Collective ownership in Cerasuolo (Molise): the community that

Collective domain in Cerasuolo: territorial care and community governance

In Cerasuolo, a hamlet of Filignano located in the Mainarde range (Molise), a small community has reclaimed direct management of roughly 700 hectares of woods and pastures by re-establishing a Collective Domain. Officially set up in 2020, the initiative aims to revive common land uses and sustainable management practices to protect both natural and social heritage.

Actions carried out: practical steps

• Document reconstruction: historical verification of the bequest and cadastral regularization of properties.
• Forest management plan: development of a long-term strategy for woodland management.
• Reactivation of common uses: restoration of firewood and timber access with training on sustainable cutting techniques.
• Community projects: opening of a public office, internet hotspot, public meetings and cultural events to engage residents and those with roots in the area.
• Communication and visitor info: production of a tourist map and a short volume recounting the history of the bequest and the domain.

Funding and outcomes

Ministerial funding enabled the start of many activities, supporting historical research, cadastral transfers and the forest plan. Following training actions, local families resumed requests for firewood, marking the return of traditional uses managed with transparency and sustainability.

Training and public moments

Among the realised initiatives, a training day on sustainable forest cutting took place on 13 August 2025, and the story of the Collective Domain was presented at an international event on 15 September 2025. These occasions helped spread technical skills and strengthen links between local communities and similar projects.

For visitors and potential collaborators

If you plan to visit areas under collective ownership, consider the following practical advice:

• Check in advance which areas are accessible and the local rules for common land use.
• Respect the landscape: do not leave waste, follow marked paths and community instructions.
• Get involved: many initiatives are community-led; attending public meetings is the best way to contribute.

Why it matters

The Cerasuolo example demonstrates how collective management can effectively protect natural assets in mountain areas facing depopulation. By combining historical memory, technical skills and local resources, the community provides a replicable model for other Apennine areas aiming to restore the bond between people and land.