Bio-Regions as An Innovative Model of Sustainable Rural Development: An Integrative Literature Review

The Bio-Regions, whose origin dates back to Italy, constitute an innovative model of rural development anchored in endogenous dynamics, valuing territorial specificities, local social capital and participatory governance mechanisms. Its integrated approach seeks to articulate organic farming, environmental sustainability, community cohesion and proximity circuits.

This study aims to contribute to the scientific and political debate around Bio-Regions, exploring their transformative potential in the context of territorial public policies. Through an integrative literature review, we sought to understand not only the conceptual and practical evolution of the Bio-Regions, but also the implications of their consolidation in different territorial contexts.

The analysis focused on indexed scientific publications and nonconventional specialized literature, collected through professional and academic networks. The selection of contributions was guided by thematic criteria, favoring studies that addressed institutional factors, the mobilization of local actors and the role of public policies in the operationalization of this development model.

The results highlight the decisive role of the institutional dimension in the consolidation of Bio-Regions, underlining the importance of integrated and participatory political strategies. At the same time, significant gaps in scientific production are identified, particularly with regard to the systematic assessment of the economic, social and environmental impacts associated with the implementation of the Bio-Regions.

Introduction

Decades of inadequate management of rural space have resulted in deeply fragile agricultural territories (Horstinket al., 2023). This reality puts at risk the sustainability and the very continuity of life in the rural world. Natural factors, such as geographic location, steep terrain, land fragmentation, and limited accessibility, are combined with socioeconomic factors, such as the predominance of family farms and ineffective public policies, contributing to systematic land abandonment (Baiet al., 2015; Zavalloniet al., 2021).

Widomski and Musz-Pomorska (2023) identify several constraints to rural sustainability: poor access to basic services (including sanitation), anthropogenic pressure on ecosystems, limited access to renewable energy, depopulation, population ageing, adverse economic conditions, and low agricultural productivity. In these territories, especially mountain ones, sustainable agricultural development requires a balance between ecological and economic systems (Cardillo & Cimino, 2022; Salvatiet al., 2017). This balance depends, to a large extent, on adequate support policies, as Swagemakerset al. (2017), by encouraging the transition to multifunctional agriculture, promoting diversified and differentiated products (Rivas & Quintero, 2014).

The urgency of designing and implementing new models of rural development is evident. Inaction or the implementation of inadequate policies can accentuate the negative effects already identified (Marques & Triches, 2022). The literature documents several cases where measures aimed at rural social development have not had an impact on combating depopulation, mainly due to the poor attractiveness of agricultural life and work and unappealing living conditions (Kovalenkoet al., 2015; Lopes & Mota, 2021).

In this context, Bio-Regions (or Eco-Regions and Biodistricts) are emerging in Italy as a response to these challenges. These propose an alternative model of territorial development, based on three dimensions: social, economic and environmental, and aim to revitalise rural territories, combating phenomena such as population ageing, desertification, unemployment, and abandonment of agricultural activities (Basileet al., 2021; Diaset al., 2021; Stefanovic & Agbolosoo-Mensah, 2023). The term “Bio” refers to the widespread adoption of organic farming practices, while “District” alludes to the concentration of small and medium-sized enterprises with strong specialization in rural services (Guareschiet al., 2020).

Bio-Regions are an integrated approach to territorial management, promoting alliances between farmers, citizens, tour operators, civil society organisations and local authorities (Guccioneet al., 2024; Schermer, 2006a; Zanasiet al., 2024). This model is based on the principles of organic farming, oriented towards the valorization of local resources and sustainable economic and socio-cultural development (Assiriet al., 2020; Paolettiet al., 2024; Schermer, 2006b; Stottenet al., 2018; Sturlaet al., 2020). According to Basile (2017), Bio-Regions promote an inclusive, fair development model adapted to current and future challenges, recognizing traditional knowledge, regional varieties, indigenous breeds and short marketing circuits, essential factors for resilience, especially in mountain territories (Ruizet al., 2024). It can be defined as a multifaceted project rooted locally, with the involvement of producers, associations, institutions and local authorities (Cesaro, 2018; Mazzocchiet al., 2021; Proskinaet al., 2023).

