Call for Papers

1 – Agri-food systems, Forestry, and Circular Economy
Agriculture and forestry are at the core of the bioeconomy transition, combining traditional practices with new sustainable approaches. Farming systems are increasingly called to reconcile productivity with ecological integrity. Multifunctional forestry highlights the value of forests beyond timber, incorporating biodiversity, carbon storage, and recreation. Agroecology provides a framework for designing resilient systems that respect ecological processes. Food security remains a pressing issue, requiring innovative responses to climate change and market volatility. Rural areas are gaining visibility as central actors in the bio-based economy. Farmers and foresters are asked to diversify activities and engage with renewable resources. These transformations create tensions but also open opportunities for green innovation. Policies must support adaptation and equitable participation in the transition. In this context, rural areas become laboratories of sustainable futures.

2 – Climate Transitions, Landscapes, and Environment
Landscapes are central to the sustainability of rural regions, serving as both cultural and ecological resources. They embody the interactions between human activity and natural processes. Climate change places unprecedented pressure on these systems, requiring adaptation and mitigation strategies. Agricultural decarbonisation is an urgent priority, demanding innovative techniques and practices. Protected areas play a dual role: conserving biodiversity while shaping local economies. Ecosystem services, such as clean water, fertile soils, and pollination, are increasingly recognised as vital for society as a whole. The resilience of rural communities is directly linked to the health of their environments. New approaches to land management aim to reconcile economic use with ecological sustainability. Climate transitions demand collaboration across sectors and scales. Ultimately, rural landscapes become testing grounds for sustainable futures.

3 – Social Vulnerabilities and Opportunities underlying the Rural Transformations: Communities, Cultures and Identities
Rural transformations are increasingly complex processes that reflect the interplay between demographic, economic, and cultural shifts. Communities are adapting to global pressures while striving to preserve distinctive forms of rural identity. Heritage and traditions, once considered static, are now reinterpreted as resources for innovation and development. New forms of belonging are emerging through migration, intergenerational interaction, and social innovation. Cultural practices are mobilised not only as markers of continuity but also as strategies of resilience. Rural identities are becoming more fluid, shaped by both local and global influences. The balance between preservation and reinvention is a defining challenge for many communities. Changing lifestyles and aspirations transform how people engage with rural landscapes. The study of these processes reveals the capacity of rural societies to reinvent themselves. Ultimately, rural transformations highlight the dynamic character of rural life in a globalised world.

4 – Social and Spatial Inequalities in Rural Areas
Inclusion and social justice are vital dimensions of sustainable rural development. Depopulation and ageing create uneven access to essential services. Migration introduces diversity that requires inclusive policies for integration and cohesion. Equity in healthcare, education, and mobility is a precondition for well-being. Socio-environmental conflicts over land and resources highlight the need for participatory solutions. Civic and cultural education empower communities to engage actively in shaping their futures. Innovative practices, such as cooperative enterprises, strengthen local resilience. Social justice frameworks can address historical marginalisation and territorial inequalities. Inclusive strategies enable rural communities to harness diversity as a source of strength. Ultimately, building just and inclusive rural societies is key to resilience and sustainability.

5 – The Role of Creative Villages in the Sustainability of Rural Territories
Creative villages embody the intersection of culture, innovation, and community in rural contexts. By fostering artistic expression, heritage preservation, and local entrepreneurship, they revitalise declining areas and strengthen social cohesion. These places act as laboratories of sustainable development, where creativity drives economic diversification and resilience. Through cultural tourism, craft production, and digital connectivity, creative villages enhance local identity while generating new livelihoods. Their collaborative networks promote knowledge exchange and empower residents to co-design their future. The creative approach transforms rural spaces into dynamic ecosystems of innovation and inclusion, ensuring their long-term vitality.

6 – Impact of tourism, heritage and creative economies on rural areas
Tourism, heritage, and creative economies have become key strategies for rural diversification. Rural landscapes and traditions attract visitors searching for authenticity and alternative experiences. Heritage valorisation contributes to cultural pride and intergenerational continuity. At the same time, tourism provides much-needed income and employment opportunities in declining regions. Creative initiatives such as arts, crafts, and cultural festivals enrich local economies and strengthen community cohesion. Experiential tourism promotes deeper interactions between visitors and rural communities. However, these processes also raise questions about sustainability and over-commercialisation. Balancing economic growth with cultural integrity is a critical concern. Rural well-being increasingly depends on the successful integration of heritage, creativity, and sustainable tourism. In this way, rural areas reinvent themselves as vibrant destinations while preserving their identities.

