Agricoltura biologica e turismo sostenibile nelle aree protette: una scommessa per lo sviluppo locale. Caso studio - Parco delle Madonie

[automatically translated] Farmer often oppose parks and natural areas, desperately against environmentalists, for fear of restrictions on their productive activities. Environmentalists favor its constitution often ignoring the fears of farmers, because they are places where the environment finds its highest expression. Sometimes, fortunately, there are points of agreement and common interest, because the protected area highlights not only that specific setting, but also the whole rural community in it present and therefore his agricultural production and agro-food. The points of contact between protected areas and organic farming are many and strong: organic farming aims to produce more and healthier foods and less manipulated through appropriate farming methods; protected areas are proposed the conservation of natural environments and the development of sustainable activities including of course agriculture. The framework law of protected areas includes initiatives for economic and social development and the possibility of granting by means of specific agreements between the producers and the Park Authority, the use of the name and logo of the protected local services and products , also agricultural and agri-food whose purpose is the facilitation of traditional promotional activities. The goal of the "mark of origin" is educational outreach and training of the category of farmers. The direct consequences are that the integrity of the soil, the wholesomeness of food and ecological redevelopment of the area, typical purposes, organic farming. In recognition of this important link between farm and organic farming, AIAB (Italian Association for Organic Agriculture) has promoted, since 1998, the establishment of the Circuit of Ecological Farms Bio who can join those structures that have decided to comply with the criteria laid down by Aiab specific standards and have obtained the certification issued by the Institute for Ethical and Environmental certification (ICEA). Farms in the circuit offer the opportunity to see and experience the countryside in its most original and fascinating aspects, which are the result of an ingenious interweaving of natural scenery and local traditions, but also the continuing commitment of organic farmers in safeguarding the ' environment and of its diversity protection. And 'why the organic farmer is willing to take the guests on a visit to the company activities and, more than 70% of all cases, it organizes directly, or in collaboration with external organizations, visits to national parks in the vicinity. The Bio-Ecological farms are also characterized by a particular attention to the environmental management of facilities through the choice of technological solutions to reduce energy and water consumption, to rationalize the management and recycling of waste. The first results of a survey conducted by the Department of Agro-Forestry Systems Economics of the University of Palermo on agriculture of protected areas in Sicily, emerges the widespread nature of the farming-organic farms, particularly in the area consists of the 15 municipalities that are part of the Regional Natural Park of the Madonie (prov. Palermo). Many manufacturers operating in this territory participating in the project "Knowledge and Tastes", ie exhibit its products under the brand name of the park. The Regional Natural Park of Madonie is one of four Sicilian protected areas. Its main resource is agriculture. Since the food quality has no reason to exist if there is no awareness, project, promoted and supported by the Park The Regiona