Bio-Regions are effective instruments for sustainable territorial development. Its multifunctionality makes it possible to strengthen the attractiveness of rural territories, generate new job opportunities (agricultural and non-agricultural) and counteract the rural exodus (Scaramuzziet al., 2020; Sturlaet al., 2024). Organic farming, by allowing the differentiation of products and the preservation of ecosystems, can play a strategic role in rural development (Belliggianoet al., 2020; Ferreiraet al., 2020; Schaderet al., 2021). However, this model requires consistent institutional support, given the technical complexity of the biological system compared to the conventional one. This increased difficulty leads to products with organic certification being scarce in the market (Sturlaet al., 2018).

The holistic vision of Bio-Regions promotes not only sustainable agricultural practices, but also education and awareness on the interconnection between agriculture and sustainable development, fostering learning and cooperation networks between the various territorial actors (Ruizet al., 2024). Rivas and Quintero (2014) highlight the role of short marketing circuits in the valorization of local products, free of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), within the logic of “kilometer zero”. Despite the barriers, such as information asymmetry (Caldeiraet al., 2017), the social proximity typical of Bio-Regions tends to mitigate these difficulties (Xueet al., 2019). The inclusion of local producers in public procurement is also noteworthy, reinforcing the integration between agricultural and food policies (Allenet al., 2019; Favilliet al., 2018; Kraljevic & Zanasi, 2023; Rittironget al., 2024; Zanasi & Di Fiore, 2018). Di Veroliet al. (2024), warn that food waste is lower in Bio-Regions, where public policies encourage the consumption of seasonal and local products (Vargaset al., 2021).

The central objective of the Bio-Regions is to contribute to a healthy and sustainable food system, based on territorial diversity and identity. For this, the development of green public policies and effective governance involving local institutions, consumers, producers and research centers is essential (Barca, 2009; Chiappino & Toccaceli, 2013; Guareschiet al., 2020; Swagemakerset al., 2017). Local authorities play a decisive role in promoting the consumption of local products in public institutions, tourist and social establishments, contributing to the enhancement of the territory (Diaset al., 2021).

In view of the above, it is imperative to provide policymakers with accurate and up-to-date information on Bio-Regions, which supports the formulation of public policies appropriate to the specificities of low-density rural territories. This is, therefore, the main objective of the present work. In this context, the central question that guides this study is: how Bio-Regions can contribute to a sustainable rural development model, considering the institutional, social, economic and environmental factors involved.

In line with these objectives, the study is guided by four interrelated research questions: How are Bio-Regions defined and operationalized in different contexts and which institutional features are most salient; What are the factors driving the reported rural decline and what policy or practical solutions are proposed within the Bio-Regions; What evidence exists on the social, economic and environmental outcomes associated with Bio-Regions (or related territorial initiatives); And finally, how Bio-Regions compare conceptually and operationally with other territorial development approaches, such as LEADER or territorial food projects.

Bio-Regions—also called ecoregions or biodistricts—are participatory and local arrangements that align organic/agroecological farming, short food supply chains, and environmental management within a territorial governance platform. Shared characteristics include: (i) a commitment to organic/agroecological principles; (ii) territorial identity and, sometimes, labeling systems; (iii) multi-actor governance involving producers, consumers and public authorities; and (iv) policy alignment (e.g., sustainable public procurement, education).

In this review, we used the term Bio-Regions to encompass closely related labels that operate on rural development and sustainable food systems—distinct from ecological uses of “ecoregion”. Instruments reported in all experiences include support for organic conversion, participatory assurance systems, technical assistance, short food supply chains and local markets, territorial labelling and capacity building.

