Local quality and certification schemes as new forms of governance in sustainability transitions.

Abstract

In this chapter, local certification schemes are assessed in relation to the role that new forms of governance can play in facilitating sustainability transitions. The chapter focuses, particularly, on the interactions between new forms of horizontal governance emerging in local quality and certification 'niches', and the vertical forms of governance characterizing the agriculture and tourism or environmental protection regimes in which these niches develop. Three case studies situated in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Greece, are presented. The chapter assesses why some niches are successful and others not, demonstrating that appropriate combinations of, and links between, social and cultural elements in niches, regimes and landscapes; networks of actors (including their cultural and social backgrounds); and governance structures are highly important for transitions to emerge and succeed. Also assessed is the role of EU policy, both in enabling and in constraining niche development in different settings.

The Role of GI Products or Local Products in the Environment—Consumer Awareness and Preferences in Albania, Bulgaria and Poland

“…The authors also claim that it is part of the development of new models of both production and consumption, which simultaneously contribute to the creation and development of alternative food distribution channels and new models for rural development. Moreover, another study [27] found an important issue related to the possibilities of new government structures emerging based on local actors networking to utilize the specific territorial characteristics and production of traditional food. It is fact that, in the cases of new initiatives, existing governance structures could hamper their development simply because they are not part of the mainstream.…”