Methodology
The test (see Appendix) is made up of questions about basic ecological information and questions about the degree of decisional capacity to manage the territory and promote the environmental tourism development. Tourism has been chosen as a focal point in the framework of sustainability, since it is an important driving force in the Sannio region.
Two school levels were involved in the study:
1.(1) 200 students (16-18 years old) from a Benevento secondary school.
2.(2) 200 students (20-22 years old) from Benevento’s university (Faculty of Economy, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Law).
This research has been possible by the establishment, in the University of Sannio, of the Faculty of Environmental Economy, which includes courses in Ecology, Environmental Education, Environmental Statistics, Environmental Law, Environmental Economy. In particular, Environmental Education is an obligatory course for each Faculty of Sannio University. This is in order to give a specialised training offer in the context of environmental issues. Therefore an ecological basic formation increases the environmental awareness and sensibility not only for the students attending the Faculty of Science but also for all students of Sannio University who will be the members of the new management class.
In such context, particularly for the Faculty of Environmental Economy, it aims to form internal areas of tourist management, giving most importance to the development of environmental and cultural tourism. In the light of the new economy, this activity will encourage employment and, at the same time, protect the environmental and cultural heritage. The Southern Regions of Italy, especially the countryside, did not enjoy much economic development by the arising of industries, but, to the same level, they have not been contaminated. For this reason in a sustainability perspective, they can change from a under-developmental condition to a new employment and richer condition safeguarding the life quality