Using the ecosystem services' approach for addressing peri-urban farming in Turin Metropolitan Area

In the context of urban sprawl and land consumption, enhancing the awareness on the multiple values that peri-urban agriculture provides for citizens is essential. The ecosystem services approach can be applied for addressing peri-urban farming. In order to identify sustainable actions, strategies and policies for the management of Turin Metropolitan Area agricultural production, a multidisciplinary study was carried out. The Chieri municipality (Piedmont, North-West Italy) characterised by high natural valued agricultural patterns and typical local products was chosen as case study. Since 2016, Chieri municipality was included in the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) UNESCO area "Collina Po". The research proposed an innovative approach for enhancing peri-urban area and supporting multifunctional agricultural activity. Firstly, for identifying traditional landscape features, an historical study was performed. Ancient documents found in historical private and public archives and libraries were examined. Then, for assessing and valuing the peri-urban agroecosystem, the ecosystem services' approach was applied. For investigating the peri-urban agroecosystem, a trans-scalar approach from the farm to the landscape level was adopted. The interpretation of historical data, field observations, and farmer interviews (research data); the analysis of statistical data and the evaluation of ecosystem services (statistical data) were performed. Several parameters such as traditional productions, local agriculture tools and direct marketing/farmers markets were evaluated. The study showed that the multifunctional and sustainability based farms are the most resilient in the peri-urban area, able to take advantages from the city proximity.