Acceso usuarios
Resource-rich regions might be expected to exploit their natural endowments in order to develop comparative advantages; however, resource abundance may be futile if poorly managed. Intriguingly, changes in regional economies and social values entail a more holistic approach of how, where and why management decisions about natural resources are made. The present paper examines public perceptions concerning the significance of natural resources and the role that they may play in regional and rural development. Primary data were collected through personal interviews to a sample of 255 citizens that were analysed through a combination of factor, confirmatory, cluster and discriminant analyses. Results reveal three distinct groups of citizens: the �active-conscious� citizens, the �environmentally-moderate� citizens and the �environmentally-passive� citizens. The results highlight sectors and resources eligible to maintain and invigorate the regional and rural developmental path.
