Environmental Perceptions and Territorial Transformations: Regional Scenarios for the Circular Transition in Italy

In recent decades, the notion of a circular economy has undergone a substantial evolution, encompassing interdisciplinary advances that traverse environmental, cultural and socio-economic interpretations. This study examines this trend, focusing on its application in landscape planning and environmental sustainability. It analyses how the subjective and objective dimensions of rural landscape degradation can be conceptualised and which factors influence territorial attractiveness for sustainable investments in a circular economy context. To this end, the research uses the Italian regions as a case study and a set of environmental and perceptual indicators. The adopted methodology involves the use of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with the aim of identifying the main latent dimensions that describe the environmental and landscape fragility of Italian rural territories. The Italian regions have then been classified on the basis of these dimensions, finally defining territorial profiles and differentiated strategic lines of intervention. The results obtained have highlighted the necessity for a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach to landscape research, with a view to promoting a synergy between scientific investigation, policy development and local action. By contributing to a more conscious conception of landscape as a complex dynamic system, this study enriches the ongoing debate on sustainable territorial governance and cultural heritage management.