7 – Governance and Planning in Rural Areas
Governance in rural areas requires inclusive, multi-level approaches that integrate diverse actors. Community-led initiatives have proven essential in shaping local development trajectories. Bottom-up decision-making enhances ownership, legitimacy, and resilience. Policies need to align with broader agendas, such as climate action, health, and food security. Demographic decline and ageing pose serious challenges for service provision and equity. Migration flows introduce both opportunities for revitalisation and risks of conflict. Effective planning must anticipate and respond to these complex dynamics. Multi-level governance fosters synergies between local, regional, and national strategies. Equity in access to infrastructure and services remains a fundamental concern. Overall, rural planning is about designing spaces of resilience in the face of uncertainty.

8 – Rural–Urban Dynamics
Rural–urban dynamics highlight the growing interdependence between territories in a globalised context. Rural areas supply food, energy, and ecosystem services to cities, while urban demand shapes rural production. Technological advances reduce distances and foster new exchanges between rural and urban societies. Neo-rural movements illustrate lifestyle choices of urban residents seeking alternative living in rural settings. These migrations bring new skills and expectations, reshaping local identities. Cultural exchanges are intensified through mobility, networks, and digital connectivity. However, tensions May arise between long-term residents and newcomers. Rural–urban relationships therefore need to be understood as dynamic and negotiated processes. Policy must recognise the fluid boundaries between rural and urban spaces. Ultimately, these interactions redefine both rural and urban futures.

9 – Changes in Rural Areas Facing the Complexity of New Challenges
Rural policies face unprecedented challenges in a time of global crises. Climate emergencies, demographic decline, and economic volatility demand flexible responses. Traditional top-down approaches often fail to address the complexity of rural realities. New policy pathways must integrate social, cultural, economic, and environmental concerns. Participatory approaches ensure legitimacy and relevance. The alignment of rural policies with global agendas, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, is increasingly necessary. Resilience-building requires policies that adapt to uncertainty while fostering long-term visions. Experimentation with innovative policy tools can create more responsive frameworks. Rural areas are not peripheral but central to addressing global challenges. The future of rural policies depends on their capacity to be inclusive, adaptive, and forward-looking.

10 – Digital Transition, Innovation, and Rural Infrastructures
Innovation and digitalisation are reshaping rural territories at an unprecedented pace. Improved connectivity reduces isolation and enables access to new markets and services. Precision farming illustrates how technology can revolutionise production while conserving resources. Smart mobility solutions enhance accessibility and contribute to environmental sustainability. Digital platforms allow new forms of entrepreneurship and remote working in rural areas. These processes rejuvenate social structures by attracting new populations and fostering intergenerational collaboration. However, digital divides persist, leaving some areas at risk of exclusion. Rural infrastructures, both physical and digital, are fundamental for achieving balanced development. Innovation can empower communities to become active participants in global networks. In this sense, technology is both a challenge and an opportunity for rural resilience.

11 – New Theory and Methods in the Research of Rural Areas
Research on rural areas is undergoing a paradigm shift, integrating interdisciplinary theories and innovative methodologies. New analytical frameworks draw on geography, sociology, digital humanities, and environmental sciences to better capture rural complexity. Quantitative and qualitative methods are being combined to reveal the dynamics of mobility, social change, and resilience. Spatial data technologies and participatory research are redefining how rural realities are observed and interpreted. These approaches enable more inclusive and context-sensitive understandings of development processes. By rethinking traditional models, scholars highlight diversity, business, and the interplay between local and global forces. Theoretical renewal and methodological innovation thus contribute to a richer and more dynamic vision of rurality.

12 – Sustainable Development Goals and Synergies for Rural Areas
Rural territories play a crucial role in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They provide essential resources, biodiversity, and cultural heritage while facing unique social and economic challenges. Creating synergies among the SDGs—such as those related to poverty reduction, clean energy, and responsible production—is vital for rural sustainability. Integrated governance and territorial cohesion policies can strengthen these interconnections. Collaboration between local actors, researchers, and policymakers fosters inclusive and place-based strategies. By aligning local priorities with global objectives, rural areas become laboratories of sustainable innovation. This holistic perspective ensures balanced development that values people, nature, and culture alike.

* Other topics may be accepted subject to a favorable opinion from the Scientific Committee.