The objective of this paper is explore the roots of the co-operative movement in the food oil sector from a historical perspective through a bibliographical review of the diverse studies carried out at the regional and provincial levels in Spain. It explores the causes of co-operatives’...

Two savings banks are currently active in the Canary Isles: Caja Rural de Tenerife and Caja Rural de Canarias, and these are furthermore the only two loan co-operatives in the region. And as they are also virtually the only loan co-operatives that have been successful, to talk about the economic...

This article considers local development from the point of view of the ecological sustainability of the economic process. We put forward ideas that help to provide a view of local development that is in line with the concept of sustainable development. First we take a strategic approach to the...

The diversification of the agrarian activities towards different branches of the economy seems a viable alternative to clear the gray horizon of this type of organizations. An emergent activity, Rural Tourism, appears as a very interesting option to complement partners’ income, as well as the...

The appearance of information and communication technologies (ICT) in business and in general in all areas of social life is making a deep mark on technological change and progress. The use of the modern technologies of the Information and Communication Society is opening a new gate to progress...

This article puts forward an explanation of climate change within the context of global change. Climate change can be seen as the spearhead; as a manifestation of the increasing unsustainability of planet Earth. We consider some of the effects of this change, examining its uneven impact on...

High mountain tourism poses a dilemma for an increasing number of those concerned due to the conflict between recreational enjoyment of the area, its economic exploitation and conservation of the fragile areas that will inevitably be affected by it. This is a particularly important issue in the...

Citizen participation is often presented as a necessary part of the process of defining and managing environmental policies. In fact, it is generally regulated in a variety of ways that affect people’s rights to enquire, request and receive information. This article examines three aspects of...

This paper provides a conceptual review of the term “sustainable development”, bearing in mind its current applicability to social matters and public decision-making. Taking the well-known definition of sustainable development coined by the Brundtland Commission over twenty years ago, we...

As energy resources become scarce and pollution increases, fundamental and often irreversible changes are affecting our global ecosystem, and these changes are already having an influence on countries’ potential for economic growth and development. In this article we examine the principal...