Green Payment and Perceived Rural Landscape Quality: A Cost-Benefit Analysis in Central Italy

CORTIGNANI, R., GOBATTONI, F., PELOROSSO, R.,RIPA, M.N., (2018), Green payment and perceived rural landscape quality: A cost-benefit analysis in central Italy, Sustainability (Switzerland), 10(8),2910, ISSN 20711050, DOI 10.3390/su10082910 Cod Scopus 2-s2.0-85051701365 IF 2, SJR Q2

Abstract: The conservation of perceived scenery of traditional extensive and diversified landscapes is
a valuable aim for reaching sustainable rural development. Considering the financial budget assigned
and the application rules of European Union agricultural policy (Common Agricultural Policy—CAP),
the relationship between perceived landscape benefits and CAP first pillar payments is an interesting
aspect to analyze. In this study, a cost-benefit analysis has been carried out in a rural area of Central
Italy that represents typical Italian conditions of hilly territories. Greening payment, a mechanism
aimed to boost public goods, including landscapes and their ecological functionality, was selected
as a proxy for policy cost of preserving traditional extensive landscapes. The benefits of greening
have been evaluated through the analysis of the people’s willingness to pay for the maintenance
of extensive and diversified landscapes. The analysis conducted does not explicitly consider the
full range of environmental benefits determined by greening, even if some interviewees may have
perceived them in addition to the visual perception of the rural landscape. The present study can
contribute to the debate on the agricultural policy post-2020, especially for a future definition of
long-lasting and cost-effective sustainable interventions in hilly and extensive rural landscapes.