Prototype Rural Diversity Compass

This document presents a prototype Rural Diversity Compass (from now on Compass). Its theoretical foundation has been elaborated in the GRANULAR deliverable D2.1, with prominent roles for multi-spatiality and multi-functionality. While paying attention to various EU rural policy notions, the Compass aspires to shed light on rural diversity by taking account of place-specific differentiation tendencies based on particular functionality dynamics. In doing so, it distinguishes residential-, productive-, environmental- and recreational functions. These four functionalities are characterised by 24 components, drawing attention to typical functional features and their interconnectedness in particular settings. Combining the 24 components reveals the place- specificity of particular functionalities, their relevance, balance, disbalance, trade-offs, etc.The heart of this document describes the key features of the Compass by characterising its four principal functionalities and components. Frequently, it will be accompanied by references to the need for and significance of cross-referencing with other functionalities and their components. Hyperlinks are included that lead to additional data sources to substantiate their relevance further and to give a state-of-the art impression of relevant indicators, their availability and limitations. The final part of this report returns to the multi-spatial lens from which the Compass departs, discussing its importance for understanding current differentiation tendencies. We emphasize that the EU’s rural proofing aspirations require wider assessment criteria such as social-, spatial and climate justice to fully recognize how functionality dynamics impact rural areas in very different ways, resulting in hugely diverging rural profiles, problems and prospects. To take account of these differentiation tendencies, rural proofing strategies need more explicit incorporation of rural functionality balances and disbalances. We end this report by recognizing the need and relevance to further test and validate the Compass throughout ongoing and forthcoming GRANULAR activity with respect to rural data-sourcing, -interpretation, - representation and -classification with the aspiration to contribute to more well-informed, participatory and inclusive rural policy-making processes at different scales and in different settings.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Oostindië, H.A., Bock, B.B., Wiskerke, J.S.C.
Format:	External research report biblioteca
Language:	English
Published:	GRANULAR
Subjects:	Life Science,
Online Access:	https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/prototype-rural-diversity-compass
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