Methodology for the Localization of Wool Collecting Centers: The Case Study of Sicily

Sustainable rural development depends on a multidimensional process based the interaction of economic, cultural, social, environmental, and political subsystems. Many studies have ascribed extensive livestock systems potential role in sustainable development. Sheep farming Europe involves meat or dairy breeds that produce coarse wool unsuitable for textile use. Coarse has been historically used mattresses pillows; nowadays, it is farm waste. The aim this study was to suggest methodology localization collecting centers within area, i.e., Sicily Region, order valorize waste, sheep wool. This detailed database local population GIS usage. Moreover, method could be replicable whole EU territory, where EC regulation n. 21/2004 established each Member State set up system identification registration ovine animals, traceability veterinary reasons. On basis number animals shorn municipal basis, existing main roads, most suitable areas four collection identified. Furthermore, also hypothesized center specialized specific treatment subsequent use (e.g., amendment fertilizers, keratin extraction, green building material geo-textile production).