Methodology

This study is based on an integrative literature review, with the aim of collecting, reflecting and synthesizing the available knowledge on Bio-Regions as a sustainable rural development strategy. This methodological approach allows the incorporation not only of indexed scientific studies, but also of specialized sources and unconventional contributions, respecting the complexity and emerging nature of the topic.

Data Sources and Research Strategy

The bibliographic search was carried out between June and July 2024, focusing on scientific articles published and indexed in the Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO databases. The selection of publications was peer-validated, ensuring the thematic relevance and methodological quality of the included studies.

Two complementary research strategies were applied sequentially. The first, held on June 18, 2024, was carried out using a search key that incorporated keywords from the theme:

((biodistrict^* OR biodistrict^* OR ecoregion^* OR agroterritorial^* OR ecoregion^*) AND (“rural development”) AND (governance OR policy OR policies)).

In view of the reduced number of relevant results, a second survey was conducted on July 8, 2024, with a broader focus:

(biodistrict^* OR biodistrict^* OR ecoregion OR agroterritorial^* OR ecoregion^*).

The deliberate inclusion of the term “ecoregion” aimed to broaden the spectrum of research, recognizing that this concept is often used in areas such as ecology and nature conservation (Edleret al., 2017; Omernik & Bailey, 1997; Wanget al., 2015). Thus, titles and abstracts were screened, eliminating studies that were not aligned with the research objectives. Eligible articles were subsequently evaluated in full by two independent reviewers.

Selection and Exclusion Criteria

The selection of studies followed a systematic protocol based on previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with the objective of ensuring the thematic coherence and scientific robustness of the selected articles.

Initially, the articles found in the databases were screened by applying filters such as year, language, type of document, and free access, as shown in the following table (Table I).

Table I. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Applied

Inclusion criteria	Exclusion criteria
Studies published from 2009 onwards	Studies published before 2009
In Spanish, English, Italian and Portuguese	Documents in different languages
Document type-article	All documentation that is not an article
Free access	No access

After the initial screening, the full texts of the documents that met the inclusion criteria (175 and 7426, in the first and second searches, respectively) were downloaded, as shown in the first half of Table II.

Table II. Results of the Literature Search

	June 18			July 8
	Scielo	Scopus	Science Web	Scielo	Scopus	Science Web
Search results	4	337	202	500	9251	8345
Date 2009	4	240	181	467	7758	6953
Spanish, English, Italian, Portuguese	4	221	181	467	7629	6936
Article	4	162	145	417	6766	6544
Access allowed	4	92	79	417	3578	3431
Thematic area	2	39	25	258	2568	538
Repeated			14			496
Final			52			2868
After reading in full			49			6

These articles were then submitted to a selection process taking into account the previously established criteria and the scope of the manuscript, proceeding to a careful reading of the titles and abstracts. Articles that did not fit the theme referred to the Ecoregion exclusively in nature conservation works; portrayed public policies that were not related to agriculture/rural development; Rural development not related to territorial dynamics was mentioned. The duplicate articles were then deleted (510), which resulted in the end of 2920 articles.

Next, a full reading of the 2920 articles was performed, where the previously established criteria were again applied, resulting in 55 articles (Table II).

Finally, we kept only the articles that directly addressed the Bio-Regions and their dynamics, eliminating all the articles that simply referred to topics such as ecology or nature conservation. With this beautiful selection, only 9 works worked.

In order to make the process more transparent and facilitate the understanding of the stages and results of the bibliographic searches, the number of documents evaluated in each stage of the study selection process is presented below (Fig. 1).

Fig 1. Number of documents per stage of the study selection process.

- Complementation with Specialized Literature

Recognizing the limitations of the indexed scientific literature on the subject, an additional data collection strategy was adopted through direct contact with members of the IN.N.E.R. (International Network of Eco Regions) board of directors. This process allowed access to 63 relevant technical-scientific and institutional publications provided by experts such as Cesar Zanasi, Emilio Buonomo and Salvatore Basile.

