The rediscovery of characteristic rural landscapes. An opportunity to create new activities?

Abstract

For some years now, researchers in many geographical and other disciplinary fields have believed that historical rural landscapes contain an educational value for the landscapes of the future, in terms of analysis as well as protection in general and geo-economic aspects in particular, as an identity expression of the territory and as a preponderant element for the recovery of the same. In fact, in landscape studies the idea is widespread that historical and characteristic rural landscapes are not only the elements of a cultural heritage capable of preserving the memory of the past but also the bearers of a rational perspective for the future of European agriculture. The COVID-19 pandemic caused social and economic changes; critical issues highlight the need for a more integrated approach, taking into account the rediscovery of rural landscapes to practice open-air activities. Through a review of the international literature and the analysis of case studies, the paper aims to highlight the renewal processes of some cultural practices abandoned over the years but which today are an integral part of the local economy. In particular, the paper analyses the cases of two characteristic citrus groves in Apulia and Sicily, in the south of Italy. They demonstrate how the renewal of ancient practices such as the cultivation of citrus fruits together with the value of landscapes can represent an opportunity for an economic development of territories.