First Stakeholder Meeting in Campobasso on 6th September!

On September 6th, the Municipality of Campobasso brought together 13 representatives from local organisations for their inaugural Down to Earth Stakeholder Meeting. The meeting focused on  focused on presenting the Down to Earth partnership to local stakeholders and discussing topic of year 1: Demographic challenges to improve resilience against environmental risks in rural areas.

The discussions centered around current local policies and territorial development that takes into account three pivotal elements:

• mitigating depopulation due to climate change,
• enhancing energy efficiency in tourist facilities,
• effectively managing electrical and electronic waste.

Sabrina Tirabassi first introduced the Campobasso Vast Area strategy, which primarily emphasised digital and tourism programmes, highlighting the importance of engaging with stakeholders to enhance the strategy, particularly in addressing concerns related to climate change and depopulation.

This was followed by discussions enabling participants to actively contribute regarding situations in their respective municipalities. Several effective practices to combat depopulation were highlighted, including: 

• Prioritising investments in real estate and small-town businesses over large cities
• Revitalising inland regions through entrepreneurial activities and economic development.
• Implementing integrated circuits 
• Promoting slow tourism and agribusiness tourism
• Improving infrastructure, such as road networks and healthcare facilities 
• Advancing renewable energy projects and energy-producing enterprises 
• Providing support to young entrepreneurs through university initiatives. 

The meeting concluded with three noteworthy proposals put forth by stakeholders to address the issue of depopulation.

First, the proposal centred on low price housing and entrepreneurial activities, aiming to revitalise rural villages by offering abandoned homes at a reduced cost to citizens willing to relocate to these communities and start businesses.

Second, the focus shifted to renewable energy as a means to combat climate change and address depopulation in the interior areas of Molise. This proposal aligns also with the Italian national energy strategy, emphasising the strengthening of wind, solar, and hydropower programmes. 

Lastly, the promotion of integrated services, sought to establish a comprehensive urban planning framework to reduce waste and improve services for citizens, including healthcare, mobility, and socio-cultural activities. This, in turn, is expected to boost tourism and entrepreneurship in these regions. 

The Municipality of Campobasso will take account of these discussions to develop its first thematic report, which is planned for the end of 2023. 

As Down to Earth continues its mission to foster sustainable rural development, these stakeholder meetings serve as crucial forums for collaboration and exchange of ideas and ensure actual impact on rural communities.