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Toward Sustainable Landscape and Tourism Planning: A Methodological Framework for the Regeneration of Marginal Rural Areas in Eastern Sicily

Author

Listed:
  • Dario Mirabella

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Monica C. M. Parlato

    (Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry (TESAF), University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy)

  • Mariagrazia Leonardi

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Simona M. C. Porto

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

Rural landscapes play a key role in preserving ecological processes, cultural identity, and socio-economic well-being, yet these areas often face challenges such as land degradation, water scarcity, and an inadequate road network. A sustainable approach to rural landscape and tourism planning is essential for enhancing both environmental resilience and socio-economic vitality in areas facing degradation and global change. This study aims to develop and validate an integrated methodological workflow that combines Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), ECOVAST guidelines, SWOT analysis, and open-source GIS techniques, complemented by a bottom-up approach of spontaneous fruition mapped through Wikiloc heatmaps. The framework was applied to a case study in Paternò, Eastern Sicily, Italy—a territory distinguished by its key local values such as Calanchi formations, proximity to Mount Etna, and cultural heritage. Through this application, eight distinct Landscape Units (LUs) were delineated, and key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for sustainable development were identified. Using open-access data and a survey-free protocol, this approach facilitates detailed landscape assessment without extensive fieldwork. The methodology is readily transferable to other rural Italian and Mediterranean contexts, providing practical guidance for researchers, planners, and stakeholders engaged in sustainable tourism development and landscape management.

Suggested Citation

  • Dario Mirabella & Monica C. M. Parlato & Mariagrazia Leonardi & Simona M. C. Porto, 2025. "Toward Sustainable Landscape and Tourism Planning: A Methodological Framework for the Regeneration of Marginal Rural Areas in Eastern Sicily," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6299-:d:1698038
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Andrew Butler & Ulla Berglund, 2014. "Landscape Character Assessment as an Approach to Understanding Public Interests within the European Landscape Convention," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(3), pages 219-236, June.
    2. Simensen, Trond & Halvorsen, Rune & Erikstad, Lars, 2018. "Methods for landscape characterisation and mapping: A systematic review," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 557-569.
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