| In the long run, rural
development is only possible, if it does not waste essential natural
resources (such as water), if it preserves the cultural landscape,
if it does not pollute soils, water and air, and if it safeguards the
biological diversity of plants and animals. Other than in cities,
where we can live and work in a highly artificial environment, the
rural areas depend to a much greater extent on natural
resources and a healthy natural environment for many of their
economic activities, such as for tourism, food production, or
forestry. Every new policy measure for the promotion of rural
development has to be evaluated in its impact on the natural
environment. |
