The Province of Potenza has taken a significant step towards building climate resilience by hosting its first DesirMED regional workshop on the 20th of February. Held with the participation of 76 stakeholders, the workshop brought together a wide range of actors, including public authorities, scientific and academic institutions, NGOs, businesses, and international networks. The diverse group reflected a shared commitment to address the region’s increasing exposure to climate-related risks.
Discussions focused on Potenza’s current vulnerabilities, especially in light of recent extreme events such as droughts and infrastructure strain. All stakeholders are aware of the climate change taking place in the territory and have stressed the need to create a network to address the issue in its different aspects. Participants recognized that abandoned rural areas, forest degradation, and unsustainable agricultural practices have made the region more vulnerable to climate impacts.
Particularly, the topics of greatest interest were:
- Proactive water resource management
- Geomorphological safety
- Infrastructure security
- Forest resource management
- Agricultural protection
Civil society representatives, particularly NGOs and volunteer organizations, underlined the importance of involving citizens and young generations in awareness and dissemination activities.
During the workshop, the regional environmental protection agencies (ARPA and Civil Protection) discussed activities undertaken to respond to droughts, highlighting how best to respond to future events. Aware that what happened can happen again, they have urged the need for a control room between stakeholders to undertake a shared path of adaptation and improvement of infrastructure to avoid new emergencies.
Research institutions presented ongoing studies on geomorphological risk management and urban flooding—crucial elements in designing effective adaptation measures.
The workshop highlighted related strategies, such as enhancing green corridors, restoring riverbeds, and improving ecological networks. These ideas were strongly supported in the focus group sessions, where participants collectively imagined a 2050 vision of Potenza characterized by sustainable land use, multifunctional natural spaces, resilient infrastructure, and revitalized rural areas.
The Provincial of Power as a territorial government authority with responsibilities on the subject of ACC and spatial planning, with ongoing knowledge courses such as DesirMED, announced the project to update the Structural Plan (PSP). This collaborative approach aims to integrate scientific research, local knowledge, and political commitment to formulate a comprehensive adaptation strategy.
The vision of the Region’s future co-created by the participants included an improvement of ecological networks and blueways.
Among other important aspects were mentioned:
- Lifestyle change towards greater environmental sustainability
- Need to rethink industrial areas (along river spurs)
- Enhancement of multifunctional natural spaces
- Improved interconnection between nature areas
- Increased infrastructure safety (roads, water, energy...)
- Sustainable use of soils
- Contrast with depopulation
This first regional workshop has laid crucial groundwork, strengthening partnerships and setting a clear direction towards an inclusive, climate-resilient future.
Watch the interview of the President of Potenza Region Cristian Giordano
