The Sustainable Development of Less-Favoured Areas: A Study of the Romanian and Austrian Experiences

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to contribute to the discussion of new policy options for less-favoured areas by presenting two case studies concerning rural communities from Romania and Austria and their pathways towards sustainable development in regions with so-called natural handicaps. First, we briefly introduced the less favoured areas in Romania and Austria, with their constraints and characteristics. Secondly, we focused on the local development strategies of two less-favoured communities from these countries. Finally, we drew conclusions, serving as policy recommendations for actions targeting the development of less-favoured rural areas.

Keywords

• case studies
• rural sustainable development
• sustainable resource management
• research project
• success factors