Maria Rosa Trovato

This research examines how the relationship between cities and rural areas has evolved in light of the profound transformation affecting rural areas of high landscape value, which has been driven by the expansion opportunities granted to the real estate sector by urban planning regulations. The role of the landscape dimension in interpreting the relationship between territorial wealth and landscape value is considered, based on the convergence of two complementary disciplinary perspectives on territory: land planning and valuation science. Against this backdrop, and with a view to containing the progressive contamination of rural and agricultural heritage by the real estate sector, this study proposes a structured observation, valuation, interpretation, and regulatory tool to support the development of territorial planning in areas significantly characterized in terms of rural landscape value. The proposed tool is based on evidence regarding the phenomenon of building expansion in the agricultural territory of a municipality in southeastern Sicily, where favorable conditions for the development of the building sector exist, such as the vastness of the municipal territory and extensive farming as the mainstay of agricultural activity. This wider sub-regional area has also received attention due to the over-tourism phenomenon that has occurred in its cities of art. The evaluation approach experienced is a value-based representation of the evolution of this process over three observation periods: 2000, 2007, and 2012, relating the quantitative observation of the building expansion to the connected qualitative impact on rural landscape. It is the result of coordinating a large set of data in a hierarchical model of indices that converge to construct a synthetic index of rural landscape resilience. This achievement is based on the linguistic progression of “lexicon”, “semantics”, “syntax”, and “pragmatics”, each of which robustly supports “observation”, “valuation”, “interpretation”, and “planning”, respectively. The final stage is based on the convergence of explanatory indices, which are developed by coordinating evidence and assessments (factual and value judgements). This stage enables the proposal of a constraints system that supports a modus vivendi between the interests of the real estate sector and the values of the rural landscape in such a rich and fragile area.

Energy poverty presents a variety of complex challenges relating to equity, public health and territorial sustainability. Despite growing attention across European policy agendas, responses remain fragmented and often disconnected from local needs. This study proposes a strategic framework to promote social inclusion, territorial resilience, and multilevel governance in addressing energy poverty. The methodological approach is divided into three main phases. First, a literature review based on PRISMA guidelines was conducted, covering reports and pilot projects from 2010 to 2024. An inductive–deductive model was then used to analyse the literature, identifying five thematic areas and recurring gaps. The ultimate goal was to develop a framework that would tackle energy poverty. The results reveal persistent gaps: fragmented indicators, underdefined vulnerable groups, weak integration between energy and health policies, limited financial accessibility, and uncoordinated governance. In response, the paper introduces the Integrated Energy Resilience and Inclusion Network (IERIN), a governance-based framework structured around four conceptual pillars: equity, adaptability, participation, and proximity. The Nesima district of Catania is proposed as an exploratory context to test the framework and refine participatory tools. The study outlines practical strategies for achieving energy equity through co-design, cross-sectoral planning, and inclusive financing. The study outlines practical strategies for achieving energy equity through co-design, cross-sectoral planning, and inclusive financing.

The marginalisation of the inner areas due to increased social, material, economic and infrastructural vulnerability is a growing phenomenon affecting many countries today. Although, specific policies, measures, and funding have recently been proposed to address this issue, they have been slow to produce the expected results. Those responsible for decision-makers regarding the prospect of territorial rebalancing need support in identifying the residual value of these marginal areas. This will help them recognise where and how this value can be emphasised in an integrated, long-term redevelopment process. Based on an axiological perspective of territorial capital forms, the research project has developed a “Geo-referenced Value-based Knowledge Model” using Multi-attribute Value Theory (MAVT). It plays a key role in estimating the Reaction Capability Index (I_RCI) of Sicily’s “inner areas”. The results demonstrate the reaction capability of the municipalities in these areas. As a measure of the overall endowment of territorial capital, the I_RCI index can help decision-makers National Strategy Inner Areas (NSIA), promote the efficient use of resources, and encourage the effective implementation of policies aimed at rebalancing the territory.