Forests and rural landscapes are crucial for tourism development and recreational activities and they may be relevant resources to invest for attracting visitors and contribute to the local economy. Tourism can also be an important development factor in terms of employment opportunities at the local level, thus contributing to the wellbeing of local communities. However, while mountain forests and landscapes are wellknown and often properly managed for touristic/recreational uses since long time, small and fragmented forests in peri-urban, lowland areas are less valued. The paper focuses on lowland forests in Veneto (Northern Italy) located close to Venice and other touristic places along the Adriatic Sea. The area is visited every summer by about 3 millions of tourists and, starting from 35 years ago, has been subject to a large afforestation program. Forests are owned by local Municipalities, while management activities are carried out through various forms: direct management by Municipalities, management agreement with private companies or not-for profit entities, rent to private, etc. Forest owners and managers are supported by the Lowland Forest Association (Associazione Forestale di Pianura, AFP), a unique case of private-public cooperation in lowland forest management in Italy. AFP has been established to help active forest management in the area, encourage positive impacts for locals and enhance the dialogue with multiple stakeholders. Management operations are not just financed through Municipal budget, but also through funds raised by the AFP via other sources, such as the Rural Development Program and private investors. Ongoing and planned investments aim to increase the capacity of the forests to deliver ecosystem services, including cultural ones. The study provides economic data about the value of ecosystem services and a cost-benefit analysis of planned investments, also in connection to tourism and recreation activities.
Touristic and recreational uses of forests in peri-urban areas: a case study in Veneto (Northern Italy)
Pettenella D.
Conceptualization
;Secco L.Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;Masiero M.Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;Brotto L.Membro del Collaboration Group
;
2017
Abstract
Forests and rural landscapes are crucial for tourism development and recreational activities and they may be relevant resources to invest for attracting visitors and contribute to the local economy. Tourism can also be an important development factor in terms of employment opportunities at the local level, thus contributing to the wellbeing of local communities. However, while mountain forests and landscapes are wellknown and often properly managed for touristic/recreational uses since long time, small and fragmented forests in peri-urban, lowland areas are less valued. The paper focuses on lowland forests in Veneto (Northern Italy) located close to Venice and other touristic places along the Adriatic Sea. The area is visited every summer by about 3 millions of tourists and, starting from 35 years ago, has been subject to a large afforestation program. Forests are owned by local Municipalities, while management activities are carried out through various forms: direct management by Municipalities, management agreement with private companies or not-for profit entities, rent to private, etc. Forest owners and managers are supported by the Lowland Forest Association (Associazione Forestale di Pianura, AFP), a unique case of private-public cooperation in lowland forest management in Italy. AFP has been established to help active forest management in the area, encourage positive impacts for locals and enhance the dialogue with multiple stakeholders. Management operations are not just financed through Municipal budget, but also through funds raised by the AFP via other sources, such as the Rural Development Program and private investors. Ongoing and planned investments aim to increase the capacity of the forests to deliver ecosystem services, including cultural ones. The study provides economic data about the value of ecosystem services and a cost-benefit analysis of planned investments, also in connection to tourism and recreation activities.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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