This analysis describes the participatory governance initiatives undertaken in Val-Grande National Park, focusing on community mapping of cultural and natural heritage features across 10 municipalities. Through engaging residents in mapping activities, including interviews, image collection, and dialogue sessions, the project aimed to raise awareness and promote sustainable local development. The resulting Commonlands Map and individual community maps, integrated into a shared digital archive, serve as valuable resources for preserving and showcasing the region’s heritage.
The initiative facilitated over 60 meetings, involving locals in planning and delivering community walks to highlight iconic assets and stories, reaching a broad audience of more than 1,500 participants. Additionally, the deployment of QR-coded plaques and a digital storytelling platform, www.comuniterrae.it, enhanced the cultural identity signalling system and expanded access to the digital archive and community maps. These efforts not only fostered collaboration between local authorities, residents, and stakeholders but also aimed to re-appropriate heritage for sustainable tourism and territorial promotion.
With a budget of €100,000, the project demonstrated the importance of increased local participation in heritage preservation, improved collaboration for sustainable initiatives, and enhanced awareness of social responsibility in local development. By leveraging innovative narrative tools and community-based tourism approaches, the initiative sought to share knowledge on local culture and heritage, ultimately enhancing the valorisation and discoverability of the region’s gems. The long-term vision includes the creation of a Commonlands Ecomuseum, highlighting the project’s commitment to sustainable bottom-up processes and community-driven cultural initiatives.
