Clemente (CNR‑ITC): cultural heritage at the heart of institutional

Clemente (CNR‑ITC): cultural heritage at the heart of institutional dialogue

Naples, 18 April 2026 – Cultural heritage was the focus of the XII Meeting of Heritage Communities organised by Rete Faro Italia, with the involvement of CNR‑ITC, the Council of Europe and Europa Nostra. The event convened institutions, researchers and community representatives to discuss tools and practices for heritage valorisation, particularly in depopulated internal areas.

Massimo Clemente, director of the Institute for Building Technologies at CNR, stressed that heritage should be seen not only as an object of protection but as a living resource able to foster social cohesion, innovation and sustainable development. The discussions also referenced the recent entry into force of Law 17 March 2026, n. 40, which introduces measures to strengthen horizontal subsidiarity in cultural heritage valorisation.

• Heritage communities' role: active in regeneration processes through participatory actions and shared governance models.
• Focus on internal areas: widespread, smaller heritage assets can be levers for local identity and recovery.
• Institutional collaboration: research, local authorities and associations working together to implement the Faro Convention locally.

The meeting underlined the importance of participatory approaches, co‑design practices and local networks to ensure sustainable and lasting heritage initiatives. Since 2019, Rete Faro Italia has promoted synergies among communities, institutions and cultural actors to translate heritage into a common good.