“…Furthermore, several researchers have noted that a subtle process of simplification and deterioration of the rural landscape is presently occurring throughout southern Europe. As this process of LCCs is characterized by the diffusion of low-density dispersed settlements, it appears to be hardly reversible, difficult to quantify, and quite impossible to contain (Jomaa, Auda, Abi Saleh, Hamzé, & Safi, 2008;Kucukmehmetoglu & Geymen, 2009;Marull, Pino, Tello, & Cordobilla, 2009;Polyzos, Christopoulou, Minetos, & Leal Filho, 2008;Soliman, 2004; but see also Gill et al, 2008).…”