Sustainable development and biodiversity protection in rural areas: a participatory approach to support policy-makers

The European Union prioritizes biodiversity management, evident in the European Green Deal Agenda and the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which aims for green growth and conservation. However, issues like land-use changes and climate change persist. As defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity, sustainable hunting mixes biodiversity conservation and social aspects. In Europe, hunting management varies by country. Specifically, in Italy, it operates at national, regional, and local levels. Despite some standardization efforts, local plans need more participatory approaches, risking misalignment with scientific guidance. This study proposes a participatory strategy for crafting regional wildlife hunting plans, focusing on Apulia, Italy. Backcasting and content analysis methods were used, involving experts and stakeholders. SWOT analysis revealed strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Inconsistencies and the need for participatory policymaking were evident, underlining the importance of inclusive approaches for effective biodiversity management.