the territory

Following the changes that have taken place in society over the last thirty years, we are today faced with a re-evaluation of the active role played by rural areas.

Starting from agriculture, and in particular from a new concept of multifunctionality, the premises have been created together with the diversification of activities in the rural area, the quality of the products and the services generated, the respect for the environment and the landscape and the integration with other activities. The agricultural production system is progressively evolving, from an activity mainly based on production to a multi-activity that includes the production of high quality products obtained with traditional techniques (from almonds to typical pastas, honey, confectionary products, meats, etc., i.e. the set of traditional food and wine productions).

The reference territory, especially in recent years, has been characterised by a strong dynamism of social, economic and cultural planning. This is an area where overall the quality of life is good and where it is still possible to see a link between productive activities, the land and a strong presence of natural and cultural resources. Indeed, the area appears to be rich in natural resources, ecosystems and a notable historical and cultural heritage, in which the importance of sustainable tourism is growing, also in the context of local development policies, understood as a set of activities that respect and preserve natural and cultural, economic and social resources long-term. The theme of sustainability in tourism development, understood as a tool for launching models that are economically convenient and durable, ethically and socially equitable, and respectful of local communities, is registering an increase in attention from operators in the sector and public entities. The evolution towards this form of tourism must necessarily pass through the integration of the actions of public and private entities as well as through the interconnection of initiatives and resources and support for the most dynamic realities. The territory is also configured by the presence of historical centers with original characteristics of the settlement heritage with typical local architectural elements (rural villages and typical houses, high degree of conservation of the historical centres). The rural context is presented as a set of small communities which are the current expression of original cultures, traditions and rhythms.