Local Development and Socio-Environmental Systems: Experiences and Practices Toward Sustainability in Mediterranean Europe

Departing from conventional narratives centered on environmental complexity, this book offers a fresh perspective on ecological dynamics in the Mediterranean basin, positing their correlation with social and economic regimes, demographic transformations, local governance structures, and deficiencies in spatial planning. The analysis delves into the neglected potential for mitigating environmental degradation, conducting a meticulous examination of ecological issues vis à vis economic disparities in Southern European regions. The outcome aims to furnish an integrated, and potentially holistic, understanding of spatial divisions between environmentally ’poor’ and ’rich’ territories.

Clio Ciaschini, PhD, is a senior fellow in economics at the Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy. Being specialized in economic policy, applied economics, and economic statistics, her main research interests include sustainable development, long-term economic growth, environmental economics and gender economics, as well as policy issues in agriculture, energy, and ecological fields. Having a specific expertise in spatial analysis, she published more than 20 scientific articles in international journals and edited books.

Vito Imbrenda, PhD, is a staff researcher at the Italian National Research Council (CNR). His main research interests include remote sensing and geographical information systems, physical, human and economic geography, climate change and agriculture, urbanization and housing policies, and positive approaches to sustainable development. He published a number of scientific articles and books for an international readership in geography.