“An original and highly interdisciplinary academic book, suitable both for teaching and research. It offers a well-structured integration of ecology, sociology and economics, with practical applications that make it valuable for graduate students, PhD researchers and practitioners alike.” —Professor Andrea Colantoni, Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, University of Tuscia, Italy.

“The present collective work challenges the notion that economic development—measured solely by GDP—automatically leads to societal well-being. It develops and applies theoretical and methodological tools to underscore, particularly at the local and regional levels, the importance of social and environmental factors that contribute to sustainable development and genuine prosperity. Emphasis is placed on environmental and natural resources preservation, the promotion of employment, the enhancement of social and political life and the expansion of leisure opportunities.” —Professor Kostas Rontos, University of the Aegean, Greece.

Luca Salvati is professor at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.