Community Resilience to Climate Crisis focusing on Cultural Heritage - A Case Study in Valle dei Laghi, Italy

This Master thesis investigates the critical intersection of cultural heritage and community resilience to the Climate Crisis, aiming to uncover how traditional knowledge systems can significantly enhance modern adaptation strategies. Focusing on a Case Study on the valley “Valle dei Laghi” in Italy, a region rich in historical traditions and environmental stewardship, the research underscores the essential role of cultural heritage, including agricultural and natural heritage, in fortifying community resilience. There is a significant gap in current resilience strategies, which often prioritise scientific solutions while neglecting the profound insights offered by traditional approaches. This study indicates that more robust, adaptive societies can be cultivated by actively engaging local communities with Institutions and embedding their cultural heritage knowledge into resilience planning. The case study of Valle dei Laghi illustrates how community cohesion and a sense of belonging through social capital provide rigorous responses to the escalating Climate Crisis. Ultimately, this thesis’s findings present powerful, untapped inspiration for building resilient futures in vulnerable mountain communities.