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The Perception of Ecosystem Services of Mountain Farming and of a Local Cheese: An Analysis for the Touristic Valorization of an Inner Alpine Area

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  • Rebecca Montrasio

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy)

  • Silvana Mattiello

    (Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy)

  • Martina Zucaro

    (Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy)

  • Dino Genovese

    (Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy)

  • Luca Battaglini

    (Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy)

Abstract

Mountain husbandry systems and their related products may directly or indirectly provide either ecosystem services (ESs) or disservices to humanity. The present study aims to evaluate the perception that a local mountain community has towards animal husbandry in the Lanzo Valleys (Piedmont, Italy) and towards the typical local dairy product, Toma di Lanzo, as well as to investigate the consumers’ habits and preferences, to detect possible positive impacts on mountain tourism. A questionnaire was delivered to 233 respondents. The perception of the impact was scored using a five-point Likert scale. The results show a very positive perception of the product Toma di Lanzo because of its origin and type of processing, with different perceptions of the local society depending on age ( p < 0.01), residence ( p < 0.01), and education level ( p < 0.05). The respondents had a very positive awareness of the impact of mountain livestock farming in the Lanzo Valleys. The most important perceived ESs are cultural identity and maintenance of local breeds. Women, non-residents, and respondents with an intermediate education level generally had a more positive perception of ESs. There was a very low perception of disservices derived from mountain animal farming. The main perceived obstacles to the spread of benefits derived from these farming systems were the scarce presence of specific supporting politics and the low income generated by mountain farming activities. The coexistence of touristic activities and extensive livestock farming systems has to be associated with a better promotion of mountain products like Toma di Lanzo to improve the sustainability of mountain regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca Montrasio & Silvana Mattiello & Martina Zucaro & Dino Genovese & Luca Battaglini, 2020. "The Perception of Ecosystem Services of Mountain Farming and of a Local Cheese: An Analysis for the Touristic Valorization of an Inner Alpine Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:19:p:8017-:d:420999
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Emilio Sabia & Ada Braghieri & Corrado Pacelli & Adriana Di Trana & Adele Coppola, 2023. "Perception of Ecosystem Services from Podolian Farming System in Marginal Areas of Southern Italy," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-19, December.
    4. Ibán Vázquez-González & María do Mar Pérez-Fra & Ana Isabel García-Arias & Bernardo Valdês-Paços & Edelmiro López-Iglesias, 2021. "Rendered Agroecosystem Services and Dysservices of Dairy Farming: A Bottom-Up Approach in Galicia (Spain)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-20, July.
    5. Qianqian Gong & Jiaming Li & Lingzhi Wu & Miner Zhu & Maoyu Luo & Jingyi Sun & Wenqing Fu & Renfeng Ma & Xianjun Liang, 2023. "Exploring Accessibility and Its Impact in the Mountain City: A Typical Case Study of Nyingchi City, Tibet Autonomous Region, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-20, January.
    6. Merida, Vincent Elijiah & Cook, David & Ögmundarson, Ólafur & Davíðsdóttir, Brynhildur, 2022. "Ecosystem services and disservices of meat and dairy production: A systematic literature review," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).
    7. Cristina Pavanello & Marcello Franchini & Stefano Bovolenta & Elisa Marraccini & Mirco Corazzin, 2024. "Sustainability Indicators for Dairy Cattle Farms in European Union Countries: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-25, May.
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