Villages of Calabria, Rapani (FdI): “preserving local identity”

During a meeting in Mormanno on the future of small villages and on the importance of preserving his identity, the senator Ernesto Rapani he addressed the theme of the depopulation of historic centres and small villages, underlining that it is not an exclusive problem of Mormanno, but concerns many other Italian communities.

He highlighted that out of 7,896 Italian municipalities, as many as 5,520 have fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, and many of these have the historic center located in hilly areas. In Mormanno the entire center is concentrated in a single area, it enjoys a favorable climate and a plano-altimetric position which make the community unique and unrepeatable.

However, Rapani admitted that politics has often underestimated or overlooked the problem of depopulation, failing to make targeted decisions for the valorization of the villages. He cited the importance of agriculture and tourism as possible sources of economic livelihood for the villages, but stressed that tourism cannot be limited to a few months a year. It must be made possible all year round, enhancing sectors such as local craftsmanship.

The senator spoke about the importance of encourage the opening of businesses in historic centresproposing exceptions to urban planning regulations and the elimination of municipal taxes for those who decide to settle in these areas. He shared his personal experience regarding economic incentives for the recovery of historic centers and expressed his support for a bill for the valorization of villages and historic centers, which includes measures such as the simplification of bureaucratic procedures and financing for those wants to invest in these areas.

Finally, it has talked about the importance of paths and paths, proposing investments for the restoration and enhancement of these routes, which could attract tourists interested in nature and local food and wine, thus contributing to dynamizing the economy of the villages. The senator reiterated that believing in the potential of the territories and working together can help solve the problem of the depopulation of villages and historic centers, offering opportunities for growth and development for local communities.