Literary tourism in rural areas and small towns: development and governance of destinations associated with children's literature

European rural areas face several significant challenges. Cultural heritage, particularly literary heritage, is often overlooked in rural development strategies. However, its protection and valorisation can play a pivotal role in rural regeneration. This research first undertakes a comprehensive exploration of how rurality is defined, analysing key European strategies and policies related to rural development. Secondly, it investigates how literary heritage is preserved and promoted by international organizations (Council of Europe, UNESCO). Furthermore, it reviews the current state of research on literary tourism, with special emphasis on literary tourism associated with children's literature. Thirdly, the research introduces an analytical framework to examine the development and governance of literary destinations in rural areas. Through four case studies, this thesis explores how literary heritage is managed and valorised at the local level, demonstrating that the effective utilisation of literary resources can contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of certain rural areas and small towns. The thesis focuses specifically on children's literature, analysing the following case studies: (1) Sarmede (Italy), associated with the writer, painter, and illustrator Štěpán Zavřel, (2) Collodi (Pescia, Italy), linked to Carlo Lorenzini, better known by his pen name Carlo Collodi, author of Pinocchio, (3) Near Sawrey and the Lake District (United Kingdom), connected with Beatrix Potter, whose The Tale of Peter Rabbit is among her most famous works, and (4) Hartfield (United Kingdom), associated with Alan Alexander Milne, creator of Winnie-the-Pooh. Finally, through a comparative analysis of these case studies, this thesis identifies common challenges and opportunities, highlights best practices, and uncovers unique approaches across the different literary destinations. In conclusion, this thesis aims to provide practical recommendations for local stakeholders, offering a roadmap for leveraging literary heritage as a catalyst for rural regeneration.Le aree rurali europee si trovano ad affrontare numerose sfide. Il patrimonio culturale, in particolare il patrimonio letterario, è spesso trascurato nelle strategie di sviluppo rurale. Tuttavia, la sua tutela e valorizzazione possono svolgere un ruolo fondamentale nella rigenerazione rurale. Questa ricerca intraprende un’esplorazione comprensiva di come viene definita la ruralità, analizzando le principali strategie e politiche europee relative allo sviluppo rurale. Inoltre, indaga il modo in cui il patrimonio letterario viene preservato e promosso dalle organizzazioni internazionali. Inoltre, passa in rassegna lo stato attuale della ricerca sul turismo letterario, con particolare attenzione al turismo letterario associato alla letteratura per l’infanzia. La ricerca introduce un quadro analitico per esaminare lo sviluppo e la governance delle destinazioni letterarie nelle aree rurali. Attraverso quattro casi studio, questa tesi esplora come il patrimonio letterario viene gestito e valorizzato a livello locale, dimostrando che l'utilizzo efficace delle risorse letterarie può contribuire allo sviluppo economico, sociale e culturale di alcune aree rurali e piccole città. La tesi si concentra specificamente sulla letteratura per l'infanzia, analizzando i seguenti casi studio: (1) Sarmede (Italia), legata allo scrittore, pittore e illustratore Štěpán Zavřel, (2) Collodi (Pescia, Italia), legata a Carlo Lorenzini, meglio conosciuto con lo pseudonimo Carlo Collodi, autore di Pinocchio, (3) Near Sawrey e il Lake District (Regno Unito), legato a Beatrix Potter, la cui Storia di Peter Rabbit è tra le sue opere più famose, e (4) Hartfield (Regno Unito), associato ad Alan Alexander Milne, creatore di Winnie-the-Pooh. Infine, attraverso un'analisi comparativa di questi casi studio, questa tesi identifica sfide e opportunità comuni, evidenzia le migliori pratiche e scopre approcci unici nelle diverse destinazioni letterarie. In conclusione, questa tesi mira a fornire raccomandazioni pratiche agli stakeholder locali, offrendo una tabella di marcia per sfruttare il patrimonio letterario come catalizzatore per la rigenerazione rurale

