Sustainability of agriculture in Mediterranean periurban areas: Issues and agriurban projects in the Pisan region (Tuscany, Italy)

Abstract

The sustainability of Mediterranean periurban areas is challenged by several dynamics, e. g. the decrease and fragmentation of farmland, conflicts concerning resources and land use. Through the case study of the Pisan urban region, we highlight how actions joining different stakeholders in a variety of projects offer new potentials to treat the issues at stake in such periurban areas. In the region of Pisa, while actors from local authorities are concerned mainly by environmental issues, for the other actors economic and social issues are the focal point. At the same time, by analysing the projects emerging in this area we underline the key role of local authorities in their coordination and development. Finally, we conclude by proposing a framework to analyse periurban projects and their characteristics of integration.