Base de données des projets PDR
Enhancing Recreational Functions of Forests: the Case of Decorata Collective Property
Summary
Since 1833 the forest of Decorata is owned by the local community as a collective property. With the support of Measure 227, investments were carried out to enhance the recreational and educational functions of the forest.
Background
Decorata is a small hamlet in the municipality of Colle Sannita, a mountainous village in Benevento province. Since 1833 the forest of Decorata is owned and managed by the local community as a collective property named “Colonìa”. The forest gradually lost its original productive function for the local community and was converted to provide recreational and educational services. Now days, the small lake and the forest of Decorata attract hundreds of visitors every year, especially during Spring and Summer time.
Objective
The Municipality of Colle Sannita aimed at enhancing the recreational, environmental and educational functions of the Decorata forest and its small lake. In this way, the local community aimed to boost the provision of new collective goods, along with the traditional forest products (wood and non-wood products).
Main activities
The project's activities included: i) restoring the existing paths and creating new thematic trails inside the forest, such as educational and sport itineraries; ii) the construction of small infrastructure to be used as info-point, and a room for educational activities (equipped with toilets); iii) the creation of camping areas; iv) the establishment of a botanic garden hosting aromatic and broad-leaves species of the Mediterranean area to be used for educational purposes.
Results & Benefits
In addition to the environmental and social benefits that were generated by the multiple use of the forest, the project showed the way to maintain and revive the old principles of collective ownership, through which the forest of Decorata has been managed for centuries. Thanks to the newly established infrastructure, the local community can use the forest for providing important public goods that are available to be shared with other inhabitants of the hamlet.
Lessons learnt
Even though the measure promotes non-productive investments, it can stimulate the local economy by supporting activities such as offering tourism services. It is expected that in the near future, offering services for game fishing, bike renting or environmental interpretation, will turn into new job opportunities for young people living in Decorata, in the same way as timber used to be a source of income for their grandparents a long time ago.
Project location and other information
C.da Decorata, Colle Sannita, 82024, Benevento Province, Campania Region
Region
Campania
RDP Territory
Campania
Total project cost (€)
625 500
EAFRD contribution (€)
375 300
National contribution (€)
250 200
Contact name
Giuseppe Martuccio
Languages for contact
Italian
Document attachment
Original Language version
At a glance
Country
Italy
Final beneficiary type
Public/local authorities
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
07/12/2010
End Date:
30/09/2013
Theme / Measure:
Environment and Sustainable Resource Management
Sustainable use of forestry land
227. Non-productive investments
Keywords:
Forest management, Recreation area, Citizen participation, Eco-tourism, Education
Last update
30/10/2013