Migration in EU Rural Areas

This report provides a quantitative overview of migration in rural areas for the entire EU. It includes a description of socio demographic characteristics and main indicators of integration of migrants living in rural areas and employed in EU agriculture. More geographically detailed analyses for Spain and Italy explore patterns of concentration of migrants in specific Local Administrative Units in relation to local characteristics of agriculture. Finally, the last chapter describes how the salience of and attitudes towards immigration differ when considering respondents living in cities, medium and small size towns, and rural areas. Overall, the report contributes to raise awareness on the poorly studied phenomenon of migration in rural areas. Migrants living in rural areas and working in agriculture, despite representing a relatively small group if compared to migrants in cities, have a fundamental role in sustaining certain types of agricultural production in constant demand of temporary work. At the same time, they tend to fair worse for most indicators of integration not only in respect of natives but also in respect of migrants living in cities and towns. Given these characteristics, migrants in rural areas would deserve special attention when designing integration policies.JRC.E.6 - Demography, Migration and Governanc

Food sovereignity from the global to the local level there and back

This research analyses the impact of global food politics on a local level, in particular, the discourse based on the right to adequate food as it directly relates to food security. The policies relating to these concepts facilitate the mass production of agricultural products, which often fails to respect nature’s cycle thereby creating unsustainability. The current model of food production is questioned and a more sustainable alternative is possible by the recognition of the right to food sovereignty as a human right. To include food sovereignty in the international human rights law, would change the approach adopted in food production, and would democratize the system. The impact of global food politics is addressed at the local level, and this investigation presents a study case based in Santa Fe (Argentina). The local civil society movements have endorsed modest, but concrete attempts to face the externalities caused by the extensive soybean monocultures

The valorisation of literary heritage for sustainable tourism

Il 50° anniversario della Convenzione sul patrimonio mondiale è un’occasione per analizzare come il patrimo-nio letterario viene protetto e promosso nel contesto delle iniziative dell’Organizzazione delle Nazioni Unite per l’educazione, la scienza e la cultura (UNESCO). Inoltre, questo articolo fornisce una categorizzazione delle diverse tipologie di destinazioni letterarie individuate nella letteratura e collega la valorizzazione del patrimonio letterario con la rigenerazione delle aree rurali attraverso il caso studio illustrativo di Sarmede, il paese delle fiabe situato in provincia di Treviso (Italia).The 50th anniversary of the World heritage convention is an occasion to analyse how literary heritage is pro-tected and promoted in the context of United Nations Educational, scientific and cultural organization’s (UNESCO) initiatives. Moreover, this article provides a categorization of the different types of literary desti-nations identified in the literature and links the valorisation of literary heritage with the regeneration of rural areas through the illustrative case study of Sarmede, the fairy tale village located in the province of Treviso (Italy)

Literary tourism in rural areas and small towns: development and governance of destinations associated with children's literature

European rural areas face several significant challenges, including depopulation, ageing population, limited services and infrastructure, restricted economic opportunities, and geographic remoteness. Cultural heritage, particularly literary heritage, is often overlooked in rural development strategies. However, its protection and valorisation can play a pivotal role in rural regeneration, helping to counteract these negative trends. This research first undertakes a comprehensive exploration of how rurality is defined, analysing key European strategies and policies related to rural development, with a particular focus on how culture is framed within these contexts. Secondly, it investigates how literary heritage is preserved and promoted by international organizations, particularly the Council of Europe and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Furthermore, it reviews the current state of research on literary tourism, with special emphasis on literary tourism associated with children's literature. In addition to academic sources, it also considers non-scientific publications to reflect broader societal interest in the topic. Thirdly, the research introduces an analytical framework to examine the development and governance of literary destinations in rural areas. Through four case studies, this thesis explores how literary heritage is managed and valorised at the local level, demonstrating that the effective utilisation of literary resources can contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of certain rural areas and small towns. The thesis focuses specifically on children's literature, analysing the following case studies: (1) Sarmede (Italy), associated with the writer, painter, and illustrator Štěpán Zavřel, (2) Collodi (Pescia, Italy), linked to Carlo Lorenzini, better known by his pen name Carlo Collodi, author of Pinocchio, (3) Near Sawrey and the Lake District (United Kingdom), connected with Beatrix Potter, whose The Tale of Peter Rabbit is among her most famous works, and (4) Hartfield (United Kingdom), associated with Alan Alexander Milne, creator of Winnie-the-Pooh. Finally, through a comparative analysis of these case studies, this thesis identifies common challenges and opportunities, highlights best practices, and uncovers unique approaches across the different literary destinations. In conclusion, this thesis aims to provide practical recommendations for local stakeholders, offering a roadmap for leveraging literary heritage as a catalyst for rural regeneration. Through its comprehensive analysis and detailed case studies, this 6 research contributes to have a better understanding on how the enhancement of literary heritage can contribute to sustainable development of rural areas and small towns thereby promoting Europe's cultural heritage

