Stakeholder Engagement and Triggers for Sustainable Development in Complex Fragile Ecosystems: Evidence from Alpine Trentino Region
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This research digs into the dynamics of sustainable development in complex fragile ecosystems, with a focus on the Trentino alpine region in Northern Italy to identify the main triggers to foster it. In particular, this study emphasizes the critical role that Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) play in leveraging these triggers and designing sustainable development strategies. Using a Convergent Parallel Mixed Method that combines quantitative and qualitative data, this study identifies three strategies for stakeholder engagement—listen, meet, and collaborate—to align numerous actors towards common goals and encourage sustainable behaviors. Moreover, the results highlight the need to engage fringe stakeholders in sustainable destination development strategies. It also reveals the function of ‘triggers’—both internal and external—in implementing stakeholder engagement strategies. This research contributes to the literature by mapping stakeholders (core and fringe), suggesting three engagement strategies (listen, meet, and collaborate), and identifying triggers (internal and external) for destination sustainable development in complex fragile ecosystems.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su16229879
Institutions: University of Milano-Bicocca, IULM University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,728
OpenAlex ID: W4404328613