Environmental and cultural infrastructures as instruments of qualificationand diversification in the rural world

Abstract

In recent decades the rural world continues experiencing transformations and has benefited from its proximity to a natural protected space so providing a new resource and a change of mentality. In this study we try to evaluate the role that environmental infrastructure in Extremadura plays in natural protected spaces. Environmental infrastructure as well as cultural and patrimonial infrastructure is fundamental to the functionality of protected areas constituting an important attraction of visitors' flows and, simultaneously possible territorial imbalances as for this type of resources. Environmental infrastructures are meant to facilitate the diffusion of information to different social sectors and to improve the management of the natural protected spaces generating new opportunities of development for the local population. All of these opportunities open doors to culture, environmental education and sensitization toward nature.