Networks for the sustainable development of cultural heritage: the case of Palazzolo Acreide

The widespread presence of heritage buildings in the Italian territory is a valuable opportunity to search for new paths of socio-economic sustainable development. Much of this heritage is often excluded from the traditional circuits of cultural consumption and is progressively aban-doned. The international scientific community has long discussed strategies for supporting sustainable forms of tourist enjoyment, based on safeguarding and enhancement goals, to im-prove local populations’ quality of life. The study analyses the Palazzolo Acreide area, charac-terized by sites with high landscape value, natural resources, values, traditions still widely rec-ognized by the local community. The architectural heritage testifies past rural activities, cus-toms and local construction culture. The research proposes an integrated development model of natural and building heritage, by setting up a network able to implement the relationships between existing resources, in order to encourage their sustainable use. The network can pow-er development trends compatible with the characteristics of the area and able to ensure the socio-economic sustainability of preservation projects. The results call for a reflection on the role of formal and informal cultural heritage in improving social wellbeing, looking for a new balance of safeguarding needs and economic growth objectives.