In this collective work, twelve authors share their personal stories of bringing together local communities, farmers, foresters, environmentalists, and political decision makers so as to facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive rural Europe. Together the authors explore twenty-five years of experiences of Forum Synergies throughout Europe.

From Portugal to Latvia, from Scotland to Romania, from islands to mountain regions, you will discover people and their places, the challenges they face and the solutions they have found, as individuals and as local communities. The book reveals the importance of traditional knowledge of local communities and the innovative energy of the youth in moving towards a more sustainable and social rural economy. It shows how conflicts may be solved by constructive communication and mediation, and how local food strategies can even contribute to improved food legislation.