The development of regenerative agriculture has been attracting particular attention from the scientific community for almost a decade, both from researchers in the agricultural sciences and the natural and social sciences, as well as from agro-technologists, ecologists, and agricultural consultants. Nothing is surprising about this. This is essentially a grassroots type of agricultural production which, on the one hand, is based on state-of-the-art agro-technical solutions (e.g. precision farming or modern forms of cultivation, sowing, etc.) while, on the other hand, making use of former cultivation and animal husbandry techniques stemming from the rural production system. This is further compounded by the latest ecological research revealing the interactions between plants and animals to avoid or drastically reduce the share of chemicals in agricultural production. Farmers engaged in this type of production group together in networks of cooperation and knowledge exchange, creating a social movement that is very interesting for social researchers.
Sustainable tourism is a key strategy for nurturing tourists' relationships with the values of protected areas, which is beneficial for conservation. Since tourism activities may potentially harm the environment, maintaining the sustainability of the destination heavily relies on tourists’ environmentally responsible behaviour (TERB). This study aims to investigate TERB in protected areas, which have been identified as exceptional and therefore require preservation and appreciation. To comprehend TERB, the conceptual framework is based on the Knowledge-Belief-Norm (KBN) theory . Data for this research were collected through a survey of tourists visiting ecotourism and geotourism destinations. The structural equation model demonstrates the linear relationship between KBN theory constructs and TERB, while TERB positively influences satisfaction and indirectly affects behavioural intentions. Geotourists and ecotourists were not distinguished from one another. Practical implications provide insights into reducing the environmental impact of tourist activities when creating effective strategies.
The concepts of social and spatial justice attempt to answer the question: how can we manage inequalities within society in a fair and equitable manner while also offering equal opportunity for all of its members? How diverse types of services are delivered to ensure justice in terms of availability, accessibility, price and even quality is a significant aspect of resolving this question. The principles of services of general interest (SGI) are based on a European model of society that strives for equality, social welfare, solidarity and cohesion. These ideas are also crucial for achieving social and spatial justice. Based on findings of case studies of the RELOCAL H2020 research project, the study shows while local challenges related to the provision of general-interest services (e.g., the improvement of living conditions) can be managed to some extent (e.g., the improvement of living conditions), development programmes aimed at local SGI can also lead to the reproduction of social and spatial injustices, as well as hierarchical dependencies, due to procedural and distributive deficiencies. The paper argues that roles and responsibilities of players at various spatial levels, as well as their power relations, are crucial to these processes because they link agreed-upon and intended principles to their actual implementation.
The present paper aims to measure to what degree secondary schools target socio-economic and regional characteristics of disadvantaged (mainly rural) regions. At the same time, an important goal is to answer what other factors may influence the cognitive spatial perception of secondary school students, especially with regard to disadvantaged/rural areas. An important methodological element for this is the examination of the geography curriculum as a secondary source. Regarding methods based on primary sources, a questionnaire survey reveals general conceptual knowledge of one hundred and sixty students in relation to the above issue. One part of the students involved in the investigation study in secondary schools of a county seat and the other part in a small town. The aim of the investigation is to encourage the implementation of goals outlined by frame curricula and in the list of prerequisites for obtaining a secondary diploma by conceptualising a methodological modification. The results have underpinned the conviction that the examined topic fails to gain significance during both primary and secondary education. Targeting the issue of disadvantaged areas in a separate chapter or making it a more remarkable factor among the list of prerequisites, would result in the strengthening of topographical and conceptual skills. Students would be able to gain an insight into regional characteristics of socio-economic inequalities during academic breaks by taking part in educational trips, field research or visiting disadvantaged areas.
Rural Populations and the Neo-Conservative Revolution in Eastern and Central Europe – Review and Commentary on the RECEO Special Issue No. 4/2016.
