As part of the ESIRA project, two key activities took place in May and June 2025 in the Autonomous Province of Trento, focusing on understanding local needs and fostering sustainable, community-based development.
Exploratory meetings in Valli del Leno and Folgaria
On 27 May, Stefania Pedrotti (Federazione Trentina della Cooperazione) and Sabrina Herzog (social worker from the Provincial Healthcare Services Trust) carried out exploratory visits to the areas of Valli del Leno (Vallagarina) and Folgaria. These informal meetings aimed to gather insights from local stakeholders and understand the social dynamics of these mountain communities.
In Terragnolo, the team met with five individuals, including two local volunteers, a councillor for social and youth policies, and two representatives from ecological and civic associations. Despite limited economic activity and a modest tourist presence, the area demonstrated a high level of community engagement. Active associations like Terragnolo che conta and Rebut provide services such as grocery delivery to elderly and vulnerable residents and organize activities that support intergenerational learning and digital literacy. Challenges include the absence of a pharmacy, poor internet connectivity, and a lack of accessible public spaces for community events.
In contrast, Folgaria, although economically stronger due to its ski and tourism infrastructure, showed a lower level of civic engagement. Social isolation among the elderly is a significant concern, and it remains difficult to involve young people in community activities. Local social workers expressed interest in identifying mechanisms to activate healthy retirees and promote public utility initiatives, provided that bureaucratic and insurance-related barriers can be addressed. A social matching system between available time/resources and individual needs was also suggested.
Next steps include meeting stakeholders from Vallarsa, Brentonico, and Ronzo Chienis, and mapping needs and initiatives to inform future actions, such as experience exchanges and training workshops focused on social isolation.
Solidarity Economy District Co-Design Process in Valsugana
On 6 June 2025, a public meeting was held in the Arturo Rossi Hall in Pergine Valsugana to present and co-design a proposal for a Solidarity Economy District (DES) in Valsugana. The event marked an important participatory moment where community members, third-sector organizations, and institutions gathered to define the district’s core values, guiding principles, and inclusion strategies.
Francesco Fiorazzo and Alessandra Piccoli (from CS4 and L’Ortazzo) introduced the DES.CO project, supported by the Alta Valsugana and Bernstol Community. The project promotes an integrated social-agricultural supply chain, involving stakeholders such as APPM, the Aurora Social Cooperative, Città Futura, and others, with a focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Stefano Musaico (Centre for Social Economy) provided an overview of existing solidarity economy districts in Trentino, highlighting the DES Agricoltura Sociale as a best practice. Contributions from Stefania Pedrotti (FTC) and Luca Bassetti (Autonomous Province of Trento) showcased experiences and methodologies from the ESIRA and 3P4SSE European projects, offering inspiration and tools for the district’s development.
A convivial dinner, organized by Paolo Betti (Slow Food Trentino) in collaboration with DES.CO and Terra Gaia, featured local products from the involved initiatives. The event concluded with a co-design workshop led by Alessandra Piccoli (Free University of Bolzano), guiding participants through a “future exercise” to collectively identify the founding values of the Valsugana district.
Key takeaways emphasized the complexity of setting up a district and the need for coordination tools, dedicated support, and resource management strategies.