Of the 72 studies initially selected, 9 indexed articles and 63 additional studies obtained from alternative sources, a snowball sampling strategy was used, allowing the analysis to be extended to a total of 118 relevant studies.

For a better understanding of the above, the following figure (Fig. 2) presents a flowchart with the stages of study selection.

Fig 2. Flowchart with the study selection steps.

Fig. 2 summarizes in a schematic way all the stages of bibliographic screening. The flowchart follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews) logic (Sarkis-Onofreet al., 2021), allowing the reader to clearly understand the progression from the initial identification of the records to the final inclusion of the selected articles.

All stages of the selection and application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria are documented and follow the principles of transparency and rigor typical of an integrative literature review.

Results and Discussion

Agriculture, as a fundamental economic activity, requires special attention to its profitability to ensure the sustainability of rural territories (Belliggianoet al., 2020) emphasize that understanding agricultural yield implies the search for alternatives to conventional agriculture, especially in marginal rural areas, impacted by globalization. Rivas and Quintero (2014) underline that twentieth-century industrial agriculture adopted a productivist and reductionist approach, often neglecting crucial ecological and cultural dimensions.

Bio-Regions in Italy were first established within a context of strong organic agriculture movements and local administrations seeking integrated territorial strategies. Common features include a formalized coordination body, the involvement of municipalities and producer associations, and the articulation of actions across production (organic conversion and certification support), markets (short food supply chains, farmers’ markets, public procurement for schools), and identity (territorial labelling and tourism links). Italian cases typically operate through multi-actor agreements and are embedded in regional policy frameworks, which helps reduce fragmentation and sustain initiatives through political cycles. Reported effects concern improved coordination among small producers, enhanced local market access, educational initiatives on healthy diets, and environmental practices aligned with organic/agroecological principles. However, limitations remain: administrative capacity varies across municipalities; the evidence on measurable socio-economic outcomes remains uneven; and initiatives rely on stable governance and technical support to avoid dependence on short-term projects.

Taken together, Italian Bio-Regions illustrate a relatively mature governance architecture—multi-actor coordination, policy alignment and territorial labelling—alongside uneven reporting on measurable outcomes. Closing this parenthesis, we now return to the cross-case synthesis: drawing on all 118 sources, we summarise the recurrent drivers of rural decline and the instruments and governance arrangements most frequently reported across contexts (see Table III).

Table III. Main Reasons Given for Rural Abandonment

Motivate	Number of references
Fires	9
Conventional agriculture	19
Climate change	22
Low productivity	24
Lack of knowledge	29
Lack of performance	31

In the northern interior of Portugal, the rural exodus continues to be a worrying phenomenon, influenced by multiple factors. The analysis of the 118 scientific studies included in this review revealed that 35 of them directly address rural abandonment, identifying the main reasons, as shown in the following table (Table III).

Among the factors highlighted, forest fires emerge as one of the most severe impacts of territorial abandonment, with relevant socioeconomic and environmental consequences (Casauet al., 2022). Wuet al. (2022) associate the higher incidence of fires with climate change, emphasizing the vulnerability of the Mediterranean to global warming (Stocker, 2014). In this context, efficient management of forest residues and biomass as well as active prevention strategies are essential.

Lack of knowledge, the second most cited reason, is also pointed out as an obstacle to rural development. Basile (2019) suggest the creation of regional rural development centers that foster collaborative networks between universities, companies, administrations and local communities.

The main cause identified for rural abandonment was lack of income. This stems from multiple factors: low levels of innovation, low productivity, insufficient technical knowledge, as well as difficulties in addressing challenges such as environmental degradation and climate change (Di Veroliet al., 2024; Iakovidiset al., 2024).

