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 socio-economic 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, north-west 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 fall-out 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.