Research Interests:
Research Interests: Computer Science and MRAS
... One of the major challenges facing forest owners' associations is the multi-functionality of forests ... This demonstrates a strong propensity for cross-sectoral working between forestry, tourism and economic development ...... more
... One of the major challenges facing forest owners' associations is the multi-functionality of forests ... This demonstrates a strong propensity for cross-sectoral working between forestry, tourism and economic development ... Development of Small-scale Forest Enterprises in Europe ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This chapter analyses the role of networks in the development of the markets for non-wood forest products and services (NWFP&S) with reference to experiences gained in northern and Mediterranean Europe (using cases from Finland and... more
This chapter analyses the role of networks in the development of the markets for non-wood forest products and services (NWFP&S) with reference to experiences gained in northern and Mediterranean Europe (using cases from Finland and Italy). The aim of the work has been to analyse a number of selected case studies within the theoretical framework developed by Varamäki and Vesalainen (2003) in order to demonstrate the relevance of networks in NWFP&S development. In the Mediterranean region, high population density, poverty and low wood productivity of forests have traditionally stimulated an intensive use of all potentially available sources of food, fodder and raw materials. In northern Europe, there is also a strong culture of utilizing forest products and, especially with the recent crises in the wood industry, interest in other uses of forests has increased. The enterprises dealing with NWFP&S are typically small or micro-sized and usually, except in a few cases, the turnover gener...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Nature-based tourism is a rapidly growing industry sector providing new sources of livelihood for rural areas to diversify the traditional economies. Although innovativeness is an important element in the competitiveness of companies, the... more
Nature-based tourism is a rapidly growing industry sector providing new sources of livelihood for rural areas to diversify the traditional economies. Although innovativeness is an important element in the competitiveness of companies, the level of innovations in nature tourism and recreation services has not been reported as very high. The innovations in nature-based tourism typically occur not as a result of specific innovation systems, but rather 'between' the existing ones, and as a result of spontaneous, project-oriented cooperation of various public and private actors. These actors play a significant role in creating new ideas and cooperation is essential for their successful development. However, combining multiple actors to cross-sectoral networks is a challenge, particularly when small and micro-companies are concerned. By using case studies across Europe, this chapter aims to illustrate what kind of cooperation types exist between nature-based tourism enterprises an...
Research Interests:
Rural tourism and recreation have emerged as significant parts of the rural economy in the European Union. This diverse sector is highly variable in character, and its employment importance varies greatly over space, with farm household... more
Rural tourism and recreation have emerged as significant parts of the rural economy in the European Union. This diverse sector is highly variable in character, and its employment importance varies greatly over space, with farm household members sometimes highly engaged and sometimes rather disengaged from the provision of the associated services. The regional social, cultural and economic benefits depend on the type of tourism and the structure of regional economy. Where interesting cultural landscapes are juxtaposed with low-intensity farming and strong local food cultures, there is often a strong agri-tourism sector. Rural tourism and recreation are not without controversy: the sector may be overhyped as a development strategy in remote areas, and some forms of tourism such as second homes can disrupt local housing markets and exacerbate social tensions. However, in general, rural tourism and recreation can be seen as positive contributors to European rural economies, and they contribute significantly to rural employment.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:4201.35175(1) / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT
Research Interests:
This article reviews the development of interest in the relationship between forestry and rural development in developed countries and, using evidence from recent research in Europe, suggests a need for a widening of the methods by which... more
This article reviews the development of interest in the relationship between forestry and rural development in developed countries and, using evidence from recent research in Europe, suggests a need for a widening of the methods by which economic impacts are investigated. This need for a widening of the approaches to economic appraisal of impacts stems from the profound halo effects evident in the UK case studies, which circumstantial evidence suggests are likely to be replicated in the more developed and densely populated parts of Europe.
