ABSTRACT
The chapter seeks to provide a perspective of how rural communities in Romania in the Black Sea coastal zone succeed in developing sustainably in terms of a commons dependence. The coast was a permanent attraction for tourists, investors and authorities because of its natural qualities. This chapter highlights the nature of relationships that are established between host communities, the environment and tourists in a historical perspective. Despite modernisation and development of mass tourism the southern coast of the Black Sea remains a place where rural tourism or ‘backyard tourism’ survives. The ability of local communities to benefit from tourists is conditioned by the success in efficiently managing and protecting the coastal zone. Sustainable management of the area in turn is possible in conditions of existence of social norms that favour cooperation, solidarity and reciprocity.
