed that price of solar panel system would be 13 773 Eur and would pay off within 6 years. The paper presents recommendations for beach managers and municipalities: pay more attention to raising public education and awareness, combine beach nourishment with maritime structures, control urbanization on the coast by releasing a minimum distance law, set up wooden stairs and paths for tourists to walk, use solar energy in ships / restaurants, restrict light use during the night, integrate biofilic design into the interior and exterior of buildings, enter beach entry fees and fees for toilets and showers usage, use advertisements for waste prevention, recruite officers of dog control, plant shrubs and trees on beaches / slopes, increase cooperation with stakeholders.

According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is becoming increasingly popular around the world and Portugal is one of those popular countries, where 3.7 million of tourists visited in 2016 and it is 3.9% more than in 2015. There is no doubt that tourism has significant economic benefits and usually it is the main economic driver of regions. Algarve region is precisely the place, where abandonment of tourism would make the majority of population unemployed and the region would suffer from an economic downturn, and therefore maintaining and developing tourism is vitally important. Despite economic benefits of tourism, researchers have found that large tourist flows strongly affect ecosystems, destroy natural landscape, cause habitat fragmentation and also have a negative social and cultural impact. The question of the conservation of natural resources, human well-being and the long-term economic viability of communities is of increasing concern. Conservation of natural resources, human well-being and the long-term economic viability of communities are the questions which are of great concern. Unfortunately, tourism growth has not been sufficiently organized, accurately planned and predicted long-term future forecasts. In addition, climate change has a major impact on the coast, and also on tourism and one of the most aggressive consequences is sea level rising, resulting in reduction of sandy beach carrying capacity and intensified coastal erosion. More and more legislation is being issued globally and at European level with countries committing to develop sustainable coastal management aimed at preserving ecosystems and reducing climate change. However, researches have found that there are many barriers to meeting those targets. Portugal is one of those countries where integrated coastal management is not fully implemented due to certain obstacles. In face of negative effects of tourism and the threats of climate change, it is necessary to assess the present quality of the beaches and to identify priorities for sustainable beach management. Objective – to assess the quality of coastal zones and tourism and to identify priorities and measures to improve sustainable tourism management. Object – four different types of beaches in Algarve region, Portugal: urban beach "Praia dos Pescadores", resort "Praia de Santa Eulalia", rural "Praia dos Olhos d'Agua" beach and remote "Praia de Falesia" beach. The methodology for assessing beach quality and management priorities has been compiled and comprised of three methods: initial SWOT analysis, which evaluates the internal strengths, weaknesses and external opportunities, threats. Following BARE (Bath Area Registration and Evalaution) analysis, which evaluates five parameters of each beach (safety, water quality, litter, landscape and facilities). For obtaining quantitive data, 50 questionnaires at each beach are conducted in order to get objective opinion of beach users. A detailed analysis of the scientific literature was carried out, which assessed: the current coastal situation on coasts of Algarve region; an overview of the implementation of sustainable coastal development strategies in Portugal, as well as an overview of the legal acts applicable to coastal protection and the implementation of sustainable development strategies; researches and the most commonly used methodologies for assessing beach quality. SWOT analysis was performed, where overcrowding, increasingly coastal urbanization, ecosystem and dunes degradation, coastal erosion and reduced beach carrying capacity due to sea level rising emerged as main future threats. After followed the evaluation of the beach quality by using Bathing Area Registration and Evaluation framework (BARE), where "Praia dos Pescadores", "Praia de Santa Eulalia" and "Praia dos Olhos d'Agua" obtained three-star ratings and Praia de Falesia site obtained four-star rating. The quantitative research data obtained through administration of 50 questionnaires per beach and respondents expressed the need for public toilets, showers, trails and broadwalks, garbage facilities, renewable energy, clean sand and vegetation health. The average age of respondents was 47,7 years and the majority (85%) were international tourists. After conducting SWOT, BARE and beach user questionnaires, one of conclusions was done that solar panel system need to be installed on beach objects. It was calculated that solar panel system on restaurant in urban beach (with government support (50%)) would cost 11 361 Eur and would pay off within 5 years, while calculations for the restaurant in resort showed that price of solar panel system would be 13 773 Eur and would pay off within 6 years. The paper presents recommendations for beach managers and municipalities: pay more attention to raising public education and awareness, combine beach nourishment with maritime structures, control urbanization on the coast by releasing a minimum distance law, set up wooden stairs and paths for tourists to walk, use solar energy in ships / restaurants, restrict light use during the night, integrate biofilic design into the interior and exterior of buildings, enter beach entry fees and fees for toilets and showers usage, use advertisements for waste prevention, recruite officers of dog control, plant shrubs and trees on beaches / slopes, increase cooperation with stakeholders.