Research Interests:
The COST Action FP1201 FACESMAP Country Reports are edited by the European Forest Institute Central-East and South-East European Regional Office (EFICEEC-EFISEE) at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). The... more
The COST Action FP1201 FACESMAP Country Reports are edited by the European Forest Institute Central-East and South-East European Regional Office (EFICEEC-EFISEE) at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). The Country Reports are not subject to external peer review. The responsibility for the contents of the Country Reports lies solely with the country author teams. Comments and critique by readers are highly appreciated. The main parts of these Country Reports will be included in the upcoming EFICEEC-EFISEE
In this paper, we explore the idea of social innovation as both a conceptual and practical means of delivering positive social, economic and environmental outcomes in marginal rural areas. Definitions are critically appraised, and the... more
In this paper, we explore the idea of social innovation as both a conceptual and practical means of delivering positive social, economic and environmental outcomes in marginal rural areas. Definitions are critically appraised, and the dual contemporary origins of the term social innovation (in management sciences and critical social science) are explored. There has been much conceptual confusion, in particular about the extent to which civil society agency is central or desirable in social innovation. Social innovation can be seen to be closely connected to a range of theories that inform both innovation and rural development, but it lacks a singular theoretical “home”. Social innovation can also have a dark side, which merits scrutiny. Three case studies illustrate social innovation processes and outcomes in different parts of Europe. Where committed actors, local enabling agency and overarching policies align, the outcomes of social innovations can be considerable. If rarely trans...
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Economics and RECREATION
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT In Scotland, the shooting industry has a significant impact on the economy, the environment and rural communities. However, styles of land management vary widely, and this is likely to have an effect on the benefits of shooting... more
ABSTRACT In Scotland, the shooting industry has a significant impact on the economy, the environment and rural communities. However, styles of land management vary widely, and this is likely to have an effect on the benefits of shooting management. Here we construct a typology of management models, and test its utility in explaining economic benefits. Based on semi-structured interviews with 24 stakeholders representing 28 estates, three management models were defined: ‘Commercial Shooting Estates’ (CSE), ‘Non-commercial Shooting Estates’ (NSE) and ‘Diversified Estates’ (DE). DEs are differentiated from the other models as forestry, farming or biodiversity conservation, rather than shooting, is the main management objective. CSE and NSE are differentiated based on the degree of commercialisation of the shooting: CSEs let almost all of their shooting whereas NSEs do not let any shooting. Were the typology to be applied to a wider, systematic sample of estates, other factors may become more clearly differentiated. We found little variation between the three models in terms of spending and employment directly related to shooting activities. This study presents a typology of shooting management models that can be used to help identify pathways towards a new social contract between Scottish society and its landowners and managers.
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT In Scotland, the shooting industry has a significant impact on the economy, the environment and rural communities. However, styles of land management vary widely, and this is likely to have an effect on the benefits of shooting... more
ABSTRACT In Scotland, the shooting industry has a significant impact on the economy, the environment and rural communities. However, styles of land management vary widely, and this is likely to have an effect on the benefits of shooting management. Here we construct a typology of management models, and test its utility in explaining economic benefits. Based on semi-structured interviews with 24 stakeholders representing 28 estates, three management models were defined: ‘Commercial Shooting Estates’ (CSE), ‘Non-commercial Shooting Estates’ (NSE) and ‘Diversified Estates’ (DE). DEs are differentiated from the other models as forestry, farming or biodiversity conservation, rather than shooting, is the main management objective. CSE and NSE are differentiated based on the degree of commercialisation of the shooting: CSEs let almost all of their shooting whereas NSEs do not let any shooting. Were the typology to be applied to a wider, systematic sample of estates, other factors may become more clearly differentiated. We found little variation between the three models in terms of spending and employment directly related to shooting activities. This study presents a typology of shooting management models that can be used to help identify pathways towards a new social contract between Scottish society and its landowners and managers.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
... their objectives concerning their forest property are perhaps the most important factors affecting management decisions. ... (2006) observed that entrepreneurship is a ... While external factors, including government policies,... more
... their objectives concerning their forest property are perhaps the most important factors affecting management decisions. ... (2006) observed that entrepreneurship is a ... While external factors, including government policies, influence whether there is a demand for entrepreneurship ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This book represents a unique collection of European and Asian perspectives on the production, trade and consumption of high quality food. It has been motivated by the common interest of a team of researchers and teachers in the field of... more
This book represents a unique collection of European and Asian perspectives on the production, trade and consumption of high quality food. It has been motivated by the common interest of a team of researchers and teachers in the field of quality food marketing. Overall improvement of the quality of agri-food products is a strategic task for agriculture and rural economic development and has become a priority of companies and general policy in many countries (Steenkamp, 1990).
