How can different stakeholders contribute to rural landscape planning policy? The case study of Pralormo municipality (Italy)

Abstract

In rural landscapes, historical values and traditional crops are in conflict with recent commercial demand and social needs. For sustainable development, it is essential to find a methodology able to conjugate cultural and historical values with socioeconomic trends. In order to identify shared actions, strategies and policies for the management of rural historical site, an integrated empirical work was developed. The main goal was to understand how to promote a bottom-up planning approach, including stakeholder perceptions in policy actions and planning strategies for historical rural landscapes. Pralormo municipality (Piedmont, northwest Italy) was chosen as case study. We developed a methodological framework to understand if the participatory approach can contribute to landscape planning from the local to the regional level. Field observations, landscape and historical analysis, farmers' interviews and two focus group meetings were performed. This study shows that complex socio-cultural and economic drivers affect the future of the studied rural area. The assessment of land use scenarios can play an important role in promoting the understanding of such uncertain systems. Shared actions, strategies and policies were identified for the planning of rural historical site. In the case of Pralormo, which is transferrable to other European historical rural areas, we promoted the adoption of a new local landscape planning strategy with positive fallout on the regional scale. Linking food and landscape quality, preserving ancient settlement, maintaining traditional land uses and promoting educational activities in farm are considered the most important issues for sustainable development.

Potential of 3D Visualization for Collaborative Rural Landscape Planning with Remote Participants

“…The external opinions can then positively reinforce local perspectives and could lead to conservation, improvement, or utilization of the landscape in a way that is also attractive to non-local stakeholders. These findings expand on those of a previous study-"the interaction between different stakeholders allowed to construct alternative visions of agricultural development and new possible scenarios" [3]-by focusing on unspecified non-local stakeholders.…”

“…While the importance of a participatory approach for rural landscape planning has been reported [3], it has become challenging for rural inhabitants to conserve rural landscapes because of local community capacities deteriorating. This is caused by depopulation, emigration of youth, aging, and conflicts within the diversified population due to different lifestyles and mindsets.…”

Linking Multifunctionality and Sustainability for Valuing Peri-Urban Farming: A Case Study in the Turin Metropolitan Area (Italy)

“…During the summer 2017, face-to-face personal interviews were performed. According to different authors [32][33][34] the direct involvement of farmers is a fundamental step. The farmers are the direct managers and users of agroecosystems.…”

The Role of Culture in the Self-Organisation of Coastal Fishers Sustaining Coastal Landscapes: A Case Study in Estonia

“…The participants were also encouraged to allocate particular values, points of accessibility, and fishing grounds on the map, which nobody cares to reveal. The combination of different methods triggered discussion [53], which at some points turned into heated debates.…”