Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Renovating Rural Houses with Sustainably-Produced Wood in a Mountain Area
Summary
In the Carnia mountains, 13 homeowners set-up a group to buy locally-produced wood that is certified as being sustainably-produced to refurbish their buildings. The results were greatly appreciated by all, including tourists visiting the area.
Background
Carnia is a mountain area located in the north of Friuli Venezia Giulia, on the border with Austria. The local economy strongly relies on livestock and on wood production. In recent years, a large part of the latter undertook the process to acquire the PEFC label (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), which promotes sustainable forest management. Therefore, a consistent supply of certified wood was available for use in the local community.
Objective
The innovative project gathered a group of local residents wishing to renovate their houses and rural buildings with certified wood materials. The idea was to raise awareness of the PEFC label while at the same time achieving a coordinated and consistent renovation of the locality’s buildings; one that would enhance the image for both residents and visitors alike.
Main activities
The project saw the active participation of 13 families from five municipalities of Carnia. The group was coordinated by the Tolmezzo office of the farmers’ association (the Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori). Each family applied for a medium-size grant (of on average €45 000), in order to renovate their rural structures using the locally-produced and high-quality wood. The designs of the various interventions were also coordinated, to ensure a coherent outlook of the renovated structures.
Results & Benefits
The project involved some 15 distinct rural buildings, over a four-year period. Walls, roofs, walkways, stairs and floors of rural houses and building annexes were renovated using the certified wood, all sourced from nearby producers. In fact, this project was a clear example of a ‘local-to-local’ chain.
Lessons learnt
The two main lessons from this project implementing measure 323 are that: 1) the final outcome was greatly appreciated not just by the direct beneficiaries but by the whole community and by visitors to the area; and 2) that bureaucratic issues with the Paying Agency severely delayed the final payments after the renovation work had ended.
Project location and other information
Municipalities of Ovaro-Riglato-Prato Carnico-Comeglians-Paluzza (province of Udine).
Region
Friuli Venezia Giulia
RDP Territory
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Total project cost (€)
565 906
EAFRD contribution (€)
103 750
National contribution (€)
132 045
Private contribution (€)
330 111
Contact name
Devis Macon
Telephone
+39 04332405
Languages for contact
Italian
At a glance
Country
Italy
Final beneficiary type
Other
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
01/01/2009
End Date:
16/03/2013
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Improving quality of life in rural areas
323. Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage
Keywords:
Quality labels, Housing, Timber product, Mountain area, Farm buildings
Last update
29/01/2014