Research Interests:
Diffuse pollution from agriculture remains a significant challenge to many countries seeking to improve and protect their water environments. This paper reviews literature relating to the provision of information and advice as a mechanism... more
Diffuse pollution from agriculture remains a significant challenge to many countries seeking to improve and protect their water environments. This paper reviews literature relating to the provision of information and advice as a mechanism to encourage farmers to mitigate diffuse pollution. The paper presents findings from a literature review on influencing farmer behaviour and synthesizes three main areas of literature: psychological and institutional theories of behaviour; shifts in the approach to delivery of advice (from knowledge transfer to knowledge exchange); and the increased interest in heterogeneous farming cultures. These three areas interconnect in helping to understand how best to influence farmer behaviour in order to mitigate diffuse pollution. They are, however, literatures that are rarely cited in the water management arena. The paper highlights the contribution of the 'cultural turn' taken by rural social scientists in helping to understand collective and individual voluntary behaviour. The paper explores how these literatures can contribute to the existing understanding of water management in the agricultural context, particularly: when farmers question the scientific evidence; when there are increased calls for collaborative planning and management; and when there is increased value placed on information as a business commodity. The paper also highlights where there are still gaps in knowledge that need to be filled by future research - possibly in partnership with farmers themselves. Whilst information and advice has long been seen as an important part of diffuse pollution control, increasing climate variability that will require farmers to practice adaptive management is likely to make these mechanisms even more important.
Research Interests: Business, Management, Environmental policy, Climate variability, Institutional Theory, and 15 moreCulture, Environmental Management, Agriculture, Knowledge Transfer, Medicine, Multidisciplinary, Knowledge Exchange, Literature Review, Collaborative Planning, Behavior change, Diffuse pollution, Adaptive Management, Conservation of Natural Resources, Environment, and Behavior Control
Abstract In an international trade context, environmental elements (eg the introduction of organic agriculture) and the role of the country of origin could influence the demand in the market of destination. This study aims at describing... more
Abstract In an international trade context, environmental elements (eg the introduction of organic agriculture) and the role of the country of origin could influence the demand in the market of destination. This study aims at describing how qualitative research methods may help deepen knowledge regarding interest towards organic products imported from Thailand, specifically Kamut® wheat, organic rice and tapioca. In the case of Kamut-based-products 21 individual interviews were conducted with Italian large scale retailers, ...
Research Interests:
Project co-funded by the European Commission within the Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013)
In the late 1990s, the Environment Division of the Council of Europe undertook three pilot projects into sustainable tourism in protected areas in transition economies, in Latvia, Romania and Ukraine. The underlying logic of the overall... more
In the late 1990s, the Environment Division of the Council of Europe undertook three pilot projects into sustainable tourism in protected areas in transition economies, in Latvia, Romania and Ukraine. The underlying logic of the overall project was clear: that if sustainable tourism could be developed, there could be dual benefits of first, enhanced economic well-being in areas which have experienced severe difficulties in the transition from state controlled to market economies and second, better protection of highly valued nature conservation assets. Some authors (e.g. Gannon 1994), have written optimistically about the scope for tourism in transition economies. This paper presents a more cautious view and explores the circumstances under which a more optimistic outcome might arise.
... D., Faculty of Economics and Public Administration, Economy and Tourism Department, " Ştefan cel Mare" University of Suceava, Romania, carmenn@ seap. usv. ro 2Assistant professor/Ph. D., Faculty of Economics and Public ...
Research Interests:
This chapter describes how understandings of the “rural” have progressed from a focus on either decline or amenity, whereby these more simplified understandings can be seen to have had an impact on rural policy development. The chapter... more
This chapter describes how understandings of the “rural” have progressed from a focus on either decline or amenity, whereby these more simplified understandings can be seen to have had an impact on rural policy development. The chapter argues that rural areas, including forests, need to be understood in relation to both production and integration with urban landscapes. It thus illustrates the role of both historical processes and policy in creating current understandings of the rural: drawing upon an example from the Swedish case, it amongst others shows that a redistributive tax system has played a larger and more crucial role than rural policy in retaining active rural areas in Sweden.
Research Interests:
This paper comprises a comparative case study of rural partnerships in the United Kingdom and in Poland. The research is based on a questionnaire survey of representative key personnel (leaders) of partnerships and a background assessment... more
This paper comprises a comparative case study of rural partnerships in the United Kingdom and in Poland. The research is based on a questionnaire survey of representative key personnel (leaders) of partnerships and a background assessment of project and partnership documentation. The main differences and similarities of partnership features are described with conclusions as to possible implementation strategies for cross-sectoral cooperation for local development in rural areas in new European Union member states.
