Rural Planning and Management

Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in the importance of the rural sector in the formulation of integrated sustainable development strategies. This timely volume presents a selection of writings which explore the key issues in the debate on the management of the rural environment for sustainable development.

Although there are considerable differences in context between developed, transitional and developing countries, the volume identifies common themes in the search for sustainable livelihoods, vibrant communities, environmental protection and the wise use of natural resources. It examines the challenges of sustainable rural development, relevant concepts, principles, techniques, analytical methods and management responses. The collection contains papers on topical rural issues such as sustainable agriculture, forestry, tourism and protected area policy. It demonstrates that, while there is convergence on the approaches to sustainable development, notably the emphasis on market mechanisms, institution building and participation, local solutions need to be found.