Abstract

Changes to the socio-economic environment of human settlements in Italy over the past half-century have driven the gradual depopulation of thousands of historical villages, which in previous centuries had formed the social and economic backbone of the territory. As a consequence, and in the absence of effective actions to counteract this entrenched process, the very survival of this unique and valuable historical, cultural and environmental heritage is at risk. This paper analyses this issue from an economic point of view and discusses a number of feasible solutions which have been put forward or implemented by the public sector and operators in both the tourism and real estate markets. While the tragic consequences of the 2009 earthquake in the Abruzzo region could further aggravate the issue, paradoxically they could also bring renewed attention and entrepreneurial resources to the rescue of affected villages.