Long-Term Visions for Rural and Inner Areas

This special issue focuses on the challenges that rural and inner areas face in counteracting the phenomena of marginalisation and depopulation. The first paper of this collection investigates young people’s propensity to stay and live in inner areas. The second paper explores land use change in mountain areas, addressing the issue of sustainability. The last two papers deal with the role of Local Action Groups in planning long-term rural development strategies in line with the indications suggested by the European Commission. The insights provided by these studies offer guidance for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers for a more effective planning and implementation of local development strategies in rural and inner areas.