To counteract these trends, and after analysis of the 118 articles included in the review, 54 of them were identified as a consistent set of proposed solutions for the revitalization of the rural world, as summarized in the following table (Table IV):

Table IV. Solutions for Rural Development

Solutions	Number of references
Quality certification	14
Forest products	17
Social economy	19
Tourism	23
Multifunctional agriculture	28
Short marketing channels	28
Policies	31
Bio-Region	33
Agroecology	35
Organic farming	37

The most frequently proposed solutions combine institutional innovation, sustainable practices and the enhancement of local specificities. Quality certification, such as PDO, has been shown to strengthen short supply chains and provide added value to local products (Camanziet al., 2018). Non-timber forest products also stand out as dynamic elements of the rural economy (Schunkoet al., 2019).

Social and solidarity economy strategies demonstrate effectiveness in promoting community cohesion and territorial equity (do Nascimentoet al., 2020). The articulation between agriculture and tourism, through agritourism, generates new sources of income and reinforces the link between territorial identity and economic sustainability (Badulescu & Badulescu, 2017; Grilliniet al., 2023).

Kovalenkoet al. (2015) and Pugliese and Antonelli (2015) state that the multifunctionality of agriculture represents an integrated approach, which includes certifications, agritourism, environmental education and diversified production. Rudnickiet al. (2023) and Mengistu and Belda (2024) underline that this model not only improves the viability of farms but also contributes to territorial cohesion. Assiriet al. (2020) emphasise the role of organic farming in economic diversification and territorial aggregation, contributing to rural and local development (Cardilloet al., 2023; Danylenkoet al., 2019; Weltinet al., 2017). It has also been shown to be beneficial for environmental quality (Basile & Cecchi, 2001; Bertoniet al., 2020; Wiśniewskiet al., 2021; Pancinoet al., 2009; Puglieseet al., 2023).

The development of short marketing circuits is of particular relevance, promoting direct relationships between producers and consumers and encouraging healthy and sustainable food practices (Al-Masri Aoudiet al., 2022).

Among the most mentioned solutions, the Bio-Regions model stands out. Emerged in Italy in 2004, they propose a territorial development model that integrates organic agriculture, participatory governance, and valorization of endogenous resources (Diaset al., 2021; Guareschiet al., 2020). This model, currently expanded through networks such as the International Network of Ecoregions (IN. N.E.R.) and the Global Alliance for Organic Districts (GOAD), articulated with the principles of agroecology (Basileet al., 2021; Garganoet al., 2021; IN.N.E.R., 2017; Wezelet al., 2018), involving various organizations and promoting intercontinental cooperation (Cuoco & Salvatore, 2014; IFOAM, 2020, 2022).

Despite the transformative potential of Bio-Regions, the data indicate that systematized knowledge about their concrete impacts is still scarce (Gagliardiet al., 2014; Packer & Zanasi, 2023). Of the 118 articles analyzed, 44 report positive results, but point to the need for greater rigor in the empirical evaluation of territorial, environmental, and social effects.

Companies located in Bio-Regions tend to have higher human capital, higher investment, and better economic margins (Truantet al., 2019). Ferreiraet al. (2020) and Luczkaet al.(2021) show that organic farming, even with higher technical requirements, provides more favourable economic outcomes than conventional farming. Organic farming also suffers positive discrimination in EU economic support, however, several authors refer to the lack of efficiency in the distribution of this support. Luczkaet al. (2021) and Puglieseet al. (2023), noted that financial support for organic farming focuses primarily on quantitative growth rather than on stimulating product supply.

The challenges faced by Bio-Regions include the scarcity of local products, the difficulty of integration into public procurement systems, and the resilience of conventional markets (Jouziet al., 2017; Risku-Norja & Løes, 2017; Sonnino, 2009). The inclusion of organic foods in school canteens (ICLEI, 2022a, 2022b; ICLEI & IFOAM, (2021); European Union, 2018, 2023), however, has generated positive impacts on the awareness of teachers, students and families (Kraljevic & Zanasi, 2023; Wahlenet al., 2012).

The growing demand for organic products, driven by consumers who are increasingly attentive to health and environmental sustainability, has favored the diversification of agricultural production and the strengthening of local economies. These dynamics have motivated the European Union to establish a set of specific legislation on the subject (European Union, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021). In this context, territorial labelling and designations of origin stand out as particularly effective strategies to add value and ensure the authenticity of products (González De Molina & Lopez-Garcia, 2021).

