NATIONAL-PARKS POLICY AND MOUNTAIN DEPOPULATION - A CASE-STUDY IN THE ABRUZZO REGION OF THE CENTRAL APENNINES, ITALY

The Italian mountains, particularly the peninsular ones, are undergoing a period of change. Following social and economic crises that caused massive depopulation in the past thirty years, a new phase is beginning in which interest in the mountains has revived considerably. The rugged landscapes of the central Apennines harbor phenomena of significant ecological and cultural value. In addition, the centers of many historic towns dating back to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries are perfectly preserved in their original ''castle'' forms. Recently, through national legislation, a large network of national parks has been established, motivated by the valuable wildlife habitats, the scenic rural landscapes, and the historic communities. It provides the last hope for re-establishing social vitality in these mountains. This study in Abruzzo, a region well-known for its ancient architectural sites, analyses the effect of the national parks on the social and economic conditions of the mountain population and the new functional roles that mountain centers may play. The results provide a point of reference for environmental protection policy and conservation measures in all Italian mountain ranges.