Local development
Ossola Green Valley
A participatory strategy to regenerate inner areas through resilient communities and circular economies.
CAIRE Consorzio supported the application of the Ossola mountain area as a pilot zone for the development of the National Strategy for Inner Areas through the implementation of a participatory process to refine the local development strategy.
The Ossola Pilot Area is characterised by a combination of structural challenges and latent potential that require in-depth analysis and strategic intervention. Located in a mountainous area of the Piedmont region, it includes 20 municipalities with a total population of around 47,600 inhabitants — yet only just over 4,200 reside within the actual Project Area. This already highlights a significant demographic concentration elsewhere and a marked territorial fragility in the inner zones.
The sustainable development strategy for Ossola is based on the vision of a “green valley” that integrates economy and community. In fact, Ossola lost nearly 4,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector between the 20th and 21st centuries. The proposed approach focuses on a circular economy that enhances natural resources and reduces waste.