The spread of organic farming is also associated with nutritional and public health gains, as pointed out by Yokphonchanachaiet al. (2023). Good European examples include the Mühlviertel Bioregion in Austria (Furtschegger & Schermer, 2015; Schermer, 2006a) and the Drôme Valley (France), with high conversion rates for organic production (Bui & Lamine, 2015).

The involvement of Bio-Regions in education and technical training is another strategic axis, as evidenced by initiatives such as the “Teaching to produce differently” plan in France (Iakovidiset al., 2024; Schnyder, 2023).

In the field of public policies, organic agriculture stands out as an effective instrument in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as in promoting short supply chains (Chiriacóet al., 2022; European Commission, 2021; Theurlet al., 2014).

The specialized literature is abundant in highlighting the role of “green” policies as fundamental and robust pillars in the promotion of rural development (Oliveira, 2013; Schunkoet al., 2019). Kovalenkoet al., (2015) point out that public policies play a crucial role in the management of natural resources, as they act as a long-term guarantee of sustainable interactions between humans and the environment. Badulescu and Badulescu (2017) state that spatial planning policies benefit significantly from a deep understanding of the relationships between local communities and the environment that surrounds them.

Assiriet al. (2020) reinforce the importance of supporting smallholder farms, which are essential for sustainability, food security and climate change mitigation, such as meeting carbon emission reduction targets (Wanget al., 2024), highlighting the role of public aid in the income formation of these farms.

Aware of the relevance of public policies for rural development, we focus our analysis on the actions promoted by political decision-makers that contributed to mitigate the rural exodus. It was found that this theme is addressed in 45 studies, organized according to the reasons presented in Table V:

Table V. Policies to Respond to Rural Abandonment

Motivate	Number of references
Fires	2
Climate change	6
Low productivity	6
Conventional agriculture	8
Lack of knowledge	11
Lack of performance	12

The measures pointed out aim to strengthen incomes, enhance endogenous potential, promote agricultural modernization, training and organization of farmers, in addition to simplifying market access, in line with sustainable rural development strategies (Salviaet al., 2019; Slocum & Everett, 2010).

The expansion of Bio-Regions, particularly in the European Union, has been influenced by a growing alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (AGENDA 2030; Basile, 2019) and with European environmental policies, such as the European Green Deal and the “farm to fork” strategy (Diaset al., 2021; Poponiet al., 2021; Rudnickiet al., 2023; United Nations, 2025; Zanasiet al., 2020). The classification of Barroso as an Important World Agricultural Heritage System (SIPAM) by FAO exemplifies the international recognition of sustainable local agricultural practices (Almeida, 2019).

Successful policies focus on harnessing local potential, training farmers, simplifying market access and adapting to climate change.

We obtained answers to our question about the policies implemented that correspond to the solutions proposed in the literature for rural development in 26 of the studies analyzed. The breakdown of these works is shown in Table VI:

Table VI. Policies that Respond to Rural Development

Solutions	Number of references
Forest products	1
Social economy	2
Quality certification	3
Multifunctional agriculture	6
Tourism	11
Agroecology	12
Bio-Region	14
Organic farming	14
Short marketing channels	15

The most mentioned measures include the creation of local markets, the certification of groups and the supply of organic products in public institutions, especially schools. Harmonisation of approaches to Bio-Regions is desirable, but it must respect local specificities, ensuring an adapted and co-constructed strategy.

Despite the rigor of the integrative review carried out, this study has some limitations. First, there is a risk of selection bias, as non-indexed sources were included and limited to Portuguese, English, Spanish and Italian, and may exclude relevant perspectives in other languages. Second, the integrative review methodology involves a certain degree of subjective interpretation in the synthesis of results from different types of studies. Third, there was a lack of systematic empirical data on the social, economic and environmental impacts of the Bio-Regions, which limits the ability to generalize. Finally, although we did an additional search, we did not find more recent studies that added evidence to the body of knowledge already included in this review.