Seguridad alimentaria y cambio climático. El caso del Perú: Desde los compromisos internacionales hasta las zonas más afectadas por el fenómeno de El Niño Costero de 2017

Food security and consequently the right to food are in a situation of vulnerability to climate change because of their dependency on agriculture. Through the case of Peru, which had to face the emergency caused by El Niño Costero of 2017, the commitments made by the State at the international level and its implementation from the national level to the local level are analysed, particularly in the areas of Piura and Trujillo. Finally, agricultural production is taken into consideration and the necessity of promoting sustainable agriculture, along with other measures, to support resilient communities.La seguridad alimentaria y por consecuencia el derecho a la alimentación está en una situación de vulnerabilidad frente al cambio. A través del caso del Perú, que tuvo que enfrentar la emergencia causada por El Niño Costero de 2017, se analizan los compromisos tomados por el Estado a nivel internacional y su implementación desde el nivel nacional hasta el nivel local, en particular en las zonas de Piura y Trujillo. Se considera también la producción agrícola y la necesidad de promover una agricultura sustentable, entre otras medidas, para suportar comunidades resilientes

Food sovereignty: from the global to the local level there and back

This research analyses the impact of global food politics on a local level, in particular, the discourse based on the right to adequate food as it directly relates to food security. The policies relating to these concepts facilitate the mass production of agricultural products, which often fails to respect nature’s cycle thereby creating unsustainability. The current model of food production is questioned and a more sustainable alternative is possible by the recognition of the right to food sovereignty as a human right. To include food sovereignty in the international human rights law, would change the approach adopted in food production, and would democratize the system. The impact of global food politics is addressed at the local level, and this investigation presents a case study based in Santa Fe (Argentina). The local civil society movements have endorsed modest, but concrete attempts to face the externalities caused by the extensive soybean monocultures

“Integration of migrants in European rural areas: developing a policy response”, in Migration in EU Rural Areas, Science for Policy report by the Joint Research Centre (JRC)

This report provides a quantitative overview of migration in rural areas for the entire EU. It includes a description of socio-demographic characteristics and main indicators of integration of migrants living in rural areas and employed in EU agriculture. More geographically detailed analyses for Spain and Italy explore patterns of concentration of migrants in specific Local Administrative Units in relation to local characteristics of agriculture. Finally, the report describes how the salience of and attitudes towards immigration differ when considering respondents living in cities, medium and small size towns, and rural areas. Overall, the report contributes to raising awareness of the poorly studied phenomenon of migration in rural areas. Migrants living in rural areas and working in agriculture, despite representing a relatively small group if compared to migrants in cities, have a fundamental role in sustaining certain types of agricultural production in constant demand of temporary work. At the same time, they tend to fare worse for most indicators of integration not only in respect of natives but also in respect of migrants living in cities and towns. Given these characteristics, migrants in rural areas would deserve special attention when designing integration policies

Aree rurali e personaggi illustri: il potenziale di un patrimonio da valorizzare

Le aree rurali dell’Unione Europea costituiscono più dell’80% del suo territorio e qui vive circa il 30% della popolazione europea, ovvero circa 140 milioni di persone. Questi territori, negli ultimi decenni, si sono trovati ad affrontare sfide che ne hanno cambiato l’aspetto. Fenomeni quali la globalizzazione e l’urbanizzazione hanno portato allo spopolamento, all’abbandono delle case, alla riduzione dei servizi. La riduzione del peso dell’attività agricola sull’economia rurale, offre nuove opportunità per esempio per lo sviluppo di servizi ricreativi e del turismo. La valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale, in particolare del patrimonio letterario, può innescare processi di innovazione e rigenerazione delle zone rurali che beneficiano le comunità locali e attraggono turisti. Nell'articolo, viene illustrato il caso di Sarmede, piccolo paese della provincia di Treviso, che ha saputo valorizzare in un circolo virtuoso l'eredità lasciata dallo scrittore, illustratore e artista Štěpán Zavřel