Assessing the Applicability of Geographical Indications as a Means to Improve Environmental Quality in Affected Ecosystems and the Competitiveness of Agricultural Products

the objective of this report is to analyse the existing and potential links that can be established between current Geographical Indications (GIs) and regional sustainable development. A case study approach, centred on European case studies, has been carried out. The European Union appears as a proper lab2oratory to study socio-economic and environmental effects GI measures, since it possesses a strong system, with a strong market importance and long standing tradition in the trade of “local” products as well having a well established, “special” or sui generis legal system of protection. Conclusions are drawn with particular focus on the utility for regions with a potential to use GIs to enhance the value of ‘local ecology’, in particular in the developing countries.