Identifying and Reinforcing Rural Vitality

The present chapter discusses the concept of rural Vitality as well as the opportunity it provides to guide small communities in their path to sustainable well-being and development. The first part of the chapter proposes an exploration of narratives regarding rural vitality. Far from being exhaustive, this first section aims to offer a scope review of rural vitality in five areas (social, economic, community governance, cultural heritage and vitality measurement per se) which fell under the scrutiny of researchers in recent years. The second section looks further at a series of areas and parameters that deserve the attention of small communities willing to assess their community capitals. Finally, the chapter discusses the tasks normally undertaken to identify, assess and monitor vitality assets - including the gathering of data - before the further implementation of policy engagement by rural communities.