A smart society starts from pre-school age. Aiming to implement the National Education Strategy for 2013–2022, the considerable attention is paid to the involvement of children into pre-school education, where their individual skills would be more actively disclosed. It is therefore essential to develop alternatives within education system, which would be accessible, attractive and valuable to those groups of society that are currently not sufficiently enough involved into education. Considering that the economic well-being of the Republic of Lithuania is growing and the employment is increasing, the requirements for the quality and availability of public services are increasing in the society, it is worth to be mentioned that Lithuanian society also expects more accessibility and quality of services in pre-school education institutions. The aim of the research is to reveal the possibilities of new ways and channels of delivering public service in pre-school education institutions. Having conducted the content analysis of scientific literature and synthesis of ideas substantiated with scientific analysis as well as having conducted qualitative research in pre-school education institutions of Mažeikiai County Municipality, the research is based on the case of Mažeikiai county. The selection of the research object – public services in pre-school education institutions and their delivery ways and channels – is based on the aim of education policy to increase the accessibility, repeatability, individualization of services for early education as well as the increasing interest in modern ways of service delivery in Lithuania, by combining direct and indirect service delivery channels. In the second decade of the 21st century, scientists' attention paid to the personalization and particularity of the service is increasing, as the user's needs and the supplier's possibilities are growing. Innovative technical channels and a whole set of instruments are increasingly being used to personalize services (A. Patapas, V. Vilutytė-Žilienė, 2013, pp. 312–325; A. Jonas, 2016, p. 206). Services are often available through several different distribution channels, which, according to L. Bagdonienė et al. (2004), are understood as the chains of entities (individuals and organizations) involved in the delivery of services and performing specific functions. There are two types of service delivery channels – direct and indirect (through intermediaries) – distinguished by authors, and on the basis of the latest scientific literature, we have included one more channel, when both channels are combined. Direct service delivery may be provided at the provider's institution or in the consumer's location, or some services may be provided at either location. Meanwhile, the indirect service channel can take many forms, whose structures are rapidly changing and they are increasingly complex, with active use of e-services, m-services and smart services. In Lithuania,10-15 years ago, direct education services included all educational services (education and care, educational assistance, parent education, etc.) and most of social services (nutrition, health care, social and psychological assistance, ensuring of physical, social and emotional security, family support, etc.). Today, we are talking about combining these channels and the increasing involvement of stakeholders and social partners into service delivery. In this way, modern service delivery channels could be: 1) alternative to the traditional channel (direct service delivery at the provider's institution or at the recipient's home) when digital technologies are used, according to the provider's choice or the recipient's choice, 2) chains and networks created by inter-institutional co-operation and partnership, when educational and social services are delivered both directly (recreational services for children and family, temporary education and care, child care centres, babysitting services, social and psychological assistance in pre-school education institution or at home, etc.) and indirectly (e-communication with parents, informing about health, social support from local authorities, issues on children's rights, supply of extracurricular activities, involvement in local community activities, etc.), usually by coordinating delivery channels. The analysis of the material collected during the semi-structured interview (six heads of pre-school education institutions in Mažeikiai county and one specialist from education department who works with kindergartens were interviewed) allowed to distinguish the following particularities and perspectives of the delivery of modern pre-school education services: 1. Delayed political decisions are among the external factors that hinder the increased use of modern services and delivery channels. The process is promoted by opportunities created by information technology and migration, as emigrants returning to Lithuania want new, more diverse services for their children. 2. Of the internal factors that influence the development of modern services, the competence of the staff of pre-school education institution is the most significant. At present, it is of paramount importance in educational services, without avoiding to introduce alternative educational programs. There is active learning to ensure the social and emotional safety of children, but there is the lack of deeper understanding and readiness to provide family support services and work with at-risk families. 3. Inter-institutional cooperation is important in service supply chain. It has increased in providing educational, physical, emotional security services for a child; there is the lack of active social interaction with other institutions in providing family support and social security services. 4. Through the combination of direct and indirect service delivery channels, the use of digital technologies is important, and informants see their potential in increasing access to services, increasing diversity of services, reducing the disparity in service availability between urban and rural areas, and creating new quality of education. 5. In Lithuania, it has not been prepared so far for the model of pre-school education at home and family support, and during the transitional period there would be an approval for mobile kindergarten groups. 6. Nanny service, as an alternative service to early childhood education, is provided only in exceptional situations, and it would be viable in the cities and its funding should be complex; the pedagogical and value competence of a nanny is important as well.

