Title: Planning and neo-endogenous model for sustainable development in Spanish rural areas

Authors: Alfredo Tolon-Becerra, Xavier Lastra-Bravo, Emilio Galdeano-Gomez

Addresses: Department of Rural Engineering, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento s/n., La Canada de San Urbano, Almeria 04120, Spain. ' Department of Rural Engineering, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento s/n., La Canada de San Urbano, Almeria 04120, Spain. ' Department of Applied Economics, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento s/n., La Canada de San Urbano, Almeria 04120, Spain

Abstract: Changes in rural areas in recent decades have resulted in a new approach to local rural development called |neo-endogenous|. This paper describes the main characteristics of this new development model, which is based on three pillars, harnessing endogenous potential, developing social capital (endogenous units, local/global actors and neo-endogenous units) and promoting local participative democracy. Then the balance of top–down – bottom–up approaches and their relationship to improve strategic planning for rural areas are analysed. Finally, co-construction of a local sustainable development plan by means of a knowledge-model based on the experience of the University of Almeria Rural Engineering Research Group is proposed.

Keywords: neo-endogenous modelling; Spain; sustainable rural development; local economic development; governance; social capital; sustainability indicators; conceptual models; knowledge engineering; GIS; geographical information systems; rural areas; social inclusion policies; neo-endogenous approach; rural renewal; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSOC.2010.033628

International Journal of Sustainable Society, 2010 Vol.2 No.2, pp.156 - 176

Published online: 08 Jun 2010 *

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