Liguria Region Reaffirms Pro Loco Role: Scajola and Lombardi at UNPLI

Liguria Region Reaffirms Pro Loco Role: Scajola and Lombardi at UNPLI Assembly in Imperia

On 12 April 2026, at the Naval Museum in Imperia, regional representatives highlighted the strategic role of Pro Loco associations in promoting villages and small inland municipalities. Discussions focused on urban regeneration, funding for local projects and year-round promotion through authentic local events.

Key takeaways from the assembly:

• Pro Loco groups are identified as vital local hubs: they support identity, community life and territorial promotion.
• Since 2021, 182 projects have been funded with over €46 million, of which 125 were in inland municipalities (about 69% of the total).
• For 2025 alone, the Regional Urban Regeneration Programme financed 47 interventions worth more than €10.4 million, mainly in small to mid-sized towns.
• The Authentic Ligurian Events calendar has expanded to 102 events this year, helping to animate the region beyond the summer season.
• The regional administration is digitizing the dedicated calls and updating the Pro Loco registry to streamline access and speed up procedures.
• Registration with the National Third Sector Registry (RUNTS) is encouraged to preserve access to opportunities and benefits.

In Liguria the Pro Loco network includes about 140 associations and over 7,000 members, while nationally UNPLI represents thousands of organizations and hundreds of thousands of members. The partnership between the Region and UNPLI is presented as a cornerstone to increase village attractiveness, recover public spaces and support sustainable cultural and tourism initiatives.

Practical recommendations for Pro Loco and small municipalities include applying for regional regeneration funds, ensuring RUNTS registration, and engaging in networked promotion to sustain events and activate public assets.