ABRUZZO

ABOUT PILOT AREA

Abruzzo, particularly its inland areas, has always been characterized by delays and difficulties in socioeconomic development.

Its particularly mountainous terrain has always made it highly isolated and, particularly in the last century, has been affected by demographic decline and an aging population, which are a source of considerable concern.

Agriculture is only subsistence, with high-quality production, but still very marginal. Industry, developed during the economic boom of the 1950s and 1960s, has not been adequately prepared for the challenges of globalization and digitalization, and has been in serious crisis for decades.

In the service sector, tourism is playing a growing role, often driven by environmental sustainability and respect for the local environment. This is undeniable in a region known as the green heart of Europe for its three national parks, a regional park, and several nature reserves. However, the challenge is to continue driving tourism development while engaging local communities.

Abruzzo, due to its mountainous terrain, has always been considered a marginal region. However, in recent years, the region has experienced significant change thanks to a profound push for social innovation emanating from its inland areas, as well as the development of sustainable tourism.

Examples of this include the flourishing of energy communities (Gagliano Aterno), digital welfare initiatives (Calascio), and community-based cooperatives in general (Campo di Giove, Aielli, Popoli, Tufillo, Navelli).

The Abruzzo Region itself has begun to incorporate this profound drive into its own policies, addressing local needs with a particular focus on health and well-being for all and of all ages, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, equal opportunities, and digitalization. These goals have so far been only partially achieved, but the network of Community Cooperatives proposed by Borghi IN seeks to give new impetus and, above all, new value to these initiatives through networking.

ABOUT VULNERABLE GROUPS OF THE PILOT AREA

Due to its morphological characteristics, inland Abruzzo faces problems and challenges related to isolation, lack of services, and an aging population.

The most prevalent vulnerable groups (women, young people, the elderly, and disabled people), despite not having specific problems, suffer exponentially. In recent years, immigrants have joined them, a group that overlaps with the aforementioned categories, creating even more marked disparities, such as in the case of migrant women, who are particularly at risk of isolation.

The network of Community Cooperatives seeks to provide solutions to these vulnerable groups, leaving no one behind.