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

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. © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.