Local Development and Sustainability

Local Development and Sustainability: Territorial Dynamics Between Economy and Ecology advances a novel synthesis of local development by integrating diverse disciplinary perspectives including applied economics, regional science, sociology, demography, ecology, and planning. This edited volume examines the relationships between social inequalities, demographic change, territorial disparities, and environmental challenges in advanced economies, with empirical evidence spanning Europe, the Middle East, and global contexts. The book uniquely links local development with sustainability, wellbeing, and quality of life, emphasizing the kaleidoscopic and unpredictable nature of territorial transformations. The book is organized into four thematic sections covering geo-economic and territorial issues, socio-demographic implications, socio-environmental perspectives, and planning and governance. Topics include urban expansion, landscape valorization, spatial demography, wildfire behavior, land degradation, administrative reforms, and resilience plans. Each chapter is authored by respected scholars from various countries, offering case studies, visual data, and comprehensive analyses that highlight applied approaches and policy implications. This reference benefits academics, researchers, and students in economics, geography, sociology, demography, socio-environmental science, and planning. It also serves practitioners such as planners, architects, and policymakers interested in sustainable local development and territorial governance. The book supports teaching at B.A., M.Sc., and Ph.D. levels, providing an accessible yet advanced resource for understanding complex socio-ecological systems and their sustainable management.