Conclusions

This concluding chapter highlights the core messages explored and discussed in the previous 15 chapters of this book and concludes on the relevance of ecosystem services in bridging rural-urban linkages and promoting consequent synergies. Many times the synergies are shown as being absent, other times as potential but in a few cases there is already evidence that synergies are happening. It concludes on the need to establish adequate policy frameworks, business models and governance arrangements to stimulate the recognition of ESS and collaborative arrangements; but also the need to continue promoting the notion of territorial continuity where natural and cultural values and benefits, can flow across and bridge rural and urban territories. These core messages could be explored beyond the European context.