Balancing Natural-Scape Preservation and Sustainable Development. A Feasibility Study of a ‘Rifugio Diffuso’ in Sila National Park (Italy)

In recent years, the international debate has increasingly focused on the enhancement of landscapes, with particular attention to the Mediterranean region, renowned for its rich cultural, historical, and environmental heritage. These landscapes are recognized as vital resources, not only for their ecological value but also for their potential to promote sustainable development and socio-economic regeneration. In this context, the adaptive reuse of unused historical and cultural heritage has emerged as a strategic approach to foster sustainable development and enhance the value of cultural landscapes by integrating sustainable tourism, heritage conservation, and community development. This paper outlines the multi-methodological process and the preliminary results related to the technical, managerial, and economic-financial pre-feasibility study of the pilot project ‘Rifugio Diffuso’ (RD), which involved a cluster of mountain refuges located within the Sila National Park (SNP), a UNESCO World Heritage site. The project's dual objective is to preserve these historic buildings and contribute to the socio-economic development of the area, thereby addressing the issue of mountain depopulation. The coordinated planning approach employed in the project promotes the integration of local, national, and international policies, maximizing the economic, social, and cultural opportunities of the region. The multi-methodological approach and the initial technical, economic, and financial pre-feasibility analyses, along with the developed management hypotheses, suggest that RD project has the potential to become economically sustainable, creating value for both private investors and the local community. Consequently, the project demonstrates how effective management of cultural and landscape heritage can generate profitability while preserving the integrity of the natural and historical context, contributing to the well-being of the local community and aligning with the economic interests of investors.