Conclusions

This study, based on an integrative literature review, allowed us to identify that the main cause of rural exodus is the lack of income and knowledge of producers. Bio-Regions, agroecology and organic farming emerge as the most effective responses to solve this problem.

Bio-Regions emerge as an innovative and sustainable approach to rural development, especially targeted at less-favoured areas and support for small producers and rural communities. However, it is still insufficient. The few existing studies focus mostly on the dimensions related to organic farming, ignoring other activities and elements that generate positive externalities and contribute to the sustainability of Bio-Regions.

To achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal, namely the reduction of carbon emissions, it is essential to expand agricultural research and technological development, as well as to expand the channels for the dissemination of this technology. The Bio-Regions model proves to be a guarantor of environmental sustainability, although limitations have been identified, such as the insufficiency of products that hinders the creation of efficient distribution chains, reducing the effectiveness of collective actions. In addition, there is a lack of coordinated action that integrates the tourism production chain with agriculture.

Several case studies indicate that efforts to implement Bio-Regions contribute significantly to the economic and social aspects of regional development, allowing the active participation of farmers in this process. It should be noted that, unlike conventional agriculture, organic farming and agroecology—directly linked to Bio-Regions—require a longer time horizon for agronomic management, which can impact profitability.

The economic sustainability of farms can be ensured through income diversification strategies, especially among young households adopting Organic Production.

Bio-Regions represent a concrete example of the development of sustainable food systems. Food waste in these regions is lower than in other areas, as a result of public policies that encourage the consumption of seasonal and local products. These initiatives promote the revitalization of rural territories and communities, currently threatened by the rural exodus.

There is an urgent need for an efficient assessment of the social impacts of the Bio-Regions. To this end, it is extremely important to carry out population surveys to assess the perception of changes in local development and the role of the authorities in this process, although current studies focus mainly on improving the living conditions of the inhabitants.

Currently, we face significant challenges of sustainability and reduction of social inequalities. Innovative territorial development represents both a challenge and an opportunity for policymakers to put in place governance mechanisms to support this process. Bio-Regions can inspire new policy strategies at higher levels, with actions adapted to local realities.

“Green policies” are needed that promote the diversification of production on farms and in local food systems. Bio-Regions need local management and governance instruments, in addition to compliance with legal requirements, essential factors for the settlement of populations in rural territories. However, isolated public policies do not guarantee success, and the proactivity of local actors is essential.

The Bio-Regions present diverse realities, with different challenges, partnerships and training and dissemination actions. However, they all share support for organic farming and promote forms of governance at the service of local development, with participatory processes “from the bottom up”.

The analysis concludes that the Bio-Regions model has significant potential for the renewal of rural development policies, provided that it is supported by sound public policies, training networks and systematic impact assessments.

It is hoped that the data from this study can influence the current political environment, stimulating the creation of public policies aimed at action and the empowerment of community actors to face the challenges identified.

In short, Bio-Regions, as a model of rural development based on agroecology and organic farming, are positioned as engines for strengthening sustainable food systems. The active mobilization of local actors, fostered by political decision-makers, who promote cooperation between educational institutions, companies, consumers and producers, stands out. However, there is still no solid and updated survey of the policies that contribute to the mitigation of the rural exodus and the problems pointed out in this study in the context of sustainable rural development based on Bio-Regions.

In addition to these conclusions, we also point out that future pilot programmes and systematic empirical studies are needed to assess more accurately the economic, social and environmental impacts of Bio-Regions. Applied research can offer useful tools for policy makers and local communities, strengthening the ability to generalize evidence.

Acknowledgment

The authors thank the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for the financial support to the Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society—CERNAS (UIDB/00681; DOI: 10.54499/UIDP/00681/2020).

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they do not have any conflict of interest.