Peri-Urban/Peri-Rural Areas: Identities, Values and Strategies

The first part of this essay introduces discourses on definitions of Peri-Urban/Peri-Rural areas underlining main existing and consolidated approaches and needs towards a renovated conceptual reframing able to emphasise the "transitional" values of these areas. A renovated approach needs a realignment of existing methods and solution in the different spheres characterising the transformation process. Based on the "ecotone" metaphor to emphasise specific characteristics of urban-rural transitional buffer, the second part underlines main opportunities offered by Peri-Urban areas in a Nexus and integrated approach. Opportunities of innovation related to the whole process of interpretation, design and implementation/management of polices and projects aiming an improvement of resilience of Peri-Urban/Peri-Rural areas and regional territorial systems (Colucci 2012).