A smart society starts from pre-school age. Aiming to implement the National Education Strategy for 2013–2022, the considerable attention is paid to the involvement of children into pre-school education, where their individual skills would be more actively disclosed. It is therefore essential to develop alternatives within education system, which would be accessible, attractive and valuable to those groups of society that are currently not sufficiently enough involved into education. Considering that the economic well-being of the Republic of Lithuania is growing and the employment is increasing, the requirements for the quality and availability of public services are increasing in the society, it is worth to be mentioned that Lithuanian society also expects more accessibility and quality of services in pre-school education institutions. The aim of the research is to reveal the possibilities of new ways and channels of delivering public service in pre-school education institutions. Having conducted the content analysis of scientific literature and synthesis of ideas substantiated with scientific analysis as well as having conducted qualitative research in pre-school education institutions of Mažeikiai County Municipality, the research is based on the case of Mažeikiai county. The selection of the research object – public services in pre-school education institutions and their delivery ways and channels – is based on the aim of education policy to increase the accessibility, repeatability, individualization of services for early education as well as the increasing interest in modern ways of service delivery in Lithuania, by combining direct and indirect service delivery channels. In the second decade of the 21st century, scientists' attention paid to the personalization and particularity of the service is increasing, as the user's needs and the supplier's possibilities are growing. Innovative technical channels and a whole set of instruments are increasingly being used to personalize services (A. Patapas, V. Vilutytė-Žilienė, 2013, pp. 312–325; A. Jonas, 2016, p. 206). Services are often available through several different distribution channels, which, according to L. Bagdonienė et al. (2004), are understood as the chains of entities (individuals and organizations) involved in the delivery of services and performing specific functions. There are two types of service delivery channels – direct and indirect (through intermediaries) – distinguished by authors, and on the basis of the latest scientific literature, we have included one more channel, when both channels are combined. Direct service delivery may be provided at the provider's institution or in the consumer's location, or some services may be provided at either location. Meanwhile, the indirect service channel can take many forms, whose structures are rapidly changing and they are increasingly complex, with active use of e-services, m-services and smart services. In Lithuania,10-15 years ago, direct education services included all educational services (education and care, educational assistance, parent education, etc.) and most of social services (nutrition, health care, social and psychological assistance, ensuring of physical, social and emotional security, family support, etc.). Today, we are talking about combining these channels and the increasing involvement of stakeholders and social partners into service delivery. In this way, modern service delivery channels could be: 1) alternative to the traditional channel (direct service delivery at the provider's institution or at the recipient's home) when digital technologies are used, according to the provider's choice or the recipient's choice, 2) chains and networks created by inter-institutional co-operation and partnership, when educational and social services are delivered both directly (recreational services for children and family, temporary education and care, child care centres, babysitting services, social and psychological assistance in pre-school education institution or at home, etc.) and indirectly (e-communication with parents, informing about health, social support from local authorities, issues on children's rights, supply of extracurricular activities, involvement in local community activities, etc.), usually by coordinating delivery channels. The analysis of the material collected during the semi-structured interview (six heads of pre-school education institutions in Mažeikiai county and one specialist from education department who works with kindergartens were interviewed) allowed to distinguish the following particularities and perspectives of the delivery of modern pre-school education services: 1. Delayed political decisions are among the external factors that hinder the increased use of modern services and delivery channels. The process is promoted by opportunities created by information technology and migration, as emigrants returning to Lithuania want new, more diverse services for their children. 2. Of the internal factors that influence the development of modern services, the competence of the staff of pre-school education institution is the most significant. At present, it is of paramount importance in educational services, without avoiding to introduce alternative educational programs. There is active learning to ensure the social and emotional safety of children, but there is the lack of deeper understanding and readiness to provide family support services and work with at-risk families. 3. Inter-institutional cooperation is important in service supply chain. It has increased in providing educational, physical, emotional security services for a child; there is the lack of active social interaction with other institutions in providing family support and social security services. 4. Through the combination of direct and indirect service delivery channels, the use of digital technologies is important, and informants see their potential in increasing access to services, increasing diversity of services, reducing the disparity in service availability between urban and rural areas, and creating new quality of education. 5. In Lithuania, it has not been prepared so far for the model of pre-school education at home and family support, and during the transitional period there would be an approval for mobile kindergarten groups. 6. Nanny service, as an alternative service to early childhood education, is provided only in exceptional situations, and it would be viable in the cities and its funding should be complex; the pedagogical and value competence of a nanny is important as well.