In this paper we examine whether it is possible to create a market for ecosystem services deriving from rural landscape and environmental conservation. First of all to do this we consider the results of some studies we have conducted in recent years about monetary and non-monetary environmental...

Understanding consumer behaviour in rural tourism is a necessary condition for the suc- cessful diversification of any rural socio-economic system. This paper aims to analyse the consumer behaviour of tourists and residents in an Italian marginal rural area in order to verify the opportunities...

The aim of this study is to point out the opportunities to improve the competitiveness of rural areas using new tools of governance. For this purpose we firstly identify the specific rules adopted in Italy in favour of a specific tool – the district – in order to analyse its guidelines to...

This study was undertaken with the primary purpose of assessing the welfare gain to local residents resulting from olive trees. A secondary but important aim was to underline the multifunctional role of olive farming. In fact, we know that olive plantation has potentially socially benefits. In...