Using the lens of socio-technical regimes and transitions, the succession of socio-technical transitions from pre-industrial largely renewable energy, through water power, coal, hydropower, oil and gas and now renewables is explored in... more
Using the lens of socio-technical regimes and transitions, the succession of socio-technical transitions from pre-industrial largely renewable energy, through water power, coal, hydropower, oil and gas and now renewables is explored in relation to rural Scotland. It is evident that the exploitation of energy has had major impacts on rural Scotland, and these may be more important in terms of major spatial and temporal demographic and economic variations than changes in the traditional primary land-based industries. It is evident that rather than there being a switch from one regime to another, the processes of regime change are uneven and partial, with legacies of earlier regimes lingering long for a variety of reasons. The impacts of these different regimes were formerly almost exclusively market-driven, but since nationalisation of coal and energy production and, in spite of subsequent privatisation, public policy now sits alongside markets as a major influence on rural developmen...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
20 21 The rural land use sector could potentially mitigate a large amount of GHG emissions. 22 Implementation requires the engagement of farmers and other land managers. Understanding 23 the barriers and enablers for the uptake of these... more
20 21 The rural land use sector could potentially mitigate a large amount of GHG emissions. 22 Implementation requires the engagement of farmers and other land managers. Understanding 23 the barriers and enablers for the uptake of these practices is essential both to inform policy24 makers and to achieve effective policy outreach. In Scotland, the rural land use sector is 25 subject to a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target of 21% by 2020 relative to 1990 26 levels. This study contributes to the body of research on stakeholders’ perspectives about 27 suitability of climate change mitigation practices at the regional level. Mixed-methods were 28 used to collect the data, namely participatory workshops with scientists and relevant 29 stakeholders, a farmer questionnaire, and focus groups with farmers. Findings show that 30 farmers were mainly willing to expand the uptake of mitigation practices they were already 31 implementing because they consider these are the most cost-e...
The development of community renewables in Scotland is interwoven in a range of post-devolution Scottish policies relating to community ownership of natural resources and community empowerment, and facilitated and hindered to varying... more
The development of community renewables in Scotland is interwoven in a range of post-devolution Scottish policies relating to community ownership of natural resources and community empowerment, and facilitated and hindered to varying degrees by a dynamic and uncertain energy policy landscape at UK and EU levels. While community energy production represents only about 4% of Scottish onshore renewable generation, it can provide highly important income streams for often remote communities. In this chapter, we explore the wider regulatory and policy context, the roots of community energy policy, the diversity of practice, the implications of increased devolution on community energy policy, the actual and potential benefits arising from community energy and the obstacles to increasing its share of the renewable energy market in Scotland.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Political frameworks and policies have a strong influence on the institutional ecosystem and on governance patterns, which in turn shape the operational space of civil society initiatives. This article aims to explore the social and... more
Political frameworks and policies have a strong influence on the institutional ecosystem and on governance patterns, which in turn shape the operational space of civil society initiatives. This article aims to explore the social and institutional conditions and policy initiatives that foster or hinder social innovation and the pathways leading from social innovation to institutional change through to actual impacts on policies and political frameworks, in order to understand how policymakers can encourage and enable social innovation. The article builds on an extensive empirical background to develop a heuristic model to facilitate decision making for a policy environment propitious for the emergence of social innovation. The resulting model sets up a triadic configuration of (i) a committed core of key actors, (ii) the benevolent shadow of hierarchy represented by public actors, and (iii) multifunctional and malleable intermediary support structures for a successful development of ...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Though widely regarded as ill-defined and lacking conceptual clarity, social innovation has been heralded as a desirable response to social economic and environmental challenges arising from market and policy failures. Based on a... more
Though widely regarded as ill-defined and lacking conceptual clarity, social innovation has been heralded as a desirable response to social economic and environmental challenges arising from market and policy failures. Based on a definition of social innovation as involving the reconfiguration of social practices through civil society engagement, this paper offers an inductive classification of the diverse types of social innovation found in Scotland, based primarily on rural examples. It is argued that not only does social innovation occur in a diverse range of fields and in many different forms, but also that the Scottish Government policy has explicitly connected to social innovation as a means of delivering a communitarian policy agenda. However, without affirmative action, the community empowerment agenda is likely to widen the gap between communities with strong social capital and those with weaker social capital, thus undermining another strong strand of Scottish policy which...